TEMPLE, Texas-Temple Economic Development Corporation (Temple EDC) partners with five economic development organizations: Belton Economic Development Corporation, Cameron Industrial Foundation, Killeen Chamber of Commerce, McGregor Economic Development Corporation and Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce to form the regional group Grand Central Texas.
The new economic development team will serve as a partnership to promote Central Texas to businesses interested in expanding or locating to the five county region.
“This unique, multi-county coalition allows us to better leverage our region’s many assets and offer our prospective companies and clients a wider range of business, talent and investment options,” said Temple EDC President David Blackburn. “A strong regional economy benefits all of Central Texas communities and this is an opportunity to establish a brand and image for the entire region that doesn’t end at the city limits.”
Grand Central Texas will assist clients with locating a site or building, gathering detailed business cost and economic data while securing competitive incentive packages by working closely with our local, regional and state partners. The region offers an attractive location for companies around the country and world to invest.
“With a convenient location, low cost of doing business, diverse workforce and abundant resources, the region is becoming a sought-after area for business development and company relocation,” Temple EDC Vice President Charley Ayres said. This type of regional approach gives us a larger presence to attract companies. When clients see a total population of 725,160 and a total job count of 320,106 the opportunity for an available workforce is impressive.”
Grand Central Texas’ mission is to work collaboratively and strategically to facilitate increased prosperity through business development while enhancing the business environment and quality of life in our region. Grand Central Texas has three goals as the framework to the partnership:
1. The Business Attraction Program successfully recruits new and diverse business investment and creates high-wage job growth and capital investment.
2. Facilitate workforce/education development initiatives with an economic development focus and become known as a talent-driven region.
3. Support and educate the region on legislative issues that impact business, education and infrastructure.