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Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,
We’re heading into the Holiday Season, and what a year it's been for Texas! As we look back over the events of 2023, we want to say thank you to each of our economic development partners and stakeholders for all you do for our great state! The key to our ongoing success in economic development is teamwork and we are so thankful to work with you as we keep Texas a global leader in economic expansion, a national leader in job creation and the best state to live, work and raise a family.
In the December issue of the Texas Business Bulletin, you'll find a 2023 year in review, recent project announcements across the state, our economic snapshot, upcoming events and 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!
On behalf of the entire Texas Economic Development & Tourism team, we wish you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
 -Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
  Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Workforce: 15.1 million+
National Rank in Annual Job Growth: #1
Nasdaq Closing Market Bell Ringing at Governor's Mansion
 Governor Greg Abbott rang the Nasdaq closing bell to celebrate Texas’ economic achievements and milestones during a virtual bell ringing ceremony with Nasdaq, Inc. at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. The Governor was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman Ed Knight, Head of Listing Karen Snow and Texas Economic Development & Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz. Read more in the Governor's press release and watch the video from the event.
  The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office has been focused on ensuring Texas remains the best state for business by offering businesses, both large and small, the assistance and resources they need to start, grow and thrive in Texas. In partnership with state, local and regional economic development partners, we continue to work towards increased economic prosperity for all Texans through business and industry growth. Below is a look at our office's activity in fiscal year 2023. You can also download the graphic here.
  We mark the end of this year by celebrating everything our state has accomplished—from our record-breaking job creation to our many awards and accolades. Here's a look at some of the many highlights from 2023:
- Texas was named the Best Business Climate in the U.S. for 2023 by Site Selection Magazine, Business Facilities Magazine and DCI.
- Texas was named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive Magazine for the 19th time in a row.
- Texas secured our 11th Governor's Cup in a row from Site Selection Magazine for the most job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects in 2022.
- With a young, skilled, diverse and growing workforce, Texas was ranked as one of the most diverse states in the U.S., according to WalletHub.
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Texas civilian labor force reached more than 15 million for the first time in our state’s history and we broke numerous records for Texans working and total jobs.
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Texas was named the #1 exporting state in the nation, again for the 21st year in a row.
- Texas was awarded a Silver Shovel from Area Development Magazine, plus a 2023 Manufacturing Project of the Year: Texas Instruments' expansion in Sherman with the potential to create up to 3,000 new jobs and $29 billion in investment.
- Texas became home to 55 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters locations—more than any other state in the nation.
- Texas ranked as the #1 state for Foreign-Trade Zone Impact, and five Texas FTZs ranked among the top 20 in the nation for container port performance (Site Selection Magazine).
Looking ahead to 2024, we are filled with great optimism for continued success in the year to come and look forward to growing our partnerships in economic development, industry, business and beyond. Because when businesses in Texas succeed, all Texans succeed!
National Write a Business Plan Month
December is National Write a Business Plan Month! A business plan serves as a road map for a small business, and there's no better time than now to start your entrepreneurial journey. Visit our website for helpful resources, tips and guidance to get started on your business plan.
  
In November 2023, EDT Executive Director Adriana Cruz attended the grand opening of the new Siemens manufacturing facility in Fort Worth.
 Texas' success in attracting the most corporate expansion and relocation projects in the U.S. 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 recently announced projects in regions across the state:
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Siemens in Fort Worth: Siemens announced a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, expected to create $150 million in capital investment and 700 new jobs.
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John Cockerill Hydrogen in Baytown: John Cockerill Hydrogen announced a U.S. expansion with the launch of gigafactory in Baytown, which is expected to create 200 new jobs and produce 1 gigawatt each year of electrolyzers.
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DrinkPAK in Fort Worth: DrinkPAK, a manufacturer of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, will establish two new locations in Fort Worth, bringing 1,000 new jobs and $452 million in capital investment.
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Paycom in Grapevine: Paycom will expand its operations in Grapevine. The $27 million project is expected to open in 2025.
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H-E-B in San Antonio: H-E-B will expand its San Antonio milk operations with a capital investment of approximately $60 million.
Upcoming Governor's Small Business Summits
Governor's Small Business Summit — Houston
Thursday, December 7 I 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. I Bayou City Event Center
The Governor's Small Business Summit — Houston aims to help women-owned small businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs reach new heights in their business journey. This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics and connect women business owners with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow their business. It's also an opportunity to network with other women business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects.
Panel Topics:
• Marketing & Social Media
• Finance & Funding
• Alternative Funding
• Cybersecurity
• What it Takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur
Upcoming Webinar
Be sure to check in at gov.texas.gov/events as we announce events and webinars for 2024!
  “It ain’t bragging if it's true!” Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:
- Texas ranks among the top 10 best states for black entrepreneurs (InnovationMap).
- Houston was named as the best U.S. city for foreign businesses. Plano, Irving, Dallas and Austin also ranked among the top 10. The raking by Financial Times and Nikkei took into account business friendly policies, excellent logistics, affordable cost of living and a diverse community for overseas companies.
Download the latest Top Texas Touts to your phone for talking points you can take on-the-go. Find touts on everything from economic expansion, job creation, workforce, industry, infrastructure, education and more.
U.S. India Chamber of Commerce in Dallas
 Governor Greg Abbott highlighted recent legislative achievements that support Texas' thriving economy and the enduring strong trade ties with India during a fireside chat at the U.S. India Chamber of Commerce (USICOC) DFW Annual Awards Banquet in Dallas. During the fireside chat moderated by USICOC DFW Founding Chairman A.K. Mago, Governor Abbott also touted the strong bilateral trade between Texas and India, which is one of the largest trade partners for our state with more than $20 billion in total trade. Read more in the Governor's press release.
2023 MEDICA Trade Fair
 EDT's International Business & Industry Team and a delegation of Texas companies participated in the MEDICA Trade Fair in Germany from November 13 to 16. The Texas delegation got the chance to promote their products and services to more than 81,000 professionals in the biotech, life sciences and medical industries. Our team also promoted Texas as a premier destination for industry investment to attendees and exhibitors from across the globe. Be sure to check our website as we announce export assistance opportunities for 2024.
Meeting with DeSoto Economic Development Corporation
 EDT hosted the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation and other regional partners at our offices to discuss economic growth in DeStoto across a variety of industries including biotech, life sciences aviation and exports. We look forward to continuing to work with our economic development partners in DeSoto!
Governor's Small Business Summit — San Antonio
 The Governor's Small Business Summit — San Antonio, honoring veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, took place on November 9 at the San Antonio Food Bank-Valero Community Engagement Center. Panels included Benefits of Being a Veteran-Owned Business, Workforce Challenges and Access to Capital. The event featured a keynote address from Shilo Harris with Team Never Quit. See more photos from the event.
 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), the Texas Film Commission (TFC) 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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