Greater Brownsville Joins Governor Abbott’s Celebration for Texas’ Record-Breaking Win of Governor’s Cup

March 4, 2024

Bret Gardella, Executive Director & CEO, and Kara De La Riva, Director of Workforce & Business Development, representing Greater Brownsville with the Governor's Cup

Economic Development Organization of Brownsville, Greater Brownsville, attended the Governor's Mansion to celebrate Texas' 12th consecutive win of the Governor's Cup.

Greater Brownsville - the economic development organization of Brownsville, Texas - was honored to be invited to the Governor's Mansion to celebrate Texas' remarkable 12th consecutive win of Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup, marking the 20th win overall. This prestigious award recognizes Texas as the Top State for attracting new and expanded business facility projects in 2023, with 1,254 total projects-more than twice the total for the second-ranked state.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas' remarkable achievement at a press conference on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Governor's Mansion in Austin. Bret Gardella and Karla De La Riva from Greater Brownsville were among the attendees, proud to have contributed to this significant win.

"It is an honor to be part of the six economic development organizations invited to this prestigious event, and notably the only one representing South Texas," said Bret Gardella, Executive Director & CEO of Greater Brownsville. "I am proud to lead a team whose efforts to foster growth in our community contributed to Texas maintaining its status as a leader in attracting business investments."

Karla De La Riva, Director of Workforce & Business Development at Greater Brownsville, also attended the event at the Governor's Mansion. "This award symbolizes the dedication and collaboration of economic development professionals in our state," said De La Riva. "Our work with these organizations helps grow businesses and creates jobs in diverse communities across this great state. We are proud to have contributed to Texas' success in attracting significant job-creating business investments."