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Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,
Once again, the Lone Star State sets record-breaking job growth! According to the most recent data for June, Texas has added nearly 500,000 new private-sector jobs since the pre-pandemic high in early 2020. In fact, Texas has added back more jobs than any other state and more than the next two states combined! Congratulations to all of our community partners across the state for this remarkable success and we look forward to working with you to continue strengthening the state's economy.
In the August Texas Business Bulletin, you will find an economic snapshot, overview of the Texas automotive manufacturing industry, recent project announcements, new publications, open positions and much more!
As always, please visit our website, follow us on social media, or reach out to a member of our team if we can be of any assistance. Thanks for all you do for our great state!
 -Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
  Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Jobs Added in June: 82,500
Job Recovery Rate: 132%
Workforce: 14.6 million
The Office of the Governor has launched a new recovery program—the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR), which began accepting applications July 6 2022.
The TTIR Program was established to provide one-time reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19. These one-time grants are to reimburse eligible costs to these qualifying businesses.
Due to the size of the industry and the high number of potential applicants, applications will be accepted in phases by industry sector identified by NAICS code.
EDT is hosting a series of webinars for specific industry groups to provide more information and answer questions on the program and application process. To register for the webinars and for eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, FAQs, and a video tutorial, click the link below.
Our office develops in-depth reports and publications highlighting the Lone Star State's best assets in various industry sectors. Check out these and other Reports & Publications on our website.
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense Snapshot
The Texas aerospace, aviation and defense industry is a major driver of the state's economy. From aircraft part manufacturing to commercial space exploration, the Lone Star State is home to operations of all kinds. Not to mention, Texas has more airports than any other state and 15 active military bases. For more on this important industry, check out the updated Aerospace, Aviation & Defense Snapshot!
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In July 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act, or CHIPS Act. This critical legislation will provide support for semiconductor research, design and fabrication, while creating a tax credit for semiconductor manufacturing investment.
As the top exporter of semiconductors and other electronic components in the U.S. for the last 11 years, these federal incentives will allow Texas to better compete for investment in this industry, therefore securing a stronger semiconductor supply chain in the U.S. and bolstering our national security.
The CHIPS Act will not only continue to attract investments in the semiconductor industry to Texas, such as recent multi-billion dollar announcements from Samsung, Texas Instruments and GlobiTech, but will also benefit the semiconductor-related companies already operating in the state.
Governor Greg Abbott previously expressed support for this legislation and issued a statement upon the passing of the CHIPS Act in the U.S. Congress. For more information on how the CHIPS Act will allow Texas to become a global mecca for semiconductor manufacturing, we invite you to read this article from the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Made in Texas: Automotive Manufacturing
Texas is a magnet for automotive manufacturing and our state's competitive advantages are fueling high-speed growth in this sector. Since 2020, Texas has attracted $1.4 billion in investment and more than 6,700 new jobs have been announced by various automotive companies across the state. With more than 38,000 workers in the field and more than 540 establishments, the Lone Star State ranks in the top 10 nationally for automotive employment.
Tesla, Toyota, Aisin AW, Continental, Navistar and many others have announced new investments or major expansions to their operations in Texas. General Motors, Peterbilt and DeLorean Motor Company have long-standing operations in the state. Not to mention, the hundreds of other manufacturers, parts producers and suppliers and automotive supply chain companies located in regions across the state.
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 “Texas is undoubtedly going to be the home of the auto industry in the future. We work hard to maintain our competitive advantages." - Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, EDT
Texas is also increasingly becoming a hub for innovation in this sector—everything from electric vehicles to autonomous technologies. DeLorean Motor Company recently announced plans to produce an all-new, all-electric sports car in San Antonio. Electric vehicle technology company, REE announced their first North American headquarters in Pflugerville, creating $25 million in capital investment and 125 new jobs. In addition, Toyota announced their first-ever Tundra hybrid will exclusively be produced at their San Antonio factory. Not to mention, Tesla's Texas Gigafactory recently celebrated its grand opening in Austin, and the company's headquarters relocation to the area has helped solidify Texas as a key player in this sector.
