U.S. Department of Labor awards NAAMREI $5M to Develop Rapid Response Manufacturing in Texas' Rio Grande Valley.

Texas Workforce Commission Commits Another $3M to Bolster Project

MCALLEN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) more than $5M to support the region's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Project, a plan to develop a rapid response manufacturing (RRM) facility and create a sustainable premier manufacturing infrastructure in South Texas' Rio Grande Region. The Texas Workforce Commission has also committed an additional $3M in training funds to bolster the project. The Department will present its congratulations, and the TWC will present a check at a special event on Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. at South Texas College's Technology Center in McAllen, TX.

The new RRM facility will be housed in the proposed North American Research and Education World Premier Park to be established on 80 acres currently owned by the City of McAllen. It will be located adjacent to another 200 acres owned by a large private development complex focused on research and development opportunities. The $5M from the Department will be used as seed money to establish a Center for Rapid Response Manufacturing, as well as the establishment of three Advanced Manufacturing Training Institutes that will respond to the customized training needs of the workforce. The $3M from the TWC Skills Development Fund will be used to support training initiatives. There will be opportunities to serve a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, health care products, and many others with a presence in the region.

"This is our chance to showcase the talent and opportunity the Valley offers businesses across the United States and the world," said Keith Patridge, president and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and founding member of NAAMREI. "Our local economy is flourishing and we already have a solid manufacturing infrastructure in place to act as a basis for this new rapid response research and advanced manufacturing complex. It is such a pleasure to see our tax monies coming back to the area to be used to create jobs and growth opportunities for our community. That is what we at MEDC are all about - economic development and creating a better life for our citizens."

U.S. Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Henry Cuellar will speak at the event, providing their remarks on this accomplishment and their vision for the future of manufacturing in the Valley. Representatives from The Office of the Governor of the State of Texas will be on hand to join in celebrating this milestone with grant recipients South Texas College and The University of Texas-Pan American. Several other NAAMREI partnership agencies will also be represented at the event including Texas State Technical College, The University of Texas Brownsville-Texas Southmost College, Laredo Community College, Texas A & M International, Region One Education Service Center, RGV Economic Development Corporations, the City of McAllen, WorkFORCE Solutions, Cameron Works, the Brownsville Area Manufactures Association, the Harlingen Manufacturers Association, and the South Texas Manufacturers Association.

"We see this project as the next logical step in maintaining the economic vitality of this growing region," said Congressman Hinojosa. "The long term goal of the initiative is to position the region as the 'Third Coast,' acting as a major distribution hub for North America and as a major research center for rapid product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a native of the Valley and a long-time proponent of this project, I am so pleased to see it coming to fruition. I have seen the changes occurring in my home district and I know what my constituents are capable of. Many have underestimated our ability and commitment in the past, but are starting to take notice now and giving us the chance to make our mark."

"This is an important milestone for the businesses and educational institutions that have put many man hours into forming this coalition, proving its abilities and its intent to my colleagues in Washington," said Congressman Cuellar. "This project will bring about a new level in high-skilled labor opportunities that Valley residents are thirsty to see. These are some of the hardest working people in the U.S. and are devoted to the region's continued prosperity. I have no doubt that the WIRED Project will put the RGV on the map as one of the world's premier centers for rapid product innovation and advanced manufacturing."

Diane D. Rath, chair and commissioner representing the public for the TWC, will present a check of behalf of the Commission.

"TWC is extremely proud to support South Texas College and the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative in this collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor," said Rath. "The joint efforts of workforce development, business and education make the Lower Rio Grande Valley a prime area for the WIRED project and resulting manufacturing industry growth."

In addition to Congressman Hinojosa, Congressman Cuellar and Chair Rath, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, and Congressman Solomon Ortiz will also be represented at the event to demonstrate their support for the project.

"This is an exciting day for every member of the NAAMREI team," said Wanda Garza, executive officer for Workforce Development and External Affairs for South Texas College. "We have been working for over two years developing the team, drafting plans for the initiative, and meeting with members of the government in Washington to make this dream a reality. Now we must say thank you to everyone who has contributed, especially Congressmen Hinojosa and Cuellar and the Texas Workforce Commission, and begin the next phase of our work."