Re-engaging the Texas Economy
We realize that Texans are battling a colossal challenge – one that has tested our lives and our livelihoods. The Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) staff and community partners continue to work together to provide direct assistance and resource referrals to Texas businesses to overcome this crisis.
We are also focused on recovery and the next steps to position our state and businesses for future success. Governor Greg Abbott’s press conference earlier this week announced his phased approach to strategically and carefully open the Texas economy, while still adhering to health protocols to keep Texas citizens safe – protecting Texan lives, while also ensuring their livelihoods. You can find The Governor’s Report to Open Texas HERE. It will take all of us working together to act responsibly as we re-engage the economy, while also continuing to follow all health precautions and care for our most vulnerable neighbors.
To help businesses craft their recovery strategy and navigate new federal programs, we have launched a series of small business webinars across the state to educate our small businesses on new programs, available resources and connect them with local experts. We will also increase the frequency of our Texas Business Bulletin newsletter to once a month, to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
EDT's staff is here to help you through these challenging times, keeping you informed with the latest news, guidance and programs. For the most up-to-date information for all businesses, be sure to check in regularly on our website and follow us on social media where you can find and follow our new hashtag, #TexasBizStrong. You may also review our helpful FAQs for Texas businesses and community economic development partners.
Thank you for the continued work you do on behalf of your communities and the Lone Star State. By working together, we can help our state's economy remain #TexasBizStrong. Please continue to stay healthy, safe and hopeful!
-Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Team
#TexasBizStrong
Governor's Small Business Webinar Series
The Governor’s Small Business Webinar Series provides Texas small business owners and entrepreneurs with timely, relevant, actionable information on COVID-19 recovery resources.
Businesses also get the chance to connect with local experts and support systems.
Watch playbacks of prior webinars on our YouTube channel.
Governor's Plan to Open Texas
 Governor Greg Abbott has established the Strike Force to Open Texas—a team of nationally recognized medical experts and private and public leaders who will advise the Governor on safely and strategically reopening the state of Texas.
EDT's Executive Director, Adriana Cruz, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Strike Force Advisory Group and a co-chair of the Workforce, Economic Development & International Trade Working Group. She is working directly with business leaders and economic development partners from across the state to make recommendations to the Governor.
Texans are invited to visit the Strike Force to Open Texas' official website where they can offer feedback to the Strike Force using the "Contact" button.
On April 27, 2020, the Governor and the Strike Force announced Phase I to open Texas, which will begin May 1. Certain services and activities will be allowed to open with limited occupancy. The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued minimum standard health protocols for all businesses and individuals to follow. Guidance for employers, employees and individuals begins on page 20 of The Governor's Report to Open Texas. Download the report below and be sure to review all relevant health protocol checklists.
 The Texas economy is resilient and employers around the state are currently looking to fill open positions. Discover which businesses are hiring in your area by visiting WorkinTexas.com.
To help Texans get back to work, we have consolidated information about local workforce and job resources, including a listing of Texas Workforce Development Boards, on our website at gov.texas.gov/business/jobs.
Texas Travel Industry and COVID-19
All communities in Texas, big and small, are being severely impacted by the loss of travel spending due to the coronavirus. According to recent estimates from the U.S. Travel Association, annual travel industry losses for the U.S. could approach -45% and far exceed that of any other sector. The impact of the coronavirus on the travel industry is projected to be 9 times that of 9/11. The research also shows significant losses for Texas. The state has lost more than $1 billion in travel spending each week since March 21 – the fourth highest impact among all states following only California, Florida and New York.
Other industry indicators support the economic impact estimates. As seen in the chart from research firm STR, hotel room nights sold across the state dropped to 889,000 the week of April 18. This represents an occupancy rate of around 20% statewide. Airlines have cancelled flights and reduced scheduled departures to Texas airports. As of April 27, Texas departures for the upcoming four weeks are down -65% according to Airline Data, Inc.
Travel Texas is monitoring industry impacts as well as consumer sentiment for when the time is right to travel again. Recent surveys show that many travelers are postponing trips for later in the year, feel safer on road trips, and are more likely to explore destinations closer to home. Resources to assist the travel industry with recovery from COVID-19 are available at www.travel.texas.gov.
Ready. Set. Innovate.
Finding solutions to a challenging situation is part of the Texas identity. By pivoting their businesses and identifying innovative ways to continue operating during this crisis, businesses around the state were able to help meet their community's needs and contribute valuable resources to our state. Check out just a few examples of these inspiring Texas businesses:
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Insul-Fab in Coppell: This insulation company retooled a production line to make sanitary, medical-grade face shields. Insul-Fab is now able to help supply 10,000 face shields a day, seven days a week.
Sweet Shop USA in Mount Pleasant: This chocolate factory pivoted to convert the plastics typically seen over specialty cardboard boxes into personal protective equipment (PPE), helping to create new jobs and provide critical supplies for the state.
Dixie Flag & Banner in San Antonio: This Central Texas company has switched some of its production work from making flags to sewing surgical face masks, supplying valuable PPE to those combating COVID-19.
Starlite in Denton: This signage company is now manufacturing intubation shields and medical mask clips for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Intubation shields offer another layer of protection for medical professionals.
Covercraft Industries in Wichita Falls: This manufacturer brought their Wichita Falls facility back online in order to make PPE for emergency workers. The facility is gearing up to produce 20,000 gowns and 20,000 masks weekly to meet the demand.
Prestige Ameritech in North Richland Hills: This North Texas company is partnering with the U.S. National Guard while ramping up production to produce 2 million face masks a week and help supply additional PPE to the state.
Welcome Our New Staff!
Larry McManus joined the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office as the Director for Business & Community Development. Larry's prior work history includes roles at the Governor’s Office as well as the Texas Department of Agriculture. With more than 25 years of economic development service to the State of Texas, Larry has built a highly regarded reputation with community and regional economic development allies throughout the state by assisting economic development partners and companies in the business expansion process. We are excited to welcome Larry back to the team. You may reach Larry at larry.mcmanus@gov.texas.gov or (512) 936-0483.
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Kate Stanford joined the Business & Community Development team as the Central Texas Community Relations Specialist. Kate will serve as the primary point of contact for economic development organizations, businesses and communities in the Central Texas region. Her most recent prior experience includes operations management at the parent company of a franchise dealership group that serves Central and West Texas. We are excited to welcome Kate to the team. You may reach Kate at kate.stanford@gov.texas.gov or (512) 463-8410.
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Ashley Lunde joined the Business & Community Development team as a Project Development Specialist. Ashley is available to assist companies looking to expand or relocate to Texas with the site location process. Ashley began her economic development journey with Visit El Paso. Other prior work experience includes the role of Director of Business Retention and Expansion at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to welcome Ashley to the team. You may reach Ashley at ashley.lunde@gov.texas.gov or (512) 936-0211.
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Other News
Texas Wins Record-Breaking Governor's Cup
In March 2020, Governor Abbott joined economic development leaders from across the state to accept Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup Award. This was the eighth year in a row that Texas has won this coveted award and the 16th overall win — more than any other state. The award highlights top-performing states for job creation and capital investment. During his remarks, the Governor thanked job creators and economic leaders in every region of the state. Read more about the award here.
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New Opportunity Zones Webpage
Interested in learning more about Texas' Opportunity Zones? Visit the Office of the Governor's new Opportunity Zones webpage for additional information and an interactive map identifying Texas' designated zones.
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