Economic Outlook 2016, Changing Landscapes

December 31, 2015

5:29 PM

Research. Industry. Jobs. Visitors. Housing. Those who want a glimpse of the economic forecast for 2016 may join the B/CS Chamber of Commerce when it gathers local and national experts at the annual Economic Outlook Conference in January. Through speakers and panels, perspectives of how the past and present are changing local business landscapes will be discussed as the Brazos Valley looks to the future. The conference will be held Jan. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College Station Hilton. Tracye McDaniel, president and CEO of Texas Development Corporation, will present the keynote address during lunch.

The Economic Outlook Conference is open to the public. Advance registration is $85 per person for B/CS Chamber members; tickets are $100 per person for non-members. Reserved tables of eight are available for $750. Seating is limited. To reserve space, visit bcschamber.org, call (979) 260-5200, or email kim@bcschamber.org.

Tracye McDaniel President and CEO Texas Economic Development Corporation and TexasOne™

Texas commands top spots on most of the credible “best state” lists including Forbes’ Best State for Economic Climate & Future Job Growth; 13 years as the top exporter state in the U.S.; and Chief Executive magazine’s 2015 Best State for Business.

Those rankings point to why Texas is not just a national leader, but is positioned to be a world leader, according to Tracye McDaniel, president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

“Texas is the 12th largest economy in the world, a center of excellence throughout the world. That’s the message I look at as we move into 2016,” says McDaniel.“One of Texas’ truest advantages is in job creation. It all starts at the local level: we are a bastion of small- to mid-size companies that are growing.” Economic development can help local businesses attain a regional footprint through collaboration to expand each small business’ network. That leads to supply chain opportunities – and growth. “Like in the Brazos Valley – it’s very important to have collaboration, including civic and academic collaboration,” says McDaniel. “Businesses are attracted to high energy and access to things they want.

“‘Texas is wide open for business’ is more than just a branding message; it’s in our DNA and spirit,” says McDaniel.

“We want you to grow and do well, and we want you to have independence to grow.

Tracye McDaniel currently serves as president and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation, an independently funded and operated 501©(3) nonprofit organization. The TEDC mission is dedicated to economic development, business recruitment, and job creation in the State of Texas and operates the TexasOne™ Program, which coordinates efforts with the Office of the Governor for strategic marketing. McDaniel has more than 30 years of state and regional level experience as a widely recognized strategist in all facets of economic development. Formerly the President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, Inc., McDaniel led award-winning global promotion, lead generation and project management for economic growth and job creation in the Garden State. In 2007, McDaniel served as executive vice president and COO of the Greater Houston Partnership and as executive director for the Office of the Governor Economic Development and Tourism Division prior to that. She holds leadership positions in numerous professional and industry organizations and was named by NJBIZ among New Jersey’s 2014 Best 50 Women in Business, as well as the 100 Most Powerful People in New Jersey Business. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, McDaniel is also a Ford Foundation Regional Sustainable Development (RSD) Fellow, a program of American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).