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As part of Pharr’s ongoing economic development efforts, Cavazos presented an overview of available commercial and industrial properties across the city. These properties provide businesses with the infrastructure and location advantages needed for growth, accommodating a range of industries from manufacturing to logistics.

Pharr is actively promoting these sites to attract national and international businesses interested in establishing a presence in a strategic trade and industrial hub, making it a key player in the region’s economic expansion.

In a bid to strengthen Mexico-U.S. trade relations, the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE) and the city of Pharr have renewed their commitment to supporting cross-border trade. This collaboration will aim to address logistical challenges and create streamlined trade channels through the Pharr International Bridge, one of the region’s key economic corridors.

By uniting resources and expertise, Pharr and COMCE intend to enhance business opportunities and economic growth for exporters and importers in both countries.

Pharr EDC has taken a significant step to bolster its economic collaboration with Aguascalientes, Mexico. This enhanced partnership seeks to encourage bilateral trade, investment, and job creation by promoting Pharr as an attractive business destination for companies in Aguascalientes.

The Pharr EDC and its Mexican counterpart will focus on initiatives to streamline cross-border trade, offering networking events and business resources to facilitate expansion for businesses on both sides of the border, ultimately aiming to strengthen the economic landscape in Pharr and Aguascalientes.

The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center is expanding its reach to Central and South America, aiming to connect with entrepreneurs and startups in these regions. This initiative is closely linked to the Pharr Global Business Hub, where the center’s efforts are integrated as part of a broader strategy to foster international business collaboration and innovation.

Key Benefits of the Pharr Global Business Hub for UTRGV’s Expansion:

• Enhanced Access to Global Markets: The hub provides a gateway for UTRGV programs to reach new international markets, facilitating cross-border business opportunities.
• Strategic Partnerships: Businesses and entrepreneurs can leverage connections made through the hub to collaborate with UTRGV, enhancing their access to resources and expertise.
• Comprehensive Support: The hub offers infrastructure and support services that complement UTRGV’s programs, making it easier for international startups to engage with UTRGV and thrive in the U.S. market.
• Innovation and Growth: By being part of the Pharr hub, UTRGV can offer more robust support to startups, helping them scale more efficiently with the backing of a well-connected business community.

This expansion into Central and South America, supported by the Pharr Global Business Hub, is expected to drive economic growth, innovation, and stronger international ties for both UTRGV and the participating businesses.

In a significant endorsement, Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez expressed support for the Pharr Global Business Hub during its official opening on August 15. He focused on the hub’s role in fostering economic development and job creation in the region.

During a visit, Alvarez highlighted the hub’s potential to attract businesses and enhance workforce training opportunities. This backing is a strong signal of the hub’s importance in the state’s broader economic strategy, further solidifying Pharr as a crucial player in regional development.

The Pharr Global Business Hub Opens to Praise for Community Leaders

The Pharr Global Business Hub recently celebrated its grand opening, marking a new era for the city’s economic landscape. The event brought together local leaders, business owners, and community members to witness the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility.

Designed to support international trade and business growth, the hub was founded by Pharr EDC alongside the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). UTRGV’s involvement brings valuable educational and entrepreneurial resources to the hub, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Services offered by the Pharr Global Business Hub:

• International Trade Assistance: Support for businesses looking to expand into global markets.
• Business Development Resources: Access to tools and mentorship for business growth.
• Workforce Training Programs: Collaborations with local institutions like UTRGV to enhance workforce skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Events and programs to connect businesses with industry leaders and potential partners.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: State-of-the-art spaces designed to accommodate various business needs.

This opening signifies Pharr’s commitment to becoming a key player in global commerce, with strong support from academic institutions like UTRGV.

The Pharr Global Business Hub, a collaboration between UTRGV and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, has officially opened its doors at 301 S. Cage Blvd.

The facility, a culmination of a four-year project, is dedicated to attracting new businesses and enhancing existing ones in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing, “This facility allows us to expand the resources and economic workforce development support services, and it will advance our region’s economic development and community engagement.”

One of the key objectives of the Pharr Global Business Hub is to provide a wide range of resources aimed at fostering business creation and job expansion. The hub will offer programs such as the Kauffman FastTrac initiative, providing entrepreneurs with a collaborative environment to engage with facilitators and peers for professional development and business growth.

