Welcome to the new, online-only edition of Developments, the quarterly newsletter of the PEDC. To be more eco-friendly, we’ve discontinued the print version of our newsletter. Plus, we now feature shorter articles that provide you links to the vital information you need to be effective in business. Give it a read and let us know your thoughts. If you like it, forward it to a colleague. At the PEDC, it’s our goal to become your knowledge broker.

Amazing incentives available for Shadow Creek Business Center

Shadow Creek Business Center, Pearland’s premier Class A office, is almost complete. The building boasts 80,000 square feet of office space – perfect for corporate headquarters, research facilities and back office operations.

Old Townsite residents and businesses eligible for assistance

Own a business in Pearland’s Old Townsite? If so, you may be eligible for grants and forgivable loans from the PEDC. Visit www.PearlandOldTownsite.com to read more about the PEDC’s incentive offers and plans to spur restoration and redevelopment in the city’s historic business center. For more information, or to become a Coalition member, contact Kyler Cole at 281-652-1818.

We want to BizConnect with you!

From development issues to job training to infrastructure hurdles, our team of experts is ready to visit with you and help your business prosper.
Tap into BizConnect, our business retention and expansion program, to find the solutions you need to succeed.

Currently, we’re working on enhancements to BizConnect. The Pearland Chamber of Commerce continues to conduct the monthly business spotlight tours. And in August 2009, the BizConnect team begins meeting at the Chamber the day after the tour to work through business issues discovered during the tour.  Future activities include launching an improved Web resource that features “first-to-know” information, a subscriber’s resource directory and much more. Look for further details in future issues of Developments.  To be included on the BizConnect solutions team, please contact Kyler Cole at 281-652-1818.

Texas legislators take action

The 81st Texas Legislature recently adjourned its biennial session and passed three important pieces of legislation that could impact you, your business or your family:

• House Bill 2169 – Allows the Texas Workforce Commission to create additional job incentive programs using an existing program, the Skills Development Fund, to commit training funds to prospective new employers.
• House Bill 3676 – Extends the Texas Economic Development Act through 2014 and enables schools districts, such as Pearland ISD, greater tax freedom to attract major projects to their communities (Chapter 313 of the Tax Code).
• House Bill 3896 – Extends the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement to 2019, thereby allowing cities, counties and other taxing jurisdictions to continue granting tax abatements to property owners to encourage economic development (Chapter 312 of the Tax Code).

For more information, click here to stay abreast of all Texas legislation that impacts you!

Hurricane preparation…Brazoria County style

We are in the midst of hurricane season. Is your business prepared?  We suggest creating an emergency operations plan for your business well in advance of a storm. Advanced planning will help ensure your business endures after the storm passes.

2010 – time for another U.S. Census

Every decade, the U.S. counts every person living in the country. Data gleaned from the census determines the number of seats in Congress, the amount of funding a city and state receives and more. For us, the census is vital! Having accurate data on population, education and other useful demographic information helps us compare and market Pearland to potential employers looking to move or expand to our community. Our next census is just around the corner. Please make it a priority to participate!