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DISCOVER GLOBAL SITE LOCATION INDUSTRIES’ CHOOSE TEXAS COMMUNITIES

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DISCOVER GLOBAL SITE LOCATION INDUSTRIES’ CHOOSE TEXAS COMMUNITIES

Texas continues to add successful projects to its economic development portfolio, and Global Site Location Industries (GSLI) continues to spearhead efforts supporting businesses gearing up to expand or relocate operations.

GSLI’s Choose Texas program focuses solely on connecting these expanding or relocating businesses with Texas-specific markets that best meet their project needs and goals without the costs and hassle of traditional site locators. 

The following 11 Texas communities represent GSLI’s latest roundup of Choose Texas partners that offer companies unique opportunities for business – from competitive locations to robust infrastructure and skilled workers.

TexAmericas Center

Known for being a Top Ranked Business Facilities Location in 2021, the Texarkana region’s mixed-used industrial parks offer 3.5 million square feet and 12,000 acres of commercial and industrial property to expanding businesses. From its low operational costs, flexible facility options and access to Texas’ primary freight corridor (Interstate 30), TexAmericas Center brings 150 years of solid economic development experience to support the needs of its current and prospective tenants.

Most recently, TexAmericas Center announced efforts to combat the trucker shortage through a truck training partnership with Texarkana College. Through this partnership, space is offered to support the initiative to beef up the labor pool and continue to meet the increasing demand for drivers. Thanks to TexAmericas Center’s ideal location, students can benefit from the area’s space to practice and access multiple interstates and rail lines. 

“We have tenants who need commercial truck drivers directly or need to make sure raw materials can be brought in and shipped out for finished products,” Scott Norton, CEO and executive director of TexAmericas Center, said recently. “We want to do everything we can to support a trained workforce.”

To learn more, visit texamericascenter.com.

Dumas 

Located in the Texas panhandle, Dumas has a reputation for being one of the busiest and most historical small towns in the Lone Star State. In fact, Dumas was an essential production point for wartime products (including the largest helium deposit in the world) during World War II.

The city’s industrial park, located along the Ports to Plains International Trade Corridor, represents variety and opportunities. Current companies found in Dumas include Frito Lay Area Distribution Center, Equipment Supply Company, Inc. and Specialized Dairy Services. 

Dumas offers expanding or relocating businesses a diverse range of industries to grow among, competitive transportation access points and a proactive approach to workforce development. 

Through its partnership with Amarillo College-Moore County Campus, the city prepares the labor pool with resources relevant to industry needs. The Career Skills & Technical Training Center offers custom-based training to further develop skills needed to support growing businesses. Most recently, Dumas Economic Development Corporation worked with Beach Coders Academy to create a program specifically designed for web development skills and certification.

To learn more, visit dumasedc.org.

Laredo

Best known for its globally-minded business climate, Laredo is home to the No. 1 inland port along the U.S.-Mexico border, Port Laredo. The diverse city is about 150 miles from San Antonio and two hours from Monterrey, Mexico. Laredo represents the third position among the nation’s top five ports, after the Port of Los Angeles (No. 1) and runner-up Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

In terms of international trade, Port Laredo reported $205.88 billion of total global trade last year alone. Mexico, China and Japan are recognized as the top three trading partners of the city, with motor vehicle parts, gasoline/other fuels and diesel engines among top exports and motor vehicle parts, passenger vehicles and tractors among top imports. 

There is an alphabet of transportation options for businesses located in Laredo. From air, water, highways, motor freight, rail, bus, parcel services and trade handling services, the options are equally efficient as they are competitive. 

To learn more, visit laredoedc.org.

Sulphur Springs

Heading northeast, Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County offers a unique blend of small-town history and thriving business environment. The city is located just outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region along Interstate 30. The name Sulphur Springs is self-explanatory of the city’s history. Among the city gems still found there is the city courthouse, originally built in 1895, adding to the area’s traditional flair.

