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Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,
Texas recently reached a number of major job milestones! Not only did February mark two years of consecutive monthly job gains for Texas, but it also marked more than 2 million Texas jobs added since Governor Abbott took office in 2015. And just last week, new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showed Texas as the #1 state for GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 at a 7% growth rate!
It's evident that the Texas business climate has never been a more powerful force for propelling business growth and job creation. We invite anyone interested in Texas to come take advantage of the economic opportunity our state has to offer!
In the April issue of the Texas Business Bulletin, you will find a focus section on Texas' strong LNG sector, newly updated publications, an economic snapshot, recent project announcements, upcoming events, plus much more!
As always, please be sure to visit our website, follow us on social media or reach out to a member of our team if we can be of any assistance.
 -Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
New Application Window Still Open!
Applications for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant (TTIR) program, administered through the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, opened February 1, 2023, for a new application category. The TTIR Program provides reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted during the pandemic.
The new category opened applications for the following NAICS codes and also reopened the application process for all previous applicants who may now qualify for funding or for additional funding. There are still funds available—get your application in today!
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Category
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Application
Window
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NAICS Code
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Industry
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5
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February 1, 2023
- TBD
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532111
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Passenger Car Rental
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512131
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Cinemas
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512132
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Drive-in Motion Picture Theaters
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487990
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Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Other
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487210
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Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Water
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487110
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Scenic & Sightseeing Transportation, Land
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485510
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Charter Bus Industry
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483212
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Inland Water Passenger Transportation
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483114
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Coastal & Great Lakes Passenger Transportation
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483112
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Deep Sea Passenger Transportation
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481211
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Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air
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481111
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Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation
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312120
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Breweries; Microbreweries
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312130
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Wineries
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312140
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Distilleries
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5615
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Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services; Convention & Visitors Bureaus
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561920
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Convention & Trade Show Organizers, Event & Meeting Planning Services
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7212
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RV Parks & Recreational Camps; Campgrounds
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71
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Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
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7211
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Traveler Accommodation: Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfast
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722
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Food Services & Drinking Places
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This application round will remain open until remaining funds are dispersed. For eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, an application instruction video and the TTIR application portal, visit ttir.gov.texas.gov.
  Unemployment Rate: 4%
Jobs Added in February: 58,200
Job Recovery Rate: 157%
Workforce: 14.8 million
Our office develops in-depth reports, publications, snapshots and maps highlighting the Lone Star State's best assets for business and targeted growth sectors. Check out these new publications and other Reports & Publications on our website.
Updated Snapshot: Trade & FDI
Texas is the future of global business and trade. Download the updated Trade & FDI Snapshot for the latest data on foreign direct investment and trade data from 2022—and learn more about how Texas continues to strengthen its status as the logistical heart of North America.
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We are excited to share that the U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved Texas' application for funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Texas has the potential to receive more than $472 million to operate two programs—a capital access program (CAP) and a loan guarantee program (LGP)—that will increase access to capital for Texas small businesses. The CAP, allocated $118 million, will provide portfolio insurance for business loans, and the LGP, allocated $354.1 million, will provide loan guarantees. Together, the CAP and LGP will constitute the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI) program.
TSBCI will assist small business growth and create new jobs in Texas through increased access to small business funding. TSBCI is administered by the Economic Development Finance Division in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, within the Office of the Governor, on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
For more information about the federal SSBCI program, please visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website. Additional guidance, forms and other resources related to Texas' TSBCI program will be posted at the program website as details become available. You may also sign up for updates to be notified as soon as our office has new information on the program.
Texas: The Land of LNG
A joint venture between Sempra Infrastructure Partners, LP and an affiliate of ConocoPhillips, the Port Arthur LNG project received a positive final investment decision to move forward with the development. (Photo Credit: Port Arthur LNG LLC)
 Texas’ ideal geography and abundant natural resources, in combination with a strategic central location, robust transportation systems, leadership in environmental research and continued investment in the natural gas sector, have given the state a reputation as the "Land of LNG" (liquified natural gas).
Major oil and gas formations across the state, such as the Permian Basin, Barnett Shale and Eagle Ford Shale, give Texas a significant energy advantage. In particular, the West Texas Permian Basin accounts for nearly 15% of the nation's natural gas production (source). Overall, the state accounts for more than one-fourth of the nation’s natural gas exports. Supported by 17,000 miles of natural gas pipelines across the Lone Star State, our natural resources provide an economic boost for Texas, in addition to energy security for the country as a whole.
Texas is the #1 state for the production of natural gas.
Texas is the #1 state for pipeline transportation of natural gas.
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 With existing or under-construction LNG terminals in Freeport, Corpus Christi and Sabine Pass, Texas has become a top state for LNG exports, ranking #2 in the nation. Texas celebrated its first cargo shipment of LNG in 2018, which traveled from Cheniere Energy’s liquefaction facility in Corpus Christi. These facilities and other planned LNG export terminals will position Texas as a top contender in the arena. In fact, of the 24 new or expanding LNG export projects proposed or under construction in the U.S., eight are planned for right here in the Lone Star State (source).
