Why companies choose to stay and grow in this Texas city.
While other cities see businesses come and go, the City of Terrell offers something different, a community where companies find lasting success. In a world where relocation and rapid growth often seem like the key to business survival, Terrell has become a rare example of a place where staying put is the winning strategy.
Some companies have been in Terrell for decades, centuries even, expanding steadily and finding everything they need to foster continuous growth. Madix Inc. and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope have been anchored in Terrell for over 45 years, Nucor Building Systems for 25, and American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX) has been there the longest, an impressive 150 years.
“Terrell is home for ANBTX much like all of us as individuals have a home,” says Robert Messer, ANBTX Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “A bank can only prosper if the communities where it is located prosper. Terrell has provided a progressive business climate, and the bank has been able to partner with many individuals and businesses to achieve mutually beneficial objectives.”
Just as Terrell has evolved from a small community into a dynamic city, ANBTX has grown alongside it. From its humble beginnings as a single bank, ANBTX has expanded to over 25 branches since 1875, now managing more than $5.5 billion in assets. Its remarkable expansion reflects the steady, decades-long growth of Terrell itself.
Terrell is committed to growing a strong, job-ready workforce.
Terrell’s home base, Kaufman County, is not only the No.1 fastest growing county in Texas, but in the entire country. Since 2020, its communities have welcomed over 50,000 new residents.
“Business is booming in Terrell!” says ANBTX Banking Center President and Senior Vice President Tori Lucas. “We are seeing growth in retail, manufacturing, business services, distribution, construction, and more. Terrell, thankfully, has known the tidal wave of growth was on its way for the past 10+ years, so community leadership has had time to create and execute a thoughtful thoroughfare plan, economic development strategies, parks and downtown capital plan, and comprehensive plan, to name a few.”
Why is Terrell on the Rise?
Located just 30 miles east of Dallas, Terrell has always been perfectly positioned for growth. It’s a sweet spot for businesses and people who want to keep one toe in the big city while planting both feet in a tight-knit community. It’s close enough to Dallas for easy access to markets, resources and talent, but far enough away to enjoy a pace that doesn’t involve bumper to bumper traffic and a never-ending race to keep up.
Situated along major highways like I-20 and US Highway 80, it offers seamless transportation links to key cities and regions. With proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and a robust rail system, companies can ship products, move goods, and access distribution networks quickly and efficiently, all without the overhead costs of operating within a large metro area. This combination of connectivity and cost-effectiveness makes Terrell a logistics hub in its own right offering businesses the best of both worlds. Access to major markets and the advantages of a smaller community.
Businesses are thriving in strategically located Terrell — home to the world’s most famous gas station — Buc-ee’s.
Although, what truly sets Terrell apart is its ability to combine economic opportunity with a strong sense of community. In a place where collaboration and relationships still drive progress, businesses find not just a location, but a partner in growth. The Terrell Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) plays a key role in this effort, working hand-in-hand with companies to support their goals.
One of the ways Terrell nurtures this connection is by creating space for open dialogue and shared problem-solving. A prime example is a weekly meeting held with various members of local leadership, where business owners, city officials, and community leaders come together to discuss opportunities, address challenges, and strategize on ways to support one another.
Additionally, the TEDC hosts HR Roundtables, regular gatherings that bring together human resources representatives from over 20 local companies.
“We’ll usually have a speaker come in,” explains TEDC President Carlton Tidwell. “And discuss topics anywhere from child care to safety issues, anything like that.”
Participants also have the chance to connect directly with guest speakers, many of whom are valuable resources for obtaining industry certifications or enhancing workplace safety standards. These meetings don’t just provide information; they open doors.
“Then if the individual business needs something along any of those lines, we make those people available for them,” says Tidwell. “But the biggest thing is now all of the HR representatives get a chance to network with each other. That helps them solve issues by having an opportunity to speak with somebody that might be having the same issues they are or successes that they can share to help them.”
Actions that Address Demand
This level of connectivity and proactivity is exactly why companies remain rooted in Terrell. It’s the kind of place that not only listens to its business community but acts on what it hears. Terrell puts its money where its mouth is, investing in programs, partnerships and infrastructure that reflect the real needs of the companies who call it home.
Terrell already boasts a robust and skilled workforce, with a population of 20,000 and access to Dallas’ talent pool, but as industries evolve, city leadership has recognized the need for different types of talent to meet the demands of a changing economy. To stay ahead of these shifts, the city has made workforce development a top priority.
Terrell Independent School District (TISD) actively addresses the changing demands of the workforce by offering a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs are carefully designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill occupations, ensuring they are equipped to meet the shifting needs of various industries. TISD’s CTE offerings cover a variety of fields, including business management and marketing, advanced manufacturing, robotics, welding, automotive, animal science, and audio/visual communications, among others.
Local businesses actively participate in meetings with the TEDC, along with high school and school district administrators, to help shape and influence the development of these programs, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry needs.
In partnership with Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC), TISD also offers dual credit technical courses, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits in selected CTE classes. Through these programs, students can advance their careers while simultaneously reducing the time and cost typically associated with earning a college degree.
Building on its commitment to educational opportunities, Terrell has also shown proactive leadership in addressing the broader needs of the community. Just as the city works to help students advance their careers, it is also focused on addressing the national housing crisis.
A major project, Northspur, is currently underway, bringing 1,500 new homes to Terrell on a 700-acre site. This development will offer not only a variety of housing options but also retail, a grocery store and a nature trail.
A Partner in Progress
Terrell’s commitment to growth ensures businesses, whether long-established or new, continue to thrive alongside the community. The city’s leadership creates an environment where companies are not just supported but encouraged to innovate and expand. With a focus on continuous infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and strong community ties, Terrell ensures that businesses have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
At the Terrell Economic Development Corporation’s HR Roundtables, HR professionals gather to exchange ideas and build stronger workplaces.
THIS INVESTMENT PROFILE WAS PREPARED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF TERRELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT CARLTON TIDWELL AT 972-563-5703 OR BY EMAIL AT CARLTON@TERRELLTEXAS.COM
