Michael Blum has resided in the Rio Grande Valley since 1972 and has been at the forefront of critical thinking for over five decades, envisioning the future and bringing major ventures to fruition throughout the region. Known as an aggregator and interpreter of intelligent market data, he was selected as SIDC's "Volunteer Industrial Developer of the Year" in October 1988 and as "Easter Seals Humanitarian of the Year" in October 2013 for his service to the organization and the community.As a former City Planner, Assistant City Manager, elected official, and strategic planner, Michael has been actively involved in promoting the development of the South Texas Border Region. He has provided a wide array of planning, real estate, and development consulting services to businesses, industries, and governments.Specialties: Explaining comprehensive data gathered and interpreted regarding strategic regional economic information.Real estate focus on land, retail, office, and industrial sales and leasing.Michael’s nationally recognized clients include Brookfield Opportunity Fund, Sharp Electronics, JVC, First Hartford Realty, and Hagar Pacific Properties, among others. His primary market is the McAllen MSA, the 5th fastest-growing MSA in the U.S. and number 1 in Retail Sales per Household in Texas. His market area also includes Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Starr counties.