Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Economic development director highlights manufacturing growth, retail wins and small-business outreach
Summary
The Economic Development Department presented a quarterly report noting major manufacturing investments, stable sales-tax base due in part to manufacturing growth, new retail and restaurant openings, and several outreach programs including a revived entrepreneurs day and Manufacturing Day partnerships with local schools.
The Mesquite Economic Development Department briefed the City Council April 9 on first-quarter activities, citing strong manufacturing growth, retail openings, and expanded small-business outreach.
Alberto Rivera, manager of economic development, said the Mesquite Quality of Life Corporation (4B) has funded $258 million in projects since its creation 25 years ago. Rivera highlighted manufacturing expansions and business-retention work conducted through the Business Retention and Expansion (BRI) task force, and cited recent employer activity including Canadian Solar and Harmon expansions. Rivera said manufacturing growth helped offset a dip in retail sales for total sales-tax collections, and that Placer.ai trade-area data shows heavy consumer traffic to Mesquite locations of major retailers.
The department previewed a calendar of small-business and entrepreneurship events during National Small Business Week (May 42D10), including an Entrepreneurs Day revival, a young-professionals mixer and a farmers-market showcase. Downtown reinvestment activity, new businesses and a traffic-calming project were also highlighted. Rivera credited partnerships with Dallas College, Mesquite ISD, the Mesquite Chamber and regional organizations for recruitment and marketing efforts.
Council members praised the department for attracting employers, supporting small businesses and improving marketing and community partnerships. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and others emphasized the value of programs such as the Black Foodie tour and the Manufacturing Day student tours, which staff said generated publicity and social-media growth for local entrepreneurs.
