Everything AT&T and VTX1 said at the RGV Hispanic Chamber's intergovernmental update event

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

MCALLEN, Texas - Among the sponsors of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “RGV Intergovernmental Update” luncheon were two top internet service providers in the region - AT&T and VTX1.

As such, both were given the opportunity to have representatives speak from the podium at the start of the program.

Mario Barragan, director of external and legislative affairs for AT&T in South Texas, spoke on behalf of his company. Barragan is a board member of the RGV Hispanic Chamber.

Barragan said:

“Similar to other areas in the state, our region is experiencing growth in a wide variety of ways. I think the McAllen, Edinburg, Mission area has experienced a population growth of over 12% and employment levels keep rising as well. It now accounts for a third of the workforce in South Texas. And when you have that type of population and employment growth, industry, investments and economic growth also follow suit.

“AT&T is proud to have invested between 2020 and 2022 to over $90 million into our infrastructure in our wireless and wireline network here. And we're not nearly being done. And by the way, a lot of that investment has a lot to do with the leadership and advocacy of the elected officials that are going to be speaking here today. So thank you all for that.

“But whether it's investing in our infrastructure or investing in collaborations with community nonprofits to help close the digital divide, we are very committed to continuing to help the RGV be a place where individuals, families and businesses thrive for decades to come. So again, just thank you all for being here. Thank you to the chamber for for bringing us all together, for our elected officials for spending the time with us today. And to all of you for being involved and being here.”

Orlando Quintanilla, COO of VTX1, spoke on behalf of his company.

Quintanilla said:

“Just like our counterparts at AT&T, we want to make sure that we understand everything that's going on with our region. Having partnerships and being a part of the Hispanic Chamber is very important right to companies like ours, to make sure that we're meeting everybody and understanding what the needs are in our communities is very important.

“And saying that, I am honored to stand here before everyone, as we gather to highlight the vertical government updates that we're looking to discuss. Ultimately, our presenters in the Rio Grande Valley are looking at the best interests of everyone here. VTX one also has a similar mindset. As Cynthia mentioned, I'm with VTX1 Internet, And as a Hispanic it fills me with great pride to be part of this event, to represent the RGV Hispanic Chamber.

“Basically it's a platform that celebrates the richness of the culture that we share. So it's very important for us, At VTX1 Internet, we are more than just a service provider. We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide. We understand the importance of connecting today's world and we are committed to ensuring that every individual in the RGV has access to the resources and opportunities that the internet brings.”

The lunch was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Mcallen. The main part of the program featured a four-person panel. It comprised U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. The moderator was Julian Alvarez, senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.

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