The Greater New Braunfels
Economic Development Foundation
 

Formed just over four years ago in a partnership with the City of New Braunfels, The Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation is comprised of investors whose dollars and voice are devoted to moving New Braunfels forward by attracting companies and workforce to the local area.

The Need
Commerce and trade are fundamental to any community’s economic health and stability.  While the overall U.S. economy is improving somewhat, the economy in the New Braunfels area is still trying to recover from setbacks resulting from the flood of 2002 and several plant closures and layoffs.  Compounded by increased competition for new jobs and investments, the intensity of the economic development environment in which we find ourselves demands we seek new approaches to ensuring our economic future.     

The Solution  
Spurred on by such opportunities as the Toyota Assembly Plant coming to San Antonio and New Braunfels’ ever-growing potential as a visitor destination, three primary initiatives have been identified to capitalize on these opportunities and position New Braunfels as a leading business and tourist destination in Central Texas.. 

The first is a major escalation of our Marketing efforts targeted to Prospective Businesses and Visitors.  A major component of the marketing initiative will be to implement a comprehensive strategy for attracting Automotive Suppliers and Distributors that will undoubtedly move to establish facilities near the Toyota Assembly plant in San Antonio.  Construction of a new, expanded Highway Visitors Center on IH-35 and  promoting an expanded civic center to convention and meeting planners comprise the other essential elements of the plan to put New Braunfels in front of key prospects.

The second initiative is to leverage the existing facilities, sites and community assets we possess to strengthen our Product – New Braunfels, Texas. 

Finally, the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation is about creating a Business Environment second to none.  Whether it’s a new business considering New Braunfels as a prospective site, or one of our existing businesses looking to expand – fostering a pro-business attitude requires innovative policies and incentive programs that tell our partners and customers we are indeed “open for business.” 

The Impact
Texas Perspectives, Inc. of Austin, Texas estimates that success in the above strategies has the potential of creating the following results
*:
 

  • New output of $959,408,746
  • New payroll of $204,190,436
  • 6,815 new jobs

Annually, these achievements will produce increased tax revenue for community services:

  • $3,844,123 in new local sales tax revenues
  • $3,014,400 in new local property tax revenues
  • $108,750 in new local hotel tax revenues

 *Based on attracting 4 Tier Two and 4 Tier Three automotive suppliers in 2005 – 2008 time frame; 12 additional civic center events; 10,000 additional visitors 

Due to this hard work and investment, New Braunfels has become positioned for success by offering the following to companies to help build economic success one business at a time:

Strategic Location
• On  IH-35 between Austin and San Antonio and 10 minutes from IH-10
• Less than 60 minutes from the Toyota Manufacturing -Texas facility
• Two and one-half hours to the Port of Houston and Port of Corpus Christi
• A one day drive to trade gateways into Mexico and Central and South America
• 30 minutes from the Inland Port of San Antonio
• Home to Ashley Furniture Distribution Center, Coleman Corporation, Home Depot Supply and Wal-Mart Distribution Center

Business Advantages
• Low city and county taxes
• Aggress incentive packages fashioned specifically for individual business needs
• Fast track permitting through city planning and development
• Economic Development partnership with the city and private sector

Skilled, Available Workforce
• More than 400,000 strong in workforce within 30 minute drive time
• Central Texas Technology Center, local workforce training campus, located at the New        Braunfels Airport
• Top ranking, world renowned colleges and universities within 30 minute drive
• Multicultural workforce, highly skilled, dedicated with a strong work ethic

Unique, Appealing Quality of Life
• State recognized public, private and parochial schools
• State-of-the-art health care providers and facilities
• Two rivers, a lake and America's waterpark provide recreational fun and beauty year round
• Local celebrations and festivals emphasize the importance of family, heritage and community