News & Resources

Midland, TX is Growing in a Sustainable Way

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Midland, Texas is breaking records for job creation and overall growth, fueled by the oil and gas industry and accelerated by start-ups and supporting businesses. City leaders, business owners, executives and entrepreneurs are leveraging growth in the energy sector to diversify Midland’s economy and encourage new enterprises. These efforts are paying off as jobs are being created in construction, hospitality, transportation, retail and healthcare, in addition to the oil and gas industry. According to the Houston Chronicle, Midland is crushing the nation in job growth, stating, “Midland led the nation in job growth, with employment in the West Texas county surging...

Texas tops the U.S. for real estate development spending and jobs

Sunday, June 30, 2019

For the second year in a row, Texas topped the nation in real estate development activity in 2018. With almost $26 billion in direct spending on real estate projects, the Texas building sector contributed more than $62 billion to the state's economy last year, according to a report from the NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. The development sector supported more than 400,000 jobs in the state last year, the industry trade group said in its annual economic impact report. Read full article.

Texas Ranked No. 1 in Global Service in the State and No. 11 in the U.S.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

The University of Texas at Austin has numerous outstanding rankings, so it should come as no surprise that among its many accolades is a ranking that recognizes the Longhorn spirit of service. UT Austin continues to be the No. 1 top-producing university of Peace Corps volunteers in Texas and was recognized this year as No. 11 in the country among large colleges and universities, reflecting the university’s commitment to public service and effecting positive change in the community, state, the nation and world. For most Longhorns, the university’s motto is a call to action, and more than 1,840 alumni have served as Peace...

The History of Texas’ Startup Ecosystem

Monday, June 17, 2019

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of UT’s Austin Technology Incubator Austin’s status as an entrepreneurial hotbed is undeniable. A 2018 study from the Chamber of Commerce found that startups make up a larger percentage of businesses in Austin than in nearly any other major U.S. metropolitan area. Although the startup culture that exists in Austin today seems relatively new, its foundation was laid decades ago and has been maintained ever since by the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI). ATI is the deep technology incubator of The University of Texas at Austin that works with university and community entrepreneurs to commercialize breakthrough innovations. It helps entrepreneurs and startups...

Rural Entrepreneurship in Texas Gets Boost from UT Austin Research Projects

Saturday, June 15, 2019

To help support entrepreneurs and small-business owners — key drivers of prosperity in rural Texas — the IC² Institute at The University of Texas at Austin is funding new research on entrepreneurship in rural and small city environments. UT Austin researchers funded by the institute will look at a range of ways to promote economic development including tracking regional entrepreneurship, promoting rural innovation networks and building economic resilience in areas where employment fluctuates with the cycles of the energy industry. Read full article.

Apprenticeships Are Key to Building a Workforce for the Future

Monday, June 10, 2019

Apprenticeships are powerful economic development tools, with long-term commitment and collaboration among key players including chambers of commerce, economic development groups, business and industry leaders, public schools and community colleges. Apprenticeships are an important tool for recruiting and retaining talent, especially as jobs become more technical and specialized. Through apprenticeships, companies can ensure they have a steady supply of highly qualified employees, with all the skills they need to do increasingly advanced jobs. With a focus on advanced manufacturing and automation, apprenticeships are also an excellent way to stay current on the new technologies that give companies a competitive edge in...

Location Notebook: Texas Builds on Its Strengths and Confronts Its Challenges

Monday, June 03, 2019

Population growth, a favorable tax climate, and a business-friendly environment are among the factors fueling economic gains and drawing corporate investment to Texas. The size and steady growth of the Texas economy makes it enviable to many of its state peers. If it were a country, Texas would have the 10th-largest economy in the world, ahead of Spain, Russia, and Mexico, among others. The state has been the largest exporter in the U.S. for 17 consecutive years, and it shipped $315 billion worth of goods in 2018. Unsurprisingly, each year Texas finishes near or at the top of various rankings of the best...

Texas Adds 28,900 Jobs in April: Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.7 Percent, Returning to All-Time Record Low Last Held in Late 2018

Saturday, June 01, 2019

AUSTIN - Growth in the Texas economy continued in April, with 28,900 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell once more to 3.7 percent, returning to an all-time record low last held in December of 2018. April marked the 108th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. “Our state’s ongoing success is linked to the innovation and competitiveness of employers in a range of industries providing Texans more opportunities to demonstrate their world-class skills,” said TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “In fact, Chief Executive Magazine has named Texas the...

TEXAS RANKED BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS FOR 15TH STRAIGHT YEAR

Friday, May 31, 2019

The Lone Star State tops Chief Executive's 15th annual Best and Worst States for Business survey. Texas secured the No. 1 spot on Chief Executive’s Best and Worst State for Business survey. Texas achieved the top spot each year since the ranking's inception. The rankings reflect CEO perceptions of best and worst states for business based on a range of key measures. The Lone Star State's dominance in this ranking is thanks to its hospitable business climate, top-notch workforce and high quality of life. Texas was followed once again by Florida at No. 2, while North Carolina fell to No. 4, replaced by Tennessee...

TEXAS RANKED BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS FOR 15TH STRAIGHT YEAR

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Jessica Rule, Owner of SHK The Advertising Firm, on Young Professional Opportunities in Midland

Thursday, May 09, 2019

“As Midland has grown it’s been exciting to see how advertising has played a role in growing local businesses who previously never marketed their products or services but relied on word of mouth. We are getting a lot of new people coming to town so there is a need for local companies to tap into this new market through creative advertising,” said Jessica Rule. She should know. As the owner of SHK The Advertising Firm, Rule has a front row seat in the changes taking place in Midland and the opportunities this presents for established companies, startups and young professionals...

Tech Jobs

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has released its annual Cyberstates report, providing a detailed look at trends in technology employment. It’s a great way to check how Texas is faring relative to other states in a key component of future growth. CompTIA uses a measure of technology employment that includes technology workers across the entire economy. By this measure, the US total reached an estimated 11.8 million in 2018, up 2.3% from 2017. Since 2010, national tech employment rose by 18.8%. Read full article.

Texas labor force tops 14 million as monthly job growth continues

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Texas marked its 107th consecutive month of job gains in March, according to data released by the state's workforce commission. The state added 22,600 jobs in March, up from the 17,700 it added in February. Much of the state's job growth was driven by the private sector in March, though it continues to grow at a slower rate than in the past. Read full article.

Workforce Automation: Scary Threat or Major Opportunity?

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Despite dire predictions that robots and automation will displace workers, studies predict automation and robotics will actually create more — but different — jobs than they displace. You might have read about the “Second Machine Age,” in which automated technologies perform more and more work that humans have been doing — and machines become competitors rather than helpers. Some people talk about the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and the disruptions that it will bring. Inevitably, such discussion stokes fears that a lot of people will see their livelihoods dry up as machines take over their work. Read full article.

What Does Sustainability Mean in 2019?

Monday, April 29, 2019

Although sustainability in the built environment is still important, fewer projects are seeking certifications, while wellness features/amenities are becoming more mainstream. For the third year in a row, our construction management firm has conducted a survey among our clients and partners to determine what the real estate community truly thinks about sustainability in the built environment. Our survey measures everything from the expected ROI of sustainability, wellness, and resilience planning to which third-party rating systems have the most market impact. We find it a fascinating glimpse into how our clients perceive, value, and interpret the myriad factors that impact sustainability in the built...

Solar energy keeps oil flowing in Texas

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Enough panels to light up Dallas by ’22 Texas, home to the world's largest oil reserve and America's biggest source of coal-fired power, is on the verge of a clean-energy boom. Wind already supplies about 15 percent of Texas' electricity, enough to meet the state's quota for renewable energy. And developers are about to quadruple the state's solar capacity, adding enough panels by 2022 to light up all of Dallas. They won't just power homes. Solar developers are responding to demand from oil and gas drillers, whose booming operations are gobbling up electricity and pushing prices to spikes above $1,000 a megawatt-hour. Texas isn't...

Technology Employment Expands its Presence in the Texas Workforce

Saturday, April 27, 2019

17,000-plus new jobs in 2018 coupled with growing economic impact, according to CompTIA Cyberstates 2019™ report AUSTIN, Texas -- Technology-related employment in Texas grew by more than 17,800 new jobs in 2018 and the tech sector increased its contribution to the state's economy, according to Cyberstates 2019™, the definitive guide to tech sector and tech workforce analytics published annually by CompTIA, the leading technology industry association. Net tech employment grew by an estimated 17,855 jobs in 2018.1 Since 2010 net tech employment has grown by more than 170,000 new jobs. With nearly 983,000 workers, tech accounts for approximately 7.5 percent of the Texasworkforce. The tech sector has an estimated direct...

