Starting Up Is Big In Texas

What many know and others often find is Lubbock, Texas is nothing like you expect. As the 11th largest city in Texas and the “hub” for education, healthcare and agriculture in the region, this city offers fewer regulations, no corporate income tax, a low cost of living, an 18-minute commute time and an international airport. All the while, the quarter of a million people who call Lubbock home attribute its growth to the character of the community.

Rendering of the Lubbock Logistics Center, a 161,555-square-foot high-tech industrial distribution facility. (Source: Lubbock EDA)

With more than 10,000 college graduates every year, Lubbock’s businesses benefit from a new generation of workforce prepared to generate solutions and address real world issues with fresh ideas. This surge in the workforce each year makes Lubbock a dynamic place for businesses looking to expand. Situated on the northern edge of the largest oil patch in the world, some of those real-world issues include creating technology-based systems that increase production for oil companies. Regardless of the situation, Lubbock offers enough perspective to create solution-driven results.

Not only does Lubbock have access to a large pool of graduates, but the city also invests in technical education programs to develop skilled labor for in-demand jobs. Whether it’s the Lubbock Coding Academy or the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center, people of all ages have access to programs to train in the skills needed to fill positions within the business community.

Along with technical education, Lubbock also encourages entrepreneurship through its partnership with Texas Tech University’s Innovation Hub. This institution offers programs to assist entrepreneurs from ideation to production with assistance in funding and mentorship.

Here in West Texas, there are plenty of opportunities for the workforce to gain experience in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education and financial services. In fact, Corteva Agriscience is in the process of building a new 30,000-square-foot office and laboratory facility at Lubbock Rail Port, adding new full-time technology positions and part-time, seasonal jobs.

While most consider Lubbock’s bread and butter to be agriculture, the city continues to recruit and expand its technology-based companies. Recently, Lubbock welcomed an L.A.-based technology firm, Hoverstate, as a part of an expansion into the Texas market. Hoverstate opened its operations in downtown Lubbock and added 50 positions in computer programming to the market.

A 161,555-square-foot, hi-tech speculative distribution building is under construction in the Lubbock Business Park to address the city’s projected growth. The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance partnered with Bandera Ventures, a real estate developer from Dallas, to construct the building known as the Lubbock Logistics Center. The building will have a clear height of 32 feet, 56 trailer parking positions and be cross-dock configured. Due to the low industrial real estate vacancy and Lubbock’s role as a regional hub, Bandera Ventures chose to build the facility in the “Hub City”. The facility is on schedule to be completed by fall of 2019.

In addition to the Lubbock Logistics Center, LEDA owns 433 acres of land located in the Lubbock Business Park for companies to relocate or expand their operations. If a company needs rail access, LEDA also owns 633 acres of land at the Lubbock Rail Port which is serviced by BNSF Railway. Both the Business Park and the Rail Port are located off Interstate 27 and are in close proximity to the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport.

With an expanding industry portfolio and a population expected to increase nearly 60 percent by 2050, investments are being made to keep Lubbock a great place for people to live and work. With an average of 11 more people living in Lubbock than the day before, and more than 60 percent of the net change in population being millennials, it is crucial that Lubbock take steps to remain an attractive city for this demographic.

Lubbock is doing just that with the addition of more dog parks and bike lanes and long-term projects benefiting the revitalization of downtown. One of the catalytic projects for downtown Lubbock is South Plains College’s new academic center, which will bring 2,500 students to the area every day upon opening. The Arts District is experiencing substantial growth with the addition of the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, a state-of-the-art performance center, as well as more artist studios and a brewery. These improvements in quality of life are just a few projects happening in Lubbock, but they are encouraging graduates to stay, people to move back and businesses to relocate.

As a city known for its resilience and ingenuity, Lubbock creates opportunities for its business community and workforce, collaborating with partners to produce a culture where businesses prosper and workforce thrives. With this mindset, Lubbock’s future is bright.

For more information on starting a business in Lubbock, visit lubbockeda.org.

