News

Texans Can Finally Buy Beer Directly From Breweries

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

The Beer-to-Go law went into effect September 1 after a long, protracted legislative battle. On Sunday, September 1, just in time for Labor Day, breweries across the state toasted to a long-awaited landmark moment: The Beer-to-Go law finally went into effect, allowing Texas craft brewers to sell beer directly to customers. Before Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1545 in June, breweries had the right to sell on-site but were prohibited from selling beer to go. (Wineries and distilleries have long been allowed to sell on-site.) With Abbot’s signature, Texas became the 50th state to legalize the arrangement for breweries, shifting th...

How Oil-Loving, Frack-Happy Texas Could Lead the Low-Carbon Future

Monday, September 02, 2019

The energy industry has been good to Texas ever since oil gushed from Spindletop in 1901—and Texas has been good to the world. Blessed with an abundance of hydrocarbons, we prospered mightily, created millions of good jobs, and helped the Allies win World War II. Our technical know-how, risk-taking spirit, and vast resources have sparked innovations that have spread across the globe and bankrolled many of the institutions—universities, museums, public parks—that enrich our public life. In an era when carbon emissions didn’t matter, Texas was king of the energy world. But climate change threatens to knock us off the throne. Scientist...

Why are so many startups heading to Texas?

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Everything's bigger in Texas, especially small businesses! WalletHub recently released 2019's Best & Worst States To Start A Business report that compares all 50 states to determine which ones are best for starting a business in the United States. If the opening sentence didn't already tip you off, Texas earned the top spot as the overall best state to start a business. Methodology for the report examined conditions that make for ideal business creation. Some of these factors were capital access, available talent in the workforce and affordable office space. Texas narrowly edged out Utah with a total score of 61.05 and earne...

Despite a hiccup from council, downtown redevelopment continues

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Craig and Daria Allen's dream of living above their home renovation business was on the bubble when council members questioned their matching $50,000 grant application. The static came despite the application's meeting all the guidelines for the Downtown Matching Fund Grant program that City Council already approved. “I can't tell my constituents their tax dollars are going to fix up someone's home,” District 4 Councilman Joe Baxter said. “I'm going to vote no, and I just wanted to tell you why.” District 5 Councilwoman Dana Goolsby, however, questioned how council members could oppose a grant application that was done properly, under a program th...

Mother-Daughter Partnership Brings Business & Property Renovation to Palestine

Thursday, June 06, 2019

Sloan Shuffler, Lisa Priest and Kat Graser weren't born in Palestine, but they got here as fast as they could and have made it their true hometown. Sloan Shuffler fell in love with the beauty and inviting nature of Palestine, when visiting from Plano in 1996. She and her husband quickly purchased a weekend home in the area and commuted every week to enjoy the beauty and relaxing pace of East Texas. Quickly, they decided to make the move permanent and live in Palestine full time. “People were friendly, the environment was gorgeous, and I got here as fast a...

East Texas High School Idea Challenge

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

The East Texas High School Idea Challenge is the largest innovation competition in East Texas for high school students. The Idea Challenge is designed to encourage, support, and inspire the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs with the goal of growing East Texas’ knowledge and economy. All East Texas high schools are invited to submit teams of 2-5 students to participate in the Challenge. The winning team’s school will receive $2,500, with second place taking home $1,000. The monetary award can be invested in the school’s entrepreneurship and innovation programming. Winning students will earn a scholarship to study at The University of Texas a...

TEXAS RANKED BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS FOR 15TH STRAIGHT YEAR

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

The Lone Star State tops Chief Executive's 15th annual Best and Worst States for Business survey. Texas secured the No. 1 spot on Chief Executive’s Best and Worst State for Business survey. Texas achieved the top spot each year since the ranking's inception. The rankings reflect CEO perceptions of best and worst states for business based on a range of key measures. The Lone Star State's dominance in this ranking is thanks to its hospitable business climate, top-notch workforce and high quality of life. Texas was followed once again by Florida at No. 2, while North Carolina fell to No. 4, replaced by Tennesse...

Tech Jobs

Thursday, May 02, 2019

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has released its annual Cyberstates report, providing a detailed look at trends in technology employment. It’s a great way to check how Texas is faring relative to other states in a key component of future growth. CompTIA uses a measure of technology employment that includes technology workers across the entire economy. By this measure, the US total reached an estimated 11.8 million in 2018, up 2.3% from 2017. Since 2010, national tech employment rose by 18.8%. For Texas, estimated 2018 tech employment was almost 983,000, second behind California, which is far higher with almost 1.8 million. Texa...

Texas labor force tops 14 million as monthly job growth continues

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Texas marked its 107th consecutive month of job gains in March, according to data released by the state's workforce commission. The state added 22,600 jobs in March, up from the 17,700 it added in February. Much of the state's job growth was driven by the private sector in March, though it continues to grow at a slower rate than in the past. Read full article.

Palestine Comes Together for Community Projects to Enhance Our Beautiful Outdoor Spaces

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Palestine Community Services Department maintains over 275 acres of beautiful outdoor public spaces that includes parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Thanks to their dedication, and the generous support of the community, including the PEDC who donates $50,000 annually, Palestine has some of the most beautiful parks in the region. In fact, the natural beauty of Palestine is so well known, it is one of the reasons families choose to move here. The outdoor recreation activities in Palestine are vast ranging from Lake Palestine to the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area to Reagan Park and the Grapeland Safari. Each provides incredibl...

City manager resigns

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

City Manager Michael Hornes has resigned, Mayor Steve Presley told the Herald-Press Monday. “Obviously, this is not the most opportune time for the city to lose him,” Presley said. “But he's made this decision based on what's best for his family – and family and faith come first.” Hornes' resignation will take effect May 24. He became city manager in October 2017, earning an annual salary of $125,000 and managing more than 200 employees. Before becoming city manager, Hornes, 39, acted as assistant city manager under Mike Alexander. Hornes was widely credited with navigating the city through a tough budget process last year, a...

What Does Sustainability Mean in 2019?

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Although sustainability in the built environment is still important, fewer projects are seeking certifications, while wellness features/amenities are becoming more mainstream. For the third year in a row, our construction management firm has conducted a survey among our clients and partners to determine what the real estate community truly thinks about sustainability in the built environment. Our survey measures everything from the expected ROI of sustainability, wellness, and resilience planning to which third-party rating systems have the most market impact. We find it a fascinating glimpse into how our clients perceive, value, and interpret the myriad factors that impact sustainability in the buil...

Texas Water Smart Garden dedicated in Palestine

Thursday, March 28, 2019

State and local partners install garden highlighting water conservation and community beautification PALESTINE, Texas (July 31, 2017) – The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), City of Palestine and Texas Water Smart Foundation (TWS) are pleased to announce the installation of a water conservation demonstration garden in downtown Palestine. “Palestine embodies the best of rural Texas,” said Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “The vision and focus of city and community leaders made this project possible, and their efforts will enhance the Main Street District by providing an outdoor space that is attractive and also serves as an education point to teach the public abou...