Monterrey mayor, leaders tour Edinburg:

All-America City building ties to Mexico

Monitor, McAllen, TX
October 15, 2002
Provided by Burrelle's Information Services

Although a September afternoon thunderstorm washed out plans by city leaders to showcase what would have been a packed concert at Edinburg Baseball Stadium, top Mexican government and business officials, led by Monterrey Mayor Felipe de Jesus Cantu, still received an in-depth review of key economic development achievements and quality-of-life attractions that have made Edinburg a three-time All-America City.

Cantu, along with more than 30 people representing the titans of industry from Mexico's third-largest city, were honored guests during the third annual Copa Independencia Internacional tournament played at Los Lagos Golf Club on Sept. 14 and 15.

In addition to meeting with Edinburg and Hidalgo County leaders during the golf tournament, Cantu and his delegation also participated in a Saturday evening reception at SuperSplash! Waterpark, and were scheduled to enjoy a Sunday evening Tejano music concert at the city's baseball park until a torrential rainstorm and lightning forced the cancellation of the performances.

The visit by the Monterrey mayor, who brought his family to Edinburg, is part of a strategic ongoing plan by the Edinburg City Council and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation to build on a growing relationship between Edinburg and Monterrey, said Mayor Joe Ochoa.

"This is the third annual tournament we have hosted at Los Lagos that brings golf teams and their families from Monterrey to come into our community, to enjoy the great quality of life we have in Edinburg, and to go back to tell their colleagues what we have to offer," said Ochoa. "This delegation also brings economic development to our city."

Ochoa said the golf tournament not only allows both cities to enjoy each other's culture, but also gives Edinburg leaders invaluable opportunities "to recruit some of their businesses to our city, and to promote tourism to Edinburg by introducing them to the great entertainment venues we have here."

Cantu, whose interest in Edinburg has brought him back to the All-America City several times in the past year, said the visits will pay dividends for both regions.

Cantu was a featured guest during the August 2001 U.S./Mexico Border Summit held at the University of Texas Pan American and came back several months later to announce a VIP Guest Card that helps Monterrey tourists and business leaders get top-notch treatment when they visit Edinburg.

"Our purpose in participating in the golf tournament is to generate closeness between Edinburg and the Valley with Monterrey and the metropolitan area, not only closeness between people, but also closeness between businesses," said Cantu." With Mayor Ochoa, we have the opportunities to participate in different meetings. This golf tournament is an excellent tool to be able to foster in a relaxed atmosphere, the possibility to continue opening businesses and attracting investments on both sides."

Council member Ricardo Rodriguez, who participated in the golf tournament, said that bringing one of Mexico's top political leaders is bound to bring new investments to Edinburg.

"I enjoyed meeting with Mayor Cantu and his delegation, and hopefully, we can continue to get to know them better." said Rodriguez. "We can work with them to develop business situations that can help our city tremendously."

Cantu said the personal touch is crucial in building professional and business relationships between Edinburg and his metropolitan region, which has more than three million people.

"We have to find alternatives to the coldness of the business mind, not only to develop a business relationship, but also to build a personal relationship," said Cantu.

Ochoa said the visit by Cantu sent a strong message about Edinburg's established reputation as a leader in education, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives among major leaders in northern Mexico.

"What an honor it was for us to have the mayor of one of the largest cities in Mexico to come visit us, to take time out of his very busy schedule, to bring his children, along with many other of Monterrey's top leaders and their families, to Edinburg," said Ochoa. "That says a lot of about what they think of our wonderful city."