Texas Economic Development Corporation Conference and Investor Summit and Reunion and Recognition Luncheon

On August 26, 2024, Marshall Economic Development’s Rush Harris (CEcD, Executive Director) and Robert Andrade (Business Retention-Expansion and Workforce Development Manager) attended the Annual Texas Economic Development Corporation Conference in Austin, Texas. The conference theme was “The Future is Texas” and focused on “remembering the past, celebrating the present, and planning the future”. 

An Economic Development Corporation’s job is to seek ways to build and strengthen their community’s economy.  That is a tall order to do alone. Governor Greg Abbott attended and spoke during the conference. “In Texas, economic development is a team sport. It takes the work of many economic development organizations - both at the state and local level - working together to ensure Texas continues to lead the nation in relocation and expansion projects.  Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas.”   Governor Abbott spoke about how local communities don’t need to rely on huge business investments to make a meaningful impact in Texas. “Texas offers room for businesses of all sizes to grow and their employees to succeed, to afford a home, and to enjoy a high quality of life in communities across our great state,” said Abbott.  Smaller businesses create meaningful jobs and capital investments as well. Texas is also expanding and growing into new fields. Space and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of Texas development.  These developments are supported by higher education and a growing population.  In 2023 Texas added 326,700 non-farm jobs, more than any other state in the US. “Texas offers innovative entrepreneurs and job creators the freedom to succeed and hardworking Texans the tools to prosper,” said Governor Abbott. “We are also the number 1 exporting state for the 22nd year and lead the United States in annual job growth.”

Attendance at the event allowed Marshall Economic Development to speak with business global industry leaders in Texas, including Samsung, Google, Amazon, Tokyo Electron Ltd, and the UT Institute for Electronics

Marshall Economic Development’s Rush Harris commented, “Marshall is moving together. It is not just one person or one group. We do amazing things when we work collectively across entities and leaders to move the needle forward for the people. They are the reason we are here and why we do what we do.  We must check our ego at the door.  It takes all of us.” The leadership of Marshall EDC demands teamwork and building relationships as demonstrated at the Marshall Economic Summit last March (www.marshallsummit.com). 

The Annual Texas Economic Development Corporation Conference strives to establish the goals and aspirations for Texas. Economic development corporations (EDCs) in attendance take that mantle back to their communities to further align and improve their city’s goals and aspirations. EDCs are encouraged to rejuvenate and build their respective communities under the model established by the State of Texas. “Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas”.