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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

Thursday, January 02, 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

Wednesday, January 01, 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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

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

Sunday, December 29, 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

Thursday, December 26, 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.

20 ways to prioritize professional development for maximum impact

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Staying ahead in any industry requires continuous networking and education, but with countless options available, making the right choices can be challenging. It’s important for you to focus on the events and programs that will provide the most value for your time and investment.To help you navigate this decision-making process effectively, Fast Company Executive Board members share insights into determining the best bang for your buck when it comes to staying ahead. These tips can help you evaluate and select the best business events, conferences, and training programs to ensure you’re investing wisely in your professional development.Read the full article...

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...

Lessons Learned from the Trenches: Strategies for Business Succession Planning

Monday, November 11, 2024

According to the State of Small Business survey, 54% of U.S. business owners are over the age of 50. In rural areas, this is a concerning statistic. In communities where there are numerous restaurants and hardware stores, losing one to an owner retiring is not a significant challenge. If they happen to own the only hardware store, it’s a different story.Roger Hrabe, Director of Rooks County Economic Development, is diligently working to ensure his community doesn’t lose any more businesses to retirement. He shared stories of businesses that have suddenly closed due to owners' health issues or other outside factors...

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

Sunday, September 01, 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...

How to Master the Maze of Federal Funding in Manufacturing Site Selection

Monday, April 29, 2024

Getting through the maze of federal funding and incentives in the world of manufacturing site selection and facility planning is akin to a high-stakes chess game. It's not just about the allure of the funds; it's the intricate dance of aligning these opportunities with your project's timelines and strategic goals. Here’s what this means for you as an executive steering the ship.Fierce CompetitionFinding federal funding is more than just a financial strategy, it’s a test of your project's flexibility and endurance. Imagine you've got your eyes on a juicy grant that seems perfect for slashing your project costs. But here's...

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.

The Guadalupe Valley is a Prime Location to Watch the Eclipse. Here’s Where and When to See It

Thursday, March 21, 2024

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass across the United States. The Guadalupe Valley falls right within the path of totality, which makes it one of the best places in Texas to see this rare event. Business owners and community leaders across the region are hosting events to watch the eclipse. There are family-friendly opportunities to learn about space and gatherings for adults as well.  The next total solar eclipse in the United States isn’t until 2044, so make sure you visit The Guadalupe Valley so you don’t miss out. Here’s what you need to know. Eclipse...

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

Friday, March 15, 2024

Many people dream of starting their own business. Running an enterprise in your home, garage or on the go means you can take more control over your professional goals, set more ambitious financial targets and achieve a more desirable work-life balance.But what if you're ready to start a business but don't know what type of services to provide? You've come to the right place if you need profitable business ideas. Below, find a detailed breakdown of 63 small business ideas — from financial services to physical labor and creative contracting — to help you chart a path forward.Read the full...

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. ...

AW Texas Begins Manufacturing Transmissions in Cibolo, Texas An Uncommon Story of Success

Friday, February 04, 2022

In September, the first transmission rolled off the line at AW Texas, a subsidiary of Japanese automotive giant Aisin Corporation. AW Texas, a producer of automatic and hybrid vehicle transmissions, invested more than $400 million in the site and currently employs 400—a number that is expected to rise to 900 as Phase II of the plant gets underway. The story of AW Texas is a good one and one that goes against all the norms of economic development and site selection. In 2013, GVEC purchased 159 acres of farmland along Interstate 10 between Seguin and San Antonio, Texas, with the vision to attract a...

The Development Process: A GVEC Resource

Friday, February 04, 2022

In an effort to boost economic activity and provide a home for new and expanding business operations, both Yoakum Economic Development Corporation and Gonzales Economic Development Corporation have purchased raw land for industrial development this year. What does the typical development process look like after land is purchased? We went to ED Best Practices and our good friend Greg Last to find out. GVEC worked with Greg to produce this basic overview of the steps involved in the identification, due diligence, evaluation, acquisition and development of real estate, which you can download here.

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...

Gonzales is the Birthplace of Texas Revolution and the Proud Home of U.S. Manufacturing Companies

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Gonzales, Texas was the site of the first shot fired in the Texas Revolution - the battle that eventually led to the United States formally acquiring Texas, New Mexico and California. Home to the famous “Come and Take It” cannon, Gonzales has never forgotten its roots as a community proud of its U.S. heritage. That same pride is evident in the community’s support of the U.S. manufacturing and agricultural industry. Adams Extract moved to Texas in 1905 and companies like Kitchen Pride joined them in the decades to follow. Graham Land & Cattle Co., is another company in the agricultural...

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERS MEET WITH CALIFORNIA BUSINESSES

Thursday, December 09, 2021

Business executives who met with Texas economic development leaders in California this week were eager to discuss the advantages of relocating to and expanding in the Lone Star State, said Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation. Allen, Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development  and Tourism, and representatives from the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, the City of Sugar Land, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, greater: SATX, the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, and the Irving Economic Development Partnership traveled to San Francisco to meet with...

Cuero Goes the Extra Mile to Support Local Businesses: Explore this Friendly Community

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

Cuero is in the heart of South Texas, the county seat of DeWitt County and located in the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas play. Centrally located, businesses in Cuero are 28-minutes from Victoria, 1 ½ hours from San Antonio and Corpus Christi, 2 hours from Austin, 2 ½ hours from Houston, and just 4 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. This centrality is beneficial for companies looking to operate throughout Texas, while benefiting from a low-cost, low-traffic and high-value community - Cuero.      There’s plenty of room for growth in Cuero’s DeWitt Industrial Park. For...

Seguin: Around here, we make the things that make America go, grow, build and take on the world.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Located thirty minutes east of San Antonio and about an hour south of Austin, Seguin is positioned to compete for future investment. Seguin has ample property ready for development and excellent access to the major thoroughfares of I-10 and SH130. With a population of over 30,000 people, Seguin is a diverse community that people of all incomes, ages and backgrounds call home. Seguin is a regional entertainment hub that provides endless entertainment options for families, couples, singles and retirees. Whether your idea of fun involves spending the day at a local festival, perusing collections of local art at the...

Yoakum Economic Corporation to Develop Second Industrial Park

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC), in collaboration with the Yoakum City Council, has secured the land necessary to establish Yoakum’s second business development park suitable for the location of industrial and manufacturing companies that are key to the community’s long-term growth. The new 60-acre industrial park is located at the major intersection of US Highway 77-A and Farm-to-Market 3475 (Carl Ramert Drive). The park will boast the availability of shovel-ready sites including all the requisite utility infrastructure in the near future. YEDC’s goal is for the location to bring millions of dollars of private investment with stable, well-paying jobs...

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...

City of New Braunfels, Texas

Friday, January 08, 2021

Making the annual Top 10 Census population growth list is an accomplishment for a city or county. When you rank No. 3 over an entire decade as a city and No. 4 as a county in the U.S., that points to sustainable opportunity. New Braunfels grew over 56% from 2010-2019; and Comal County grew nearly 44% during the same time period. Having one of the nation's fastest population growths requires top-notch city and county government services, something the city has actively invested in. Successful city bonds in 2016 and 2019 are being used to provide upgraded streets, public safety,...

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...

City of Schertz, Texas

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The City of Schertz, Texas is part of the larger San Antonio region and in close proximity to Austin, and Houston. This proximity has fueled the community’s explosive growth. Over the past five years, numerous top Fortune® 100 companies have chosen to make major investments in Schertz. Caterpillar, Amazon.com, FedEx, and Sysco have collectively invested hundreds of millions of dollars and constructed over 3 million square feet of space in the community.  About the City of Schertz The City of Schertz is a business friendly, fast-growing community of over 42,000 residents. Schertz is an ideal location for...

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...

City of Cibolo, Texas

Friday, October 23, 2020

Cibolo is the City of Choice, making our City a great place to live, work, or play. Cibolo is a Texas community strategically located on the Interstate 10 and Interstate 35 corridors just northeast of San Antonio. While careful maintenance of their "small town Texas" identity makes this a great place to live, several other factors make it a premier place to do business: proximity to major urban conveniences; transportation options; a decade of strong economic and infrastructure growth; and a young, highly educated workforce with the talents and skills to help companies prosper well into the 21st century...

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...

Governor Abbott Issues Statement Of Support For Senator John Cornyn’s ‘Eliminate The Digital Divide Act’ Broadband Legislation

Thursday, October 01, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement of support for Senator John Cornyn's 'Eliminate the Digital Divide Act.' This legislation would expand broadband access across the country by sending federal dollars to the states for the purpose of developing programs that fund broadband projects in underserved areas.  Read full article.

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...

ONE OF GVEC’S LARGEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Thursday, September 10, 2020

In August, GVEC completed the sale of a 159-acre tract of land, making it one of the Cooperative’s largest economic development projects to date. The acreage will be the future location of the second U.S. facility for Aisin AW, a Japan-based Fortune 500 company and global manufacturer of automotive transmissions, among other products. This $400 million international investment in a state-of-the-art transmission manufacturing facility will offer more than 900 new jobs to the area. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The Guadalupe Valley Development Corporation (GVDC), a nonprofit subsidiary of GVEC, acquired the land in 2013 with plans of spurring business...

10 Site Selection and Economic Development Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis

Friday, May 15, 2020

1. Over extended and overly risky supply chains are no longer tolerable. Coronavirus is providing new and forceful momentum for the reshoring of manufacturing investment back to the U.S. from China and elsewhere. Our nation’s medical devices and biopharma sector — now dangerously concentrated in China — must be the first in line to disinvest there and reinvest back here in the States. Currently, less than 30% of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) -producing facilities are in the U.S. - while the number of Chinese facilities has more than doubled since 2010. The recent bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-Tennessee)...

A “Now, Next, Later” Approach for Dealing with Pandemic Challenges

Friday, May 15, 2020

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S. spread in March, leading to shelter-in-place orders in most states and a rapid slowdown of the national economy, businesses have started adopting Baker Tilly’s “now, next, later” framework in dealing with the pandemic challenges: “Now” is focused on the first 30 days; “next” is focused on the following 60 days; and “later” focusing on 90 days and beyond. The “now” response reflects the immediate reality for businesses – survival. An early March 2020 poll by the National Association of Manufacturers showed 35 percent of manufacturers are facing significant interruptions in supply chain operations,...

COVID-19 - Suffocating the global medical supply chain … while breathing life into its future.

Friday, May 15, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the United States’ reliance on imported medical supplies and equipment. Global manufacturers of these much-needed products have had capacities curtailed due to shutdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions. At the same time more than 50 countries around the world have embargoed or restricted exports of items like personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other much-needed medical equipment and pharmaceutical products. Click here to read full article. 

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Friday, May 15, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain...

Big Lil' Helps

Thursday, May 14, 2020

The Secret To Retail Success Post Coronavirus? Adopting A Consumer-Centric Approach

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fashion retail was facing unprecedented upheaval long before any of us had even heard of coronavirus or could imagine a situation where all stores would be forced to close and the world would be in global lockdown. This pre-coronavirus need for change was being driven by shrinking margins and an increase in nimble new entrants to the market who were growing their market share at a rapid pace, striping away sales from large incumbent brands and retailers.  Click here to read full article. 

FCC Commissioners Sharply Disagree on U.S. Broadband Report

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Federal Communications Commission report Friday indicated that the U.S. is making progress on closing the digital divide, but FCC commissioners don’t agree on how much progress has been made.  The 2020 Broadband Deployment Report showed that very high-speed broadband service (250 Mbps/25 Mbps) can be accessed by roughly 85 percent of citizens — a number that has gone up by 47 percent since 2017. The report attributes this and other gains to the $80 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in 2018, a significant increase in fiber-to-the-home projects in 2019 and the advent of 5G technology.  Click here to read...

How shall Texas go about remaking its economy?

Thursday, April 23, 2020

If there's one thing we've all heard since the coronavirus-driven economic shutdown began, it's that we can't just pick up where we left off. Many activities we took for granted — our jobs, the goods and services we consume — will change for good if, indeed, they come back at all. There's also an old saying that in chaos there is opportunity. It takes on special meaning in this land of opportunity — and by land of opportunity we mean these United States in general, but Texas in particular. Click here to read full article. 

Not your average market

Thursday, February 06, 2020

The Farmers Daughter is an all-natural take on the grocery store plus so much more There are many quirks and contrasts involved with relocating from a city of over 8 million people to a town of under 8,000. Though she’s settled into the Gonzales lifestyle, one distinct difference between city and country life is still notable for local business owner Sarah Tenberg. “It always kind of blew my mind that when I moved here (to Gonzales,) surrounded by farms, that I had to go to Walmart to buy a tomato from Guatemala,” Tenberg said. “I could be in...

In Focus: Taking Steps to Fill Your Company’s Talent Pipeline

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Companies must take the time to identify potential new hires, build a relationship, and follow up with training and support in order to build today’s — and tomorrow’s — workforce. It’s no secret the manufacturing and construction industries are facing a shortage of workers at every level. To build a talent pipeline, manufacturing and construction companies need to embrace the challenge, dedicate resources, and invest in programs to change the future. Building a solid talent pipeline requires a multifaceted approach that addresses internal and external factors of your organization. Read full article. 

Cultivating Talent from Untapped Communities

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

By hiring from diverse and underserved communities, a company can boost innovation along with its bottom line. The current U.S. labor market bodes well for workers: unemployment has been consistently low and demand for talent remains high. But this wreaks havoc for companies who face a talent shortage to fill vacant IT roles. In IT alone, the U.S. has an astounding 918,000 open roles. Much of this job growth stems from digital transformation. As companies digitally transform and tech roles infiltrate all industries, corporations and hiring managers need help to fill vacant positions. It’s time to seek alternative pipelines and cultivate talent from...

Hot Jobs: Growing Industrial Sectors

Monday, February 03, 2020

Although the number of jobs lost during the Great Recession have been regained, not all regions or industry sectors have experienced the same recovery. Where are the best job opportunities, and in what sectors? The research from market analytics consultant Emsi suggests that some of the most attractive sectors in terms of decent-paying jobs are also doing fairly well in terms of job growth. Most states will welcome all the manufacturing activity they can get, for example, and many states have been seeing healthy manufacturing job growth in recent years. Auto manufacturing is in respectable shape, biopharm is...

The Evolution of Facility Design

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Attracting and retaining the next generation of talent is now a critical input to the facility design process. When looking to build a new facility or renovate an existing one, manufacturing leaders need to consider several factors for the best return on investment. In the past, operational efficiency was often the most prominent, if not the only consideration. But today, the physical characteristics of a manufacturing facility must now deliver beyond operational excellence. The building or campus’ presence must now also serve as a recruiting tool, a reinforcement of brand, a testament to the company’s mission and values —...

What Should High-Growth Companies Look for in a Community?

Saturday, February 01, 2020

While there are many key factors to consider when selecting a location, the three “must haves” for entrepreneurial, high-growth companies are an existing entrepreneurial ecosystem, an affordable cost of doing business, and the “cool factor.” I'll start off by stating the obvious…you’re reading this article because you understand the importance of selecting the optimal business location. I believe this to be true across the board, regardless of industry sector, company size, facility type (i.e. headquarters, distribution center, etc.) or other factors. But perhaps it is most important to entrepreneurs and high-growth startup companies (herein referred to collectively as entrepreneurial...

Tips for Navigating Incentives in Site Selection Process

Friday, January 31, 2020

A thorough understanding of the components of each incentive program is key to a mutually successful incentive offer and ultimately a community partnership. More Collaboration Expected Compared to 10 years ago, there have some notable changes to today’s site selection process. I think one of the more important changes is the incentive package. The kinds of incentives offered a company 10 or 15 years ago, or maybe even five years ago, are going to be very different than what they're going to receive right now. Unemployment's really, really low right now, so communities aren’t as concerneddon't care right...