Looking at the business side of things, Sulphur Springs offers a robust and diverse industry presence with companies including Ocean Spray, We Pack Logistics, Aero Space Aluminum and B.E.F. Foods. The city’s advantageous transportation options offer businesses short and main line rail, air and NAFTA corridor access via Interstate 30. Did we mention the city’s municipal airport was named airport of the year? 

Additionally, Sulphur Springs is known for its outstanding academic reputation, bragging state recognition every year since 1999, and preparing its workforce via the Sulphur Springs Higher Education Center. It is clear there is nothing “small” when it comes to doing business there. 

To learn more, visit ss-edc.com.

Lancaster

The “Shining Star of Texas” lives up to its name, particularly when talking business. In 2020, Lancaster took the No. 1 position on Dallas Business Journal’s list of highest value deals by Economic Development Agencies, with an impressive $1.41 billion secured. 

Expanding and relocating businesses can benefit from the city’s competitive job investment consisting of 1,000 jobs by 2023 offering wages between $30,000 and $76,000. Location is everything when deciding on where to grow your company, and Lancaster provides ideal access to rail and multiple interstates within a three-mile radius (including IH20, IH35E and IH45) in addition to Lancaster Regional Airport, Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport all within a 35-minute drive or less. 

Distribution and manufacturing are two driving forces behind the city’s economy with opportunity for artificial intelligence companies, cold storage, food processing & manufacturing and motor vehicle parts. Among Lancaster’s top employers are AT&T, Quaker Oats, Brasscraft, Oncor, LGS Technologies and DSV Logistics. 

To learn more, visit lancaster-tx.com.

Andrews

If you have ever wondered what a successful micropolitan region looks like, the City of Andrews is one of the best examples. Known for being among the fastest-growing micropolitan areas in the state, Andrews was recognized as the fastest-growing county in the nation between 2010 and 2015.

Business development is supported several ways, one of which focuses on advanced training and postsecondary education opportunities through the Andrews Business & Technology Center. A result of a partnership between Odessa College, University of Texas Permian Basin, College of the Southwest and the city and county governments of Andrews, this training center is a prime example of how the area commits to preparing its workers.

The small-but-mighty community is home to companies looking for long-term options. Andrews has been the home of The Kirby Co. since 1972 and currently employs 162 workers. Advance Cooling Towers is another example of longevity in the area, with 20 years of business in Andrews. Salazar Service & Trucking Corp. has more than two decades of business in Andrews while Chemical Service Co., which was originally established in 1967, expanded operations in 2014, adding 15 new jobs over five years.

To learn more, visit andrewstxedc.com

Crockett

Known for being the county seat of the oldest county in the state of Texas (Houston County), Crockett is between Tyler and Houston, east of Waco. Incorporated in 1837 and named after legendary folk hero Davy Crockett, the City of Crockett embodies small-town culture, big business opportunity and a collaborative approach to development. 

Industrial manufacturing is one of the primary economic drivers in Crockett. Among companies currently found there are Elastotech, Quantex, Alloy Polymers and Vulcraft. 

Thanks to the town’s advantageous location, Crockett provides a multimodal transportation channel via: the Union Pacific freight rail; Highways 7, 21, 19 and 287; and DFW International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Crockett Municipal Airport.

To learn more, visit crockettedc.org.

Harlingen

Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is known for its diverse business portfolio and highly competitive access to international markets. In fact, the Port of Harlingen generates $1 billion in economic activity via import and export activity alone.

And we must point out the robust infrastructure available for businesses. Multiple telecommunications and fiber optic services, 15 electricity providers, natural gas & propane, and high-quality water/sewer make a critical difference for businesses located here.

The city consists of 3,545 establishments and a labor force of 33,482. Among top employers, those in education, healthcare, technology and manufacturing take the lead in Harlingen. Companies such as L&F Distributors, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Penn Aluminum International LLC and United Launch Alliance are all found there.

To learn more, visit harlingenedc.com.

Sunnyvale

Known for offering expanding and relocating companies a “business climate that shines,” Sunnyvale is east of Dallas, slightly northeast of Mesquite and within the DFW market, approximately 36 miles from DFW International Airport. 

Manufacturing, warehouse & distribution and healthcare sectors can all be found in Sunnyvale, with other sectors sprinkled in. Healthcare and social services, construction, administrative and support services and retail are the leading industries. Among the city’s major employers are Texas Regional Medical Center, Dal-Tile and FedEx Distribution. 

Sunnyvale’s labor force stands at 4,828 employees among 484 establishments

To learn more, visit townofsunnyvale.us.

Clyde

If you have not already caught on to the vast number of small towns driving business in Texas, the City of Clyde should do just that. This small and highly charming town started with the building of a log cabin sometime around 1876 before people from Fort Worth would become the first to officially settle in Clyde.

A mix of public-private employers make up the business roster. A unique aspect of the city is that it is the opposite of what one would find in an unpredictable business environment. This city takes pride in the stability of its major employers and a quality of life-focused approach to business development.

Air, highway and rail access provide ideal logistics for companies seeking immediate access to multiple transportation options. Additionally, Clyde’s workforce and low operating costs support businesses looking for a competitive edge.

To learn more, visit clyde-tx.gov.

Paris 

Last, but certainly not least, is the City of Paris, a.k.a. “The Best Small Town in Texas.” Paris is where one can find that classic small town feel without compromising opportunities for business. 

Healthcare leads the industries in this town, with Paris Regional Medical Center and multiple outpatient facilities. The town’s 200-acre industrial park is another significant asset, offering several shovel-ready options. 

Served by the Kiamichi Short Line Railroad Co. and the host of Cox Field, Paris offers a variety of competitive transportation options, including multiple motor freight carriers. Looking for competitive wages and a skilled industrial labor shed? Paris has those, too.

To learn more, visit parisedc.com.

business

Why these Elite Lone Star State Cities are Right for Your Business

When it comes to site selection, there are a lot of big choices to be made. From locating a city with a business-friendly environment to selecting the perfect site to build your business, it can be hard to find a place that has everything you need if you go it alone. But that’s not a problem when you “Choose Texas.” The Choose Texas program wants to help you make the easiest choice you’ll ever make: to choose to relocate or expand in the Lone Star State.

The Choose Texas program helps new or expanding businesses looking to relocate in the state by introducing them to cities or towns that match their individual needs. Always free for businesses, the Choose Texas program can help with locating incentives, finding properties and getting valuable facetime with local economic development professionals. For more than 25 years, the team at Choose Texas has been helping new and expanding businesses relocate to Texas, all the while helping grow the economy within the state. 

Whether you’re already considering a move to Texas or are just beginning your site selection journey, these Texas communities are eager to tell you why Choosing Texas is right for your business.

CENTRAL TEXAS

Belton

Located along the I-35 corridor between Waco and Austin, Belton has a population of just under 22,000 and access to a regional population of over 450,000. With current major industries that include military, government, manufacturing, retail, agriculture and medical, the Belton area boasts a young, skilled workforce that is perfect for shift and part-time labor. Belton is also close to Fort Hood, the largest U.S. Army training post in the country, with more than 900 retiring soldiers each month—many of whom elect to remain in the Belton area after discharge.

Ana Borchardt, director of Business Expansion and Retention for the Belton Economic Development Corp., cites the hospitable climate in Texas among the many things that make it prime for incoming businesses. “In most parts of the state, the climate allows for higher productivity, housing costs are mostly below the national average, and the people are friendly,” explains Borchardt. “In addition, the Texas hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and the Gulf Coast shoreline offer many outdoor recreational opportunities.” Belton is no exception. With its captivating scenery, highly rated schools and low crime-rate, the city is poised to welcome a variety of incoming businesses.

Mexia

Located along US 84 in the heart of the “Texas Triangle,” Mexia is just 90 miles south of the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, and it connects to San Antonio, Houston and Austin via state and interstate highways, making it an ideal distribution hub. In fact, you can reach 93 percent of the U.S. population within 48 hours of Mexia.

Additionally, Mexia boasts a skilled workforce, with access to a more than 40-mile-wide labor pool of over 85,000 workers. Mexia workers excel in manufacturing, customer service administration and distribution, and local workforce training programs such as the Texas Workforce CommissionHeart of Texas Workforce and the Skills Development Fund can assist with training the next generation of employees for incoming businesses.

Click here to listen to their latest podcast.

NORTH TEXAS

Bowie

Just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area in the famed Red River Valley area of Texas sits Bowie. Positioned at the crossroads of US 81, US 287 and TX 59, Bowie is just 90 minutes from downtown Dallas, an hour from Fort Worth and under an hour from Wichita Falls. With a variety of available properties and workforce development programs at the ready, Bowie can help your incoming business get off the ground running. 

A designated 4A and 4B sales tax community, Bowie offers incoming businesses a one-stop-shop for economic development. The city of just over 5,500 provides site selectors with a lower cost of doing business, along with highly rated schools, excellent healthcare and a thriving business community.

Corsicana

Located 58 miles south of downtown Dallas, Corsicana has made a name for itself, especially in the food manufacturing industries. Formerly the home of Wolf Chili, Corsicana today boasts the Collin Street Bakery, a famous fruitcake bakery, and Russell Stover. It is also where distribution centers for retail giants like Kohl’s and Home Depot are located. Though the city is outside of the traffic and congestion of its neighbors, thanks to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area Corsicana benefits from the convenience and access to the city but provides businesses and residents with lower operational costs than the big city. 

Commercial flyers are just one hour away from DFW International airport, and those looking for cargo airports are within 75 minutes of Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Just 200 miles from the Port of Houston and 230 from the Port of Beaumont, Corsicana is convenient to ocean freight terminals. It is also accessible by rail, with service from the Union Pacific and Burlington North Santa Fe railroads. It is also just over 30 minutes to the Union Pacific Dallas Intermodal Terminal.

TexAmericas Center

The New Boston, Texas-based TexAmericas Center is one of the largest industrial centers in the Americas. Located just 15 miles west of Texarkana, the center boasts 12,000 acres with 3,000,000 square feet of industrial space, and it is the lowest aggregate mile location in Texas to reach the North American market.

TexAmericas Center Executive Vice President Eric Voyles believes businesses should Choose Texas because of the state’s diverse economy “where many industries can flourish.” According to Voyles, his center prides itself on working with small to medium-sized companies that may not have otherwise gotten a chance—and helping them flourish in a competitive marketplace. “We know these companies are growing and need to move quickly,” says Voyles. “They have opportunity NOW, and our focus is on providing speed-to-market real estate solutions. The match is perfect, and TexAmericas Center has developed a niche of meeting the needs of these often-overlooked employers.”

That’s a sentiment that Voyles says rings true throughout Texas and the Choose Texas partners. “Texas and many of its communities have invested in themselves in order to make choosing the right location less risky, especially when it comes to workforce development decisions. TexAmericas Center prides itself on being a ‘can-do’ company. We actively challenge the companies we work with to ask us to help solve their business problems.” 

 Cedar Hill

Just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill is a rising star in the economic development marketplace. Cedar Hill offers incoming businesses low taxes, low costs of living and a skilled workforce of more than 1 million people within a 30-minute commute. Cedar Hill hosts over 3 million square feet of retail and class-A office space, all without the cost and congestion of larger nearby cities.

Andy Buffington, Marketing and Research manager with the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corp., says site selectors should bring their businesses to Texas because the of the state’s reputation as a growth leader, especially when it comes to business incentives. “It’s estimated the state spends 1.3 percent of its GDP on business incentives,” says Buffington. “Texas also offers a variety of non-profit and government-backed programs for assisting small businesses with funding, coupled with the fact that neither corporate nor personal income tax are put on enterprise.”

DeSoto

Not far south from downtown Dallas, DeSoto is a uniquely poised city with the benefits of access to the big city and major highways, but without the higher cost of doing business in a metropolitan area. DeSoto currently has more than 400 acres of shovel-ready land, and 93 percent of U.S. markets are within two days or less via truck from the city of just over 56,000. With 90 percent of DeSoto’s workforce holding a high school diploma or higher, it’s no wonder that the city boasts a low 5 percent unemployment rate for its labor force of nearly 30,000. In fact, DeSoto’s labor force is growing faster than the national average.

