Important announcements, resources, events & recent news.



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The Governor's Texas Business Bulletin, Economic Development and Tourism

Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,

Texas has done it once again! In June, Business Facilities named the Lone Star State the *Best Business Climate [ [link removed] ]* in the nation for the second year in a row, and our state and metros received top rankings in other categories in the 2024 State & Metro Rankings Report. It's clear that Texas is truly bigger and better for business! See the full state and metro rankings here [ [link removed] ].

In other good news, Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation [ [link removed] ] over the last 12 months. We have also reached a new all-time high for Texans working and size of the Texas labor force—now at more than 15.3 million strong.

In this issue of the Texas Business Bulletin, you'll find an update from the recent Texas-Asia Business Development Mission to Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, new resources and publications, our economic snapshot, recent meetings and upcoming events, as well as project announcements across the state. 

As always, please be sure to visit our website [ [link removed] ], follow us on social media or reach out to a member of our team [ [link removed] ] if we can be of any assistance!

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

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*Unemployment Rate: *4%

*Workforce:* 15.3 million

*U.S. Rank in Annual Job Growth: *#1

See full economic snapshot › [ [link removed] ]
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Hot off the Press

Our office develops in-depth reports, publications, infographics and maps highlighting the Lone Star State's best assets for business and targeted growth sectors. Check out more Reports & Publications [ [link removed] ] on our website.

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* [ [link removed] ]Texas Bragging Rights [ [link removed] ]
*Texas has an exceptional story to tell about our success in economic development! Download the new Texas Bragging Rights to see some of our state's recent awards and accolades.


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*International Companies in Texas Map [ [link removed] ]
*There are already more than 1,900 foreign corporations doing business in the state—a number that only continues to grow! Download the new International Companies in Texas Map for a sampling of the largest foreign firms in Texas and recent FDI announcements.*
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*Fortune 500 Companies in Texas Map [ [link removed] ]
*Texas is a leading state for Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, home to more than 50 Fortune headquarter locations across the state. Download the new Fortune 500 Companies in Texas Map to see the companies and locations.



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Texas-Asia Business Development Mission to Taiwan, South Korea & Japan

Governor Greg Abbott led an Economic Development Mission [ [link removed] ] to Taiwan, South Korea and Japan in July, organized by EDT and the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). During the trip, the Texas delegation met with world-class businesses and government leaders to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties with the three nations and advance industries critical to the future of the global economy.

Governor Abbott was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, EDT Executive Director Adriana Cruz, TxEDC President & CEO Aaron Demerson and a Texas delegation of 23 Texas economic development community partners and business leaders.

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Governor Abbott met with President Lai Ching-te [ [link removed] ] of Taiwan while in Taipei on the first full day of the mission, followed by an announcement of the opening of the new State of Texas Taiwan Office [ [link removed] ] and the signing of an Economic Development Statement of Intent (EDSI) with Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo [ [link removed] ]. The Texas delegation also met with the Chairman & CEO of GlobalWafers [ [link removed] ] and Sino-American Silicon Products to thank the company for its ongoing investment in Texas.*
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*Download the Texas & Taiwan Profile › [ [link removed] ]*

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On the second stop of the trip in South Korea, Governor Abbott met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul [ [link removed] ], attended a luncheon hosted by the Korea International Trade Association [ [link removed] ] (KITA) and met with executives from SK SUPEX Council and SK Signet Group [ [link removed] ] to thank the company for its recent expansion in Plano. The Texas delegation also met with SeAH Group [ [link removed] ] and Governor Abbott announced the company's decision to build a new $110 million superalloy manufacturing facility in Temple, expected to create 100 new jobs. Also while in South Korea, the group met with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. [ [link removed] ] executives and toured their semiconductor campus in Pyeongtaek.



*Download the Texas & South Korea Profile › [ [link removed] ]*

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During the stop in Nagoya, Japan, Governor Abbott met with Toyota Motor Corporation [ [link removed] ] executives and suppliers and toured the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. The Texas delegation also met with Aisin [ [link removed] ] President & CEO and other Aisin executives to thank the company for its recent investment in Cibolo.

 



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During the final stop of the trip in Tokyo, Governor Abbott met with Japan's Chief Cabinet Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi [ [link removed] ], Japan Central Railway Company [ [link removed] ], Tokyo Electron Ltd. [ [link removed] ] and Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yōko Kamikawa [ [link removed] ], in addition to joining the Texas delegation at a luncheon hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization [ [link removed] ] (JETRO) and a reception at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo [ [link removed] ].

