ABOUT THE EDC

Alice/ Jim Wells County Economic Development Corporation

NOTES ON THE ECONOMY OF ALICE/JWC

“Retail Follows Rooftops”

As population density increases, more discretionary spending is available; and retail moves in to take advantage of this “new” market.  From an economic development standpoint, it is desirable to attract the more upscale retail.  How?  One important factor – pride in our community.  We need to support clean up and beautification projects, law enforcement efforts to eliminate graffiti and city government efforts to eliminate overgrown lots and abandoned buildings.

“Economic Development is a Marathon, not a Sprint”

To be a successful community, we must strive to build consensus about our identity and our future.  While we need to be concerned about increased affordable housing, we also need to be aware of providing for “community lifestyle”.  If we want young families to locate in Alice, there needs to be an increased emphasis on quality of life issues.  For instance, what is there in Alice for a young family to do together after 5 pm?  Would a renovated Anderson Park with upgraded swimming facilities be an answer?

“Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket”

A requirement for long-term success in Alice and Jim Wells County is the diversification of our economy.  Yes, we will do everything we can to continue supporting the oil and gas industry.  After all, “you gotta dance with the one who brung ya”.  We also need to support our expanding manufacturing base such as South Texas Structures located at 3683 East Highway 44 and other established businesses that are expanding.  At the same time, we need to support the  collaborative effort being explored in the field of pharmaceutical  research.  Brainstorming sessions are currently underway to explore linking the Texas A&M Pharmacy School with Covance Research Products and the new SNBL facility.  By diversifying our economy we provide new jobs and enhance our future.  We need to get the whole community on board to support these efforts.

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2005 Newsletters:

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