Study: Future is Still Bright for South Texas

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Knowledge Engineering Division has concluded an extensive 24-month study of the competitive trends, challenges, and opportunities for South Texas to expand existing industry and attract new investment. The study included data and analysis from Dr. Esther Silva and the Global Supply Chain Lab at Texas A&M University.

The results showed solid growth in business expansion and job creation across the region and highlighted a number of trends and opportunities that will better position the area as one of the leading job creators nationwide.

The study was conducted with the input from local leaders, economic development professionals, industry representatives, educational leaders, and port officials and logistics personnel. A cross section of focus groups, in-person interviews, and trends analysis revealed and confirmed a number of challenges and opportunities for the region. The leading concern was the availability of a qualified skilled workforce to address the growing labor demands. Other areas of concern included a combination of available housing, expanded healthcare services, and region-wide infrastructure to support the growth.

Positive aspects of the competitive economy in South Texas include reasonable utilities costs, increased investment in both higher education and skills training, excellent seaport facilities, and a continual effort on the part of communities across the region to collaborate on issues such as transportation, regional healthcare and education.

“The region remains as dynamic as we expected it would be,” said John Adams, Program Director for TEEX Knowledge Engineering. “There are many opportunities and many challenges ahead to address the growth and workforce needs, the future is very bright.”

The study was made possible through grant funding from the US Department of Commerce (USDOC), Economic Development Administration. Find a complete copy of the report at: http://www.teex.org/southtexaseda

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 and exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. Last year, TEEX served more than 169,000 people from every U.S. state and territory and 79 countries worldwide. TEEX makes a difference by providing training, developing practical solutions, and saving lives. TEEX is a member of The Texas A&M University System.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Will Welch
[email protected]
PH: 979-458-6979, Cell: 979-220-2840

Brian Blake, TEEX Communications Director
[email protected]
PH: 979-458-6837, Cell: 979-324-8995