MISSION

The Tyler Economic Development Council (TEDC) was formed in 1989 to diversify the economic base of Tyler/Smith County and to create new job opportunities.

STRATEGY

Since its inception in 1989, the TEDC has consistently and aggressively promoted business growth through a highly effective, four-point strategy:

		Retention and Expansion of Existing Businesses
		New and Small Business Development
		Targeted Marketing and Attraction of New Business
		Incentives and Infrastructure

The TEDC's focus is on primary employers; that is, companies that sell a majority of their products and services to markets outside our regional economy, thereby funneling those new dollars into our local economy. A two to three times economic growth factor is realized by Smith County retail and service sectors as a result of primary business expansion and the inbound revenue it generates.

RETENTION & EXPANSION OF EXISTING BUSINESS
Working with existing value-added companies is a number one priority with the TEDC, especially in light of national figures which show that 80% of all new jobs created by industry come from the expansion of existing firms. The TEDC works with local companies on an ongoing basis to assist and encourage expansion in Tyler/Smith County which stimulates the area economy and creates even more jobs.

TARGETED MARKETING
The TEDC works with a broad range of companies on state, regional, and national levels to supply site and demographic information on the inherent advantages of relocation to Tyler/Smith County. In addition, a targeted marketing plan consisting of direct mail, video, and personal contacts has been systematically implemented to attract industry-specific companies which could benefit greatly from what Tyler has to offer. These include, but are not limited to:

		Biomedical Research and Medical Manufacturing
		Plastics Research and Manufacturing
		Distribution Centers
		Office Data Centers

NEW & SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
TEDC is working with existing small business resources supported by the federal Small Business Administration and resources available through Tyler Junior College (TJC) and The University of Texas at Tyler.

In addition, the TEDC worked with TJC and Southwestern Bell Telephone to establish a small business incubator, which has averaged 90% occupancy since it opened in 1990.

INCENTIVES CREATED
The TEDC is continually working with local, state, and federal agencies to develop incentives and support services to give Tyler even more of an edge in the race for value-added companies. These incentives include:

		Freeport tax exemption
		Tax abatement reinvestment zones
		Federal EDA Grants
		Customized training programs
		TJC Regional Training and Development Complex
		Skills Training Center
		Tyler Area Business Incubator
		Small Business Development Center
		UT Tyler Minority Business Advancement Program
		Service Corps of Retired Executives

OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the strategy aimed directly at business prospects, the TEDC maintains an automated database on community information, sites and buildings, office space, labor force, utility rates, transportation, and other key factors required to promote the area.