As Texas continues to experience unprecedented growth, the need for strategic infrastructure investment and a skilled workforce has never been greater.
With this in mind I would I like to invite you to join the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) RGV Chapter and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation for a special event: "Powering Texas and Regional Growth: Infrastructure + Workforce Exchange" at the Harlingen Convention Center.
Click here to register for the event.
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.
The event takes place at the Harlingen Convention Center on August 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The 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.
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.
· Check-In: 11:15 - 11:45 AM
· Program: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Main Speaker: Mike Hoke, director of public engagement, Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Panel 1: Capital Projects & Infrastructure
· Moderator- Beverly Loftus - Harlingen EDC
· Gilbert Salinas - CEO of Greater Brownsville Economic Development 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
I-LinCP Members: $50 | Non-Members: $65
Thank you!
Editor’s Note: The above commentary was penned by Brian Godinez, CEO of ERO Architects and co-founder of the Rio Grande Valley chapter of the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects.
About the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects
Through education, research and development, and collaboration, I-LinCP is a catalyst and change agent in the capital projects industry. We couple ideas that support industry leaders with solution-oriented ideas to improve the planning, design, operations, and delivery of capital projects.
To become a member of I-LinCP, click here.
