The City of McAllen and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at South Texas College are announcing an investment to help McAllen become increasingly competitive on a global scale.

The city will present a $400,000 Development Corporation Fund grant award to STC at its Technology Campus Building B atrium at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 19. The campus is located at 3700 W. Military Highway in McAllen.

The ceremony recognizes McAllen and South Texas College in their partnership for manufacturing customized training catered to industry located within the city.

“This is a partnership that has been ongoing for the last 15 years,” said Carlos Margo, STC Dean of Industry Training. “These funds will be used primarily for the delivery of customized training for McAllen manufacturing companies, and is intended to help companies grow and become more efficient, productive and ultimately help the economy here by doing so.”

Customized training involves over 300 courses at STC that have been tailored for the needs of local industry. The strength of the college lies in modifying and customizing these courses, or developing new courses that companies need in order to thrive in the region.

“The city knows that for every investment we have in goods producing industry versus retail, healthcare and others, there is more of a return on that investment in economic output,” Margo said. “The more we invest in local companies, the better the local economy does. So the city is actually getting this money back indirectly in terms of increased wages or job promotions as a result.”

For more information or to RSVP for the event, please call (956) 872-6197. For more information about customized training at South Texas College, interested parties can call Carlos Margo at (956) 872-6109 or email at clmargo@southtexascollege.edu.