Testimonials
Testimonials
“I can’t help but reflect, it was actually the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation that brought STC to Weslaco at the old TexSun fruit juice plant,” ... “We are fulfilling the purpose of STC, which has always been to develop a competitive workforce.”
- Dr. Shirley A. Reed
Former President, South Texas College
Dedicated to our community
The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco (EDCW) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the creation of jobs through recruitment of new industry and helping existing companies relocate and/or expand. Our objective is job creation and adding wealth to the city of Weslaco.
The EDCW serves as a catalyst in increasing economic wealth and growth in Weslaco by fostering a positive business environment; assisting and facilitating investment in business interests in Weslaco; and adding value to Weslaco’s tax base.
Whether you are launching, expanding or relocating a business, it makes sense to choose Weslaco – it is the Business Center of the Rio Grande Valley!
Board of Directors
Staff
the team
Benita R. Valadez, Board President
Benita R. Valadez
JJ Serrano Jr. , Board Vice-President
JJ Serrano Jr.
Jerry Gonzalez , Board Secretary
Jerry Gonzalez
Sandra Charlton CPA, Board Treasurer
Sandra Charlton CPA
Sonjia de la Fuente, Board Member
Sonjia de la Fuente
Fred Perez, Board Member
Fred Perez
Joe Olivarez, Board Member
Joe Olivarez
Steven M. Valdez, Executive Director
Steven M. Valdez
Steven Valdez is a native of Weslaco and a graduate of the Class of 1982. His family roots grow deep into the city's history as his grandfather Adolfo Valdez, Sr. cleared heavy native brush to make way for farming and agriculture in the 1920's.
Valdez brings 35 years of experience including broadcast journalism, writing, photography, editing and post productions skills and most recently held public relations and administrative positions in public education.
But perhaps the most valuable asset he brings to the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco is his "first name basis" relationship with many of Weslaco's residents and business owners. Valdez started with the EDC of Weslaco in August of 2016 and hopes to commit the rest of his professional career growing his home town of Weslaco.
April Castañeda, Director
April Castañeda
Mrs. April Castañeda comes to us from South Texas College Dual Credit Programs. She was with the College for 15 years and has served in various roles such as Staff Development Trainer, Project Manager and Relations Manager. Throughout her experience in the higher education sector, one key component of her daily work was to establishing and sustaining relationships, with internal and external key stakeholders, to ensure project completion. Moreover, she oversaw the collaboration of internal departments to ensure that creativity and innovation were incorporated in the marketing and communication strategies. Additionally, Mrs. Castañeda was responsible for planning and executing events which encompassed a wide range of information sessions, professional development activities, workshops, and conferences with audiences of up to 300+ attendees.
Mrs. Castañeda possesses a Master of Science in Marketing from Texas A&M-Commerce, a Bachelor of Applied Technology from South Texas College, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute.
Mrs.
Castañeda is excited to be part of
the EDC team in a city that is continuously moving forward and has potential to
surpass its own expectations. She cannot wait to promote, expand, and cultivate
the City of Weslaco’s economic growth.
Maria Cisneros, Manager
Maria Cisneros
Maria Cisneros brings 8 years of experience to the Weslaco EDC including, Marketing, Business Development, Public Relations and 5 years' experience in Real Estate in the Rio Grande Valley. She attended Post University in Connecticut and University of Texas at Arlington.
The diversity in Ms. Cisneros' experience allows her to successfully oversee the marketing of weslaco to retail prospects and developers, attend tradeshows, including the international Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), she plans and coordinates community development workshops on franchising and procurement procedures and facilitates all aspects of the EDC executive board meetings on a monthly basis.
Ms. Cisneros acquired a certificate from the Attorney General of Texas - Greg Abbott, for special training on the Public information and Open Meetings Act. Cisneros also completed a course in Economic Development for Local Leaders from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and is a member of Mid Valley Leadership Class XII.
Ms. Cisneros' career choices have been inspired by her father's words, ... "Hay que poner nuestro granito de arena para hacer la diferencia." Cisneros believes that placing her little grain of sand along with all the great citizens and leaders of Weslaco can make the city grow and prosper.
Michelle V. Garcia, Manager
Michelle V. Garcia
Michelle Garcia is a self-motivated, business savvy marketing specialist with extensive experience in customer service and event planning. She attained a BBA in Marketing from UTRGV and is born and raised in Weslaco, TX. Michelle is currently learning American Sign Language and on her off time practices yoga and plays ultimate frisbee. Her favorite piece of advice is “Better to ask than to assume.”