“Shop Local & Job Fair” Set for May 16 at The Outlet Shoppes Event Center

Melva Castillo May 6, 2025

LAREDO, TX — (May 6, 2025) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) and the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) are proud to announce the upcoming “Shop Local & Job Fair,” taking place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at The Outlet Shoppes Event Center. This community-focused event brings together job seekers, local employers, and small business owners for an afternoon dedicated to economic opportunity and local commerce.

During a press conference, Mr. Rogelio Treviño, Executive Director at WSST, stated, “This event is a perfect example of what happens when workforce and community leaders come together to open doors of opportunity. Our goal is to connect local talent with employers ready to hire, and this event is the perfect example of that in action.” Treviño added that the event, part of the 2025 Economic Development Week, also supports the “Shop Local. Shop Laredo” campaign, promoting the incredible small businesses that help our region thrive.

Mr. David A. Stedman, Sr., President and CEO of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, remarked that the Shop Local & Job Fair reflects the LEDC’s continued investment in the people and businesses of Laredo. He emphasized that economic development begins at home, and this event provides a platform for residents to find jobs, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the regional economy.

Representing Webb County, Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina of Precinct Two expressed her support, saying, “I am proud to support initiatives like this that bring opportunity directly to our community. Events like the Shop Local & Job Fair empower families, help businesses grow, and build a stronger, more connected Webb County.”

City of Laredo Council Member for District 3, Ms. Melissa Cigarroa, shared that “Laredo’s future is rooted in collaboration, and today’s event demonstrates that spirit. When local government, workforce agencies, and economic leaders unite, we create meaningful change, supporting our workforce and uplifting our small businesses at the same time. It is an exciting time.” Cigarroa also commended the development of MileOne, which she described as an incubator that provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the support they need to succeed in launching their businesses.

Mr. Arnold Lozano, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Laredo, noted that National Economic Development Week is dedicated to recognizing the vital work that economic developers and their partners do to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and improve quality of life. He added, “I want to thank our partners—Workforce Solutions for South Texas, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, and the team at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo—for their collaboration. These efforts are a shining example of what happens when local government, business, and education leaders work hand-in-hand for the good of our community.”

Attendees at the press conference included Ms. Alyssa Cigarroa, City of Laredo Council Member for District 8; Cesar Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer for MileOne; Yvette Peña and Ana Laura Benavides from the LEDC; Rey Reyes and Joseph Mendiola, Vice President at the LEDC; Bertha Millan, Linett Alfaro, and Adriana Vela from WSST; Patricia Barrera, Project Director at WSST; and Gene Lindgren, Talise Development Manager and Board Member of WSST.

Shop Local & Job Fair Event

The Shop Local & Job Fair will begin at noon on Friday, May 16, 2025, with opening remarks from Mr. David A. Stedman, Sr.  The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 12:20 p.m., featuring remarks from WSST and LEDC leadership, who will highlight the importance of collaboration between business leaders, educators, and workforce agencies to strengthen the regional economy.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the event will officially open at 12:30 p.m. More than 25 employers will be on-site with job opportunities in a variety of industries, while over 20 local vendors will showcase and sell their products and services to the public. The event will conclude at 3:00 p.m. with the closing of all booths.

Everyone is invited to attend the Shop Local & Job Fair on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Outlet Shoppes Event Center, second floor. This is a great opportunity to meet local employers, explore small business offerings, and support our regional economy all in one place.

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