Seguin seeking to be the town for a HGTV Home Town Takeover contest

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

(Seguin) — Seguin apparently wants HGTV to come in and takeover “our town.” In their quest to capture the attention of Ben and Erin Napier of the hit series Home Town, residents this weekend will rallying in front of cameras in hopes of having the couple choose Seguin for its upcoming series “Home Town Takeover.” A Central Park gathering for all Seguin residents was scheduled in downtown Seguin. The purpose behind the gathering is to help capture on video exactly why Seguin deserves to be selected for the upcoming television project. The nomination and video project is being spearheaded...

Helping to build their future

Monday, January 27, 2020

The Koehler Company teams up with Seguin High School for special CTE project (Seguin) — Thanks to community partnerships, students at Seguin High School are literally being handed the tools to help build their futures. Students in the CTE (career and technical education) construction trades class recently were able to assist their fellow classmates in the health science program by not only building but also designing and installing a new customer service/nurse’s counter for the school’s CNA (certified nursing assistant) program. Students in Kenneth Soefje’s construction practicum class built the counter under the direction of local business The...

Seguin celebrates downtown investments

Monday, January 27, 2020

(Seguin) — Part of telling the story of downtown Seguin and the Seguin Main Street Program is tracking its progress, which is done by reporting quarterly to the Texas Main Street Program statistics on reinvestment, new businesses, employment growth and volunteer hours within downtown Seguin. Seguin Main Street recently compiled the numbers for 2019 and we are pleased to report that it was a great year for downtown. Over $4,175,000 dollars was reinvested in downtown Seguin during 2019. Read full article. 

The 2020 Regional Workforce Development Rankings

Saturday, January 25, 2020

We may one year choose to rank states’ primary workforce development programs, but not this year. That would take a panel of objective experts gauging outcomes based on copious input from program clients and many other sources. Perhaps one year. Instead, this exercise looks in general terms at states’ workforce development climates, if you will, much like the state business climate rankings we publish each November. It’s an admittedly blunt instrument, but then it isn’t promising something it can’t deliver. These rankings take a regional look at states’ commitment to workforce development relative to other states in the same...

CUERO REGIONAL HOSPITAL TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The 50-year mark is a milestone for anything. Cuero Regional Hospital (CRH) will soon be able to add themselves to that half-century list this fall, as they first opened their doors on Sept. 8, 1970. Simply put, much has changed since their first patient was admitted. Cuero Nursing Officer Judy Krupala remembers when this small town had three hospitals: Burns Hospital, Cuero Hospital Foundation (CHF) and the orthopedic hospital. “The one at Cuero Foundation was in big disrepair,” Krupala said. Read full article. 

Light industrial is all the rage for e-commerce.

Monday, January 20, 2020

As an industrial real estate broker in one of the country’s hottest submarkets, Patrick Turner sensed opportunity when he heard a news report announcing the closure of a national-brand bakery complex near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. “A light went off in my head,” says Turner, a vice president in the Rosemont, Illinois, office of Colliers International. “When you’re talking about urban infill, you can’t just go out and find 10 acres [4 hectares] anywhere around the airport. It just doesn’t happen.” Read full article. 

4 Steps to Growing Your Business Now

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Did your growth stall in 2019? Here's how you can engineer a bigger, better year for your business. Q: My business stalled out in 2019. What can I do to give myself the highest likelihood of growth in 2020? -- Aden, Minneapolis The challenge of growing a business is surprisingly similar to the difficulties of losing weight. It’s something I realized after growing my first business, a fitness consultancy called Born Fitness. Each year, people set resolutions (goals, KPIs), start off strong (lots of early-year focus), get frustrated (friction from the process), plateau (return to old habits), and watch apathy set in (panic and...

Allied Van Lines Releases Its Annual Magnet States Report on the State of Migration Across The USA

Monday, January 06, 2020

  Americans continue to move south, with Florida, Texas, California, Arizona and North Carolina as leading 2019 destinations Allied Van Lines, one of the world's largest moving companies, issued its annual Magnet States Report, highlighting migration trends identified in their consumer and corporate moves throughout 2019. Read full article. 

Business Facilities’ Editor: Texas Dominated The Decade

Monday, January 06, 2020

Editor in Chief Jack Rogers tells News Radio 1080 KRLD that Texas' 2019 State of the Year win is a fitting coda for its dominance in economic development. In an interview broadcast on News Radio 1080 KRLD in Dallas-Fort Worth, Business Facilities Editor in Chief Jack Rogers characterized the magazine’s designation of Texas as its 2019 State of the Year as a fitting coda for a decade of dominance in economic development by the Lone Star State. Read full article. 

Seguin welcomes new year with its 2020 Vision Plan

Monday, January 06, 2020

(Seguin) — The New Year is here, and Seguin Main Street is excited about the projects ahead for 2020! 2019 was a great year for downtown Seguin and the Seguin Main Street program is ready to continue to build on the successes of the last year. In 2020, Main Street will continue pedestrian improvements, rehabilitations of buildings and continue to grow events. Downtown Pedestrian Improvements In 2019, over 800 linear feet of sidewalks were repaired. In 2020, downtown Seguin will continue to see improvements for pedestrians. In January, TxDOT will begin intersection improvements at the signalized intersections along Austin...

TEXAS IS BUSINESS FACILITIES’ 2019 STATE OF THE YEAR

Friday, January 03, 2020

TINTON FALLS, NJ – Texas has been named Business Facilities’ 2019 State of the Year, becoming the firststate to win BF’s top honor for the fourth time. The Lone Star State won the magazine’s inaugural SOTY designation in 2007; Texas also was BF’s State of the Year winner in 2012 and 2016. The top five Texas projects in terms of capital investment last year brought a tidal wave of more than $30 billion in capex to TX, while the top five job-creating projects netted nearly 15,000 direct new jobs.   Read full article. 

TEXAS IS THE NO. 1 STATE FOR POPULATION GROWTH IN 2019

Thursday, January 02, 2020

Texas had the largest numeric population growth in the nation in the last year, according to estimates recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of people in the Lone Star State grew by 367,000 from mid-2018 to mid-2019. As of July 2019, Texas' total population reached almost 29 million, making it the second highest populated state in the U.S. Read full article. 

GVEC Members Continue Supporting Their Communities Through Power Up

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

GVEC’s Power Up community grant program continues to grow, with ten more nonprofit organizations receiving approximately $149,796 during the second grant distribution cycle for 2019. These grants, which provide funding assistance for community projects, are made possible by the generous donations of Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative members supporting the charitable Power Up program. Since the first grant distribution in 2012, more than $2.4 million in grants have helped fund 157 projects benefitting GVEC members and their communities. These projects range from the purchase of life-saving equipment for first responders and medical facilities to the renovation of local museums, parks,...

Yoakum Commercial District listed in National Register of Historic Places

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Yoakum Commercial Historic District in Lavaca and DeWitt Counties was recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) assisted in the nomination of this district in recognition of its importance to the history of Yoakum and the State of Texas. Noted for its historical significance, the district joins other properties around the state with National Register status. The Yoakum Commercial Historic District includes an impressive assortment of significant commercial, civic, governmental, and industrial buildings that reflect the development of the city through the post-World War II period. Click here for...

AW TEXAS, INC. BREAKS GROUND ON $400 MILLION HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURING PLANT

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

State and local officials celebrate the start of construction in Cibolo, TX CIBOLO, TX (Nov. 4, 2019) – Representatives from AW Texas, alongside Governor Greg Abbott, City of Cibolo elected officials, and partners, officially broke ground on the AW Texas 159-acre automatic transmission plant in Cibolo, TX. AW Texas is a subsidiary of Aisin AW Co., Ltd., and a leading manufacturer of transmissions around the world. This plant will be the third transmission plant of the Aisin Group in the U.S. and will bring approximately 900 new jobs to the area over the next five years. “This...

Manufacturing Day 2019 | Students, Employers, & STEM

Friday, November 01, 2019

Held annually during the month of October, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Working with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) and other partners, MFG Day lets students explore manufacturing outside of a classroom setting and see firsthand how their interests align with this industry. MFG Day 2019 highlights included 68 students touring multiple manufacturing facilities, special presentations by company representatives, and a celebration of a major milestone for local manufacturer, ITM. Read full article. 

Major Development Projects Are Underway in Cibolo

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cibolo is a city on the move, and they are making major investments into housing and quality of life developments – investments that are essential for the community’s continued growth.  Mark Luft, Director, Economic Development Corporation, said, “In recent years, Cibolo has made a real effort to focus on quality of life development to improve the experience of our residents, and to ensure that workers want to live here.” These developments include a new community center, opened by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, the addition of new walking and biking trails, a new sports complex and miracle field...

Texas Maintains Record Low Unemployment Rate of 3.4 Percent for Fourth Consecutive Month

Friday, October 18, 2019

Economy Adds 7,600 Jobs in September In September, the Texas economy added 7,600 seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm positions. The unemployment rate held steady for the fourth month in a row at 3.4 percent matching the all-time record low first set in June. This record is currently the lowest the unemployment rate has been since series tracking began in 1976. "Texas' fourth straight month of record-setting low unemployment rates highlights the competitive strength of Texas businesses, whose broad-based growth across industries provides exceptional opportunities for our highly skilled workforce," said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. "Texas continues to be a...

Graham Land and Cattle Has Everything they Need to Succeed in Gonzales, Texas

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Graham Land and Cattle has operated in Gonzales, Texas since 1987 when Dr. Charles W. Graham bought the Harrell Cattle Co., feedyard. Since then, Graham Land and Cattle has been a mainstay of the community, serving cattle feeders across south Texas and increasing their capacity to be able to feed 30,000 head and background another 15,000 head. Believing that each rancher or cattleman should have the opportunity to feed his own cattle, they provide solutions that work for individual owners. In addition, a consulting nutritionist, Gary Holcomb of NSA, formulates their rations for the best results. We spoke with...

Celebrating Manufacturing Month in the Guadalupe Valley

Friday, October 04, 2019

The Guadalupe Valley is home to global manufacturing companies that are producing products using the latest technologies and the raw ingredients that are plentiful in Texas. We are celebrating these companies and their innovative spirit on October 4th- Manufacturing Day.  October 4this Manufacturing Day  Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and the community.  GVEC is using this opportunity to call attention to the many manufacturing companies...

These are the best states for women to start their own business

Thursday, October 03, 2019

More than half of women small business owners believe they overcame greater obstacles than their male counterparts, according to new research. With one out of every five small businesses failing before the end of their first year, a poll of over 850 female small business owners found 56 percent felt they faced greater challenges than their male counterparts when starting their business. Read full article. 

Victoria College to receive grant to expand Industrial Workforce Training Program

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The Victoria County Junior College District will receive a $3.8 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to support the expansion of its industrial workforce training program. In an announcement, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said the Economic Development Administration grant will be matched with $950,000 in local investment and is expected to help create or retain more than 1,670 jobs. Read full article. 

What To Expect With Agreements

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Just as cities are unique, so too are their economic development agreements and processes. To help companies better understand Schertz’ approach, this post focuses on what to expect when entering into a Performance Agreement – the mechanism used to administer incentives – with the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). While this post provides a quick overview based on conversations with SEDC and development staff, we encourage you to reach out so we can provide additional information specific to your business. Read full article. 

Davila's BBQ is Smokin' Hot

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Perhaps only through the power of barbecue can a 60-year-old joint in a city best known for pecans transform into one of the culinary world’s newest sensations. At Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, third-generation pitmaster Adrian Davila has become a bonafide culinary celebrity, complete with a widely acclaimed book, and regular appearances on the Cooking Channel and Food Network. Patriarch Raul Davila launched the business in 1959, and his image is emblazoned on the restaurant’s logo. Raul taught his son, Edward, to succeed him as pitmaster. Now, Edward passes along the art and craft to his son, Adrian, who adds an...

4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Why are so many startups heading to Texas? Everything's bigger in Texas, especially small businesses! WalletHub recently released 2019's Best & Worst States To Start A Business report that compares all 50 states to determine which ones are best for starting a business in the United States. If the opening sentence didn't already tip you off, Texas earned the top spot as the overall best state to start a business. Methodology for the report examined conditions that make for ideal business creation. Some of these factors were capital access, available talent in the workforce and affordable office space. Texas narrowly...

$145K in startup funds on the table for food and ag entrepreneurs

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, has opened online applications for the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. In its sixth year, the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition for U.S. food and agriculture startups. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. Read full article. 

BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK

Saturday, August 03, 2019

Contractor selected to build Matador Stadium under estimated budget The Matador Stadium Project is one step closer — and several million dollars less than projected — with selection of the contractor. F.A. Nunnelly was the top choice of a review team and approved by the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday night as the general contractor that will construct Matador Stadium. “There were eight firms that responded to the formal bid solicitation,” Seguin ISD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Tony Hillberg said. “All eight of those firms met the bid requirements and we certainly appreciated getting...

In Focus: Last-Mile Distribution Drives Industrial Demand in Secondary Markets

Friday, August 02, 2019

Retailers are rethinking their supply chain management and locating closer to the end customer to meet their lightning-fast delivery expectations. Today’s consumers make more purchases online than ever before, and popular merchandise is no longer only small household items and clothing. E-commerce has evolved to include big purchases like furniture, refrigerators, mattresses, and even cars. The challenge is that consumers, accustomed to lightning-fast delivery, still expect to receive these bulkier items in one or two days. To meet those expectations, retailers are rethinking their supply chain management and locating closer to the end customer, which is driving industrial demand...

People Analytics Helps Define the Search for Skilled Labor

Thursday, August 01, 2019

The analysis of human capital flows across markets and regions measures how, why, and where talent and skill clusters are creating and supporting sustainable market strength. Gross domestic product (GDP) measures raw economic activity and has been used as a leading indicator of the growth and performance of an economy for the last 70 years. In a digital and globally interconnected world, GDP is not a complete picture of economic indicators of progress or predictive growth from market to market. The architect of GDP, Simon Kuznets, recognized the limitations of GDP. The Economist (2016) reported that GDP uses a statistical...

Beer and more, Seguin Brewing pouring even more big plans into Downtown Seguin

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

(Seguin) — Seguin Brewing Company is a favorite among the community, hosting trivia nights, live music, sports game showings, and just a fun time paired with quality hand crafted beer. Reviews rave about their beers, their staff, laid back and friendly environment, and just general hospitality. However, if you have passed by or visited recently you may have noticed some construction next door at 109 West Gonzales. Said construction is Seguin Brewing’s pizza kitchen expansion project. Yes, you heard correctly, a pizza kitchen is coming to downtown Seguin! There is not a set open date yet, but the community can...

Point of Sale | A Focus on Schertz Retail

Friday, July 26, 2019

The City of Schertz, Texas has seen a surge of retail activity thanks to a growing population and the community’s desire for more retail options. From local food purveyors to entertainment retail anchors, the range of businesses in Schertz continues to expand. The Schertz Retail Focus Profile explores the retail industry and provides useful information on how this sector supports our local economy. Read full article. 

Best & Worst States to Start a Business

Monday, July 08, 2019

Starting a business is never easy. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, about a fifth of all startups typically don’t survive past year one of operation, and nearly half never make it to their fifth anniversary. But startups fail for different reasons, a “bad location” among the most common. Choosing the right state for a business is therefore crucial to its success. A state that provides the ideal conditions for business creation — access to cash, skilled workers and affordable office space, for instance — can help new ventures not only take off but also thrive. In this...

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Receives Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship

Thursday, May 30, 2019

  Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Receives Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship (AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar received the 22nd annual Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship at the Texas Digital Government Summit today at the Austin Club. The Bob Bullock Award is presented each year to a Texas state executive or elected official for outstanding leadership, innovation and a career that demonstrates continual dedication to serving Texas citizens. Bob Bullock was the Texas comptroller from 1975 to 1991. He also served two terms as lieutenant governor. “I’m truly honored to receive this award,...

Customer service is competitive advantage

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

At the University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center, we tell our clients that it is so important to find a competitive advantage for their business. The competitive advantage is something that sets a business apart from the competition. We ask clients, “What sets you apart from your competition?” When many business owners are asked what is unique about their business to create a real competitive advantage, the business owner often has a hard time identifying the uniqueness of their business. Read full article. 

