Secretary Andrade Praises State’s Economic Development Efforts

says Texas "very business-friendly" in speech.

WESTLAKE, TX, Jan. 30, 2009 – Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade today addressed the Northeast Leadership Forum at their annual meeting and award luncheon. Andrade, an entrepreneur from San Antonio, highlighted the advantages of doing business in Texas and praised the state’s proactive efforts in economic development.

“There should be no question in our minds about how fortunate we are to call ourselves Texans,” Andrade said. “As the world’s 12th-largest economy, we added more than 152,000 new jobs last year, while the nation as a whole lost more than 2.6 million.”


Though the rate of expansion has slowed, the Texas economy is still expanding and has been recognized as the state best-suited to weather the current financial uncertainty. Texas ranks as the top relocation destination in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row and is now home to the most FORTUNE 500 corporate headquarters in the nation.

“While other states are driving businesses away through increased taxes, regulatory ‘hoops,’ and unharnessed spending, Texas welcomes them with open – and very business-friendly – arms,” Andrade continued.

Andrade reminded the audience of the profitable gains the state has seen through the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. Since its creation in 2003, the Enterprise Fund has helped close the deal on projects generating $14 billion in capital investment and more than 53,000 new jobs for the state. Additionally, the state has invested more than $110 million in research teams, universities, and technology companies through the Emerging Technology Fund.

Andrade underscored the role state government can play in Texas economic development activities.

She said the state should, “continue cultivating a business environment which encourages entrepreneurial ideas, a competitive economy, and new opportunities for Texas and our many partners. As we move forward, let’s remain mindful of the primary principle which has brought us such great prosperity: the commitment to a limited government system that allows people to grow their businesses, invest their money, create new jobs, and fully realize the unlimited opportunities that await them in our state,” Andrade concluded.