 Joe Newman, CEO of the DeSoto Economic Development Corp., believes that the labor force and partnerships with organizations such as the Texas Workforce Commission are just a few of the key reasons businesses are so eager to call Texas home. That, coupled with a little help from their friends. “Oftentimes large companies see what their peers in other industries are doing and inquire as to why that firm moved,” Newman says. “Most often it is logistics or workforce, and most communities offer attractive incentives to justify such a move. As more and more companies move to Texas, it causes a synergy that attracts others.”

GULF COAST

 Brazoria County

One of the fastest-growing counties in Texas is home to the Brazoria County Alliance, an organization that was formed to “promote and diversify” the county’s economic base and attract high-wage jobs. 

Located in the southeast part of the state in the Houston statistical area, Brazoria County has a population of more than 313,000.

 Matagorda County

Beautiful Matagorda County is halfway between Galveston and Corpus Christi and just 65 miles from the Houston metropolitan area. The county boasts a population of more than 36,000 with a total workforce population of over 18,000. The average household income of Matagorda County residents is $40,860, and the major industries include education, healthcare, farming, ranching, seafood, petroleum, manufacturing, pipeline and production among others.

The county, which is part of a growing energy cluster, is seeking retail and residential partners to help fill the growing needs for the workforce of the future and for the tourism industry for beachfront needs. The county is home to the Port of Palacios, which boasts one of the largest shrimping fleets in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Port of Bay City, which is home to a terminal turning basin and includes a modern concrete dock, metal shed and liquid cargo dock. With a 200-foot-wide channel and an average depth of 12 feet, the Port Turning Basin and Terminal Facility are conveniently located 15 miles from the Colorado River locks at the ICW.

EAST TEXAS

Grapeland/Crockett

Named for the legendary David Crockett, who is said to have camped in the town on his way to The Alamo, Crockett, Texas is the Houston County seat. Today, the storied town of 23,000 is more than just a stop along the way; it’s home to a thriving community with industries ranging from manufacturing to logistics.

In fact, Grapeland/Crockett is in an ideal position for your business’ logistics needs of the future. With projected area growth of 25 million more people to the Texas Triangle area in the next 30 years, Grapeland/Crockett provides a low traffic impact that will likely avoid the bottlenecks and traffic congestion that is projected for other nearby areas. Plus, with its proximity to highways US 287, TX 19 and Highways 21, 7 and 9, it has access all its own.

Mount Pleasant

Located in Titus County, Mount Pleasant has a population of 32,000. Thanks to its proximity to major transportation routes, the community owes much of its success to the transportation industry as well as the people working behind the scenes to ensure that sector’s success.

 Also known for its timber and poultry industries, Mount Pleasant is currently working to expand its workforce repertoire through a partnership between the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corp. and the local community college system. Called the Manufacturing Technology Training Center, this workforce education program trains students in entrepreneurial skills that will help ensure Mount Pleasant remains a leader in Texas business for years to come.

WEST TEXAS

Floydada

Located in Floyd County, Floydada is known as the Pumpkin Capital of Texas. With high premiums on education, Floydada is the only city in the state that has the honor of their schools being Apple Computers’ distinguished schools. 

Floydada also has many free workforce training programs for residents that are run through the Floydada Professional Development Center and the Floydada Economic Development Corporation. Employers can even request financial assistance to train workers through the Skills Development Fund and the Self-Sufficiency Fund as administered by the Texas Workforce Commission

Seminole

Located at the northern portion of the Permian Basin and along the southern portion of the agricultural South Plains of Texas, Seminole is best known for its agriculture and oil and steel production. The town has a highly skilled workforce with expertise in fields ranging from metal and woodworking to carpentry and construction.  

A family-oriented community, Seminole also boasts a low crime rate and diverse business community.

