Overview
- Port San Antonio CEO Jim Perschbach will chair the 11-member ESAG, which includes leaders from Texas Biomed, Southwest Research Institute, AI startup Forward Edge AI, drone firm Darkhive and retired military officers.
- The group will meet quarterly to advise on workforce training, capacity assessments, company attraction and retention, and input on potential bond-funded infrastructure and economic agreements.
- Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, Councilmember Misty Spears and several ESAG members depart March 14 for a week in Taiwan for meetings with government officials and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association.
- The delegation will also attend the Smart City Summit & Expo as San Antonio pitches its strengths in defense-linked talent, advanced manufacturing and a major cybersecurity footprint.
- City leaders cite Military City USA credentials, an estimated 99,000 residents with advanced manufacturing experience and Texas–Taiwan trade ties reported at $25.6 billion in 2024 as competitive advantages.