AST and Science announces successful launch of its first satellite

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

AST and Science has announced that its first satellite, designated BlueWalker 1, has been successfully launched, stabilized in orbit and is ready for operations. The BlueWalker 1 nano-satellite was launched into orbit on a PSLV-C45 launch vehicle from the Datish Dhawan Space Center in India April 1. The satellite is functioning satisfactorily and is ready to move into full operation. BlueWalker 1 is flying in a stable low-Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of about 500 miles. It will serve as a testbed for AST and Science patented technologies in space over the next several years. Click here for the complete article.

Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, which will be overseen by America’s Small Business Development Council at UT Permian Basin (SBDC), is designed to assist entrepreneurs in expanding an existing business or starting a new one. Each participant will gain a better understanding of how to develop and follow a realistic business plan and model for a growing business. This undoubtedly will have a positive economic impact for Midland. By attending the mandatory orientation that the SBDC will present, entrepreneurs and business owners who are interested in applying will better understand the requirements of the competition. Participants will be able to attend multiple seminars...

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in the New Normal

Friday, April 12, 2019

Siemens has taken a new proactive approach to fulfilling its labor force needs with revamped recruiting, on-boarding, retention, and training programs. One of the biggest challenges today that manufacturers encounter is finding skilled labor. Employer demand for labor is now greater than the supply, and with the unemployment rate at a 10-year low, the question of where to turn for experienced, highly skilled technical talent is very real for manufacturers. With limited internal staff and processes to attract, source, screen or onboard, and train talent, many manufacturers are unprepared to meet the demands of today’s labor market. Read full article.

In Focus: Taking Advantage of the Remote Working Trend

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

With the majority of employees worldwide spending at least a portion of their time working remotely, facility managers need to alter their workspaces. The shape of office space has changed dramatically over the years — from the large, individual offices of the 1950s and 60s to the rows of cubicles in the 80s. Now, we’re seeing those cubicles shift into communal work areas with less square footage overall and fewer parking spaces, reflecting the 21st century’s newest office trend: remote working. Remarkably, today a majority — 52 percent — of employees worldwide work away from the office at least once a week. In...

Midland, Texas is the Land of Opportunity and Sustainable Economic Growth

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Sustainable economic growth, opportunity and communitywide improvement help to define Midland, Texas – a community whose growth has been nationally recognized. The spirit of the community is vibrant with business owners, executives and entrepreneurs showing the same type of hustle you would expect to find in major cities like New York or LA. This is a community where entrepreneurs can make their mark, launch their business and grow ideas into successful organizations. Midland is a place where things happen, where the energy is electric, and the American dream is alive and well. Perhaps this is why Midland, Texas outranks...

How to Build a Data Center and Keep the Lights On

Monday, April 08, 2019

The data center building process is extremely complex, requiring careful planning with input from experts in wide-ranging fields. Data centers have gone from being almost hardly noticed to one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the global digital economy. They host everything from financial records to Netflix movies. As a result, data centers have become a multibillion-dollar industry, precisely because their role is so important. Designing, building, and supporting data centers requires strategic planning and careful construction in order to keep clients’ mission-critical data secure and available 24/7 — regardless of what it is. There are many factors that must...

Making It Look Easy

Friday, April 05, 2019

The Governors of Nebraska and Texas have a few things in common — new terms in office, a commitment to putting veterans to work and another Governor’s Cup to add to their collections. This we know for sure: Texas and Nebraska are consistent. Texas Governor Greg Abbott wins a fifth consecutive Governor’s Cup — his state’s seventh consecutive win — for total qualified projects in 2018. And Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts wins a third consecutive Governor’s Cup for total projects per capita — his state’s fourth such prize. Both governors won their reelection bids in late 2018, but it was the...

Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Initially adopted by big tech companies, AI’s use has spread to manufacturing operations and their supply chains, despite cybersecurity and other concerns. Artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of devices that act and react like humans, has been gaining momentum in transforming supply chain management. To work smarter, more and more companies are employing technologies including computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, speech recognition, and robotics. Read full article.