With a city population of just under 7,000, most people would call Marble Falls a small town—but very few would call it “sleepy.” The town feels much bigger due to a primary retail trade area population of more than 70,000 and daily traffic counts in the center of town surpassing 35,000 vehicles per day. Being surrounded by lakes, state parks, a national wildlife refuge, summer camps and Hill Country vistas, as well as golf courses, wineries, breweries and outdoor adventure parks, has made Marble Falls a popular destination for retirees and tourists alike. Retired CEOs, astronauts, professional athletes, current and former college coaches and entertainers have had homes in the area for years. What’s changed recently has been the surge of commercial investment as developers realize just how easy it is to do business in a community with so much potential. People are beginning to see Marble Falls as more than just a touristy, scenic lake town on the outskirts of the Austin metro area.

In 2018, Marble Falls surpassed $1 billion in gross sales for the first time. Overall growth of 13.6 percent was led by the construction, manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. Recent developments include Baylor Scott & White’s $100 million regional medical center, a new 110,000-square-foot H-E-B grocery store and a $20 million operations center for Pedernales Electric Cooperative. The development pipeline includes some exciting retail development, multi-family properties and a Downtown hotel and conference center, in addition to two new subdivisions with more than 1,200 homes planned.

The City’s Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone is emerging as a hot area, with property values nearly doubling in the last six years. Ribbon cuttings for brewpubs and tasting rooms have become a regular occurrence. On the other end of town, the Marble Falls EDC’s Business and Technology Park currently is being expanded to accommodate a handful of new businesses to join the manufacturing operations, professional offices and craft brewery that are already there.

While the emergence of Marble Falls as the retail and entertainment hub of the Highland Lakes area is a relatively recent development, the community’s draw for generations has been its connection to the outdoors. Beautiful Lake Marble Falls is ideal for skiing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, and the Downtown parks along the waterfront are going to be enhanced by a $25 million improvement plan that began this year.

It should come as no surprise that the quality of life that Marble Falls enjoys is influenced heavily by the people who live and work in the community as well as the organizations they represent. In its first year of existence, the Marble Falls Education Foundation raised more than a million dollars to support student scholarships, teacher grants and a new college and career counselor. In November, the founder of a local workforce development initiative will be honored as the Highland Lakes Nonprofit Executive of the Year. Her efforts have led to more than 150 people earning training and credentials—at no cost to them—through several Texas Workforce Commission grants and matching funds from the Marble Falls EDC. After record-breaking floods hit the area last fall, a group called the “Mom Squad” banded together to provide cleaning, cooking and laundry services to the families who were affected.

Marble Falls already is a special place, and community leaders are focused on making incremental improvements to a few areas while maintaining momentum in others. When it comes to new businesses, size and fit are critical considerations. Small- to medium-sized companies likely will have an easier time with real estate and employment than very large firms—and the community likes it that way. If the prospects of a charming small town with steady, manageable growth and a surprising set of amenities sounds appealing, give Marble Falls a shot. Whether your interests lead to a greenfield development in the Business and Technology Park or the restoration of an historic downtown structure into a live/work/shop space, opportunities abound in Marble Falls.

For more information about doing business in Marble Falls, contact Christian Fletcher, Executive Director of the EDC, at (830) 798-7079 or cfletcher@marblefallseconomy.com.

Let Boerne and Kendall County spur your company’s growth where boundless opportunities exist. They look forward to introducing you to their charm, culture and thriving business environment. Kendall County boasts a population of over 46,000 with a projected growth rate of 24 percent over the next five years.

Centrally located in the Texas Hill Country, Kendall County is the 3rd-fastest growing county in the State of Texas and the 7th-fastest in the nation with populations over 10,000. Its growth is vibrant, yet balanced, so that they maintain their identity in the midst of exciting changes taking place in the community. Recently, Boerne welcomed The Bevy, a boutique hotel and conference center; the SoBo Medical Building, the community’s first ambulatory surgical center; as well as two large, mixed-use developments currently under construction—The Legacy at Cibolo and The Commons at Menger Springs.