Most recently, Sempra announced the launch of its Port Arthur LNG project in Jefferson County, a joint venture between Sempra Infrastructure Partners, LP and an affiliate of ConocoPhillips. The project is expected to total $13 billion in capital investment, create thousands of jobs during construction and commence commercial operation by 2027.
For more information on the natural gas sector in Texas, download the Texas Energy Industry Snapshot.
  
Golden Triangle Polymers, a Chevron Phillips Chemical joint venture, celebrated the groundbreaking celebration for their new $8.5 billion facility in Orange County. (Photo Credit: Stephen Hemelt/The News)
 Texas' success in attracting the highest number of corporate expansions and relocations is thanks to a unique combination of competitive business advantages that no other state can claim. For more on these business advantages, visit our Why Texas webpages. Here are some of Texas' recently announced projects in regions across the state:
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Universal Fabricating in Lamar County: Universal Fabricating, a Canadian metal fabricator, announced plans to expand into Lamar County. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs and $300 million in capital investment over the next 10 years.
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ABI Windows in Abilene: ABI Windows, a manufacturer and distributor of windows and building supplies, will invest $42.5 million to establish a facility in Abilene. The project is expected to create 175 new jobs.
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HydrogenPro in Texas: HydrogenPro will establish a 500-megawatt manufacturing capacity in Texas with an estimated total investment cost of $30-50 million. The investment includes a separate advanced electrode manufacturing facility.
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Bell in Grand Prairie: Bell Textron broke ground on a $20 million Drive Systems Test Laboratory in Grand Prairie. This facility is expected to create double digit new jobs and become operational by 2025.
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Hoover Treated Wood Products in Fairfield: Hoover Treated Wood Products broke ground on a new $9 million, state-of-the-art wood-treating facility coming to Fairfield late 2023.
Governor's Small Business Summits
The Governor's Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business. These events offer a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. It's also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects.
Be sure to check in at gov.texas.gov/events as we announce additional event details and webinars for 2023!
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Small Business Week is quickly approaching! From April 30 to May 6, 2023, we will celebrate the state's 3.1 million small businesses which support Texas' status as the #1 jobs creator in the nation! |
Follow us on social media throughout the week as we highlight some of the many small business owners who embody the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit of this great state. Join in the celebration by downloading the official Small Business Week in Texas badge at the link below and use #SmallBizWeekTexas in your social media posts!
Texas Economic Development Corporation Spring Investor Summit
 In March, EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz joined Governor Greg Abbott, state and local economic development leaders and Texas business executives at the Texas Economic Development Corporation's Spring Investor Summit in Austin. Adriana joined a panel session titled "Partnering with TxEDC" where she spoke on the ways that EDT and TxEDC work together to promote the state of Texas domestically and internationally as the premier place for business. Read more online.
 Meeting with Monterrey and Nuevo León, Mexico
 EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz and the State of Texas Mexico Office welcomed officials from Monterrey and Nuevo León, Mexico, to Austin in March. Those in attendance included Monterrey Mayor Luis Donaldo Colosio, Nuevo León Secretary of Economy Ivan Rivas, Secretary of Tourism María Carmen Martínez, Undersecretary of Foreign Investment Emmanuel Loo, Senator Luis David Ortiz and Consul General Pablo Marentes. The group discussed growing collaborations and economic partnerships between Texas and Mexico—our state's top trade and investment partner.
Elgin Chamber of Commerce - S.H.E. Women in Business
 Also in March, EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz participated as the keynote speaker at the Elgin Chamber of Commerce - S.H.E. Women in Business event. The event celebrated International Women's Day with panels and speakers focusing on female entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Denmark Delegation Lunch
 The Texas Economic Development Corporation hosted a delegation of more than 100 business leaders from Denmark, the U.S. Ambassador from Denmark, the Minister and members of Parliament for a lunch session in Austin in March. Texas has a strong and growing business and trade relationship with Denmark. EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz was honored to speak with the group and highlight the benefits of doing business in Texas.
 2023 Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference
 The 2023 Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference took place in San Antonio March 29-31—the largest gathering of site selection professionals in the Guild's history. EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz and Business & Community Development Director Larry McManus attended the conference, along with the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) to grow partnerships with site selection consultants and Texas community partners. TxEDC also hosted an evening at the AT&T Stadium, home of the World Champion San Antonio Spurs!
Community Visits in March
 We were delighted that March was filled with numerous meetings and visits from community partners across the state as they visited Austin to speak with their state legislators. EDT's Executive Director Adriana Cruz had the opportunity to speak to leaders in business and government from the City of Del Rio and Val Verde County, the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and others. We look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated Texas community partners!
 “It ain’t bragging if it's true!” Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:
 Interested in working with the best state economic development team in the country and helping grow the Lone Star State's economy? Come join our team! There are multiple positions for experienced professionals in Business & Community Development (BCD), Economic Development Finance (EDF), Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) and other divisions. Here's a select sampling of open positions:
For more information on available positions, visit gov.texas.gov/employment.
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