Notes from Across the State

Our success throughout Texas wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking and talented Community Relations Regional Representatives. This team serves each of Texas’ communities across the state and communicates directly with local governments and stakeholders, assisting them with increasing economic development capacity. 

In this edition of Notes from Across the State, hear from our Regional Representatives on what they’ve been working on, what makes Texas special to them and what they’re most looking forward to in 2023.  

Riccardo Canova, Community Relations Specialist – Central Texas:

Working in this office, I am often reminded how truly special Texas and these communities are. When I started working in EDT, I quickly saw how Central Texas communities come together. I see it when I am out in communities speaking with employees and business owners on how their work is impacting their lives. I see it in opportunities such as Toyotetsu (a supplier for Toyota) in San Antonio providing internships for candidates in a Vocational Rehabilitation program so in turn they can receive job opportunities, and I see it by Texans “breaking brisket.” Texans, and our communities, come together at large and it truly is remarkable.  

In 2023, I’m excited to see the continued growth in Central Texas. My goal is to work closer with local EDCs and chambers with the vision of helping us grow an even stronger Texas economy! 

Chandra Eggemeyer, Community Relations Specialist – West Texas:

My economic development highlight in 2022 was seeing the continued and growing interest in West Texas. My region is large (it includes 80 counties!) and I have always said that West Texas is the state’s best kept secret. Companies are continuing to discover the vast resources that exist west of I-35. Seeing wins in the Panhandle, South Plains, Concho Valley, Permian Basin and Far West Texas region has been truly inspiring.    

Knowing that West Texas provides the bulk of food, fiber and fuel for the rest of the state, nation and even internationally makes me proud. Seeing companies involved in these sectors locating here confirms our role in the state’s economy. Also, West Texas and its people are authentic! Watching our young people thrive in technical training opportunities such as those at AmTech Career Academy in Amarillo has made a huge impact on me. Students leave equipped with skills our businesses need and that will earn them a good living. And these programs are happening all over the West Texas region.  

As I look ahead to 2023, I am looking forward to working with rural areas as they continue to see their communities revitalize. Remote working has brought many opportunities to them that did not exist before. I am looking forward to working more with the Big Bend and Far West Texas region to identify more economic development opportunities, and I am looking forward to project announcements coming from some larger cities in the region. Keep your eyes peeled, there are exciting things in the works in West Texas!   

Betty Russo, Community Relations Specialist – East Texas/Gulf Coast Region:

The Lone Star State is a special place; we all know that—but try giving the Texas experience to a group visiting from Europe! That is something I will never forget. The group was in town visiting, searching for potential locations. The first night they chose a steak from a cooler, seasoned the steak at the seasonings table and grilled it on a huge pit—none of them had ever experienced such an event. The next night they were treated to sit in a university athletic director’s box at a baseball game—we grew up knowing baseball, but wait until you try to explain the game to someone from another country! Instances like this create a true Texas experience for the group, which the attendees will never forget! 

It's in those times and the times I’m working with communities in my region that I am reminded why the Gulf Coast and East Texas is so successful in recruiting and retaining businesses. I am always reminded that they are the strength of economic development in Texas, and we wouldn’t be where we are now without their hard work and dedication. 

As we move forward in 2023, I’m excited to continue working with the partners in the region to assist their efforts to recruit, expand and retain business. I would like to see everyone continuing to work together to make Texas the best place to live, work and play!  

Janie Havel, Community Relations Specialist – North Texas:

Looking back at 2022, there were quite a few highlights—and I appreciate every opportunity I had to attend a groundbreaking or ribbon cutting! Events like these are examples of the opportunity to see the growth happening in so many areas and across all industries. Some examples I was fortunate to attend last year were: Lancium Inc. in Abilene, Qcells USA Corp.  in Quinlan, WinField United in Wichita Falls and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions in Frisco.  

Aside from project announcements, getting to see how my communities come together to further prepare younger generations is outstanding. I’ve been able to watch the Texas Workforce Commission, Dallas Workforce Solutions, Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas College and multiple employers engineer a pilot program “ConnectU2jobs.” This group comes together to provide job training as well as social services and assistance to participants who need support and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. The program facilitators are so invested in every participant completing the training and getting job placement, it’ great to see so many agencies and groups working to support our growing workforce.  

Priscilla Duran, Community Relations Specialist – South Texas:

An economic highlight from 2022 for me was the City of Eagle Pass receiving two U.S. Economic Development Administration grants within 18 months of each other. One of the grants was for $3.5 million, and the second was for $3.25 million. They are planning to use one of the grants for an incubator focusing on small business, and the second will be for finishing an industrial road.  

Working with my communities, I’ve really been able to see how South Texas comes together, not only with one another, but other communities across Texas. Downtown Corpus Christi has been leading efforts in revitalization and restoration for small businesses. They’ve also helped develop programs with Brownsville and San Antonio. This year, I’m really excited to work with the Aransas County Partnership, and I’m excited to see continued growth in the Weslaco region, often referred to as a “little big city.” It’s wonderful to see all the communities working together!  

I’ve been with the OOG for four years and one of my favorite parts is within the first few months of the year I go on a “wrap around” tour of my region. I make a stop at every city/county and connect with local leadership and learn about their goals and how our office can help. I can’t wait to see the how the South Texas region thrives!

Check out the EDT Regional Representative Offices Map to connect with the team.