Category Archives: Economic Development

The Dallas Regional Chamber has officially moved into our new office space at Lincoln Plaza and the economic development group has wasted no time getting settled in and working a hefty load of projects and events.  Don’t worry though; we all still have our focus on working hard to support the Dallas region’s economic growth.  Continue reading to see what’s been keeping us so busy. 

DRC Staff participated in a joint marketing trip last month to New York with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Oncor staff members. Our teams will engage similarly on a trip to Chicago this month, visiting with site selectors and consultants.

In preparation of the 2013 program of work and budget, staff and committees are developing a comprehensive communication and outreach plan to frame our corporate recruitment efforts for the year, with strategic goals in mind.  The plan will be multi-faceted and wrap in both our headquarters recruitment and technology company recruitment goals.

The DRC partnered with the City of Dallas as its economic development staff attended and exhibited at a major real estate conference, SIOR, promoting Dallas as corporate location.  Those in attendance report it was a great event and may become a program for the DFW Marketing Team. Continue reading →

By M. Ray Perryman, PhD, Founder and CEO of The Perryman Group
(Dr. Perryman will be a featured speaker at our Economic Outlook Summit.)

The United States economy continues to grow slowly, but uncertainty is constraining performance.  Internationally, a number of European countries are struggling with major debt issues, tensions remain high in the Middle East, and the Chinese economy has cooled.  While US firms are hiring, the pace of increase is too slow to make much headway in improving the job market.

The major domestic issue remains the “fiscal cliff” which is coming at the end of this year if Congress and the President fail to take action.  It involves the elimination of tax breaks (some of which have been in place for many years) as well as substantial across-the-board budget cuts.  The consensus view is that this outcome would dramatically curtail economic growth, possibly pushing the United States back into a recession.

At this point, the most likely course of action appears to be measures to put off the worst of the effects in hopes that a more meaningful solution can be crafted once the election is over.  Assuming this occurs, we could see some increase in momentum over the next year as this major cause for concern is dealt with.  Continue reading →

By Erica Flores, Manager, Economic Development

Fall is in the air and we’re finding it to be one of the busiest seasons in our economic development group at the Chamber.  We’re gearing up for our big office move next week, hosting projects, handing out awards, taking marketing trips, and expanding our ED family.  As always, we are all working hard to support the Dallas region’s economic growth.  Read on to see what we’ve been up to.

Mike Rosa and Erica Flores attended the TEDC Annual Conference in Austin last month.  The Texas Economic Development Council is the largest state association of economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials that share one common goal — bringing new investment and jobs to Texas. Continue reading →

By Erica Flores, Manager, Economic Development

The 2012 Dallas Regional Momentum Awards Powered by Blueprint for Prosperity recognizes companies, organizations or projects that have created positive economic momentum in the Dallas region.  This year’s application process brought a record number of very qualified applicants and we’re excited to celebrate the nine recipients at this year’s luncheon.  Our 2012 Momentum Award recipients have helped boost the local economy, created much needed jobs, impacted our community and even helped changed the world. Continue reading →

By: Ginny Logan, SVP, Relocation Services

“In the wake of the Great Recession, States [and corporations] are working with tight budgets to deliver critical services more effectively and at a lower cost and invest where the proven returns are the greatest in areas that will generate dividends over the short and long-term.”  Susan K Urahn, managing director The Pew Center on the States

Deciding to relocate a corporate headquarters or expand ones company into a new geographic market is not an easily made decision.  Many critical factors must be taken into consideration and thoroughly explored before the move can be made.  It may take months, or possibly years, to properly conduct research, gather data, visit select communities, and work with local and state government entities in negotiating tax incentives, business credits, exemptions and deductions that may be available.  All of these play a significant role in the long-term prosperity for the company and the new community.

Today, the Dallas Regional Chamber hosted its Blueprint for Prosperity Economic Development Investors Breakfast.  This quarterly meeting allows local business leaders to see firsthand how Dallas strategically manages its growth initiatives, recruiting projects, and the steps taken to continue to be one of the top-tier cities in our nation for attracting new business. Continue reading →

By Erica Flores, Manager, Economic Development

Several Dallas area companies and projects will be honored at the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Momentum Awards powered by Blueprint for Prosperity to be held at the Hilton Anatole on Wednesday, October 10, 2012.  The Awards, featuring the Total Job Growth Award, are sponsored by Citi and Holmes Murphy & Associates.  The luncheon keynote will be delivered by Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines.  Southwest Airlines is a 2012 recipient of the Total Job Growth Award.

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Continue reading →