South Texas Economic Council Launches Communications Initiative Promoting Border

WESLACO, Texas, June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concerned with increasingly negative news reports that do not accurately portray life in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the Rio South Texas Economic Council (RSTEC, www.riosouthtexas.com) has begun a media and public relations campaign to provide a more balanced view. The valley economy is surging with the construction of a new medical school, the founding of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the possibility of the Space X launch facility in Brownsville, the Eagle Ford shale, and constantly increasing trade with Mexico.  

"Because of a young and increasingly educated workforce more and more businesses are being drawn to the Rio Grande Valley," said Keith Patridge, Secretary of RSTEC and the CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. "And according to FBI and local law enforcement statistics, we offer some of the safest communities in Texas. We have great jobs, affordable housing, tropical weather, ocean beaches, and a thriving economy. What else would you like?"

According to Patridge, the valley's story of economic success goes untold because reporters tend to be drawn to the latest developments in Mexico, which have had no measurable impact on life in far South Texas. Patridge says RSTEC, a coalition of businesses and local organizations, is determined to communicate the positive details about the RGV business climate and safe neighborhoods and has retained Austin consulting firm Big Bend Strategies (www.bigbendstrategies.com) to execute a communications campaign.

"The valley is booming now," said James Moore, co-founder of Big Bend and a former resident of the RGV. "I can't imagine what it would be like if people realized what's happening in Mexico has no real effect on life here. We hope to work with community leaders throughout the valley to let everyone know the sun is shining very brightly down here on the border."

Moore has been an executive for a global public relations firm, is an Emmy winning former TV news correspondent, and a New York Times bestselling author. His firm has extensive experience in crisis communications and media and public relations.

About RSTEC: An alliance of economic development corporations, public entities, and businesses, RSTEC seeks to foster a thriving economy, educational opportunities, and improved quality of life by promoting the Rio Grande Valley and attracting growth businesses to the border region to take advantage of an educated workforce and international markets.

Contact: James C. Moore
[email protected]
512.300.9232

SOURCE Rio South Texas Economic Council