In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Romanita Matta Barrera to discuss the strategic rebranding and initiatives of greaterSATX, formerly known as the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the organization's 2021 rebranding, which aims to highlight its collaboration with eight regional partners in the San Antonio/Bexar County region. Matta Barrera underscores the importance of partnerships with neighboring regions like Austin to enhance geographic competitiveness and foster talent and trade flows. The integration of the Free Trade Alliance and SA Works into greaterSATX underscores their commitment to addressing workforce and talent supply chain issues, particularly through foreign direct investment from Asian countries.

The dialogue delves into the multifaceted efforts to bolster workforce and educational attainment, setting an ambitious goal for 70% of high school seniors to enroll in post-secondary programs by 2030. Matta Barrera emphasizes the significance of mayors acting as champions for their cities to attract new businesses, pointing out the upcoming 2025 elections as a critical juncture for economic development advocacy. The discussion moves to the essential role of long-term strategic planning by city leadership and infrastructure development, such as mobility, housing, and road projects, to support the growing population and business needs. She details collaborative endeavours with public partners, such as CPS Energy and TxDOT, in successful recruitment initiatives and operational changes to prioritize global business advancement.

Wrapping up, the episode touches on the proactive engagement with a host of university presidents to enhance employer recruitment and educational outcomes. Matta Barrera shares insights from employers on best practices for talent recruitment and retention, including investing in upskilling and supporting entry-level roles. The discussion also highlights her team's efforts addressing broader business concerns, such as infrastructure, safety, and expansion into Mexico, alongside her work in the K-12 education space promoting bilingualism and biculturalism. Throughout the episode, Matta Barrera’s comprehensive understanding of workforce, education, and economic competitiveness illustrates the integral connection between these elements in driving the San Antonio region’s long-term success.

https://greatersatx.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanitamattabarrera/

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