Hidalgo County November 2013

Visit us at for more information. Who we are RSTEC is a public/private non-profit member-driven organization created in 2008 to promote the region and members from Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties. 2

Visit us at for more information. Council Goals 1.Unify and coordinate regional marketing efforts. 2.Develop strategy for economic development and tourism along opportunity corridors. 3.Optimize trade opportunities from cross-border economic activities. 4.Promote regional economic development strategic planning & identify implementation strategies. 5.Provide a forum for discussion of pressing issues facing regional economic development. 6.Provide education and training for the purpose of strengthening community economic development efforts.

Visit us at for more information. 1.Marketing efforts – Trades Shows, Property Data Base, Social Media, Advertising, Trade Missions with Governor’s Office – Texas One, Lead Generation, Site Visits, Local Presentations 2.Member Relations – Committees, Annual Meeting Results: Raised awareness of region, secured leads and site visits however negative perceptions of the region continue to have an impact on our results and those of member communities. Recent History

Visit us at for more information. Challenges 1. The region is often overlooked as being a major player or an alternative location to other Texas metropolitan locations for a wide range of investment. Required Action: Position the region. Required Action: Position the region consistent with our geographic, demographic and economic footprint.

Visit us at for more information. Challenges 2. The Rio South region is being defined by negative news coverage. The result is companies don’t want to invest economic development dollars into the region and employers have challenges recruiting a professional work force. A media plan is needed to address misinformation head-on. It’s not enough to be defensive we must also be pro-active and actively identify and generate positive news stories about the region. Required Action: Launch a national image campaign and seek support from other organizations and businesses

Visit us at for more information. Campaign Objectives & Strategic Approach Objectives: Attract economic development to the region. Promote the positive features and cost competitiveness of locating manufacturing operations to the area. Increase the ability of employers in the region to attract and recruit white-collar professionals.

Visit us at for more information. Campaign Objectives & Strategic Approach Strategic Approach: 1)Using polling research identify negative perceptions of the region and which messages are most effective at changing those perceptions. 2)Visual storytelling - enhance social media presence and impact to influence perceptions. 3)Generate multiple media narratives that work to change perceptions of the region.

Visit us at for more information. Develop an inventory of Good News Stories 1)Identify key themes Economic development opportunities Global trade benefits of border-located facilities Workforce opportunities Lowest cost of living Among safest areas in the country Local culture, cuisine, music, community theatre Latin influence – bi-cultural World class medical facilities, Strong academic institutions 2)Wrap Rio South Texas into national trend stories Economic development Health corridors EB5 success stories

Visit us at for more information. Drive Positive News Cycles around these Products Drive Positive News Cycles around these Products

Visit us at for more information. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!