Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,

Texas upholds our title as a jobs juggernaut! In 2022, the Lone Star State was the #1 jobs creator in the nation with 650,100 jobs gained. This is a testament to the strength of our state's businesses, which continue to create new jobs for hard working Texans.

In this issue of the Texas Business Bulletin, we're excited to announce the 2023 Governor's Small Business Summits! These events will take place throughout the state in 15 different cities to help small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights.

Additionally, please see the update on the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program, which opened February 1 for a new application category. We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this important resource for the continued recovery of the tourism, travel and hospitality industry—a vital component to our state's economy!

Also within this issue, you will find our Community Relations Team's "Notes from Across the State," recent publications, project announcements, an economic snapshot, plus much more!

As always, please be sure to visit our website, follow us on social media or reach out to a member of our team if we can be of any assistance.

Update: Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program

Applications for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant (TTIR) program, administered through the Governor’s Office of Texas Economic Development & Tourism, opened February 1 for a new application category. The TTIR Program provides one-time grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted during the pandemic.

The new category now opens applications for the following NAICS codes and also reopens the application process for all previous applicants who may now qualify for funding or for additional funding.

Category	Application Window	NAICS Code	Industry
5	February 1, 2023 - TBD	532111	Passenger Car Rental
		512131	Cinemas
		512132	Drive-in Motion Picture Theaters
		487990	Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Other
		487210	Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Water
		487110	Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Land
		485510	Charter Bus Industry
		483212	Inland Water Passenger Transportation
		483114	Coastal & Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
		483112	Deep Sea Passenger Transportation
		481211	Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air
		481111	Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation
		312120	Breweries; Microbreweries
		312130	Wineries
		312140	Distilleries
		5615	Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services; Convention & Visitors Bureaus
		561920	Convention & Trade Show Organizers, Event & Meeting Planning Services
		7212	RV Parks & Recreational Camps; Campgrounds
		71	Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
		7211	Traveler Accommodation: Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfast
		722	Food Services & Drinking Places

This application round will remain open until remaining funds are dispersed. For eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, an application instruction video and the TTIR application portal, visit ttir.gov.texas.gov.

Learn More

Unemployment Rate:?3.9% 

Jobs Added in December: 29,500

Job Recovery Rate: 149.5%

Workforce: 14.6 million

View the full economic snapshot ›

Hot off the Press

Our office develops in-depth reports, publications, snapshots and maps highlighting the Lone Star State's best assets for business and targeted growth sectors. Check out these new publications and other Reports & Publications?on our website.

Headquarters Relocations to Texas

Texas is truly the headquarters of headquarters, offering a business environment where corporate operations can thrive. In our newest report, we share data tracked by the EDT Research Team on corporate relocations to Texas since 2015. Download the report in a PDF format.

Notes from Across the State

Our success throughout Texas wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking and talented Community Relations Regional Representatives. This team serves each of Texas' communities across the state and communicates directly with local governments and stakeholders, assisting them with increasing economic development capacity.

In this edition of Notes from Across the State, hear from our Community Relations Specialists on what they’ve been working on, what makes Texas special to them and what they’re most looking forward to in 2023.

"Working in this office, I am often reminded how truly special Texas and these communities are. When I started working in EDT, I quickly saw how Central Texas communities come together. I see it when I am out in communities speaking with employees and business owners on how their work is impacting their lives."

Riccardo Canova is the Community Relations Specialist for Central Texas. 

Read more from Riccardo

"My economic development highlight in 2022 was seeing the continued and growing interest in West Texas. My region is large (it includes 80 counties!) and I have always said that West Texas is the state’s best kept secret. Companies are continuing to discover the vast resources that exist west of I-35. Seeing wins in the Panhandle, South Plains, Concho Valley, Permian Basin and the Far West Texas region has been truly inspiring."

Chandra Eggemeyer is the Community Relations Specialist for West Texas.

