Kevin Holzbog, executive director of the Decatur Economic Development Corporation, presented the EDC’s annual year-end report to the City Council on Oct. 13, outlining market trends, business-park activity and new workforce-development programming.

Holzbog told the council the EDC tracked more than 300 stakeholder engagements (meetings, calls and visits) in the period and supported seven active projects in various stages, including three expansions completed during the year and four other expansion prospects. He highlighted the relocation of a corporate headquarters to Decatur under a performance agreement for Cardinal Paint and Powder.

Key data presented

- Wise County median wage cited at about $48,000; median wage in the Decatur business park reported at roughly $73,000.
- Total employment in Wise County reported at just under 40,000 (2020–2024 data used in the packet).
- The EDC reported about 3,000 new living units in the broader area since 2020 and 875 new residents who moved into Decatur in 2024, which Holzbog said represented roughly 12.3% population growth for Decatur in that year.
- Business-park ad valorem revenue (private-sector-owned property in the original 165-acre business park) reported just under $1 million; EDC estimated an annual value-added economic impact of about $125 million and noted roughly 850 additional jobs supported by park operations and multipliers.

Workforce and outreach

Holzbog described new local workforce programming led by recent EDC staff hires, including Manufacturing Day (which exposed roughly 120 students to careers and employers), plans for a First Responders Day in 2026, and ongoing internship and apprenticeship coordination with the Decatur Independent School District’s CTE programming. He said workforce services responded to employer requests and represented a growing focus for the EDC.

Holzbog said the EDC expanded marketing materials, trade-show attendance, industrial and community videos, and is preparing a site selector’s guide for prospective employers and developers.

Holzbog summarized the team approach: “Economic development, you have heard me say this before, it's a team sport,” and thanked city staff and the EDC board for support.