Missions, historical outposts that once dotted the western frontier, are a big deal in Texas. Established to extend territory and promote outreach, Missions served in many roles, including as symbols (you’ve probably heard of the Alamo). In a similar way, the Schertz Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) mission helps guide our growth while serving as a symbol of our goals. In this post, we’ll discuss the SEDC’s mission statement as well as an overview of Primary Jobs.
Texas Local Government Code
The basis for all Texas Economic Development Corporations is the Texas Local Government Code (LGC) – the enabling legislation that outlines what Economic Development Corporations can and cannot do. Within the Code, Sections 501, 502, and 505 focus on Type B corporations, defining everything from what a corporation is to how performance agreements work.
The SEDC is known as a Type B corporation, a designation that allows us to do certain types of projects outlined within the LGC. Under Subchapters C and D of Sections 501 and 505, Schertz can participate in job training, support a career center, construct recreational or community facilities, assist with affordable housing, undertake projects that create and retain Primary Jobs, or make certain infrastructure improvements. While all these activities are permitted by the Code, the SEDC targets its efforts (and mission) on the last two.
Project-Focused Mission
The mission statement of the SEDC is “to grow the Schertz economy through Projects. Specifically, we pursue Projects that focus on the creation/retention of Primary Jobs and Infrastructure Improvements.” Our mission is a starting point that we refer to often and there is a lot packed into those 21 words. The graphic below gives you a glimpse into the major reasons we base all our actions on this two-sentence statement.
Part 1 – Primary Jobs
One of the key elements of our mission are Primary Jobs jobs that produce goods/services for customers that are predominantly outside Schertz and defined by LGC 501.002 (12). Primary Jobs create new dollars for our community by exporting products. Once an employer is paid for these Primary Job-produced goods/services, they redistribute this money into the community through wages paid to employees, capital investments, tax payments to the City, local school district and county, and through payments to local suppliers.
Schertz is fortunate to have a variety Primary Job Employers – quality companies that create Primary Jobs. In Schertz, examples of companies that create Primary Jobs are often associated with our key industries of manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, and eCommerce because they export goods/services to regional, statewide, national, or international markets.
CalTex Protective Coatings is an example of a Schertz company that creates Primary Jobs. They manufacture sealants and other car-care detailing products. These products are ‘exported’ to other markets, such as Kansas City, and money is returned to Schertz in exchange. This is what creates and maintains the flow of new wealth into our community.
On the other hand, an example of a business sector that does not create primary jobs is the retail or medical. This is because individuals making purchases at a local shopping center or visiting the doctor are generally using ‘existing’ dollars to pay for those goods or services. These businesses rely on new money that has already been created through the companies that generate Primary Jobs.
Indirect Impacts
Attracting companies that create Primary Jobs brings additional benefits that help grow the Schertz economy (and therefore matches our mission). Companies that create Primary Jobs help increase ‘indirect’ or Secondary Jobs that ensure that more goods and services stay within our community. Examples of Secondary Jobs range from the retail to law to medical sectors, each of which is important but typically do not create new wealth for our community.
Part 2 – Infrastructure
The second piece of our mission’s focus on Projects involves Infrastructure Improvements (LGC 501.103). Infrastructure is a term that most are familiar with, and their improvement benefits our entire community. Infrastructure Improvements can include:
- Utilities (water, sewer, electrical, gas);
- All Streets & Roads;
- Site Improvements;
- Drainage;
- Rail; and
- Other related improvements needed to build a commercial building
Schertz has been fortunate to have plan-oriented leaders, who place value on building out our infrastructure network and targeting attraction efforts. As the City enjoys an ever-expanding commercial footprint, balancing infrastructure maintenance and expansion with business growth remains a key emphasis.
Looking Forward
Our mission provides ongoing direction as we continue our business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts. With a focus on Primary Jobs and Infrastructure Improvements (along with the benefits they bring to the community) our mission will, like the Texas missions, provide a foundation for Schertz’ expansion and outreach beyond our regional boundaries.