KRAEGE DRUG STORE TURNS 100

Monday, May 20, 2019

The Kraege Drug Store officially had its’ 100th birthday on April 1, 2019. One-hundred years ago, a Kraege Drug Store shopper could buy some toothpaste for .20 cents, a root beer for .18 cents, or even a glass bottle of witch hazel for .35 cents a pint. The century old drug store was opened by Roland H. Kraege, Sr. R. Ph., at the current location on Main Street, however, in a different building. Originally a confectionery, or candy shop, the old frame building was torn down in 1928, and replaced the same year with a new brick building under...

Seguin Main Street Program recognizes top contributors to downtown

Thursday, May 16, 2019

(Seguin) — Individuals, groups, and businesses that have contributed to the growth and development of downtown Seguin, did not go unnoticed. Several key players in downtown Seguin were recognized during the Moonlight & Roses event hosted by the Seguin Main Street Program. The annual event was held at the Memorial Rose Garden at Walnut Springs Park. Main Street Director Kyle Kramm says the top prize of Downtowner of the Year went to Heather Felty, of Court Street Coffee Shop. Kramm says Felty is proving that there is always a way to make a successful business even more successful...

Job Shadow Day | Connecting Students & Employers

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Sitting in a math class was a struggle for Domingo Setien. What did it matter if a calculation was slightly off? If an answer was close enough, why worry? Fast forward several decades and the namesake of Setien and Associates, a Schertz metal fabricator, stood in front of a group of students on explaining how it wasn’t until he was setting a plate at his first job that it clicked. Being just an inch off in his work now means that intricate metal ladder his team just built might not fit. He, like many students participating in this year’s Job...

Workforce Automation: Scary Threat or Major Opportunity?

Friday, May 10, 2019

Despite dire predictions that robots and automation will displace workers, studies predict automation and robotics will actually create more — but different — jobs than they displace. You might have read about the “Second Machine Age,” in which automated technologies perform more and more work that humans have been doing — and machines become competitors rather than helpers. Some people talk about the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and the disruptions that it will bring. Inevitably, such discussion stokes fears that a lot of people will see their livelihoods dry up as machines take over their work. “Those seem to...

What Does Sustainability Mean in 2019?

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

Although sustainability in the built environment is still important, fewer projects are seeking certifications, while wellness features/amenities are becoming more mainstream. For the third year in a row, our construction management firm has conducted a survey among our clients and partners to determine what the real estate community truly thinks about sustainability in the built environment. Our survey measures everything from the expected ROI of sustainability, wellness, and resilience planning to which third-party rating systems have the most market impact. We find it a fascinating glimpse into how our clients perceive, value, and interpret the myriad factors that impact sustainability in...

On Country Mice And City Mice

Monday, May 06, 2019

Yes, we could be called a tad repetitive, if you’re a reader of Site Selection for more than a couple of years, particularly of the March issue. But both Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are no less deserving of their respective Governor’s Cups for economic development success in 2018 than they were the last few times they won. This is the Nebraska chief executive’s third consecutive win and his state’s fourth; Gov. Abbott adds a fifth consecutive Cup to his state’s collection that now boasts seven. Read full article. 

Study says music industry added 2,000 permanent jobs in Texas last year

Friday, May 03, 2019

The Texas music industry is striking the right chord with the state's economy. A study claims the industry added 2,000 permanent jobs to the Lone Star State last year. That raises the total number of music-related careers in Texas to nearly 97,000. Governor Greg Abbott says that helped raise about $390 million in tax revenues in 2018. Read full article. 

Technology Employment Expands its Presence in the Texas Workforce

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

17,000-plus new jobs in 2018 coupled with growing economic impact, according to CompTIA Cyberstates 2019™ report AUSTIN, Texas /PRNewswire/ -- Technology-related employment in Texas grew by more than 17,800 new jobs in 2018 and the tech sector increased its contribution to the state's economy, according to Cyberstates 2019™,  the definitive guide to tech sector and tech workforce analytics published annually by CompTIA, the leading technology industry association. Net tech employment grew by an estimated 17,855 jobs in 2018.1 Since 2010 net tech employment has grown by more than 170,000 new jobs. With nearly 983,000 workers, tech accounts for approximately 7.5 percent of the Texasworkforce...

Save Money by Moving Out of the City and Into the Guadalupe Valley

Thursday, February 21, 2019

The Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative provides affordable electricity for members throughout the region. As a cooperative, we are member-owned and on a mission to meet the needs of our growing member base. Offering affordable electricity and investing in infrastructure is one of the ways we are supporting growth in the Guadalupe Valley, growth that is occurring, in part, due to the low cost-of-living that is available to families and businesses. Families save money by moving out of the Austin and San Antonio metropolitan areas. Communities like Seguin are ideal for families who love South Central Texas, but do...

10 commercial real estate projects to watch for in 2019

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

As we say goodbye to 2018, it is time to see what projects are on the horizon for the coming year. Read full article. 

Texas was the top U.S. market for more U-Haul moves in 2018

Monday, February 04, 2019

That moving truck you saw last week on the interstate was probably headed to Texas. Texas was truck and trailer provider U-Haul's No. 1 growth state in 2018 for the third year in a row. Texas beat out second-place Florida and South Carolina as the fastest-growing state for U-Haul's business. The rental company looked at data from 2 million of its moves to rank the states with the largest net gains in moves for the year. A lot of them were headed to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Continue to full article

Adams Extract adds spice to local community

Monday, January 28, 2019

There is a Gonzales company that not only adds spice to our local business community, but also to the entire state of Texas and the United States. If you guessed Adams Extract, you would be exactly right. For over 125 years Adams Extract has added flavor and spice to the state of Texas and points beyond. Started in 1888 by John Adams in Battle Creek, Mich., Adams Extract has grown into a state and national phenomenon through its products and flavors. Read full article. 

Everything In Texas Is Big—And Getting Bigger

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The Lone Star State has been the busiest exporter among U.S. states for 16 consecutive years, shipping out $264 billion in goods in 2017. If Texas were a nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world based on GDP, ahead of Australia, Mexico, Spain, Russia and many others. Texas maintains its position as the nation’s #1 exporter—a title the state has held for 16 consecutive years. In 2017, Texas exported $264 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its top trading partners. Behind...

GVEC meets the needs of rural Gonzales Texas

Friday, January 11, 2019

  For 80 years, the Gonzales Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) has been serving the residents of Gonzales County and neighboring environs. Founded by a group of area farmers in the Cost area of Gonzales County, the electric co-op was formed to provide electricity to the rural areas of this part of Texas. Over the years, the GVEC has grown its coverage area, but it has also changed to meet the needs of its service area by providing other services the company feels serves the best interests of its members and customers. “We are proud of our heritage...

Yoakum bank, branches change name

Thursday, January 10, 2019

After 87 years, the First State Bank in Yoakum and its branch banks in Victoria and Moulton will have a new name. Under the new name of Crossroads Bank, First State Bank will be united with branches of Community Bank of Victoria and Community Bank of Moulton. The rebranding reflects a desire to align the three individually named banks, solidify their local focus and distinguish them from the many other financial institutions, according to a news release from the bank. Continue to full article

TrustTexas Bank recognized for community marketing, culture programs

Tuesday, January 08, 2019

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas, the largest state community banking association in the nation, recently honored TrustTexas Bank in Cuero with two Best of Community Banking Awards. The bank received a gold award in the bank culture category and a silver award in the marketing category. Community banks, such as TrustTexas Bank, play a critical role in their local areas, according to a news release from the bank. Continue to full article

Auto Parts Supplier Continental a Powerhouse of Local Manufacturing Sector

Monday, January 07, 2019

  Some of the auto parts made for the heavy-duty Ford F-150 that Scott Williams drives are the size of a grain of pepper – assembled by collaborative robots in a state-of-the-art factory, where 1,600 highly skilled engineers and technicians wear electrostatic discharge lab coats and heel straps. “Everything we produce is ready to be plugged into a vehicle, no assembly required,” Williams said of the millions of finished electronic modules and sensors Continental  makes in Seguin, about an hour’s drive east of San Antonio. In fact, Continental modules exist in one of every three of the 12 million...

Thrive: Gonzales’ community jewel

Friday, January 04, 2019

What started as a business hope and dream for the Gonzales Healthcare Systems board of directors has become a reality. It is one of the bright shining beacons of how a community can promote and sustain itself. The best news of all is that it continues to evolve in its service and commitment to the community. The business we are writing about is Thrive — one of the biggest assets the community and county of Gonzales has. What started out as an idea for a community wellness center, Thrive has evolved into not only a state-of-the-art wellness center, but...

Gonzales Chamber plays vital role in growth

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has been promoting and supporting the greater Gonzales area since 1923. For almost 100 years, this vital organization has been involved in promoting community growth, business and membership improvement. But as times have changed, so has the chamber. The chamber jokingly calls itself, “the Google of Gonzales because everyone calls and asks us for information on just about anything and everything under the sun for this area.” For good reason, too. It has been an incredible journey. Continue to full article

Growing more food with less water

Monday, December 31, 2018

Agriculture is the engine that drives the rural economy and agriculture depends upon water   “Water is the lifeblood of our area. Without the water we have underneath us, it would be like farming a desert.” ~Harold Grall, farmer, Moore County Name any major agricultural product and Texas is among the nation’s leading producers: Beef, cotton, dairy products, corn, sorghum, wheat, wool, sugar, fresh vegetables, poultry, pork, nuts and citrus. Agricultural production adds more than $100 billion to the Texas economy each year. There are a number of major agricultural production regions in Texas: Timber in East Texas, fruit...

Texas' Unemployment Rate Hits Historic Low 3.7 Percent

Friday, December 28, 2018

State has experienced 28 consecutive months of employment growth AUSTIN ? Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, down from 3.8 percent in September 2018, reaching its lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976. The Texas economy added 32,300 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in October. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.1 percent in October, marking 102 consecutive months of annual growth. “The Texas economy continues to remain strong by adding 32,300 jobs in the month of October. These numbers highlight the strategic job creation efforts of our Texas...

TEXAS RANKED NO. 1 FOR GROWTH PROSPECTS

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Forbes ranked the Lone Star State No. 1 in the nation for Growth Prospects, thanks to strong job, income and gross state product growth forecasts. Texas ranked No. 1 for Growth Prospects in Forbes’ Best States for Business 2018 based on favorable growth forecasts for job, income and gross state growth. Right on the heels of this announcement, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published a report that solidified this strong ranking, indicating that several Texas metros saw the largest over-the-year employment increases as of October 2018. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the nation's largest over-the-year employment increases...

Reasons to Support Local Charities on Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Today, November 27th, is Giving Tuesday. This is a day where people throughout our community, and the world, donate to the causes they are passionate about. Giving Tuesday is a day of community togetherness where we are encouraged to look beyond the busyness of the holiday season and to consider those in our community who may need our help and support, along with the charities that are standing in the gap to be there for those in need. Organizations Making a Difference In the Guadalupe Valley There are many charities in our community who are making a difference...

CONGRESSMAN LAMAR SMITH NAMED TEXAN OF THE YEAR BY TEXAS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Monday, November 19, 2018

  NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Retiring U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith has been named the  2019 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative  Conference, the  well-known  annual statewide forum that is marking its 53rd year next March. Smith will be presented with the award Thursday evening, March 21 at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. He will be joining an array of prominent past honorees since 1974 including Presidents, U.S. Senators, entertainers, Governors, and business icons. The Texas Legislative Conference is a nonpartisan organization of Texas business and political leaders who meet annually in New Braunfels to...

Goliad Square a charming South Texas treasure

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

GOLIAD — From her apartment balcony overlooking the downtown square, Suzi Warzecha, 70, admits she can’t help but brag to visitors about Goliad and all its charm. “Goliad is setting the standard for small towns because they have people living on the square,” said Warzecha, who has lived on and off at the walk-up loft apartment for almost three decades. “It’s been wonderful.” Located across from the main entrance to the historic county courthouse and above a host of boutiques and restaurants, Warzecha’s loft has played host to curious visitors from outside Goliad and even Texas. Chatting with...

Goliad brewery to release new beer (w/video)

Monday, November 12, 2018

Brewmaster Stefan Zurakowski has developed nine different beers and is about to release the brewery's tenth. Coastal Bend is an American pale ale. An American Pale Ale is described as medium-bodied and lighter in color with a moderate hop level. Zurakowski chose to develop the new recipe around the citra hop, which is know for its citrus aroma and flavor. The brewery is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. It also has a beer garden and walking trails. Continue to full article to watch Goliad brewery video.

CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Friday, November 09, 2018

A quarter-of-a-century in any line of work is something which shouldn’t be taken for granted. Sherry Esse reached that milestone this year, and she’s set to retire at the end of the year following four years as the Cuero Chamber of Commerce’s executive director plus 21 prior years in the industry. “I thought about the people in my life and needing to spend more time with my granddaughters,” Esse noted for choosing now to conclude her daily role with the Chamber. Spending more time with them, her husband, Howard Esse, her in-laws and sons along with a desire...

Governor visits Seguin to mark Caterpillar milestone

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Almost 10 years ago, Caterpillar broke ground in Seguin and began building a new engine manufacturing facility. The company rolled out its 400,000th engine at the plant, which received its final inspection signature from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “We did get to recognize a landmark with the 400,000th engine that is being shipped from this facility,” Abbott said during a special ceremony at the plant. “That is something everybody here should be proud of, but very importantly this a tangible result of the hard work that you and your fellow workers put in. It is a landmark that...

UTSA receives $15 million gift and parcels of land downtown for construction of proposed School of Data Science and National Security Collaboration Center

Monday, November 05, 2018

(Sept. 18, 2018) -- UTSA announced it has received a $15 million gift from San Antonio business leader Graham Weston to support the university’s proposed School of Data Science. The school is a major component in UTSA’s phased, 10-year approach to accelerating the development of its Downtown Campus as a destination for producing highly skilled professionals in big data and analytics, advancing economic development in the urban core and creating prosperity for San Antonio. At the same time, UTSA is actively engaged in highly collaborative discussions with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County for the transfer of downtown parcels...

Permian Basin boom fuels Texas job growth, with state marking 26 straight months of gains

Friday, November 02, 2018

The Texas jobs machine continues to hum, and the Permian Basin can take a bow. The state's employers grew their payrolls by 32,000 in August — the 26th straight month for jobs growth, according to new data released by the Texas Workforce Commission. And Texas' already-low unemployment rate dipped a little lower — falling from 4 percent in July to 3.9 percent in August, which matched the U.S. rate. "Texas' world-class employers and highly-skilled workforce continue to demonstrate competitive advantages and provide marketplace opportunities that keep our state the best in the country to do business," workforce commission chair...

TEXAS RANKED NO. 1 IN THREE CATEGORIES BY AREA DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Texas secured three No. 1 rankings on Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2018, the publication’s ninth annual survey of site selection consultants. Texas took home the No. 1 spot in three different categories on Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2018. In addition to securing three No. 1 spots, Texas finished among the top-10 states in eight categories. Texas earned No. 1 rankings in Overall Cost of Doing Business, Corporate Tax Environment and Competitive Labor Environment. The Lone Star state's unmatched economic strength, paired with the second-largest civilian workforce in America, makes it an ideal...

Spoetzl Brewery launches 2 new brews

Monday, October 01, 2018

Spoetzl Brewery, Texas’ oldest craft brewery and brewer of Shiner beers, has added two new beers. The new fixtures, Shiner Wicked Juicy IPA and Shiner Day Quencher Session Ale, are slated for a national debut in September, according to a news release from Spoetzl Brewery. Using innovation to diversify the portfolio, the new beers join craft brew staples Shiner Bock and Shiner Light Blonde. Wicked Juicy IPA is dry hopped, unfiltered with Citra hops for a full-bodied brew. It has a kick of citrus, incorporating tropical hops in all phases of brewing to result in an IPA with...

