Tomball EDC receives state economic development award

For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, the Tomball Economic Development Corporation was selected for an award by the state.

The Texas Economic Development Council annually gives out its Community Economic Development Awards to member cities that display exceptional contributions toward the economic vitality of their respective communities and the state of Texas. The Tomball EDC was selected for its assistance and facilitation efforts with bringing the Baker Hughes Western Hemisphere Education Center to Tomball.

The award will be presented to the Tomball EDC at the 2013 TEDC Annual Conference Oct. 17 in San Antonio.

"This is really exciting for us because the Tomball EDC has never been selected for an award by the state," said Kelly Violette, executive director for the Tomball EDC. "It's a very big honor for us."

The Tomball EDC competed in the 5,001- to 15,000-population category along with 11 other cities around the state. The nominees were judged on five criteria: innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measured objectives, and secondary benefits, according to the TEDC.

"This award is a testament to the tremendous partnership between the city of Tomball, the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and Baker Hughes," Violette said. "It took all of us working together to make this happen."