On July 18, 2024, Pharr, Texas, celebrated the groundbreaking of Greenway’s new facility in Pharr Produce Park. The event, which marked a milestone for Greenway, was also an opportunity to recognize the growth that Greenway has been bringing to the area. Other highlights of the event included the following:

Attendance by Assistant City Managers Hilda Pedraza and Dr. David Friedlein
Attendance by Adriana Gomez from Senator Cruz’s office.
Recognition of Greenway and the role of collaboration in the success of Pharr Produce Park by Pharr EDC President Victor Perez.
Recognition of Ramon Mery, CEO of Greenway, for his foundational role in Pharr’s growth.
Mery’s recognition of Pharr as a strategic location for investment, business growth, and operational efficiency.

On May 9, 2024, the City of Pharr, Pharr EDC, and Pharr Economic Development Foundation hosted the 2024 Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Regency Hall, honoring 122 students from Pharr and the PSJA area. The event celebrated the students’ academic achievements and community impact. Perla Tamez Casanova and Victor Pérez highlighted the importance of education in economic growth and personal success. Annabel Cardona, CEO of the Valley Grande Institute, encouraged students to remember their roots and community support. The ceremony, funded through various events and donations, underscored the region’s commitment to fostering future leaders and celebrated the bright future toward which the community strives.

In Pharr, Texas, the transformation of agricultural land into the thriving Capote International Business Park marks a significant milestone in the region’s development. This evolution, the evidence of generational vision and entrepreneurial spirit, has been led by the City of Pharr and executed by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and key partners such as Ocotillo Capital Partners.

On January 23, 2024, the PEDC celebrated the expansion of Capote Building H, the eighth structure in the business park, with a groundbreaking ceremony. Nick Dyer, Principal of Ocotillo Capital Partners, emphasized the importance of this addition to the Pharr-McAllen market, particularly for warehousing needs and facilitating cross-border trade in the Rio Grande Valley.

The new Class A Industrial building, adjacent to the Pharr International Bridge, is a state-of-the-art facility. Spanning 160,000 square feet, it features a concrete tilt wall design, 36’ clear height, Early Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR) fire protection, ample dock doors with pit levelers, and a full 180’ wide truck court. Its strategic location and advanced features cater to the increasing demand for logistics and international trade facilities, as highlighted by Victor Pérez, President/CEO of Pharr EDC.

The Capote Business Park’s inception is deeply rooted in the history of the Dyer family, who have been stewards of this land since the early 1960s. Phil Dyer, a key developer, recalls the area’s transformation from its agricultural past, where the community of Capote played a crucial role. The construction of the Pharr International Bridge and the strategic foresight of the Dyer family of this land transformation.

Originally a hub for agriculture, including vegetables, cotton, sugarcane, grain sorghum, and corn, the land has been in the Dyer family since around 1910. The park, now a modern architectural marvel, stands as a tribute to the area’s agrarian past and the family’s deep roots in the region. The latest addition to the park, a massive 160,000-square-foot building, represents the adaptability and forward-thinking design of the architects, the Warren Group.

The Capote Business Park is more than a commercial space; it’s the story of family, history, and community evolution. The park symbolizes a legacy of growth and adaptation, bridging the past, present, and future of the Capote community. For Phill, the business park is not just about buildings and infrastructure; it’s a living assortment of memories, honoring the land that once nurtured cotton and sugarcane fields.

This remarkable journey, from fertile fields to a successful business hub, showcases the dynamic and the amazing growth of Pharr, Texas. The Capote International Park demonstrates the region’s adaptability and economic resilience. It highlights the progress and blends the rich agricultural heritage with contemporary economic needs.

The Capote International Park has become a crucial element in the region’s economic landscape. It serves as a strategic node for businesses, especially those engaged in international trade and logistics, leveraging its proximity to Mexico and furthermore their unique location next to the Pharr International Bridge. This bridge is a symbolic gateway, enhances the city’s role in global commerce and reinforces its position as a key player in the North American trade corridor.

The park’s evolution reflects a larger trend in the Rio Grande Valley, where traditional industries are making way for modern economic ventures. This shift is driven by a growing recognition of the strategic location of Pharr, its access to international markets, and the need to diversify the local economy.

The foresight and commitment of the City of Pharr and the PEDC, along with the partnership of Ocotillo Capital Partners and other stakeholders, have been instrumental in this transformation. Their collaborative efforts have not only led to the creation of state-of-the-art facilities but have also attracted a diverse array of businesses, from logistics and distribution to high-tech industries. This diversification has created numerous job opportunities, fueled the region’s economic growth and enhanced the quality of life for its residents.

