ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2025
PRESS CONFERENCE
On May 6th, Workforce Solutions for South Texas hosted a press conference in collaboration with the Laredo Economic Development Corporation and MileOne. The partnership aimed to organize a Shop Local Initiative and Job Fair as part of the Economic Development Week events.
Among those present were Rogelio Treviño, Executive Director of WSST; the Honorable Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner and WSST Board Member; the Honorable Melissa and Alyssa Cigarroa, City of Laredo Council Members; Arnold Lozano, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Laredo; and David A. Stedman, Sr., President and CEO of LEDC. Additionally, team members from Workforce Solutions, LEDC, and MileOne, along with media representatives, were also in attendance.
PROCLAMATION CEREMONY
On May 12th, the Laredo EDC held a Proclamation Ceremony to launch the celebration of Economic
Development Week. During the event, Honorable Vanessa Perez, Mayor pro Tempore, along with
Honorable Melissa Cigarroa, City Council Member for District 3, Honorable Ricardo Garza, City Council
Member for District 4, and James E. Flores, Director of Economic Development at Webb County,
presented a Proclamation designating May 12-16, 2025, as “National Economic Development Week in
Laredo, Texas.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, MileOne
International Business Assistance Center, the City of Laredo Economic Development Department, and
Webb County Economic Development Office.
STATE OF TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
On Tuesday, May 13th, LEDC organized the "State of Transportation and Infrastructure" workshop at Laredo College's main campus. LEDC organized the "State of Transportation and Infrastructure" workshop at the main campus at Laredo College.
At the event, Epigmenio "Epi" Gonzalez, P.E., the Texas Laredo District Engineer, along with Roberto Rodriguez, III, Supervising Engineer from the Texas Department of Transportation, gave engaging presentations on TxDOT infrastructure projects*.
Additionally, Melissa Montemayor, Senior VP and Southwest Region Leader at LJA Engineering, shared updates on various community projects (WCCLRMA)*.
Moreover, Matt Leach from FiberLight* presented insights on digital infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of broadband connectivity in supporting regional economic growth.
The workshop offered valuable insight into the future of transportation and infrastructure in Laredo, highlighting the critical role of both physical and digital networks in the city’s continued development.
*click to view presentation
MILEONE SMALL BISNESS FORUM AND AWARD CEREMONY
On Wednesday, May 14th, LEDC and MileOne held two workshops at the TAMIU Innovation Center to support local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The first workshop, "Government Contracting 101," featured Orlando Castañeda from the SBA, who explained the certification process and how small businesses can succeed in government contracts, including insights on the 8(a) Business Development Program.
The second workshop, "Access to Capital," and the kickoff of the “Women Entrepreneurs Rock Series 2025” highlighted financing strategies with speakers Cindy Solano and Rossy Chase, offering guidance on funding options and the importance of financial readiness for business growth. Additionally, MileOne recognized Richard Rivera from 360 General Contractor as Small Business of the Year and honored Pablo Guzman as Innovator of the Year.
The Founders of the Women Entrepreneurs Rock Series: Olivia Varela-Santos, Nelly Vielma, and Norma Rodriguez were also recognized for their contributions.
LEDC MEMBERSHIP SPRING NETWORKING EVENT
On Thursday, May 15, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation and MileOne proudly hosted their Spring Membership & Networking Event at the Laredo Country Club, bringing together community leaders, partners, and stakeholders united by a shared commitment to Laredo’s growth.
The event featured a special sponsor presentation, along with a warm welcome from Carlos Rivas Rocha, Director of Operations at Arco Murray, who also had the honor of introducing the evening’s guest speaker.
The highlight of the evening was an impactful keynote address by Cliffe Killam, President & CEO of Killam Development, Ltd., who shared an inspiring vision for Laredo’s Downtown Restoration Project—one rooted in purpose, thoughtful design, and collaboration.
Among the distinguished attendees were Council Members Melissa Cigarroa and Dr. Tyler King, as well as Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of Laredo College, along with many others who made the evening truly memorable.
SHOP LOCAL INITIATIVE AND JOB FAIR
To conclude EDW, the LEDC organized a “Shop Local Initiative & Job Fair Initiative” on Friday, May 16th. Similar to last year, the LEDC and MileOne collaborated with Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) to promote and highlight downtown by offering complimentary exhibit spaces for entities to showcase their products, services, or job openings.
WSST also provided an on-site resource station to assist job seekers with resume support. The event drew more than 220 job seekers and over 300 attendees.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Barber Education Academy for their generous contributions of free haircuts!
