BizConnect

Introduction

In the world of economic development, retention and expansion efforts may not get the same attention as recruiting a company to a city; however, the short-term and long-term effect will usually have a greater overall impact.In recognizing the importance and significant impact that local businesses make in a community, the PEDC has developed a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program that focuses on the needs and interests of existing businesses in the area.

A locally established company can easily forget to turn to City resources for potential assistance in business expansion plans. Successful companies play a vital role in their communities and locally owned businesses usually have a long-term commitment to the region. Equally important, existing businesses are major contributors to the community's economy and tax base. Cumulatively, they employ the greatest numbers and, as they grow and expand, they can generate up to 80 percent of the area's new jobs. Expansion of a firm in a community does not always equate to bricks and mortar, but often means an increase in employees, payroll, capital investment or an improvement in the bottom line. All of these will have a positive impact on the business atmosphere in Pearland.

The Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) established the BRE Program in 2003 to address those issues businesses face and place significant emphasis on creating a business environment for stable, successful companies. The BRE team, which consists of representatives from the PEDC, the Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce, Alvin Community College-Pearland Center, and the Greater Houston Partnership work to establish a relationship with businesses by visiting businesses and sharing information of available resources to businesses and addressing any issues or needs the business might have.

Mission

The PEDC Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program addresses those needs and interests of existing businesses and places significant emphasis on creating a fertile business environment for stable, successful companies.

Purpose

To serve as a liaison between the business community and the city as a whole.

Objective

The main goal of the BRE Program is to establish and/or maintain good working relationships with businesses in the city by developing a clear understanding of their needs and how the PEDC or the City of Pearland can be of assistance. The BRE team will handle any questions or issues raised during those visits in a prompt and professional manner.

The following are areas where Pearland businesses have been assisted by the BRE program:

• Expansion / Relocation within Pearland
• Foreign Trade Zone activation
• New development issues
• Infrastructure issues and needs
• Job training

If you would like to learn more about the Pearland BRE program, call Janice Vega at 281.652.1627.