HEDC Launches Strategic Roadmap to Success

Harlingen, TX - The Harlingen City Commission approved The HEDC 10 Year Strategic Plan for Industrial & Economic Development during a city commission meeting on November 2, 2022. 

A committee was formed several months ago with the intention to bring accountability and commitment to move the strategic plan forward. Committee members included HEDC Board President Eric Ziehe, HEDC Board Secretary Rudy Martinez, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, Commissioner Daniel Lopez, Commissioner Ford Kinsley, City Manager Gabe Gonzalez, Director of Aviation Marv Esterly, former Manager & CEO Raudel Garza and Interim Manager & CEO Beverly Loftus.

Mayor Norma Sepulveda believes, “Working together and mapping out the strategic plan means we are setting up Harlingen for success.” The HEDC strategic planning committee focused on overcoming challenges, workforce characteristics, demographic differentiators, quality of life, and really dug into the six strategic pillars that have a direct impact on the City of Harlingen. President of the HEDC Board, Eric Ziehe said, “The strategic plan is important because it provides us with guidelines and holds us accountable to our commitment.”

The six strategic pillars encompass: (1) Building Infrastructure, (2) Expanding Education, Opportunities, (3) Expanding Manufacturing, (4) Promoting Health Care Industry, (5) Promoting Quality of Life, and (6) Developing a Robust Entrepreneurship/Innovation HUB. 

Any goal without a plan is just a dream! HEDC knows and understands that in order to make the vision a reality, steps must be laid out to see it come to fruition. It’s no secret that Harlingen’s economic landscape and expansion are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. “This strategic plan gives Harlingen the compass for growth, development, and competitiveness,” said Beverly Loftus, Interim CEO and Commercial Manager.