Press release
Athens Economic Development Corporation was recognized this week at Texas Economic Development Council’s annual meeting in Houston, earning Merit Recognition for the 2017 Community Economic Development Awards.
The 2017 CEDA recipients were announced at the annual CEDA luncheon held Thursday, October 19. “This year, we received a record 40 applications across six population categories,” said Carlton Schwab, president of TEDC. “The recipients are judged in five categories that have made the most significant contribution to economic development in their community and the state of Texas.”
The Community Economic Development Awards program recognizes exceptional contributions cities make toward the economic vitality of their communities through creativity, leadership, and partnership in the achievement of business retention, business recruitment and community improvement.
AEDC was recognized for successfully leveraging community resources, resulting in the expansion and attraction of two major business projects to the city of Athens. The projects resulted in the creation of 270 full-time jobs, retention of 86, and a $20.5 million investment in the community.
Demonstrating an innovative approach to economic development, AEDC approved a $300,000 incentive package for job creation by Clayton Homes, which plans to hire at least 250 full-time employees for its Athens location over a 5-year period. Moreover, the City of Athens entered into a Chapter 380 agreement for tax rebates and AEDC assisted Clayton with an application for tax abatement with Henderson County.
Through community partnerships, AEDC and AMWA pledged $345,000 to extend sewer utilities to the healthcare expansion site located across from East Texas Medical Center. Additionally, AEDC leveraged City and County partnerships to annex and rezone the property and provide an easement that was needed from the County to cross their property. By maximizing intergovernmental resources, a total of 106 jobs were either saved or added resulting in a positive economic outcome for the Athens community.
“Strong community ties and a business expansion and attraction plan are critical components, as that is what enables AEDC to boost the economic pulse of the Athens community and to have the ability to bring onboard the necessary partner agencies,” said AEDC Executive Director Lisa Denton.