For Katy area residents, it's no surprise to hear that the area is growing rapidly. Almost every story included in this issue discusses growth in one form or another, along with its accompanying challenges and rewards. What we have strived to do with each of these stories is to speak to how that growth affects you and your family in your daily lives.

Our cover story details multiple commercial developments happening along I-10 on both sides of the incoming Grand Parkway. Not only will the Grand Parkway provide better mobility to the area, but the number of companies looking for close access to Houston's Energy Corridor will bring tax revenue and jobs to the area. Corporate leaders in the energy and oilfield service fields are seeing the benefit of being located near Houston, while enjoying the benefits of Katy's property value and well-regarded schools.

As new companies and jobs move in, it puts an additional burden on Katy's schools. Katy ISD is meeting that challenge with a new high school set to open in fall 2013. For information on the proposed boundaries and subdivisions moving from current high school boundaries to the new school.

With the holidays approaching, it's a great time to shop locally and support your neighborhood businesses. We've compiled a guide of locally owned retail stores throughout the Katy area starting on Page 16. For special deals, remember to visit impactdeals.com to print additional coupons.

Jason Culpepper, Publisher - Houston Metro, [email protected]