Marking a Milestone for Texas Economic Development

By Jeremy Thacker, Communications Specialist, Connected Texas

The marking of a milestone is underway in Texas. The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week at its annual conference.

TEDC is an Austin-based non-profit professional association dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities all across Texas. The council considers itself a “one-stop shop for ideas, information, and influence.” In fact, TEDC is the largest state association of economic development professionals, volunteers, and elected officials with the goal of bringing new investment and jobs to Texas.

This year’s conference brought in speakers ranging from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples and U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk to representatives from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, the American Natural Gas Association, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and even Ross Perot, Jr.!

The speakers and workshops are part of the information, educational, and legislative services TEDC offers to its nearly 900 members. The annual Conference is also recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as professional development training that counts toward recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD), with the goal always being to support the economic growth of Texas and develop strategies that promote a positive business climate across the entire state.