The Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone Corporation (RGVEZC) has started its seventh year, of a ten (10) year designation. The programs primary mission is to create self-sustaining long-term economic development in areas of pervasive unemployment and general distress, while at the same time demonstrating that distressed communities can achieve self-sufficiency through innovative and comprehensive approaches. In reviewing our past and current accomplishments, we can say with certainty that the framework of the empowerment zone program, embodied in the four key principles of economic opportunity, sustainable community development, community based partnerships and a strategic vision for change will continue to be the catalyst for future growth and prosperity.

Corporate Milestones

1994 - Federal designation

1995 - Federal and state memorandum signed, CEO hired, corporate office established

1996 - Lean staff hired, over 40 projects are developed and implemented

1997 - Corporate accountability and fiscal responsibility strengthened

1998 - Corporate capacity is solidified

1999 - Corporate Sustainability is explored

2000 - Corporate Vision begins to shift towards sustainability. The Southwest Border Development Corporation (SBDC) is established and will become the enterprise agent for the Corporation

2000 Highlights

RGVEZC has remained focused on the implementation of the strategic plan as reflected

by the following:

1. January 2000, Sub-Zones revisited the original benchmarks to review progress
2. Each individual Sub-Zones schedules public forum(s) to re-prioritize new and/or emerging needs
3. Upon identification of top priority needs, RFPs were developed, advertisements published, and bidders conferences are scheduled, projects are approved and implemented
4. As of December 31, 2000 the benchmark report reflects 35 additional projects, totaling 116 benchmarks to-date
5. In- house Fiscal Benchmark Report reflects $38,149,086 of the original $40 million designation has been allocated. An increase of $2,398,086 from the prior year is reflected.
6. May 2000, A Board of Directors retreat takes place to revisit the vision and mission of the corporation as well as other issues such as sustainability and regionalism.
7. The Southwest Border Development Corporation (SBDC) a lending arm of the RGVEZC is established
8. RGVEZC secures a $600,000 Rural Housing and Economic Development grant to expand the current RGVEZC revolving loan fund
9. A Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP) grant of approximately a little over $98,000 will allow the RGVEZC to provide economic development and/or technical assistance to (select) border communities in ten (10) counties, six of which are outside the Zone
10. The RGVEZC continues administering the Minority Business Opportunity Contracting grant, Women's Empowerment Business Center Grant, Economic Development Administration Grant and Youth Focus Community Policing Grant
11. The RGVEZC is a very active member of the Southwest Border Region Partnership
12. RGVEZC is contracted to be the fiscal agent for the BTA/SBRP Comprehensive Assessment of the Southwest Border Grant

The leadership of the Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone Corporation regional board of directors meets once a year to identify new and emerging challenges and to develop a plan of action for the coming year. Some of the challenges identified were as follows:

Sustainability

1. Human and organizational capacity
2. Establishing new partnerships
3. Identifying resources for the corporation as well as for the communities
4. Address regional issues.

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