The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC), founded in 1990, has played a major role in the growth and development of the community. The primary purpose of the Harlingen EDC is to assist in the creation of new job opportunities and the attraction of new investment to Harlingen. Over the years, the EDC has assisted major local employers such as Dish Network, Valley Baptist Medical Center,
Advanced Call Center Technologies, United Launch Alliance, Penske Logistics, Valley International Cold Storage, Aloe Laboratories, Penn Aluminum, ITD Precision, West Corporation and many others in locating or expanding operations here. A secondary purpose is to provide assistance to commercial developers planning large scale projects in Harlingen. Recent examples include providing infrastructure assistance for Harlingen Corners, a $39 million, 30 acre retail development featuring Kohl's and Logan's Roadhouse, and Harrison Crossing, an $8.5 million retail development that is home to Walgreen's, T-Mobile and Starbucks. The Harlingen EDC also helps build community "capacity" through a wide variety of projects including health care, education and training, airport improvements, industrial and business park development and special infrastructure improvements like water and sewer lines and streets. The Harlingen EDC provides complete and confidential site location services free of charge to its clients.
