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-Editorial
The Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) hosted its highly anticipated annual dinner on February 6 at Casa Blanca Venue in Holtville, bringing together local leaders, business owners, and community members. The event, which highlighted the region’s economic progress and opportunities, served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and celebrating the collective efforts driving the growth and development of the Imperial Valley.
IVEDC has a new leader at its helm, as longtime member Efrain Silva steps into the role of chairman. With years of experience supporting economic growth in the region, Silva says his leadership will continue the organization’s core mission of attracting industry, business, and jobs to the Imperial Valley.
“IVEDC, as you well know, has been a long-standing agency in the Valley that has done some really cool things in bringing industry here,” Silva said. “I’ve been a member for a long time, and I have personally seen the commitment of our staff—Tim, Sean, and everyone at IVEDC—who work every day to bring businesses and opportunities to our community.”
While Silva recognizes his role as the face of the organization, he emphasizes that the true driving force behind IVEDC’s success is its dedicated staff. “My job as chairman is to be there, to represent IVEDC, but I need to recognize the work of the people who are dedicating their time, effort, and energy to this mission. That commitment will continue.”
Silva also highlighted the importance of binational economic efforts, particularly in education and the emerging lithium industry.
“When I speak later today, I’ll talk about some binational efforts happening, especially around education and industry,” he said. “We’re working on connecting with schools in Mexicali, which is something very important to me. One of my main goals is to strengthen the collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico, and I plan to continue that work.”
IVEDC Executive Director Tim Kelley’s annual report highlighted the continued growth and impact of economic development initiatives in Imperial County, supported by over a hundred investors. This year, new investors include the International Brotherhood of Workers, Community Foundation, JCS Southwest, LSC Aggregate Minerals Resource Group LLC, and several others who have contributed to ongoing efforts. The report emphasizes the region’s progress in attracting businesses, with industry clusters such as data centers seeing significant expansion. Currently, 41 projects are in the pipeline, with 12 projects landed, totaling a potential $35 billion investment and creating 68,000 jobs. Workforce development remains a priority, with internship and training programs helping local students and employees gain valuable skills, including 45 students earning $22 an hour in paid internships.
Additionally, Kelley detailed initiatives focused on community impact, including a revolving loan program that has provided $650,000 in loans to 18 local businesses, assistance for first-time homebuyers, and environmental remediation projects. Efforts to bridge the digital divide have resulted in partnerships with the California Emergency Technology Fund and PUC, bringing broadband access to underserved communities. Over 200 laptops were distributed through community programs, with plans to expand digital access further. Kelley emphasized that Imperial County continues to lead in renewable energy, including solar, geothermal, and wind power, positioning itself as a key player in California’s economic future.
Abel Graciano, president of the Imperial Valley-Mexicali Binational Alliance (IMBA), highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts in economic development, infrastructure, environmental issues, and education—key topics for both communities. Graciano, who accepted the International Award on behalf of IMBA, emphasized the dedication of its members in finding solutions and opportunities for both valleys. The International Award was sponsored by Beyond Borders Gazette who invited key leadership people from Mexicali to the dinner.
“The award is well deserved because IMBA members devote their time to identifying solutions and sharing best practices between the Imperial and Mexicali Valleys. If something is working well in Imperial Valley, we should learn from it in Mexicali, and vice versa,” Graciano said.
He noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to do, particularly in addressing security concerns. “Security is a major issue for residents on both sides of the border—perhaps more so in Mexicali than in Imperial Valley, but it affects both regions. The expected increase in deportations could lead to an accumulation of people in border cities, creating significant security challenges,” he warned.
Graciano also pointed to potential economic risks, including tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. “If those tariffs are implemented, they will impact both valleys and both countries,” he said. “We hope both nations can find a good solution that benefits everyone, and that IMBA continues working toward better opportunities and solutions for the region.”
Joaquín Jiménez Arriaga, Past President of Index Mexicali, emphasized the need for stronger binational cooperation between the Mexicali Valley, the Imperial Valley, and the region’s industrial sector to create more job opportunities and develop local talent.
“We must work together to generate employment for our people, foster talent, and ensure that existing business chambers collaborate in a coordinated manner,” Jiménez Arriaga said.
He highlighted the challenges posed by migration and the need for a structured approach to integrating migrants into the workforce. “You can discuss this with the Consul of Mexico in Calexico—we have an ongoing challenge with migrants. If people come to Mexico for any reason, how do we integrate them into the productive sector?” he said.
Jiménez Arriaga stressed the importance of open communication channels to drive joint efforts that will sustain the region’s growth. “There are interesting projects on the horizon, but we need to start discussions to achieve better outcomes for everyone,” he concluded.
Francisco Fuentes Arestegui, president of CANACINTRA Mexicali, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he and his colleagues received, emphasizing the importance of cross-border relationships in addressing shared challenges.
“We are truly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received. The relationships between both sides of the border are fundamental, as many issues impact us all,” Fuentes Arestegui said.
He pointed to migration as a pressing concern, particularly the expected deportation of undocumented immigrants from the United States to Mexicali. “This is a very important issue, along with economic development. We need to sit down and have these discussions so that both sides of the border are well-informed and can work toward the best possible solutions,” he added.
