Texas Leads States in Economic Health

Guest Blogger: Drew DeBerry, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner

It seems hardly a day goes by where I don't find some mention of Texas in the news for being a frontrunner in the nation’s economy.

Most recently, the Texas economy received national accolades for its employment. National Review Online reported last week, "more than half of the net new jobs in the U.S. during the past 12 months were created in the Lone Star State."

And last month, Meredith Whitney, a noted financial analyst known for predicting the national banking crisis, named Texas the national leader in state financial health. Whitney’s 600-page report on the condition of state governments titled “Tragedy of the Commons: Launching Ratings on the Top 15 States” says only Texas and Virginia earned overall positive rankings among the 15 largest states.

In an interview on CNBC, Whitney said, “The best state is actually Texas, by a mile.”

You can read Fortune Magazine’s coverage of her report here. You can watch her interview on CNBC here: (Texas discussion begins at about 3:45.)




And finally, within our great state, sales tax collections are definitely pointing in the right direction. In September, the state reported sales tax collections increased by nearly 7 percent compared to a year ago.

While all of this national recognition is welcome and appreciated, the real benefit to all Texans is the fact that our economy is truly ahead of the curve.

TDA gives urban students a rural experience

On Wednesday morning, I met with a group of students who have been selected to be the first participants in TDA’s new Texas Rural Internship Program. The program, which officially starts on June 1, will provide much needed connectivity between urban and rural Texas, and help develop some of today’s talented college students into tomorrow’s leaders.

Rural Texas faces many challenges and we must be proactive in developing leadership and finding solutions to the dilemmas facing our communities that in many cases preserve the heritage of this great state. Job growth, community planning and relationships between rural, suburban and urban Texas are essential to the future prosperity of the Lone Star State.

We are grateful to Dr. Gene Theodori, director for the Center for Rural Studies at Sam Houston State University, who helped us spearhead this unique internship project giving the following six SHSU students an outstanding opportunity in rural Texas:

Left to right: Raven Payour, Katie Goodwin, Lauren Robinson, Mercadi Crawford, Mercy Lane and Brittany Dennis.

The communities taking part in the internship program are Brady, Hamilton, Levelland, San Juan and Van Horn. The Texas Rural Internship Program is a pilot initiative this year; our goal is to expand the program to serve more students and rural communities in 2010.

Rural Texas Agriculture Keeps the Lone Star State Prosperous

I met with a talented group of House and Senate members called the Rural Caucus this week, who are dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of this great state by ensuring policy initiatives that allow for rural areas to continue to grow and prosper.

The meeting served as a reminder that agriculture doesn’t stop at the borders of rural Texas. Whether you live in a rural, suburban or urban part of the Lone Star State, we all depend on the production of our state’s farmers and ranchers for the food we eat and the clothes we wear. The potential for bioenergy also grows every day in the agriculture industry as new technology is developed and economically implemented.

As Texas’ population grows, rural Texas still packs quite a punch. In fact, the population of rural Texas is greater than the populations of Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming and the District of Columbia combined! And if you haven’t visited rural Texas in a while, check out our GO TEXAN Rural Community Program for a listing of all the great places to see.

Senate Finance Committee Testimony

Wednesday, I testified before the Senate Finance Committee and discussed the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 2010-2011 budget request. TDA has taken on many additional responsibilities over the past few years and we hope to improve upon these services.

After holding discussions with producers, agribusinesses and professionals all across the state, we identified several exceptional items we believe need additional resources to better serve and protect all Texans.

TDA’s four main priorities are Agricultural Biosecurity, Consumer Protection, Economic Development and Healthy Lifestyles. I look forward to working with our dedicated members in the House and Senate as they draft a budget that ensures Texans receive necessary and efficient services that maximize the investment of state dollars.

Guest Blog: 1,500 Miles - 21 Communities - 5 Days

While Wall Street continues to ride an economic rollercoaster, the Texas Department of Agriculture is working hard to make sure main streets all across west Texas have a roadmap for success by hosting economic development roundtable meetings in rural communities across the region. “Partners for Progress” Rural Economic Development Roundtable Discussions is a partnership of the Governors Office of Economic Development, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Texas Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Division.

The roundtable meetings bring together local community and business leaders to discuss local and regional business and economic issues; identify areas of need and opportunities; and learn about resources that can help them.

Agribusiness and Rural Economic Development Specialist Jack Stallings teamed up with Cynthia Delgado from the Office of the Governor and John Perkins with the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the road tour. I am happy to present their “guest blog” of their tour of West Texas:

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1,500 Miles - 21 Communities - 5 Days

DAY ONE:

It began in Clint, Texas as we watched the sun come up over one of the smallest town halls in the state. A converted scale house at an abandoned cotton gin now serves as Mayor Dale Reinhardt’s command center for one of the smallest, but growing communities in El Paso County.

