The land of opportunity: Manor, Elgin and Taylor, Texas — Table of Experts
June 14, 2023
Central Texas is a magnet for major corporate commitments, most notably Samsung Electronics Co.’s incoming chip-making factory which represents an investment of over $17 billion. The company is building its next-generation plant in Taylor, a city of roughly 16,000, and plans to create thousands of direct jobs in the coming years, with ripple effects already appearing in the surrounding areas. The project is one of many that will reap benefits across the region for decades to come.
The three area chambers of Commerce saw an opportunity to collaborate by creating a partnership called METT (Manor, Elgin, Taylor, Texas). Their goal is to work together to help support each other’s missions and to educate their members through intention and purposeful action. Business and community leaders gathered on May 18 at the first METT Business Summit hosted in Elgin, Texas, to discuss the growth opportunities and challenges that their communities face as economic development efforts ramp in the region. A panel of experts talked about the impact that new business and home builds are having on the area and the opportunities for city and community members to manage the economic impact while staying true to their roots. While the Elgin Chamber of Commerce took the lead as the host city, the chambers plan to continue this summit yearly, while rotating locations. Included in the discussion: Brandt Rydell, Mayor of Taylor, Texas, and Assistant General Counsel of ERCOT; Bryan Bracewell, owner of Southside Market & Barbecue and President of Elgin EDC Board; Michele Glaze, Head of Communications & Community Affairs, Samsung Austin Semiconductor; and Dr. Chris Cervini, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, Austin Community College. Abby Mellott, Market President and Publisher, Austin Business Journal, served as the moderator.
