Focused on the Future

By Amanda Powell

The Lufkin Economic Development Corporation recently announced the approval of several new economic incentive grants given to corporations that are growing Angelina County. Expanding the tax base, creating good jobs, and developing global exposure are benefits of bringing in new corporations.

"LEDC wants to create long-term generational jobs," said Lufkin EDC Director Bob Samford, and he works to grow economic development in Angelina County saying, "The decisions we make now will benefit future generations." Celebrating his 4th year in the position Samford is optimistic about the pace for economic growth in East Texas.

Texas Star Industrial Manufacturing, Gattefosse, and Jefferson Energy all chose Lufkin for expansion where they will have capital investments of over $250 million and bring in over 200 full-time jobs, with an additional 200 plus construction jobs.

Since 2018 LEDC has helped bring in companies that have create approximately 500 jobs and brought in over $400 million in potential capital investment. "We want to position Lufkin as a leader in economic development in East Texas," Samford said. Most companies are looking for an available workforce and our area can draw from a 12-county region, making Lufkin and Angelina County prime locations for corporations.

LEDC collaborates with the Workforce Center of Deep East Texas, County Judge Keith Wright, Lufkin City Mayor Mark Hicks, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Tara WatsonWatkins, and Angelina College to achieve goals of making Lufkin and Angelina County an ecosystem of employment.

Working to assist in creating long-term generational jobs is one reason Samford created the Texas Association of Foreign Trade Zone where Bob serves as President. The mission of the TAFTZ is "to educate businesses and communities in Texas on the value of the Foreign Trade Zones program through Grantee membership while working with zone users, operators, and administrators to grow activity and create the best Foreign Trade Zone environment in the Country."

There are 33 foreign-trade zones in Texas and Samford's goal is working to bring them all together. Currently, on the TAFTZ executive committee, there are individuals from the Port of Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Port of El Paso, and the Port of Houston.

Having the foreign trade zone, bringing in new corporations, and creating an environment for future growth are important as LEDC works to create as many jobs as possible in the community and East Texas.