Building Tomorrow's Texas: The impact of economic development organizations across the state

BY BRANDI SMITH

In the vast expanse of the Lone Star State, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that's reshaping the very fabric of Texas communities. Behind this transformation are the dedicated minds of economic development directors and executives, such as Paul Chavez of Seabrook, Rebecca M. Olaguibel of McAllen, Carolyn Gibson of El Campo and Danielle Scheiner of Conroe.

CONROE

Conroe, a city that blends the appeal of a small hometown with the vibrancy of a big city, is making waves under the guidance of Danielle Scheiner, Executive Director of the Conroe Economic Development Council.

Conroe's downtown square beckons with unique restaurants, boutiques and a thriving arts, music and film community. The ongoing redevelopment is reshaping the downtown core, introducing fresh living, working and retail spaces.

“Conroe’s location nestled between a national forest and a state forest along the shoreline of 22,000-acre Lake Conroe make it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream,” said Scheiner. “Great schools, affordable quality housing and an entrepreneurial spirit make it a great place to raise a family or start a business.”

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NHEDC works in collaboration with regional EDOs, chambers of commerce, business and industry, and government agencies and officials to ensure that our region continues to provide value and profitability to businesses seeking to relocate or expand in our region.

NHEDC provides the following services to business and community members:

• Conducting research and providing reports related to demographics, labor force and industry data, and community assessments.

• Business development assistance in collaboration with Lone Star College’s economic development assets.

• Providing a central point of contact for the region and introductions to regional economic development leadership, business and community leaders, and public officials.

LoneStar.edu/EconomicDevelopment/About

Conroe's industrial legacy continues to flourish with strategically designed business parks and a highly skilled workforce. Its prime location along the Texas Triangle, just north of Houston, offers proximity to Port Houston, major metro areas, international airports and prestigious universities, providing logistical advantages and access to top talent.

Key projects include the North Port Logistics Center, a massive speculative distribution center, and extensive greenfield sites. Conroe welcomes industries of the future, with a focus on life sciences, including medical device manufacturing and cell and gene therapy, as well as projects contributing to the circular economy.

“We recently landed three projects in that realm – two dealing with recycled plastic materials being repurposed into pellets or film and one oleochemical project,” Scheiner said.

Investors and developers are enticed by Conroe's performance-based cash incentives, infrastructure grant assistance, and the benefits of being within Foreign Trade Zone #265 and qualifying for the Quadruple Freeport Exemption. The city's pro-business stance and streamlined approval processes further sweeten the deal.

Conroe's remarkable growth story is underscored by accolades, including being named the 7th fastest-growing community in the U.S., a Top 25 Growth City and a Top Boomtown. Renters also favor Conroe, ranking it as the #3 City for Renters based on cost of living, housing quality and amenities. With Scheiner at the helm, Conroe is not just a city on the rise; it's a testament to the boundless economic potential within Texas.

El Campo

El Campo, a charming community with just fewer than 13,000 residents, holds a unique position halfway between Houston and Victoria along US Highway 59/Interstate 69. Its neighborly quality of life and unwavering local support for community businesses are among its standout assets.

“We have a wonderful rural community where residents can find whatever they need at home, but have access to all the big city offerings less than an hour away,” said Carolyn Gibson, Executive Director of the City Development Corporation of El Campo. “Our welcoming, neighborly quality of life is one of our best assets, and the local support for community businesses is unmatched.”

Businesses are flocking to El Campo for several reasons. Record-breaking and consistent sales tax growth demonstrate that new and expanding businesses can thrive here. The city's "Shop Local!" campaign, which has garnered international recognition, has boosted local businesses for eight consecutive years.

“Healthy existing businesses draw interest from developers looking for new locations. Our businesses are our best local cheerleaders!” Gibson said.

El Campo is also witnessing the construction of over 475 multi-family housing units, including a 400-unit Class A apartment complex, further enhancing its appeal.

One notable focus is the Southwest Industrial Gateway Business Park, a 540acre rail-served warehouse park. Infrastructure development, including city water and wastewater services, is in progress.

“The merger between Kansas City Southern Railroad and Canadian Pacific has put El Campo on the map for freight between southern Mexico, through the United States, and coast-to-coast in Canada,” boasted Gibson, adding that with its strategic location and vast acres available for development, the city welcomes distribution centers, warehousing and manufacturing.

Incentives abound for investors and developers. The entirety of Wharton County is designated as a Foreign Trade Zone and there are three Opportunity Zones eligible for New Market Tax Credits. That’s on top of expedited plan review within two weeks, Chapter 380 Agreement policies for various taxes, and an array of incentives from the City Development Corporation that tackle job creation, site improvement and infrastructure assistance grants.

“Workforce recruitment and training are also available through the CDC,” Gibson said. “There are many additional incentives available to businesses through our partnerships with agencies within the State of Texas.”

El Campo embraces managed, sustainable and high-quality growth, with access to a workforce of more than 1,000,000 within a 45-minute drive. The city stands ready to welcome businesses to its vibrant community, offering a promising landscape for economic development.