Pharr Economic Development Corporation

05/28/2026

🌎 May is World Trade Month. While global markets continue to face uncertainty, the City of Pharr remains a strong and strategic hub for trade, logistics, and cross-border commerce.

At Pharr EDC, we play a critical role in attracting international companies to our city and region, and we value every opportunity to grow trade, investment, and long-term partnerships that strengthen our local economy.

We understand that resilience is not about avoiding disruption, it is about adapting, innovating, and continuing to move forward with purpose and strategy.

DYK? 🚛 Pharr International Bridge ranks #1 in the nation for produce crossings and that we have 2.6 Million SF of new cold storage warehouses in the City of Pharr? That's over $294 Million in capital investment!

World Trade Month is a reminder that global challenges create local opportunities, and Pharr is positioned to lead through connectivity, investment, and strategic growth. 🌐 Happy World Trade Month!

05/28/2026

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), the APEX Accelerator, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted the first session of its 3-part Government Contracting Series at the Pharr Global Business Hub.

The workshop focused on helping veterans and entrepreneurs better understand federal contracting opportunities, certification programs, and government procurement pathways available to small businesses.

“Supporting our veterans and entrepreneurs with access to education, federal contracting resources, and strategic partnerships is exactly the type of impactful programming we envisioned for the Pharr Global Business Hub,” said Victor Perez. “We are committed to creating opportunities that help businesses grow, compete, and succeed.”

“This partnership allows us to connect veterans and small businesses with critical tools and knowledge that can open doors to new markets and contracting opportunities,” said Armando Villarreal, Economic Development Training Specialist at the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, “Through collaboration and education, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger and more competitive businesses.”

“Our goal is to create meaningful programming that empowers entrepreneurs that can make a real economic impact,” said Leticia Adame. “This series is about supporting our veterans through every step of the process and helping them navigate opportunities in government contracting with confidence.”

The Business Series will continue with additional sessions focused on certification support, procurement readiness, and business development strategies for veterans and small business owners interested in federal contracting opportunities.

The UTRGV APEX Accelerator and the Lower Rio Grande Small Business Administration met with veterans on Wednesday to talk about two programs designed to help them access those contracts.

05/28/2026

💻 OPEN SPACE THURSDAY at the Pharr Global Business Hub!

Need a place to work, meet, or simply get out of the house office for the day? Come by and experience the space — at NO COST!

✔️ Bring your laptop
✔️ Hold meetings
✔️ Use our conference room & classroom spaces
✔️ Network with entrepreneurs and business professionals
✔️ Perfect for remote workers, startups, and small business owners needing office space for the day

Whether you’re building your business, taking Zoom calls, or looking for a productive environment, we invite you to stop by and make the space your own.

📍 Pharr Global Business Hub
🗓️ Open Space Thursday

Come work, connect, and grow with us!

05/27/2026

Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration, UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, and the Pharr EDC partnered at the Pharr Global Business Hub for the first session of our 3-part Government Contracting Series focused on federal contracting opportunities for veterans and small businesses.

Veterans and entrepreneurs heard from Marivel Mata, Director, UTRGV APEX Accelerator and Marcus Villagran, Business Advisor, with the SBA on the 8(a) Business Development Program, Veteran Certification, federal procurement opportunities, and the steps needed to position their businesses for government contracting success. Participants also learned how to begin the certification process, access contracting resources, and build long-term growth opportunities through federal partnerships.

This workshop marks the beginning of new business-focused programming happening at the Pharr Global Business Hub, designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable tools, resources, and expert guidance. We look forward to continuing to support participants throughout their certification and contracting journey as the series continues.

“Supporting our veterans and entrepreneurs with access to education, federal contracting resources, and strategic partnerships is exactly the type of impactful programming we envisioned for the Pharr Global Business Hub. We are committed to creating opportunities that help businesses grow and succeed,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC.

05/26/2026

Want to grow your business through federal contracting?

Join us for the 8(a) & VetCert Program Training and learn how these SBA certifications can open doors to new opportunities.
📅 TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 27 | 11AM-1PM
📍 Pharr Global Business Hub | 💲 No Cost
👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dw49wGH8

🚀 Want to grow your business through federal contracting?

Join us for the 8(a) & VetCert Program Training and learn how these SBA certifications can open doors to new opportunities.

📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 11AM-1PM
📍 Pharr Global Business Hub | 💲 No Cost

👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dw49wGH8

05/25/2026

Honoring Our Heroes this Memorial Day 🌟

On behalf of Victor Perez and the team at Pharr EDC, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice ensures the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we are forever grateful.

The Pharr EDC will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, and resume regular hours on Tuesday, May 26.

05/21/2026

The Pharr EDC team was in Las Vegas attending ICSC, the largest retail real estate conference in the industry. They met with retailers, brokers, investors, and developers from across the country to showcase the opportunities happening in Pharr, Texas.

This event is an important platform to build relationships, promote new development opportunities, and continue positioning Pharr as a premier destination for retail growth and investment.

We’re proud to represent our community and share the momentum, connectivity, and economic potential that make Pharr stand out in South Texas.

05/12/2026

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar met with City of Pharr officials and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation to discuss key priorities focused on economic development, infrastructure, international trade, broadband expansion, and workforce development following the city’s return to his congressional district.

City leaders highlighted major initiatives including the expansion of Pharr Connect, growth in housing partnerships, workforce training opportunities, and the continued expansion of the Pharr International Bridge, which is now 95% complete and will expand commercial trade capacity from four to eight lanes.

Officials also discussed the arrival of major employers like MasterBrand and ongoing investments that continue positioning Pharr as a leader in trade, innovation, and economic growth in South Texas.

“We’re building for the future,” city leaders shared, emphasizing collaboration, infrastructure investment, and opportunities that strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

05/08/2026

We’re proud to highlight a highly successful event that brought together local businesses, industry leaders, and key partners focused on expanding opportunities for growth and international trade.

Victor Perez President/CEO Pharr EDC proudly collaborated with the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and the Pharr International Bridge in continued support of our local business community.

Participants engaged directly with advisors and gained practical insights on:
📌 Understanding today’s global trade landscape
📌 Developing a clear path for export growth
📌 Strengthening strategies for long-term business resilience

We extend our sincere appreciation to all who participated and helped make this event a success. Together, we are building stronger pathways for business growth, international connectivity, and regional opportunity.

05/08/2026

Honored to support the 75th Annual National Day of Prayer Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon alongside community leaders, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and local organizations united in prayer and purpose.

Victor Perez, President/ CEO of Pharr EDC is proud to help sponsor this meaningful event that reflects the strength, faith, and unity of our community.

Thank you to Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. for your leadership and dedication to the City of Pharr and Pharr EDC.