Only 10 miles north of San Antonio on Interstate 10, with convenient highway access to Austin, Houston, the Texas coast, Dallas and Mexico, Boerne/Kendall County also is a 30-mile highway drive to the San Antonio International Airport. Kendall County’s 663 square miles are home to Boerne, the county seat and only municipality, Comfort, Bergheim, Waring, Sisterdale and a portion of Fair Oaks Ranch.

In addition to being situated in a geographically desirable location, Boerne/Kendall County provides businesses with workforce solutions. The community’s workforce offers local employers access to top talent. A large, accessible workforce ensures your labor needs will be met now and in the future. From technology to finance, to healthcare and beyond, some of the best people around move to Boerne/Kendall County to stay. Offering an educated workforce, over 90 percent of the population in Kendall County has a high school diploma and over 40 percent hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Boerne and Kendall County’s commitment to education ensures your business’ continued access to educated, qualified employees now and as your business grows. Its proximity to San Antonio and other areas of the Hill Country provide a talent pool of over 387,000 employable people within a 40 minute drive from Boerne. Additionally, over 147,000 college students from over 25 institutions of higher learning live within 50 miles of Boerne and provide a pipeline of employees to area businesses. The University of Texas San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Schreiner University and Alamo Colleges are all within a comfortable commuting distance, and Wayland Baptist University also offers courses in Boerne. A new campus from the Alamo Community Colleges District located on the border of Kendall County slated to open Spring 2021, will provide the skills and training to future employees for businesses in Boerne and Kendall County. Boerne/Kendall County brings out the best in its people with award-winning public schools, easy access to private institutions, universities and technical programs.

It’s easy to do business in Boerne and Kendall County. Low taxes, solid infrastructure, economic development incentives and a well-educated workforce are just a few of the resources offered to help you fulfill your business needs. A fully fiber optic city, Boerne offers you the necessary infrastructure your business needs to grow, including ultra-high speed internet, as well as multiple electric providers, including solar options.

Boerne/Kendall County has diverse and sustainable water sources. These include the high quality Trinity Aquifer groundwater, surface water supplies from Boerne City Lake and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s (GBRA) Western Canyon project, as well as forward-thinking reuse water projects.

Because its commitment to business opportunities runs deep, boundless opportunities exist as your businesses’ goals are listened to and you are offered the necessary resources and incentives to prosper. A growing economy, major market access, pro-business leadership, a skilled and reliable workforce, incentives and tax advantages, as well as a quality community for your company and its employees make Boerne and Kendall County the ideal location for your business.

There is a reason Boerne/Kendall County attracts people from far and wide and captures the hearts of its residents. The vibrant Texas Hill Country is the ideal backdrop for outdoor activities, the local culinary scene and cultural attractions year-round. They respect hard work and appreciate a good quality of life. When you live and work in Boerne/Kendall County, you will enjoy a robust housing market and affordable cost of living, award-winning public schools and private school options, proximity to state-of-the-art healthcare, choices for higher education, a wide variety of outdoor recreation, a historic town rich in heritage, a strong commitment to the performing fine arts and preservation of the area’s history.

The Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation is your first point of contact when considering a location for your business. This independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) public/private partnership with the City of Boerne, Kendall County is supported by more than 80 private business investors. Let them help you navigate the site selection process in Boerne/Kendall County. Their complimentary services include site selection assistance, labor market analysis and regional demographic data, introduction to community partners, identifying and packaging applicable local and state incentives, organizing specialized market research and following through with the development process.

Texas is wide open for business, and Boerne/Kendall County is too. Let them show you why their rapid growth, ideal location, pro-business climate and unmatched quality of life make Boerne/Kendall County the perfect location to spur your company’s growth.

To learn more about why your business belongs in Boerne Kendall County, check out the new video on their website, www.bkcedc.com.

