For the past10 years ago, Blas Castaneda has been a driving force behind the success of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative. The NAAMREI Core Leadership Team recognized him for his contributions following a strategic planning forum held Oct. 20 at The University of Texas-Pan American.
Blas Castaneda, center, is recognized for his service to the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative. Presenting him with a plaque are Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, NAAMREI chair, and Wanda Garza, NAAMREI executive officer.
Castaneda, chief external affairs and special projects officer for Laredo Community College, recently announced his retirement after almost 40 years of service to the college.
Paying tribute to Castaneda were NAAMREI Chair and UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, and Wanda Garza of South Texas College, who serves as NAAMREI executive officer.
“Blas has been a driving force behind the economic transformation of the Rio South Texas region,” Garza said. “He helped foster a collaborative spirit that is attracting global investments and positioning the region as a world leader in logistics and supply chain, and rapid response and advanced manufacturing.”
Nelsen echoed Garza’s praise of Castaneda and thanked him for his representation of the college and the Laredo community.
Laredo’s education, government and economic development entities are part of the seven county NAAMREI network, a consortium of more than 60 border partners in business, education, economic development, industry, finance and government. The partners are focused on creating a regional infrastructure for advanced and rapid response manufacturing.
Castaneda told the group that his work in the Rio South Texas region is not finished. He will become a consultant after retiring from the college and wants to remain active in helping the region grow.