MCALLEN, Texas - RioPlex recently held a meeting for board members and ambassadors at the McAllen Country Club.
The event was titled “Leadership Gathering” and the goal was to have a meaningful session focused on strategy, structure and regional growth.
Group members discussed their work in their first year of operation and looked ahead to the events it has planned for 2026.
Randy Perez, economic development director for Hidalgo County, speaks at a RioPlex "Leadership Gathering" event. Also pictured are RioPlex leaders Joaquin Spamer and Astrid A. Salazar. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)
Among the speakers at the event was Randy Perez, economic development director for Hidalgo County. At the end of his remarks, RioPlex Chairman Joaquin Spamer presented Perez with one of the new RioPlex shirts. Spamer said the shirts symbolize unity, identity, and renewed commitment to regional collaboration.
Here is a video recording of Perez’s remarks:
During the meeting, Mario Reyna, RioPlex’s executive director, presented the organizational structure of the group. Astrid A. Salazar, a RioPlex leader, delivered the 2025 Pipeline Report and the 2026 Strategy Plan, offering a comprehensive overview of the projects ahead and the long-term vision driving RioPlex forward.
RioPlex is a nonprofit that covers the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas. It markets the region as RioPlex around the world.
After the meeting had ended, the RGG Business Journal secured an exclusive interview with real estate developer and RioPlex supporter Jim Collins. Here is the interview:
