Texas Workforce Commission unveils online resource for economic development

COLLEGE STATION — Texas communities now have a new resource to help attract business and development opportunities to the Lone Star State. The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with Decision Data Resources, has developed SitesOnTexas 2.0, a web-based geographic information system (GIS) software which allows users to create data-oriented reports and maps, which support economic decisions and help monitor regional progress.

“SitesOnTexas 2.0 is a geographic mapping resource that allows workforce and economic development professionals to effectively collaborate with employers and plan for business expansion, job retention and workforce training,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “TWC is pleased to offer SitesOnTexas 2.0 as another tool in our commitment to make sure Texas remains a premier destination for business.”

TWC, through the three-year agreement with TEEX, is providing two licenses for SitesOnTexas 2.0 for each of TWC’s 28 Local Workforce Development Boards in order to help Texas communities compete for business development and relocation. SitesOnTexas 2.0 combines current datasets provided by Texas Labor Market Information, Census Data and Dun & Bradstreet Business Location Data and others to allow users to dynamically upload, aggregate, compare, rank and map data on demand.

“SitesOnTexas 2.0 is yet another way TWC connects potential employers to the talented workforce here in Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “SitesOnTexas 2.0 will help ensure that Texans who are willing and able to work have access to quality employment.”

Additional organizations may also obtain licenses to SitesOnTexas 2.0, such as economic development, state and local government agencies, community colleges and universities, utility economic development offices, regional planning commissions and chambers of commerce. 

“This cutting-edge research tool gives employers all the information they need to bring their business to Texas—or expand within Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “I believe using this tool will encourage employers outside our great state to put their sites on it.”

About TEEX: The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development.