EDINBURG, Texas - Zoho Corporation are going to be catalysts for more tech companies moving into Edinburg.
This is the prediction of Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
“Zoho is planning to continue their growth in the Rio Grande Valley here in Edinburg and that’s going to make a big impact,” Garza said, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“We're seeing that they've already submitted their plans for the renovation of the Echo Hotel, and they're working on plans for some additional facilities on the north side, because they did purchase some land on the north side of town as well.
“And so we're looking forward to them not only showing everybody else what they're doing, but for them to continue to grow and be successful here in the Rio Grande Valley, because they can be.
“The talent is here and the facilities are here. The spaces here for companies like Zoho and others that are looking for that hotspot. And the Rio Grande Valley, and specifically Edinburg, we are it. Therefore they could be the catalyst for more high tech in our region.”
Garza then changed “could” for “will.”
“I know they will be, absolutely they will be that catalyst for that kind of company, that kind of industry, and we're looking forward to it. A lot of what they're about to start doing in the next few months, as a matter of fact.”
The Guardian complimented Garza on giving a very detailed explanation on how Zoho came to select Edinburg when he spoke at a Greater McAllen Association of Realtors meeting recently.
“It was an incredible presentation you made, explaining the back story on how Zoho arrived here. It was fascinating to hear that. And I don't think we'd heard that before, from someone like you, who had a ringside seat,” said Guardian Publisher Steve Taylor.
Garza responded: “Yeah, we try to keep that kind of behind the scenes. That's how we work. A lot of times, the companies that we deal with want to stay confidential. They want to do their thing, and we allow it to happen.”
Garza continued: “Our role is to help them create the jobs. We don't create the jobs. We create an environment where they succeed. And here in Edinburg, we have that environment.”
It was put to Garza that he likely could not wait for Zoho to open us shop.
“We're looking forward to their opening. We're looking forward to them starting the renovations of that landmark hotel, turning it into a future icon, if you will. It's going to be something spectacular,” Garza said.
“And there's a lot of new activity around that building. We can see it. We can hear the buzz about things happening around the Echo, the crown jewel of the Rio Grande Valley. So, we’re really excited about that.”
Here is a video interview the Guardian secured with Gara about Zoho's arrival in Edinburg:
