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GVEC and Base Power Expand Partnership to Full Service Territory, Delivering 50 MW of Residential Battery Capacity

Monday, April 13, 2026

April 13th, 2026Media Contact: press@basepowercompany.comAUSTIN, TEXAS, April 13th, 2026 — GVEC and Base Power today announced a significant expansion of their residential battery program, bringing affordable, whole-home backup power to households across GVEC's entire service territory. After successful completion of a 2 MW pilot, the program has now expanded to 50 MW. The partnership with Base Power helps GVEC maintain reliable service as the region grows while giving members a lower-cost alternative to traditional backup solutions.“Our priority is ensuring our members continue to receive reliable, affordable power,” said Darren Schauer, GVEC General Manager and CEO. “The initial rollout demonstrated how...

Designed to Thrive

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Schertz, TX is building a community to benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike.Thoughtful economic development, infrastructure investment, and quality-of-life enhancements can work together to create a lasting impact for a community. Schertz is a classic example, as it builds momentum by investing in the places and amenities that support long-term growth.With new retail destinations and expanded parks, trails, and sports facilities, the city’s recent progress reflects a balanced approach to growth that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses alike. “Economic development is about more than attracting projects,” said Amy Madison, Deputy Director of Economic Development at Schertz Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “When...

Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum

Friday, October 03, 2025

We at Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) are proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, taking place October 7–8, 2025, in Gonzales, Texas, at the JB Wells Event Center.This national forum is designed specifically for rural communities and will feature nationally recognized experts and practitioners, as well as a special regional panel: Logistics: The Foundation for a Thriving Community. Attendees will explore key topics such as planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, rural tourism, sustainability, business retention & expansion, communications, retail development, talent strategies, and more.The event promises engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and outstanding...

Saddles and Soul: Circle Y Rides On in the Heart of Texas

Monday, September 08, 2025

In the small Texas town of Yoakum, the sound of tools on leather has been part of daily life for almost 100 years. No one knows that more keenly than local saddle-maker, Circle Y Saddles, home to generations of craftsmen and women who proudly pass down their skills and artistry of saddlemaking. It’s a craft that connects past to present, preserving the town’s identity in every hand-tooled detail.In the GVEC region, Yoakum is a town built by ranchers, saddle-makers and leatherworkers. Located about 90 minutes east of San Antonio and two hours west of Houston, Yoakum offers a unique blend...

The oldest pharmacy in Texas

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

From its beginnings in a tent beside a sandy street in Indianola to its current location on the main highway through Cuero, Reuss Pharmacy has been serving Texas residents since 1845. And now, after 180 years, the company that currently owns Reuss has closed the doors for good on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 11:00 a.m.For decades, it was a place where locals could not only get their prescriptions filled, they could buy medical devices, medical supplies, over-thecounter medications, gifts and cards. Cueroites could count on windows being decorated for the various holidays and with Go Gobbler slogans during football season.Click...

USDA Expands Efforts to Strengthen Rural Food Animal Veterinary Workforce and Protect America’s Food Supply

Thursday, August 28, 2025

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a commitment to new actions (PDF, 1.2 MB) to increase the number of rural food animal veterinarians across the U.S. and recruit new veterinarians to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in their role to protect American ranchers, animals, and our food supply.Secretary Rollins also announced two awardees of the Veterinary Services Grant Program which will allow for expanded capabilities to serve livestock producers in rural Mississippi and opened a new consolidated USDA office with the Rural Development, the Farm Service Agency, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau in line with...

What the Texas Stock Exchange Means for Business Leaders and Investors

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Texas has long been known as a national leader in job creation, energy production, and entrepreneurship. Now, it is taking another bold step forward in expanding its role as a financial powerhouse with the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). Headquartered in Dallas, the TXSE is set to shift the landscape for business leaders and investors by creating a new, competitive venue to raise capital and invest in regional growth.Backed by financial giants including BlackRock, Citadel Securities, Charles Schwab, and Fortress, the TXSE aims to begin trading in 2026 and promises to bring Wall Street energy to the Lone...

Economic Development and the Tourism Industry in 2024–2025

Monday, August 25, 2025

The Powerhouses Driving GrowthIn today’s dynamic economic landscape, tourism has emerged as a robust engine for local, state, and national growth. Over the last two years, particularly in the period from 2024 to 2025, the industry has not only rebounded from global disruptions but has also reinvented its strategic role in driving economic development. From innovations in digital marketing and infrastructure investments to the resurgence of domestic travel and spectator events, tourism now occupies a central place in policy planning and community revitalization. This article explores the multifaceted contributions of tourism to economic development during this period, examines emerging trends,...

Wagner’s Hardware & Gifts celebrates 80 years of serving Cuero, Texas

Monday, August 18, 2025

The Wagner family has been meeting the hardware needs of Cuero and the surrounding communities for 80 years with Wagner’s Hardware & Gifts. Over the decades, they have strived to maintain the historical integrity of their building and store while diversifying their product lines to incorporate the needs of more shoppers and visitors. Reed and Beverly Wagner have helmed the enterprise together since 1989 and have been celebrating 80 in a big way – with an $80 gift voucher giveaway to customers each month. With the holidays approaching, even more surprises are in store.The beginning of a legacy Wagner Hardware was...

Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.6 Million In Career Training Grants For South Texas Schools

Friday, August 08, 2025

Governor Greg Abbott today announced seven Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,692,417 have been awarded to seven schools in South Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 482 students for high-demand occupations as nurses, electricians, mechanics, and more.“Texas continues to support career and technical training programs to ensure young Texans have the tools necessary to be competitive in high-demand industries,” said Governor Abbott. “The over $1.6 million in job training grants will help prepare...

Rural Excellence: How Small Communities Can Seize Big Opportunities

Wednesday, August 06, 2025

Rural America is having a moment. Policymakers and business leaders increasingly see the heartland as indispensable to the nation’s future health and prosperity.What are the unique strengths of rural communities? What are their most pressing needs? And how can rural communities across the U.S. position themselves as viable destinations for economic investment?Earlier this year, Guild members Dennis Donovan, Tess Fay, John Longshore, Alexandra Segers and Chad Sweeney came together for a panel at the Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference in March 2025 to address these questions and more.Click here to read the original article from the Site Selectors Guild.

Be the Spark in Your Community: Apply for the GVEC Power Up Grant

Tuesday, August 05, 2025

Community-powered movements are often the most sustainable and satisfying. The GVEC Power Up Grant Program has turned small donations into improved safety, access, education, and quality of life across its service area for over a decade.The deadline for the next cycle of applications is fast approaching - August 15 at 5:00 p.m. - so don’t delay! Whether launching a community garden, renovating a public space, improving accessibility, or investing in life-saving equipment, Power Up can help bring your plan across the finish line.“In our eyes, it doesn’t matter how big or small; the value to the community is the true...

Local park on its way to getting a total makeover

Friday, July 11, 2025

More major upgrades are coming to Seguin’s Manuel Castilla Park.The park, located at the corner of Guadalupe and Martindale streets, recently received a new large pavilion — thanks to the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.Parks and Recreation Director Jack Jones says that partnership with the leadership class has sparked some additional improvements to be made soon by the city.Jones says the park will get a totally new playground, which will replace an outdated and undersized playscape currently in place.Click here to view the original article.

How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Protecting Their Brand and Building Wealth — And How You Can Too

Thursday, July 03, 2025

Every year, more professionals take the leap into entrepreneurship, and more often than not, they're forming LLCs to do it. According to the IRS, LLCs made up 72.7% of all partnerships in 2022, far surpassing other entity types for the last two decades.Why? LLCs combine the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity and flexibility of a sole proprietorship. But those aren't the only reasons they've become the go-to structure for startups, solo professionals, and even families looking to preserve generational wealth. Here's why the LLC continues to gain momentum — and what that signals for the evolving business...

Planning for the Future: How Texas Is Securing Energy and Water Resources for Growth

Thursday, July 03, 2025

With a population surging past 31 million and the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas is experiencing an unprecedented wave of industrial growth. This expansion is powered in part by the state’s unmatched energy output — Texas produces nearly a quarter of all U.S. energy, more than any other state. While this growth brings jobs, investment, and innovation, it also places new demands on the infrastructure that underpins the Lone Star State’s economic momentum.Texas’s Bold Response to Energy and Water DemandsBooming sectors like tech, manufacturing, and logistics are driving sharp increases in Texas’ energy use, placing growing pressure on grid...

Governor Abbott Announces Governor’s Small Business Summit In Rockport-Fulton

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the next 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be held in Rockport-Fulton on July 10. Held throughout the year and in regions across the state, the Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of Texas' vibrant communities,” said Governor Abbott. “From family-owned shops to innovative startups, more than 3.3 million small businesses across our state fuel job creation and drive our...

Major projects across the state in June

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

From the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, TxDOT continues to push forward on major infrastructure projects aimed at keeping Texas connected, safe and moving into the future. Here’s a look back at groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for projects across the state in June.MidlandA significant traffic shift is underway in Midland as the long-awaited Midkiff and Cotton Flat bridge projects near completion along Interstate 20. Beginning Saturday, July 13, traffic will be rerouted onto newly constructed bridges, allowing drivers to pass over Midkiff Road and Cotton Flat Road.Demolition of the previous structures began in mid-2023. Crews have been working around...

Baker Boys BBQ makes Texas Monthly honorable mention list for 2025

Friday, June 06, 2025

The competition to be recognized as one of the “best of the best” Texas barbecue joints by Texas Monthly has heated up faster than a propane grill in Hank Hill’s experienced hands.For the 2025 edition of this quadrennial list, TM barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and his staff of taste testers went to more restaurants than ever before — 319 stands, smokehouses, shacks or pits, to be exact.And while Gonzales’ own Baker Boys BBQ didn’t reach quite the same heights it did in 2017 and 2021 — when the restaurant was named one of the Top 50 spots in the Lone...

Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. named best BBQ joint in the state by Texas Monthly

Friday, June 06, 2025

James Beard-nominated pitmasters draw praise for ribs, brisketSAN ANTONIO – Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. landed at the top of Texas Monthly’s list of 50 best barbecue joints in the Lone Star State.Texas Monthly, which released its list on Tuesday, praised Burnt Bean pitmasters David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes for their weekend-only rib dishes, plus their brisket, turkey and sausage.The restaurant’s bourbon peach cobbler taco dessert and its ambiance, reminiscent of “a museum of small-town Texas,” were also noted. (Read the full review here.)This isn’t the first time Burnt Bean has earned high praise from respected outlets.Continue reading the full article...

Central Texas mineral springs spa unveils 5 new pools, modern look

Thursday, June 05, 2025

On June 1, Ottine Mineral Springs in Gonzales will officially re-open to the public, unveiling a massive renovation to the historic site about an hour and 15 minutes from Austin. Until recently, this 40-acre property was home to just two private mineral-fed pools, but now this sprawling land is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more.The scale of Ottine Mineral Springs' glow-up is hard to comprehend, so CultureMap made a little day trip out to the property to experience everything it has to offer and get...

USDA Statement on Releasing Much Needed Disaster Aid for Farmers

Wednesday, June 04, 2025

U.S. Department of Agriculture Director of Communications Seth W. Christensen today released a statement calling out Congressional Democrats for politicizing disaster aid for farmers in need across the country:“Congressional Democrats are playing politics with disaster aid, withholding critical funding from farmers to manufacture controversy and blame the Trump Administration—when in reality, they’re pushing to misuse taxpayer dollars.Secretary Rollins is working in good faith to deliver relief quickly and responsibly. USDA has met weekly with eligible states, offering flexible options and clear guidance to avoid duplicating existing federal programs.Click here to read the original article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Leadership Seguin shows off newly constructed pavilion at city park

Tuesday, June 03, 2025

A class in leadership led a group of community members to take the lead on updating one of Seguin’s parks with a little extra shade.The Seguin Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Leadership Seguin Class recently cut the ribbon on a pavilion it had built at Manuel C. Castilla Park on the north side of the city.The group raised about $75,000 to construct the 40-foot by 60-foot shade structure through the help of community partnerships, Leadership Seguin member Jake Pflumm said.“This was a very concerted effort. It was a partnership,” he said. “It is a really big testament to the Seguin community...

Governor Abbott Commends Texas Legislature For Making Texas-Size Investment In Water

Monday, June 02, 2025

Governor Greg Abbott today commended the Texas Legislature for making a Texas-size investment in the state's water infrastructure following passage of Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7.“With the dramatic population growth that Texas continues to experience, our water supplies are drying up, impacting Texans and communities across our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “This Texas-size water package is critical to fix broken and leaking pipes and give our agriculture producers in the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas the water they need to grow their crops. Thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Senator...

Texas to increase funding to state film incentive program by $300 million

Monday, June 02, 2025

A bill increasing the amount of money the state spends to attract film and television productions to Texas has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott after lawmakers agreed to lower what had originally been proposed at the start of the year.Senate Bill 22, filed by Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, would allow the comptroller to deposit $300 million into a new Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund every two years until 2035. The Senate's version of the bill would have deposited $500 million every two years until 2035. However, the House amended this version of the bill to lower it...

Texas: The Best State for Business Growth Despite Economic Uncertainty

Monday, June 02, 2025

I get it. The economy seems uncertain and companies across the country are looking for a place where they can grow with confidence. In Texas, we like to say it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true—and the fact of the matter is, takes care of business. With a budget surplus, world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a can-do attitude that turns challenges into opportunities, Texas remains the safest place for business expansion and retention, both now and for generations to come.One of the biggest reasons businesses continue to choose Texas is our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility. While other states like...

Why Art Belongs in Industrial Spaces

Monday, June 02, 2025

When business and manufacturing leaders plan facility upgrades, art is not usually part of the blueprint. Equipment, efficiency, and lighting systems come first — and understandably so. Yet, a growing body of research and field experience proves that strategically incorporated art can do more than beautify a facility. It can improve employees' well-being, boost productivity, and even enhance safety. Art is not a luxury. It's a smart, strategic investment in individuals — and in performance.How One Warehouse Transformed with ArtAustin Energy's warehouse at Cameron Park demonstrates how thoughtfully integrated art can elevate industrial spaces. Building upon a previous successful collaboration...

OIL & GAS: Where Industry Job Seekers Are Gravitating

Monday, May 26, 2025

Oil and gas companies locate where they need to – proximity to the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale or LNG hubs along the Gulf Coast for example. But where are their future employees looking to launch and grow their careers? Recent analysis from LearnToDrill.com, an online education and training resource for professionals in the oil and gas industry, offers insights into what its top five states with the fastest-growing career opportunities bring to the table as potential locations for workers.1) TEXASTexas provides over 400,000 direct jobs in the oil and gas industry, making up nearly 40% of all U.S. oil and...

