Not enough people know what is happening in South Texas when it comes to innovation, emerging technologies, says the president and CEO of the South Texas Business Partnership.
Rebecca Viagran’s group hosted the 2025 South Texas Summit at the Hilton San Antonio Brooks Hotel and Spa on June 9. At the conclusion of the summit, Viagran gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview.
STBP, previously known as the South San Antonio Chamber, changed its focus in 2022 to bring South Texas leaders together, Viagran explained. She said the group’s board of directors decided to expand the organization’s reach because they knew the region was growing.
“We understand working together is going to make us stronger, and not only that; we want to make sure people in the entire region know just what great things are happening in South Texas and in the Rio Grande Valley, in Laredo and everywhere in between,” Viagran said.
“People do not understand the message or how much is happening in South Texas when it comes to innovation, emerging technologies and there is so much that we want to promote and share with the rest of the state of Texas, but also with the region and the rest of San Antonio, to let them know just exactly what is happening in the RGV.”
STBP uses U.S. Highway 90 as its geographic line to define South Texas. The 2025 summit was the first time the group had held an annual forum since 2022, Viagran said. She said regional collaboration is vital.
“What is important is bringing the voice of the business community because they are stakeholders in all of this growth, but we know that when some of the businesses succeed, all of our communities can succeed as well,” Viagran said.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg is co-founder of the South Texas Alliance of Cities. His term as mayor is coming to a close. His successor as mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, spoke at the summit. Viagran said Ortiz Jones spoke with STBP twice during her campaign and its supportive of its cause.
Viagran said she is proud to see people show up at the summit and believe in the mission of collaboration between the business community.
“We want to make sure that the Rio Grande Valley and all the businesses up and down the 27-county region know we are here to serve as a collaborator and a convener and a partner,” Viagran said.
Editor’s Note: Click here to watch the Guardian’s interview with Viagran.