Operating a business: Old school vs technology

Friday, September 28, 2018

Last month, I celebrated completing my 12th year with the UHV SBDC. I have to admit, with more than 35 years in small business ownership and management under my belt, 12 years ago I was confident I knew what it took to do the job. Well, it was pretty far from the truth. Now, I like to say small business owners “don’t know what they don’t know.” It was sure true for me. Lately, I have read a few articles about the new generation of business owners coming along. The understanding of technology they possess is impressive; it is...

Kitchen Pride: Made in Gonzales

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Kitchen Pride is Gonzales County’s very own home grown industry. Literally. The famous mushroom farm business has been thriving and growing since it first opened on County Road 348. It continues to prosper and thrive as one of Gonzales County’s elite industries, and serves as a testimonial to other businesses that they can survive and thrive in this area. “We started growing our first mushroom here in 1988,” Kitchen Pride owner Greg McLain said. “We’re now in our 30th year, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of the people of the community and the...

Nightlife on the Square—Gonzales Style

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

One of the selling points of any community is the vibrancy of its nightlife. In this area, Gonzales can be thankful that it is “square.” “Square” as in the vibrancy of its establishments on Heroes Square and Confederate Square. In recent years, the opening of La Bella and Come and Take It have added to the allure of the Running M and the longstanding Long Branch Saloon. At night, the dining, dancing, singing and drinking establishments have made downtown Gonzales a much more desirable place to hang out and be seen. “Downtown Gonzales is my home,” said...

Small biz improves with Main Street grant

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The new storefront was gleaming on a hot Tuesday afternoon, with worries that the heat might take off the new hues of teal and aqua. But there would be no summertime blues as owners Jacob and Manda Leal and Linda and Stuart Frazier met with members of the Gonzales Main Street and Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (EDC) boards to celebrate the first look of the old building's revitalization with a $30,000 facade grant provided by the organizations. Main Street Administrator Barbara Friedrich was pleased with the results. The grants were actually for two store fronts, she said, right next...

New owners, new life for nursery

Monday, September 24, 2018

When Chuck Hildebrand heard Schulz Nursery was closing, she knew she needed to take action. “When I found out they were closing the nursery it was July 20 and they were planning to dismantle the greenhouses and sell the fixtures on Aug. 1,” Hildebrand said. “We felt we had to to do something and we had to do it quickly.” Hildebrand and her partner Zachary Norton purchased the historic Marion staple and plan to re-launch the business with a soft opening on Saturday, Sept. 1 and a larger grand opening celebration on Sept. 8. Hildebrand is a...

Seguin is now ‘film friendly’

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The film crews, lights and cameras can start rolling in. The Texas Film Commission officially declared Seguin a Film Friendly Texas certified community — making it a part of a Texas film community made up of more than 100 cities. Television Magic A small crew from NBC’s “Revolution” were back at Seguin’s Aumont Hotel on for some exterior work for visual effects shots, but it wasn’t as big a production as it was in November, pictured above, when the cast and crew actually shot scenes at the hotel on Feb. 15, 2014. Continue to full article 

TEXAS REMAINS NO. 1 FOR JOB CREATION

Friday, September 14, 2018

The Lone Star State maintains its No. 1 rank for job creation by foreign and domestic investment projects, according to IBM's 2018 Global Location Trends report. IBM recently released its annual Global Location Trends report and Texas has successfully defended its No. 1 rank for job creation from foreign and domestic investments projects. For the second year in a row, Texas topped the list of U.S. states with approximately 35,700 jobs added as a result of foreign and domestic investment announced in 2017, followed by Arizona with 22,100 jobs and Ohio with 21,400 jobs. South Korea, United...

Texas Economy Adds 23,500 Positions in July

Thursday, September 13, 2018

The Texas economy added 23,500 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in July, which marked 25 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 377,100 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 3.1 percent. Private-sector employers added 25,900 positions over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.0 percent in July, unchanged from June 2018. Continue to full article

TEXAS EARNS FIVE NO. 1 RANKINGS IN BUSINESS FACILITIES’ 2018 STATE RANKINGS REPORT

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

The Lone Star State was ranked among the best of the best after receiving five No. 1 rankings and 48 top-10 spots in Business Facilities’ annual State Rankings Report Texas secured the No. 1 spot in five different categories in Business Facilities’ annual State Rankings Report. In addition to receiving these top-notch scores, Texas secured 48 top-10 titles. Business Facilities’ rankings demonstrated Texas’ strength in a variety of industries and established the state’s global role in trade and investment. Among Texas’ most notable No. 1 rankings were Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Activity. Texas’...

New Braunfels Manufacturer adding 130 new jobs

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Canadian manufacturer CGT US Ltd. is investing $30 million into its New Braunfels plant to add new production lines that will create 130 jobs. The Toronto-based company's Central Texas plant makes coated fabrics and vinyl films used for car dashboards, doors and seats. Crews have already started installing new casting lines, printers and inspection tables that are expected to double the plant's capacity. The installation work on the new line is expected to be finished by the end of the year. However, it is not expected to come into full production until early 2020. Once complete, the 240,000-square-foot plant...

Interview with the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce

Monday, September 10, 2018

Rachel interviews Chester Jenke VP of Economic Development for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.  Chester updates us on jobs coming to our area, Pitch Tab, affordable housing developments, and local teachers honored as they head back to school. Listen to interview here.  

REC TEC transforms backyard barbecues

Friday, August 31, 2018

Move over, gas and charcoal. There’s a new way to cook on the grill! Do you want the flavor of a real wood fire and the consistency of gas-fire grilling temperatures? Meet REC TEC pelleted grills, the brainchild of two friends — Ray Carnes and Ron Cundy. With REC TEC’s Smart Grill Technology, grilling enters the computer age! This technology gives backyard cooks the reliable temperature control of an oven. The grills produce accurate temperatures when using REC TEC Premium Hardwood Pellets. No matter what temperature you use, you get the perfect amount of wood-flavored smoke infused into...

Baker Boys: One of Texas’ Top 50 barbecue joints

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

For Phil and Wayne Baker, finding a home in Gonzales for their Texas barbecue business was a dream come true. Now that the dream has become a reality, Gonzales and all of Texas is better off for it. On Wednesday, Aug. 15, Baker Boys BBQ will be celebrating its third anniversary out on Hwy. 90. In the three short years Baker Boys has been in existence, it has skyrocketed to the elite atmosphere of being recognized as one of the best barbecue joints in all of Texas. That’s not just our opinion either. A few months ago,...

Chamber looks to fill new digs

Monday, August 27, 2018

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is ready to break out of the old jail. The homegrown business and tourism organization has about run out of room at its current location — the county-owned Old Jail — with boxes stacked high in its meeting room and an office where two desks are shoehorned into where only one should go. It may be a good place to get a brochure or book a tour and find out where the famous cannon resides, but to better serve chamber members, it is time to grow. “As of right now, the...

Top 10 states that are winning the war for talent

Friday, August 24, 2018

America is facing an unprecedented jobs crisis that is also different from anything government record keepers have seen before. This time it is not the jobs that are in short supply; it is the workers. Employers posted a record 6.7 million job openings as of the end of April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the same agency says only about 6.1 million people are unemployed, meaning that for the first time since the government began compiling data on job openings in 2000, there are more openings than there are people to fill them. But some states...

Colliers International Announces Industrial Complex Sale in Cuero, Texas

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Colliers International is pleased to announce that OHS Resources Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas, recently acquired a 336,000 square foot industrial complex located in Cuero, Texas from MV Cuero Partners, LLC. The property was formerly the Mt Vernon Mills cotton weaving facility. OHS Resources plans to use the facility as its main Texas product distribution center. OHS Resources produces and sells proprietary oil and gas drilling products, including its primary product WellWall, a drilling fluid and loss circulation material (LCM). "This facility is an excellent central location for the distribution of our products to our other OHS Resources facilities in...

Seguin Public Library receives GOLD LEED Certification

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

  SEGUIN – The City of Seguin and the Seguin Public Library are excited to announce that the new library facility has been awarded LEED Gold status. On Wednesday, August 29th at 9 a.m., city officials and library staff will unveil the LEED plaque displayed near the front doors of the library.   “Anyone who has seen our new library has been impressed with its beauty and function.  Quite often beauty and function are not compatible with energy efficiency.  The LEED certification shows that our city is committed to keeping our energy cost low and giving our...

Texas Named CNBC's “America’s Top State For Business” For 2018

Monday, August 20, 2018

State has experienced 24 consecutive months of employment growth

Friday, August 17, 2018

AUSTIN - The Texas economy added 27,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in June, which marked 24 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 359,500 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent. Private-sector employers added 26,400 positions over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in June, down slightly from May 2018.  “Recognition of Texas as the premier place to do business in the country is reinforced by employers adding another 27,200 jobs in June and an impressive 359,500 jobs over the year,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Broad-based growth across our industries remains...

TEXAS RANKED AMERICA'S TOP STATE FOR BUSINESS BY CNBC

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

The Lone Star State secured the top spot in CNBC's rankings after a strong year of economic growth and the addition of over 350,000 jobs Texas claimed the No. 1 spot in CNBC's annual Top States for Business ranking, thanks to its strong economy, infrastructure and talented workforce. Since CNBC introduced the ranking in 2007, Texas is the first state to clinch the No. 1 spot four times and has never finished outside the top five states. In addition to claiming the No. 1 spot, Texas also received the top score in economy and infrastructure. The Lone Star...

TEXAS EARNS FIVE NO. 1 RANKINGS IN BUSINESS FACILITIES’ 2018 STATE RANKINGS REPORT

Monday, August 13, 2018

The Lone Star State was ranked among the best of the best after receiving five No. 1 rankings and 48 top-10 spots in Business Facilities’ annual State Rankings Report Texas secured the No. 1 spot in five different categories in Business Facilities’ annual State Rankings Report. In addition to receiving these top-notch scores, Texas secured 48 top-10 titles. Business Facilities’ rankings demonstrated Texas’ strength in a variety of industries and established the state’s global role in trade and investment. Among Texas’ most notable No. 1 rankings were Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Activity. Texas’...

NISD looks to build future leaders with new program

Monday, July 16, 2018

While every school has a set of goals it wants to achieve, the ultimate goal for the faculty at Navarro Intermediate School is to help build their students into leaders. In order for the campus to reach that goal, Navarro Intermediate principal Bobbi Supak and a committee made up of faculty members and teachers who have used Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” for the past three years to teach a class called Target Success. Continue to full article

More People Moved To San Antonio Last Year Than To Any Other Large U.S. City

Friday, July 13, 2018

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio had the largest numeric population gain in the country from 2016-2017, for U.S. cities of at least 50,000 residents. With a growth rate of 1.6 percent, the city added at least 24,200 people in that year-long period. Census data also shows that five of the top 15 U.S. cities that added the most people – plus seven of the country's fastest-growing cities – are located in Texas. The San Antonio area is now home to more than 1.5 million people and the city's population is projected to add 1 million more by 2040. Continue to full article

How quickly each US state's economy is growing, in one map

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes quarterly estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for each of the 50 US states and Washington, DC. The measure, which counts the final sales value of all goods and services sold in a state, is widely considered a broad barometer of the economic health of a region. Particularly important is the rate at which GDP is growing or shrinking in a state. Expanding economies generally go along with improving standards of living (although the distribution of that growth is also crucially important) while sustained contraction in GDP suggests serious problems in an area's economy...

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ACCENTURE JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE TEXAS AS A DESTINATION FOR INNOVATION

Monday, July 09, 2018

Austin, Texas -- The Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) and Accenture announced a partnership to position Texas as the business destination of choice for innovation. The collaboration is a three-year commitment to advance the economic vision for Texas, particularly as it relates to the role of innovation and digital technologies. “As the world and Texas rapidly change and transform in this digital age, innovation is becoming an increasingly critical indicator for economic success,” said Robert Allen, President and CEO, TxEDC. “Already home to more than 17,600 technology companies and 50 Fortune 500 headquarters, Texas is on the rise as a...

City adopts film crew guidelines

Friday, July 06, 2018

While film crews aren’t roaming the city yet, there is a possibility they could in the future. Seguin City Council unanimously approved the adoption of the film guidelines provided by the Texas Film Commission to become a “film friendly certified community” during a regular meeting in city hall.  Continue to full article. 

CVB touts Seguin’s appeal, value of tourism

Wednesday, July 04, 2018

Wherever the representatives of the Seguin Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) are, the organization always makes sure the name, Seguin and the slogan “It’s Real” is heard. “We are the tourism marketing arm for the city of Seguin,” Main Street Program and CVB Director Kyle Kramm said. “We market Seguin’s tourist’s destinations, hotels, conferences, sporting events and group tours to potential visitors and tourists. The term we use is we try to put heads in beds.” Continue to full article. 

Which Has The Bigger Economy: Texas Or Russia?

Monday, July 02, 2018

You’ve no doubt heard that everything’s bigger in Texas. That’s more than just a trite expression, and I’m not just saying that because Texas is home to U.S. Global Investors. Want to know how big Texas really is? Let’s compare its economy with that of Russia, the world’s largest country by area. As you probably know, Russia’s been in the news a lot lately, so the timing of this comparison makes sense. The U.S. just levied fresh sanctions against the Eastern European country for its alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election, and President Donald Trump warned Russia that the...

Start a Business in Texas

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

In Texas, small businesses continue to thrive due to a variety of factors including our excellent geographic location, highly skilled workforce, low tax burden, reasonable cost of living, predictable regulatory environment and our legacy of having a business friendly climate. While there are simply no guarantees in business or a way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a business, there is a way to improve your chances of success with good planning preparation and insight. Some basic steps to starting a business include selecting a location, deciding on a business structure and obtaining the necessary licenses and...

Gross Domestic Product by State: Fourth Quarter and Annual 2017

Monday, June 25, 2018

Texas Had the Fastest Growth in the Fourth Quarter Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 47 states and the District of Columbia in the fourth quarter of 2017, according to statistics on the geographic breakout of GDP released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The percent change in real GDP in the fourth quarter ranged from 5.2 percent in Texas to -1.3 percent in North Dakota. Mining and construction were the leading contributors to the increase in real GDP in Texas, the fastest growing state (table 2). Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting subtracted from growth...

Texas Produces Five Times The Wind Power As California At Almost Half The Price -- Blame Regulation

Friday, June 22, 2018

The electricity markets in the two most-populous states couldn’t be more different. California government heavily regulates electricity while Texas allows free market competition in most of the state. Yet, Texas produced about five times the amount of wind power as did California in 2017 while it generated about 29 percent more non-hydroelectric renewable power (California's strict renewable power rules excludes the power from large dams as being considered renewable), such as solar, biomass and geothermal than California while California’s retail electric rates were 89 percent higher than Texas’ in 2017. California’s electric market labors under detailed mandates imposed by busybody politicians...

Cibolo leaders break ground on YMCA center

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

  Cibolo residents are finally going to have a space for recreational activities and community events to call their own next year. The city of Cibolo and YMCA of Greater San Antonio officials recently broke ground on the new Cibolo/YMCA Community Center, located on FM 78, just to the east of City Hall with the official turn of the dirt. The start of the new center comes months after the city and YMCA opened up the Cibolo Youth Sports Complex on the corner of South Main Street and Schaefer Road last fall...

Victoria center planned to train future skilled workers

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The Associated Builders and Contractors Texas Mid Coast Chapter plans to bring a training center to Victoria to provide more skilled workers in the Crossroads. The training center will be at the previous location of Victoria Electric Cooperative, 102 S. Ben Jordan St., said member Mike Weaver at a recent Victoria Economic Development Center partnership meeting. “We have 70 employees on a masonry company that we have,” Weaver said. “Sixty of them are from out of the region.” Both Victoria College and Victoria Independent School District officials have met with ABC officials to discuss the need for...

San Antonio Distillery is now open for business

Monday, May 07, 2018

GONZALES — Bruce Harborth had a dream that one day he would continue in his ancestor’s footsteps and somehow launch his own rum distillery. He teamed up with a kindred spirit—his relative Jeremiah Dempsey—and the two hatched a wonderful idea. Why not distill their own rum, and do it in Gonzales, Texas? So they did it. The result is the opening of the San Antonio distillery on St. Paul Street in downtown Gonzales. The two men, along with Jeremiah’s wife Catherine, opened their doors last weekend to start serving up their own homemade rum recipe. “My family...

