Target Industries

Palestine’s enviable transportation infrastructure, diverse and low-cost labor force, educational institutions, high quality of life and lower cost of living make it an ideal location for businesses of all sizes. Over the past five years, the Palestine Economic Development Corporation has identified a number of economic sectors with high growth opportunities.

energy iconEnergy and Alternative Energy

Oil was discovered in Palestine, Texas in the early 1900s and, thanks to its location and advanced rail system, the city quickly became a center for production — and a logistical, operational base for manufacturers across the region. Palestine’s leadership role in this essential industry, built on a rock solid economic base, continues to this day.

The area’s accessible location, as well as its experienced workforce, has resulted in consistent industry growth, both in terms of jobs and real wages. What’s more, years of operational success, coupled with advanced technical education at two community colleges, puts Palestine in a position to support investments in alternative energy generation – which has already seen steady growth over the last several years.

Because energy and alternative energy are long-term growth industries, Palestine’s economic development, government and business leaders are deeply invested in recruiting and assisting individuals, startups and established companies in this essential sector.

distribution iconLogistics and Distribution

Twenty-five years ago, the Arkansas-based retail giant Walmart chose to build its first out-of-state distribution center in Palestine, Texas. (Still in operation, it remains one of just seven of the company’s U.S.-based Fashion Distribution Centers.) In the mid-Nineties, the company constructed another one of its just 160 regional distribution centers in Palestine, which annually receives and ships $2 billion in merchandise. Walmart’s neighbors now include wholesale beverage distributors, aerospace parts distributors and food processing plants. Over the past five years, in fact, logistics and distribution has been the fastest growing sector of the local economy.  

It’s no wonder. The Union Pacific Railroad is a major local force that, coupled with access to major highway and other modes of rapid transportation, makes Palestine the ideal location for distribution to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The city is less than 2 hours from Dallas, and about 2 and a half hours from Houston, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana.

And there’s room for even more growth, with existing structures available, as well as space to build and develop new facilities in places like the Willow Creek Business Park.

healthcare iconHealthcare Services

Healthcare Services is one of the fastest growing needs and industries in the United States, and Palestine is uniquely positioned to provide both high quality patient care and support for related businesses and entrepreneurial thinking.

Serving 100,000 people every year, the Palestine Regional Medical Center and Palestine Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is renowned for providing advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services. Employing over 500 people, including 80 physicians representing 28 different specialties, these facilities feed and draw from auxiliary doctors and dentists offices and assisted living centers. And the workforce and demand exists for the expansion of diagnostic laboratories, outpatients care centers and other related services.

tourism iconHotels and Tourism

Located in the temperate Piney Woods of East Texas, where beautiful, blooming dogwoods draw visitors from all over the region, Palestine embodies the sort of small-town charm travelers are seeking in our increasingly hectic world.

Tourists can take in the 27 sites on the National Register of Historic Places and over 1800 historic sites throughout Anderson County (MR) including the Texas State Railroad, the Museum for East Texas Culture, and the Texas Theatre before putting up their feet at one of the area’s Victorian bed & breakfasts or modern hotels. The nationally accredited Main Street District, which covers 44 blocks, features diverse dining options, modern boutiques, antique stores, and quaint cafes and bakeries.

City leaders are committed to maintaining Palestine’s appeal and recently began an ambitious promotional campaign to emphasize its unique landscape and architecture. Those interested in the hotel and tourism industries will find a hospitable environment for investment and development.  

Food Processingfood processing icon

Modern food markets would not exist without food processing. Offering an abundant water supply, Palestine and Anderson County are ready to welcome your business, and are also home to Sanderson Farms Plant and Processing Center.