Pecantown Books and Brews curates unique reads and farm-to-table food

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Located in a carefully restored historic home on Camp Street in downtown Seguin, Texas, Pecantown Books and Brews is far more than a bookstore. It’s a place where the best in books, food, and community intersect. Founded by Tess Coody-Anders in June 2022, this cozy space has quickly become a regional destination for readers, food lovers, and regional travelers. “We opened almost three years ago in downtown Seguin with the intent of bringing new books, new food, and new opportunities to connect to the downtown area,” Coody-Anders said. The vision extended beyond creating a retail space to curating a unique cultural...

TEDC Honors the Guadalupe Valley Region Organizations with 2024 Economic Excellence Recognition

Thursday, April 10, 2025

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) recognized 73 economic development organizations across the state as recipients of its 2024 Economic Excellence Recognition, an honor awarded during the 2025 TEDC Winter Conference held on February 28th in Austin.The Economic Excellence Recognition program celebrates economic development organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to professionalism. Recognition is based on staff certifications, professional memberships, organizational effectiveness, and training completed by both staff and governing bodies.Among this year’s honorees, several organizations from the Guadalupe Valley region received the prestigious recognition:Cuero Development CorporationGonzales Economic Development CorporationNew Braunfels Chamber of CommerceSchertz Economic Development CorporationSeguin Economic Development CorporationYoakum...

Texas Economy Grows Faster Than Nation In 4th Quarter Of 2024

Monday, March 31, 2025

Governor Greg Abbott today touted the strength of the expanding Texas economy as new data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Texas economy growing at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. The state’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew in the fourth quarter of 2024 at an annual rate of 3.5%, well ahead of the U.S. average of 2.4%.  “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed and Texans the tools to prosper,” said Governor Abbott. “It is hardworking Texans who power our booming and growing economy. Year after year, we continue to lead...

Students, employers meet at skilled trades event

Friday, March 28, 2025

Though Seguin High senior Miguel Carrillo is eyeing a career as an electrician, he said he found other things that sparked his interest Wednesday at a career fair.Drawn to Seguin Career Day by the opportunity to speak with a representative of Masters Electrical Services, a stop at the TXFAME Lonestar Chapter booth also proved fruitful, Carillo said.“(TXFAME) sounds like a good opportunity to have. All of the opportunities they give, it sounds like a good program,” he said. “A lot of great people are here, a lot of great opportunities, a lot of great jobs, as well.”Those opportunities are what...

AGRIBUSINESS: Something Old Made New Again

Monday, March 24, 2025

Is the zeitgeist right for ‘agrihoods’?Would you rather invest in a golf course community or one where valuable property is profitably used to grow food?“Agrihoods” are gaining steam as an alternative real estate strategy targeting affluent, younger demographics that are jazzed by the prospect of living and raising families among nature and abundant, organic food sources.According to the Urban Land Institute, there are now about 200 “agrihoods” in more than 30 states across the United States, with such developments increasingly popping up not just in rural areas but also in proximity to major cities. ULI defines agrihoods as “single-family, multifamily,...

Ten Recommendations for Promoting Rural Communities to Attract Talent, Investment, and Businesses

Monday, March 24, 2025

Rural communities hold immense potential for growth, innovation, and development. However, capitalizing on this potential requires strategic efforts highlighting your rural community and its unique advantages. At Golden Shovel Agency, we specialize in empowering economic developers to promote their regions effectively.Why Promoting Rural Communities MattersEconomic development in rural areas is vital for cultivating growth, improving residents' quality of life, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Rural regions offer many benefits, such as lower operating costs, access to natural resources, and a close-knit community—yet they often face challenges in marketing themselves effectively to attract talent and investment.Read the full article from the Golden...

$7.5M Granted to Austin Community College to Expand Semiconductor Technician Training Programs

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Texas was already the leading state in the nation for semiconductor chip manufacturing when, in 2022, the federal government passed the CHIPS Act and focused attention on bolstering this key industry. Texas’ government followed suit with its own CHIPS Act, spurring an influx of resources and job opportunities across the state. A new grant from the Department of Defense puts $7.5 million more into nascent semiconductor technician training programs at Austin Community College (ACC), readying the workforce to fill the high-tech jobs that will be created in coming years as new plants open.Strengthening National SecuritySemiconductors are the tiny computer “chips”...

VISD job fair aimed at obtaining and retaining high-quality teachers

Sunday, March 09, 2025

As part of the Victoria Independent School District's (VISD) mission to obtain and retain high-quality, experienced teachers, in accordance with the newly implemented 2025- 2029 academic strategic plan, the district will stage a two-day job fair beginning on April 3.The job fair will offer experienced educators or individuals with a bachelor's degree looking to enter into a career path in the education the opportunity to connect with hiring managers and explore opportunities to teach in VISD. the two-day event is intended exclusively for individuals interested in a teaching position within VISD.Read the full article here.

A greener Cuero

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

Community members gathered to plant 76 trees at the Ag Friar Complex on March 1. Mac Martin, the Community Forestry Program Lead, conducted a tree planting demonstration. He placed the tree on its side and carefully removed the bucket. Avoid yanking the tree out. Various species of oak trees were also available for free for take home....Read the full article here.

First-of-its-kind hydrogen ‘proto-hub’ backed by the DOE opens at University of Texas at Austin

Tuesday, March 04, 2025

While Texas might be best known for the fuel that’s under the ground, an exciting new hydrogen project at one Austin school explores the rich possibilities of several other natural resources the state has to offer. The Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin has opened a cutting edge hydrogen power ‘proto-hub’ that will put clean power to the test and explore the possibilities of scaling up and modernizing the Texas energy industry.Several years in the making, this facility is part of the larger “Demonstration and Framework for H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond” project. H2@Scale is supported...

Seguin ISD unveils Matadors Legends Ballpark

Tuesday, March 04, 2025

With the snip of a ribbon, the Seguin High School baseball team officially has a home, while the softball team got an upgrade.While the teams have already christened the turf having practiced and played in the new stadium, the Matadors Legends Baseball/Softball Field officially opened Monday during a special ceremony.Students, staff, family and community members all gathered to help cut the golden ribbon, which signified the opening of Matador Legends Ballpark.“Thank you for supporting Seguin ISD, our schools and our students,” Seguin ISD Superintendent Veronica Vijil said at the ribbon cutting. “We would also like to recognize the families of...

Schertz EDC Earns Prestigious Economic Excellence Recognition

Monday, March 03, 2025

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the 2024 Economic Excellence Recognition from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). This prestigious award was presented at TEDC’s 2025 Winter Conference on February 28th in Austin, Texas, placing Schertz among an elite group of 71 organizations recognized for their outstanding commitment to economic development.The Economic Excellence Recognition Program highlights organizations that uphold high standards in economic development through training, certification, and adherence to best practices. Recipients qualify based on the professional development of their governing board, economic development director, and staff, as well...

From hurricanes to blizzards, TxDOT is ready

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

In Texas, the weather can turn on a dime. And in Southeast Texas, that means TxDOT needs to be ready for anything.“The strength of Mother Nature is so unpredictable,” said Melody Galland, director of maintenance for TxDOT in Houston. “Each of these weather events is a constant reminder that teamwork is essential—we can't face them alone. You have to learn to trust the people you have who work tirelessly to keep the roads open.”Southeast Texas experienced hurricanes last summer and an unprecedented winter snowstorm just six months later.Read the full article here.

12 Questions to Ask When Developing an Economic Development Strategy

Monday, February 24, 2025

Formulating an effective economic development strategy requires asking a full range of questions to identify community needs and priorities. Comprehensive economic development plans should address pressing and long-term needs in a community. Collaborating with key stakeholders ensures challenges and opportunities across all community sectors are acknowledged and considered as strategies are solidified. Golden Shovel Agency knows the questions to ask and the data to review to develop the most substantial economic development strategies and related plans.12 questions to ask when developing an economic development strategyWho are the key stakeholders in the region?Read the full article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

Hydrogen Hub on the Gulf Coast Set for Development of Clean Energy and Jobs

Monday, February 24, 2025

Scientists have long sought to effectively harness hydrogen as a clean power source. The earliest hydrogen fuel cell prototype, in fact, was developed in 1839, though American hydrogen research really took off after NASA used hydrogen fuel cells to power rockets in their race to space.The Gulf Coast was famously instrumental in journeying to the stars, and with plans for a massive new hydrogen hub on the way, it is also poised to help build the clean energy infrastructure of the future.The HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub is a collaboration between seven energy producers in the Houston area and is receiving funding...

Hydrogen An Evolving Technology

Friday, February 21, 2025

Napoleon Hill’s iconic quote, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” embodies the spirit of possibility and ambition that fuels innovation. This mindset is essential for driving not only individual success but also the evolution of entire industries. Innovation thrives on the belief that challenges can be overcome and that new ideas, once envisioned, can be transformed into groundbreaking realities.By applying this principle, industries can achieve transformative growth. It encourages leaders, thinkers, and innovators to push boundaries, adapt to changing environments, and create solutions that shape the future. Whether through technological advancements, process improvements, or entirely new...

Medical Device Manufacturers Respond to Challenges, Thrive

Friday, February 21, 2025

The medical device manufacturing industry is an innovative, thriving industry, to be sure. But even innovative, thriving industries entered 2025 with questions concerning making and assembling product, harnessing artificial intelligence, the new administration’s direction and, of course, costs.But answering those questions is what leads to progress.“With the ongoing pressures in health care to control costs, I believe the industry will continue to seek innovative ways to develop and produce products in a more efficient, cost-effective manner,” said Bob Vitoux, president and CEO of Warsaw, Ind.-based OrthoWorx, “while not forgoing the importance of quality and efficacy that has long been the...

New Braunfels is Growing in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor with GVEC Support

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Found along I-35 between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is a vital community in the GVEC Region with a diverse base of companies operating in aviation, data centers, distribution, healthcare, and manufacturing. Tourism also flourishes in New Braunfels due to natural amenities like the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, highlighted by Schlitterbahn, the top waterpark in the country.New Braunfels Continues Rapid Growth New Braunfels is thriving, with a general population of 100,000, a growth rate of 2.87%, and a talented workforce approaching a half million within commuting distance. As more businesses and residents continue to move to New Braunfels, the nearly...

La Vernia is a GVEC Region Community With Several Commercial Sites

Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Located 25 miles southeast of San Antonio, La Vernia is a community in the GVEC Region home to several available commercial sites. It is built along US 87, a north-south corridor that starts near the Port of Victoria and travels through the country until it reaches Canada through central Montana.Pick from Several Commercial Sites for Development in La Vernia and the GVEC Region  Not only are there several commercial sites available in La Vernia, but there is also a strong, educated workforce to pull from. The community has a renowned school system and a median household income of $77,000. Learn...

Schertz is One of the Best Places to Live in the GVEC Region

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Schertz is a vital community in the GVEC Region, named One of the Best Places to Live by Money Magazine. The desirable city located just outside San Antonio has more than 15,000 households and a population of 44,000, with a substantial projected growth rate.Work and Live in Schertz; A Jewel of the GVEC RegionSchertz’s strategic location offers easy connections to Austin, Houston, and the rest of Texas by both I-10 and I-35, making it a popular location for business investment. General Electric, Caterpillar, FedEx, Amazon, and Sysco have invested a combined half a billion dollars in capital to grow their...

5 Ways To Get Your LinkedIn Profile Viewed By Your Dream Customers

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Your perfect customer is searching for someone just like you. They want exactly what you offer. They need your skills, expertise and solutions. But if your LinkedIn profile isn't set up to grab their attention, they'll find someone else.When I started taking LinkedIn seriously, my business exploded. In one year my account grew from 7k to 30k followers, with a high proportion being my dream customers. This isn't random, and it's not luck. You can do it too. With intention, a process, and commitment to keep going, you can grow your business with help from LinkedIn.Read the full article from...

Diverse Businesses to be found in Gonzales, TX, and the GVEC Region

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

With a diverse economic base, Gonzales, TX, is a thriving community in the GVEC Region. It is home to well-known companies like Adams Extract & Spice, Purina, Tyson, Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farm, and BYK Industries, which completed a $50 million expansion in the city in 2020. Gonzales is also an agricultural hub for poultry, mushrooms, feed, and beef.Gonzales Holds Historic Place in the GVEC RegionBeyond its commercial and industrial base, Gonzales has played an essential role in the history of Texas. It is home to the first battle of the Texas Revolution in 1835, with the iconic Come and Take...

GVEC Economic Development Serves Goliad County, Texas

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

GVEC Economic Development recognizes the potential Goliad County provides with easy access to Corpus Christi. The city of Goliad itself is just 75 miles from the port, providing a key location for businesses that import materials and export manufactured products.  GVEC Economic Development Sees Potential in Goliad CountyGoliad County could be poised for growth in the coming years, and businesses are increasingly taking interest. It is currently home to 135 businesses across a variety of industries. The city of Goliad is also the smallest town in Texas to be selected for the Main Street Program.  Visit the GVEC website to...

Visit Available Sites for Development in the GVEC Region

Tuesday, January 07, 2025

Developers and site seekers have a wide variety of available sites for commercial development in the GVEC Region. Parcels of land come in various sizes, from smaller plots with rail access to vast expanses of shovel-ready sites primed for facility development. Available Sites in the GVEC Region Fit Every IndustryNot only does the GVEC Region have large expanses of land, but it also has easy access to large metropolitan areas. Developers can fly into San Antonio, Austin, or Houston and quickly reach available commercial sites throughout the GVEC Region via I-10 and I-35. Visit the GVEC website to look at some of...

Sales tax growth demonstrates growing economy in Seguin

Friday, January 03, 2025

More money continues to flow into the local economy. The city of Seguin wrapped up 2024 with a look at sales tax data for the last few years.Finance Director Susan Caddell shared the news about the city's growing sales tax collections during a presentation at the last meeting of the Seguin City Council. Caddell says Seguin's sales tax growth exceeded that of most communities in this area.“Really good news on the sales tax front. (We had) a 12.46 percent increase from this time last year. You can see every month, with the exception of June, we're up. Then you can...

Policy experts want dedicated funding for water projects in 2025

Thursday, January 02, 2025

During the last legislative session in 2023, lawmakers created a new fund to jump-start water supply projects and fix aging water infrastructure across the state.The law focused on funding a handful of ideas, including marine and brackish water desalination plants and acquiring water from other states. Despite these efforts, water remains a concern for many across the Lone Star State: Current conditions show much of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with the most extreme in far West Texas, near El Paso.So what do advocates in the water space hope happens at this upcoming legislative session?Read the full...

How does the Legislature work, and who is in the chamber? Here’s what you need to know for the next month.

Wednesday, January 01, 2025

The Texas Legislature meets once every two years in Austin for 140 days – unless the governor calls a special session, that is.The 89th legislative session starts in just two weeks, and there are a whole lot of rules governing what can happen when. There are also new faces in the chamber this session.Lauren McGaughy, an investigative reporter and editor for The Texas Newsroom, said that overall the House is expected to be more conservative than it was last time around.Read the full article here.

GVEC Region is a Must-See for Site Selectors Across the Country

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Site selectors across all industries benefit from visiting the GVEC Region, a vibrant region in Texas ideal for development. This area combines easy access to large cities like San Antonia, Austin, Houston, and Dallas with shovel-ready sites and vast expanses of land ready to be built upon. GVEC Region Will Meet the Needs of Site Selectors and DevelopersGVEC Region can meet the needs of almost any company within every industry. From manufacturing to healthcare, there are ample resources in the area. This region also has a vibrant workforce, with access to graduates from dozens of elite universities. Your business will launch...

Run a Job Task Analysis

Monday, December 30, 2024

In today’s fast-evolving skilled trades industry, employers are navigating significant challenges, including labor shortages, high turnover rates, and widening skills gaps. To address these issues effectively, companies must prioritize talent management strategies that foster recruitment, retention, and ongoing employee development. A key component of this approach is job task analysis, a systematic process that helps organizations pinpoint the exact skills and knowledge workers need to excel in their roles.The role of job task analysis in workforce developmentJob task analysis is a powerful tool that enables employers to break down each role into specific tasks and identify the knowledge, skills, and...

Governor Abbott Showcases Texas’ Economy Across The Globe In 2024

Monday, December 30, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the three economic development missions he led in 2024. During the trips, the Governor met with business leaders and government officials around the globe to showcase and promote the booming Texas economy.“Texas is the eighth-largest economy in the world, a global leader in energy and trade, and the world’s premier economic destination because of our top-tier business climate,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why this year, I visited with business leaders and government officials in India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom to showcase the booming Texas economy and attract more businesses to invest...

Texas Leads As Energy Capital Of The World In 2024

Friday, December 27, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott today championed Texas' booming energy industry and highlighted the progress that Texas made in 2024 to increase the electric capacity of the state grid and invest in an all-of-the-above energy approach to solidify Texas as the world's energy hub. “Texas would not be the energy capital of the world without the hard work of the men and women of the energy industry,” said Governor Abbott. "As Texas continues to experience unprecedented growth, we will remain a leader in energy while also bolstering the Texas grid to meet the growing demands of our great state. In the last twelve...

GVEC Communities Happy to Work with Hollywood as Film-Friendly Locations

Friday, December 20, 2024

Several communities in the GVEC Region have been certified as Film Friendly under the Texas Film Commission’s Film Friendly Texas program, including Cuero, Gonzales, Seguin, Shiner, Yorktown, New Braunfels, and Yoakum. More than 175 Texas cities are now Film Friendly Certified Communities. The designation helps attract film and TV production projects to communities in the GVEC Region. Being a film-friendly community offers several benefits, such as increased visibility for tourism and economic boosts to local businesses through productions, talent, and crews. For the film industry, these communities provide a warm welcome alongside picturesque, historic locations, making them ideal filming destinations.What...

USDA Announces $300 Million in Additional Regional Agricultural Promotion Program Grants to Diversify U.S. Agricultural Export Markets

Thursday, December 19, 2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the second round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, which is intended to allocate $300 million to 67 partners once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, expanding American food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This latest investment brings total RAPP funding to $600 million in 2024.The new grants aim to diversify export markets in regions with rising consumer demand and purchasing power, including Africa, Latin America/the Caribbean, and South/Southeast Asia. These regions offer significant opportunities for U.S. producers seeking to establish a stronger foothold in dynamic and growing...

GVEC Economic Development Recognizes Cuero as Poised for Growth

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

GVEC Economic Development is excited about the distinctions earned by the community of Cuero, Texas. This area is a great place to work, play, and rest with its recognition as a Go Texan Certified Retirement Community.GVEC Economic Development Views Cuero as a Valuable CommunityThe residents of Cuero continue to invest in the region and are eager to support the businesses that operate there. Some of the top industries in the area include healthcare, retail trade, and educational services. GVEC Economic Development sees a lot of potential in Cuero. Visit the GVEC website to learn more about this community. 

Notable Growth in Food Production and Processing

Sunday, December 15, 2024

The Food and Beverage Production sector in the U.S. is a significant contributor to the economy, accounting for nearly 3.5 million jobs and over $534.3 billion of GDP in 2023. This sector includes Agriculture, Fishing, and Food and Beverage Processing subsectors, with notable job growth in food manufacturing, particularly beverage production.States in the Midwest lead in employment concentration within this sector compared to the U.S. as a whole and are seeing billions in Food & Beverage Manufacturing investments in 2024 so far. Within 2024, cross-border capital investments in the Food and Beverage industry have surged, driven by both foreign and...

GVEC Economic Development Supports Growth in Cibolo, Texas

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

GVEC Economic Development is proud of the growth Cibolo, Texas has experienced in recent years. This community is strategically located 23 miles northeast of Downtown San Antonio, making it a popular location for people and businesses who want easy access to the city. GVEC Economic Development is Excited About Population Growth in CiboloMore people are moving to Cibolo than ever. The community has a 3.12% population growth rate and is expected to reach more than 40,000 residents by 2028. Now is an excellent time for businesses to move to the area because the workforce is growing. Visit GVEC Economic Development to...

Victoria Airport applies for grant to redesign terminal building

Sunday, December 08, 2024

Officials at the Victoria Regional Airport are looking to redesign the terminal building to better reflect and service the Victoria community. They are doing this through the acquisition of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant.Through continued support from the county and reception of the grant, Victoria's airport could see a major structural change.The airport provides 272 community members with jobs and brings in $42.3 million in revenue annually. Enplanements at the airport have gone up drastically, crossing the required 10,000 enplanements to increase guaranteed funding from the FFA from 150,000 to 1.3 million.Read the full article here.

Real Texas Christmas trees boost economy, agritourism shows continued growth

Friday, December 06, 2024

More than four million real Christmas trees are sold annually in Texas, supporting farms and agriculture businesses throughout the state. As the holiday season nears, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages purchasing real Christmas trees to help boost the Texas economy.A 2022 Texas A&M Forest Service economic study revealed that the Texas Christmas tree industry generated economic impacts amounting to more than $714 million, including direct, indirect and induced impacts while supporting nearly 6,000 jobs. Of $714 million in total impacts, the Texas Christmas tree industry had a direct economic impact of $397 million, employing 3,896 people with a payroll of...

La Vernia ISD breaks ground for Bond 2023’s Proposition A projects

Wednesday, December 04, 2024

The La Vernia Independent School District (ISD) celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 2 for the district’s Bond 2023 projects. The event took place at La Vernia Intermediate School and was attended by district leaders, administration, and board members.The Bond 2023 initiative, approved by voters in May 2023, is to ensure that La Vernia ISD has future capacity to accommodate student enrollment growth and to provide classroom space for students currently in overcrowded campuses. The bond is also aimed at renovating aging facilities throughout the school district as part of the district’s long-range preventative maintenance plan.The bond included two propositions which...

Business Benefit from Education & Workforce Development Infrastructure in GVEC Region

Tuesday, December 03, 2024

The education & workforce development infrastructure is robust in the GVEC region. With an extensive network of nearby colleges and universities, employers have access to a talented workforce with educated employees. Dynamic Education & Workforce DevelopmentThe GVEC Region is home to Alamo Colleges’ Central Texas Technology Center, Texas Lutheran University, Texas State Technical College & FAME Center, and Victoria College-Gonzales Center. Students also come to the GVEC Region from nearby public four-year institutions, including The University of Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and the University of Houston-Victoria – just to name a few.Visit the GVEC website to learn more about the...

County OKs reinvestment zone for development

Tuesday, December 03, 2024

Guadalupe County Commissioners Court agreed to set up a reinvestment zone for possible tax abatement in the county.Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher abstained from Tuesday’s vote on the issue because he is part owner of the land in question. The owners of about 440 acres plan to sale to a developer that could receive tax abatements as part of the deal and Kutshcer said he and his wife own about 10 of those acres. He has kept out of the county’s side of the negotiations due to a conflict of interest, Kutscher said.Read the full article here.

Shopping app hits Seguin in time for holidays

Friday, November 29, 2024

Small Business Saturday and the Christmas shopping season just got more rewarding in Seguin.The Seguin Economic Development Corporation and the city partnered with local businesses to offer a new shop-local app, Open Rewards, that offers cash back at more than 125 restaurants and retail businesses across the city. The app and program should prove beneficial to merchants and consumers, said Tess Coody-Anders, owner of Pecantown Books and Brews.Read the full article here.

Strong Transportation Infrastructure Supports the GVEC Region

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

GVEC Economic Development understands the critical role transportation plays in business growth.  Not only is this region centrally located between Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, but there are multiple ways to travel to the area. GVEC Economic Development Encourages Site Selectors to VisitTwo major highway arteries – I-10 and I-35 – pass through the GVEC Region, making it easy to reach this area regardless of where you come from. The north-south and east-west access opens the entire Texas Department of Transportation system to businesses throughout the region. Investors can also arrive via San Antonio International Airport. Union Pacific and the Short Line...

How Automation Is Actually Closing the Labor Gap

Monday, November 04, 2024

Industrial automation and robotics offer huge benefits to manufacturing and warehouse distribution and fulfilment operations. This is not a new concept; articles going back decades have explained how these applications can improve quality and consistency, optimize productivity and throughput, increase worker safety, and reduce direct labor cost.The topic has gained currency and urgency in today’s dynamic industrial landscape because of the dramatic labor gap in the U.S. The gap is a critical issue affecting the U.S. economy, and automation and robotics can be a strong part of the solution.Read the full article from Area Development here.

Meet the Leader of the Pack in Yoakum

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Farm Pac Kitchens is a meat packing company that has been in business since 1947, and has the distinction of being one of the smallest but few remaining family-owned operations. The Yoakum-based company started smoking and curing turkeys in 1947 when E.W. Pietsch opened the processing plant as Pietsch's Farm Pac Kitchens. Pietsch also owned two Piggly Wiggly supermarkets.It’s been a fixture in the GVEC Region spanning the four generations of its existence. The company is now run by Pietsch’s granddaughter, Sherri Kusak, her husband, Glen, and son, Tyler.A freeze frame in Farm Pac historyTyler Kusak, VP of Farm Pac,...

GVEC Economic Development Celebrates Texas Chamber of Commerce Week

Monday, October 14, 2024

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) and its Economic Development division are proud to join in celebrating Texas Chamber of Commerce Week. This event takes place Monday, October 14 and runs through Friday, October 18, 2024, to commemorate more than 600 local Chambers of Commerce in Texas that distinguish themselves as the voices of business in the state.GVEC is the conduit for economic development in the Guadalupe Valley and serves the cities of Cibolo, Cuero, Gonzales, Halletsville, La Vernia, New Braunfels, Schertz, Seguin, Stockdale, Yoakum, and Yorktown. With its assistance, businesses can take advantage of prime South Texas commercial real estate,...

Angels & Outlaws lassos Main Street Business of the Month honors

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Angels & Outlaws is a funky little boutique in the heart of downtown Gonzales, Texas, owned by Amy Cernosek and Andi Seger. They celebrated their 16-year anniversary of being in business at the end of September.Not only are they business partners, but they are lifelong best friends. Both ladies have roots in Gonzales County going back to the days before Bonnie and Clyde. They both graduated from Texas A&M University and worked for a while at Amy's family business, J Bar B Foods in Waelder, Texas, before their hobbies turned into a thriving business in the fashion industry. Read the full...

New Murals in Walk Thru

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Artist Rafael Acosta’s assistant fills in color on the latest mural at the Main Street Walk Thru. The Rialto movie theater was located where the current City Hall is. This mural as well as the one of the historic passenger train depot were “14 years in the making,” according to Main Street Director Sandra Osborne. Both new murals will greet visitors at the first Ruby Free Pancake Breakfast during Turkeyfest.Read the full article here.

USDA Celebrates Long-Standing Partnerships with Rural Cooperatives as Part of 60th Anniversary of National Cooperative Month

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a USDA proclamation to recognize October 2024 as the Department’s 60th anniversary of National Cooperative Month.Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $17 billion in loans and grants to spur economic development, catalyze rural prosperity and advance equity through rural cooperatives.“Cooperatives are the backbone of our nation and are central to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild the economy from the bottom up and middle out,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Today we celebrate our partnerships with these organizations and renew our commitment to champion the...

Cold Storage: The Next Big Thing in Industrial Real Estate

Monday, September 30, 2024

If you’re in the food manufacturing business, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about cold storage over the last few years. It’s not just a trend. Cold storage is rapidly becoming a critical component of the industrial real estate landscape. The pandemic has only accelerated this shift, highlighting the essential role of temperature-controlled facilities in our supply chains.Market Trends and StatisticsLet’s kick things off with some numbers. In Q3 2023, we saw a whopping 6.5 million square feet of cold storage space under construction. That’s massive for a niche sector! But here’s the kicker: even with all that development, cold...

Exploring the Dynamic Landscape of Industrial Packaging Solutions

Monday, September 30, 2024

When Frito-Lay introduced a compostable bag for its Sun Chips brand more than a decade ago, it represented over four years of development, encompassing material and scientific research as well as manufacturing and production. While the sound of those bags led to a marketing miss for such a groundbreaking achievement, the science and production advancement continues to resonate throughout the packaging industry as industrial producers pursue new packaging strategies.Whether influenced by a sustainability strategy—think thinner containers for the bottled water industry—or a cost-control strategy through more damage-resistant packaging or production automation, the packaging needs for industrial manufacturers are constantly shifting...

What Large Power Users Need to Know About

Monday, September 30, 2024

It didn’t take Hurricane Beryl coming ashore in southeast Texas to remind everyone about the vulnerability of the Texas electric power grid, but the widespread outages that lingered for a week following the catastrophic July storm sure did.“Power is probably the biggest factor impacting Texas right now,” says Susan Arledge, senior managing director for Newmark in Dallas. “The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) predicts that Texas’s electricity demand could almost double in the next six years due to the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence. ERCOT experts say that demand could reach 150 gigawatts by 2030, which is...

Seguin's newest retail development could include Academy

Friday, September 27, 2024

The city of Seguin could potentially see an Academy Sports + Outdoors store in the near future.According to a project listing on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website, the nationally known sporting goods store is projected to join other shops in the newly announced retail development known as Seguin Crossing just north of Interstate 10 across the street from Starbucks.The city announced two weeks ago the $25 million retail development would include a Hobby Lobby, 5 Below, James Avery and more. Among unnamed businesses, the city reported that a national sporting goods retailer would take residence at the...

Texas Economy Expands Faster Than Nation

Friday, September 27, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated the Texas economy expanding faster than the nation in 2023 following the release of data by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The Texas economy expanded at an annual rate of 7.4% while the nation expanded at 2.9% as measured by the change in real gross domestic product (GDP) from 2022 to 2023.“The Texas economy continues to expand thanks to the Best Business Climate and the strongest workforce in America,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is a state of infinite possibilities, where innovation flourishes and where hard work is rewarded. As the eighth-largest economy in the...

Empowering Out-State Communities: Economic Development Strategies to Compete with Urban Areas

Monday, September 23, 2024

Ah... the glitz and glamor of city life. The Hollywood-glamorized hustle and bustle, big dreams in a big city, fabulous encounters, one-of-a-kind experiences, amenities to die for... It's the stuff of movies and dreamers. But peek behind the curtain, and you'll find that urban life isn't all it's cracked up to be.The Urban IllusionUrban areas often come with significant drawbacks that can turn that glittering dream into a gritty reality. Think: bumper-to-bumper traffic, relentless hustle, overwhelming stimuli, questionable safety, a cost of living that devours one’s paycheck, hordes of people, and living spaces so tiny you could extend your arms...

$4.5M incentive for redevelopment in downtown New Braunfels moves forward

Monday, September 16, 2024

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation approved a $4.5 million incentive for the redevelopment of the Producers Co-Op site in downtown New Braunfels.This move aims to establish a new urban park and public marketplace, addressing the community need for more public space in the area, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for the city.Read the full article here.

Come and Take It will combine new attractions with familiar activities

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Organizers of the annual Come and Take It Celebration, which will be held Oct. 4-6, say they are “excited to continue the tradition of our charming downtown festival, which has been the heart of this community for years.”“What started out as a Come and Take It Day parade in the late 1950s has now grown into a three-day event that we celebrate every year,” CATI Chair Daisy Scheske Freeman said. “There’s something truly special about the Come and Take It Celebration — it’s a place where families, friends, Gonzales alumni, and history enthusiasts gather to create lasting memories as we...

Chamber secures $1.2 million grant to boost tourism, growth

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

The Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). This transformative investment will renovate the historic Fair Department Store building at 101 W. Main Street in downtown Cuero, creating a dynamic hub for tourism, business development, and a revitalized gathering place for the town center.Read the full article here.

Gonzales, TX, is Anything but Plain Vanilla, Thanks to Adams Extract & Spice

Monday, September 09, 2024

Founded in 1888, Adams Extract & Spice is one of the oldest continuously operated companies in Texas and one of the oldest spice and extract companies in the U.S. Since 2002, Adams has maintained a full-service spice and extract packaging and manufacturing operation at a 90,000 square foot facility in Gonzales, TX.Adams has been a model of success typical in Gonzales and Texas’ Guadalupe Valley. The company celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013, receiving the Texas Treasure Business Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support for the state’s economy for at least...

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile in 6 Easy Steps

Monday, September 02, 2024

With more than 1 billion users in 200 countries worldwide, LinkedIn is currently the largest professional networking platform. So, whether for professional networking or job search purposes, it's more important than ever to customize and optimize your LinkedIn profile. Similar to advertising, visitors to your profile page will likely spend just a few precious seconds to form an opinion, so it's imperative that everything is clear, concise and on-message. Fortunately, LinkedIn has a robust feature set that enables a lot of customization. Unfortunately, many on the platform overlook key parts of their profile, in some cases not including them at...

Revolutionizing Regional Growth: Guadalupe Valley Development Corporation Unveils Cutting-Edge Website

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

ExperienceGuadalupeValley.com Offers Enhanced User Experience, Interactive Features, and Tools for Business AttractionGONZALES, TX–Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative’s (GVEC) economic development subsidiary, Guadalupe Valley Development Corporation (GVDC), is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, ExperienceGuadalupeValley.com, created in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. This state-of-the-art website is set to become a pivotal tool for business attraction and site selection in the Guadalupe Valley region.The revamped website boasts a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for visitors to navigate and find the information they need. Whether you’re a local business owner, a potential investor, or a site selector, the new...

What the Latest Tech Hubs Funding Means for Site Selection Executives

Friday, July 12, 2024

The Surprising Diversity of Tech Hub LocationsOne of the most surprising aspects of the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement of $504 million in funding for its Tech Hubs is the geographical diversity of the 12 selected hubs. Unlike previous federal initiatives that often concentrate resources in established tech centers, this funding round strategically targeted a wide range of locations, including both urban and rural areas. For instance, the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub, which has been awarded $41 million, spans two states and highlights a collaborative approach across state lines in Colorado and New Mexico.The Heartland BioWorks hub in Indiana received $51 million...

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $110 Million in Meat and Poultry Processing to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Increase Competition, and Lower Food Costs

Thursday, July 11, 2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making investments that will strengthen American food supply chains, increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, create more, new and better markets for producers, and lower food costs.Thanks to funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, USDA is investing nearly $110 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) and the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) Grant Program.“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are advancing a sustainable vision of agriculture that prioritizes the needs of hardworking producers and small businesses and keeps rural communities...

Main Street names NAPA Auto as Business of the Month

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Started in 1990 as Kessler’s Auto Supply by Cathy Kessler, this small-town NAPA Auto Parts has always been known by its big attitude and unusual mostly all-women crew.Cathy created a loyal customer base by having an unrivaled knowledge of parts and a tenacity like no other. Crystal Irle joined the crew in 2010 and soon worked her way to becoming Cathy’s right-hand woman.Crystal spent the next five years soaking up everything thrown at her. Coupled with Cathy’s strong, independent character and business savvy mentorship, Crystal strove to be the best parts woman and parts store around. Crystal became partner over...

GVEC holds 2024 annual membership meeting

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

GVEC’s 2024 Annual Meeting took place on June 28 at the Gonzales High School Special Events Center. In all, 1,393 members participated: 168 in person and 1,225 by proxy.Registration began at 5:30 p.m., with GVEC Board President Gary E. Birdwell calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Vice President Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr. delivered the invocation.Before the business meeting began, members registered to vote and for prize drawings, enjoyed the traditional chili dog meal and browsed exhibits featuring GVEC products and services.Read the full article here.

Discover the Hidden Economic Benefits of Your Local Airport

Monday, July 08, 2024

Unlocking Economic Growth with General AviationHave you ever heard the hum of a plane overhead and wondered about the impact the local airport has on your community? You might be surprised to learn that general aviation airports are more than just takeoff and landing strips—they are powerful economic engines driving growth and prosperity. Download the comprehensive whitepaper, "From Runways to Revenue: Economic Benefits of Your Local Airport," and uncover the untapped potential lying within your local airport.Read the full article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

How Entrepreneurs Can Apply the 7 Laws of Success to Their Business and Personal Life

Monday, July 01, 2024

The more time I spend working in marketing, the more parallels I find between my professional and personal life. This makes sense because I am a human being with human experience. Naturally, there will be some synchronicities.I recently picked up Deepak Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and after finishing it (it's a super easy read), I kept thinking about how much of it resonated with me and how much I wanted to apply to my work.Most folks have a hard line between work and life. "It's just business," "I am a different person at work," etc. But what...

ChatGPT: 5 Prompts To Analyze Business Metrics

Friday, June 21, 2024

Analysis is not a department, it’s everyone’s job. For best results, question every decision, every process and those regular tasks in your business that you’ve always done. Make sure every path you take is the best one to take at any given time. No one sleepwalks their way to success. It’s definite and intentional and it involves your thinking cap.ChatGPT can help you dig into your data to make decisions that will supercharge your growth with less of the admin. Copy, paste and edit the square brackets in ChatGPT, and keep the same chat window open so the context carries...

Texas GDP on the World Stage: Climbing Global Economic Ranks

Monday, June 17, 2024

If Texas were a country, it would be the eighth-largest economy in the world, ahead of Canada and even Russia. In 2022, Texas’ gross domestic product (GDP) — the total market value of all finished goods and services — totaled $2.4 trillion. Texas keeps climbing the world economic ranks; only a decade ago, it was the 12th-largest economy.Read the full article here.

Texas Water Safari to come through Gonzales this weekend

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

A whopping 172 teams from all over the globe are expected to take part in the “world’s toughest canoe race” this weekend as the Texas Water Safari returns for its 61st year — and the Gonzales Dam will once again be a checkpoint.This year’s race will again shove off from the Texas State University Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos (the former Aquarena Springs) on Spring Lake this Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m.The course traverses the San Marcos River to the Guadalupe River (the confluence of the two is in Gonzales) to Guadalupe Bay and...

UHV aviation program hires first faculty member

Sunday, June 09, 2024

Jiansen Wang, a graduate teaching assistant at Purdue University in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology, is coming to the University of Houston-Victoria to become the first faculty member in the aviation program.“I am excited to see him come to UHV; he will bring in expertise that we never had,” said Dmitri Sobolev, professor of biology and interim dean of the UHV College of Natural & Applied Science. “The long-term plan is, I hope, by as early as Fall 2025, we can offer aviation as a major instead of a minor.”Read the full article here.

Sankey graduates from OU Economic Development Institute

Thursday, June 06, 2024

Susan Sankey, executive director of the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) at the OU Spring session this year.OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. Barry Matherly, CEcD, and Dean for OU EDI, said, "OU Economic Development Institute is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates have invested in improving their professional capabilities to support their local communities. Congratulations to all.”Read the full article here.

Alamo memorabilia needed for new exhibit

Wednesday, June 05, 2024

The Alamo is excited to announce a call for pop culture items to be included in the Alamo’s Visitor Center and Museum, scheduled to open in 2027. The collection team is seeking donations of commemorative artifacts and memorabilia related to the Alamo from the period after 1945, to be featured in the dedicated Pop Culture gallery.The Alamo has been a source of inspiration in various media, including movies, television shows, literature, and more. The collections team aims to create a vibrant and engaging gallery that reflects the Alamo’s enduring influence on popular culture. Items such as movie posters and props,...

3D-printed home being built in Shiner

Friday, May 31, 2024

SHINER, Texas - The future of home building has come to the Cleanest Little City in Texas.New Standard Homes is building a 3D-printed home in Shiner.Continue reading here

Texas is No. 1 in Number of Fortune 500 Companies

Friday, May 24, 2024

Texas is the state with the most Fortune 500 companies, according to the 68th Fortune 500 annual list of the largest U.S. corporations, with 53 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters that call the Lone Star State home. With the June 2022 announcement that Caterpillar is moving its global headquarters from Illinois, to Irving, Texas, the number of Fortune 500 companies is now at 54.New York state dropped from No. 1 to the No. 2 spot with 51 Fortune 500 companies. California, with 50, is in third place. Texas cities also fared well. Houston and Dallas made the list of the nation’s...

How Economic Developers Can Support Their Local Workforce

Monday, May 20, 2024

Economic development is intrinsically linked to the strength and adaptability of the local workforce. As economies evolve, it becomes crucial for economic developers to implement strategies that not only address current labor market needs but also anticipate future demands. Let’s dive into practical ways that economic development organizations can support their local workforce, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience.Read the full article here.

During Infrastructure Week, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Projects to Strengthen Rural Infrastructure and Create Jobs Across the Nation

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is funding 47 projects in 23 states to improve access to reliable electricity and clean drinking water for more than one million people and create good-paying jobs across the nation. The announcement was made during President Biden's Infrastructure Week which highlights the progress the Biden-Harris Administration has made to improve American infrastructure through historic funding packages such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.The investments advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, to grow the American economy from the middle out...

2024 Calendar of Events – Texas Economic Development Corporation

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Find the events that the Texas Economic Development Corporation will be participating  in this year!JuneTxEDC Annual Investor SummitJune 3-6 | BIO International Conference | San Diego, CAJune 11 | TxEDC Board Meeting | Virtual 10am-11:30amJune 23-26 | SelectUSA Investor Summit | National Harbor, MDJune 30 | Copa America at Q2 Stadium | Austin, TXJulyJuly 2 | Copa America at Q2 Stadium | Austin, TXJuly 16 | MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field | Arlington, TXInternational Business Mission | AsiaAugustDomestic Site Selectors Meeting Find more upcoming events here.

GVEC Celebrates Economic Development Week, May 6th - May 10th

Monday, May 06, 2024

GVEC is excited to celebrate Economic Development Week (EDW) from May 6th - May 10th. EDW, established by the International Economic Development Council, highlights the importance of economic development in our region and across the globe.Economic development is crucial for the GVEC’s Regional growth and prosperity. It encompasses various initiatives, from attracting new businesses to supporting existing ones, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing our community's overall quality of life."Embracing economic development isn't just about prosperity; it's about building the foundation for a thriving community, where opportunities abound and dreams can take flight."Understanding the Role of the GVECEconomic development is...

Gonzales named among most charming Texas river towns

Thursday, April 04, 2024

Gonzales has been named among the most charming river towns in Texas, according to the World Atlas in an article listed on their website, worldatlas.com, “8 Most Charming River Towns In Texas to Visit in 2024.”While the other river towns listed, namely Goliad, New Braunfels, Wimberley, Concan, Llano, Nederland, and Blanco, are also deserving of a visit, Gonzales is proud to be a river town filled with not only beauty and charm, but a rich history and a lovely downtown district.World Atlas encourages visitors to visit the Gonzales Memorial Museum for a first-hand look at the little cannon that could,...

A Girly Grand Opening

Wednesday, April 03, 2024

The new boutique is named after the daughters of owners Shane, left, and Krysten Durbin, Jenny June (left) and Presley Pearl (right).The newest downtown Cuero addition is June’s Pearl’s on E. Main Street. The Cuero Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening on Saturday, March 23rd.Read the full article here.

GVEC Economic Director Daisy Scheske Freeman Brings a Decade of Experience

Monday, April 01, 2024

The leadership team at The Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) had the pleasure of welcoming Daisy Scheske Freeman as its new Economic Development Director last July. Since being appointed to her new role, Scheske Freeman has been driving economic and job growth in the Guadalupe Valley while supporting the needs of its member communities and consumers. Take a look at what her track record of success means for the future of Guadalupe Valley, Texas.About Daisy Scheske FreemanScheske Freeman brings more than a decade of supervisory executive experience at the Gonzales Chamber, where she collaborated closely with businesses, civic organizations, government...

Seguin nonprofit receives $100K grant from Frost Bank, Spurs Give

Friday, March 29, 2024

An ad on social media led to a Seguin-based nonprofit receiving a $100,000 grant from a professional basketball team and national bank.Spurs Give and Frost Bank announced they were giving Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin a 2023-24 Frost Operation-Renovation Grant.“This grant will empower these organizations to renovate their facilities, creating a lasting impact on our community,” Spurs Way wrote in its post announcing the grant recipients.Read the full article here.

GVEC Provides Resources to Help Ensure Businesses Thrive

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

That’s why companies ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 Corporations in various industries have chosen to call the Guadalupe Valley region home.This Amazing List Keeps Growing!In addition to stunning landscapes, affordable costs, and the perpetual availability of a skilled workforce, the Guadalupe Valley culture epitomizes what’s great about the Texas experience. That’s why Caterpillar, Amazon, Sysco, Niagara Bottling Company, Adams Extract, Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farm, Holmes Food, Tyson, Calmaine, # Bar B Foods, Eddy Packing, NestFresh Eggs are among the list of companies that have found economic success and an excellent quality of life in the region. Texas Lutheran...

Men's Western Clothing: Ferrell Shirts Merge Outdoor Toughness with Modern Comfort for Versatility and Style

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Seguin, Jan. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seguin, Texas -The Ferrell brand has built a loyal following for its collection of Western-design garments that appeal to the pragmatic outdoors person who appreciates style and comfort.Inspired by the rolling hills and rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country, the Ferrell brand represents the heart and soul of the Great American Outdoors and has emerged as a champion of Western-inspired attire that transcends temporal boundaries.Read more about Seguin based business, Ferrell, here

Darren Schauer Receives Prestigious NRECA J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Darren Schauer, General Manager and CEO of GVEC, was honored with the 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Assn. (NRECA) J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award during the NRECA’s CEO Close-Up event held in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 9, 2024.First presented in 2004, the NRECA J.C. Brown award recognizes a co-op CEO or general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the cooperative and in the overall electric industry. It is named in honor of the late editor and publisher of RE Magazine, J.C. Brown, who led the publication from 1973 to 1993.NRECA represents the interests of nearly 900 distribution,...

GVEC Helps Companies Find Strategic Sites

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

For over 85 years, the Guadalupe Valley cooperative has been changing the face of south central Texas. Not only do they have their finger on the pulse of properties and incentives, but they also partner with site seekers and developers in tangible, meaningful ways.GVEC Knows it’s Important to Become Operational Quickly.“We’re passionate about the urgency to ensure that there are shovel-ready sites, industrial parks, and buildings." We make sure site selectors can easily find them and show clients,” says Daisy Scheske Freeman, GVEC Economic Development Director, adding, “It’s easy to promote Texas because there’s a connotation of being big and...

GVEC Named a Glassdoor Best Places to Work!

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

It is indeed a great day to work with #TeamGVEC! As we have yet another really exciting announcement……We are delighted to inform you that GVEC has been honored with a Glassdoor Employee's Choice Award, recognizing us as one of the Best Places To Work in 2024 in the U.S. Small and Medium Business category. GVEC ranked 10th out of 50 companies to receive this prestigious award (this category includes hundreds of thousands of employers). This achievement is a testament to the exceptional culture that we have fostered and represents your confidence in our vision and commitment to exceeding expectations in the...

GVEC is a Powerhouse for Companies in this Bustling Part of Texas

Wednesday, January 03, 2024

In addition to providing reliable, affordable electric power and fiber optic Internet to the region, GVEC has a long history of helping site selectors make excellent choices and supporting economic growth.Helping Site Selectors Help Major Corporations Arrive and Thrive“We’ve been told that one of the reasons we’re successful in the economic development arena is that we’re very responsive,” says GVEC Economic Development Director Daisy Scheske Freeman. “We respond immediately with what’s needed. If we don’t know something, we find it out very quickly, and we connect people with resources.” In addition to a great team, GVEC offers a host of...

Deep in the Heart of Texas, the Guadalupe Valley Offers a Bounty of Business Opportunities and a Great Lifestyle

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

The 13 counties in the Guadalupe Valley are a favorite destination for nature lovers, wine connoisseurs, foodies, history buffs, as well as major corporations.Which Guadalupe Valley county might be right for you?GVEC knows that each of its counties makes an excellent contribution to the desirability and importance of the region. To help site seekers best determine which community is the most strategic location for their needs, they created a detailed profile with demographic data on each one.These three counties form the cornerstone of the region:Guadalupe County, with its county seat in Seguin, is recognized for having the highest manufacturing jobs...

The Guadalupe Valley Region Encompasses the Best of Texas

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

This 3,500 square mile region of south central Texas has 13 counties and 20 communities. Each embodies unique nuances that make up the legendary essence of the Lone Star State.A Diverse Economic and Cultural HubNestled between Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, and Houston, the Guadalupe Valley region offers a ready workforce, proximity to universities and technical schools, a moderate climate, and a mix of cities and scenic rural areas.Business is booming here. Guadalupe and Comal counties, in the west, have established themselves as a manufacturing hub with Fortune 500 companies such as Caterpillar, Amazon, Sysco, Niagara Bottling Company, and more. Gonzales...

Guadalupe Valley Has Ideal Sites for Businesses Looking to Move or Expand

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

More and more companies are moving to business-friendly Texas than ever before. Thanks to GVEC’s dedication, the Guadalupe Valley is attracting more than its fair share of exciting newcomers.Build it, and They Will Come“It comes down to being forward-looking, trying to figure out what opportunities are going to emerge on the horizon and then getting involved planning that infrastructure early on,” says Daisy Scheske Freeman, GVEC Economic Development Director. The Guadalupe Valley region has available properties ideal for various industries, such as manufacturing, industrial use, warehouse, office, retail, mixed-use property, agricultural property, and shovel-ready land. Thanks to GVEC, site selectors...

Governor Abbott Announces Over $1 Million Job Training Grant To Dallas College

Thursday, December 07, 2023

Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling $1,009,383 to Dallas College by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in partnership with Mint Dentistry, Kpost Company, Kpost Roofing, On-Target Supplies and Logistics, and The Richards Group. Through this SDF grant, Dallas College will provide over 600 new and current workers with customized training in administration, project management, roofing, dental hygiene, material handling, and desktop support.“Texas is proud to invest in our growing, diverse workforce to ensure critical industries in our state’s world-class economy continue to thrive,” said Governor Abbott. “This job training grant will help equip...

Texas Economy Expands Faster Than U.S. 4 Quarters In A Row

Thursday, December 07, 2023

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas’ continuing economic momentum as new data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Texas economy expanded faster than the nation as a whole for the fourth quarter in a row. Second quarter 2023 real GDP—the value of all goods and services produced—grew in Texas at an annual rate of 4.9%, well ahead of the U.S. which grew at 2.1%.“Opportunity knows no bounds in Texas thanks to the hardworking men and women of this great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas’ continuing economic expansion, well ahead of the United States as a whole for...

GVEC offers Valuable Site Selection Tools Online

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

“We’re passionate about ensuring site selectors have ready access to opportunities to show clients where they can locate and be operational quickly,”  says GVEC Economic Development Director Daisy Scheske Freeman.GVEC: a Powerhouse for Helping Major Companies Settle in the Guadalupe ValleyGVEC understands that site selectors need fast, easy, confidential access to tools and data, so they invested in making those user-friendly resources available online 24/7.With one click, site selectors can:Access the Map Room, GVEC’s Economic Development Web Mapping Application.Get detailed information on the companies and industries GVEC serves, including employee count and the percentage of total energy load.Access detailed County...

Gonzales County population increased by 1.2 percent since 2020

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gonzales County has seen its estimated population grow by 1.2 percent since 2020, according to data released this month by the Texas Demographic Center at The University of Texas at San Antonio.According to the 2020 census, the population of Gonzales County was 19,653, but the Population Estimates and Projections Program estimated that an additional 234 people are living in Gonzales County, bringing the total population estimate to 19,887 as of Jan. 1, 2023.Read the full article here.

The Guadalupe Valley is Thriving Thanks to Solid Opportunities and Strong Community Bonds

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

This south-central Texas region, known for its scenic rolling hills and picturesque towns, is near Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, and Houston and within an easy drive to all major markets, including the international market of Mexico.A Hub for Diverse Industries, Including Agriculture, Manufacturing, and TechnologyGVEC is grateful to be a cornerstone of the Guadalupe Valley. It’s a beautiful region. Community pride is evident here, so is a commitment to business and education. Nationally recognized Texas Lutheran University and the Alamo Colleges’ Central Texas Technology Center are located in Seguin and New Braunfels, respectively. Gonzales is home to Victoria College Gonzales...

Texas commuters saved $3 billion in 2022

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

AUSTIN – Commuters across Texas reaped time and cost savings valued at more than $3 billion last year, thanks to transportation improvements and pandemic-related trends that made their drives quicker than just a few years ago, according to a new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).The report analyzed commuting trends in 2022 and compared them to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The study found that, while motorists drove more miles last year, roadway construction and expansion projects like those in TxDOT’s Texas Clear Lanes — a Gov. Greg Abbott initiative-- helped make travel smoother and more efficient.Read the full article...

GVEC is Owned and Governed by Our Members: We Empower their Success

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

As a not-for-profit, GVEC’s primary concern is meeting the needs of its customers reliably and affordably. For over 85 years, this Coop has been dedicated to paving the way for sustainable economic growth in its member communities.GVEC Believes Working with a Coop Should Be Different“GVEC has a very long history of being very involved in the communities we work and live in,” says GVEC Economic Development Director Daisy Scheske Freeman. “From the beginning, it has been the organization’s first priority to say, ‘What do our customers need?’ Many times when a service wasn’t available, GVEC stepped in.”GVEC makes it easy...

Webinar: Insight of Key Steps in Grant Procurement

Monday, November 20, 2023

Registration Opens: Monday, November 20th, 2023Registration Close: Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024Webinar Date: Jan. 10th, 2024Time: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AMVenue: OnlineJoin TEDC and GrantWorks to explore how economic development organizations secure federal grants to enhance their business attraction and business retention efforts.Participants will learn:·      Steps to take to secure a federal grant·      Key programs available and key agencies involved·      Options and obstacles in pursuing a federal grant·      What to know before you apply for a federal grant·      Understanding the grant review process·      How to search for grants and...

GVEC: A History of Robust Services at Competitive Rates

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) was formed in 1938 to get the lights on in a small rural area in south central Texas. Today, this dynamic Coop serves over 120,000 consumers, and does much more than provide electricity. By procuring a mix of wholesale power sources, GVEC reliably meets the ever-growing demands of their consumers at affordable rates–one reason manufacturers love operating in south central Texas! GVEC also provides high-speed Broadband which empowers their customers to work globally.At GVEC, we know responsible financial management is essential to building a Cooperative you can be confident in. We have an obligation to...

GVEC Illuminates Opportunities and Powers Economic Development

Wednesday, November 08, 2023

With headquarters in Gonzales and four area offices in Schertz, Seguin, La Vernia, and Cuero, the GVEC service area spans 3,500 square miles across  20 communities in 13 counties in the heart of south central Texas.GVEC “Great Things are Happening in the Guadalupe Valley”GVEC is a vital partner in the Guadalupe Valley’s ongoing Economic Development by going above and beyond to anticipate and support the needs of the various companies that make up the south central Texas manufacturing mecca. This Coop, which started small in 1938, now provides a robust infrastructure, reliable utilities, and proactive services to drive growth and...

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) Provides More than Utilities

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

GVEC began as a small grassroots initiative turning the lights on for 150 members in 1938 when most rural America still lacked electrical power. GVEC went on to be a key contributor to the manufacturing mecca in south central Texas, providing site selection services and support to an array of commercial and industrial-based customers in the region.Today, the GVEC Service Area Spans 3,500 Square MilesThis member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative serves over 120,000 consumers in communities across 13 counties in south-central Texas daily, and is essential to the ongoing Economic Development of the Guadalupe Valley. Through technological advancements, well-maintained systems, and progressive...

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative Hires New Economic Development Director

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Press ReleaseFor Immediate ReleaseSeptember ____ 2023Contact:Daisy Scheske Freeman to Lead Cooperative’s Economic Development Initiatives Within Texas’s Guadalupe Valley Gonzales, Texas: Experience. Honesty. Integrity. Daisy Scheske Freeman exhibits all of these leadership qualities and they will serve her well as the recently-named Economic Development Director for the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC). In this role, Scheske Freeman will drive economic and job growth in the Guadalupe Valley while supporting the needs of its member communities and consumers.“It is an honor and privilege to work for an organization that is community-focused while serving the needs of businesses and residents in the South Central...

How Texas Created a Recession-Resilient Economy

Monday, October 30, 2023

Some analysts have predicted another economic downturn practically since the nation emerged from the pandemic-driven recession of 2020. But as dire predictions surge and wane, Texas’ economic fundamentals help it face the prospect of any recession from a position of relative strength.For the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, job one is closely monitoring economic information and trends. This scrutiny shapes forecasts including the Biennial Revenue Estimate that Comptroller Glenn Hegar issues before each regular legislative session.Read the full article here.

Businesses Can Receive Up to $20,000 from a Travel Industry Grant

Thursday, July 28, 2022

GVEC encourages communities in our territory to apply for the newly launched Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR Program). Tourism has a positive impact on our economy, even when those tourists are local or coming from other areas of Texas. This grant can help our communities to support the local businesses who make our region a great place to visit.  Businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 can apply for a one-time grant of up to $20,000. TTIR Program funds, totaling $180 million, were received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery...

Seguin Main Street Becomes a Regional Destination Through Creativity & Investment

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Community Main Street’s can be a driver of economic growth, as is the case in Seguin, Texas. “Seguin Main Street and the CVB do an incredible job of bringing people downtown for events, dining and shopping. Their work has resulted in more commerce and revenue being driven towards Seguin businesses,” said Gerri Lawing, Economic Development Director for GVEC. “They are an example of what’s possible with a strong Main Street program.” What makes the Main Street program so powerful is the investments being made in local businesses to prepare the community to attract visitors. Since 1996, $45 million has...

Meet Kyle Kramm, the Force Behind the Growth of Downtown Seguin

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Kyle Kramm, Seguin’s Main Street & CVB Director, has a passion for working with small businesses and helping the community grow. He started in Seguin’s economic development office as a college intern and has been dedicatedly working to support the community ever since. “My internship started right after Caterpillar announced they were coming to Seguin. I got to experience the excitement in the community and see first hand what that meant to people when a company invested in the community. I saw how that would benefit Seguin,” said Kyle. “I discovered quickly that this is what I want to do...

Free Wing Farms Organic Chicken Facility Grows in Gonzales,Texas

Tuesday, June 07, 2022

Free Wing Farms is a new 100% Certified Organic and Certified Non-GMO feed mill and feed store in Gonzales, Texas.  They specialize in poultry feeds and are expanding to other animals. They have already built a loyal following. One Facebook user wrote, “I picked up some layer mash for Seabreeze Hens. Our chickens love it! They are laying more also. Love your feed.” Other reviews include, “Great customer service and high quality feed!” and “Well run and very modern equipment.” With customers being able to pick up their feed in Gonzales, their local customer base has continued to grow. ...

Understanding Current Workforce Shortages

Friday, February 04, 2022

Workforce shortages are a primary concern for businesses and economic developers throughout the country. For economic developers, this creates a clear and urgent challenge - find workers to support existing businesses or risk them going elsewhere. The same is true for business attraction. Economic developers seeking new investment must have a workforce attraction strategy that supports that growth. Read full article.

City helping to spruce up downtown businesses

Thursday, February 03, 2022

(Seguin) — There are more improvements on the way to buildings in the downtown area. The Seguin City Council continues its efforts to spruce up the exterior of downtown buildings. Council members on Tuesday approved nine grants to property owners in the downtown historic district. Seguin Main Street Director Kyle Kramm says they had just over $50,000 in grants to award this year as part of its Fix-It Facade grant program. Read full article.

Innovation Corridors Have Economic Assets Driving Business Growth

Thursday, February 03, 2022

It’s no secret that the recipe for economic success usually includes generous portions of innovation and technology. That has been part of the economic development story for many years in such places as Boston, Seattle, the Research Triangle, and Silicon Valley. But just as you can find more and more cutting-edge restaurants and exceptional craft breweries in sometimes surprising places beyond the most obvious locales, the innovation-based recipe for success is being served up in smaller communities, too, far beyond the places that may first come to mind. When it comes to building an innovation corridor or innovation district,...