Located in Brazoria County, Port Freeport is a deep-water port on the Texas Gulf Coast only three miles from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with the shortest deep-water channel transit on the Texas Gulf Coast. In 2018, Port Freeport ranked 19th among U.S. ports in international cargo tonnage handled and 5th in the State of Texas by the same measure. Port Freeport offers an abundance of acreage for development with over 500 acres that are environmentally mitigated and shovel ready.

Aerial view of OEM Lots and surrounding development at Port Freeport. (Photo: Port Freeport)

During the past five years, Brazoria County has experienced unprecedented growth with over $30 billion in new industry investment. Port Freeport has continued to grow as well and is taking strategic initiatives to maintain that growth to provide the surrounding community with jobs and positive economic benefits. One of these initiatives includes a deepening and widening project to increase the harbor channel depth from 46 feet to 56 feet to increase navigational safety and efficiency, and to accommodate larger vessels. Port Freeport already receives Neo-Panamax RoRo vessels.

As part of its trade and economic development services, Port Freeport serves as the grantee and as an operator of U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone No. 149. FTZ #149 encompasses Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties, allowing firms to defer or in some cases even eliminate Customs duties on imported goods.

Port Freeport offers customers first class, state-of-the-art infrastructure. An OEM storage and processing terminal was established in 2015. The processing terminal includes over 60 acres of open storage and warehousing for vehicle processing.

Future expansion includes a Multimodal Industrial Park with key site characteristics, including:

• 100 acres allocated for OEM vehicle storage and processing

• 80 acres allocated for warehouse development

• Manifest and unit train service

Port Freeport has recently completed a new rail line to be served by Union Pacific and connects to the Horizon Terminal Services facility as well as the Multimodal Industrial Park.

Port Freeport also will be expanding Velasco Terminal, which currently has an 800-foot berth, 26 paved acres and two post-Panamax gantry cranes, by adding 1,600 feet of new berth. Construction on the first 1,050-foot section is scheduled to commence in 2019 and be completed in early 2022. Construction of the remaining 550-foot section of berth will start in 2023. Along with the new berths, the Port will be adding two to three post-Panamax gantry cranes per berth.

Visit www.portfreeport.com or call (800) 362-5743 today.

It doesn’t take very long to figure out you’ve arrived some place special when you come to Cedar Hill. Maybe it’s the pristine natural beauty as you drive into town on the FM 1382 nature corridor, maybe it’s the high-end shopping that makes Cedar Hill the regional shopping destination for parts of four counties, or maybe the warm feeling you get at a restaurant where everyone really does “know your name.” Whatever the reason, Cedar Hill offers the perfect place to live, work and play in an environment that is simply different from any other, an environment where opportunities really do grow naturally.

Cedar Hill Business Park (Photo: Cedar Hill Economic Development)

Cedar Hill has enjoyed a longstanding culture of value-based leadership.

A clear consistent vision, a commitment to develop and implement long-range plans, an expertise in developing partnerships and a solid focus on community all serve to guide not just where Cedar Hill is going, but why. The result is a stable, vibrant and intentional environment that is not only business friendly, but a sound and prudent place to invest. Families, businesses and communities grow organically in Cedar Hill and this works to create the kind of market place that discerning businesses need to start, thrive and grow. From tech start-ups to multinational companies, Cedar Hill has been designed to be a partner for business success. Being only half grown, and in the midst of one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the nation, Cedar Hill’s solid planning; friendly, stable environment; and unique community and business amenities will continue to attract discerning businesses for many years to come.

A wide range of innovative planning is guiding Cedar Hill into its future. One of most exciting of these is the City Center Plan that is transforming Cedar Hill’s historic downtown and commercial core into the most unique urban center in the region. The mix of integrated residential, retail, office and community services highly connected with open spaces, trails, bike lanes and eventually, transit rail, is creating many exciting business opportunities and new ways of calling Cedar Hill home. Another key element is Cedar Hill’s innovative, sustainable land use planning, which balances growth with a deep commitment to preserving and connecting its natural spaces. Working in concert with its open space partners like Cedar Hill State Park and Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, the City is preserving 20 percent of its land area to ensure it will continue to flourish and set Cedar Hill apart as a model. Other plans include creating a vibrant tourist economy centered on Cedar Hill’s iconic natural attractions, historic downtown charm and high-end shopping attractions. Significant transportation infrastructure enhancements are planned, including capacity and congestion upgrades to U.S. 67, and also Future Loop 9, which will connect Cedar Hill’s industrial and commercial areas directly to I-45, I-35 and other fast-growing areas within an expansive trade area.

