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Research Events

Vistas from Texas: An Economic Outlook

McAllen, TX

This conference was presented in partnership with the Center for Border Economic Studies, Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

During this half-day conference on Oct. 3, 2024, Dallas Fed economists reviewed recent developments in the U.S. and global economies while highlighting Texas, where economic growth has exceeded that of the nation since the pandemic. Additionally, experts from the Rio Grande Valley discussed nearshoring and the infrastructure needed to maximize future border investment.

Agenda
8:00 a.m. Check-in and breakfast
9:00 a.m. Welcoming remarks
  Salvador Contreras, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Karel Mertens, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
9:15 a.m. Session 1: Economic outlooks
Speakers will provide an overview of recent developments in the U.S. and global economies and highlight the state economy, which has grown faster than the nation since the pandemic. 
  Moderator: Jesus Cañas, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas 
United States: Karel Mertens
International: Enrique Martínez García, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Texas: Pia M. Orrenius, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
10:45 a.m. Session 2: RGV economy and its prospects
This panel discussion will offer unique perspectives on the RGV region. Local experts will share insights into the opportunities and challenges facing trade and manufacturing in the region. 
  Moderator: Salvador Contreras
Sergio Contreras, Border Trade Alliance
Dante L. Galeazzi, Texas International Produce Association
Alex Meade, Texas Transportation Commission
Luis Torres, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas 
Noon Lunch and keynote: Space X presence and impact on the RGV economy
Kathy Lueders, SpaceX
1:00 p.m. Closing remarks
For more information

Please contact Salvador Contreras at salvador.contreras@utrgv.edu.