During Economic Development Week Bastrop, TX Celebrates Its Accomplishments

The sixth annual National Economic Development Week is May 9-15, 2021. National Economic Development Week was created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council — the largest professional membership organization for economic developers — to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating flourishing communities with strong economies. 

Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is taking this time to reflect on the impact their office has made on the economic development of their vibrant Texas community, even during the pandemic. The mayor will read a proclamation about Economic Development Week on May 11th, the next City Council meeting.

Ideally located, Bastrop is Central Texas’ next frontier: just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Austin and 20-minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Bastrop is primed for business and perfect for life, coupling historic small-town charm with big-city amenities to make for an exceptional quality of life.

BEDC works to enhance this quality of life by advancing the investment, development, growth, and relocation of companies within the Bastrop area. Practically speaking, BEDC accomplishes this by providing infrastructure, sustaining and developing employment opportunities and workforce training, supporting higher education, and ensuring greater access to desirable goods and services. 

Recent Accomplishment: 921 Main Street Building

The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, has moved its main location to Bastrop. The Art Institute will occupy the building BEDC erected on a slab that had been vacant since a fire destroyed the previous building back in 2003. BEDC had purchased the vacant slab at 921 Main Street in 2016 , and this past year, after renovating the walls of the adjacent abutting buildings, they were successful in putting up the new building. The project both revitalizes Main Street and brings higher education to Bastrop.

Noteworthy Bastrop EDC Accomplishments

• Since the creation of the Bastrop Business and Industrial Park, several companies have either relocated or expanded operations there including Garments to Go, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, Bastrop Art Warehouse, and Deep in the Heart Art Foundry.
• After opening in the Business Park in 2000, The Coghlan Group completed a 60,000 sq. ft. expansion in 2017, prior to being acquired by UK-based Caligor RX.
• Georgia-based Johnson Architectural Metal Company (JAMCo) established its Texas headquarters in the Business Park in September 2014.
• Elliott Electric Supply opened a new facility in 2016.
• AEI Technologies opened their new facility in July 2017.
• Deep in the Heart Art Foundry is currently preparing for their third expansion.
• BEDC assisted Ascension Seton in establishing a new 40,000-square-foot medical campus in Bastrop by contributing to necessary infrastructure improvements. 

On the Horizon for Bastrop EDC

The BEDC has taken a leading role in bridging the gaps between education and sustainable employment via workforce development, according to Jean Riemenschneider, BEDC Economic Development Project Manager. “Bringing meaningful employment to the community’s citizens requires an ample, educated workforce.” 

BEDC is working on a project that will allow Austin Community College to conduct workforce training/certifications in Bastrop without passing the college tax. 

“Over the past five to six years, the BEDC has been working with Austin Community College to find a program that would work in our community without the need for a property tax increase,” said Riemenschneider. “ACC has created a skilled trades mobile training unit, thereby allowing HVAC and welding programs to be brought to Bastrop. Likewise, with the Art Institute of Austin moving their campuses to Bastrop this year, the BEDC is working to develop additional certification programs to support our local restaurants and the film and media industries. These partnerships will not only support adults training for a new career, but also high school students who will then have an opportunity to move directly into the workforce.”

In addition, BEDC continues to actively negotiate with several other prospects looking to establish roots in the Bastrop community,

Bastrop EDC is Ready to Assist

BEDC welcomes the opportunity to assist you in relocating, expanding or establishing operations in our community. Explore further how Bastrop’s ideal location, affordability, attractive tax structure, diverse workforce, and abundant amenities can benefit your business. Contact us at (512) 303-9700 or info@bastropedc.org.

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