The story of Capote International Park is also a story of community engagement and development. The park’s growth has spurred numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and other public services. This development has had a ripple effect, benefitted the surrounding communities and contributed to the overall development of the region.

The buildings within this park, encompassing over 1.1 million square feet, primarily serve as distribution centers. They play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods between the United States and Mexico. This includes not only finished products manufactured across Mexico, such as those from Maquiladoras, but also raw materials. A significant aspect of this distribution involves southbound products, particularly in the oil and gas sector, supporting Mexico’s exploration efforts.

Interestingly, while distribution is the primary use, some buildings also engage in light manufacturing, applying final touches to end products. However, the heart of the park remains rooted in distribution activities.

The journey of this business park began in 2007 with the delivery of the first large-scale building. Since then, consistent development has led to a full occupancy rate, with the exception of a current construction project offering available space.

The vision of the park was initiated by the founding family, where a father’s idea transformed into a partnership with his Phill, marking the beginning of this ambitious project. Over time, the family’s involvement deepened, with the next generation, represented by Nick and Ocotillo Capital Partners, taking forward the legacy. This new chapter sees them developing adjacent buildings and maintaining the family’s philosophy in the business.

The family’s hands-on approach is evident in their direct involvement in project management and maintenance, ensuring a deep personal connection with every aspect of the business park. This blend of family values with professional growth encapsulates the essence of Capote’s evolution, from a simple agricultural landscape to a thriving, family-run business park that seamlessly integrates distribution and light manufacturing, fostering economic growth and cross-border trade dynamics.

Josh Pollock, one of the general partners of Ocotillo Capital, brings a wealth of experience to the project. With over 13 years of expertise in real estate and real estate development, Josh has primarily focused his career on Texas but has also undertaken projects across the United States. His involvement in this venture stems from a shared belief with his partner, Phil and Nick Dyer, in the successful international trade, particularly between the U.S. and Mexico. They recognized the growing demand for dry warehouse facilities, driven in part by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

While Ocotillo Capital’s journey into industrial building began in San Antonio before this project, the team’s formation in 2022 signaled a strong commitment to the industrial sector. Josh envisions the Rio Grande Valley as a strategic hub, comparing it to a blend of El Paso and Laredo, with growing potential in manufacturing, maquiladoras, and produce transport. He is enthusiastic about working in Pharr, acknowledging its business-friendly environment and promising prospects for the future.

The Park centers around the collaborative spirit and community involvement that have been key in the park’s development. A strategic figure in this narrative is Jose Manuel, the superintendent responsible for the upkeep of the buildings. His role extends beyond mere maintenance; he is regarded as a vital member of the team. His dedication and vigilance are indispensable, especially in the absence of Phil Dyer and his son Nick. This effort, where responsibilities are shared, allows each member to focus on their strengths, with Nick handling more challenging tasks and Phil enjoying the construction aspects he is passionate about.

The relationship with the local government and organizations has been a cornerstone of the park’s success. The partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PHARR EDC) and the City of Pharr has been instrumental. Compliance with city planning, zoning, and utility requirements underscores the park’s commitment to adhering to local regulations. The support from these entities, particularly in the early stages, was crucial. Initial infrastructure assistance, like water and sewer services, provided the necessary foundation for the first buildings. As the business park became self-sufficient, this financial support was redirected to aid other emerging ventures, reflecting a sense of community and mutual growth.

As Phill said, the ongoing collaboration with Victor Pérez and his team at the PHARR EDC has been beneficial, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in networking and attracting tenants. The business park maintains an open dialogue with various stakeholders, which has been a key factor in achieving full occupancy for the buildings.

Written by Roberto Hugo González, The 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner & The 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.

When Pharr found itself labeled as one of the “worst connected” cities in the United States, while still unable to access federal funding to fix the problem, it took creating a solution into its own hands.

Pharr’s solution consists of creatively using many resources from right within the city to create connectivity for low-income houses, often for free or at a low cost. These resources include the following:

• Marketing the federal Affordable Connectivity Program that provides certain households with free access to broadband
• Getting funding for a financial feasibility study from BBVA Bank
• Using a Cambium wireless network platform to connect 50 households
• Developing a strong network of partners to implement a fiber-to-the-home connectivity plan

The fiber project is Pharr’s ultimate goal. And, in order to make it a reality, the city needed funding alongside the support of its many partners. In order to obtain that funding, the city used revenue bonds and money from the American Rescue Plan Act, preventing the city from needing to raise property taxes or the burden on the households it was trying to help.

