Friday, February 13, 2009

High Ground of Texas Attracts Businesses and Expansion

I just returned from a trade mission with The High Ground of Texas to the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. The High Ground is a regional partnership stretching from the Panhandle through the Southern Plains and to the Permian Basin. They are a great group that understands the value of partnerships and making agricultural enterprises aware of the benefits of doing business in Texas.

As a result of The High Ground’s efforts, numerous businesses have relocated to the northern region of our state. In fact, several dairy farms are located in the Panhandle, and Hilmar Cheese is now in Dalhart because of their successful efforts. Hilmar has more than 170 employees at their Texas facility, and the group is hopeful for continued expansion.

Low taxes, affordable land and good work ethic are factors bringing jobs to Texas. From October 2007 to October 2008, the U.S. lost over half a million net jobs while Texas created a quarter of a million net new jobs. This means jobs for our children and opportunities for Texans. Congratulations to The High Ground and to all of our economic development professionals competing to attract jobs to Texas.

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