Williamson County Economic Development Partnership looks at past success to prepare for future

Officials with the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership presented a report about economic successes in the past two years to the Williamson County Commissioners Court on July 19. The partnership is a self-funded collaboration of city leaders from Williamson County, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Jarrell, Round Rock, Leander, Liberty Hill and Taylor.

The organization meets every other month and works on behalf of the county to help grow the region and bring new business development to partner communities. Each city in the county is represented by a member, but the goal is to bring economic prosperity.

“We are open for business, and we know business pays for future growth,” said Ben White, president of the WilCo EDP and Cedar Park’s economic development director. “It helps pay for all of the improvements we need for our citizens.”

White listed the job growth in the region through companies, such as Samsung, Cangshan Cutlery, Sabey Data Center, Columbia Steel, St. David’s Hospital and Amertrine, as the big economic development successes.

He listed changes that will act as escalators for more businesses coming to the region. He also mentioned hosting national site selectors annually and showing them potential sites for future businesses in the county. He said the idea behind this is site selectors who play a key role in obtaining land for large businesses will keep Williamson County in mind.

He also talked about an updated website, a new membership structure and hiring a part-time administrator to help with the day-to-day business of the organization. The organization is hiring Consultant Dave Porter to help determine the best approach for taking the WilCo EDP to the next level with the development of a vision and organization strategy.

“Now we have had a lot of accomplishments, and we're just going to focus on the last two years because we're headed in a unique direction,” White said.