Where is Rio South Texas and Why You Should Care

EDINBURG, Texas, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- An area that few could describe geographically is actually the home to 2.3 million people. Travel 150 miles in any direction, and the population quintuples to 10 million. As one of the fastest growing regions in North America, Rio South Texas is garnering international attention because it offers a unique collection of assets that global businesses find intriguing.

Where is Rio South Texas?

Think the southernmost tip of Texas. That's where it starts. The northern edge city is Harlingen, located about 235 miles south of San Antonio. The region expands east to the Gulf of Mexico, taking in Port Isabel and South Padre Island and west to Rio Grande City. Going south, the region travels beyond Brownsville, Texas and extends into Northeastern Mexico to include the cities of Reynosa, Rio Bravo and Matamoros in the state of Tamaulipas.

The region is the 23rd largest market in the country and the 8th fastest growing area in the U.S. It is also the 3rd largest in market in Texas. Rio South Texas encompasses the largest U.S./Mexico border region – some 132 miles.

Why You Should Care.

In addition to the millions who live, work, shop and travel in the region, global companies are increasingly interested in locating or expanding operations in Rio South Texas.

"The region is growing so incredibly fast because we have a young, skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure and warehousing/distribution systems that are transforming this area into an advanced manufacturing hub," said Pat Townsend, Jr., Director of Mission Economic Development Authority. "In fact, we have a combination of assets that is hard to find anywhere else in the world."

Major companies are locating and expanding in Rio South Texas. Ridge Property Trust recently leased more than 200,000 square feet of industrial space to two companies in McAllen. Tyco announced a major expansion of its operations in Harlingen. Even start up companies in emerging industries like Photon 8 and FiberRio are finding plenty of assets and advantages to establishing their businesses in Rio South Texas.  

To promote the region, Rio South Texas Economic Council (RSTEC) was formed in 2008. Representing all economic development interests in the region, the 22 Rio South Texas Economic Council members are collaborating to attract private sector investment, economic diversification and business expansions in six core industry segments.

SOURCE Rio South Texas Economic Council