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Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,
As we start to close out another successful year, filled with growth and prosperity for Texas, I'd like to take a moment to thank all of our economic development partners across the Lone Star State. From our state agency partners to local and regional community partners, each organization has played a vital role in Texas' record-breaking achievements in 2022. Strengthened by our growing collaborations in economic and workforce development, Texas is well positioned to remain the economic engine of the nation and the best state for business!
As we enter December, we also start National Write a Business Plan Month! A business plan is the first and most important step of starting a new business and there's no better time to start your entrepreneurial journey in Texas. Visit our new webpage for resources to get started and enter into the new year with a new endeavor!
In the December Texas Business Bulletin, you will find a 2022 year in review, an economic snapshot, recent project announcements, upcoming events and webinars, 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.
On behalf of the entire Texas Economic Development & Tourism team, we wish you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season!
 -Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
  Unemployment Rate: 4%
Jobs Added in October: 49,500
Job Recovery Rate: 142%
Workforce: Nearly 14.6 million
2022 Year in Review
This year has been full of economic growth and industry activity for Texas! As we reach the end of 2022, we're reminded of the challenges Texas has overcome and the new heights our state has reached. The Lone Star State continues to be recognized for our world-class economic landscape, our business-friendly environment and our ability to attract relocating and expanding companies from around the nation and the world. Here's a look back at some of Texas' top accomplishments and highlights from 2022:
- In 2022, Texas recovered all jobs lost from the pandemic and then some, bringing total jobs to a new historic high of 13.63 million (as of October).
- Texas again ranked #1 in the country for exports for the 20th consecutive year with exports valued at more than $375 billion in 2021.
- Texas became the #1 state for total Fortune 500 corporate headquarter locations with 53 total (and growing).
- Texas was named the #1 Best State for Business for the 18th year in a row by Chief Executive Magazine.
- Texas received its 10th Governor's Cup in a row and 18th total cup for the most corporate relocation and expansion projects from Site Selection Magazine.
- Texas won the Gold Shovel Award for the 10th year from Area Development Magazine, recognizing the state's efforts to attract high-value investment and large job creating projects.
- Texas ranked #1 in the country for total Foreign Trade Zone economic impact, according to Site Selection Magazine.
- Texas ranked #1 on the Global Groundwork Index for our ability to align private- and public-sector investment in physical facility and infrastructure projects.
- Texas dominated the State & Metro Rankings from Business Facilities Magazine, taking home 53 total awards including eight chart-topping titles in Semiconductors, FDI and Installed Wind Power Capacity.
Most importantly, the Texas economy is resurging, job recovery is high and Texas continues to be a national beacon of economic strength and freedom! For more Texas awards and accolades, download the Texas Bragging Rights PDF and be sure to share the good news!
  
In October, EDT's Executive Director, Adriana Cruz, attended the groundbreaking for Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies' new vaccine manufacturing facility in College Station.
 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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Chevron Phillips Chemical and QatarEnergy in Orange: Chevron Phillips Chemical and QatarEnergy have announced a joint venture to establish a new $8.5 billion integrated polymers facility in Orange, Texas, expected to create more than 500 new jobs.
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SK Signet in Plano: Electric vehicle charging solutions manufacturer, SK Signet, announced plans to create up to 183 highly skilled jobs with a new facility in Plano. The facility is expected to provide the first U.S.-made ultra-fast chargers above 350 kilowatts.
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ELM in The Colony: ELM announced a new headquarters and manufacturing facility for their MicroGrid and Solar Divisions in The Colony. The facility is expected to employ more than 100 clean energy professionals.
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Pratt & Whitney in Wichita Falls: Pratt & Whitney will expand their Texas presence with 30 new jobs and a new product line at their Wichita Falls facility.
National Write a Business Plan Month
December is National Write a Business Plan Month! Visit our website for helpful resources and tips to get started on your business plan.
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Women in Tech Trade Mission
 EDT's International Business & Trade Team Lead, Shirley Temple, accompanied a delegation of Texas businesses during the U.S. Commercial Service's Women in Tech Trade Mission in November. The trade mission helped businesses explore export opportunities and potential business partners in France, Netherlands and Portugal. Read more about the trade mission here.
 Governor's Small Business Series - Corsicana
  The Governor’s Small Business Series - Corsicana, which took place on November 10, was an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who shared timely, relevant, actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics. The Keynote Speaker for the event was Chet Garner, Host of The Daytripper. For information on this year's events and webinars, and announcements for 2023, visit our events calendar.
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Governor's Small Business Series — Bryan/College Station I December 8, 2022
The Governor’s Small Business Series — Bryan/College Station 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.
 “It ain’t bragging if it's true!” Here are some of the recent accolades Texas has received:
 We're hiring! Interested in working with the best state economic development team in the country and helping grow the state's economy? There are multiple positions for experienced professionals in Business & Community Development, Tourism, Economic Development Finance 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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