McAllen

The McAllen is a complex economic and perceptual region. What Texans call “the Valley” centers on Starr, Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties in the lower Rio Grande region and extends from the mouth of the Rio Grande up the river for a distance of some 100 miles.

For most of the twentieth century McAllen has been overwhelmingly Hispanic in population. According to the 1990 census figures, which under-reported the immigrants in the region, just under 82 percent of Cameron County, over 85 percent of Hidalgo County, over 97 percent of Starr County, and over 84 percent of Willacy County were Hispanic.

In common with other areas along the United States-Mexico border, McAllen has benefited economically from the development of maquiladoras.
Over the last several decades, the emergence of maquiladoras (factories or fabrication plants) has caused a surge of industrial development along the border, while international bridges have allowed Mexican nationals to shop, sell, and do business in the border cities along the Rio Grande. The geographic inclusion of South Padre Island also drives tourism, particularly during the Spring Break season, as its subtropical climate keeps temperatures warm year-round.[citation needed] During the winter months, many retirees (commonly referred to as “Winter Texans”) arrive to enjoy the warm weather, access to pharmaceuticals and health care in Mexican border crossings such as Nuevo Progreso. There is a substantial health-care industry with major hospitals and many clinics and private practices in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen.

McAllen has also benefited from relaxed trade restrictions between Mexico and the United States and has become a warehouse and transportation center.

Become an AEM McAllen Member!

Individual

$ 400
Annually
  • Individual membership
  • Free access to Lunch n Learn sessions (4-6 per year)*
  • Free access to Networking events (4-6 per year)*
  • Discounted access to Annual Texas Mexico Summit
  • Discounted access to Annual Golf Tournament
  • Access to Exclusive AEM events
  • Free or discounted access to AEM events in other chapters
  • Special discounts & promos with AEM partners

Corporate

$ 1000
Annually
  • 3 people in membership
  • Free access to Lunch n Learn sessions (4-6 per year)*
  • Free access to Networking events (4-6 per year)*
  • VIP seating in special events
  • Discounted access to Annual Texas Mexico Summit
  • Discounted access to Annual Golf Tournament
  • Access to Exclusive AEM events
  • Free or discounted access to AEM events in other chapters
  • Special discounts & promos with AEM partners

Exclusive AEM McAllen Chapter Benefits

Access to Lunch n Learn Sessions

Periodic sessions with recognized speakers on specific business topics like marketing, e-commerce, motivation, etc.

Access to Networking Events

We bring the right people together to challenge established thinking and drive transformation. Our networking events are one of a kind!

VIP Seating in Special Events

Corporate membership allows the members of your company registered, to enjoy VIP seating in most AEM events.

Discounted access to Annual Texas Mexico Summit

The Texas-Mexico Business Summit is one of AEM's major events, with one or two days of conferences, workshops and social gatherings. As a member, you will have a special discount and early access to tickets.

Discounted access to Annual Golf Tournaments

AEM Golf Tournaments are epic! There are different tournaments in chapters like Austin, The Woodlands, San Antonio & Houston. Get your foursome ready & join us.

Access to Exclusive AEM member only events

There are specific events only for members with top businessmen and/or top government officials. You can be part of them!

Free or discounted access to AEM events in other chapters

We have more than 14 chapters across USA & Mexico. Regardless of what chapter you are member of, when traveling, you can contact the local chapter & get free or discounted access to their events.

Special discounts & promos with AEM partners

AEM partners with recognized brands & companies like IBC Bank, Delta / Aeroméxico airlines & Grupo Posadas hotels. As a member you can get special benefits with our partners.

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CHAPTER EVENTS

CHAPTER SPONSORS

CONTACT US

Francisco J. Peña-Valdés

McAllen Chapter President