As the North Texas region continues to experience dramatic growth, the most successful communities will be those that are connected, distinctive and discerning about who they are and where they’re going. In this regard, Cedar Hill is uniquely positioned for business and community success.

As one of the oldest communities in Dallas County, commerce has always been a key part of the community and the environment. From its earliest days as a trading hub, agricultural center and railroad destination, to the vibrant, highly-diversified economy that is emerging today, Cedar Hill has been deliberately designed to perfectly balance quality business and community growth within the stunning natural beauty that makes Cedar Hill the prettiest part of North Texas.

Cedar Hill’s unique natural qualities, strategic central location, excellent connectivity and solid infrastructure support a wide range of business sectors and are just a few of the reasons why so many national and regional brands of distinction are calling Cedar Hill home. Brands such as Dillard’s, H&M, JC Penny, Burlington Coat Factory and Home Depot all add to over 2 million square feet of retail and office space that make Cedar Hill a regional retail and business service hub. Cedar Hill’s industrial sector is exceptionally diversified. The ease of connectivity to the region, availability of freight rail and abundant well-educated human capital promotes growth and profitability in industries from metal fabrication and distribution centers to commercial fixture and aeronautical component manufacturing.

Opportunities grow naturally in Cedar Hill, with easy connections in the North Texas region. Located 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 40 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, with multiple connections to the rest of the DFW Metroplex, a 30-minute drive will take you to DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field. For executive air travel, Dallas Executive Airport is only 15 minutes away. BNSF rail serves the Cedar Hill Business Park as well as other available sites in the City.

In addition to the prospering business climate, Cedar Hill has natural beauty. Cedar Hill State Park is nearly 2,000 acres and located on 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake. The ruggedness and scenic beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and water based recreation activities make it one of the most visited state parks in Texas. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill is situated on 205 acres of Dogwood Canyon, which contains the widest variety of rare species in North Texas as plants and animals from east, west and central Texas converge there. Add this to an extensive city park system, and recreational opportunities abound. The Center, along with the State Park, is part of over 3,000 acres of protected natural space within the city, the highest percentage of preserved open space of any city in the DFW Metroplex area.

Towering above the DFW Metroplex, Cedar Hill offers some of the most breathtaking views around. The scenic rolling hills and surprising natural beauty are reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, yet conveniently nearby, making Cedar Hill a preferred destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, boaters, campers and adventure competitors of all kinds.

For more information on opportunities in Cedar Hill, contact the Economic Development office at (972) 291-5132, e-mail CHEDC@cedarhilltx.com or visit www.CedarHillEDC.com to learn more.

Located less than 30 miles northwest of Houston, the City of Tomball has emerged as a great place to live and work by blending economic opportunity with small-town charm. An expanded transportation network, business-friendly mentality, excellent education system and exceptional quality of life make Tomball an ideal business location. Whether you come for a visit or are considering relocating, it has never been easier to get to Tomball and there have never been better reasons for sticking around.

Outside the Tomball Business & Technology Park, the Baker Hughes Western Hemisphere Education Center serves as the epicenter for all Baker Hughes personnel training in the western hemisphere. (Photo: Tomball EDC)

Tomball’s close proximity to Houston, one of America’s most diverse and fastest growing metropolitan areas, gives companies the accessibility needed to thrive. Due to a multitude of recent and ongoing transportation projects, numerous companies have strategically migrated to northwest Harris County, where Tomball offers a unique business location and vibrant community.