City manager talks growth, role in Seguin

Monday, April 30, 2018

Behind the various departments and city projects is a city manager — a person who holds many roles and responsibilities. In Seguin, that’s Doug Faseler. Faseler first came to the city more than 20 years ago as the director of utilities and public works before moving up the ranks to assistant city manager in four months. In 2006, Faseler was appointed as city manager, taking over for Jack Hamlett, who had the position before him. The general role of a city manager is to oversee the day-to-day operations of a community, whether it’s implementing an annual budget,...

New Sonic Drive-In opens, complete with playscape area, volleyball court

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Carhops rushed out the doors with the classic brown bags and slushies as cars filled the drive-in stations at the new Sonic on West Court Street. The new location, located at 968 W. Court St., opened for business after four months of construction. “It feels amazing. Everything is almost going as smooth as we want, but it’s going wonderful,” Sonic Drive-In part owner Megan Esparza said. “We’re happy to be able to be open again and we’re super excited about the system. We love the system, we love the playground and volleyball court. We love it all so far.”...

County discusses strategic plan, hires consultants

Monday, April 23, 2018

County officials are working to create a plan for the future. Recently, the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court unanimously agreed to hire GAP Strategies Inc. as consultants to help create a strategic plan for the county.   “That plan really is going to be laid out based on what we want as a county,” Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher said. “I envision an overall encompassing plan that looks at multiple areas that would include capital projects, building construction, renovation, building or land purchases, transportation projects, economic development, quality of life issues — things the public wants us to look at.”...

Teatro plans grand opening for ‘La Galeria’

Thursday, April 19, 2018

While there has always been a space at the Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguin’s Cultural Arts Center for artists to showcase their work, the local organization has finally decided to officially recognize it. The Teatro board hosted the grand opening of “La Galería,” along with a lecture by artist Rey Luján Gaytan whose work is currently on display in the space, 921 W. New Braunfels St. “’La Galería’ is the first room when you walk into Teatro’s Cultural Arts Center,” Teatro de Artes executive director Yvonne De La Rosa said. “’La Galería’ is usually the first area...

Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farms Inc. is a Rapidly Expanding Homegrown Business

Monday, April 09, 2018

Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farms Inc. grows between 250,000-280,000 pounds per week of fresh mushrooms for the Texas market. The primary varieties they grow are white button, crimini and portobello mushrooms, as well as a small quantity of oyster and shiitake mushrooms. These full-flavor mushrooms are a fantastic addition to meals and used by home and professional cooks to create tasty, earthy dishes.  Kitchen Pride Mushrooms started the construction of its farm in 1987 and picked its first mushrooms in the fall of 1988.  It has been a family-owned operation, with its founders Darrell, Greg and...

As summer approaches, real estate heats up at area lakes

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

  A new real estate report says Canyon Lake ranks as one of the most affordable large lakes in Texas, and says other area lakes have seen values increase since last year. According to the 2018 Winter Lake Market Report, published by real estate company Lake Homes Realty, Texas' lake real estate has the highest values in the U.S. at more than $3 billion. By comparison, North Carolina coming in second at $2.1 billion. READ MORE...

Come & Taste It Craft Beer, Wine and Art Festival coming to Gonzales

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

April event featuring craft beer, wine, art will benefit local grads, business, Victoria College GONZALES — The Gonzales Inquirer and the Gonzales Main Street board are teaming up to produce the first ever Come & Taste It Craft Beer, Wine and Art Festival. Coming in April, the Come & Taste It Craft Beer, Wine and Art Festival will feature craft beer vendors and breweries from all over Texas and the United States, Texas wineries, starving artists, food vendors and even a classic car show. The Craft Beer portion of the event presented by Shiner Beer will host a special...

Board awards funds to 4 downtown Seguin businesses

Monday, April 02, 2018

A group of downtown businesses will soon receive some needed upgrades. The Main Street Advisory Board awarded four FIX-IT Facade grants to assist four downtown businesses with their improvement projects — totaling about $20,000 in funds — on Tuesday, Feb. 6 following city council approval at a recent meeting. “The FIX-It Facade Grants have been one of the most effective tools encouraging rehabilitation of our downtown properties,” Main Street Advisory Director Kyle Kramm said during the meeting. “So we appreciate council being able to fund these grants.” While the grants don’t fund an entire project, they do...

Seguin welcomes liquid pigment manufacturer

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The local manufacturing industry just keeps flourishing as more businesses move to Seguin. American Colors, Inc. — a high-quality liquid pigments and intermediates manufacturer based out of Sandusky, Ohio — is opening its fourth United States based manufacturing space in Seguin. “We are very excited that they (American Colors) chose to locate their new manufacturing facility within the city of Seguin,” Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) executive director Josh Schneuker said. “The SEDC are very excited to have American Colors as the newest member of our business community, and we look forward to seeing them grow and prosper...

This is S.A.: Milk to market

Monday, March 26, 2018

For Susan Rigg, cheese making is a labor of love that has deep ties to her family roots. Rigg, founder and owner of River Whey Creamery, is one of the only local cheese makers in Texas. The former bookstore-manager-turned-food-entrepreneur has been open for business for about three-and-a-half years, cultivating her own cheeses and methods. Rigg went to chef's school at the Culinary Institute of America. She did first year in San Antonio and finished at the CIA branch in Hyde Park, New York. The process of cheese making, combining food and science, is what Rigg was drawn...

Dallas Fed: Texas’ manufacturing activity rises to levels not seen since 2005

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Texas’ manufacturing sector saw business activity rise to levels not seen since 2005, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ latest survey. “The ongoing expansion in Texas manufacturing picked up steam in February,” said Emily Kerr, Dallas Fed senior business economist, in a news release. “Output growth accelerated, and the survey’s broader measure of general business activity pushed up to a reading last seen in 2005, a banner year for the Texas economy.” Continue to full article. 

COMING SOON: Officials, developers break ground on new residential development

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  The community’s newest and largest residential development was officially welcomed with a turn of the dirt. City officials, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation and WB Development officially broke ground on Arroyo Ranch — a new single-family subdivision located at the southwest corner of FM 725 and State Highway 46 — on Tuesday. The development is expected to add about 1,103 new rooftops for prospective homeowners on 267 acres of land, SEDC Executive Director Josh Schneuker said. “It’s kind of hard to think that where we are standing today there...

Texas Comptroller: Texas has a strong economy

Monday, March 12, 2018

Texas has the 10th largest economy in the world and has a bright future, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar says. Hegar conveyed that message Thursday at the 2018 Victoria Chamber of Commerce Banquet. "I don't know about you, but every day I wake up and I'm proud to call Texas home," he said. "We live in a very blessed state. We're very fortunate to be in this state, especially from an economic perspective." Before the oil industry bust in 2014 and 2015, the state's economic growth was about 3.8 percent for 20 years, which outpaced the national average,...

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM: Texas Lutheran celebrates opening of long-awaited performing arts center

Monday, March 05, 2018

As music filled the courtyard between the entrance to Texas Lutheran University’s Jackson Auditorium and the School of Music on Friday afternoon, dramatic media and music major Jonathan Tucker clipped the golden ribbon, tied between two tall tables displaying yellow daffodils, to officially open the Caroline Weston Center for the Performing Arts. “This building has been years and years in the making. I can’t begin to feel the excitement that all of these people who have been working so hard on this project are feeling now. It is the fruit of the persistent labor of so many of our...

Adams Extract & Spice - Where People Come First

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Since 1905, Adams Extract & Spice has been located in Texas. Many locals know them as an excellent place to work but worldwide, they are known as the makers of Adams Best Vanilla Flavor and the inventors of the red velvet cake. Since their move to Texas at the turn of the century, they have continued to grow and expand their business, providing consumers with products to change and enhance the flavor of food. From the start, there was science behind the creation of their extracts, spices, and food colorings. This focus on the science of foods...

Seguin EDC talks Growth

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

  The numbers don’t lie, this community is growing. And with growth comes additions of new housing and retail sites. Area development was a hot topic of discussion during the regular meeting of the Navarro ISD School Board on Tuesday, Feb. 19. “We all know that we are in a really high growth corridor kind of situated between Interstate 35 and Interstate 10,” Seguin Economic Development Corporation executive director Josh Schneuker said. “We hear about the accelerated 35 corridor, but it’s really starting to creep this way.” According to the...

CAJUN COOKIN' IN CUERO

Monday, February 19, 2018

Combining their Louisiana roots and passion for cooking, Barry Breaux and Kelvin Washington started Barry’s Cajun Food. Their food truck, part of R&R Market at 201 Stockdale, opened Dec. 14. They are open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do,” Washington stated. “A couple fellas introduced me to Barry, and that’s how we got started.” Breaux already had an interested in making Cajun food, and teaming with Washington was a perfect fit with their ties to Louisiana. Breaux is from Abbeville, and Washington hails from Lake Charles. Wasting...

Best Western coming to La Vernia

Friday, February 16, 2018

  Howdy, Partners! Yep, it’s rodeo time and it also means the La Vernia Junior Livestock & Poultry Show is right around the corner, taking place March 1-3 at the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce. It’s impressive to see the hard work and dedication our youth put into their projects, ranging from rabbits to baked cookies; it is something to see. Please come out and support the future leaders of tomorrow! We are a step closer to having a hotel finally, as at last week’s city council meeting, a Special Use Permit was granted for a Best Western...

Why SA's data center market outlook is brighter than Austin's in 2018

Thursday, February 15, 2018

  The San Antonio metro area is positioned to see more data center leasing activity and potential construction, more so than the Austin market, according to a recent report by Chicago-based real estate investment company Jones Lang LaSalle LP Inc.  One factor driving that is that the cost of ownership — or the requirements for running a data center, such as redundant electricity, internet and technical expertise — is less expensive in San Antonio than Austin.  The local market is also home to more enterprise data centers, which are sprawling climate-controlled buildings housing computer server farms. ...

$25K tourism video in use after almost 3 years

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

In 2015, the City of Gonzales authorized $25,000 in funding toward the creation of a Gonzales tourism video. Two years and several months after the final edits were made to the video, the Gonzales Convention and Visitors Bureau is finally putting the film, produced by local businessman Rick Green, to use – as means to promote the city. Gonzales' Tourism Development Director Clint Hille has, since September, been charged with boosting local tourism. He said he is doing this by promoting the city's charms and by painting Gonzales' as a go-to destination that appeals beyond the curiosities of the...

Sisters celebrate opening of coffee shop

Monday, February 12, 2018

After waiting a year to open up their dream coffee shop on the corner of Walnut and Austin Streets, sisters Kristen Green and Lacey Dugi can finally celebrate with a cup of their signature java. Seguin Coffee Company, 410 N. Austin, officially opened its drive-thru and a walk-up window for service on Saturday, Dec. 16. “It feels really great to finally be open,” Green said. “We both have kids and so we finally felt like we were in a place in our lives to finally do something like this.” Originally from Stockdale, the sister duo decided to...

New Sonic, Dollar General locations underway

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

Dirt has been shoveled and a building has been constructed at two separate spots that will soon house a new Sonic Drive-In and a Dollar General. Sonic Drive-In, which broke ground at 968 W. Court St., in November 2017, plans to open between Feb. 5 and 15 — replacing the 961 W. Court St. location. The new spot will feature a drive-thru window, volleyball courts, a wraparound patio area, playscape and the regular drive-in food service. “The Sonic Drive-In that we’re at right now has been there since the 70s, so they wanted to expand for a...

Seguin EDC OKs $80K incentive package for biomedical manufacturer

Monday, February 05, 2018

A local biomedical manufacturer has announced its expansion with the assistance of the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). An $80,000 incentive package was approved for Cone Bioproducts to expand its new facility, which is expected to be built on State Highway 46. The incentive was approved during a city council meeting. As part of the package, Cone Bioproducts is expected to retain 20 jobs and establish an additional 15 positions over a five-year period, SEDC Executive Director Josh Schneuker said in a release. Additionally, the new jobs’ average pay will exceed that of both the county...

Jobs: Southern employment growth passes West as fastest in U.S.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The nation's shrinking pool of available workers is shifting the economic balance of power in the U.S., with the South surpassing the West as the region boasting the fastest job growth. During the three months ending in October, employment in the South was up 1.8% from the same period last year, compared with 1.7% in the West, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Moody’s Analytics. The West had been the undisputed leader since 2012 until the South nosed ahead in June. “The West is slowing down very quickly,” says Moody’s economist Steven Cochrane. Cochrane largely attributes the trend to...

The 2017 Economic Impact of Music in Texas

Monday, January 29, 2018

Overview The return on investment associated with economic development is normally a longer-term payback, as external events tend to drive the fortunes of a regional economy in the near term, per the boom and bust cycle of sectors such as energy and real estate. However, the State can have a more significant influence on its economic fortunes over the longer run. Much of Texas’ future will depend on a highly capable workforce, innovation and entrepreneurship, clusters in knowledge industries, the presence of world-class research universities and other institutions of higher learning, and public policy that supports growth and...

Texas Is a National Leader in Job Growth: Report

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

A Texas-sized jump in jobs has the Lone Star State leading the way nationally. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment dropped to record lows in four states, including Texas; with Texas gaining more than 330,000 jobs. Chris Olguin, an employee at Villa Grande Restaurant in Fort Worth, wasn't surprised to hear that Texas was atop the job growth list. "There is a lot of opportunity. Whatever you want to do," he said. "It is exciting to be here in Texas." Continue to full article. 

Texas Manufacturing Activity Grew at Strongest Pace in 11 Years

Monday, January 22, 2018

The Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey showed regional factory activity grew at the strongest pace in more than a decade, indicating rapid growth over the month of December. The production index soared 18 points to 32.8 in December, the highest its been in 11 years. The general business activity index and the company outlook index posted double-digit increases, coming in at 29.7 and 31.5, respectively. Both the latter components are also the highest they’ve been since 2006. Labor market indicators also suggest much more rapid employment growth and longer workweeks in December. The employment index came in at 20.4,...

TEXAS RANKED NO. 2 ON FORBES' 2017 "BEST STATES FOR BUSINESS" LIST

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Texas ranks No. 1 in the nation for economic climate and No. 2 on Forbes’ 2017 “Best States for Business” list, thanks to strong employment and gross product growth over the past 5 years. Texas moved up two spots from last year's ranking, achieving the state’s best showing since 2006. Forbes also reported on the Lone Star State's $1.6 trillion economy, which is the second largest in the U.S. and home to 100 of the 1,000 largest public and private companies in the nation, including giants like AT&T, ExxonMobil and Dell. Forbes notes that startup activity in the Lone Star State...

Central Texas Technology Center lauded at AACOG awards

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

  One area organization received top honors for its growth and mission. The Alamo Colleges Central Texas Technology Center (CTTC) recently was awarded the Government Project of the Year award from the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) for its expansion project. “It is an honor to be selected for this award. It just highlights our collaborative partnerships that we have with the city of Seguin, New Braunfels and the counties of Guadalupe and Comal Counties,” Campus Director Chester Jenke said. CTTC competed against six other finalists in the Government...

George Strait Named Texan Of The Year By Texas Legislative Conference

Monday, December 04, 2017

  NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary Entertainer and "King of Country Music" George Strait has been named the 2018 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference, the well-known annual statewide forum that is marking its 52nd year next March. Strait will be presented with the award Thursday evening, March 22 at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. He will be joining an array of prominent past honorees since 1974 including Presidents, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Governors, and business icons.  READ MORE...

Town of Seguin grows into manufacturing powerhouse

Monday, November 13, 2017

Inside a large, unimposing building on the north side of Seguin, more than 1,600 workers in a Continental plant produce vehicle electronics that will find their way into at least a quarter of all U.S. vehicles. The facility, owned by German-based automotive parts manufacturer Continental AG, one of the largest manufacturing employers in the city, is one of many plants that make the rural community a manufacturing hub 45 miles northeast of San Antonio on Interstate 10. Surrounded by farmland, Seguin has become a regional manufacturing powerhouse where 26.9 percent of the workforce were employed by industry in...

