THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
We look forward to seeing you next time.
Join I-LinCP and the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for Powering Texas and Regional Growth: Infrastructure + Workforce Exchange at the Harlingen Convention Center.
As Texas continues to experience unprecedented growth, the need for strategic infrastructure investment and a skilled workforce has never been greater. This collaborative event will bring together industry leaders, public sector representatives, educators, and economic development professionals to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of our region.
Date: August 13, 2026
Location: Harlingen Convention Center, Harlingen, TX
Additional program details and registration information will be announced soon. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this important conversation.
Thank you to our event partner:
Title Sponsor:
Collaborator:
Partner:
.png)
Supporting:
Program Purpose
This luncheon will convene regional leaders from economic development, infrastructure, utilities, planning, education, and private industry to discuss how South Texas can effectively prepare for and sustain continued growth. As significant investments and emerging industries evaluate opportunities within the region, the discussion will focus on the infrastructure, workforce development, and public-private collaboration necessary to support long-term economic competitiveness and prosperity.
Designed as a forum for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions, the program will bring together key decision-makers, project leaders, and workforce partners to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the region's future. Through a keynote presentation and two targeted panel discussions, attendees will gain insight into current growth trends, regional capacity considerations, and the strategic actions needed to position Texas and the Rio Grande Valley for sustainable economic success.
Main Speaker: Mike Hoke, Director of Public Engagement, Public Utility Commission of Texas
Panel 1: Capital Projects & Infrastructure
- Moderator: Beverly Loftus - Harlingen EDC
- Javier Martinez Brownsville Public Utilities
- Jerry Briones, Executive Vice President at Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation
- Dale Fowler - Manager of Economic and Business Development, AEP Texas
- Albert Escobedo - RGV Desal’s South Texas Government Affairs Director
Panel 2: Human Capital & Workforce
- Moderator: Rafael Vela - CEO Workforce Solutions Cameron
- Andrea Figueroa Benton - Director of Community Relations at NextDecade
- Gina Cano-Monreal, Ph.D. - Provost, Texas State Technical College Harlingen
- Maricela “Mari” De León - RGV LEAD Executive Director
Agenda:
- Pre-Lunch: 11:00 -11:45 AM (*For presenters and sponsors only)
- Check-In: 11:15 - 11:45 AM
- Program: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Key Themes
The event will highlight the critical role of infrastructure in enabling economic development, including power capacity, water availability, port improvements, utility readiness, and capital project planning. Panelists will discuss how these systems influence site selection, industrial expansion, and the region’s ability to attract and retain major employers.
A second key theme will be workforce readiness and human capital development. The discussion will focus on how the region can strengthen its talent pipeline, align training programs with employer needs, and support local hiring goals tied to major projects in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and LNG-related development.
Who Should Attend
-
Public and private owners and owner-representatives
-
AEC firms (architecture, engineering, planning, construction, PM/CM)
-
Developers, real estate and economic development stakeholders
-
Local industry partners and community leaders
Support the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects' Rio Grande Valley Chapter while showcasing your organization's commitment to advancing leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the AEC industry. Sponsorship provides valuable visibility before and during the event while helping make this premier luncheon possible.
