Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutreporter.aug05© City of Georgetown, 2005 Last year, a team of citizens assisted the Economic Development Department to commission a retail “leakage” study that analyzed consumer spending patterns in the Georgetown area. That study, performed by the Capital Area Planning Council, found that while nearly $1 billion is being spent by consumers who live in the Georgetown retail trade area, about half that amount is being spent outside the trade area in places like Round Rock and Austin. Local businesses and site selectors for new businesses have been able to use the study to identify key areas where there are opportunities for new businesses. “The study showed that there is tremendous opportunity for businesses in Georgetown,” says Mark Thomas. New stores at Wolf Ranch and the Rivery shopping cen- ter should reduce Georgetown’s leakage numbers in the future. In addition, many new businesses have opened on Williams Drive and on the Square in the past year. The growth means that, “People will likely make more purchases of clothing, household items, and other goods here in Georgetown rather than driving to malls in Round Rock or Austin,” says Thomas. That means more tax money will stay here to support Georgetown schools and local govern- ment. Georgetown’s historic Square has seen many changes recently. Some longstanding businesses have closed in the past year. However, storefronts have not remained vacant as new busi- nesses move in. The Economic Development department has been assisting the effort with a direct marketing campaign, which has yielded a number of leads on companies that are considering Georgetown for new locations. VOL.3 • NO.8 A Publication of the City of Georgetown August 2005 Consumer Base Attracting More Retail Mark Thomas, Economic Development Director A 0.25 percent sales tax that was approved by the voters in May will take effect October 1. As approved by the voters, half of the revenue from the tax (1/8-cent for each dollar) will be used for property tax reduction. The other half of 4A Corporation, Sales Tax Begins Oct. 1 the revenue, or 1/8-cent, will be available for attracting new businesses or helping the expansion of existing businesses. The City expects that $1.1 million will be generated from the new tax in the first year. Production is set to begin next month at Tasus Corporation’s new manufacturing plant on S. Austin Avenue in Georgetown. Tasus is the first automotive parts supplier in the area for the Toyota Tundra plant in San Antonio, scheduled to open next year. A manufacturer of plastic injection-molded automotive parts, Tasus expects to hire more than 100 employees in the first five years. The total economic impact to the area from Tasus is estimated at more than $8.2 million by 2010, accord- ing to a study done by the Lower Colorado River Authority. With other Toyota-related suppliers likely to move to the region, Georgetown is working hard to attract more manufacturing jobs. In April, Mark Thomas, who is the City’s economic development director, attended a meeting of the Society for Automotive Engineers in Detroit in order to make face-to- face contacts with companies who may locate a plant in Central Texas. Thomas also visited a Toyota plant in Kentucky to make contacts with suppliers. With the potential for other auto or truck plants to be built in Texas, Thomas says, “We’re keying in on that sector. We’re making contacts and we’re staying on target.” Walt Barkelow, Tasus Plant Manager, is excited to see the Georgetown facility begin to take shape. Tasus Texas Opens Soon Georgetown’s buying potential is fueling new retail growth. Discover the latest news about the city at www.georgetown.org The Georgetown City Reporter is a publication of the City of Georgetown Public Information Office located in City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, Georgetown, Texas, 78626. For questions or comments, contact Keith Hutchinson, Public Information Officer for the City of Georgetown at (512) 930-3690, or by email at khutchinson@georgetowntx.org. with the State Office of Economic Development and Tourism where Gomez worked with the Corporate Expansion and Recruitment office, the office of Border Initiatives, and as interim director for the office of Military Defense Affairs. Gomez also worked on the team that helped land the Toyota Tundra plant in Texas. Last year, members of the George- town Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission, along with Gomez, contacted the top 50 employers in the Georgetown area. Since that time, Gomez has been providing assistance to those businesses and smaller firms with expansion plans, information on small business assistance, and other resources. Bringing a new corporation or manufacturing facility to town is the kind of news that makes head- lines, yet as a general rule, 80 per- cent of the new jobs are created by companies already in the area. The City’s effort to assist existing businesses is led by George Gomez, a program specialist with the Economic Development Department. Gomez brings a wealth of experience to the job, including more than four years Micki Rundell Director Finance & Administration Started with City in 1993 Education/ Background: BS – University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (Finance & Economics) Most memorable moment on the job? Assisting the City Council in successfully balancing the General Fund through the use of “Scenario H” is probably my greatest accomplishment at the City to date. My most memorable moments are always compiling and developing the annual budget. Each year’s budget is different, with various needs and challenges. Hopefully by the end of each process, we have developed a budget that moves the City forward and meets the needs of citizens, at a reasonable cost. What do you like best about working for the City? Making a difference in the com- munity where I live is probably Existing Businesses Are Growing Employee Profile the best part about working for the City. I love living and working in Georgetown. It’s a great com- munity for families of all ages. The same goes for this organization itself. We have wonderful employ- ees who genuinely care about this community and its quality of life. Favorite things to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my family, being a soccer mom for my youngest son who plays on a select team in Round Rock, and playing golf with my husband when we have time. I love to travel and I like to read when I have a chance. One thing I don’t really do is cook. I’d rather eat out. Warning Siren Testing on Wednesdays The City’s outdoor warning sirens are tested each Wednesday at noon, unless there is inclement weather in the area. In a real emergency such as a storm or other disaster, the siren means, “take cover.” Library Closed for Inventory August 10-12 The Georgetown Public Library will be closed August 10-12 for annual inventory. If you wish to return materials during this time, both bookdrops will be open and emptied regularly. Regular hours will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13. George Gomez, in Economic Development focuses on existing businesses. Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5 City offices closed. No trash pickup. Diva expanded its showroom and services in a move across the Square.