Valley Grande Institute Ribbon Cutting November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

On November 28, 2023, COSTEP, Council for South Texas Economic Progress was proud to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony held by Mission EDC for their newest tenant at the CEED, Valley Grande Institute (VGI).  Teclo Garcia, Mission EDC Chief Executive Officer welcomed Ms. Anabel Cardona, Executive Director of Valley Grande Institute to their new office location in Mission, Texas.

 Valley Grande Institute is a 501c3 accredited academic institution focused on developing and maintaining a robust regional healthcare talent pipeline to meet the community’s needs since 1992. In March 2023, VGI received Registered Apprenticeship Program Designation from the Department of Labor for Vocational Nursing. The new office at the CEED will be part of VGI’s implementation of an apprenticeship program with Mission Hospital.         

During this celebratory event, they were joined by Texas Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Aaron Demerson. Mr. Demerson spoke of the importance of providing opportunity to young people to enter the medical and allied health industry in the State of Texas. He praised Ms. Cardona and her leadership at the helm of VGI as it expands these opportunities to the residents of the Rio Grande Valley.

Mr. Demerson took the opportunity to recognize COSTEP Chief Executive Officer, Adam Gonzalez and the work COSTEP is doing to promote the regional economic efforts of the Rio South Texas region. He recognized COSTEP as a contributor to Texas Economic Development Corporation’s efforts to promote economic development in the State of Texas.

COSTEP,  Council for South Texas Economic Progress is an advocate for regional economic development in Rio South Texas. Serving the counties of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Jim Hogg, Zapata, and Webb, COSTEP promotes regional economic development through business support services, business attraction, and regional advocacy. To learn more or for sponsorship opportunities visit COSTEP.org