Read more from Chandra

"As we move forward in 2023, I’m excited to continue working with the partners in the region to assist their efforts to recruit, expand and retain business. I would like to see everyone continuing to work together to make Texas the best place to live, work and play!"

Betty Russo is the Community Relations Specialist for East Texas/Gulf Region.

Read more from Betty

"Looking back at 2022, there were quite a few highlights—and I appreciate every opportunity I had to attend a groundbreaking or ribbon cutting! Events like these are examples of the opportunity to see the growth happening in so many areas and across all industries. Some examples I was fortunate to attend last year were: Lancium Inc. in Abilene, Qcells USA Corp. in Quinlan, WinField United in Wichita Falls and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions in Frisco."

Janie Havel is the Community Relations Specialist for North Texas.

Read more from Janie

"I’ve been with the OOG for four years and one of my favorite parts is within the first few months of the year I go on a wrap around tour of my region. I make a stop at every city/county and connect with local leadership and learn about their goals and how our office can help. I can’t wait to see the how the South Texas region thrives!"

Priscilla Duran is the Community Relations Specialist for South Texas.

Read more from Priscilla

Visit our website to find the EDT Regional Representative Offices Map, connect with the team and more.

Texas' success in attracting the highest number of corporate expansions and relocations is thanks to a unique combination of competitive business advantages that no other state can claim. For more on these business advantages, visit our Why Texas webpages. Here are some of Texas' recently announced projects in regions across the state:

• CertainTeed in Bryan: CertainTeed announced a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Bryan. The project is expected to create 130 new jobs and $140 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $546,000 was extended to CertainTeed, in addition to a $1,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.  
• RJW Logistics Group in Mesquite: RJW Logistics Group Inc. will establish a new $130 million facility in Mesquite, bringing more than 200 new jobs.
• Cabot Corporation in Pampa: Cabot Corporation plans to invest approximately $200 million in U.S. conductive carbon additives capacity over the next five years at their facility in Pampa. The project is expected to create 75 high-quality jobs.
• Local Bounti in Mount Pleasant: Local Bounti Corporation, a controlled environment agriculture company, announced plans to construct and operate a new state-of-the-art indoor facility in Mount Pleasant. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs. 
• First Call Logistics in Irving: First Call Logistics, and parent organization Horton Fruit, celebrated the opening of a new location in Irving. The company cited this as a strategic expansion for its shipping, warehousing and distribution networks.
• McAfee in Frisco: Global cybersecurity firm McAfee announced plans for a new regional headquarters in Frisco. The location decision was "based on the diverse cultural destination the city has become," according to a statement from a company executive.
• Skeeter Boats in Kilgore: Skeeter Boats will expand their footprint in Kilgore with a multi-million-dollar expansion of their operations. The project is expected to create more than 80 new jobs.
• Phoenix Stamping Group in Fort Worth: Phoenix Stamping Group, a division of PHX Holdings, a metal stamping and fabrication business, has opened a manufacturing facility in Fort Worth.
• 1E in Austin: 1E, a global Digital Employee Experience (DEX) company, announced the grand opening of a new North American headquarters in Austin.
• Xcell Logistics Services in Laredo: Xcell Logistics Services announced the opening of an additional warehouse in Laredo, offering north and southbound customs brokerage, transportation and warehousing services.
• Invoice Home Inc. in Austin: Invoice Home Inc. (formerly known as Wikilane Inc.) announced as of January 2023, the company will relocate its headquarters from Nevada to Austin.
• Allegro MicroSystems in Richardson: Allegro MicroSystems, which focuses on power and sensing semiconductor tech, announced plans to open a new office in Richardson’s Innovation Quarter.

More recent announcements ›

2023 Governor's Small Business Summits

The Governor's Office of Small Business assistance is excited to announce the statewide 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits! Hosted throughout the state in 15 different cities, the events aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business. 

Each Governor’s Small Business Summit will offer a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. The event is also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics.