Remembering Seguin Industry Leader Phil Seidenberger

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

  “It is always tough seeing these kinds of things happen, especially to someone your own age,” long-time friend and Seguin Mayor Don Keil said. “It really strikes home. He was an amazing guy and we will really miss him.” Keil said he’s known Seidenberger since they grew up together as children. “We were from the same neighborhood over on the West Side,” he said. “We — me, Phil and his brother Greg — went to St. Joseph’s School for 8 years.” Phil graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic High School in 1968, began attending Southwest Texas...

What is a Grosse Opa, you ask?

Saturday, November 04, 2017

  What is a Grosse Opa, you ask? This very special appointment is made each year by the New Braunfels Wurstfest President. The Grosse Opa is charged with making sure everyone has a good time and this year the honor has been bestowed upon our own regional partner and friend, Rusty Brockman. Congratulations, Rusty! Let the fun begin!

GVEC Board Recognizes Manufacturing Day

Friday, October 06, 2017

  Recognizing the importance of manufacturing in our local, state and national economy, the GVEC Board of Directors passed a resolution acknowledging today October 6, 2017 as National Manufacturing Day!  With customers like CMC Steel, Caterpillar, Continental, Republic Plastics, and Adams Extract just to name a few, we know that Manufacturing Matters in South Central Texas!

GVEC's SunHub Project Nears Completion

Monday, October 02, 2017

GVEC will soon be producing local, renewable energy via its new SunHub Generation Station. It’s the Co-op’s first ever generation asset and community solar project. When construction began last summer, SunHub was one of only seven distribution-scale solar projects underway in Texas. The two-megawatt facility is located on 16 acres between Seguin and Gonzales, Texas, and is being built by AEP Onsite LLC. Once it goes live in mid-November, weather permitting, the facility is expected to deliver more than four million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy a year, thanks to approximately 6,500 solar panels powered by South Texas...

Celebrate High Speed Broadband - An Economic Development Driver

Thursday, August 31, 2017

With August as Rural Broadband Month, it’s only fitting that we celebrate the fact that GVEC.net is a leader in bringing high speed broadband access to the rural areas of South Texas. One of the frequently asked questions we hear is, “Why is GVEC involved with internet?” The answer is that GVEC.net is proactively engaging in bringing Fiber To The Home (FTTH) technology because it is aligned with the Cooperative’s mission to invest in products and services that meet, and work to exceed, our members’ needs. Providing this service is not only valuable to residents, but serves as an important...

Seguin Library Design wins best in State of Texas

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

  One of the city’s newest buildings recently received recognition as the best in the state. The Seguin Public Library — a Byrne Construction Services project — won the Best of Texas Award for Government and Public Buildings through the Engineering News-Record (ENR). “We’ve entered this award several times, but Seguin is one of those projects that we’ve looked at and we knew immediately we were going to enter it into multiple awards,” Byrne Construction Services Director of Marketing Chad Anderson said. “The design is a striking design and we also...

Wind Energy continues Rapid Growth in 2016

Thursday, August 10, 2017

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Energy Department today released three wind market reports demonstrating continued growth in wind energy nationwide. America’s wind industry added more than 8,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity last year, representing 27 percent of all energy capacity additions in 2016. In 2016, wind supplied about 6 percent of U.S. electricity, and 14 states now get more than 10 percent of their electricity from wind. The reports cover the following market sectors: land-based utility scale, offshore, and distributedwind. Wind power capacity in the United States experienced strong growth in 2016. Recent and projected near-term growth is supported...

TEAM TEXAS HOSTS EUROPEAN DELEGATION

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

      Team Texas recently hosted four representatives from the European American Investment Council (EAIC) July 24-27, 2017 by making an extensive four day Road Trip through a good portion of Texas. Traveling with the EAIC Delegation was Matthias Beier, Jim Blair(Navigator Consulting), Dr. Ullrich Kaemmerer (Roadl & Partner) and Florian Stamm (Smith, Gamberll & Russell). Matthias Beier is the President & CEO of the EAIC, while the other representatives serve as advisory members.  For more information on the EAIC, go to www.eaic-fdi.com. Team Texas is forging a partnership with the EAIC to help...

Community Solar Brings Clean Energy Home

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

  With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and maybe even more considering the mildness of this past winter, it’s easy to understand why members’ interest in solar energy is growing. South Central Texas is proving to be a good location for producing this type of renewable energy, and is an important reason we began selling solar systems through GVEC Home several years ago. Another reason was to ensure that members who are interested in purchasing a system would be able to get reliable information from a trusted source. We realize, however, that investing in a...

A chance discovery unhearths vintage rural electric film

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Scott Moore was rummaging through old boxes in his office at FEM Electric Association when he came across several worn film canisters. They included old cartoons and other shorts that might have been shown at social events in a rural community a half-century ago. But one title caught his eye: By the People for the People, a single-reel 16-mm print accompanied by a grainy set of instructions identifying it as NRECA’s first film. “It hadn’t been used in about 40 or 50 years,” says Moore, CEO of the Ipswich, S.D.-based distribution co-op. Turns out By the People...

San Antonio named a top 10 city for high-wage job growth

Friday, June 30, 2017

The San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area is one of the best at creating high-wage jobs in the United States, according to a study from Forbes. San Antonio was one of three Texas metros to make the list of cities excelling at creating high-wage jobs, which Forbes contributors Joel Kotkin and Michael Shires produced using data on growth in the business and professional services sector from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. San Antonio-New Braunfels was sixth on the list, while Austin-Round Rock ranked third and Dallas-Plano-Irving slotted in at fifth.  READ MORE...

Yoakum EDC Studies Retail Gap Analysis

Friday, June 02, 2017

  The former president of an East Texas grocery chain once explained how his company chose new store locations. "We looked at the population sign, then we drove around until we found a nice site," he told me. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes not. Today there are economic development tools that help increase the chances of success for new business ventures. A retail gap analysis shows where opportunities exist for new retail business development. It compares what a resident population spends versus what local businesses sell. The difference is the gap.  READ MORE...

Team Texas hosts VIP Guests at the 2017 Players Championship

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Team Texas was represented by 15 hosts from 12 cities and organizations at the recent 2017 Players Championship held on May 11-14 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. As a sponsor of Dye’s Pavilion, located on the 16th green, Team Texas members hosted qualified site selectors and industry guests in an environment specifically designed for maximum networking. Guests of Team Texas and our members for the 2017 Players Championship included representatives from Rural Sourcing, Inc., Avenue Advisory Group, Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting, AGL Resources, RDR Advisory Services, CBRE Inc., E. Smith Realty, Wetizman Group, JLL, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank...

San Antonio Manufacturers Are Thriving

Friday, May 05, 2017

  The manufacturing industry has been battered a lot by politicians lately, with President Trump claiming that manufacturing jobs have fled to other countries, and Democrats claiming that people who work in manufacturing are blue collar losers, but San Antonio Manufacturers say their industry is thriving, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports. In fact, Tom Long, who is the Executive Vice President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, says he has gotten more feelers from manufacturing operations interested in setting up shop in Texas this year than at any time since he has been with the EDF...

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1 Million in the University of Houston-Victoria to Boost Economic Diversification and Entrepreneurial Development Efforts in Texas

Monday, May 01, 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1 million grant to the University of Houston–Victoria to renovate a portion of the former Town Plaza Mall to establish the Regional Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship (RCEDE) in Victoria. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to help create or retain more than 2,100 jobs and generate more than $43 million in private investment.   “The Trump administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but taking action to create new opportunities...

Texas' Oldest Towns

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  As you travel through Texas, you can get an in-depth history lesson from your truck window. Texas historical markers are an invaluable part of any road trip. And no historical journey through the Lone Star State would be complete without a trip through some of Texas’ most historic towns. You’ve been to the Alamo, but what about Goliad’s Presidio La Bahia? Let’s hit the road (and the history books) and visit old time Texas.  READ MORE...

Seguin business getting Rave reviews from NASCAR

Friday, April 14, 2017

Speed matters on the racetrack, and one Seguin business is helping some of America’s fastest cars move. Rave Gears is this season’s primary supplier of ring and pinions to most NASCAR teams. “Working in the fast paced racing market requires constant improvement in design and efficiencies in order to maintain our competitive edge against our competition,” Rave Gears President Thomas Alaniva said. “Rave Gears is in a race of its own to make sure to provide the best, most efficient gears to the teams.” The local manufacturer produces high-quality, precision computer...

Seguin Library Wins Building Award

Thursday, April 06, 2017

  The Seguin Public Library turned another page in its latest chapter with some recognition for the new facility. The newly constructed building was selected as the winner of TEXO’s Distinguished Building Award for projects between $10 million and $30 million. According to a city news release, a $14.8 million taxpayer approved bond was used to build the new facility along with an additional $2 million from the city’s CPS Energy Agreement. “It’s no surprise to us that our gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Seguin Public Library is receiving these kinds of accolades. It...

Which US States Produce the Most Shale Oil?

Monday, March 27, 2017

  Believe it or not, America has been fracking oil wells since right around the time of the Civil War. That said, modern oil well fracking didn't start taking shape until the 1940s, and it wasn't until the 1990s when it was combined with horizontal drilling to unleash the shale gas boom. The industry eventually transferred those two techniques into oil drilling when Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) drilled the first commercially successful well in the North Dakota Bakken. The industry has since taken that combo to other U.S. states, enabling the country to unlock a treasure trove of...

Yorktown steer's horns contend for world record

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

YORKTOWN - Tejas Tip 2 Tip has horns that are the envy of his five dozen brothers. With horns measuring 10 feet 2 3/4 inches, longhorn Tejas Tip 2 Tip appears to have the longest horn spread in the world. The largest on record is about 10 feet 1 inch, according to Guinness World Records. READ MORE...

The Wealth of Street Trees

Friday, February 17, 2017

Street trees have a woefully understaffed marketing department.  They just can’t seem to get the message out, which is surprising since trees usually leave (leaf?) a money trail everywhere they go. In spite of this, city budgets for forestry related work have declined by 1/3rd in the last few decades. Trees add value in many ways – they increase the social value of the city by making places more pleasing to people on foot and in cars, and they also add great environmental benefits.  Both fuel the enormous economic benefits that can’t be ignored.  READ MORE..

Texas projected to add 242,000 jobs in 2017

Monday, February 13, 2017

Texas’ economy is projected to add nearly 50,000 more jobs in 2017 than employers in the state did last year, according to a top economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The boost would be mainly due to a rebound in the energy market as oil and gas companies put more of their struggles behind them. Jobs picked up in the back half of last year as oil prices turned north, Dallas Fed Senior Economist Keith Phillips said at an event in San Antonio Tuesday announcing his projections. Production cuts abroad and the prospect of lighter oversight of...

Seguin sees economic, job growth

Monday, February 06, 2017

Judging by the numbers, Seguin is booming. After reaching a population of more than 30,000 last year, the city is also seeing a boom in job growth. According to information from the city, Seguin ended 2016 with an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent — 1.3 percent below the national average. “We’ve been very privileged and blessed to have a group of really excellent group of people on city council the last several years with an attitude toward being business friendly,” Mayor Don Keil said. “We also have really good people in our...

87,000-square-foot gas station coming to Cuero

Monday, January 30, 2017

CUERO - An 87,000-square-foot convenience store is expected to open in late February. The new Texan will be the fifth in the chain, said Brian Dlugosch, 30, of Yorktown, who owns the store with his brother, Brandon Dlugosch. The Dlugosch brothers also have three Texan stores in Yorktown and one in Three Rivers. The Cuero store, 101 Heaton St., will be the largest. The store will have a full-service kitchen with made-to-order food items such as burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, pizza, breakfast tacos, breakfast plates and a bakery, Dlugosch said. The store will be able to seat about...

Port of Victoria updating infrastructure

Monday, January 30, 2017

Port of Victoria officials will begin upgrading the port's road infrastructure in the first quarter of this year to stay competitive for large industrial projects. Although a multibillion-dollar project proposed by Exxon Mobil in partnership with Saudi Arabia Basic Industries appears to be headed for San Patricio County, Victoria County is not out of the picture yet. Victoria County is one of four sites being considered for the project. Port of Victoria officials want the port to be ready for future projects - if not this one, then others, said Skip Kaup, port executive director. READ MORE...

The Changing Landscape of La Vernia

Sunday, January 08, 2017

La Vernia continues to grow, and the increasing population in the subdivisions around the city has prompted business growth throughout 2016. The past year brought changes to existing businesses and added a number of new ones to cater to La Vernia’s needs. This included the construction and opening of Cayetano Villas, apartment-style accommodations with rents on a sliding scale, according to income. Some of the units -- ranging from one to three bedrooms -- rent at market rates. It’s the first development of its kind in the city.  READ MORE...

Local artisan’s design wins praise

Saturday, January 07, 2017

  Jody Fletcher creates useful pieces of art. Fletcher, owner of Aus Tex Originals classifies himself as an designer/artisan that builds and creates unique furniture. Recently, he stepped out of his realm of rustic and created a modern piece that won him recognition at a furniture show. “I normally work in live edge and barn wood, more rustic, earthy style stuff, but I thought I’d try something a tiny bit more modern,” he said. “It’s a total departure from what I usually do.” The piece he titled “Educating Elroy”...

Texas Public Radio Expands into Gonzales

Saturday, January 07, 2017

  Texas Public Radio has expanded coverage into Gonzales and the I-10 corridor with the return of KCTI 1450 AM to the airwaves of Central Texas. The station, acquired by TPR late in 2016, had been silent for almost a year. This expansion provides a vital in-depth news and information source to Gonzales, Luling, Flatonia, and surrounding areas, and continues the growth of Texas Public Radio, which already serves five other areas of the state. READ MORE...

Five San Antonio energy companies to watch in 2017

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Predicting the future is never certain, but there are some safe bets when it comes to which San Antonio-based energy companies to watch in 2017. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20 but how his administration's energy policy plays out remains to be seen. Most expect a pro-oil and gas and pro-pipeline administration that will benefit an industry struggling to cope with a downturn that has now lasted two years.  READ MORE...

LaVernia Library to Open

Thursday, December 29, 2016

  The Jane Yelvington McCallum La Vernia Library will open to patrons Tuesday, Jan. 3. Named for a Texas suffragist leader who was born in La Vernia and became the Texas secretary of state (see below), the library is housed in the La Vernia News office, at 112 E. Chihuahua St. A grand opening event will take place Jan. 20, according to Wilson County Public Libraries Director Nicki Stohr.  READ MORE...

New manufacturer opens doors in Seguin

Thursday, December 08, 2016

Central States Manufacturing officially opened its new branch in Seguin during a grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning. The business specializes in metal roofing and building products that are used in the construction of post frame steel buildings. They also produce standing seam products. The new facility covers 44,000 square feet of manufacturing space.  READ MORE...

Park Plaza Hotel Restoration

Monday, December 05, 2016

The Park Plaza Hotel, located in Seguin, Texas, has been recently restored and is open for visitors and diners alike.  Owner Jenny Savage said, “When I bought this building, it was always my plan to turn it into a hotel geared toward the corporate market and weddings”.  Utilizing the original drawings by famed architect Leo Dielmann, plans are to take the grand hotel back to its origins.  The hotel houses 30 rooms and a full scale restaurant (the Chop House), bar and lobby.  

In the money Nov. 28: Five Austin startups just raised $37M in funding

Monday, November 28, 2016

Thanksgiving is typically a slow time for funding news but five Austin-area startups reported raising a combined $37.05 million in investment capital last week, according to the companies and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such funding deals can often yield business leads for a variety of professionals — from job seekers to real estate brokers to accountants. READ MORE...

