Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corp. means business – literally
(Gun Barrel City, Texas) – The Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corp. is establishing a reputation of living up to its mission, that of being part of a community team dedicated to attracting new investment and helping expand existing businesses within the City. Real estate broker Jerry Tate discovered that the EDC delivers on its pledge when he approached them about providing financial incentives for Bealls department store to move into the long-vacant Winn-Dixie grocery story building. He wasn’t optimistic because he had asked another city’s EDC for similar help filling an old Winn-Dixie site and was turned down cold. “The Gun Barrel EDC couldn’t have been more receptive,” Tate says. “They set up a city council meeting and came up with a way to get us some cash to help offset the tremendous cost of rebuilding that site.”

Not only was the Winn-Dixie site an eyesore for the community, Hibbett Sports had said it would come if Bealls did. The EDC knew that getting those national chains – and others that would follow – would mean jobs and tax revenue for the city. The EDC has been instrumental in bringing other new developments and retailers as well, including Chili’s, CVS Pharmacy, CiCi’s Pizza, Movie Star Cinema and the soon-to-be-opened Denny’s. In addition, they have helped Direct Tire & Battery and The Solar Screen Co. expand.

Developer Kim Wiens, vice president of Emerging Market Partners, LLC, says the GBC EDC goes beyond giving financial assistance to businesses. They have a vision for what kind of stores and restaurants will benefit the community, and they offer creative ways of drawing in those businesses. They even let Wiens and his clients use their offices for meetings when they come to town. “They’re like the welcome wagon,” Wiens says. “They have written letters to prospective businesses so that even before a tenant has looked, they feel wanted and welcome. A business might be opening 10 stores that year, and Gun Barrel’s extra touch may set them apart from some other community.”

Wiens says he wishes all the communities in which his company develops had the same mission, attitude and desire to partner with the developer as Gun Barrel City does. “They’re the most proactive EDC group we’ve worked with, and we’ve worked in several different communities,” he says. “While the economic incentives are helpful, it’s the attitude and willingness to be a team player and a support for these new businesses that is really the most important aspect of the whole development.” The EDC is funded by a $.0025 sales tax that voters approved in 1997. With a slate of national stores that serve residents as well as the huge weekend and summer tourist population, residents are reaping the rewards of the tax. “These national retailers do hire local people, construction is done by local people, and clearly, a small city survives off of sales tax,” Tate says.

The EDC is as interested in assisting and building local businesses as it is in attracting national chains. Fred Kurlander, owner of The Solar Screen Co. needed an electric billboard sign to help set his small operation apart from others on the street. Kristina Keahey wanted to buy a salon that was about to close its doors. Both received low-interest loans from the EDC and are running successful businesses despite difficult economic times. “It makes a big difference,” Kurlander says. “There were also some supplies and structures I needed for my building that I wouldn’t have been able to afford without the loan.” Keahey, who now owns GiGi’s Professional Salon, echoes the sentiment. “I wouldn’t have my business if the EDC hadn’t given me the loan,” she says.

The EDC is currently sponsoring a Bonus Bucks program to bring customers into businesses. Shoppers can redeem Bonus Bucks coupons printed on an insert in local newspapers for $5, $10 and $20 off on purchases of $20 or more, $50 or more and $100 or more respectively on goods and services at participating GBC retailers. “Bonus Bucks is something the EDC has done to actually help businesses increase sales; I’m not sure many EDCs do things like that,” Kurlander says. “I think you’ll find EDCs mostly being instrumental in helping businesses get going.”

The work of the EDC is largely behind-the-scenes. The ripple effect of economic development in which they partner sometimes goes unseen as well. Tate says a property owner with whom he worked on a site in Gun Barrel City hired local construction workers. He was so impressed with them that he hired them to do work on another project in Kilgore, Texas, where they have been working for the last six months. “More than likely, if the EDC hadn’t come through, he wouldn’t have done the deal,” Tate says.

About the Gun Barrel City EDC
The GBC EDC is made up of a seven-person board appointed by the City Council. Board members are Steve Webster, president; Richard Wendel, vice president; Dennis Baade, treasurer; Courtney Hill, secretary; Sandy Janow, Larry Spiegel and Linda Rankin. Rita Evans, administrative assistant, is a full-time staff member. Learn more at www.gbcedc.com or call 1(877) 243-7896.
 

Contact Us:

For more information about the opportunities in Gun Barrel City contact us with the information below!

Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation
1831 West Main St.
Gun Barrel City, TX 75156
Local 903-887-1899
Toll Free 1-877-243-7896
Fax    903-887-7423
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
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