The two Rio Grande Valley workforce boards, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley and Workforce Solutions Cameron, co-hosted the State of the Regional Workforce Conference at Margaritaville on South Padre Island on October 23, 2026. The event was subtitled "Leading the Workforce Ecosystem, Building a Stronger Rio Grande Valley."
A session titled "Regional Economic Development Spotlight: Growth, Investment, and Opportunity" featured Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, and Elizabeth Suarez, president and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation. The session gave a regional look at the Economic Development Act and activities shaping Brownsville and McAllen.
Each leader gave updates on new and expanding companies, major investments and projects, and emerging industries. The discussion also covered what this growth means for jobs, talent needs and the future workforce of the Rio Grande Valley.