Fort Bend county is one among few counties in nation which is lot of grownth in many areas during the past few years. It has almost 25% of the master planned communities in our nation. Last year was certainly a big year for Fort Bend County in terms of the companies that relocated or expanded operations, bringing many new jobs into the area. In a recent meeting, Jeff Wiley, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council report on Fort Bend Counties accomplishments for 2013. Here are some snapshots of his report so read on…

“We anticipate another strong year of growth in Fort Bend County. A Dec. 18 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics named Fort Bend County No. 1 for percentage increase in employment from June 2012 to June 2013. In the report, Fort Bend was also named No. 8 in the nation for percentage increase in wages during the same timeframe. These rankings represent a combination of the expansion of our existing labor force through the growth of some of our major employers like Fluor Corp. and Schlumberger, coupled with growth among new companies.”

Wiley commented about several relocations and expansions already planned for 2014, including Nalco Champion, which is currently in negotiations and expected to build its new headquarters in Sugar Land with 1,000 highly skilled employees.

Texas Instruments also is expected to move into its new 180,000-square-foot facility in Sugar Land this year.

In the health care sector, Wiley said that Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Fort Bend announced major expansions that will include additional towers for each facility, expanding the bed capacities and adding a significant number of highly paid medical jobs.

Additionally, Wiley said that ALDI plans to build a regional distribution center in Rosenberg and employ approximately 150 people. Rich Products Corp. will open and employ nearly 400 people. Meanwhile, Allied Companies will continue its expansion in Missouri City, which will add another 150 jobs, and Imperial Linen will open the second phase of its facility to employ more than 200.

There are several factors that continue to draw companies and individuals into Fort Bend County, including its proximity and connectivity to Houston, its highly skilled and educated workforce, amenity-rich master-planned communities, and strong economic considerations.

Wiley also pointed to the impending increased mobility between Fort Bend County and greater Houston, as TxDOT more than doubles the bandwidth of U.S. 59/I-69 in the Richmond/Rosenberg area from four lanes (two lanes each way) to 10-12 lanes west of Grand Parkway.

“Another key differentiator Fort Bend County benefits from,” Wiley said, “is the pro-business outlook and partnership that local government entities provide to businesses. County leaders understand the importance of business in keeping tax rates low, providing employment opportunities and allowing people to work close to their home. Fort Bend County and its municipalities continue to be aggressive in their recruitment efforts and have locations well positioned from both a lease or build-to-suit perspective.”

Additionally, Wiley said the schools in Fort Bend County continue to be the primary attraction for many families moving into the area.

“Education and our outstanding school districts are the basis for a growing workforce available to businesses. Quality schools helped generate interest in our community 30 years ago, and they reinforce interest in our community today,” he said.

You can read more about it at chronicle.com

About Vijaianand Thirnageswaram

I am a Proud Realtor of Texas, trying to guide and help clients to find their dream home and educate them to buy them for right price. I am also a Candidate for CFP who has more financial knowledge which allows me share and educate clients in any financial decision making process.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•