Based on recommendations from TIP Strategies, the Economic Development Department of The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce will focus on the following 5 target industries:

Logistics/Distribution
With Texas emerging as a logistics center due to the NAFTA trade and employment forecasts calling for continued growth along the San Antonio-Austin corridor, the logistics/distribution industry is on a continued growth pattern and can easily be linked to other targets such as automotive and specialty foods. Potential niches include specialized trucking and warehousing, automotive parts distribution and food distribution.

Specialty Foods
The Specialty Foods market is one of the few fastest growing manufacturing industries within the industry and the U.S. still remains competitive in both commodities and salary/wages. Plentiful target opportunities have been identified and potential niches include Hispanic market, snack foods, frozen specialty foods and organics/locally grown.

Automotive Suppliers
The shift in the automotive industry has turned toward the South and Southwest U.S. and additional announcements in Texas are likely in the next few years. These jobs offer higher manufacturing wages and can be considered a gateway to avionics/aeronautics. Potential niches include Toyota suppliers, stampings, automotive plastics, automotive electronics and instruments.

Telecom/Information
Within in the industry of Telecom/Information, strong growth forecasts along the San Antonio-Austin corridor are expected. Bringing in higher wages, this industry helps to fill gaps in regional economies and can be considered a gateway to the professional services industry. Potential niches include data storage and processing, call centers/back office and telecom.

Aviation-Related Activities
Signs point to a recovery in the aerospace industry and the U.S. is still a global leader. Increasing trends in aviation outsourcing can bring greater opportunities for recruitment. Potential niches include parts suppliers, aircraft maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) services, aircraft rebuilding, avionics (electronic equipment) and general or corporate aviation.

Data Centers
With companies such as Microsoft, National Security Agency, Stream Realty, Christus Health and Lowe's forming a large data-center cluster just 30-minutes south in San Antonio; a high-wage, reciprocal-skilled workforce will emerge and expand throughout the region. New Braunfels is credited with low power rates with certified consistent supply, fiber infrastructure and a stable, modern environment free from environmental hazards. Potential target companies include those looking for a build-to-suit option due to the high availability of shove-ready sites.

Healthcare & Related Medical Technologies
Workforce shortages have become critical in the healthcare & related medical fields. Development of a partnership with healthcare providers, local educators and the Central Texas Technology Center can provide support. Potential programs can encourage, recruit, educate and place trained professionals within the healthcare industry to alleviate pressure in the industry.

Music Industry
Historic District of Gruene, located in city limits, is also home to Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall. Nationally known artists frequent Gruene Hall, giving exposure and opportunity for growth and attractions of suppliers, headquarters, etc in the primary job sector of music industry.