Texas Secretary of State visits El Paso to promote economic development

Secretary Berry gets a briefing on the Bridge of the
Americas from CBP Port Director Hector Mancha.

EL PASO, TX – Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry this week visited El Paso to help promote economic development in the region.

She visited the Bridge of the Americas which connects Texas and Mexico and allows for both commercial and personal travel. Texas is the top exporting state in the nation and its number one trading partner is Mexico. International bridges like the Bridge of the Americas facilitate trade.

“Bridges like the one here in El Paso help Texas continue to lead in international trade and are an important part of the state’s economic success,” said Secretary Berry.

Secretary Berry’s visit to El Paso is part of her role as an economic ambassador for the state, but is also a part of her duties related to the border region. Under Governor Rick Perry, the Secretary serves as senior advisor and liaison for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs. Secretary Berry is also the Border Commerce Coordinator for Texas’ Border Trade Advisory Committee.

While on her visit to the city, Secretary Berry also helped make a special announcement that Prudential Financial Inc. will create 300 jobs at a new facility in El Paso, with a focus on hiring veterans and their family members.

For the announcement, Secretary Berry was joined by El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, Prudential Financial CEO John Strangfeld, and Borderplex Alliance CEO Rolando Pablos.

Secretary Berry stressed the appeal of Texas for companies like Prudential Financial.

“Prudential Financial and others are investing in El Paso and Texas because the Lone Star State is the best bet for success,” said Secretary Berry. “We continue to lead the nation in job growth, economic development, and the state is wide open for business.”

Today’s announcement came among other good news for the state including word that Toyota will move its North American headquarters to Plano.

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