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For more than two decades, Fort Bend County has accrued national accolades for economic development, job growth and quality of life. Newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) continues the trend, reporting that Fort Bend County ranks eighth for employment growth out of the 323 largest counties in the United States for the third quarter of 2011.

Fort Bend County, located in southeast Texas and part of the ten-county Greater Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), is forecast to continue to lead the region in job creation, averaging more than 3% growth per year through 2015. The projection from Woods & Poole Economics is complemented by data from The Brookings Institution, which earlier this year named the Houston MSA as North America’s fastest growing metro area.

“These statistics back up what we’ve known for a long time about Fort Bend,” said Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. “When you cultivate a business-friendly climate, prioritize educational systems and protect quality of life, you attract top-notch companies and employees.”

In addition to economic development including job growth and corporate expansions and relocations, Fort Bend County has been recognized for its high quality of life and educational attainment, as illustrated in the attached infographic “Fort Bend County, Texas: Snapshot.”

Among recent accolades: the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute released a study last month showing that Fort Bend County has the healthiest residents in the Greater Houston area; Fort Bend is home to five of the top 20 master planned communities in the nation, according to Metrostudy; U.S. Census Bureau results show the County to be a regional leader in educational attainment with 40% of residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher; USA Today, drawing upon U.S. Census Bureau results, named Fort Bend the fastest growing and most diverse county in the Greater Houston area; and the County unemployment rate is 6.3%, lower than both the State of Texas (7.0%) and national (8.2%) unemployment rates, according to the most recent figures released for March 2012.

“Fort Bend County leaders are dedicated to smart growth,” said Wiley. “We’ve created a business culture that attracts great companies, and have supported the resulting business and population growth with high-performing schools, new roads, national and international transit options, and solid infrastructure. Not only are we experiencing healthy growth now, Fort Bend County is poised for continued success in the future.”

For more information about Fort Bend County, visit online at www.FortBendCounty.com or call (281) 242-0000.

The City of Richmond, Texas is undergoing a transformation in its business and residential landscape. Recognized as one of Texas’ founding communities, settled before Texas became a state, Richmond is building on its historic past and welcoming future growth. As the national economy continues to rebound, Richmond moves ahead of the curve by analyzing its current economic environment, adding new businesses, and undertaking quality of life enhancements to the benefit of its residents and the local community.

Richmond, the seat of Fort Bend County, has long been seen as a quiet historical community numbering approximately 12,000 residents. The City, however, is strategically placed for business expansion as well as residential and recreational enjoyment.

“We currently have four retail businesses in various stages of moving and opening locations in Richmond,” says City Manager Terri Vela. “While we are rich in history, we are also very welcoming to new businesses.”

In 2011, Richmond partnered with The Retail Coach (TRC), retail recruitment and consulting firm, to analyze its current economic situation and strategize options to bring development to the City. Research results from TRC are being used to recruit new businesses to Richmond.

Current projects include a Lifecheck Pharmacy in the old Bank of America Building, a Sandwich Shop located downtown, O’Reilly’s Hardware on Highway 90A, and a new Fajita Pete’s restaurant.

Richmond also is undertaking a variety of quality of life initiatives, including enhancing its current hike, bike and trail system. A canoe launch is underway on the Brazos River in partnership with local organization Fort Bend Green (FBG). Plans for a park with a relaxing lake and trail system are well underway, with a 2013 opening date targeted.

“In Fort Bend County, we celebrate a tremendous quality of life,” says Jeff Wiley, President of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. “The improvements Richmond is initiating are some of many of the things our cities do to ensure healthy lifestyles for our residents.”

A farmers market will soon come to historic Downtown Richmond in conjunction with the City’s partnership with the Downtown Merchants Association. Beginning this summer, residents will be able to purchase a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The City also prioritizes mobility. Williams Way Boulevard is a key connector between U.S. Highway 59 and the new Justice Center south of the historic downtown area, and was recently widened to four lanes. The addition of new sidewalks and streetlights provide both pedestrians and drivers a more efficient and safer route into the City and to County facilities located on the Boulevard.

