Rockwall EDC celebrates 20 years

Economic Development Insight

Sheri Franza, EDC — Sheri Franza, Rockwall EDC President.

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 3, 2016) The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is celebrating 20 years of bolstering the development, expansion and relocation of new and existing businesses to Rockwall.

In an effort to recognize and congratulate new companies that are coming to town and existing enterprises that are expanding, the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) will be hosting Economic Development Insight, both in print and online at BlueRibbonNews.com. We hope this column will give community members a better understanding of who we are, what our role is in the community and how we help the citizens of Rockwall maintain lower taxes.

The REDC was formed in 1996, after the citizens of Rockwall adopted a half-cent sales tax for economic development. REDC is a Type-A EDC, which means that the half-cent sales tax is primarily used for manufacturing, industrial, site development and infrastructure for destination development. Additionally, REDC uses this money for land acquisition and offer incentives to corporations and headquarters that relocate 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.”

The REDC creates long-term success for businesses that move here by offering unlimited expansion potential. To effectively compete for economic development, the REDC provides ready assets and demonstrates the distinct advantages that make doing business in Rockwall uniquely valuable.

At the state level, the REDC works with the Governor’s office to attract businesses to Rockwall. REDC is a member of several industry organizations that are dedicated to attracting economic growth to the great state of Texas, such as the Texas Economic Development Corporation, International Council of Shopping Centers, National Association for Industrial and Office Parks, Team Texas, Texas One, North Texas Council Area Realtors and the International Economic Development Council.

The REDC collaborates with the City of Rockwall and Rockwall County, allowing businesses to fast track the construction process, which leaves them with a positive experience – knowing that it’s easy to do business in Rockwall. The REDC also partners with Collin College, Richland College, Workforce Solutions of Texas and Rockwall ISD, ensuring that a skilled and ready workforce is readily available.

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 Rockwall ISD are invaluable and are responsible for our success in attracting quality corporations.”

The REDC looks forward to sharing more insight with you in future issues. Please visit our website rockwalledc.com for more information.

Submitted by the Rockwall EDC. Got comments or questions you’d like to see addressed in the the REDC’s next column? Email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.