Andrews

A city experiencing tremendous transformation, Andrews was initially built on oil and has since become one of the “most progressive” communities in West Texas, diversifying its portfolio of businesses in recent years. “Andrews is in the middle of the shale oil boom and we provide a great location for companies to set up business and serve clients all over the Permian Basin,” says Morse Haynes, executive director of Economic Development for Andrews.

 With significant investments in the city and education system, Andrews is now a modernized community poised to take on new businesses, but with expertise in everything from manufacturing to energy to chemicals. It is that very investment in the Texas workforce that Haynes believes is what sets the state apart from other states. “Texas has over 14 million productive workers along with top-notch schools that continue to grow our workforce,” he says. That, combined with the world’s most diverse economy, “provides job opportunities and a quality of life second to none.”

 Stamford

Part of the Rolling Plains area of Texas, Stamford has a population of just over 3,000 people. Located along US Highway 277, the small town has a strong economy in agriculture and natural resources.

Named in 1900 for the Stamford, Connecticut, birthplace of Central Texas Railroad President Henry King McHarg, the town today boasts a convenient location that is desirable to incoming businesses. Just 41 miles north of Abilene, and fewer than 150 miles west of Fort Worth, Stamford is close to both DFW International airport and the DFW Metroplex. It is also under 150 miles southeast of Lubbock.

Dumas

Located in Moore County, Dumas is halfway between Dallas and Denver, Colorado, and just 45 miles north of Amarillo. With just over 14,691 people, Dumas has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., and it leads the state in retail growth. Dumas counts as major industries beef slaughtering, chemicals, gas and oil. 

The city places a high premium on education, with a branch of Amarillo College located in town as well as the North Plains Opportunity Center, a training center for  at-risk students and continuing education.

Check out their GT Podcast here. 

NORTHWEST TEXAS 

 Amarillo

The largest city in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is the 14th most populous city in the state, with a population of approximately 276,000 in its metropolitan area. Amarillo boasts a young, educated and non-unionized labor force that grew by more than 15 percent from 2000 to 2011. 

Amarillo prides itself on being able to match incoming businesses with valuable incentives and a skilled workforce, and it offers a number of workforce training programs.

Canadian-Hemphill County

Referred to as the “Oasis of the High Plains,” Canadian-Hemphill County is situated on the Oklahoma border. Founded in 1876, the county was named for Judge John Hemphill. The name Canadian comes from the Canadian River, a nearby tributary of the Arkansas River. Though Canadian-Hemphill County has a population of fewer than 11,000 people, it has a lot to offer incoming businesses, including available land, incentives and access to workforce training programs. 

“Simply put, Texas is open for business,” says Shane Spencer, executive director at the Canadian Hemphill County Economic Development Corporation. “Its lower tax rates and lack of personal income tax make Texas great for employers.” And that includes smaller communities, like Canadian-Hemphill County. “Texas consistently has a growing economy,” Spencer says. “It is such a huge state, there is plenty of room to grow and also to reuse sites for new companies.”

 With connections to nearby highways such as US 60, US 83 and Highway 33, Canadian-Hemphill County is well connected to the rest of Texas and Oklahoma. “Texas has a huge interstate system and roads that are built to carry those across the country,” says Spencer. “The Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston areas can support global sized companies with large amounts employees, and our other towns and cities can play host to smaller ones.”

But don’t let the size of those smaller cities and towns fool you. As Spencer notes, smaller infrastructure doesn’t equate to slower service. “Companies continue to take advantage of Texas’ business climate because of ease and speed of getting a company up and running. Also, infrastructure is always growing to allow expansion of businesses.” Ultimately, Spencer believes when it comes down to it, it’s the people of Texas that make doing business there so much better than anywhere else. “When your employees are happy, the company performs well. Companies have discovered that there are a lot of happy workers in Texas!”

Click here to listen to their GT Podcast.

Shamrock

The first Route 66-city in Texas upon eastern approach, Shamrock is home to not just the famous historic U-Drop Inn but to a vibrant, thriving West Texas community. Located at the intersections of I-40 (Route 66) and 83, the city of just under 2,000 residents is a well-connected cultural hub in the Panhandle, with landmarks, museums and a famous St. Patrick’s Day festival that is so big it’s considered the official St. Patrick’s Day Celebration of the State of Texas.

