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    News Center for Conroe, TX EDC

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    Conroe EDC Celebrates that Economic Development is Made Here main photo

    Conroe EDC Celebrates that Economic Development is Made Here

    May 11, 2023

    Conroe’s growth and success were on display during National Economic Development Week 2023. A pair of events showcased the strength of Conroe’s economy and the people leading the way. Surrounded by partners and stakeholders, the Conroe Economic Development Council (CEDC) was proud to display that Economic Development is Made Here.

    The CEDC hosted the second annual Economic Development Week Roundtable on Tuesday, May 9, at 202 Main. More than 50 people filled the charming downtown Conroe venue to gain insights from entrepreneurs, local leaders, and business resources.

    Moderated by CEDC Deputy Director Laura Lea Palmer, who spearheads the CEDC’s entrepreneurship effort, a panel of entrepreneurs delivered a robust discussion about the joys and challenges of starting a business. Four Conroe small business owners showcased the diversity of businesses in Conroe. Conroe Mayor and MHW Commercial Real Estate President/CEO Jody Czajkoski, Sapphire Gas Solutions CEO Sam Thigpen, Almost August Owner Kernita Butler Heard and Dragon Bowl C Owner San Cheng offered unique perspectives with their entrepreneurial stories.

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe (L-R: Laura Lea Palmer, Jody Czajkoski, San Cheng, Sam Thigpen, Kernita Butler Heard)

    “I fell in love with the natural beauty and culture of Conroe,” said Mayor Czajkoski. “I knew the opportunity was here to build a business.”

    Heard was also drawn to Conroe’s charm, as she looked for a place to launch a business after burnout during Covid-19 drove her away from the corporate world.

    “There’s a heartbeat in downtown Conroe. It just feels like home to me,” said Heard.

    Cheng can be described as a serial entrepreneur having started several Conroe businesses. Dragon Bowl C Noodle Bar in downtown Conroe was born from a love of food and community. The tie to community remains important to Chang.

    “I saw the opportunity to develop a business for the community. It has always been important to get to know our customers,” offered Chang.

    Thigpen discussed the rewarding elements of owning a business, specifically the opportunity to help clients and employees.

    “I enjoy leading people and seeing them grow,” said Thigpen. “I also love solving people’s problems, and we get to do that every day.”

    The panel’s entrepreneurial insights and stories followed a host of speakers that outlined resources available to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and future leaders. Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center Director Rhonda Ellisor highlighted the role they play in guiding small business growth. Sam Houston State University Entrepreneurship Program Director and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Bob Milner discussed the importance of mentorship and the success Sam Houston State University is having in developing entrepreneurs.

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

    Dr. Carla E. Alsandor, Senior Director of University of St. Thomas’s Conroe micro-campus, USTMAX Center, updated the crowd on the success of the downtown Conroe campus and the programs available for students and business leaders. Finally, Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce Director of Special Events Courtney Budra detailed the Chamber’s newly-launched Young Professionals Network designed to develop Conroe’s future leaders.

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

    Conroe Mayor Pro-Tem Curt Maddox welcomed the crowd with opening remarks and a brief highlight of Conroe’s desired developments, including Conroe Park North, Deison Technology Park and Grand Central Park. CEDC Executive Director Danielle Scheiner and the rest of the CEDC team provided an overview of the ways that the CEDC helps businesses in Conroe thrive. 

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    Photo Credit: Andrew Yousse, City of Conroe

    The week commenced with CEDC ally the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce hosting an economic development luncheon on Monday, May 8. With centerpieces featuring Conroe companies and the products they make, more than 100 attendees learned about the current state of economic development in Conroe. CEDC Advisory Board Chair Steve Pilgrim highlighted the importance of partnership in his opening remarks before turning it over to Scheiner.

    Scheiner’s presentation detailed Conroe’s growth over the past decade and the statistics that prove Conroe’s place as a premier business destination. An overview of recent projects in Conroe Park North and Deison Technology Park demonstrated Conroe’s success attracting new business. 

    Scheiner transitioned from industrial to multiple new projects taking Grand Central Park to the next level. Hyatt Regency Conroe & Convention Center is set to open its doors, while Sam Houston State University is constructing its Health Professions Building next to the College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

    Scheiner wrapped up by highlighting the renaissance of downtown Conroe. She discussed a number of projects that are enhancing the area’s offerings, including Conroe-based Lindsey Properties’ plans to redevelop three sites that will bring residential, retail, and office to the city’s cultural center.

    Steve%20at%20Luncheon

    Photo Credit: Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber

    Danielle%20at%20Luncheon

    Photo Credit: Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber

    EconDev%20Week%20 %20Monday%20-%20Team%20Photo

    Photo Credit: Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber (CEDC Staff L-R: Sharla Smith, Danielle Scheiner, Jennifer Matthews, Valencia Alasmar, Laura Lea Palmer)

    A busy week showcasing business leaders and economic growth is a snapshot of economic success in Conroe. The CEDC encourages you to check out ConroeEDC.org and their Why Conroe podcast to learn more about Conroe’s business climate. You will learn more about the business growth and entrepreneurs featured this week. No doubt it will help demonstrate that Economic Development is Made Here!

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    Fast Fact Photo
    Texas Tissue

    Texas Tissue project in Conroe Park North

    “Conroe had the available land and the necessary resources to build what we needed. And from a labor standpoint, Conroe is an attractive market to recruit talent. People want to live and work there.”

    Joe Suarez, Texas Tissue Chief Financial Officer

    Texas Tissue
    Fast Fact Photo
    Buske Logistics

    Buske Logistics project in Conroe Park North

    “The existing infrastructure in and around Conroe Park North creates a smart investment for us because the structure is there. The economics make sense versus competing parks in the area.”

    John Babington, Buske President and Owner

    Buske Logistics
    Fast Fact Photo
    VGXI

    VGXI project in Deison Technology Park

    “I cannot tell you how many people in Conroe have told us, ‘VGXI is exactly what we've been searching for to lead Deison Technology Park.’ We could not have accomplished this without the CEDC staff. Conroe has been so welcoming. It fills us with pride.”

    Dorothy Peterson, VGXI Chief Operating Officer

    VGXI
    Fast Fact Photo
    AFW

    American Furniture Warehouse project in Conroe

    “Conroe checks all the boxes for what we look for when we expand: accessibility to land, infrastructure, and people. The CEDC listened to our needs and moved quickly to connect us with important resources, and the City of Conroe has been incredibly hospitable.”

    Nolan Morrison, American Furniture Warehouse Executive

    AFW
    Fast Fact Photo
    Eleet

    Eleet Cryogenics project in Conroe Park North

    “Conroe Park North has everything we need. The infrastructure is in place, the Park is very well maintained, and we can be close to our customer base. I thought to myself on that first visit, ‘This is where I want to be.’”

    Garry Sears, Founder and President/CEO of Eleet Cryogenics, Inc. 

    Eleet
    Conroe Economic Development Council Icon
    Conroe Economic Development Council 936.522.3530 (phone) 936.756.6162 (fax) info@conroeedc.org 300 W. Davis St, Ste 510 Conroe, TX 77301
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