Richmond celebrates its 175^th birthday this year and is the seat of Fort Bend County. For more information about Richmond, visit www.ci.richmond.tx.us. Additional information about Fort Bend County can be found online at www.FortBendCounty.com or by calling (281) 242-0000.

OMB plans an initial Phase I capital investment of approximately $5.5 million in the building, which will also serve as a manufacturing facility. The headquarters will be located at the northwest corner of North Promenade and U.S. Highway 90A. With Phase II, the company expects to double the number of jobs and the size of the facility in two to five years.

“We’re excited to bring manufacturing jobs to this region, and choose Stafford because it is a major hub for valve manufacturing and distribution,” says Keith Southard, director of sales in the Americas for OMB Valves, Inc. “Stafford’s ideal location gives us convenient access to our customers throughout North and South America, particularly those located in the Gulf Region.”

“OMB is a fantastic addition to an elite group of companies located in Stafford servicing the upstream and downstream oil and gas industries,” says Mayor Leonard Scarcella of Stafford. “Considering our low cost of doing business and the fact that we have no city property tax, and our proximity to major transportation routes, OMB has chosen a strategic location to place its Western Hemisphere headquarters.”

The City of Stafford and Fort Bend County provided tax incentive assistance to OMB in the form of tax abatement. This location also offers the benefit of Freeport Tax Incentives on inventory from the City of Stafford, Stafford Municipal School District, and Fort Bend County’s Water Control & Improvement District #2.

“Fort Bend County remains focused on creating a favorable business climate that helps create jobs and develop long term commercial investment,” says Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC). “In today’s challenging global economy, our strong business climate continues to attract both domestic and international corporate relocations. We welcome OMB to our community.”

For information on corporate expansions and relocations in Fort Bend County, visit FortBendCounty.org or call (281) 242-0000.

About the City of Stafford
The City of Stafford is located in Fort Bend County, Texas and has gained recognition for cultivating one of the strongest, most diverse economies per capita in the State. Since 1995, Stafford has had no city property tax, which has allowed residents to pay lower home mortgage payments and enticed many businesses to locate in the City. Fortune Small Business has ranked Stafford one of the most ideal places in the nation to live and launch a business. To learn more about Stafford, visit www.CityOfStafford.com.

About OMB Valves Group
OMB Valves Group, headquartered in Cenate Sotto, Bergamo, Italy, is a diversified manufacturer of valves for the energy industry. OMB Group has knowledge and experience in the design and manufacture of valves for hydrocarbon and petrochemical processing plants, oil and gas offshore and on-shore production, and transportation in the energy industry. www.ombvalves.com.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas. Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.FortBendCounty.org.

“Fort Bend County’s leadership regarding its own mobility solution has significant positive impact for area residents and businesses,” said Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson. “We’re working with TX-DoT under guidelines established by the State of Texas to undertake crucial transportation improvements.”

Texas Senate Bill 792 (SB 792) allows primacy, or a right of first refusal, for counties in high-population areas to lead certain transportation projects. Segment D of the Grand Parkway / State Highway 99 runs through Fort Bend County and is eligible for County-led projects under SB 792.

“We basically have 15 miles of signalized roadway for which we can expedite mobility options such as tolled overpasses,” said Patterson. “By exerting the right of primacy, Fort Bend County is able to take responsibility for certain projects that help us move people and products as quickly and effectively as possible.”

The Grand Parkway passes through eight counties in the Texas Gulf Coast and Greater Houston Region, and all eight counties are eligible to assert the right of primacy over local sections. Fort Bend County is the first of the eight counties to start construction on a project under SB 792.

“Local Government in Fort Bend County has shown great leadership in the planning and development of transportation enhancements for our community,” said Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC). “One of the most challenging consequences of building a desirable place to live and work is the development of infrastructure sufficient to sustain growth and quality of life.  Smart mobility planning is part of our commitment to existing and future residents and businesses.”

The tolled overpasses, scheduled for completion within two years, will be self-sustaining, Patterson notes. “Toll Road Authority Bonds will fund the initial construction,” he said, “and the net positive revenue will go back into this section of the Grand Parkway, funding repairs as well as laying the groundwork for future connections.”