Pharr’s partner in securing the funding for the FTTH project? The Pharr EDC.

“The City of Pharr is innovative, and when the idea came up, the Pharr EDC was happy to partner with the city to bring broadband to our residents,” says Victor Perez, Pharr EDC President/CEO in a BroadBand Community news article.

Thanks to the funding and partnerships obtained by Pharr, the city is now in the process of creating fiber access to the Internet in its third neighborhood and providing marketing to make residents aware of their access to the Internet.

Pharr’s connectivity solutions are supporting residents, are part of its efforts to attract new business to the city, and are inspiring other cities to pursue their own fiber network solutions to bridge the digital divide.

Encouraged by the Pharr EDC’s business-friendly approach, incentives, and packages, produce companies Delta Fresh and Kaliroy Fresh have collaborated to build 1 million square feet of produce storage space in South Pharr.

In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, William Millan, project manager of the new space, called Dekal Industrial Park, credited Pharr’s location near Mexico and the Pharr EDC’s commitment to making business investments in the city easy, as the reasons the project chose Pharr for its location.

The project marks a massive addition of warehouse space to the refrigerated warehouses the two produce companies already own in Pharr. It will consist of a mix of dry, frozen, and refrigerated space to meet client needs. The first warehouse in the new space should be completed next year.

Victor Perez, Executive Director of Pharr EDC, in the same interview, also announced several new projects that the Pharr EDC has brought into the city. These include the following:

• A 150,000 square foot warehouse
• A Tractor Supply groundbreaking
• A McDonald’s groundbreaking
• A Triple H expansion

Perez noted that the Pharr EDC never refuses new business, and never stops striving to bring in the business and growth that benefits Pharr.

“We’re here to do business with them,” he said.” We don’t turn projects away. We incentivize as much as we can. That is what we are known for. We want to make sure they [Businesses] feel comfortable that they have been treated right and given the best opportunity for them to succeed.”

PHARR, Texas – The Pharr EDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for graduating students residing in the city of Pharr.

Its mission statement is to “support and promote endeavors that foster educational, occupational, and career opportunities for Pharr residents to advance their socioeconomic status and enhance their quality of life.”

Lilvette Santos is the director of the Pharr EDC Foundation. She recently sat down with Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor and publisher Steve Taylor to discuss the foundation’s work. She unveiled some of the new initiatives the foundation will be embarking on in the coming months.

Spend more time enjoying your golden years and less time worrying about financing them when you retire to Pharr. Rated the cheapest place to retire in the nation, Pharr offers you great entertainment, housing, and community you can actually afford!

As the President & CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, I would like to thank you for your continued partnership, business, and investment in our great city. We have experienced tremendous growth over the years and in Pharr, your business is “our business”! At the Pharr EDC we work hard to ensure you have every tool to be successful and thriving in the market, that is why we are proud to announce the launch of our new Pharr EDC “Economic Times Newsletter” which will help keep you abreast of all current EDC projects and events occurring in the community and beyond. Our priority at the Pharr EDC is the success of our businesses and companies, continued growth of our city, quality of life of our residents, and capitalizing on our unique global marketplace. We hope this will serve as a useful resource in highlighting our regional, state, and international economic development projects!

The city of Pharr is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for our citizens. This is why we, in collaboration with South Texas College (STC) and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), are working diligently to bring the highly anticipated Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence to fruition.

Collaboration and innovation is at the heart of everything taking place in Pharr.

That was the message Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez wanted to convey to delegates from the United Kingdom earlier this week.

The City of Pharr welcomed British Consul General Karen Bell on Oct. 13. The consul was making a whirlwind trip through the region, and was especially enthusiastic about development taking place at the Pharr International Bridge.

The consul was the guest of honor at a breakfast organized by Pharr officials who used the time to brief her on the economic impact and infrastructure development currently taking place at the bridge.

In attendance at the meeting was Mayor Hernandez, Mexican Consul based in McAllen Guillermo Ordorica Robles, Pharr EDC interim executive director Sergio Contreras, interim bridge director Luis Bazan, and Bridge Board chairman Edgar Delgadillo.