Perryman: Seven in a Row

Monday, April 01, 2019

One of the most visible indicators of economic success is Site Selection Magazine’s “Governor’s Cup” competition, and Texas has won for the seventh consecutive year. The Cup goes to the state with the most major corporate location and expansion projects each year. In addition to winning every round since 2012, the Lone Star State has been coming in at or near the top of the list for about 15 years (since the passage and implementation of key incentive legislation). Read full article.

Best States for Female Entrepreneurs 2019—Definitive Ranking of All 50 States

Thursday, March 28, 2019

While the old saying “It’s a man’s world” is passé, there’s still evidence men have the upper hand in business—particularly the startup world. Women-owned startups face significant social and economic challenges, resulting in a remarkable disparity between male and female-launched businesses. Read full article.

GOVERNOR ABBOTT ACCEPTS GOVERNOR’S CUP AWARD

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Texas Named Top State for Capital Investment for Seven Consecutive Years Governor Greg Abbott accepted Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup Award for a record-breaking seventh year in a row. This is the 15th overall win for the state of Texas, more than any other state. Governor Abbott was joined by business leaders and executives from the Metro 8 Chambers of Commerce to accept the award, which highlights top-performing states for job creation, capital investment, and business innovation. Read full article.

There’s Always Something New to Explore in Midland, Texas

Monday, March 18, 2019

It’s the end of a long work week. You want to relax and have fun. In Midland, Texas, there’s never a shortage of entertainment options for you and your family -- especially now, in the midst of rapid growth for our city. If you’re looking to be active, check out our golf courses, skate park, playgrounds and join a local sports club. Midland is also a cultural and arts hub, with a planetarium, performing arts centers and theaters, several museums and live music venues. Our retail and dining scene is also booming, with new establishments opening on a weekly basis. Click...

Stay Up-To-Date By Following Us on Social Media

Monday, March 11, 2019

As you’ve probably heard, Midland, Texas is growing exponentially. New businesses are launching, existing corporations are moving in, the cultural scene is expanding-- it’s a lot to keep up with. Stay in the loop by following us on social media! We’ll keep you updated on all the latest economic developments, let you know about exciting upcoming events and put a spotlight on the successes of our friends and partners. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube. And don’t be shy about reaching out on those platforms; we’d love to hear from you!

Rich & Diverse: Midland’s History and Current Expansion

Monday, March 04, 2019

In Midland, Texas, we are proud of our rich and diverse history. The town was founded in the 1880s as a railroad hub and ranching community, before experiencing explosive growth in the 1920s when oil was discovered. Midland is in the heart of the Permian Basin, the second-largest oil and gas shale formation in the entire world. That discovery set Midland on a successful course that has continued into the present day. Now, Midland is in the midst of another boom. The aerospace and aviation industry is expanding, corporations and entrepreneurs are moving here, and our residents have the second highest...

From Rural Estates to Downtown Living: Midland Has it All

Monday, February 25, 2019

Your home should be specifically catered to your needs and desires. In Midland, Texas, we have a wide variety of options designed to suit your family. And you don’t need to break the bank in order to get what you want. In Midland, we have a lower cost of living compared to the national average, and nearly two-thirds of families in Midland own their homes. Whether you are looking for a traditional Texas ranch-style, a cottage or a larger home with acreage, you’ll find it here. And for those looking for that downtown city living, there are condos and lofts available....

Expanding Your Skills: Check out Midland College

Monday, February 18, 2019

Looking to further your education? We have an excellent option right here in our community: Midland College. The school has multiple degrees to choose from, including in STEM, computer technology, business, health and education. There are certificate programs available for mid-career professionals looking to expand or refine their skills, and Midland College’s Transportation Training program enables students to invest in their futures by obtaining commercial drivers licenses. And you won’t be saddled with crushing debt; Midland College is about one-third of the cost of other Texas institutions. Click here for more information.

New Organization Gearing Up To Take On Challenges Facing Midland

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

As the Permian Basin continues to produce millions of barrels of crude oil each day, Midland and other communities in the area are rapidly growing. There are challenges that come with this kind of economic success though. To address this, the City of Midland along with other public and private organizations are joining together to create a group to address some of the region’s biggest problems. Priority Midland is the new effort to address the region’s rapid growth and economic stresses but as the public kickoff for the organization’s unveiling made clear — this isn’t your grandmother’s oil boom. Read the rest of...