Texas Department of Transportation representative Delvin Dennis participated in the Segment D groundbreaking ceremony in August at the intersection of State Highway 99 and West Airport Road. “This is a tremendously big deal,” said Dennis. “Fort Bend County is using its own resources to expedite the extra high-speed capacity needed for the increasing use of Segment D. This speaks highly of the County’s leadership and its ability to solve transportation needs.”

For more information about Fort Bend County, visit online at www.FortBendCounty.com or call (281) 242-0000.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas.  Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

“Fort Bend County has experienced a tremendous amount of growth over recent years,” says Tom Wilcox, general manager of Riverstone, a Johnson Development community. “When you take into account the positive business climate and quality of life available in the County, it’s not surprising that five of the top MPCs are located in Fort Bend County.”

Metrostudy says “Texas and specifically, the Houston housing market, remain the hottest location,” and cites that the most successful master planned communities have “close proximity to employment centers and services, open space, walkable amenities, town centers and themed lifestyles” as common traits. Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. For more information about Fort Bend County, including a complete list of its recognitions and rankings, visit www.FortBendCounty.com. Metrostudy’s report is online at: http://su.pr/6hZvzr.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for population growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas and 2nd for population growth among all 254 Counties in Texas.  Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

• Economic Recovery
• Incentive Programs
• Overall Cost of Doing Business
• Business Friendliness
• Corporate Tax Environment

The favorable business climate in Fort Bend County, located in the southeastern portion of the state, helps contribute to Texas’ success. Fort Bend County is ranked 5th in the nation for job growth, with strong growth projected through 2015, according to Woods & Poole Economics and CNN/Money Magazine. The 2010 Census results also show the County “Number One” for population growth out of the 10 largest counties in Texas.

“The County is unique in that its public and private sectors, cities and county officials work together to make deals and accomplish goals that other counties find difficult,” says Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC). “This true partnership allows companies located within County lines to benefit from a business climate conducive to growth and new development.”

Fort Bend County has prospered during the national economic downturn and repeatedly leads the region in job growth, which Wiley attributes to Fort Bend’s pro-business environment.

“Qualified businesses enjoy a wide variety of incentives,” said Wiley, “ranging from value-added tax abatement to Freeport tax exemption.”

For more information about doing business in Fort Bend County, including a comprehensive listing of accolades and recognitions, visit www.FortBendCounty.com or call(281) 242-0000. To learn more about the survey results, visit www.AreaDevelopment.com.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas. Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

Fort Bend celebrated increasing job gains for the third consecutive quarter: total employment in Fort Bend County is up 3,979 jobs, 1.53%, since the fourth quarter of 2010.

“Fort Bend County’s strength is particularly exciting when seen in the national and even regional context,” said Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC). “Fort Bend offers a business climate favorable to corporations while also offering quality of life benefits residents appreciate. We’re seeing existing businesses expand and new businesses locate here in Fort Bend County, as reflected in state and national statistics.”

As contrasted with Fort Bend’s growth, unemployment data for the Greater Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was higher at 8.2% for May 2011, based on the most recent figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission. The Houston MSA includes the Gulf Coast counties of Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

The County’s positive job data reflects a forecast released recently by national expert Woods & Poole Economics (W&P), predicting a 3.04% growth rate in job creation in Fort Bend from 2011-2015, putting it top in the region and fifth in the nation. Job growth is a direct result of companies deciding to move to Fort Bend, and to stay and expand within Fort Bend, says the GFBEDC’s Wiley. The anticipated strength of future job growth is a direct result of efforts amassed in prior years to attract business. Deals worked through the GFBEDC and economic development partners over the past 12 months will add more than 1,200 jobs, $130 million in investment and nearly 1.5 million square feet of commercial absorption or new space in the near future.

Sources: Labor Market & Career Information, Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Labor Statistics

The above chart highlights Fort Bend County’s job growth as compared nationally and regionally from 2005-2010. Fort Bend is the leading County for job growth in the ten-county region comprising the Greater Houston MSA along the Texas Gulf Coast.