Urbanism researchers find San Antonio is a pack leader

Monday, November 28, 2016

San Antonio’s surge in economic status among U.S. metros is notable for being greatly driven by Latinos, while it may surprise many to know that the Alamo City has become a magnet for millennials. Those are two of the major takeaways from “San Antonio: Growth and Success in the Mexican-American Capital,” a white paper that is a product of a unique study called the Texas Urbanism Research project. READ MORE...

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center

Monday, November 07, 2016

Located in Seguin, Texas, the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is the only city-county hospital in Texas. This non-profit community hospital has fostered a culture of caring and dedication with employees and volunteers.  GRMC is committed to building partnerships with community members, educational programs, community health screenings, and so much more. Specializing in a diverse range of clinical services, you and your family can feel confident in the healthcare provided by GRMC physicians and staff. The mission of GRMC is to “make a positive difference in every life we are privileged to touch.” For more information on the services...

New Braunfels,TX 10-Day Salute to Sausage

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

  Wurstfest 2016 opens Friday, the perfect elixir as the presidential campaign is about to finally wind down. Along with the sausage, sauerkraut, strudel, kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes), sweets and countless beers, talented punk-polka virtuoso Alex Meixner headlines opening week at the annual food, music and beer festival and carnival which runs through Nov. 13. Meixner’s head-snapping, show-stopping antics, lederhosen and bottomless pit of polkas have made him a wildly popular fixture the last several years and explains why he was named “Prince of the City of Princes” by the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.  READ...

Seguin EDC wins award for Niagara project

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

  The Seguin Economic Development Corporation was recently recognized at the state level for bringing Niagara Bottle, Inc to the city. During a luncheon, the Texas Economic Development Council honored the SEDC with the Community Economic Development Award “This project is a true depiction of how different organizations throughout the community, come together to make big things happen in Seguin,” SEDC director Josh Schneuker said in a press release.  READ MORE...

Texas Leads US in Use of Renewable Energy

Friday, October 28, 2016

  HOUSTON —  Texas, a state known for oil production, has become a leader in the development and use of renewable energy, especially wind power. And solar energy production is growing rapidly in the “Lone Star state” spurred on by the state’s abundant sunshine and the sharp drop in the price of solar panels in recent years. READ MORE...

Auto Zone, O’Reilly’s coming to La Vernia

Friday, October 14, 2016

Hello, La Vernia citizens. It’s been a few months since my last article, and I want to let you know what’s happening these days at City Hall. We just approved the 2016-17 budget, which includes a dedicated parks and rec person, who will be in charge of maintaining the city park and fields on a constant basis. We’re also adding another police officer’s position to our staff, and are looking forward to implementing both as soon as possible. We have several projects ongoing that include the completion of our second municipal drinking water well and transmission line; a...

Community Recreation Center Groundbreaking Set for Friday, October 14th

Friday, October 14, 2016

The City of New Braunfels invites you to the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Braunfels Community Recreation Center on Friday, October 14th. The event will be held at 345 Landa Street, site of the future facility. Parks & Recreation Director Stacey Dicke notes the ceremony will mark the start of construction for a state-of-the-art recreational space.  “Once completed, the center will provide greatly needed recreation opportunities to the entire community.” The total construction budget for the project is $23.5 million. $15.69 million of which is funded by the 2013 Bond Program, and $5.8 million by the New Braunfels Industrial Development...

Goliad entrepreneurs breathe life into square

Friday, October 14, 2016

Two Goliad business partners are tired of watching their city's charming and historic square languish and are doing something about it. "That's part of the point of this - to fill the square," said Kathy Johnson, 67. "We are working very hard. Goliad is going to have the best square in Texas," added her friend and business partner, Gaye Urban, 79. Click here for the complete article.

Local brewery preps for SA distribution

Friday, October 14, 2016

After BS Brewery won a gold medal for it’s brown ale — Pecan Ale with Honey — at the inaugural Can Can Awards, it’s now time for the business to focus on making more of its beer to ship out. “The craft beer community looks at those awards and so our name is going to get out there even further ... people are going to hear about us more often and look for us on the shelves,” Jenna Schoemokel, co-owner and office manager of BS Brewing said. Putting more of the award-winning Pecan Ale on shelves was just...

Texas’ economic growth proves this is not the 1980s

Friday, October 14, 2016

Texas’ economic growth proves this is not the 1980s Published 4:41 pm, Friday, September 30, 2016 M. Ray Perryman The Texas economy has added 190,600 jobs over the past year, and employment has risen in 16 of the past 17 months. Last month, nine of the 11 industry groups tracked by the Texas Workforce Commission added jobs. All of this occurred despite the end (at least for now) of a major oil surge. For those of us who have been around a while, the differences between what has happened this time when oil prices dropped precipitously and...

Experience Switchback in Sequin

Monday, September 26, 2016

ZDT Amusement Park in Seguin debuted the Switchback roller coaster in October 2015. Premiered as the world’s only wooden shuttle roller coaster, this ride is a highlight of the 10-acre indoor and outdoor park working to attract thousands of thrill-seeking visitors each year to the Guadalupe Valley. Riders will be thrown straight up in the air to a record breaking 87 degree near-vertical angle only to fall backwards! Check our Switchback and other attractions here: http://www.zdtamusement.com/switchback

Cuero – A Certified Retirement Community

Monday, September 19, 2016

CUERO is officially a Go Texan Certified Retirement Community.  This Certification by the Texas Department of Agriculture is designed to assist communities in attracting retirees to their community. Retirees offer an enormous impact on local communities through community service and contributions to local businesses.   Homeowners that are 65 years and older in Cuero make up 30.2% of the total housing units.  The average single family home in the City of Cuero is approximately $81,270.  With a low cost of living, great amenities, and Texas atmosphere, Cuero is an excellent opportunity. Cuero is an excellent option! http://www.cuerodc.com/  ...

New Braunfels Jobless Rate Keeps Dropping

Monday, September 19, 2016

With the city’s sales tax take starting to feel slightly spongy in summer’s second half, the latest employment figures still show New Braunfels trending above the rest of the region. Workforce Solutions Alamo Friday released a report that indicates the city of New Braunfels’ unemployment rate decreased to 3.3. percent in August — down a tenth of a point from July’s figure of 3.4 percent. The figure compares favorably with San Antonio’s 3.9 percent rate and even Cibolo’s 3.2 percent rate. For local cities, Schertz unemployment is running 3.9 percent while in Seguin, the figure...

Cuero hospital's new CEO implements communication system

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Lynn Falcone has Cuero Community Hospital employees communicating with one another. About two weeks after Falcone, 50, began work as the hospital's new chief executive officer, she started a daily safety huddle of department managers to connect departments throughout the hospital. Falcone started work May 23, replacing former chief executive officer, Skip Gjolberg, who resigned in February. Click here for the complete article.

GG Steaks & Spirits is open and delicious

Sunday, September 11, 2016

We had the great pleasure to dine at the new GG Steaks & Spirits, created, built and run by the Guerra Family Monday night. The restaurant has been a long time coming but the family persevered and is now ready to share this gem with all of Gonzales and beyond.'The dining room itself is decorated in calming cream and white colors. We were greeted by very friendly staffers who sat us in a comfortable booth. Immediately we met Maria, our delightful server for the night who offered us fresh bread and sweet creamy butter. The three of us selected...

Gonzales airport lands state funding

Sunday, September 11, 2016

News came last Friday that Gonzales has been awarded $1.07 million by the Texas Transportation Commission for improvements to the Roger M. Dreyer Memorial Airport. The funds will be used for hangar construction and pavement improvements at the facility. Costs will be funded with the City of Gonzales chipping in $90,000 and the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Aviation Facilities Grant Program shelling out the rest. The program looks to preserve and improve the state's general aviation system. “We currently only have about a half-dozen or so hangars and this project will add either 8, 9, or 10 hangars...

Texas Lutheran University-Learn Boldly. Live to Inspire

Monday, August 29, 2016

Need a challenging academic environment that inspires lifelong learning? Texas Lutheran University in Seguin offers a diverse student body of approximately 1,400. Rigorous courses that challenge each and every student is something that TLU has prided itself on since being founded in 1891. Washington Monthly magazine has ranked TLU as a Top Ten Baccalaureate School multiple consecutive years.  From disciplines in the Arts, Business, Communication, Humanities and Health, Texas Lutheran University has something for everyone.  Look here if you’re willing to Learn Boldly. http://www.tlu.edu/  

Which State Is a Big Renewable Energy Pioneer? Texas

Monday, August 29, 2016

On a blustery February night, the Texas electricity market hit a milestone. Nearly half the power flowing onto the grid came from wind turbines, a level unimaginable a decade ago in a place better known for its long romance with fossil fuels. The Lone Star state still embraces its oil and gas, leading a revolution in innovative “fracking” technology. Yet an equally startling energy bonanza here has gone almost unnoticed—the rise of renewables. Texas has added more wind-based generating capacity than any other state, with wind turbines accounting for 16% of electrical generating capacity as of April. Now...

GVEC – Top Service and Reliability

Monday, August 15, 2016

Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) maintains 8,450 overhead distribution lines, 782 underground lines, and 258 miles of transmission lines, but still maintains a 99.9995% reliability rating!  This commitment to customers is embedded in GVEC’s alues, work ethic, and experience to exceed members’ needs. GVEC brings multiple classifications and rate schedules to fit any type of business.  Before establishing your service, contact GVEC to discuss competitive and cost-effective electricity rates.  GVEC brings the experience to meet the constantly increasing energy demands; while being one of the only cooperatives in the nation to be financially rated by two of the world’s...

Chronicle says TLU great place to work

Friday, August 12, 2016

Looking for a new job? Apparently, Texas Lutheran University is the place to apply. “For the fifth consecutive year, TLU is one of the nation’s great colleges to work for according to a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education,” a Tuesday online TLU article said. “The results were released in The Chronicle’s ninth annual report on The Academic Workplace.” TLU was among 93 out of 281 universities surveyed to be recognized as a “Great College to Work For.” Click here for the complete article.

Circle Y consolidates operations, plans Yoakum warehouse

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

Yoakum residents are getting ready to saddle up as Circle Y Saddles prepares to construct a 30,000-square-foot warehouse in Yoakum. Yoakum Economic Development Corporation and Circle Y Saddles announced Friday the saddle maker is consolidating its two plants in Yoakum and Tennessee. Fifteen Tennessee-based employees were offered packages to relocate to Yoakum, according to a news release.  READ MORE...

Shiner company wants to create new gold depository

Monday, July 25, 2016

  SHINER - The model that sits on the table in Texas Precious Metals' privately owned depository is small. But the idea captured by the miniature walls is a Texas-sized proposal in response to a uniquely Texas bill. The model is the Shiner business' proposal for a more than 46,000-square-foot incarnation of the Texas Bullion Depository. The depository is a product of House Bill 483, which introduced a public-private partnership for the only state-owned depository for precious metals such as silver and gold.  READ MORE...

State approves $66.5M to SSLGC for water supply project

Monday, July 25, 2016

  This past week, the state approved funding for a multi-million dollar water project that would help supply future water needs to both Seguin and Schertz. “The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of $66.5 million, consisting of a $43,670,000 low-interest loan and $22,830,000 in Board Participation, from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program to the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation (Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe counties),” TWDB said in a Thursday press release. “The corporation will use the assistance to finance the...

Slight rebound for new drilling as crude oil prices get comfortable in the mid-$40s

Saturday, July 23, 2016

  It's not a rebound, but figures released on Friday show that new drilling is picking up in the Lone Star State as crude oil prices get comfortable in the mid-$40-per-barrel range. After flirting above the $50 per-barrel mark a couple of times, West Texas Intermediate crude has been seesawing in the mid and upper $40 per-barrel range for the past three week. Figures from the Baker Hughes Rig Count released on Friday show a slight uptick and that Texas made up all the gains in new drilling activity for the United States.  READ MORE...

Roofless Solar Coming to Texas Community

Thursday, July 14, 2016

  (TNS) -- Tucked between farm fields off U.S. 87 in East Bexar County, CPS Energy’s newest solar installation will soon host 11,280 panels generating power for specific customers across San Antonio. On Monday, CPS Energy offered a first look at its “roofless solar” installation, a 10-acre site near Loop 1604 south of St. Hedwig. The site is CPS Energy’s first attempt to make solar panels available to customers who cannot install them on their own homes or businesses.  READ MORE...

Why Texas ranks highly among 'Top States for Business'

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Texas continues to be one of the top states in the U.S. for business, according to the latest edition of an annual survey conducted by CNBC. Texas came in second in CNBC's rankings, which scored the states on about 60 measures of business competitiveness. Texas's No. 2 rank is the same as last year. The scores were based on input from business and policy experts, government sources, CNBC's Global CFO Council and the states themselves.  READ MORE...

Perryman: Texas Economic Forecast: Long-Term Growth

Friday, July 08, 2016

ur latest forecast for the Texas economy indicates relatively healthy growth over an extended time horizon. Business cycles are inevitable, but the stage is set for growth outpacing most parts of the United States. Texas compares well with most areas in terms of the business climate, size of workforce, and other parameters, contributing to economic growth potential.  READ MORE

Eagle Ford companies see new opportunities from Panama Canal expansion

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Oil and natural gas companies operating just south of San Antonio are looking at opportunities to reach newer and more profitable markets following improvements and the expansion of the Panama Canal. Panamanian officials inaugurated the newly expanded canal this week, and the Texas oil and gas sector is glowing amid new opportunities to export their products to lucrative markets in Asia. READ MORE...

Seguin on Safest San Antonio suburb list

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Residents will be happy to know, Seguin recently was named one of the safest suburbs in the San Antonio Metro area by a ranking and review website. “We’re always thrilled to hear that Seguin is getting noticed as a great place to work, live and play,” Seguin Public Information Officer Morgan Ash said. “Safety is key. Families need to feel they can enjoy their communities without worry of illegal activity.” Based off of crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary and other statistics in the FBI Uniform Crime Report, Niche.com named...

Cuero replaces water, electric meters

Monday, June 27, 2016

  City of Cuero residents will soon be able to see their water and electricity usage in real time on a smartphone application. City staff are replacing all of Cuero's water and electric meters with advanced meters that use a smart system. All information from the meters will be sent to City Hall virtually and can be read online, Cuero city manager Raymie Zella said. Residents will be able to monitor their usage of water and electricity and see an estimated bill through a smartphone application that will be available in October.  READ MORE...

In the money June 27: Five Austin startups haul in $19.2M

Monday, June 27, 2016

At least five Austin-area startups reported raising a combined $19.2 million in investment capital last week, according to the companies and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such fundings are often a source of business leads for a variety of professionals including job seekers, real estate brokers and accountants.  READ MORE...

Natural gas giant to build another plant, pipelines

Monday, June 27, 2016

  Houston-based Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD) continues to expand its natural gas footprint as natural gas production and piping continues to grow in the U.S. The midstream energy company announced June 20 it plans to build a cryogenic natural gas processing facility — its third facility announced in less than 24 months — as well as additional natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines.  READ MORE...

Joint Base San Antonio had fewer direct jobs in 2015, but economic impact is rising

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

It's no secret that San Antonio has a massive military workforce across several installations known as Joint Base San Antonio, or that the number of direct jobs is shrinking as the federal government tightens its belt. But the economic impact of those bases continues to grow, despite the decrease in jobs. In 2012, the local military bases boasted about 83,100 direct employees, according to figures reported to the Texas Comptroller's Office. But when surveyed in 2015, that total had dropped to 77,659 workers. READ MORE...

HEB-backed charter high school for high tech careers and entrepreneurship planned in SA

Friday, June 17, 2016

H-E-B and Tech Bloc are collaborating to create a charter high school in downtown San Antonio that would produce entrepreneurial graduates ready to pursue careers or higher education in high-tech fields. San Antonio-based H-E-B will invest $3.6 million as seed capital to jumpstart the school called CAST Tech, which is expected to open in fall 2017 with 150 freshmen. READ MORE...

