Rockwall EDC celebrates 20 years

Rockwall EDC celebrates 20 years

(ROCKWALL, TX – Nov. 16, 2016) The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation celebrated 20 years of bringing quality commercial and residential development to the community with an honorary anniversary luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Culpepper Steakhouse (309 I-30 Frontage Rd).

 Larry Parks, one of the founding members of the REDC, addresses luncheon attendees.

REDC presented awards of recognition to the many major corporations which have made Rockwall their home for the past two decades, helping bolster the tax base and overall economic growth of the community – Falcon Fine Wire; Whitmore Manufacturing Co.; Bimbo Bakeries; Channell Commercial Corp.; Col-Met Engineered Finishing Solutions; EZ-FLO International; Graham Packaging; Hatfield and Company; L3 ComCept; Morpak Specialties; Nolan Power; Special Products & Mfg., Inc.; SPR Packaging LLC; Trend Tower; and Precision Sheet Metal Shop Inc. On behalf of State Senator Bob Hall, District Rep. Greg Bray also gave a proclamation in recognition of REDC’s outstanding service to the community.

District Rep. Greg Bray gives a proclamation on behalf of Senator Bob Hall in recognition of REDC's 20th anniversary.

As the keynote speaker for the event, Rockwall County Judge spoke to the EDC’s success in supporting the development, expansion and relocation of new and existing companies to Rockwall since its formation in 1996.

“This is what makes Rockwall tick – all working together, all giving 100 percent, all setting and achieving the very best goals and objectives in our part of the puzzle, and our EDC staff and board members’ aggressive pursuit of business that has tremendous impacts on the increase of ad valorem values for our community, and the ability to operate outside the box when needed to impact our community as a whole,” Sweet said.

REDC Chairman Gary Bunch presents Claudette Hatfield and her daughter Susan Wheelis with an award on behalf of Hatfield & Company.

REDC President/CEO Sheri Franza said in the past 10 years the city has seen commercial development growth of 116 percent, a residential development increase of 33 percent and an increase in sales tax revenues of 87 percent.

“We will continue moving into the future strategically focused to ensure that our economy and its strength stays,” Franza said. “We’ll expand and diversify the tax base by making sure that we are maintaining the inventory of land that is shovel-ready, occupied and unimproved, so that we can continue the balance of our tax base that our commercial contributes 33 percent and residential contributes 67 percent. Having that balance is a good formula because it gives us an opportunity to continue to take the tax burden off the homeowner.”

By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News editor / senior reporter. Photos by Richard Redig, Blue Ribbon News. 

Your #1 source for positive hometown stories, entertainment and events.

Our print edition is delivered free to 18,000+ homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.

To share your good news and events, email .

For advertising inquiries both online and in print, call 214-342-8000 or email .

Download the FREE Official Rockwall Area App for Apple iPhone or Android.