McAllen Public Utilities opened the second annual Rio Grande Valley Utility Conference with opening remarks from David Garza (Director, Wastewater System), General Manager Mark Vega and City Commissioner Sebi Haddad, who framed the three‑day agenda around potable water, wastewater management, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity and workforce development.

Mark Vega thanked sponsors and exhibitors, called out Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance that has supported water and sewer line replacements in the region and introduced Commissioner Sebi Haddad. Ernie Williams, a long‑serving member of the McAllen Public Utilities board, thanked vendors and noted the event included about 50 exhibitors, saying such gatherings let utilities exchange best practices and strengthen partnerships.

Why it matters: Conference organizers and city officials said regional cooperation and knowledge sharing help prepare systems for population growth, water scarcity and infrastructure needs. The opening emphasized both the unseen nature of utility work and its central role in economic development.

The opening program included the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation; organizers encouraged attendees to use the conference to network, visit exhibitors and follow up on technical sessions scheduled over the next three days.