On the final day of the economic development mission, Governor Abbott met with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike [ [link removed] ] at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and also joined Governor of Aichi Prefecture Hideaki Ohmura [ [link removed] ] to sign a Statement of Mutual Cooperation [ [link removed] ], building upon a prior Memorandum of Understanding established in 2016 [ [link removed] ].



*Download the Japan and Texas Profile › [ [link removed] ]*

"The trip was sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation [ [link removed] ]."

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In June 2024, First Lady Cecilia Abbott celebrated the groundbreaking of JCB's new manufacturing facility in San Antonio. The project was originally announced in October 2023 and is expected to create more than $265 million in capital investment and more than 1,500 new jobs.

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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 [ [link removed] ] webpages. Here are some recently announced projects in regions across the state:


* SeAH in Temple [ [link removed] ]: South Korean firm SeAH announced plans to build a $110 million manufacturing facility in Temple, expected to create 100 new jobs. The company was extended a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $910,000.
* Toyota in San Antonio [ [link removed] ]: Toyota in expanding its footprint in San Antonio with a $531 million investment, bringing more than 400 new jobs. This investment reinforces the plant’s flexibility with advanced manufacturing technologies.
* JSW Steel in Baytown [ [link removed] ]: JSW Steel announced an expansion of its operations in Baytown, creating $110 million in capital investment. The new facility will manufacture high grade plates for offshore wind segments.
* DataNovaX in Wichita Falls [ [link removed] ]: Wylie-based build-to-suit data center provider DataNovaX announced a new $1 billion campus project in Wichita Falls.
* Hithium in Mesquite [ [link removed] ]: Hithium, a manufacturer of stationary energy storage products, announced plans for a new production facility in Mesquite expected to create $100 million in capital investment and more than 140 new jobs.

More recent announcements › [ [link removed] ]

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Upcoming Small Business Summits

Join us at an upcoming Governor's Small Business Summit! These events 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. They also offer 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 topics. 


* *August 8*: Governor’s Small Business Summit — *Plainview [ [link removed] ]*
* *August 22*: Governor’s Small Business Summit —* Odessa [ [link removed] ]*
* *September 5*: Governor’s Small Business Summit — *Weatherford [ [link removed] ]*
* *September 19*: Governor’s Small Business Summit —* El Paso [ [link removed] ]*

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New Report: Demographics for People with Disabilities

The Texas Workforce Investment Council has now published a report titled" People with Disabilities: A Texas Profile [ [link removed] ]" detailing the demographic characteristics of the population of individuals with disabilities in Texas. Read the full report by clicking the link below.

Read the report  › [ [link removed] ]

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"*"It ain't bragging if it's true!" Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:*"


* Business Facilities [ [link removed] ] magazine officially named Texas the* #1 Best Business Climate *in the U.S. in the 2024 State Rankings Report. In addition, Texas has received a number of other local awards in the Metro Rankings Report.
* Texas was awarded the *Gold Shovel Award* from Area Development Magazine [ [link removed] ] and two Texas projects were named *Projects of the Year*: ZT Systems in Georgetown (Manufacturing) and SEG Solar in Houston (Clean Tech), in addition to other Texas projects, which received honorable mentions.
* Texas was named #1 in the U.S. on the *2024 Sustainability Rankings* from Site Selection [ [link removed] ], and two Texas metros took the top spots on the national metro area rankings for sustainability: Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.
* Texas dominated Site Selection’s [ [link removed] ] *America’s Best Counties *raking with five counties among the top 20: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar and Collin.
* Texas has *one of the best state economies* in the U.S., ranking second for economic activity (WalletHub [ [link removed] ]).
* Texas cities rank among the *Best Places to Live in the U.S.* in 2024-2025, according to U.S. News and World Report [ [link removed] ]: Austin, McAllen, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Beaumont and more.
* *The University of Texas System* was ranked #3 in the U.S. for number of patents granted with a total of 235 in 2023 (Academy of Inventors [ [link removed] ]). The Texas A&M University System, Texas Tech University and University of North Texas also ranked among the top 100.
* Among all U.S. states, Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown ranked #8 for *Most Educated Cities*. (WalletHub [ [link removed] ])

Download the latest Top Texas Touts [ [link removed] ] to your mobile device for talking points you can take on-the-go—everything from economic expansion, job creation, workforce, industry, infrastructure, education and more. 

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Recent Meetings & Events

*Samsung Highway Ribbon Cutting*

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Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Texas’ continued partnership with Samsung at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Samsung Highway in Taylor. This project is the next phase of Samsung's expanding investment in the state of Texas. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Governor received a briefing from Samsung’s executives on the ongoing construction of Samsung’s new cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facilities in Central Texas. Read more in the Governor's press release [ [link removed] ]. 