Our partnership met a diverse group of community leaders and business people who shared Clint’s needs, problems and goals for future growth and job creation. Among the needs discussed were basic infrastructure, such as water and sewer, which would provide the foundation for new businesses to locate and existing businesses to expand.


Our next stop was the Culberson County Courthouse, the only adobe courthouse within the great state of Texas, perhaps even in the United States! We met with representatives from the four communities in the county: Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Fort Hancock and Esperanza. We discussed the issues of basic infrastructure, animal control and lack of housing for border patrol officers and prison employees.

Recent attacks on domestic animals by wild dogs and mountain lions are challenging local law enforcement, creating an immediate need for an animal control officer.



The marquee at the Van Horn community center welcomed us to the crossroads of Texas, gateway to the Texas Mountain Trail and two national parks: Guadalupe and Big Bend.


After an authentic Mexican lunch at Toni’s, we sat down with the Economic Development Corporation and representatives from the Culberson County Hospital District, Culberson County-Allamore Independent School District, local businesses and the city. Community concerns centered around lack of housing, solid waste disposal and the need for a pharmacy.

DAY TWO: Marfa, Presidio & Terlingua

We got an early start (4:30 am!) on day two as we headed to Marfa, home of the mysterious Marfa Lights.

Traveling down I-10 we witnessed a beautiful sunrise over the Quitman Mountains.

After arriving in Marfa and visiting the famous Paisano Hotel where James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed during the filming of “Giant,” we headed to Marfa City Hall to meet with a large group of community leaders and business folks.


Marfa’s issues mirrored those of other rural communities, being basic infrastructure and housing. In addition, they have an interest in increasing tourism and identifying additional entrepreneurial opportunities to foster area employment.

After leaving Marfa, we headed south toward the border and one of the oldest, continuously inhabited areas in North America and the site of the first Texas Christmas Mass held in 1683: Presidio.

We arrived at the Presidio Activity Center and found a unified crowd of civic-minded citizens with a large array of issues and goals to pursue for the betterment of their city. Lorenzo Reyes, CEO of the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions joined us in Presidio.


The issues Presidio city officials were most concerned with included equipping the new clinic, and getting assistance with the planned upgrade of the electric transmission lines to the city. The rehabilitation of the South Orient Rail Line, which could provide tremendous economic stimulus for the area and the state, was also discussed. Exploring the paths of pioneers, we drove east along the Rio Grande on 170 (one of the most scenic drives in the United States) in route to Terlingua in Big Bend National Park.

We were forced to take dirt road detours due to recent flooding which not only damaged many roads, but also caused considerable destruction in Presidio.




The Ghost Town of Terlingua now derives its livelihood from tourism, instead of mining. According to the Texas Mountain Travel guide, Terlingua’s residents are a new generation of entrepreneurs, river guides, urban refugees and hardy retirees. Given its isolated geographic location, Terlingua’s issues include access to health care, preventative medicine, governmental and social services.

A pleasant highlight was when the owner of Terlingua’s Whitson Chile expressed her appreciation for the assistance she received through TDA’s GO TEXAN program. With the GO TEXAN program, Whitson Chile has been able to expand both domestically and internationally.



DAY THREE – Alpine & Fort Davis

Located in a valley between the Davis, Glass and Del Norte Mountains, Alpine boasts the best climate in Texas, with warm and sunny winter days and cool summer nights. A large group of business and community leaders discussed issues with the greatest impact on the economic growth and health of Alpine. A shortage of workers in the vocational/tech fields, affordable housing and a decline in tourism dollars were among the issues mentioned.

Named after Secretary of War, James Davis, Fort Davis was established to protect the trade route along the Overland Trail, between St Louis and California. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Davis Mountains and is home to a host of artisans and merchants. Since tourism is a large portion of Fort Davis’ economy it was, of course, one of several areas of concern.


Operating on limited dollars, Fort Davis’ Volunteer Fire Department is in need of funds to build a new fire rescue training facility. Currently, the only facility remotely close is Texas A&M University.

To be Continued...

Partners for Progress will hit the road again later this week , visiting the communities of Sanderson, Iraan, Fort Stockton, Monahans and Pecos. For more information about Partners for Progress, contact Jack Stallings at (915) 859-3943.

Industry Collaboraton Yields Positive Results

Congratulations to the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association for working with Austin Community College (ACC) to ensure Austin continues to be home to what I believe is one of the best hospitality industries in the nation. Through a recent $15,000 donation, the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association has provided scholarships for students to attend the college.

