Keller introduces Anna Erwin as assistant director of economic development; board outlines priorities
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Summary
The Economic Development Board met to welcome Anna Erwin as the city’s new assistant director of economic development and to begin an interactive discussion of local opportunities and strengths, including family entertainment, daytime population, and retention of restaurants.
The City of Keller Economic Development Board introduced Anna Erwin as the city’s new assistant director of economic development and used an interactive exercise to surface priorities for business recruitment and downtown vitality.
Board members and staff described Erwin’s background and experience and then discussed what they see as Keller’s biggest opportunities and strengths — ranging from family entertainment and “experiential” attractions to boosting daytime population and maintaining strong schools. “I’m thrilled to be here,” Anna Erwin said, adding that she previously worked on retail recruitment and retention in Grapevine and ran Tarrant County editions of Community Impact News.
The nut graf: The board framed the introduction as a start to an ongoing, interactive outreach process. Members said they want to support retail recruitment and retention while encouraging businesses and events that keep revenue in Keller rather than sending residents to neighboring cities.
Board members offered brief personal introductions and reasons for serving. Justin Teller described himself as “a CPA” and a property owner in Old Town; Kingsley Fragon said he joined the board to contribute after moving to Keller; and Ben Dixon identified himself as “president and CEO of the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce.” Several members emphasized small business support and a desire to attract family-oriented entertainment that can host team parties and keep event spending in Keller.
On specific themes, members highlighted: family entertainment and experiential destinations that serve nearby sports complexes; growing the daytime population to support sit-down restaurants; leveraging strong Keller ISD schools as a major draw for families; and using investments in infrastructure and clear long-term planning to attract quality retail and office tenants.
Board members also experimented with a QR-based survey to collect public input during the meeting and agreed to save and revisit the survey results.
Ending: Members said Erwin will meet individually with board members and staff to learn more about local priorities and that the board will use survey input as a basis for future outreach and recruitment work.
