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The Monitor

Maquiladoras change the face of business in Mission
The maquiladora industry and the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are both major factors in the evolution of the business and industrial sector in Mission.
Although Mission is an agricultural business leader among South Texas, it is the perfect location to take advantage of the international market and the opportunities created through NAFTA.
Located on the international boundary between Mexico and the United States, and less than three miles from the Mexican border, Mission offers the international crossings and infrastructure necessary to compete in today's global market.
There are currently two international crossings that serve the Mission metropolitan area. The first is the Hidalgo International crossing which is less that 15 minutes away from the Mission Expressway Business Park and the Sharyland Business Park.
The second is the Pharr/Reynosa International bridge less than 30 minutes away.
A third international crossing, located in Mission, is the Anzalduas bridge, which is in the final stages of approval. This proposed bridge is less than three miles from the Expressway Business Park.
The Mission Expressway Business Park is home to several maquiladora suppliers and large industries. Atwood, Conetex, Vanity Fair and Rio Grande Snacks are recent additions.
The Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) assists suppliers and large industry in site-selection offering three different industrial parks to serve their needs.
Each park offers an excellent package of amenities. The Sharyland Industrial Park (Hunt Development), the Mission Expressway Business Park and the International Mission-Tai Industrial Park have given Mission and industrial businesses a unique advantage in location, service and incentives.
MEDA owns and manages the 158-acre Mission Expressway Business Park located on Expressway 83 between Bryan road and Conway road.
Every manufacturing and industrial business has specific needs and questions when locating in a community. At MEDA, it is their job to address those questions. The staff assists businesses in finding the right location for its facility, whether it's an available building, a build-to-suit or a purchase.
In addition, MEDA assists businesses with the permit and planning process to ensure that it starts on the right track - quickly and efficiently. MEDA continues to partner with the business as it grows, expands and meets the challenges of today's business market.
Mission has focused on creating a positive business climate, which is demonstrated by the creation of MEDA and the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Working with the Mission Chamber of Commerce, these organizations work with Mission to create a dynamic business environment to support continued growth and development.