Bastrop Chosen as Host of the 2025 Austin Business Journal Growth Summit

The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is proud to announce that Bastrop County has been selected by the Austin Business Journal (ABJ) as the host of its upcoming 2025 Growth Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center.

This recognition places Bastrop in an elite group of Central Texas communities spotlighted by the ABJ with past Growth Summit events held in East Austin and Williamson County and cements Bastrop as a rising economic powerhouse within the region.

Inside the Bastrop County Growth Summit

The 2025 Bastrop County Growth Summit offers a chance to connect with hundreds of business and community leaders, access fresh data and market insights and learn directly from experts and longtime local stakeholders who know the region best.

Keynote Presentation

Attendees will hear from ABJ Editor Colin Pope, who will provide an in-depth economic update spotlighting Bastrop County’s business climate, growth trends and the broader regional dynamics shaping Central Texas.

Panelists

• Janice Bruno, executive director of SWTC Career Tracks, will discuss the state of the area's workforce.
• Sylvia Carrillo, Bastrop's city manager, will explain how local leaders work with expanding businesses and address their needs.
• ​​Zachary Levi, actor & producer, to discuss Wyldwood Studios, a 75-acre site in Bastrop County with potential for a film studio and community.
• Rick Neff, senior vice president of Hunt Communities, will talk about real estate action in that part of Central Texas.
• Andrew Urda, vice president of strategic marketing for LS Electric, will provide the perspective of a fast-growing, international business ramping up in what has traditionally been a rural area.

Networking Opportunities

With nearly 400 public and private sector leaders expected, the summit will be a powerful forum for collaboration, allowing attendees to build connections and exchange insights in real time.

Why Bastrop?

Bastrop’s selection as a Growth Summit host reflects the city’s unique blend of momentum, community reach and business-friendly advantages. With its strategic location just 30 minutes from Austin and 20 minutes from the international airport, Bastrop offers unmatched accessibility while maintaining the authenticity and vibe of a smaller city. Companies expanding into Central Texas find Bastrop especially appealing because of its available land, zoning-friendly environment and young, highly educated workforce.

Bastrop’s growing reputation as a business destination is matched by its appeal as a place to live and visit. Running along the Colorado River, its historic downtown offers a lively mix of shops, restaurants, music and culture. In Bastrop County, both families and professionals benefit from a lower cost of living compared to urban centers, all while remaining within easy reach of Austin’s world-class resources.

Don’t Forget about Elon Musk and the FTZ

Adding to Bastrop’s momentum, the county has quickly become a hub for Elon Musk’s ventures, with SpaceX expanding its Starlink manufacturing facility and The Boring Company establishing its headquarters in the area. Musk has also launched “Project Echo,” a recreation site for employees that includes courts, trails, and river access. Together, these developments highlight Bastrop’s role as a strategic center for Musk’s operations in Central Texas.

In addition, Bastrop is part of a federally designated Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ). This designation allows businesses located within the zone the opportunity to apply for an incentive that provides advantages in global trade, signaling to international companies that Bastrop is not only ready to welcome new companies, but also capable of supporting operations that can compete on a global scale.

Experience Bastrop’s Growth Story Firsthand

Bastrop represents exactly what the ABJ’s Growth Summit series is designed to showcase: a community where opportunity, investment and quality of life converge. The Bastrop EDC is proud to partner with the Austin Business Journal and hundreds of business and civic leaders this September as we demonstrate why Bastrop County is not just keeping pace with the region’s growth, it’s helping lead the way!

Visit the 2025 Bastrop County Growth Summit event page for Summit tickets and additional event details.

Bastrop EDC
Ideally located in the heart of the Texas Triangle, Bastrop has easy access to Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth and is more affordable. It’s a place with room to grow and a history of innovation. To find out how Bastrop is perfect for your business relocation or expansion, contact Bastrop Economic Development Corporation at (512) 332-8870 or info@bastropedc.org.

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