“You have a phenomenal scale of ambition in terms of your infrastructure plans. I’d be interested to hear how the financing for that works and whether there are opportunities for other international partners to come in an offer advice,” Bell said at the meeting with Pharr leaders. “We are ready to provide opportunities for growing trade in both directions using this partnership between Texas and Mexico.”

Appointed in July, Consul General Bell represents the UK in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Based in Houston, Bell is spearheading a number of projects currently underway in her consulate including a trade mission to London this December for US financial technology companies, and an MOU signed between the UK Satellite Applications Catapult and Houston Airport System, marking the UK as the first international partner for Houston’s commercial spaceport.

Her visit to the Valley was a mission to gauge the area’s economic growth and educational impact in communities. In Pharr, Bell was made aware that the city’s bridge is currently the number one Port of Entry for produce in the United States.

“This is part of the reason that we wanted to see what is happening here on the ground. Certainly, the scale at which you are growing has redoubled my enthusiasm for the understanding that we can and should be doing more to promote UK participation,” Bell said. “Whether it’s getting traffic across the bridge, whether it’s in terms of helping you to think about financing if that’s an issue because public-private partnerships is something that we have developed quite an expertise for. If there is something more we can be doing in terms of the planning and development of the project as you move ahead, doubling the capacity of the bridge is an enormous engineering feat apart from everything else.”

Pharr International Bridge crosses about 60 percent of all fresh produce coming into the U.S. from Mexico. In 2014 alone, Pharr accommodated $30 billion worth of trade with the world and 2015 looks to top that figure. The bridge is conducting a new study for 2016, and officials at the bridge say that number will climb to possibly $37 billion, which is record-breaking growth, according to Pharr leaders.

“At the heart of everything is collaboration and innovation,” said mayor Hernandez in his remarks to the Consul. “You can see it here. It has worked wonderfully with the government of Mexico. We are happy to have you here, and wanted to make sure you saw first-hand, the growth that is going to occur in this area. We have a wonderful partner to the south of us. On behalf of the mayor’s office, we are very glad to have you here today.”

In Pharr, good development follows good development, according to the city’s economic leaders.

The City of Pharr unveiled three new businesses which will open adjacent to Costco on the corner of Kelly Avenue and Jackson Road.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is planning to open its first restaurant in the Valley by Sept 1. Also announced was a Raising Canes, restaurant establishment; as well as a new Chick-Fil-A.

Freddy’s is a Wichita-based restaurant chain featuring cooked to order steak burgers as well as casual dining fare like hot dogs, chicken tenders and patty melts. The restaurant’s namesake refers to its popular custard, a type of ice cream made with two percent egg yolk, that is made fresh hourly, according to chain operators.

“From the heart I want to say that this is the best reception so far. There is more to come with the unveiling of the street signs, but I am very excited to be down here” said James Oberg, owner and operator of South Texas Custard LTD, a Freddy’s franchise group based in San Antonio. “We are very community oriented. We back the schools. We do fundraisers and we are very accessible to people along with great quality food, a great family environment.

“We want to be a part of the community,” Oberg said.
The announcement is part of the initial investment which began with Costco’s opening in 2013. The new businesses will be located on 40 acres north of Costco and will represent more than $15 million worth of investment in land value and related improvements. The city is also forecasting between $12 million to $15 million in sales tax revenue, and 30 to 75 jobs created in the project’s first phase.
That investment will be combined with revenue from sites all located within a three-quarter mile radius; namely, Pharr Town Center, a mall, as well as burgeoning development taking place to the south of Pharr.

“That’s not by accident,” said Pharr City Manager Fred Sandoval. “Good development follows good development. Good leadership provides good development. Good stewardship of tax dollars allows that investment to occur. This return on our investment is what we use to pave streets, to lower taxes, to provide safe water and provide the quality of life that our taxpayers deserve.”

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in its regular meeting Monday, June 1^st, elected board officers; and presented contract terms to Fred Sandoval for a position as the corporation’s Executive Director.

Board members elected to serve in official positions are:

• Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez – President
• Dr. Ramiro Caballero – Vice President
• Commissioner Edmund Maldonado – Secretary
• Mr. Danny Smith – Treasurer

Following the meeting, Mayor Hernandez stated the importance of the Pharr Economic Development Board and the Pharr City Commission working together.

“We are moving forward together,” the Mayor said, “to do what is in the best interest of our city. And that is deciding what needs to be done and working with the City Commission to make Pharr the best it can be.”