The 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit locations and dates are listed below.

North Texas:

Abilene - May 18

Arlington - July 13

Stephenville - July 27

Central Texas:

Temple - May 4

Fredericksburg - September 21

San Antonio - November TBD

East Texas:

The Woodlands - June 15

Marshall - August 24

Beaumont - October 5

West Texas:

Amarillo - June 1

Horizon City - September 7

San Angelo - October 19

South Texas:

Kingsville - June 29

McAllen - August 10

Zapata - December 7

Be sure to check in at gov.texas.gov/events as we announce more event details, speakers and registration information, as well as additional events and webinars!

Recent Meetings & Events

Victoria Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

In January, EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz was invited to attend and serve as the keynote speaker for the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Banquet. Adriana spoke on Texas' economic development success, growth in the Victoria area and our office's activities. We look forward to continuing to work with local partners in Victoria to ensure Texas remains the best state for business!

Weatherford Chamber of Commerce - "Business Before Breakfast"

In January, Executive Director Adriana Cruz participated in Weatherford Chamber of Commerce's "Business Before Breakfast" event. She gave an update on our office's activities and economic highlights and discussed the importance of strong and growing collaborations between statewide, regional and local community partners.

“It ain’t bragging if it's true!” Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:

• Texas dominated the 2022 Deal of the Year Awards from Business Facilities. Congratulations to all of the Texas community winners:
• Silver Award: Orange County Economic Development Corporation for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company's new $8 billion facility
• Community Impact Award: Texas Forest Country Partnership for USA BioEnergy's new advanced biorefinery
• Financial Office Campus Award: Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce & City of Irving for Wells Fargo's new corporate campus
• Renewable Energy Award: DevelopAbilene for Lancium's renewable energy powered data center campus
• Texas was named a regional runner-up for Business Facilities' 2022 State of the Year. Texas was also recognized for Leading Exports. 
• Texas is a leading state for small business job growth based on the monthly Paychex Small Business Index.
• Houston and Dallas were the top two metros for small business employment growth for the seventh consecutive month in December.

Join Our Team!

We're hiring! Interested in working with the best state economic development team in the country and helping grow the state's economy? There are multiple positions for experienced professionals in Business & Community Development, Tourism and other divisions. Here's a select sampling of open positions:

• Research Specialist
• Marketing Specialist
• Communications Specialist

For more information on available positions, visit gov.texas.gov/employment.

Universal Announces New Concept Coming to Frisco
Frisco has scored a huge economic development and tourism win! Universal Parks & Resorts announced plans to bring a new one-of-a-kind theme park to the North Texas city. The nearly 100-acre planned entertainment hub will feature immersive themed areas, attractions and entertainment.

New Medical School Breaks Ground in Tyler
Governor Greg Abbott touted the State of Texas' ongoing efforts to increase healthcare access across the state, particularly in rural communities, at the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) Medical School groundbreaking ceremony. The Governor was joined at the ceremony by UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun and UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife.

Texas Energy Company Receives Federal Funding
Zeta Energy, based in Houston, was selected to receive $4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop more efficient electric vehicle batteries. The company seeks to manufacture high performance and lower cost lithium sulfur energy storage batteries for use in EVs as well as many other applications including electric grid energy storage.

Port San Antonio Announces New Partnership
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated a major educational partnership between Boeing and Port San Antonio that will support enhanced science and technology educational programs for students in South Texas through STEM disciplines. The Governor joined Boeing and Port San Antonio for the partnership announcement and renaming ceremony of Boeing Center at Tech Port.

Port Laredo is a Top Gateway for International Trade
Port Laredo was the #2 port of entry among the nation’s 450 international gateways for trade in November 2022, behind Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Trade at the Port increased nearly 14% year over year. Imports from Mexico into the U.S. accounted for $15 billion in trade through Port Laredo, while exports accounted for $9.6 billion.