WESLACO – President George H.W. Bush’s impact is being remembered across the nation.

Long before he led the nation, he had an impact on the Rio Grande Valley.

It all began in the late 60s when there were fewer people, fewer houses and a lot more farmland.

McAllen’s trade zone only existed thanks to 17 local businessmen, along with Bush, a congressman from Houston at that time.

By the time he was elected vice president of the U.S., the first foreign trade zone opened in Hidalgo County in 1972, paving the way for a regional manufacturing boom in the 80s.

In 1988, he was elected to serve as the 41st president of the U.S.

After taking office, he aimed to improve the economy by signing the final draft of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

KRGV’s Kristine Galvan has more on the transformations, improvements and accomplishments Bush was able to achieve throughout his career.

Watch the video above for the full story.