TEXAS SPOTLIGHT
Finding Common Ground
One thing that both Southwest and American agree on, however, is that Dallas-Forth Worth is a great place to do business. Both airlines say that they plan on remaining in the Metroplex for a long time — and they hope other companies join them.
"Kinko's, Blockbuster and Fluor wouldn't have moved to Dallas-Fort Worth without the hub access and the direct international flights that are offered in this market," says American's Wagner. "Southwest serves 60 markets in the U.S., and we serve another 125 markets in the U.S. and 31 international destinations. Corporate travel managers have to evaluate that when they select a city."
"Dallas is a growing city. It is our home, and we want to stay here," says Southwest's Kelly. "We have been a great contributor to Texas. We are a Texas corporation. This is where our roots are. Dallas is a great place to do business. We have about 5,500 employees in Dallas and 32,000 overall. Dallas is by far our largest employment location.
"We just wish we could enter the 21st century in air transportation here in Dallas."
Even in agreement, the debate rages on.
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What is it about the Texas work force that continues to attract so many large industrial companies to the Lone Star State? "One of the strengths is that Texas continues to be a strong right-to-work state in a business-friendly environment, with easily trainable employees," says Michael Rareshide, executive vice president with Dallas-based Partners National Real Estate Group Inc. "Throughout Texas, you hear about the 'can-do' attitude in the business environment, which tends to be evidenced in fast-track permitting and the necessary approvals needed to attract such key manufacturing sectors." While corporate projects in other states may be snagged by red tape and layers of governmental bureaucracy, officials in Texas know how to get the deal done, and get it done quickly, says Rareshide, who regularly advises large firms on where to locate their next big facility. "Typically, Texas economic development officials can provide tangible evidence of successful relocations from other employers with similar experience in such relocations to the area," he adds. "Also, the lack of a state income tax would certainly be at the top of the list for the employees relocating to the area. Plus, the governor has the ability to allocate funds for direct incentives to qualified projects to induce them to come to Texas." Rareshide should know. He recently conducted site searches throughout Texas for TXU Energy and Perot Systems. Large markets with good deals for land buys and space leases are Dallas and Austin, he said. Second- and third-tier markets offering favorable investment conditions include Corpus Christi, Lubbock, El Paso, Waco and San Antonio. Like Rareshide, corporate site selectors around the country are finding pockets of gold throughout Texas. Here are some of the more significant deals announced or completed over the past 12 months: — Ron Starner
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