The Economic Development section of the Vision 2020 document states "Before 2020, Angelina County will identify economic development niches with competitive advantages and pursue a multi-faceted economic development program that will enhance and diversify the County's economy and ensure an optimal quality of life."
Despite recent national downward trends in thing such as sales, employment and the stock market, Vision 2020 economic division chair Trey Henderson remains certain that the local economy not only has risen over the past few years, but will continue to rise in the future.
Joel Andrews/The Lufkin Daily News |
Construction continues on the new Olive Garden Restaurant being built in Lufkin. Vision 2020 economic division chair Trey Henderson remains certain that the local economy not only has risen over the past few years, but will continue to rise in the future.
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In the two years since the Vision 2020 document was put together, Angelina County has already seen a growth in retail businesses as well as job growth in both industrial jobs and medical jobs. Although Lufkin has been known as an industrial city for decades, new retail establishments popping up throughout the city have brought outside dollars into the city and kept local money in the local economy.
"I can remember the time, not that long ago, that folks from around here would load up and head to Houston, Dallas or Tyler to do their Christmas shopping," Henderson said. "With the retail centers that we have now, that role has reversed and those people are coming here."
Henderson cited rising sales tax figures as proof of this growth.
There are still plenty of goals left to work toward before 2020. For one, while the retail sector has seen steady growth, Vision 2020 members are working to keep the industrial side of Lufkin and Angelina County strong. This includes a marketing plan for industrial recruitment as well as development of an industrial park.
"The industrial park is the single, most significant project that the Economic Development Partnership and the 4B Corporation has done since its inception," Henderson said.
These two entities purchased large portions of property to be used for future development of industry. The park includes rail, highway frontage, power, water and everything else needed for new industries to desire to take up residence in East Texas.
"We need to continue to provide what Lufkin was founded on — industry," Henderson said. "We need to continue to attract new business while maintaining what we have and working hard with our existing industries to expand them. We have had tremendous growth in both medical and retail. We need to keep pace on the industrial side as well. We hope to attract businesses that will enhance our tax base, offer good paying jobs and be good corporate citizens. I'm confident that will happen."
Thought unemployment figures have grown steadily Henderson and others continue to work to create more jobs. The past couple of years have seen over 1,000 new jobs created in Lufkin alone and 2,400 new jobs created in Angelina County.
"We plan to put more emphasis on working with our local employers as we see this as having as much or more potential for job creation as recruiting new industry," Henderson said. "Of course, we will not stop focusing on the recruitment of new businesses and industry."
Another goal Vision 2020 participants are working toward is to make Angelina County as inviting as possible to retirees. Last year, Lufkin was officially designated a retirement community. According to Henderson, Lufkin and Angelina County offer retired couples everything they might want including an inviting climate, low cost of living, a good quality of life with amenities of a large city and the comforts of a small town, small business opportunities, great health care, close proximity to the Houston area with easy access to other major metros, a great community college for continuing education opportunities, and a senior citizen's tax freeze.
"I could go one and on about those attributes of Lufkin and Angelina County for retirees and anyone else for that matter," Henderson said. "It's just a great place to live."
Making the community a great place to live for retired couples doesn't just help them out, however, It also has plenty of economic benefits for Angelina County, according to Henderson. Besides studies which show that each married retired couple in a community is worth 2.7 factory jobs, Henderson also listed many other ways retired couples help the economy and the county out.
For one thing, many people retire at a younger age than before, leaving them with plenty of years and energy to pursue other dreams they've always wanted to.
"Many are starting their own small business that allow them to take what was once a hobby and turn it into a profitable venture," Henderson said.
Those that don't start their own business still find they have extra time on their hands in which they can do things they enjoy such as volunteering at museums, libraries or schools.
"Today's retirees have a fairly large, expendable income that helps drive the local economy," Henderson said. "There is no question that having retirees relocate to Lufkin would provide a boost to our economy."
Henderson hopes that anyone not already participating in Vision 2020 will become a member.
"It is important for every citizen of our community to be a part of the planning for the future of Lufkin and Angelina County," Henderson said. "Everyone has something to offer. A diverse group can supply a number of different ideas and then mold them into a plan that benefits the entire community."
For more information on Vision 2020 e-mail Susie Cardwell, Vision 2020 coordinator, at scardwell@lufkintexas.org.