ACC is a leader in working with industry and developing partnerships that create pathways for students to earn degrees and jobs in the local workforce. Not only do these partnerships benefit the students, but they benefit the local economy as well.

The Texas Department of Agriculture wants to hear more success stories about industry and community college collaboration. Send your stories to ga@texasagriculture.com. Let's all work to grow Texas.

Platform for Success

On Thursday I spoke to the “Putting America Back to Work” conference hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission.

I must say this was well attended by a good cross section of Texans who want to see our economy tackle the tough issues of affordable and reliable energy, workforce development and a sound economic model to attract business, jobs and capital investment.

My message was a simple one: What are we doing to prepare our children to be competitive in an ever-changing economy that is constantly challenged by advancements from other countries?

Capturing our kids’ imaginations is the answer. We must do that with choices in our educational structure like those occurring at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. There, a consortium of Taylor and Hutto school districts in partnership with Temple College, Texas State Technical College, Tarleton State and Texas Tech University has formed a group called Legacy College High School that will enable kids to graduate from high school with 60 hours of college credit. The students have the choice to pursue career and technical classes with rigor or the traditional academic route.

Local leaders took the initiative to develop this platform of success. We need local leaders partnering with state leaders to duplicate this success story all over Texas. We must prepare our children for successful futures and to meet future job demands – prepare them with rigor and accountability – as they go on to take the lead in Texas.

TDA and community development

I recently spoke with city leaders and entrepreneurs from several north Texas cities at the Best Southwest Partnership quarterly luncheon in Duncanville. It was exciting to see the local officials’ enthusiasm and dedication to building opportunities for their communities and the Lone Star State. I visited with them about the Texas Department of Agriculture’s expanded role to serve all Texans and the need for communities to foster economic development.



In case you missed it, Lancaster Today highlighted my message to the group:

Ag commissioner shares thoughts on Texas community with BSW

By DANIELLE PARKER
Wednesday, December 17

Living in a metropolitan area, agriculture may not be a prime concern to the residents of Southwest Dallas County. But at the Best Southwest Partnership quarterly luncheon, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples communicated the importance of Texas agriculture and community development.

“If you are eating today or wearing clothes, you are involved in agriculture,” Staples said. “In 2007, for the first time ever, agriculture contributed more than $100 billion to Texas economy and 9.5 percent of the state's total gross product. People really don't think about agriculture until there is a problem.”

Contrary to popular belief, Staples said the Texas Department of Agriculture centers upon much more than agriculture.

“We focus on a variety of issues and concerns, working for the advancement and opportunity for all of us in Texas,” Staples said. “We act as the state's weights and measures to protect consumers and businesses.”

One of TDA's primary concentrations is child obesity and education, an area in which Texas has become a leader in recent years, according to Staples.

“Texas ranks sixth in the nation in child obesity,” Staples said. “Our priority is to turn the trend around. We are encouraging food service directors and administrators to helps us implement programs to teach the importance of healthy living.

TDA is partnering with schools and businesses to preserve Texas' quality education, which Staples said is not only vital to students, but the businesses as well.

“We must make certain we invest in our children. We have to communicate the importance of these programs for not only their health and well-being, but also the health for our economy. As a business community, you are the end users of our graduates.”

Education and a sense of community is what Staples said sets Texas apart. Understanding the unique qualities of Texas, TDA has initiated the GO Texan campaign, which promotes the products, cultures and communities of the state.

“We recently discovered that 96 percent of Texans prefer Texas products,” Staples said. “People around the globe are excited about Texas. We, as Texans, have an image that we can capitalize on.”

With the nation's economy in its current shape, Staples highlighted that Texas is better off than most financially.

“Unlike many states, such as Michigan and California, who are calling on the federal government to bail them out, Texans have planned ahead financially with low taxes and a high quality of life. We are a welcome mat for opportunity.”

Staples believes that Texas has all of the traits to become a retirement destination for seniors around the nation.

“Texas is the second most popular state for retirement, but we want to be No. 1,” Staples said Retirees contribute about $2.3 trillion in annual spending. I don't know about you, but I want that money coming into Texas' economy. Retirees are an industry.'

In March 2007, Duncanville became the fourth Go Texan Certified Retirement Community and Staples encouraged Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Lancaster communities to join their neighbor.

“It would be easy to say, ‘Well Duncanville already is a CRC. Do we really need another in this area?' As businesspeople, you are well aware of how a cluster economy can build off of one another. The best way to attract people to your area is to have several cities that have multiple things to offer them. As a community that is working together, you can cast a much bigger net.”

Staples applauded the work the BSW partnership was doing in its collective effort to create a community of which its residents and businessowners can be proud.

“We must maintain a spirit of cooperation that enables us to realize we are competitors, but also understand that if my neighbor does well that benefits me, too.”