Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Texas Business Bulletin | March 2021

Office of the Governor Texas sent this bulletin at 03/01/2021 03:00 PM CST

Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,

We hope that you are safe and well after the historic winter storms that impacted millions of Texans—the worst that our state has seen in more than 100 years. In response to the power outages experienced as a result of the recent storm, Governor Greg Abbott has taken immediate action: pursuing accountability, securing recovery assistance and working to ensure that Texans are never again in this situation. Governor Abbott declared new emergency items for the 87th Legislative Session, calling upon state lawmakers to mandate the winterization of the Texas power system. Governor Abbott delivered a statewide address on the power outages and winter weather response in Texas, which can be watched online.

As Governor Abbott stated in his address, “the worst of events brings out the best in Texans”. There are countless stories of neighbor helping neighbor, breweries distributing water, restaurants providing meals for free and HEB providing assistance to their communities. You can read more of these stories below.

As many Texas businesses and residents continue to recover from the effects of the recent severe winter storms, our goal is to keep you aware of relevant recovery resources that may be available to Texas businesses and communities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced new federal assistance available to Texas businesses located in a declared disaster area impacted by the recent severe winter storms. These businesses may be eligible for a low-interest federal disaster loan through the SBA. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please read our email update.

We will continue to connect Texas business owners with advice and tools for recovery, sustainability and growth. Our webinar calendar offers a listing of upcoming small business webinar dates and our website details current information on COVID-19 recovery resources. Please consider following us on social media for the latest updates.

We hope all Texas businesses, residents and communities continue to stay resilient and hopeful through these difficult times. Texans are known for action, and this experience will result in needed changes to ensure an event like this is never repeated. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if we can be of any assistance.

-Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism

#TexasBizStrong

Texans Weather the Storm Together

Texans once again proved their strength in overcoming challenges, and their ability to work together through difficult situations. During the recent historic winter storms that caused widespread power outages, water shortages and other related issues across the state, many Texans sprang into action, offering assistance to their fellow neighbors. Also, multiple Texas companies contributed much needed resources and supplies to their communities.

Fort Worth-based moving company, Gozova delivered free firewood to anyone in need in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Austin-based information technology company, Digital Realty shared its diesel fuel with other data centers, and used diesel generators at some sites to reduce the load on the electrical grid. Ford asked Texas dealers to loan out their stock of F-150 PowerBoost hybrid models (about 415 trucks in total) to help homes and businesses in Texas affected by the storm.

These are just a few examples of companies that stepped up to help. Also, many local restaurants donated food to those in need, while many grocery stores donated free water and other supplies. When Texans work together during difficult times—whether it is a global pandemic or a natural disaster—no challenge is insurmountable for our great state.

If you or someone you know is interested in providing support for those impacted by the Texas winter storms, please see the "How You Can Help" section on the Office of the Governor's Winter Weather Resources webpage.

Texas: America's Economic Engine

Even during a global health crisis and a national recession, Texas has remained a leader in trade and job creation, providing continued signs of strength and resilience in the Texas economy.

As you may know, Texas was recently named the top exporting state in the U.S. for 2020. The Lone Star State ranked as the leading exporter for the 19th consecutive year, with total exported goods valued at $279.3 billion. Texas has also remained the top tech exporting state for eight years in a row, with total exported goods valued at $44.8 billion.

Our state has continued to add jobs back to the economy, experiencing five consecutive months of private sector job growth in December. Since peak pandemic unemployment in April of last year, Texas has added a total of 927,700 private sector jobs. Moreover, the Lone Star State was #1 in nonfarm job creation in the U.S. for four of the 12 months in 2020. And our state was the leader in private sector and nonfarm jobs created for the last quarter of 2020.

Possibly the most noteworthy economic indicator—Texas has remained the largest job creator in the nation over the last 10 years, with the most private sector jobs added (nearly 2 million).

Recent Project Announcements

As Texas upholds its title as a trade titan and continues to add jobs back to the economy, business decision-makers and site selection consultants can be confident that our state remains one of the best places to relocate and expand. Below is a listing of just a few of the projects that have located to Texas in recent weeks:

Soft-Tex International in Sugar Land: Bedding and home comfort producer, Soft-Tex began operations at their new shipping facility in Sugar Land, which will add hundreds of new jobs in the area.

Amazon in Lubbock: Amazon announced two new facilities in Lubbock, creating $24 million in capital investment, 230 new full-time jobs, and several hundred part-time jobs.