How States Can Direct Economic Development to Places and People in Need

Wednesday, February 02, 2022

To address local disparities and help struggling areas thrive, governments at all levels have spent hundreds of billions of dollars over the past 40 years on a range of geographically targeted, or “place-based,” economic development programs — mostly in the form of financial incentives — designed to boost job creation and business investment, incentivize real estate development, or increase property values in specific places. But decades of research have shown that governments have struggled to effectively target these programs to the people and places most in need. Tax increment financing (TIF), enterprise zones, community development block grants (CDBG), and...

The “Great Resignation” Is Impacting Corporate Relocations

Wednesday, February 02, 2022

I'm mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” declared the longtime news anchor Howard Beale in the 1975 film classic Network. A similar debate is raging across the world about the future of work, and there is a lot more at issue than how often to commute. The way of working that is emerging could alter the basic elements of our work life. A whopping 65 percent of employees said they are looking for a new job, according to a PwC survey; And 88 percent of executives said their company is experiencing higher...

Adapting to Agility: Leveraging a “Hub and Spoke” Model

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

As businesses navigate a new world following the global pandemic, most will need to adapt to a more agile workplace. An overarching result of the pandemic was the population diffusion of city centers. As COVID cases continue to affect our society, a return to downtown metro areas has been slow and methodical. This shift is leading many companies to reconsider and evaluate the hub and spoke model across their business footprint. The “Hub and Spoke” Model As population shifts away from major “hub” markets, businesses and real estate developers are reimagining how to help people work. A hub and...

BBQ On Wheels In Cuero

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

When it comes to food, there are not many things better than good ole’ traditional Texas barbecue. Cattleman’s Catering LLC is just that with a menu that consists of brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken. There is a wide range of options to choose from including plates, sandwiches, and even meat by the pound. Read full article.

Big Tech Schools Us

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

Even as state and regional education systems and business coalitions roll out reams of computer, tech and STEM skills certification and boot camp programs, Big Tech behemoths is doing the same. Companies such as Google, Intel, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and beyond have developed their own academic portfolios in order to fill a need for talent that only promises to keep climbing. Skeptics might point to such programs as community development sops — the sort of philanthropy-tinged outreach a company does to convey its goodwill and commitment to a region even as it hunts out ever more competitive advantage...

Talent-Based Location Strategies

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

As the U.S. economy continues its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are encountering an increasingly difficult talent landscape fraught with challenges related to the attraction and retention of the talent upon which their business relies. This is particularly true for the most advanced technical job roles. Amid this environment, companies are relying on their site selection consultants to develop talent-based location strategies that help ameliorate these challenges. Utilizing market data in more creative ways can help companies gain competitive advantage by identifying new pools of accessible technical talent. Read full article.

“Earn as You Learn” Cohort to Ignite Workforce Development in Manufacturing

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Modern manufacturing companies are struggling to fill key roles as they recover from the repercussions of the pandemic while facing a retirement surge amongst the Baby Boomer generation. This significant gap could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 potentially resulting in a loss of $1 trillion in 2030 alone*.  Manufacturers are also struggling to fill intermediate-level jobs that entail some level of technical training or applied skills. Fortunately, coalitions of manufacturers have joined forces and are working toward a solution. The Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (TX FAME) will be kicking off its first cohort for...

4 Trends that Will Reshape the Small Business Landscape in 2022 and Beyond

Sunday, January 02, 2022

We all know that in the past two years, the only constant for small business owners has been change. Thousands of businesses changed their business model at the onset of the pandemic, introducing new products or services and embracing new channels to reach their customers. Thousands more launched new businesses altogether, spotting untapped opportunities in our collective “new normal.”  Now, as we head into 2022, we see the impacts of the past two years crystallizing and new trends emerging, like the beginnings of the metaverse to changing how we define small businesses and how small businesses operate — online,...

How To Prepare An Economic Development Strategy That Impresses The Board And Gets Results

Saturday, January 01, 2022

The long-term effectiveness of your economic development strategy that impresses the board depends on your stakeholders. Fostering public ownership and enthusiasm starts with your board. Communicating well with them is the key to getting the best strategic support, fresh thinking, and leadership they can offer.  DEVELOPING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY THAT IMPRESSES A BOARD Think of your strategic plan as the blueprint that will help businesses, organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and private citizens engage in a constructive dialogue about the future. Ideally, that dialogue will get each stakeholder thinking about their capacity to contribute. In this context, providing...

Life Sciences Fueling Construction Demand

Friday, June 18, 2021

In a time of widespread economic upheaval, the life sciences industry is one of the few whose prospects have changed for the better. Called upon to rapidly develop and distribute an all-important COVID-19 vaccine without sacrificing the research and production of existing drugs, the biotech industry is expanding at breakneck speed. Currently, around 13.9 million square feet of life sciences research and manufacturing space is under construction in key markets. In the United States, lab space vacancies have dropped to 7.1 percent, while commercial properties are being converted into R&D facilities on a massive scale. This biotech boom is providing a vital...

Engaging the Workforce with Empathetic Leadership

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Area Development’s staff editor Mark Crawford recently asked Ericsson’s Dan Kerber, vice president of digital services business operations for North America — who helps companies improve their financial and operational metrics through improved resource management processes — about his thoughts on leadership, especially the need for “soft skills” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Area Development: What are the most important soft skills needed for leadership today? Kerber: There are many important soft skills, but the three I have found most important are communication, giving effective feedback, and empathy. Good communication skills are essential for conveying information, decisions, and your thought processes...

The Effects of the Pandemic on Industrial Design

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our economy, increasing a cultural reliance on e-commerce that is here to stay. Retailers have responded by minimizing square footage of brick-and-mortar store fronts, keeping less inventory on site, and focusing more on entertainment and experiential retail to keep shoppers engaged. As a result, the need for warehousing and industrial space has exploded, driving the desire for large-scale, innovative facilities that maximize efficiency and logistical operations. The literal driving force behind the industrial surge is the expansion of transportation capabilities worldwide, with international trade becoming the engine of the global economy...

Shoring Up Operations for Growth

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The pandemic wreaked havoc across every industry, and companies in the manufacturing and mobility/transportation sectors were not spared. The result? Companies are re-evaluating their supply chains and operations in a post-COVID environment. Realigning the Supply Chain For the past 20 years, manufacturing moved operations from the U.S. to East Asia to take advantage of cheap labor. This approach dominated manufacturers’ strategy, paving the way for a status quo where low-skilled and large-scale manufacturing was done in China. But COVID-19 — coupled with rising wages in East Asia, trade tensions, and a tariff war between the U.S. and China —...

A Turnkey Approach to Manufacturing Location Decisions

Monday, June 14, 2021

When scouting locations for a retailer, an experienced real estate team knows precisely what to look for: sites that have high visibility, easy accessibility, and close proximity to a population base and competing stores. By comparing options that meet this small handful of criteria, the final selection can be relatively simple. Compare that to locating a new manufacturing facility. As many as 70 or more different variables can influence site selection — from infrastructure, logistical, and incentive considerations to permitting requirements, staffing needs, and community acceptance concerns. Site selection models for these facilities, therefore, can be notoriously complex. The...

Texas’ Workforce Beats The Competition

Tuesday, June 01, 2021

Texas is among a handful of states that boasts a tax-friendly business climate. But our state has the edge on other states, even those that also have no state income tax: the Texas workforce is best and one of the fastest-growing in the nation. In late April 2021, Chief Executive Magazine announced the results of its annual CEO survey.  For the 17th year in a row, Texas is the No. 1 State to Do Business. Florida was No. 2 and remains one of Texas’ strongest competitors in attracting new projects. Texas’s skilled workforce is a significant factor in its track record of...

Demand Puts EV Battery Production In the Fast Lane

Monday, May 31, 2021

Speedbump or pothole? Either way, a global shortage of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is disrupting new and established manufacturers’ plans to deliver their product to consumers in the volumes and timeframes they first envisaged. That’s an opportunity for those looking to supply the demand, much of which is driven by local, state and national goals to reduce carbon emissions significantly in coming years. In March, for example, Volkswagen Group announced it is “pushing ahead at full speed with the development of production capacities in Europe in order to meet the increasing demand for battery cells,” according to a company...

BBB Tip: How to avoid employment scams when searching for summer jobs

Sunday, May 23, 2021

The beginning of summer brings an influx of job-seeking students looking to capitalize on their free time by earning money over their three-month break. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of these students find employment in the accommodations and foodservice industry. However, due to the complications associated with COVID-19, employment opportunities in this industry fell by more than 2.2 million between 2019 and 2020. While the foodservice industry projects growth, it is still measurably less than pre-COVD-19 levels, causing would-be employees to look elsewhere for summertime employment. In 2018-2019, employment scams were the No. 1 riskiest scam...

Texas’ Natural Beauty As Diverse As The State Itself

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Texas’s natural beauty and quality of life are among the state’s draws for business decision-makers considering a move here. Travel and Tourism Week, May 2-8, is an opportune time to see what Texas has to offer. Take an online tour of Texas — with the occasional taste of its diverse economy and culture — by following these Instagram accounts and hashtags. A huge state with 10 ecosystems So, what landscape does your mind’s eye conjure when you think of Texas? Unless you’ve spent time in the state, your imagination might run to grassy plains with grazing Longhorns or a sunbaked...

USA Opportunity Zones

Thursday, May 06, 2021

Overview More than 8,700 opportunity zones have been designated across the United States, established as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and are intended to foster long-term private sector investments in low-income communities. We can now begin to show the intersection of EDA's public investments and activities (more information will be added) near or within these zones. An initial assessment on the impact of these zones is available in this August 2020 report from the Council of Economic Advisors. What are Opportunity Zones? Qualified opportunity zones were created by the federal 2017 Tax Cuts and...

7 Must-Do Tasks Before Creating An Opportunity Zone Strategy

Monday, May 03, 2021

Seven must-do tasks before creating an Opportunity Zone strategy include assessing housing needs; gauging commercial market conditions in your community; identifying key economic drivers; analyzing your community workforce; seeking available tools for economic growth; collaborating with existing partners; and finding the right experts to help guide you through this process. Let's take a deeper dive into these. 7 MUST-DO TASKS BEFORE CREATING AN OPPORTUNITY ZONE STRATEGY 1. Assess Your Community's Housing Needs Housing is a basic human need and increasing the quality of affordable housing is a priority for most communities. By providing residents and potential residents a...

Texas Named Best State For Business By CEO Magazine For A Record-Smashing 17th Year In A Row

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

For the 17th year in a row, Texas has again been named the Best State for Business by the nation’s leading CEOs in an annual survey conducted by Chief Executive Magazine. The rankings are determined by the CEO’s assessments of each state’s business climate, workforce, and quality of life. Texas has secured the top spot each year since the ranking’s inception. Read full article.

Friar Ag Center Nears Completion

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Cuero showcases one of the top stock shows in the region each spring. Soon, they’ll also have the facilities to equal the event they put together every year for local youth. The newly renovated Friar Ag Center and Anne Friar Thomas Homemaking Building will not only be for stock shows, though, but it will have rental space available for public use. DeWitt County Extension Agent and Cuero Livestock Show board member Anthony Netardus relayed that the ag center itself was nearly complete at the time of this year’s show in late February-early March. There’s still a few things to...

What’s Driving Record Industrial Real Estate Demand

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

The global pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce as lockdowns and safety concerns prompted an increasing number of consumers worldwide to shop online. As a result, several years of online sales growth were condensed into 2020 alone, causing industrial leasing to surge globally as logistics became essential for retailers. Changes in population densities, shifting consumer expectations, and increasing transportation costs all played a role in this rise in industrial property demand. But it’s the need for speed that will shatter industrial CRE pricing. 2020 – A Banner Year for Industrial Throughout Asia Pacific, strong leasing and tight market...

2020: When Your Data Center Becomes Your Real HQ

Monday, April 26, 2021

Last year delivered plenty of wakeup calls to corporate real estate executives, but perhaps none bigger than this: Your site selection process for your company’s data center operations now carries more importance than your site selection for your corporate headquarters. In a world where remote work has become the norm for most non-industrial jobs, the headquarters facility has become a ghost town. Taking its place in critical importance is the data center, the lifeblood of your company’s entire global operation. The data center is what keeps you connected to your employees, your employees connected to each other, and...

10 Things Economic Developers Must Know About Opportunity Zones

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Ten things economic developers must know about Opportunity Zones include what an Opportunity Zone is, how many there are, your role in attracting investors to your community, and more. Let's walk through them. 10 THINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS MUST KNOW ABOUT OPPORTUNITY ZONES 1. What exactly is an opportunity zone? According to the U.S. Economic Development Agency, "an Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where private investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for capital gain tax incentives." Residents who live in areas designated as Opportunity Zones tend to suffer from unequal economic growth and access to...

Creative new ZoomTours help promote our innovative clients

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

When we launched ZoomTour back in December, we recognized that our innovative clients would produce a wide variety of interactive online tours this unique new virtual tour building software. We have not been disappointed! Client reviews of ZoomTour have been overwhelmingly positive. "ZoomTour was so easy to work with and a lot of fun," says Amber Shek, economic development specialist with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Commission (one of the tours featured below).  “ZoomTour has been an excellent tool for us as we have had to find ways to showcase our region without our clients actually being able to travel to...

The Effect of Corporate Relocation Incentives on the Office Market

Sunday, April 18, 2021

The pandemic has left office markets across the country with more vacancies than they have seen in over a decade. With practically every occupier rethinking its real estate footprint, filling all that empty space will be a challenge. It isn’t just office landlords who are fighting for tenants in this softening market, cities are also competing to bring in workers. This will likely accelerate an already growing trend of cities offering incentives for corporate relocations and will have an impact on which office markets will recover the fastest from the reduced demand. Dallas has been the poster child for...

Building A Remote Workforce

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BUILDING A REMOTE WORKFORCE Building a remote workforce is key in an age where more and more employees are choosing to work remotely. 2020 changed the perception of remote work for many employers and employees, bringing with it a rise in worker satisfaction, increased productivity, and better mental health for many. The benefits of the environment and housing market are other indicators that remote work is here to stay. As the trend of remote work continues to rise, you may be wondering how to include remote workers in your workforce attraction strategy. THE REMOTE WORK TREND WILL CONTINUE...

Developing and Executing a Site Selection Game Plan

Friday, January 22, 2021

Before setting sail on your site selection voyage across the country or the globe in search of your project’s perfect location, it is imperative to first take an internal assessment of the current operations, needs, and industry trends influencing the project. Taking the time to perform a thorough internal assessment of the project and company will lead to new discoveries that will ultimately guide the site selection game plan to success. Challenging and rethinking some of the institutional wisdom will allow new and innovative ideas to surface, enabling the company to consider sites or regions they had initially thought were...

