Gil Salinas provided the program on the KEDC mission and accomplishments.
The KEDC is funded by the 4b sales tax in Kerrville. The funds generated by this 1/2 cent sales tax can be used for economic development such as infrastructure for new or expanding businesses. The recent Killdeer Manufacturing company that moved to town, or recent James Avery expansions are examples of the use of the funds. They can also be used for quality of life projects, like the river trail.
The Kerrville EDC focuses on several areas including Corporate Recruitment, which works to bring appropriate companies to the area, which adds to the tax base and provides good paying jobs. They also work with local schools, helping find grants to train high school students in various fields, to help bolster the Workforce in the area. Business Retention and Expansion is important, which helps existing business grow and prosper.
The EDC also helps with Entrepreneurship, organizing events and forums to help small businesses. And finally, they provide Marketing and Branding for our area to attract new businesses to the area.