Priority Midland launches first event takes at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Hundreds of people showed up to the Wagner Noel February 11 for the Priority Midland launch event. The crowd was made up of officials from both the city and the county, oil, and gas stakeholders, representatives from organizations within the community, and the public. The event featured two keynote speakers, Dr. Ray Perryman, and General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal. Dr. Perryman, a world-renowned economist spoke to the success of the Permian oil patch and its significance to the world and U.S economy. He also spoke on the future of oil production in the region and its continued positive outlook, a reason shareholders and community leaders...

Priority Midland: Community leaders, officials, non-profits team up to address Midland issues

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Hundreds of community members attended the launch of Priority Midland, an initiative that aims to solve hurdles brought about by economic expansion. The initiative kicked off Monday night at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. The launch included speeches from two keynote speakers, General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal and economist Dr. Ray Perryman. Priority Midland is a collaboration between community leaders from the city and county governmental entities, leaders in local industries, as well as private foundations. Click here for the complete article.

Let’s Fly: Aerospace & Aviation Industry Soaring in Midland, Texas

Monday, February 11, 2019

Here in Midland, we are well-known for being a leader in the oil and gas industry. But we’re also looking to the skies and beyond. With new projects underway and room for expansion at the airport business park, now is the ideal time to get involved in Midland’s aerospace and aviation industry. The Midland International Air & Space Port is one of the top 10 largest in Texas, with daily commercial flights and cargo shipping. The business park has land available for development. And we’re also proud to say that the airport is the first in the United States to be...

Workforce Training Options in Midland, Texas

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Looking to advance your technical skills to land a new job? Or are you a business owner with a need for additional training for new employees? Midland, Texas has the resources to provide those solutions. One example is the Midland College Advanced Technology Center. Workforce education programs are available to help workers advance their tech and machinery skills. The Petroleum Professional Development Center, designed to provide training to workers in the oil and gas industry, is one of only seven of its kind in the world. Click here for more information on the tools available to help enhance and refine your...

McChrystal: Leading change isn’t easy: Retired Army four-star general speaks at Priority Midland kick-off

Saturday, February 02, 2019

Priority Midland introduced itself to residents on Monday night at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. The speaking lineup, which included economist Ray Perryman and retired Army four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal, reminded the who’s who in local government and nonprofit and community organizations that the rate of change has increased exponentially in Midland and that a team of teams requires change. McChrystal provided a first-hand look at how his experience as the head of Joint Special Operations Command in Iraq forced him to evolve as a military man and leader. Characteristics such as trust, a common purpose and shared consciousness were part of a...

Midland’s Three Business Parks Have Room to Expand

Monday, January 28, 2019

Midland, Texas is growing rapidly, and we have the space to expand even further. Our city boasts three business parks, with ample acreage available for development as well as office space. All three parks-- Midland Spaceport, David Mims and La Entrada-- are conveniently located with access to nearby transportation, including rail lines, federal and state highways and the airport. The Midland Spaceport Business Park, positioned within the airport itself, gives you direct access to airside ramps and hangars. Click here to check out the three business parks and see which one will best suit your needs.

Finding Real Estate in Midland, Texas Using Our Easy Online Tool

Monday, January 21, 2019

Business owners: good news! Finding your next headquarters or expansion location just got a lot less time-consuming. The Midland Development Corporation utilizes an easy-to-use online tool that’ll simplify your real estate search, called the Geographic Information System. There are multiple search criteria to choose from, based on what is most important to you and your company. Search by square footage, acreage or by whether the location is for sale or lease. You can also zoom in to see demographic data, proximity to transportation, geography, and the broadband service available in each area. Click here to check it out.

The Sky’s The Limit In The Lone Star State

Wednesday, August 02, 2017

Author: Business Facilities If Texas was a country, it would have the tenth-largest economy among nations. A business-friendly climate—TX, which has no corporate or personal income taxes, is the top-ranked state for Best Business Climate in our 2017 Rankings Report—as well as a highly skilled workforce, easy access to global markets and robust infrastructure has attracted the headquarters of 50 Fortune 500 companies to the Lone Star State. For Gov. Greg Abbott, one of the biggest selling points for Texas is what the governor likes to call “economic liberty.” In an exclusive interview with BF, Abbott defined his governing philosophy for stimulating economic development. “Economic liberty is why...

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