As our 50^th Anniversary year comes to a close, we wish to thank you for your support throughout this special year!  As a member of LDF your annual contribution allowed us to continue our mission of business recruitment, development and expansion for the Laredo and Webb County community.

2016 was another landmark year for progress, as we exceeded our goals for landed (completed) projects, direct capital investment, ($391,600,000) and new jobs created (813).

In addition, the LDF along with its community partners is spearheading a new business incubator and international business accelerator project that will be housed in a 6,000 sq.ft. space in downtown Laredo.  The MileOne International Business Assistance Center will encourage creativity, communication, and collaboration for entrepreneurs and provide personal mentoring and training within a shared co-working or individual office space.  We look forward to the grand-opening by March 2017.

2016 was also a banner year for LDF signature events and recognitions:

• Spring “Courtyard Chat” Membership Mixer in March
• A Special 50^th Anniversary tribute to LDF’s Founders and 38 Past Presidents at the Laredo Country Club in April with former HUD Secretary and San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros as Keynote Speaker.
• The MileOne – IBAC initiated its monthly “Hang-Out Series” business-networking for entrepreneurs in August.
• Mayor Cantu-Rosas recognizes the Laredo Development Foundation for its promotional efforts and joint marketing of the Los Dos Laredo region.
• 23^rd Annual Logistics and Manufacturing Symposium:  Pathways for Trade: North America, the Most Competitive Region in the World drew in almost 300 attendees and 26 exhibitors in September.
• Dia de la Maquila recognized 9 manufacturing companies in a variety of categories.  Twenty-Nine manufacturers participated at the event held at the Laredo Country Club in November and included the Secretaria de Desarrollo Economico del Estado de Tamaulipas, and the Mayors of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.
• BBVA Compass awards the LDF’s MileOne – IBAC with a $10,000 grant for entrepreneurship and business development
• The Prairie Foundation awards the LDF a $17,000 grant for the MileOne – IBAC program.
• LDF hosted the Border Mayors Association meeting at the Laredo Country Club for mayors on both sides of the U.S./Mexico Border.  Mayor Pete Saenz was elected to chair the Association in 2017 following the 2016 leadership of John Cook from El Paso.

Please open the attachments for information on membership and the progress and accomplishments of each LDF division:  Industrial and Business Attraction, MileOne International Business Assistance Center, Special Projects and Administration.

We hope to count on your continued support in 2017 as a member of the Laredo Development Foundation.  As a private, non-profit, your membership is an investment in the development of a sustainable business environment in our community.  Please support the efforts of the LDF by sending your membership contribution today!

Sincerely,

 Olivia Varela
Executive Director
Laredo Development Foundation