First Person: Understanding and Investing in Current and Future Talent

Thursday, January 21, 2021

AD: Can you define people analytics for our readers? Williams: People analytics is described as the method of analytics which can support leaders as they make decisions about their employees and workforce. This method applies statistics, technology, and expertise to large sets of HR data, which should result in better business and management decisions by an organization. Another way of looking at this is how to get the best return on investment from their people — in an analytical, data-driven way. AD: How can the use of data help industrial companies satisfy their workforce requirements? Read full article.

The Future of the Workforce Is a “Better Normal”

Thursday, January 21, 2021

The world as we all knew it changed earlier this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, everything that we used to think was normal had changed, and things that once were deemed impossible for the workplace became the “new normal.” Now, seven months later, most of us have gotten used to this “new normal” — embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, using new technology, wearing masks, social distancing, and connecting virtually. But what comes next? Eventually this pandemic will end, a vaccine will be readily available, and we will attempt to return back to our “normal” lives. But...

Another Look at Rural Economies

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

As someone who lives in a city (albeit not a large one), I am perhaps not the most qualified to discuss the topic of rural economies. On the other hand, both my parents were raised on wheat farms in eastern Washington. Consequently, one of the most pressing issues in rural America is currently impacting my family directly: family farm succession planning. Additionally, each year the labor market analytics firm I work for produces a Talent Attraction Scorecard to rank how large, small, and micro counties are faring in building their talent pools. As a result, I’ve spent many hours combing...

Trends in Office and Industrial Parks

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Of course, the big factor impacting office and industrial parks going into 2021 is COVID-19. The pandemic has reduced business production and workforce (through illness, social distancing, and remote working), disrupted the supply chain and cash flow, and brought about significant investments in technology. Across the nation, the demand for suburban office parks is rising as more skilled workers move back to suburbs, due to concerns about housing costs and quality of education — they also feel safer from COVID-19 and the civil unrest that is happening in some larger cities. “The most notable shift is toward lower-intensity...

Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Manufacturing Workforce

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward? Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy...

Supply Chain Execs Respond as Pandemic Creates E-Commerce Surge

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our lives, and each one of us likely has a personal story to tell that underscores that fact. But there are also stories to be told of sweeping changes that virtually all of us have felt. One of those is the altered state of the global supply chain. The supply chain is, after all, an element of daily life that has an impact, either directly or indirectly, on just about everyone on the planet. The pandemic put a spotlight on the critical nature of this industry. Truck drivers and warehouse employees became everyday...

Get Creative to Uncover Top Talent When You're Hiring

Saturday, January 02, 2021

“She looked so good on paper.” Sound familiar? In your haste to fill an open position to keep your company running smoothly, you make a hiring decision that turns out to be a big mistake. If this is the case, you are certainly not alone, and the problem isn’t a lack of judgment. A US Chamber of Commerce Foundation study released earlier this year confirms what many of us on the front lines of recruiting candidates already know: There is a skills gap in the current labor market. The study found 48% of respondents lamenting that candidates lack the skills to fill the...

Always Running Out of Time? Here Are 10 Tools That Can Help Save the Day

Friday, January 01, 2021

Life is hectic for an entrepreneur. When you're in charge, you have to juggle so many things, it's easy to lose track of time or have to reassess your priorities on a daily basis. Perhaps you just need a little help from technology. We've rounded up some of the top time-saving and productivity tools on the market, all of which are on sale now. Stop running out of time and start becoming master of it. 1. Track your time. Stop spending so much time on less important tasks. Klokki lets you create custom time-tracking rules so you can track the...

Define Your Brand Identity in 3 Steps

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

A brand identity consists of the business values, and how the brand communicates those values through its products and services. It’s what the brand says, how it is visually represented with images and design, and what the brand intends customers to feel when they interact with its products. Essentially, a brand identity is the physicality and personality of your business. A brand identity is important for a few reasons. It's a template for your promotional assets, which means everything your customers are going to see from the logo on your business’s social profile to the product description copy on your e-commerce website. A well-defined brand identity, which aligns with...

Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation lands large contribution to help end 2020 on a positive note

Monday, December 28, 2020

(Seguin) – Patients at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center no longer have to wait for the lab results that they need. Health officials at the GRMC say they are thankful to Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio for “blessing” the GRMC lab with a $140,000 grant for lab testing equipment, equipment they say will now expedite results. Cody Knowlton, Baptist Health Foundation president and CEO, says the foundation is committed to serving those who serve others. “The Baptist Health Foundation was formed about 17 years ago when the Baptist Health System sold and became a for profit institution and...

5 Top GIS Planning Innovations of 2020

Monday, December 21, 2020

Safe to say, 2020 was a year for the books. No question, we'll all be glad to say good bye to this one. But in the midst of this crazy, challenging year of COVID and wildfires and chaos of all kinds, we also saw many instances of real innovation and advancement from leaders in all fields. As economic developers everywhere work hard (often from home offices, cleared off dining room tables, or hastily set up corners of their living rooms) to support their local businesses, collaborate with local officials, and continue to attract new investment to keep their regions smoothly,...

How Zoom Won 2020 by Meeting a Surge of Demand

Tuesday, December 01, 2020

It was a Monday morning in mid-March. Schools in California had just gone remote, and Eric Yuan’s daughter was settling in for the first day of her new routine. Then she turned to him and, like kids were doing with their parents everywhere, asked him for help using Zoom. “She’d never asked me a question about Zoom!” says Yuan. Nor had he ever expected her to, even though he is the company’s founder and CEO. “When we created Zoom, the goal was to serve enterprise and business customers. I never thought about my kid having to use Zoom.” That’s when Yuan knew his world was...

A Guide to Aerospace Investment Decisions

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry had a record year in 2019. Revenue passenger miles set a record, up 4.2 percent from 2018, and have been growing at roughly double GDP for the past two decades. Airbus’ and Boeing’s order backlogs ended 2019 at around 13,000 aircraft. The industry reported a record $780 billion in revenue — 5 percent over 2018. But in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the industry into crisis, literally overnight, with air traffic decreasing about 90 percent as society shut down and stayed at home. Hopes for a quick recovery have been dashed by the persistence of transmissions, and...

2020 Top States for Doing Business Showcase Their Pro-Business Environments

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

It would be easy to look at current economic statistics and conclude that we may as well remove words such as “business growth” and “expansion” from our collective vocabularies for the time being. On a macro level, the economy is anything but healthy, thanks to the coronavirus. And yet there are plenty of individual businesses that continue to expand or relocate to desirable places. The question of which states are the best for doing business is as valid a question as ever. Our roster of location experts knows the answers, from years of experience helping to guide site decisions...

Why are Foreign Trade Zones Making a Comeback?

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

FTZs Are Making a Comeback There was a double-digit growth in foreign trade zone use [in 2018], according to the federal government's report for that year. When the 2019 report comes out, that double double-digit growth will have increased even more. The reason is that these tariffs are a whole new way to save money, compared to before, when the most important things were speed to market, using direct delivery and weekly entry, cutting your supply chain time and lowering your cost of operations. Now it's cut your supply chain time, lower costs and mitigate the tariffs. The number...

GRMC Board of Managers extends kudos to hospital staff for top awards, new projects plus recruitment during pandemic year

Monday, November 02, 2020

(Seguin) — The GRMC Board of Managers applauded the individual contributions of hospital employees throughout this COVID-19 pandemic.                       Today, those same leaders are applauding the hospital for honors and projects that often times flew under the radar while most of were in quarantine.   Dr. James Lee, board chairman for Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, says even under the demands of treating COVID-19 patients, the hospital managed to pick up some national recognition for its operation.   “Still during the pandemic, the hospital was honored by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 25 medical health facilities in the nation...

4 Key Benefits of Video Content

Saturday, October 31, 2020

In the digital age, getting attention is anything but a given. An abundance of publishers, gadgets and apps are competing for mind share, and data overload causes audiences to block distractions and instead focus on what’s urgent. Five years back, a Microsoft study found that humans now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish, which lasts about eight seconds — only two decades ago, we were at 12 seconds. That's proof positive why content must be compelling, truly entertaining and/or informative; otherwise it’s just mindless noise. When marketing online, it also helps to have the right format. Entrepreneurs, startups and small- to medium-sized businesses can all use...

5 Tips for Entrepreneurs to Better Serve Their Potential Customers

Saturday, October 31, 2020

If McKinsey & Company insights from July are any indication, consumers have rediscovered their power in the pandemic. Due to a combination of product shortages, economic and job concerns, along with a general willingness to change their purchasing behaviors, 75 percent of shoppers say they’ve behaved differently since coronavirus began spreading. In many cases, their new purchasing habits have led to exposure to unfamiliar brands. This is a huge boon, especially for entrepreneurs trying to disrupt a market or industry. Under ordinary circumstances, getting consumers to move away from their favorite companies’ products and services can be challenging. However, with so much general...

50 Years of Success: Celebrating Sysco and Their Schertz Investment

Thursday, October 29, 2020

One of the first sights that greets people traveling through Schertz on Interstate 35 is a massive 635,000 square foot blue building that houses one of Schertz’ largest companies: Sysco. This facility may only be a piece of Sysco’s global footprint, but its impact on the local region, particularly during COVID-19, is significant. As Sysco celebrates their 50th anniversary as a company, it is helpful to dive into their role in the local economy and our food ecosystem.  Company Highlights  Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food and non-food products to restaurants, healthcare & educational facilities, lodging establishments, and other customers around the world. With over 320 distribution facilities worldwide, they keep pantries of all sizes stocked. Sysco also...

Manufacturing Day 2020 | Working Together To Find Digital Solutions

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

A component of both the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (Schertz EDC) and the Seguin Economic Development Corporation’s (Seguin EDC) business retention and expansion program (BRE) is to ensure that Primary Job Employers within our communities have access to a skilled workforce. As part of this effort, both Schertz and Seguin worked with local school districts to develop workforce pipelines for local Primary Job Employers, using events such as Manufacturing Day. However, as the pandemic challenged our communities’ commitment to help students develop a fuller understanding of available career opportunities, we – like many organizations across our region – saw the need to try something new. Adaptability during the pandemic became key and spurred a partnership between the Seguin and Schertz EDC...

How To Scale Your Business In Tough Times

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

To say that Covid-19 has thrown businesses for a loop would be an understatement. Yelp recently reported that, of the more than 160,000 U.S. companies that have closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, 60% are now shut down for good. With businesses across the country struggling to keep their doors open, scaling your company in this economy might seem like a pipe dream. Not necessarily, says Charles Gaudet, CEO of growth consultancy Predictable Profits: “While we are in a challenging environment, you will find companies in every industry having their best year yet. Those succeeding are adapting, looking for the opportunity and...

A Guide to Aerospace Investment Decisions

Monday, October 26, 2020

The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry had a record year in 2019. Revenue passenger miles set a record, up 4.2 percent from 2018, and have been growing at roughly double GDP for the past two decades. Airbus’ and Boeing’s order backlogs ended 2019 at around 13,000 aircraft. The industry reported a record $780 billion in revenue — 5 percent over 2018. But in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the industry into crisis, literally overnight, with air traffic decreasing about 90 percent as society shut down and stayed at home. Hopes for a quick recovery have been dashed by the persistence of transmissions, and...

Black Women Were Among The Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurs—Then Covid Arrived

Monday, October 26, 2020

Sherika Wynter was on a roll. Since releasing an insulated luxury tote bag for professionals in 2018, and subsequently selling out three times, her Maryland-based research and development company Thomas & Wynter had been featured in British GQ and the International Business Times and on several local news segments. She walked into February 2020 with more notches on her belt: a Google small-business award and a joint venture deal with a prominent Black law firm to create another product for professionals. “We were growing exponentially,” says Wynter, a Black entrepreneur who, with cofounder Shallon Thomas, started the business in 2014...

Email Marketing: Still The Most Powerful Tool To Take Your Business To The Next Level

Monday, October 26, 2020

The key to running a successful business is enticing customers and clients to do business with you. So whether you’re scrambling to lure customers back during a global pandemic or expanding your markets during “normal” business times, the question is, How do you do that? What are the best ways to get customers to come to your store, website, restaurant, office, etc.? We all know the answer: it’s marketing. But marketing is not a simple process. There are various practices, tactics, and strategies that are part of an overall marketing plan—and they are constantly evolving. It can make formulating a...

In Focus: An Evolving Last Mile

Monday, October 26, 2020

Apart from the tragic global health implications, the economic fallout from the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic has been highly disruptive. The longer-term impact from the profound behavioral shift on the part of consumers who have — by necessity — been introduced to online shopping will persist long after the current recessionary cycle ends. While some new online shoppers will go back to their pre-COVID habits once the pandemic is behind us, many will be “sticky,” finding the convenience of online shopping too alluring. One recent survey finds that 46 percent of shoppers currently plan to continue buying online. From curbside...

In Focus: Increased Data Center Growth Driven by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Monday, October 26, 2020

The stratospheric rise of the cloud over the past few years caught many off guard and created an arms race among the cloud providers, with data center development underpinning the effort. These cloud providers were anticipating ever-increasing demand for the cloud by globally creating a robust and redundant network of massive data centers tethered together through a network of smaller data centers and fiber connection locations. Data centers that service other segments of the market (wholesale colocation, “edge,” and retail) were also riding the wave of increased demand. Little did we know a global pandemic would make data centers...

Cuero is open for business

Saturday, October 24, 2020

As we continue to move forward and navigate through these very unique times, the Cuero community remains strong and is getting back to business. Our shops, restaurants and small businesses are open and ready for customers. Red White and Blue open flags welcome visitors as they drive through the Main Street District. In the month of September, two new businesses have opened; Inspire Boutique, 106 N. Gonzales and Sloane’s Barber Shop, 110 S. Esplanade. The City of Cuero completed its backdoor beautification project as part of its ongoing Downtown Revitalization Project that started in 2018-2019. Improvements were made to...

How Site Selection Can Help Meet Corporate Social Responsibility Commitments

Thursday, October 22, 2020

The increased role of corporate social responsibility in site selection Corporate social responsibility is playing a major factor today in company's decisions on where they're locating their business. That's happening for a few reasons. I think companies are realizing that they need to be more conscious as to what's going on in the environment today, and they need to react to that. But primarily that's being driven by their consumers (for any company that is selling a product to the consumer base). Consumers want to know that the company is delivering on certain sustainability goals. They want to feel like...

The Next Recovery: Regional Leaders & Laggards

Thursday, October 22, 2020

To call the road that most metro areas have traveled this year rocky would be akin to labeling Mount Everest a speed bump. But the most turbulent period of our lifetimes will eventually give way to a sustained recovery. And when it does, certain types of metro areas are in far better shape to take advantage. In the short run, places that suffered the steepest job and income losses will struggle most, which bodes especially ill for the Northeast and tourism-dependent Hawaii and Nevada. But what happens after that? Much depends on the course of the virus, such as...

Why are Foreign Trade Zones Making a Comeback?

