An aggressive, pro-business climate, a can-do attitude, along with a well developed infrastructure, modern industrial parks, and an unsurpassed quality of life, make Brownsville a center for technology, industry and distribution.
Brownsville is the sixth fastest growing manufacturing region in the United States, according to a national ranking by Industry Week Magazine. The same survey rates Brownsville 55th out of 310 metropolitan areas nationwide as a good place to do business - the highest rating of any other border city. Economic data reflects a 22% employment increase and a 36% income hike for the manufacturing sector over the last three years. These numbers were calculated prior to Titan Wheel and other manufactures announced they would add a combined 1,000 jobs in the upcoming year. This will continue to place Brownsville at the nation's forefront of economic growth and attractiveness to new companies. Brownsville is the front door to free trade. A quality, award-winning workforce provides cost effectiveness and productivity unmatched along the border. Opportunities abound for manufacturing and assembly production on both sides of the border through Mexico's Production Sharing Program, the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone, and excellent transportation and communication facilities that link manufactures and suppliers to the global marketplace. Brownsville is the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley with nearly every economic indicator at a record high. What is driving all this activity? Here are just a few of the reasons for Brownsville's phenomenal growth:
Regional growth:
- The Rio Grande Valley is home to 860,000 persons, making it the 56th largest market in the U.S. Total retail sales in 1996 were $5.7 billion, $1.4 billion higher than in 1990.
- Job Creation: Brownsville has been among the nation's leaders in job growth throughout the 1990's. In fact, the entire Rio Grande Valley has added 55,000 jobs in 1990-1997.
- A young population: The median age in Brownsville is 25.5 years, well below the state and national averages. 63% of the population is below 34 years of age.
- Proximity to Mexico: NAFTA has consolidated Brownsville's role as a gateway for U.S./ Mexico commerce. Merchandise exports have exploded by 88% since the agreement was signed in late 1993. Matamoros maquiladoras have added 15,000 jobs over the same period, a phenomenal growth rate of 8.3% a year.
Continental Airlines provides daily, direct flights from the
Brownsville/SPI International Airport. The airport's proximity
plays a vital role in Brownsville's economy. It is the closest
Rio Grande Valley airport to South Padre Island and the Republic
of Mexico. Agriculture also plays an important role in Brownsville,
as well as all of Cameron County. With more than 230 sunshine
filled days a year, Brownsville boasts a local multi-million
dollar agriculture industry. Approximately 455,000 of the
573,000 acres of land in the county are dedicated to farming
and ranching. The major crops include upland cotton, grain
sorghum, corn for grain, sugarcane, cabbage, onions, bell
peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, carrots, and citrus. The citrus
industry provides a cash crop, as well as a scenic landscape
of orchards of orange, grapefruit, tangerines, lemon and lime
trees. Valley grapefruit has the distinction of being redder,
sweeter, and juicier than those grown in other parts of the
country. Texas oranges are also known for their juiciness
and low-acid content. The Shrimping Industry pumps an average
of $60 million dollars a year into Brownsville's economy,
and indirectly contributes to the creation of thousands of
jobs throughout the community. Home to over 190 shrimp boats
the shrimp harvest at the Port of Brownsville places Brownsville
fifth highest overall in the United States. As a world-class
facility, it boasts all conceivable services vital to the
shrimping industry. The Brownsville shrimp fleet, along with
that of Port Isabel, makes our area the Shrimp Capital of
the United States. There is no doubt that Brownsville is on
the threshold of its greatest economic development. While
many factors contribute to the area's economic potential,
Brownsville's success is due to a joint effort between the
private and public sector. Together, Brownsville is prepared
and organized to face the challenges of a rapidly growing
population and economy.
A year-round tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is home to unique natural beauty and a dynamic, progressive business community. Brownsville is the major manufacturing center of the Rio Grande Valley and is known for a loyal world-class workforce with a strong work ethic. An aggressive, probusiness climate and can-do attitude, along with a well-developed infrastructure, modern industrial parks and an unsurpassed quality of life make Brownsville a center for technology, industry and distribution. Brownsville is the front door to free trade. A quality, award-winning workforce provides cost effectiveness and productivity unmatched along the border. Opportunities abound for manufacturing and assembly production on both sides of the border through Mexico's Production Sharing program, the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone and excellent transportation and communication facilities that link manufacturers and suppliers to the global marketplace. Industries located in Brownsville and Matamoros use some of the most highly technical manufacturing operations available today.