< Previous T E X A S E C O N O MI C DE V E L O P M E N T G U I DETEXAS2019-20 Edition| Volume 10ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE BUSINESS CLIMATE18 Business Climate OverviewIf Texas were an independent nation, its economy would rank as the 10th largest in the world. Here’s why.22 Bragging RightsBeing ranked No. 1 is nothing new in Texas. When it comes to superlatives, no other state in the union can hold a candle to the Lone Star State.28 State of the State: Statistical Profi leAn in-depth look at Texas and its economy by the numbers.34 Growth DriversSince 2008, Texas has led the nation with 6,415 corporate real estate expansion projects. No other state even comes close. LEADERSHIP DIALOG42 Governor’s InterviewA relentless focus on workforce development has the Governor primed to win Texas a record 8th consecutive Site Selection Governor’s Cup.52 Interview With Executive Director for Economic Development Bryan DanielCreating a business climate that enables companies to thrive is job one for Bryan Daniel and his team.57 Interview With President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corp. Robert AllenA Texas location gives a company an unmatched ability to make global connections, says Robert Allen.62 Interview with Vicki HollubThe fi rst woman to head a major American oil company discusses how a Texas headquarters location and the Permian Basin add up to a winning formula.T A B L E O F C O NTE NT S40 INVESTMENT PROFILE: Hobby Area DistrictBusinesses looking to move to Houston are surprised to learn the Hobby Area District off ers a premium address without a premium price tag.8 T E X A S E C O N O MI C DE V E L O P M E N T G U I DE 66 Interview with Tilman FertittaFrom peeling shrimp in his father’s restaurant to becoming the world’s wealthiest restaurateur, Tilman Fertitta has rocketed to the top of the corporate world and the sporting arena. REGION PROFILES 70 Region ProfilesNorth, south, east or west, Texas is clearly the best state for business. GLOBAL MARKET 94 Texas Metros & FDI The roll call of international companies is long and is constantly getting longer in the Lone Star State’s many globally connected metropolitan areas. 96 Trade Relations & Leadership in ExportFor an astounding 17 years in a row, Texas has been ranked as the No. 1 exporting state in America. WORKFORCE 100 Workforce DevelopmentWith the state expected to generate 2.1 million new jobs by 2026, the Texas Workforce Commission already has a plan for how to fill them. 106 Higher/Secondary EducationCareer and Technical Education Signing Day has become a big deal in Texas, rivaling the national signing days of college sports. 110 University ProfilesTexas’ many colleges and universities are already recognized as ranking among the very best in the nation — and they’re only getting started. STARTUP STATE 112 Entrepreneurs, Startups & InnovatorsCode Authority Inc. in Frisco is just one of thousands of entrepreneurial startups succeeding in the Lone Star State. The main reason? Resources to grow business innovation abound in Texas. 116 Minority and Women-Owned BusinessesFrom Neiman Marcus to Mary Kay, women-owned businesses have flourished in Texas for a long time. The state’s unique business climate is a key factor in their rise.10 T E X A S E C O N O MI C DE V E L O P M E N T G U I DE INDUSTRY REPORTS 120 Corporate Headquarters48 Fortune 500 companies make Texas their corporate headquarters base. Their presence serves as a constant beacon calling other firms to join them. 124 Oil & GasIt’s no secret that Texas leads the nation in oil and gas industry employment, with over 350,000 jobs, and the Permian Basin is adding to that number daily. 128 Renewable Energy & Electric UtilitiesSome of the biggest names in the oil industry are investing heavily into renewable energy projects throughout the Lone Star State. 132 Automotive ManufacturingToyota and GM form the backbone of an automotive manufacturing sector that shows no signs of slowing in Texas. 134 Aerospace, Aviation & DefenseIf it orbits in space or soars the blue skies, there’s a good chance that a skilled Texan in the aerospace, aviation or defense industry had a hand in producing it. 140 Advanced Technology & Manufacturing From hybrid trucks to the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas is banking on technology to drive advanced manufacturing in all corners of the state. 148 Cybersecurity & CybertechnologyCyber-crooks don’t stand a chance in Texas, where the right mix of talent, capital, university R&D and other resources is putting a lid on hackers’ crime sprees. 152 Biotech, Life Science & Health Care McKesson moved its HQ from California to Texas, joining a wave of biomedical firms choosing Texas as their home base for helping people live longer, healthier lives. 155 Data Centers, Software & ITFrom CloudConnect to Homebase and beyond, innovative software and IT firms are placing huge bets on Texas locations. 160 Agribusiness & Food ProcessingInnovation and investment are coming to Texas’ thriving agribusiness and food-processing sectors.12 T E X A S E C O N O MI C DE V E L O P M E N T G U I DEThe publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway, nor Texas Economic Development Guide, assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) 446-6996 • FAX: (770) 263-8825 • TOLL FREE: (800) 554-5686 email: editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/cc/texasTexas Economic Development Guide is published by Conway, 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 USA. PRINTED IN USA. ©2019 Conway President & Publisher ADAM JONES-KELLEY Executive Vice President RONALD J. STARNER VP of Publications & Editor in Chief MARK AREND Managing Editor of Custom Content SAVANNAH KING Managing Editor ADAM BRUNS Senior Editor GARY DAUGHTERS Art Director SCOTT LARSEN Production Manager BOB GRAVLEE Lead Designers SEAN SCANTLAND RICHARD NENOFF NEGIN MOMTAZ Graphic Designer WHITNEY ONI Vice President of Sales CHARLES FITZGIBBON Vice President of Corporate Development PAUL TARRANTS Regional Director Custom Content MARGARET ROSE Regional Director Custom Content KRISTIN PICKETT Lead Photographer CARMYN SUZOR Marketing Manager STEPHANY GASPARD Customer Support Manager BRIAN WATSON Circulation Manager JULIE CLARKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TE AM Webmaster BEN YAWN Director of Programming & Analytics DANIEL BOYER IT Coordinator MARK BERTRAM LIFE IN TEXAS 162 Quality of LifeUrban cowboys aren’t the only fun-loving people who like to call Texas home. Fans of arts, culture, music, the hill country and coastal living all find things to love in the state. 168 Sports & RecreationAlready known as a mecca for sports fans, Texas added another jewel to its crown when it landed the headquarters of the PGA of America. 174 Photo GalleryFrom a Corpus Christi sunrise to the most beautiful sunsets in El Paso, pictures are worth more than a thousand words when painting the unique allure of Texas. 183 Index to AdvertisersGreenville EDCAdDIG I T A L E D I T I O NTAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU ENJOYRead the digital edition on your tablet and phone. Click on links within articles for even more information. SHAREShare the magazine on social media with your friends and community. LINKFeature the magazine on your blog, website or newsle ers with a link or one of our easy-to-use tools.siteselection.com/cc/texasCover design by the Texas Economic Development CorporationNext >