Schertz, New Braunfels and Seguin to form Economic Development Alliance

Pooling resources, will promote and collaborate on economic development marketing activities.

South Central Texas, August 20, 2010 – Schertz, New Braunfels and Seguin economic development groups are set to merge some areas of their economic development activities and market themselves as the regional 10/35 Economic Development Alliance to site selectors and prospects. In doing so, the three cities will be able to combine resources in a cost-effective manner, expand its reach and compete on a larger, more global scale.

The genesis of the name stemmed from the location of the three cities located on or near Interstate Highway 35 and Interstate Highway 10, both of which can be reached in less than 15-minute drive time. The alliance formed on the cusp of recent company relocation announcements affecting the tri-city area including Caterpillar, Sysco Foods and Baptist Health Systems.

Already in a longstanding partnership, New Braunfels and Seguin approached Schertz Economic Development due to their strategic location, shared county resources, strong warehouse and distribution centers, shared workforce and values.

“Having worked on a number of projects together, there was already a level of familiarity established with Jeff Jewell, Economic Development Director for Schertz,” said Rusty Brockman, Economic Development Director for Build – New Braunfels.

The new alliance has already approved a marketing budget that includes traveling to more trade missions with the Office of the Governor, increased tradeshows, a FAM/Bus tour, commercial broker breakfast and expanded advertising and social media marketing vehicles.

“We are thrilled to become a part of this alliance. As economic developers, we have the option to grow by choice or chance. We are happy to be at the helm of choice; to shape and guide the area’s economic development future with our new partners,” said Jeff Jewell, Economic Development Director for the City of Schertz. “

The new alliance is just one of the many regional alliances spanning Texas and beyond. The thought stems from the idea that instead of competing against other cities with the same resources and goals, the cities should collaborate together since an expanding or relocating company uses all the resources from the region.

“As for the three cities in the alliance, we are all situated ideally between San Antonio and Austin. We have the same strengths as the bigger cities, but promote our cost advantages, availability of space and business – friendly attitude,” said Terry Trevino, Economic Development Director for Seguin.

About Us

New Braunfels, TX –New Braunfels is uniquely cultivated by industry-diversified business that brim with innovation yet remain deeply rooted in the sectors of manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, distribution and aviation. Balanced by an affordable, quality of place – it’s no wonder the city has grown 55% in the last 8 years. Complimented with a pro-business leadership attitude, competitive incentives, low tax burden and easy access to IH-35 and IH-10, its easy to understand why companies have relocated here. Over 300+ days of sunshine a year and nearby rivers, lakes, Schlitterbahn (America’s #1 Rated Waterpark) and over 500 acres of outdoor recreation make New Braunfels a desirable destination for work – or play, year round. More information can be found at www.buildnb.org.

Schertz, TX - Schertz is a premier Texas community, located just northeast of San Antonio, nationally recognized for its family atmosphere, foresight and innovation, and commitment to economic prosperity and workforce opportunities.  With miles of frontage along two major interstates and as one of the largest cities in the San Antonio MSA, Schertz has witnessed tremendous population and business growth and has looked to capitalize on its unique location and assets.  It is a strategic priority of the city to engage in and develop new opportunities of regional partnerships which are mutually beneficial to the residents of Schertz and of neighboring communities. More information can be found at www.schertzedc.com.

Seguin, TX – Seguin, the county seat of Guadalupe County, is located on the picturesque Guadalupe River and abuts IH-10. Nestled 35-minutes east of San Antonio, Seguin is within 20-minutes of IH-35 and 30-minutes from San Antonio and South Austin. Upon completion of SH-130, Seguin will be strategically positioned as a crossroad for traffic diverted from IH-35. Seguin has the distinction of having the largest manufacturing jobs per capita in the State of Texas. For the last 23 years, U.S. News and World report ahs recognized Texas Lutheran University (TLU), located in Seguin, as one of the nation’s top ranked best regional comprehensive colleges.  More information can be found at www.seguinedc.com.