Thursday, October 22, 2020

FTZs Are Making a Comeback There was a double-digit growth in foreign trade zone use [in 2018], according to the federal government's report for that year. When the 2019 report comes out, that double double-digit growth will have increased even more. The reason is that these tariffs are a whole new way to save money, compared to before, when the most important things were speed to market, using direct delivery and weekly entry, cutting your supply chain time and lowering your cost of operations. Now it's cut your supply chain time, lower costs and mitigate the tariffs. The number...

COVID-19 Reshuffles The Cold Chain & Logistics Deck

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

No sector now is more active than logistics, and there is no busier niche within it than cold chain for grocery and medical needs. The busiest companies within that niche, before and since COVID-19, are automated logistics pioneers and the grocers they serve. Digital Commerce 360’s 2020 Online Food Report, released in August, analyzes the top 1,000 food-dedicated retailers, as well as mass merchants with growing sales in the category — Walmart and Amazon represent more than 60% of the online grocery market, with Walmart having the biggest market share of online food in 2019 at 31%. Read...

Have Years of Darwinism in Rural America Paid Off During COVID-19?

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

As cities reel from a public health crisis and civic unrest, rural and small town community leaders are the unspoken heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have historically learned how to thrive through fostering creative connections between limited resources and community needs. Years of practice navigating threats and finding solutions keeps rural America surviving, even amidst a pandemic. Progressive rural community leaders developed a task force in March. They used frequent and clear communication on the local plan. Rural America applied well-practiced skills listening to citizens, health care professionals, business owners and educators to make decisions right for their...

The New Normal in the Automotive Supply Chain

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

For immediate evidence of disruptions in the automotive supply chain, you need to look no further than your local dealer. Many lots are nearly empty of new vehicles, with average dealer inventories across the U.S. far below the normal 50–60 days’ supply. How did this happen? Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic is a major part of the problem. When automotive production was abruptly halted in March, there were not any new vehicles being produced until early May. Even then, production has been proceeding in fits and starts. At the same time, consumers have continued to purchase vehicles, keeping auto...

5 Creative Approaches To Gain The Attention Of Businesses

Monday, October 19, 2020

So your community didn’t get on the finalist list of Amazon HQ2. Now what? The site selection process is changing and adapting with the trends in business. While it may still be important for you to look for potentially large company relocations, many good business expansions can occur with small to mid-sized companies. But gaining the attention of their businesses requires some creative approaches. #1 TALENT > INCENTIVES Workforce, workforce, workforce. The ability of a community to attract and retain a workforce is ranking at the top of the incentive list. Business owners may still be interested in...

How Technology Is Making Data Collection for Incentives Programs Applications Easier

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Importance of Software in Incentives Analysis Software is becoming a bigger part of incentives analysis as clients increasingly want to use this tool. Many clients are building the internal capabilities to perform initial credits and incentives and site location analyses. They want to do some of that research on their own with their internal team prior to pulling in an advisor, or maybe they have an internal team that can handle the project from start to finish. Unless they have the ability to go to all the various jurisdictions under consideration and understand all their programs, the team’s software,...

Texas Ranked Best State For Business

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after a new survey of U.S. corporate executives ranked Texas the number one state for business for the eighth consecutive time since 1996. The survey was released at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference, which is being held from Dallas virtually. “Thanks to our talented workforce, welcoming business climate, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Texas has been named the best state in the nation for business for the eighth consecutive time since 1996,” said Governor Abbott. “I want to congratulate the Texas Economic Development Corporation on their well-earned recognition as one...

Tri-County AC/Heating earns national award

Monday, October 12, 2020

(Seguin) — A Seguin based air-conditioning and heating company is being recognized as one of the best in the nation. Tri-County Air-Conditioning & Heating recently received the “Building A Higher Standard” award from American Standard. The corporation each year chooses the top dealers from around the country, and this year’s prize goes to Kay and Bubba Martin, the husband and wife team behind Tri-County AC & Heating. The Martins say they were shocked when they heard the news. “American Standard picks four dealers in the entire nation every year from the Customer Care Program to be a dealer...

Make Your Next Pitch Instantly More Compelling By Using This One Philosopher's Framework

Thursday, October 01, 2020

Want to know with confidence that your elevator pitch will land? Would clarity and persuasion help you attract more clients, investors, mentors and sales? To maximize success in conversation, ensure you are following Grice’s maxims. Twentieth-century British philosopher Paul Grice shifted the way we think about semantics and language. His maxims for conversation are part of his work on the cooperative principle, which states that when people engage with one another there are unspoken assumptions around how the conversation will unfold. Research tells us that we grasp the nuances of Grice’s maxims from an early age; a 2015 study found that children as young...

Five Common Ways To Fund A Small Business Beyond Personal Savings

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

One of the most cliched statements in starting a small business is that “it takes money to make money”... but it is often true. Many businesses need an infusion of cash to buy essential components of their operations. For a pizzeria, that could be an industrial oven, and for a yard care business, that could be a commercial lawn mower. A common funding practice many new business owners take is to use personal savings and start small by reinvesting profits into the business. This approach, known as bootstrapping, seems rooted in common sense, but can be restrictive to your...

Beat Zoom Fatigue With These 6 Tips

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Do you audibly sigh every time you have to log on to what feels like your thousandth Zoom meeting of the day? You’re not alone. While we’re all more or less used to video calls and meetings being the norm now, the newly coined effect of Zoom fatigue hasn’t gone away. Since working from home is here to stay, video calls are here for the long run too. This makes it incredibly important to find a way to prevent Zoom fatigue from taking over your workday. Here are a few ways you can mitigate its effects. Read full...

Yorktown welcomes two new businesses

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Two new businesses were honored by the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Sept. 25 with ribbon-cutting ceremonies. BBQ Cafe and Kristin’s Kookie House and Boutique were welcomed to the community with cheers, conversations, and celebrations. Located at 252 Highway 72, BBQ Cafe owners Sharamee and Donnie Trisdale are quite new to the Yorktown area. “We came with the oil field eight or ten years ago,” said Sharamee during an interview, “and once we got to the area, we decided we love it here. Love the people, love the community–everything about the area.” Read full article.

‘Tremendous increase’ in corporate relocations, expansions to Texas since pandemic hit

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Despite some companies pausing projects due to the pandemic and the resulting economic meltdown, Texas has more potential corporate relocations and expansions in the pipeline than before COVID-19 hit. Read full article.

Local woman brings passion for dentistry back home to Seguin

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

(Seguin) – It’s not every day that products of Seguin graduate and then return home to serve as a professional in their community especially when that professional is a doctor. With jobs in the health field already being limited and competitive, this year’s welcoming of Dr. Kelsey Reyes to the office of Dr. George Walker, DDS & Associates has already been rewarding for the 2012 Seguin High School graduate. Dr. Reyes, officially made the return home this summer after attending the University of Incarnate Word and then the UT Health Science Center School of Dentistry in San Antonio, where...

TLU again makes top colleges on U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Value List

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

(Seguin) — Texas Lutheran University (TLU) has once again made the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” selections among regional colleges in the West, ranking second on the list for “Best Value,” and fourth overall. This is the sixth consecutive year TLU has been featured on the “Best Value” rankings. Other notable recognitions include TLU’s spot as No. 5 for Top Performers in Social Mobility-the second year TLU has received this honor. “I’m very pleased that the strengths of TLU are being recognized again,” said TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. “In particular, being acknowledged in the categories of...

TLU named among the top colleges in which to work for TLU, a 2020 Great Colleges to Work For® by ModernThink

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

(Seguin) – TLU is happy to announce another accolade on the heels of its U.S. News recognition. For the ninth consecutive year, Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is again one of the nation’s great colleges to work for according to a survey by ModernThink. TLU officials say the Great Colleges to Work For® survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. Now in its 13th year, it recognizes colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies. Of the 221 institutions that participated, 79 were recognized as a 2020...

Retail hopes, development well underway in Seguin

Monday, September 21, 2020

(Seguin) – It doesn’t look like the COVID-19 pandemic has shut the door on Seguin when it comes to future box stores, restaurants and retail development. During a week when the city of Seguin reported a continued decrease in unemployment numbers and a boom in housing, more retail also looks to be on the horizon. Josh Schneuker, the executive director for the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, says one of the most visible sites preparing for new business is off of State Highway 46 at what will likely be called the West Seguin Martketplace. “That property is about 24 acres...

Cuero Regional Hospital Celebrates 50TH Anniversary

Thursday, September 17, 2020

To encapsulate what a single entity has meant to a community over the past half-century might seem like a fool’s errand. Words cannot properly illustrate the lives touched and impacted by the works of Cuero Regional Hospital since its inception in 1970. Last Tuesday, Sept. 8, a time capsule burial ceremony was held to remember the hospital’s past while looking to the future. Hospital CEO Lynn Falcone, Cuero Mayor Sara Post Meyer, Dr. Dan Dugi, and Dr. Raymond Reese offered their own words to reflect on the last 50 years with a recurring theme of caring. The time capsule,...

Small Business Development Center: A Local Resource

Monday, September 14, 2020

The silence of a closed University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) Downtown Campus stands in stark contrast to the hundreds of clients that have been seeking assistance and relief since the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the temporary closing of so many of San Antonio’s small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), over half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses are responsible for two-thirds of new jobs each year. Located in the Durango Building of the Downtown Campus is the UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a resource that small businesses are relying on...

Located in the GVEC Region, Seguin is a Quick Drive from San Antonio

Monday, December 23, 2024

If you want to strategically grow your business locations, choose Seguin, which is located in the GVEC Region between San Antonio and Austin. You can easily reach Seguin from both cities – with San Antonio just 30 minutes away via I-10.Seguin, TX, is a Prime Location for Manufacturing in the GVEC Region Seguin has the highest manufacturing jobs per capita in the state of Texas. It is home to several companies, including Caterpillar, Tyson Foods, and Star Manufacturing. There are also plenty of skilled employees for your business, as Seguin has more than 32,000 residents and a population growth rate of...

The City of Schertz Election Information

Monday, October 09, 2023

Notice of General Election 2023The City of Schertz will hold a general election on November 7, to elect the following  places:Councilmember Place 3 for the term November 2023 - November 2026Paul MacalusoTyrone TaylorCouncilmember Place 4 for the term November 2023 - November 2026Danielle CraigRobert MarksMichael ArmstrongTiffany GibsonCouncilmember Place 5 for the term November 2023 - November 2026Paul KendziorRobert WestbrookRead the full information here.

Victoria port receives $20M grant for rail project

Thursday, September 28, 2023

The Victoria County Navigational District said on Thursday it had received a $20 million state grant for a rail project.The $20,355,494 Maritime Infrastructure Program grant from the Texas Department of Transportation will go toward a $26.4-million rail infrastructure project at the Texas Logistics Center at the Port of Victoria, according to a news release issued by the district.Victoria County and the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation are also contributing $3 million each.“This is the largest grant the Port has ever received, and we are extremely thankful for the financial contributions and teamwork from both our state and local partners, which...

Ripken Foundation Opens First South Texas Junior High STEM Center

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Cuero Junior High is the first to receive the innovative learning space from Cal Ripken, Sr. FoundationOn Wednesday, September 20, students at Cuero Junior High celebrated a new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Center, created by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in partnership with Devon Energy, Marathon Oil and Repsol Energy. Cuero is the first junior high in South Texas to receive a Ripken Foundation STEM Center. aime Dyer, principal of Cuero Junior High said the new STEM Center…Read the full article here.

Seguin Wagyu Ranch hosts Australian visitors, boasts local production

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

When it comes to beef, Wagyu cattle are among the most exclusive and best tasting in the world.A local company is in the process of expanding its production of its exclusive offerings right here in Seguin. The Santos Patronos Ranch hosted members of the Australian Wagyu Association, one of the globe’s most important groups of Wagyu beef producers, as the group toured parts of Texas.Read the full article here.

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center receives $10M in state funding

Thursday, September 21, 2023

It can be difficult getting politicians to agree on anything, but a community project made it into the state’s budget to bring a new medical facility to Seguin and Guadalupe County.Legislators approved a $10 million expenditure for the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center to build a 25,000-square-foot medical building in Seguin, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation CEO Elaine Bennett said.Read the full article here.

Toni’s Food Store named Main Street Business of the Month

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Gonzales Main Street is pleased to announce Toni’s Food Store as the Main Street Business of the Month for September. Located at 209 Saint Lawrence Street, Antonio “Toni” Espinoza opened Toni’s Food Store on Sept. 10, 1959 — 64 years ago this month.Built from the ground up, the grand opening celebration was the biggest party around. There were pony rides and characters in bunny costumes as it was the newest of Gonzales’ grocery stores at that time. Patrons remember Coke bottle recycling and a fresh-cut meat counter. They even had two tables to enjoy your barbecue at the grocery store.Unfortunately,...

Cuero Development Corporation Executive Director, Maggie Cromeens, Celebrates One-Year Milestone

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Cuero Development Corporation (CDC) celebrated the one-year anniversary of their Executive Director, Maggie Cromeens, with the organization on September 6. Reflecting on her oneyear journey with the CDC, Cromeens shared, 'I often get asked 'what brought you back home,' and the answer is simple: It was the right move for my family, but I didn't end up realizing it would be the right move for me…Read the full article here.

Green Valley SUD unveils new $21M headquarters

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Back in 1963 when Green Valley Special Utility District started, its founders established water connections for about 150 customers.In the 60 years since, the district has grown to provide sewer service on top of the water service it delivers through 17,000 connections, General Manager Pat Allen said. The rise in customers came with the tremendous, ongoing growth of the seven-community area it serves and led for a need to expand, he said.Read the full article here.

New group helps to boost construction trades program

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Seguin High School senior Zachary Mica has always liked working with his hands and staying active, which he believes will help him after high school.He received an additional leg up on his future Wednesday through assistance from a new group set up to support the school. The new Seguin High School Construction Trades Booster Club donated new sets of tools to students in the construction trades class including Mica.“When I graduate, I want to go into a trade school,” he said. “I want to go into construction. These tools will help me.”Read the full article here.

TCEQ’s Take Care of Texas program seeks entries for video contest

Monday, September 11, 2023

Get those video cameras rolling! The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is once again looking to see how the state’s students Take Care of Texas through its annual Take Care of Texas Video Contest.The contest is open to public, private, or home-schooled students throughout Texas in grades six through twelve. The competition encourages students to learn about protecting the environment and share this knowledge in a short video. Read the full article here.

Defining Rural Texas

Monday, August 28, 2023

Rural pride is part of the cultural fabric of Texas, a land of vast open spaces, farms, ranches, cattle and the home of Lonesome Dove. Take a road trip across the U.S., especially Texas, and you’ll spend most of that ride passing through small towns and countryside, which would easily be described as “rural.”State and local lawmakers work hard to advocate for rural residents, ensuring they have access to the same economic opportunities and support as their urban counterparts. Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who grew up on a family farm in rural Texas and has served in the Legislature, is well...