Majestic Realty Co. in Laredo: Majestic Realty Co. announced plans for a new $1 billion distribution facility in Laredo to take advantage of the area's strategic location and emerging logistics market.

Lynas USA in Texas: Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths Limited announced plans to build a rare earth separation plant in Texas, partially funded through a $30 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense.

JSL Foods in Humble: Los Angeles-based Asian food manufacturing company JSL Foods Inc. is opening its first Texas facility in Humble.

Huaru Pipe in Commerce: Chinese-owned company, Huaru Pipe Inc. is opening their newest manufacturing hub in Commerce. The initial investment is expected to be more than $5 million, creating 50-plus new jobs.

Allied BioScience in Plano: Plano-based tech company, Allied BioScience is expanding its headquarters in Plano, which will bring a larger facility and 100 new employees.

Plastipak in Garland: Michigan-based bottle and food supplier, Plastipak will undertake a $10 million expansion of their Garland location, bringing new jobs and capital investment.

Eleiko in Austin: Strength equipment and education company, Eleiko is moving its headquarters from Chicago to Austin. The location will serve as their North American logistics hub.

Computer Aided Technology in Fort Worth: Computer Aided Technology, a provider of software, 3D printing, 3D scanning and metrology, is expanding its footprint in the U.S. with a new office in Fort Worth.

ZP in Austin: A provider of communication solutions for the deaf, ZP Better Together is relocating its headquarters from California to Austin.

State Partner Spotlight: TxEDC

EDT works side-by-side with the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) to market and promote Texas nationally and internationally as the best place for businesses to locate and expand. TxEDC is a public-private partnership, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3), whose work is made possible through the support of a broad range of private and community investors throughout the state. TxEDC promotes Texas through a robust program of activities which highlight Texas’ superior business advantages to corporate decision-makers and site selection consultants.

In the News

NSA Designates Two San Antonio Higher Education Institutions as Regional Cybersecurity Hub

The National Security Agency (NSA) recognized San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio as regional leaders in cybersecurity training, education and innovation. The hub will lead efforts on the NSA's behalf, advancing cybersecurity at the national level by facilitating collaborations and hosting training sessions, faculty development workshops and cyber competitions.

Dallas College Partners with Amazon to Provide Opportunities for Apprenticeship

Dallas College is participating in the Amazon-sponsored apprenticeship program so students can learn innovation in mechatronics technology. Participation in the program will give students experience in a growing field and give companies access to a highly-specialized and job-ready talent pool.

UTSA Receives Technology Grant to Further Innovative Research

The University of Texas at San Antonio received a Dell Technologies grant, which will support the University's research infrastructure platform. The grant will not only fund research in data science, but will also include research development in cybersecurity. This model will be critical for furthering innovation in this field.

Austin-Based Rocket Startup Receives Funding for Lunar Exploration from NASA

An Austin-based rocket startup company, Firefly Space Systems received more than $93 million in funding from NASA to build a Lunar Lander. This mission intends to take supplies to the moon on behalf of NASA in preparation for the planned 2024 human return.

Central Texas Region to Host NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament

The NCAA named San Antonio the host city for the 2021 NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament. The games will take place in March and April and will be played in several of locations in the Central Texas area: Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio.

Texas Economic Snapshot: January

New Projects Announced:
40 projects, $1.88 billion capex, 980 new jobs

State Sales Tax Revenue:
Only .3% less from one year ago

Manufacturing Activity:
Expanded in January

Service Sector & Retail Activity: Stable in January

Oil Production & Consumption:
Up from pandemic low-point

For the full snapshot, visit our website.

Texas Wins 2020 Governor's Cup

Texas has received the 2020 Site Selection Governor's Cup for a record-breaking ninth year in a row. The award highlights top-performing states for job creation and capital investment. This win would not have been possible without our local, regional and statewide economic development partners, nor without the companies that continue to invest and create jobs in Texas. Read the full press release for more information.

Upcoming Governor's Small Business Webinar

Updates on the New Round of PPP Funding

March 3 I 1-2 PM, CT

Join the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team and a panel of experts, including senior executives from the SBA and Small Business Development Centers, for up-to-date details on the PPP application process, loan forgiveness and other pandemic and disaster assistance for Texas small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and/or severe winter storms.

Register

Doing Business in Europe Webinar Series

The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration will be hosting the 2021 Europe Webinar Series February through May 2021. The webinars will provide an overview of each regional market, opportunities, trends, business opportunities and key projects with practical advice from European experts. Register below:

Doing Business in Italy

Doing Business in Germany

Doing Business in Russia