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"We are becoming a leader in electric vehicle production and R&D. Autonomous driving technology is also getting big in Texas." - Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, EDT
Texas universities like Texas A&M University and University of North Texas are leading the way in the study of autonomous vehicle technology. Both private and public programs are driving research and development for mapping, localization, guidance, navigation and control for autonomous vehicles.
As the "Made in Texas" brand continues to be supported by a highly skilled workforce, strategic and central geographic location and a best-in-class business climate, Texas will continue to drive major investment in the automotive sector. For more on automotive manufacturing in Texas, click the link below to see our Automotive Industry Snapshot.
 
In June 2022, Governor Greg Abbott met with Toyota Motor Corp President, Akio Toyoda, to discuss the strong and growing relationship between Texas and Toyota.
Texas' success in attracting the most expanded and relocated corporate facility projects is thanks to the multitude of unique 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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Samsung in Texas: Samsung will potentially increase their investment in Texas with up to 11 new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Taylor and Austin. These facilities have the potential to create up to 10,000 new jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in capital investment.
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Chewters Chocolates in Rockwall: Chewters Chocolates will open a state-of-the-art chocolate manufacturing facility in Rockwall. The facility is anticipated to create $40 million in capital investment and 120 new jobs.
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H-E-B in Temple: H-E-B will expand their Temple distribution facilities with a new automated frozen distribution line. The facility is expected to create more than 100 new jobs for the local economy.
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Expal USA in Texarkana: Expal USA will invest $1.4 million in their facilities at the TexAmericas Center in Texarkana. The company plans to hire 44 new employees by the end of the year.
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Kroger in Dallas: Kroger celebrated the grand opening of their new Customer Fulfillment Center in Dallas. The facility is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the area.
2022 Farnborough International Airshow
 EDT and a delegation of Texas businesses in the aerospace, aviation and defense industries attended the Farnborough International Airshow, which took place in Farnborough, United Kingdom, July 18-22, 2022. The trade show is one of the world's largest aerospace industry events. The Texas delegation got the opportunity to connect with potential business partners from around the world.
Upcoming Events
Governor's Small Business Series - Lubbock I August 25, 2022
The Governor’s Small Business Series - Lubbock will connect small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business. The event is an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who can share timely, relevant, actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics. While Texas and the rest of the world was hit hard by the pandemic, Lubbock’s entrepreneurial spirit did not waiver. We hope you will join us as we bring federal, state, and local resources who are all invested in seeing Lubbock continue to flourish!
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Events
The U.S. Department of Commerce will lead a number of trade missions throughout the year, designed for businesses to connect with prospective partners in markets across the globe. Texas businesses are invited to apply to participate in these upcoming trade missions to gain knowledge and assistance in exporting their products to international markets.
 “It ain’t bragging if it's true!” Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:
- Texas ranked as the most sustainable state in the U.S., according to Site Selection Magazine. Multiple Texas cities ranked among the top metros in the nation for sustainability: Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown (#1), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (#2), Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land (#8).
- Texas received the highest level of greenfield investment from new and expanded foreign-owned U.S. businesses in 2021 with investment valued at nearly $1 billion (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).
- Two Texas metros led the nation for small business job growth in July, according to the Paychex Small Business Jobs Index: Dallas (#1) and Houston (#2).
- Texas ranked #2 on the United States Draper Innovation Index for May, which evaluates state's environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Dallas-Fort Worth leads the nation in 2022 for new office building starts with 3.8 million square feet of construction, according to a new Commercial Edge report. Additionally, the Austin area was second with 2.7 million square feet.
- Texas cities rank among the 15 Best Cities in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure: San Antonio (#9) and Austin (#11).
The Sunset Advisory Commission is continuing to accept public comment regarding the mission and performance of the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT). The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review agencies and to recommend whether to continue the agency and/or to change state law to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
How to Submit Input: For instructions on providing comments and suggestions to Sunset staff on EDT's mission, operations and services, visit gov.texas.gov/business/page/sunset-review.
As a Texas economic development stakeholder, your input is vital. Please provide your comments by September 1, 2022 to ensure Sunset staff can consider your input while conducting their review. Thank you for your time and assistance!
Join Our Team!
 Interested in working with the best state economic development team in the country? The Office of the Governor is hiring! There are multiple positions for experienced professionals in Business & Community Development 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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