Sustainable practices, technologies can boost rural Texas economy

COLLEGE STATION – The upcoming Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) 2012 Spring Conference in Rockwall, Texas, will promote economic development and job growth in rural Texas. The event incorporates emerging sustainable technologies and industries which promote cost savings, increased profitability, and job creation.

The Texas Engineering Extension Service is partnering with the TEDC conference to host the 1-day Growing Green Communities conference track on April 19 at the Hilton Bella Harbor in Rockwall. The special track will highlight renewable energy and energy-saving ideas, water conservation technologies, tax incentives and financing tools, along with best practices that help businesses maximize profits. The TEDC Spring Conference is scheduled from April 18-20.

Business and community leaders, economic developers and entrepreneurs can network and meet speakers from Texas businesses and state and local government who will provide the latest knowledge and technical expertise on sustainable communities, competitiveness, lean optimization, green workforce, funding incentives, and material reclamation for job growth. Information will also be presented on grants and tax breaks that can help spur economic development and entrepreneurship in rural communities.

“This is part of a state and federal effort to spur economic development in rural and distressed areas of Texas by harnessing emerging technologies and industries,” said Program Manager, Lisa Mutchler, with TEEX’s Knowledge Engineering division. “Conference participants will learn how sustainable practices and industries improve the bottom line of businesses and the local community and help to diversify the local economic base.”

TEDC conference attendance counts as professional development training through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and toward recertification of Certified Economic Developers. Participants who wish to attend the April 19 Growing Green Communities one-day session only, may register for $150. The fee includes seven informative presentations, as well as breakfast, lunch and an evening networking reception with speakers and other attendees. The full three-day conference rate is $300 for TEDC members and $350 for non-members.

Funding for the session is provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Partnering agencies for the conference include the Growing Green Advisory Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas General Land Office, Texas Association of Regional Councils, Texas Economic Development Council, State Energy Conservation Office, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, among others.

About the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

TEEX, a member of The Texas A&M University System, offers hands-on, customized, first-responder training, homeland security exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. TEEX programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue, and economic development.