For more information about Fort Bend County, visit online at FortBendCounty.com or call (281) 242-0000.

About the Research
Employment statistics used in this release reflect the latest data available (May 2012) and were obtained from the Texas Workforce Commission at http://su.pr/69XOMS and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov. The chart titled “Fort Bend Job Growth 2005-2010” contains historical data for the years 2005-2010 and all statistics are drawn from the same sources: Texas Workforce Commission at http://su.pr/69XOMS and the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.
Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. is an economic and demographic research firm located in Washington, D.C. Woods & Poole has produced long-range county forecasts since 1983 and currently offers forecasts from 2009 to 2040 for every U.S. county and MSA: http://www.woodsandpoole.com.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas. Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

A major factor contributing to Fort Bend’s positive economic climate is its diverse population. County residents are diverse both ethnically and professionally. Based on updated U.S. Census data, the Texas Tribune ranked Fort Bend the fourth most diverse county in the nation. Fort Bend residents have many different backgrounds, creating a strong and diverse workforce and talent pool for local companies to take advantage of when hiring new employees.

Diversity is also fulfilled in the industries represented within county lines. Oftentimes businesses move to Fort Bend seeking differentiation from major industry hubs in other areas. As a result, the technology, energy, education, hospitality, manufacturing and medical sectors are all represented in Fort Bend, creating a distinct work environment to match the population.

“These two elements have combined with others to help Fort Bend County realize the success it has seen in the past few years,” says Jeff Wiley, president of the GFBEDC. “This diversity of people and industries is likely to continue to be a strength for the County in the future.”

For more information about Fort Bend County, visit online at FortBendCounty.com or call (281) 242-0000.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized as being among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 585,000 residents and ranks 1st for growth out of the ten largest counties in Texas. Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition: the County ranked 5th in the nation for job growth according to CNN/Money Magazine in 2010. For more information about Fort Bend County including a complete list of recognitions, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

About Woods & Poole Economics
Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. is an economic and demographic research firm located in Washington, D.C. Woods & Poole has produced long-range county forecasts since 1983. Users of Woods & Poole’s data include electric and gas utilities, state and local governments, retailers, market research firms and planning firms. Woods & Poole data contain historic figures from 1969 to 2008 and forecasts from 2009 to 2040 for every U.S. county and MSA. Historical data is obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In addition, UH and WCJC have an articulation agreement that all of the students course work transfers into the UH system, as long as they stay within the same major. “As college tuition continues to rise, it has become increasingly difficult for students to find the money to go to college, particularly in these challenging economic times,” said Richard Phillips, Associate Vice Chancellor, University of Houston System at Sugar Land & Cinco Ranch. “This program gives students a break on tuition, but still ensures they receive a quality education.”

According to collegeboard.com, similar programs at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University would cost a student at least double. According to figures on the report, students who attend the business school at the University of Texas for four years pay $35,720 for tuition and fees and it costs students approximately $32,704 to pay for classes at Texas A&M University for four years. Currently, using the same base year, students pay as little as $14,680 for all four years at the UHSSL campus.

“Students are not the only ones who benefit from a quality education,” Phillips said. “Economic studies have shown that education has a direct impact on the area’s quality of life.”

“From an economic development standpoint, education is a positive, highly-desirable quality for businesses and residents considering relocation,” said Tom Wilcox, chairman of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s marketing committee. “Fort Bend County remains at the top of its class when it comes to education and business leaders recognize this.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau-American Community Survey, 38 percent of the population in Fort Bend has attained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

About Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. Its population is among the fastest growing in the United States and has been recognized among the most educated and diverse counties in the nation. According to the 2008 U.S. Census, Fort Bend County has more than 530,000 residents and is projected to grow to one million by 2017. Fort Bend’s vibrant economy has also received national recognition. Fort Bend County is among the top 10 counties in the nation in terms of economic strength, according to Woods & Poole Economics, 2008. Most recently, Forbes ranked Fort Bend County first on its national list of “Places to Get Ahead.” For more information about Fort Bend County, including a complete list of accolades, visit us at www.fortbendcounty.com or on Twitter and Facebook.