BROWNSVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

The Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC) is a publicly-funded organization created in 1992 to help companies establish or expand operations in the Brownsville area. The BEDC staff offers companies the financial, job training, and site location assistance required to be successful here. BEDC facilitates the development and location of enterprises into the region by guiding prospective firms through the process of zoning and acquiring permits, identifying potential suppliers, making contacts with other businesses, and setting appointments with the appropriate community leaders. Once a plant opens, BEDC stays in close contact through its Local Industry Program to ensure that the company's Brownsville/Matamoros venture is successful. The Director of Business Retention and Expansion frequently calls on existing industry to offer assistance in resolving any issues that may arise.

BEDC organizes an annual industry appreciation event to recognize companies' achievements and contributions to the community. BEDC staff also exhorts companies to join local industry groups, like the Matamoros Maquiladora Association and the Brownsville Area Manufacturers Association to encourage collaboration and further promote our area's industrial growth and competitiveness on a global level.

The BEDC Board of Directors is made up of 33 members who volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the economic development efforts of the community. Representation on the board is made up of organizations including the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Brownsville Independent School District, University of Texas at Brownsville, Port of Brownsville, Cameron County, City of Brownsville, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, and the BEDC general membership.

OUR MISSION:

To lead, facilitate, and promote the economic and industrial development for the Brownsville-Matamoros BORDERPLEX and to build economic prosperity and create employment opportunities in the region by utilizing the resources and expertise of public/private institutions in collaboration with the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.

GOALS:

Economic Performance

Operational Efficiency

Institutional Effectiveness

Regional Competitiveness

Brownsville and Matamoros are at the epicenter of one of the most dynamic and exciting regions in North America. Situated where the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico meet, the cities are uniquely positioned as hubs for international trade in the NAFTA marketplace. The cities have emerged as a top destination for retailers, manufacturers, and logistics firms looking for a thriving new location to do business.