Valdez: Developing north and south of expressway is important for Weslaco

WESLACO, Texas – Steven M. Valdez, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco, says he and his team are not just trying to pull in new businesses along I-2, or Expressway 83 as it is more popularly known.

Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for Dutch Bros Coffee, he said it is important that he and his team focus also on areas north and south of the expressway.

The Dutch Bros project is a case in point. It is being built on seven acres of land at 326 N. Westgate Drive, just north of Business 83.

“What I find amazing about your choice to choose Weslaco is where you chose in Weslaco,” Valdez told representatives of Dutch Bros., speaking from the podium. 

“A lot of times when we try to recruit companies to our community, the first thing they want is visibility. They want high traffic. They want other anchor stores, and we have that here. But, most times they want that on the expressway. They want that frontage so it isn’t just the community of Weslaco that is supporting that one company, but also others that are driving past that would stop and see.”

Valdez added: “They (Dutch Bros.) chose just for us, just for who we are. And that impresses me the most and that excites me the most because because they’re coming here. So, Dutch Bros., thank you so much for choosing us at the heart of the base of who we are in our community. So thank you guys.”

The Rio Grande Guardian International News Services secured an audio interview with Valdez, a few days after the Dutch Bros groundbreaking ceremony. The purpose was to re-emphasize the point that Weslaco EDC also wants development north and south of the expressway.

Click to listen to the interview: https://riograndeguardian.com/valdez-developing-north-and-south-of-expressway-is-important-for-weslaco/