News Summary
San Antonio hosted a special celebration honoring key figures in economic growth for South Texas. The event highlighted the achievements of Teclo Garcia, CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, and other leaders dedicated to regional innovation. Their collective efforts and commitment to enhancing small business support and cross-border trade were recognized as vital to the area’s economic landscape. The event also served as a networking opportunity for attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for future progress in the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas – Teclo Garcia, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, has been honored as one of the 2025 South Texas Power Players. This recognition comes following a private reception held on June 25, 2025, at the Centre Club in downtown San Antonio, where the San Antonio Business Journal celebrated the contributions of leading figures from business, civic, and nonprofit sectors across South Texas.
Garcia received this honor due to his significant efforts in advancing cross-border trade, championing entrepreneurship, and enhancing economic development within the city of Mission and the broader Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Under his leadership, the Mission Economic Development Corporation has focused on initiatives such as bolstering support for small businesses, conducting investment tours, and improving infrastructure planning. These initiatives have collectively helped position Mission as a rapidly emerging player in Texas’ economic landscape.
The accolades presented at the event highlight the crucial role that local leaders play in fostering regional growth and innovation. Alongside Garcia, notable figures recognized during the ceremony included former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, Port of Brownsville CEO William Dietrich, and Taco Palenque Founder Juan Francisco Ochoa. This year’s South Texas Power Players list encompasses a variety of sectors including economic development, education, healthcare, finance, real estate, and public service.
The cocktail reception hosted by the San Antonio Business Journal focused on honoring these distinguished leaders, celebrating their achievements in an informal yet prestigious setting. Garcia’s recognition, in particular, underscores the increasing acknowledgment of the Rio Grande Valley’s essential role in shaping Texas’ economic future.
In highlighting the significance of teamwork for the advancement of the region, the Mission Economic Development Corporation expressed its commitment to regional progress through social media, promoting the motto “Mission is ALL IN.” This reflects the shared dedication of local leaders and organizations to enhance the area’s economic stature and community wellbeing.
Garcia’s leadership at the Mission EDC has not only embedded a culture of collaboration and innovation in local economic strategies but has also illustrated the potential for sustainable growth in the region. The combined efforts of those honored at the event represent a collective push towards economic enhancement across South Texas.
The recognition of Garcia and other leaders at this event signals a critical moment in the acknowledgment of the region’s potential. These efforts to focus on small business support and infrastructure are likely to yield long-term benefits for the community, ensuring that the Rio Grande Valley can compete effectively within the broader Texas economy.
The San Antonio Business Journal’s annual recognition serves to inspire future initiatives and leadership within the region, demonstrating that effective collaboration between varied sectors can result in meaningful advancements for South Texas, making it a vital area for economic development in Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Texas Border Business: Teclo Garcia Among South Texas Power Players
- ESPN: Women’s College Basketball Power Rankings
- Spectrum Local News: Power Players – Rep. James Talarico
- Caller: Meet the Players on the 2024 All South Texas Girls Basketball Team
- Chron: Powering Texas: Coal, Solar, and Battery
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
- Google Search: South Texas Economic Development
- Google News: Teclo Garcia

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