With more than 600 hotel rooms, the city is well equipped to handle tourism and visiting business guests. It is also a notable hunting community. Shamrock is just 90 minutes from Amarillo (along I-40), three hours to Lubbock and about two-and-a-half hours to Oklahoma City.

SOUTH TEXAS

Harlingen

Located in the Rio Grande Valley, along the border of Mexico, Harlingen, was recently named the No. 1 Least Expensive Urban Area in the U.S. by the Council for Community and Economic Research. Though not a household name, Harlingen has become somewhat of a “best kept secret,” with an economic climate that’s heating up as the city continues to attract more businesses thanks to its proximity to the border. But besides location, Harlingen offers incentives and workforce training programs from South Texas that make it a bargain for many incoming businesses.

“Texas is so appealing to many people because of our diversity in climate, culture, geography and much more,” says Raudel Garza, the manager and CEO of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. “Our workforce training partners such as Texas State Technical College, with campuses throughout the state, work locally to help solve labor requirements for companies. Local utility companies along with the Texas Department of Transportation invest in Texas to improve access to electricity, clean water, great highways, rail and so much more. Texas has everything a growing company needs to succeed, from a young trainable diverse workforce to easy access to markets.”

But, according to Garza, the reason businesses are flocking to Texas is that the state has more to offer than just business incentives. “Texans enjoy all the amenities of both big city life and country living,” he explains “Large companies know about our standard of living and they understand that Texas is drawing people in because of all they can do here—not only during work hours but also when one is at home or nearby at play. Companies want a reliable labor force, and Texas provides all the amenities such a labor force wants, thus keeping people happy and productive.”

Orange County

Located in the southeast corner of Texas, Orange County has a population of more than 81,000. Orange County’s major industries include petroleum, rice farming, shrimping, paper milling and recently, shipbreaking. The county provides workers with training programs and opportunities to help advance skills zero in on the specific industries that help the county thrive. Orange County is home to a workforce of 39,824 workers, with an unemployment rate of just 5.5 percent.

With its convenient border location, Orange County is close to navigable waterways, major railways, interstate highways and the Louisiana border. As for air travel, Orange County has access to 18 airports within 50 miles, including Orange County Airport and Lake Charles Regional Airport in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

SOUTHWEST TEXAS

Boerne-Kendall County

With a growing population that currently exceeds 46,000, Boerne-Kendall County is projected to expand by 24 percent over the next five years. The seventh fastest growing county in the U.S., and the third fastest growing in Texas, Boerne-Kendall County is already home to a vast multi-skilled, multi-cultural workforce with above average levels of education. Boerne-Kendall County workers have a strong background in biosciences, aerospace, cybersecurity, renewable energy, military and more.

The county is also conveniently located just 10 miles north of San Antonio, and it is central to numerous highways that lead to the Dallas and Austin metropolitan areas, as well as the Texas coast. Within 50 miles of Boerne-Kendall County, there are 25 colleges, universities and trade schools that provide a population of nearly 150,000 college students, who add new energy to the pool of approximately 387,000 workers that already call Boerne-Kendall County home.

WEST CENTRAL TEXAS

Leander

Ranked by Forbes magazine as No. 3 in America for the Best Small Cities for Families, Leander is a northwest suburb of Austin that was also named the Fastest Growing City in the Nation with a population of over 15,000 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Leander has all the benefits of doing business in Austin without the high overhead and traffic. Leander has its own commuter rail, a lower cost of living and an award-winning education system that consistently ranks high in Texas’ STAAR testing. The city is poised to welcome not just new businesses but a new workforce, too. With more than 14,000 new housing units expected to be built within the next decade, this dynamic community is prepared to welcome you and your business.

To learn more about doing business in Texas and how the Choose Texas team can aid in finding a new location for your expanding or relocating business, visit www.Choose-Texas.com to register your project or request information.