Rockwall Economic Development Corporation celebrates 20 years

(ROCKWALL, TX – Feb. 17, 2016) The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to celebrate 20 years of successfully supporting the development, expansion and relocation of new and existing companies to Rockwall.

“It’s exciting to see what the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation has accomplished in the last 20 years,” said REDC president and CEO Sheri Franza. “Rockwall’s planned growth has been exponential and has redefined our city as a true destination for business, entertainment and residential expansion. There are many exciting future projects on the horizon for Rockwall, and I look forward to working with the REDC to bring those to fruition for the benefit of those who call Rockwall ‘home’.”

Gary Martin, REDC’s original Chairman of the Board in 1996, said, “The initial group of local business men and women who founded the REDC in 1996 have many fond memories of planning, start up and takeoff that was the initial force for numerous businesses to relocate their business to Rockwall’s Technology Park. Based upon the REDC’s current momentum, the next 20 years will most likely set more records.”

Martin went on to say, “It takes a special group of individuals to lead and grow a city-wide non-profit organization that just happens to almost always make a profit, in terms of creating desirable locations for emerging businesses to grow in Rockwall. The group consists of several dedicated local citizens who volunteer as directors to oversee the general operations. They are specifically selected for a specific tour of duty by the Rockwall City Council, who has hit many homeruns in their choice of players. A small but very efficient and effective paid professional staff does the heavy lifting and the critical phase of assisting with property acquisitions, new building developments and expansions. All these moving parts are flawlessly kept in motion by the REDC President and CEO, Sheri Franza.”

Rockwall City Manager Rick Crowley said, “The successes of the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation over the last 20 years are quite evident. Rockwall voters approved sales tax funding of the REDC, and that approval has resulted in significantly increased property values both in the Rockwall Technology Park and elsewhere in the city. I congratulate the REDC on their many accomplishments.”

“It’s amazing how much Rockwall has developed over the last 20 years,” said County Judge and former Mayor David Sweet. “I’m so proud of the staff and volunteers who have given so much of their time to serve the citizens of Rockwall. Congratulations on 20 years of success.”

Judge Sweet went on to say, “Rockwall tax payers have benefited tremendously every time a business decides to make Rockwall their home. Business relocation, expansion and retention are no accident; the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation has acted with intent and has been extremely successful in putting Rockwall at the front of the line for business.”

Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt said, “The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation has been a driving force for development over the last 20 years. Partnerships between the EDC, City of Rockwall and the Rockwall ISD are invaluable and are responsible for our success in attracting quality corporations.”

ABOUT THE REDC

The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is the economic engine and gateway of growth in North Texas. Founded in 1996, the REDC is completely dedicated to ensuring the growth of Rockwall by attracting corporate relocations and by retaining and expanding existing Rockwall businesses by use of land incentives and site development grants. With more than 400 acres of land, the Technology Park has flourished with high-tech companies and expansions of well-developed manufacturing facilities.

Submitted by Suzie Bell, Director of Marketing, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation.

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