Improved Connectivity: The recently expanded Tomball Parkway and the recently completed Grand Parkway run directly through Tomball, putting major thoroughfares at the front door of local companies, quickly and conveniently connecting business with Houston’s global ports, airports and interstate commerce via the new parkways, and Interstate 45 and Beltway 8.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 30 minutes from Tomball, providing businesses and residents access to the globe. David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, a regional airport less than five miles from Tomball’s Main Street, provides general aviation, chartered flights and fixed-based operator (FBO) services.

Thriving Business: While improved transportation is driving companies to Tomball, the city meets this demand with the master-planned and deed-restricted Tomball Business and Technology Park. The 99.5-acre park is fully served with all utilities, provides off-site detention and is located only a turn or two off the Grand Parkway.

Packers Plus Energy Services was first to purchase property in Tomball Business and Technology Park, building a 50,000-square-foot research and development facility in 2016. Packers Plus recently leased a new 30,000-square-foot warehouse to expand its manufacturing operations in the Park.

SUEZ Water and Technologies Solutions opened one of the world’s largest research and development analytical testing labs in 2018. The 45,000-square-foot facility is home to 80 employees, including over 50 highly trained engineers, chemists and technicians.

Outside the Park, The Baker Hughes Western Hemisphere Education Center serves as the epicenter for all Baker Hughes personnel training in the western hemisphere. The site features a 90,000-square-foot classroom building, a 162,000-square-foot training yard, drilling rigs and platforms and amenities to meet the needs of their employees.

Adjacent to Baker Hughes, BJ Services calls Tomball home to its corporate headquarters. The nearly 150-year-old company is the largest North American-focused, pure-play pressure pumping services provider.

Growth Strategy: As business growth continues on an upward trend, so too does residential growth. With new infrastructure in place and strong population growth, residential developers are heavily investing in the Tomball community. Tomball’s population currently sits at nearly 12,000, with that number expected to reach 20,000 by 2030.

At least six new master-planned communities are helping to meet the demand of people aiming to get closer to the amenities and major employment centers in Tomball.

Growth has been met with preparation by local leadership and citizens. To meet present and future needs of the Tomball Independent School District (Tomball ISD), voters approved a $275 million bond referendum in 2017. The bond will be used to construct new schools, renovate facilities at existing campuses and add improved technology in the highly regarded Tomball ISD.

Along with Tomball ISD, the growing business community has a great partner in Lone Star College-Tomball (LSC-Tomball) to address increasing workforce needs. LSC-Tomball is part of the Lone Star College system; the second largest community college system in Texas. LSC-Tomball educates thousands of students at three campuses, with degrees and certificates that directly translate into the labor force.

Charming Destination: Tomball is a culture-rich hub for residents and visitors alike, with roots that go back to the early 19th century. Tomball plays host to nearly 20 annual festivals and parades, including the Tomball German Heritage Festival and the Tomball German Christmas Market, which each welcome over 50,000 visitors every year. The draw goes beyond parades and festivals, as Tomball is a weekly destination for people interested in arts, food and beverage, live music and much more.

The Tomball Farmers Market has become a regional draw for those looking to get their hands on healthy, locally sourced food. The weekly market welcomes between 2,000 and 4,000 attendees every Saturday.

Locally owned restaurants line the streets in the heart of Tomball, with nearly every food genre being represented. Of course, in Texas, barbecue is king. Rated a Top 10 Texas Barbecue, newcomer Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue is just one block off Main Street, and Rib Tickler on Tomball Parkway remains a standard-bearer of quality barbecue in the city. Yet, you can still find Tex-Mex, German and comfort foods from all cultures.

Uniquely Positioned: The City of Tomball finds itself in a prosperous place, on the brink of a boon, and prepared to manage economic growth. Local leadership is determined to keep Tomball thriving while maintaining its charm by placing a priority on community, economic partnerships and connectivity. With a mix of transportation, business, education and lifestyle features, Tomball is ready for your business.

For more information on doing business in Tomball contact Kelly Violette, Executive Director of the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, at kviolette@tomballtxedc.org or visit www.tomballtxedc.org.