Texas Border Business
By Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business
Texas stands as a beacon of innovation — a premier destination to visit, live, work and build a business. Home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, our economy continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. Just last week, Texas won its 13th consecutive Governor’s Cup from Site Selection magazine, surpassing every other U.S. state in new business expansion and relocation projects – more than 1,300 in 2024 alone. To sustain this momentum and unlock Texas’ full potential, we must ensure that our economic policies evolve to keep us ahead of the curve.
Last week, Governor Abbott introduced his bold ‘Bigger, Better Texas’ economic plan to supercharge our world-class economy. This plan provides a blueprint designed to propel our state, our businesses and our residents into the future to seize the opportunities ahead.
Governor Abbott perfectly describes Texas’ economic success and unwavering commitment to the future, declaring:
“Texas is still the big, new frontier, a place where opportunity is abundant, where free enterprise flourishes, and where dreams, and families, and jobs grow… Our past is but prologue; the greatest chapters have yet to be written. And the Lone Star State is brimming with promise!”
The Texas Association of Businesses (TAB) knows that when Texas businesses thrive, Texas prospers. With Governor Abbott’s leadership, our state is poised to remain a beacon of opportunity, setting the standard for economic success nationwide.
The ‘Bigger, Better Texas’ Economic Development Strategic Plan seeks to accomplish numerous objectives that solidify Texas’ future and economic prosperity:
Formulate a cohesive vision for the future of Texas’ economy;
Identify established and emerging industries that are projected to drive economic growth and job creation;
Detail objectives and initiatives that will help businesses and regions thrive;
Promote the global competitiveness of Texas; and
Provide tools and resources to support local economic developers in meeting their unique regional needs.
It’s important to emphasize that Texas isn’t just competing nationally – we’re leading on the global stage. As the 8th-largest economy in the world, the Lone Star State is a powerhouse of innovation, supporting both emerging industries and established sectors. Every facet of our diversified economy plays a crucial role in driving growth and securing our nation’s future. Governor Abbott’s plan is more than a vision – it’s a call to action, equipping Texas’ economic developers and broader business community with the tools necessary for tomorrow’s global economic landscape.
Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, fortifies this shared vision, emphasizing the essential foundations that will drive the success of this bold blueprint for growth:
“Economic development is a team sport. That’s exactly why we have developed this statewide economic development strategic plan with the broader economic development ecosystem in mind. I invite you to join us in our mission to further cement Texas’ position as a global economic powerhouse and ensure our state remains the very best place to live, work, and visit.”
TAB applauds Governor Abbott’s unwavering commitment to securing Texas as a national and international leader in economic growth and innovation. His dedication to fostering a pro-job, pro-business environment not only strengthens our state’s competitive edge but also ensures long-term economic stability and opportunity for Texas businesses and our workforce. By prioritizing policies that support entrepreneurship, attract investment and drive workforce development, Governor Abbott is safeguarding Texas’ position as a premier economic destination, securing our prosperity for generations to come.
To read the full ‘Bigger, Better Texas’ Economic Development Strategic Plan, click here.
Source: TAB