Emerging Technology Complex receives Workforce Excellence Award

Thursday, June 16, 2016

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) recognized Victoria College's Emerging Technology Complex with its Workforce Excellence Award at the recent TEDC Mid-Year Conference in Irving. The Victoria Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) nominated Victoria College for its contribution to workforce development in the region.  READ MORE...

GEDC: Planning ahead

Sunday, June 05, 2016

The Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) is heading into the summer with a list of accomplishments and a bright outlook on the future of business creation here in town says GEDC President Genora Young. It hasn't been a year since she was hired by the city, but she is excited about where the board is headed and is intent on figuring out what direction city businesses want to take economic development here. Young is sticking to her belief that listening to what people want in a vibrant downtown economy is much better than an outsider moving in and trying...

SISD may spend millions on upgrades

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Matador Stadium could soon get some much needed upgrades. The Seguin ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a request for quotes for a design build program that would help to bring the football stadium up to code per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as fix some leaky roofs around the district, on Tuesday during the regular board meeting. Click here for the complete article.

Spring into Summer Travel in the Lone Start State

Sunday, June 05, 2016

The start of the summer travel season is right around the corner with Memorial Day Weekend, and Texas Tourism invites travelers to take a Texas-sized adventure in the Lone Star State. When it comes to family travel, Texas is full of possibilities, boasting more than 600 miles of coastline, scenic mountain ranges, numerous national parks, historic sites and a variety of attractions. Pack your bags and embark on a Texas adventure. Click here for the complete article.  

Texas Based Brewery - Brewery General Manager

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Goliad Brewing Company is a young and rapidly growing Craft Brewery located in Goliad, TX.  We have a wealth of Craft Beer and Business talent already part of our family.  Goliad Brewing is looking for the right General Manager to take that talent and turn it into the next home run team.  We love to work hard, play hard, enjoy each other's company and we really love the opportunity to make Exceptional Beers. Click here for the complete article.

Comal named top destination for those leaving Austin area

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Fast-growing Comal County is on another list. This time it’s ranked as the No. 1 destination for households leaving the Rural Capital Area, a group of nine counties surrounding Travis County.RuralCapitalHeadlight.com, a website sponsored by Workforce Solutions of the Rural Capital Area, reported the ranking on Wednesday, continuing the streak in which Comal and Guadalupe counties and the city of New Braunfels keep turning up on such lists.  READ MORE...

This city near San Antonio is the second-fastest growing in the U.S.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

New Braunfels passed San Marcos on the list of fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to Census Bureau numbers just released. At a 6.6 percent growth rate, New Braunfels was No. 2 in the nation from July 2014 to July 2015, topping 70,000 in population. Georgetown, north of Austin, was No. 1 among cities above 50,000 people. But in actual numbers, bigger cities like San Antonio continue to draw more people. It was No. 4 on the list of U.S. cities for numeric gains, adding more than 29,000 people for the year ending July 1, 2015, reaching 1.47...

Seguin now certified as a retirement community

Thursday, May 19, 2016

The City of Seguin was recently named a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). “We are so excited to be here today,” Dan Hunter, TDA assistant commissioner for water and rural affairs, said. “You, in Seguin, are to be honored with this designation and to know that you are only one of 26 cities in the whole state of Texas that has this designation.”  READ MORE...

Seguin Brewing Co. to move to brewpub downtown in former Leon Photo Studio

Thursday, May 12, 2016

One of Seguin’s very own breweries will soon be setting up shop in downtown Seguin. “It will be a brewpub, so the back half of the building will be brewery operations where we will make the beer, ferment the beer, package and store it,” Seguin Brewing Company co-founder Brian Wallace said. “We will still maintain the majority of our business as we do now which is in wholesale distribution, but what the brewpub license allows us to do is the front half of the building will become more of a pub setting and will be able to have a...

Seguin H-E-B opens main parking lot

Thursday, May 12, 2016

The opening of the Seguin H-E-B parking lot is another step to the new store’s completion. On Monday around noon, the local store removed the chain link fence that encompassed the front of the store, allowing more convenient parking for customers, Julie Bedingfield, of H-E-B public affairs, said. Click here for the complete article.

Texas Wins Site Selection’s 2015 Prosperity Cup

Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas has won Site Selection’s Prosperity Cup for 2015, awarded to the most competitive state-level department of commerce or economic development. Formerly the State Competitiveness Awards, the Prosperity Cup is awarded to the top scoring state in Site Selection’s 10-part index of investment-attraction criteria. Texas was ranked the 3rd most competitive state by Site Selection in 2014 and rose to first place for 2015.  READ MORE...

Yoakum hires new economic development director

Friday, April 29, 2016

Chuck Dart has been tapped to be the new director for Yoakum's Economic Development Corporation, according to a news release from the city of Yoakum. Dart, who was from Ferris, south of Dallas on Interstate 45, had been the director of Ferris' Economic Development and Main Street Division until the end of 2015, according to the city's website. "Chuck is a certified economic developer, a designation shared by the top tier of economic development professionals," said Yoakum Mayor Annie Rodriguez. "His extensive experience in the private sector translates perfectly for our business recruitment plan."  READ MORE...

Robinson Weeks builds on industrial success with new 359,000-sf Schertz development

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Atlanta developer Robinson Weeks Partners has announced its third industrial development for the Titan Industrial Park in Schertz — and is planning for all three to be a charm. Through a joint venture with Titan Development, the two companies have plans for a 359,200-square-foot cross-dock distribution building for the 124-acre park, which is already home to two former industrial developments Robinson Weeks completed in 2014 and 2015. READ MORE...

City of Seguin gets ‘real’ with slogan

Friday, April 22, 2016

As the city of Seguin looks to build on a future of prosperity, it decided to spruce up its image with a new slogan — It’s real! “City council and staff wanted to create a cohesive identity for the city to embrace and use to market us in a competitive way,” Public Information Officer Morgan Ash said. “We used our branding company to research what makes Seguin great and help us package it to tell our story. We want to be consistent in our messaging to build a positive reputation of the city.”  READ MORE...

La Vernia Projects Updated

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Hello, La Vernia citizens, It’s been a few months since my last article and lots of projects are getting ready to kick off! First, the city of La Vernia has a new website and I encourage you to check it out. It’s going to be much more informative than our previous version as we strive to make interacting with the city as seamless as possible! You’ve probably seen crews working on water meters in your neighborhood and this citywide meter replacement project is about complete. Some bigger projects getting ready to kick off will be two major waterline...

Economic development is a regional effort

Monday, April 04, 2016

It did not take me long as president of the economic development corporation to realize the local economy is not just about Victoria. As in most cases, our local economy is based on the region. At the very least, our economic region is made up of Calhoun, Jackson, Goliad, DeWitt, Lavaca, Refugio and Victoria counties.  READ MORE...

City of La Vernia Awarded TPWD Park Grant

Friday, March 25, 2016

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $10 million in competitive grant funds today for 39 community parks across the state. Funding will help local communities create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities through projects like hike and bike trails, butterfly and scent gardens, dog parks and fishing piers, just to name a few. Three types of grants were awarded: the Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are given to cities with populations exceeding 500,000 and were awarded to the Cities of Fort Worth and Houston. The Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are given to municipalities with a...

Walnut Springs Trail construction nears end

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Soon Seguin residents will be able to bike around on the mostly complete 2.5-mile Walnut Springs Trail. “This is a great amenity to the city along Walnut Branch Creek which will provide, not only a means of exercise and recreation, but also pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to anyone who works or who needs a safe passage to the Tyson plant, TLU, Park West, the police station and as far south to the new library,” the city’s project manager Nate Garza said.  READ MORE...  

Seguin’s population surpasses 30,000

Sunday, March 13, 2016

In 1838, when Seguin was known as Walnut Springs, the population of the city was smaller than most area high schools’ graduating classes. Now, more than 175 years later, one could say the city’s population has hit a milestone number. “Reaching 30,000 population is a good thing for the city for a number of reasons,” Mayor Don Keil said. During a recent meeting, city council voted in a resolution, declaring the city of Seguin’s new population at 30,006.  READ MORE...

New GISD facilities set to open

Thursday, March 10, 2016

A cold wind descended upon Gonzales on Tuesday afternoon but that did not deter faculty, parents and students from welcoming the newest addition to the GISD family. The results of the November 2014 school bond were on display as a ribbon cutting was held for the new facilities at North Avenue Intermediate School, which houses 5th and 6th grade students. Superintendent Dr. Kim Strozier was on hand to lead the grand opening and welcome taxpayers into their new building. Click here for the complete article.

Houston container volumes to soar as result of new petrochemical plants

Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Port of Houston has a Texas-sized problem, one that other ports can only envy. It’s gearing up to handle a quantum leap in containerized exports of plastic resins that will be produced at the billions of dollars’ worth of petrochemical plants due to come on line in the next three or four years. By 2020, six plants will turn cheap natural gas into exports of polyethylene equal to one-fifth of all the containers handled by the port last year, when it posted double-digit growth. “We had an extraordinary year last year, surpassing 2 million 20-foot-equivalent units for the...

Will 2016 Be EOG Resources Inc.'s Best Year Yet?

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

EOG Resources has taken a vastly different approach to managing its business through the current downturn in the oil market. While peers like Devon Energy were spending virtually all of their available cash flow to push production higher, EOG Resources has chosen instead to "refrain from growing oil production into an over-supplied market." That restraint put the company in a position to thrive should oil prices rebound sharply in 2016, which in terms of production growth has the potential to be its best year yet.  READ MORE...

Halliburton Company Delivers Surprisingly Resilient Earnings

Monday, January 25, 2016

Despite the fact that crude oil resumed its decent during the fourth quarter, Halliburton reported very resilient earnings. While the quarter itself was a mixed bag of good and bad, the overall picture was positive thanks to the company's focus on cost reductions, which led to a surprising improvement in its margins. This put the company in a solid position to continue to manage through what's expected to be another challenging year for the oil industry.   READ MORE...

Businesses, Jobs Flock to Growth in New Braunfels

Friday, January 22, 2016

New Braunfels continues to grow at nearly four times the rate of Texas, averaging 4 percent growth per year since 2003.  Meanwhile, economic development officials hope the business climate in the area keeps pace with growth and 2015 showed solid gains. The New Braunfels Economic Development Council is a nonprofit umbrella organization that serves as a public-private partnership involving the city, county, Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation and New Braunfels Utilities.  READ MORE...

Officials get firsthand look at Seguin Public Library’s next chapter

Friday, January 22, 2016

Wearing hard hats and neon vests, city officials were granted access to venture behind the gates to the new library in downtown Seguin on Tuesday. “The public library will be a state-of-the-art, 21st century building,” Devin Fitspatrick from Byrne Construction Services said. “It’s going to serve the public for the next several generations as a meeting space, as a space to learn and acquire new skills, as well as reading and finding a quiet space.” Fitspatrick led Mayor Don Keil and other council members on a tour of the building Tuesday morning. Keil said because of it’s...

Explaining the Seguin Miracle

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Some people say we have an economic miracle going on here in Texas.  In spite of crashing energy prices, our economic engine keeps rolling along. We now have a diversified economy, so we are no longer totally dependent on the energy industry as we were in the past. This is due to our pro-business atmosphere combined with lower taxes and fewer government regulations and entanglements. It is also due to the serious efforts and accomplishments that have come about due to the state’s economic development programs and incentives.  Texas is competing with other states and also with countries...

Cuero's Christmas in the Park includes 260 displays

Sunday, December 06, 2015

Christmas in the Park is shining bright already this season. The display, in its 15th season, packs the Cuero Municipal Park with nearly 2 miles of Christmas-themed displays. Visitors are welcome to visit the displays, which will be open to the public between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night until Jan. 1. Kay Lewis, one of the founders, said one of the things that always amazes her is "that a town of this size can do this." Adding to the amazement are the 260 displays and more than 250 tree-hung snowflakes dotting the landscape this year. ...

Tractor Supply Cuts Ribbon on Distribution Center in Seguin

Friday, November 13, 2015

Tractor Supply Company held its ribbon cutting ceremony for a new regional distribution center Thursday afternoon. The center is the southern most in the state and will distribute goods to stores around South Texas. The project was announced last year by the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). Tractor Supply was approved for an incentive package to build the 75,000 square foot facility and created over $8 million dollars in new capital investment and 19 jobs at an annual payroll of $627,000, according to a press release by SEDC. See the full story here.  

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...

FRIAR AG CENTER NEARS COMPLETION

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

10 THINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS MUST KNOW ABOUT OPPORTUNITY ZONES

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

10 THINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS MUST KNOW ABOUT OPPORTUNITY ZONES

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

About the City of Lavernia

Thursday, August 20, 2020

La Vernia offers a straight shot to San Antonio via Hwy 87. This growing community offers residents the best of both worlds - the ability to live in a friendly town where you know your neighbors, while being able to commute to the big city for work or entertainment. With San Antonio a mere 25 miles southeast, La Vernia’s strategic location makes it a destination for families and developers. Growing Population  As a bedroom community of the City of San Antonio, La Vernia has attracted a premier housing development with 200 new homes currently being built...

GVEC does well

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Kitchen Pride: Made in Gonzales

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Investing Big in Small Towns

Friday, May 04, 2018

  We made a stop in Yoakum, Texas this week for their Annual Business Appreciation Lunch where Yoakum General Store was presented with the 2018 Community Reinvestment Award.  Before leaving town we made plans to stop by the general store and check it out. What we discovered was an amazing renovation of an historic feed mill filled with tools & toys, paint & plumbing supplies, clothing, shoes and everything in between.  Jeff and Jackie Boswell, who along with Brant and Anna Jacobs opened the store in late 2017 after almost a two year renovation, were born and raised in...

Texas Wins Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup Award For The Sixth Straight Year

Monday, March 05, 2018

TRADITION CONTINUES AT DAVY STORE

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Just north of Yorktown, in a smal, nondescript building beside Hwy 119, traditions still hold strong. This past holiday season, the parking lot was overflowing as folks gathered to celebrate the Christmas spirit through fellowship and song. Since 1971, the Davy Store singalong hasn’t missed a year, and the crowds grows a little each time as another generation joins the fray. Leroy and Dolly Ruppert started the sing along when they pruchased the store 46 years ago. Though attendance was small then, the most recent singalong saw a capacity crowd that struggled to walk past one another. Sheets...

GVEC supports Manufacturing Day 2017

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

How Texas A&M Will Help India’s Power Grid

Sunday, July 02, 2017

   

What if your favorite small business closed its doors

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your favorite small business closed its doors?  The Small Business Administration defines a small business as 500 or fewer employees however of the 28 million small businesses in the US over 22 million of those are self-employed with no employees.  Entrepreneurs and small business owners provide an incredible impact in the cities where they reside.  How far are you willing to go keep your favorite florist, bakery, gift shop, dry cleaners, clothing store, etc. from shuttering its doors?  As small business week closes out remember the theory of the 3/50...

Small Business Spotlight - Sweet B's Bakery

Tuesday, May 02, 2017

  Small Business Spotlight - GONZALES, TX Sweet B’s bakery is preparing to open on the square in Downtown Gonzales, Texas tomorrow morning.  It seems fitting that this young entrepreneur is opening the doors in the midst of Small Business week.  Even amidst the clutter and chaos of prepping for opening day the place is nothing short of magical.  Interestingly Brie renovated an entire downtown historic building upstairs and down.  In what seems like an urban and yet nostalgic move she plans to live above the bakery below.  This proud A & M graduate came home to start her...

Seguin Job Fair offering everything from Education to Manufacturing

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Will 2016 Be EOG Resources Inc.'s Best Year Yet?

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

H-E-B makes 50,000 products available on website

Thursday, November 12, 2015

H-E-B on Thursday made 50,000 products available on its website for shipment throughout Texas, to 46 states and to U.S. military bases worldwide. The products include H-E-B brands such as its chips, sodas, salsas and Central Market Organics, as well as several national brands. It also includes Texas brands that previously were available only in H-E-B stores, such as Franklin Barbecue Sauce and Whataburger’s Whatafries and Spicy Ketchup. Read the rest of the story here.