Business Leaders Introduced to Economic Growth Opportunities at GCEDC Allies Day

Nearly 100 business and industry leaders, primarily industrial and commercial real estate professionals, gathered to learn more about opportunities to grow business in the greater Conroe area. The 16th Annual Greater Conroe Allies Day hosted by the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council (GCEDC) attracted business professionals with seminars, presentations and testimonials that broadened awareness of business opportunities available in Greater Conroe. The event showcased Conroe as a profitable, vibrant location for business and industry.

GCEDC Executive Director, Fred Welch, kicked off Allies Day with information demonstrating how Conroe is ready to do business. He provided an update of Conroe’s existing and planned commercial developments, showed a list of companies currently located in Conroe, and provided details of relocation and expansion incentives intended to attract companies to Greater Conroe. Welch also presented the latest demographics of the area, including availability of qualified workforce.

“Conroe is in a great position for industrial and commercial growth. We have the space, infrastructure, workforce, and incentives needed to flourish,” Welch told business leaders.

Virgil Yoakum, General Manager at Johnson Development Corp., joined Welch with a presentation about the prospective Grand Central Park, planned for the former Camp Strake site. Yoakum discussed the master plan, estimated completion of phases, and extolled the advantages of the property, including the natural assets of Grand Lake, Deer Lake, and the San Jacinto River Corridor.

“It is a great time to be in Greater Conroe. I truly believe Conroe’s moment has come to grow and take off,” said Yoakum when discussing why Johnson Development Corp. chose that particular site for Grand Central Park. Johnson Development’s mixed use development strategy will create an estimated 8,000-14,000 jobs and generate more than $1 billion in tax revenue.

Danielle Scheiner, GCEDC Deputy Director, guided a bus tour with stops at the future site of Grand Central Park and current industrial and commercial sites in Conroe Park North and Deison Technology Park. The trip through Conroe Park North compelled passengers to enthusiastically crane their necks to view various new and existing developments in the thriving industrial park. Expressions were similar when passengers caught eye of opportunities available to businesses in Deison Technology Park.

“Our goal was for the attendees to learn about what Greater Conroe has to offer clients. We are excited about the economic future of Conroe and those that attended Allies Day now share in that excitement,” offered Scheiner about the GCEDC’s Allies Day.

Conroe is not just a great place to work; it is also a great place to play. To show their appreciation, the GCEDC held a golf tournament for Allies Day attendees at Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club. A chance to hit the links was valued by all who participated, including those who helped raise the water level of beautiful Lake Conroe with errant drives and approach shots.

The GCEDC is thankful for their partners that made the short trek to Conroe for Allies Day and pleased that attendees gained an understanding that Conroe is ready to do business. The partners left knowing that they are valued Allies of the GCEDC and that the GCEDC is committed to building economic growth by building and fostering positive relationships with local business and industry.