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*Texas Economic Development Council Mid-Year Conference*

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EDT staff attended the Texas Economic Development Council Mid-Year Conference in Conroe in June. Representatives from the Texas Music Office, Texas Film Commission, Business & Community Development and Economic Development Finance joined a panel session to give an update on resources and incentives available to communities and companies across the state.

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*Vehicle Accessory Group’s Ribbon Cutting*

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In June, Governor Abbott and EDT Executive Director Adriana Cruz attended the ribbon cutting for Vehicle Accessory Group's new corporate headquarters in Mesquite, which is expected to create more than 600 new jobs and $65 million in investment. Congratulations to the City of Mesquite and our other local and regional economic development partners on this remarkable win!

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*SelectUSA Investment Summit*

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The EDT team attended the 2024 SelectUSA Summit in June in National Harbor, Maryland. During the summit, EDT Executive Director Cruz participated in the JSW Steel announcement in which the company revealed plans to invest $110 million in Texas to create a new facility dedicated to making high grade plates for offshore wind segments. Other announcements that took place during the Summit include Acutronic’s new headquarters in Austin and aerospace manufacturing facility in Bastrop, and Aditya Birla Group’s new $50 million manufacturing and R&D center in Beaumont. More here [ [link removed] ]. 

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EDT also got the opportunity to participate in the Team Texas booth at SelectUSA. Thank you to our partners, Team Texas, the Texas Economic Development Corporation and our Texas community partners for your ongoing collaboration in promoting Texas as the best state for business!

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*Governor's Small Business Summit — Pampa*

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The Governor's Small Business Summit — Pampa took place June 13 and featured speakers and panelists on a multitude of small business topics including Leveraging Technology in Your Small Business, Access to Finance & Funding and Marketing & E-Commerce Essentials. Find more photos from the event on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and session recordings on YouTube [ [link removed] ]. See upcoming events on our events calendar [ [link removed] ].

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*Governor's Small Business Summit — Lufkin/East Texas*

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The Governor's Small Business Summit — Lufkin/East Texas provided small business owners from across the region with resources to take their businesses to new heights. The Governor's Small Business Awards were presented to four local businesses for their impact on their communities. Find more photos from the event on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and see upcoming events on our events calendar [ [link removed] ].

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*SEMICON West*

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The EDT team joined Texas Economic Development Corporation and Yates Construction at SEMICON West in San Francisco, California, in July to promote Texas as the leading state in the nation for semiconductor manufacturing. Texas community partners and company representatives joined the shared Texas booth.

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*Governor's Small Business Summit — Galveston/Gulf Coast*

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The sold-out Governor's Small Business Summit in Galveston brought together small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the region to connect with resource providers and subject-matter experts on a multitude of topics. Find more photos from the event on Facebook [ [link removed] ]. See upcoming events on our events calendar [ [link removed] ].

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Join Our Team!
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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 Economic Development Finance (EDF), Texas Film Commission (TFC), the Texas Space Commission (TSC) and other divisions. Here's a select sampling of open positions:


* Senior Financial Analyst (EDF) [ [link removed] ]
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Texas Small Business Credit Initiative Administrator (EDF) [ [link removed] ]


* Production Incentives Specialist (TFC) [ [link removed] ]
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Deputy Executive Director (TSC) [ [link removed] ]


* Communications Director (TSC) [ [link removed] ]
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Executive Assistant (TSC) [ [link removed] ]

For more information on available positions, visit gov.texas.gov/employment [ [link removed] ].

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news
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*World's Largest Buc-ee's Opens in Texas [ [link removed] ]
*Everything truly is bigger in Texas! The world’s largest
Buc-ee’s travel center opened in Luling in June. Governor Abbott lauded the strength of the booming Texas economy at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 75,000-square-foot convenience store.*
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*Texas A&M Texarkana Expands Academic Programs [ [link removed] ]*
Texas A&M Texarkana is expanding its academic programs with the addition of two new colleges and a new school, including the new College of Nursing, Health and Human Services, Honors College and the School of Professional Education and Community Engagement.



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*Military Installations Impact on the Texas Economy [ [link removed] ]
*According to a recent study from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, U.S. military installations in Texas contributed at least $151.2 billion to the Texas economy in 2023 and supported more than 677,022 jobs across the state. The study was completed at the request of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.*
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The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office markets Texas as
one of the world's premier business locations and travel destinations.
For more information on doing business in Texas, visit us online at gov.texas.gov/business [ [link removed] ].



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