Ty Coudrain, owner of Ty Coudrain Aflac Insurance Agency, introduced his friend and mentor – Dean Robinson.  Dean currently serves as president of the SETX Economic Development Administration District Grant Board.  He is a third-generation State Farm Agent and former Mayor of Silsbee. 

 

The SETEDD was created in 1993 and promotes the diversification innovation and industrial growth in our area.  Main focus is to support regional innovation, support local businesses and areas of interest. 

 

An example of a local funding project is the Cherry Engineering Building at Lamar University in Beaumont.  This was a monumental effort.  The application was submitted in only one week to meet the deadline.  Other projects in the works are in response to Hurricane Harvey.  Presently more than $16 million in projects are being considered. 

 

SETEDD Projects are public in nature.  Application windows are generally short, so covered entities are encouraged to do their homework and get their proverbial ducks in a row as early as possible.

 

REDI is the Regional Economic Development Initiative and is the steering committee of the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation.  Check out the video - Rise of Southeast Texas  - on their website www.setedf.org (and on the club website at www.beaumontrotaryclub.org.)  See if you recognize one of our own!

 

Southeast Texas has many assets, including: 

Skilled Labor – Ranks among the highest in the nation

Support for Industry – Diversification of businesses needed for support

Infrastructure – pipelines, highways, railways

Ports – Orange, Beaumont and Port Arthur

Navigation – Water Ways and Railways

Higher Education – Center for Innovation & Commercialization as well as all three LU campuses

Receptive Business Climate – We want these industries

 

Our area has one-third of the top chemical companies in the world.  We have 24 billion dollars proposed for development projects.  We will not get all of this but there is a good chance that we will get most of them.  There is so much opportunity and the SETEDF encourages more growth in Southeast Texas.

 

Dean has dedicated his career to giving his time and resources to the economic development of SETX.  We appreciate his insight and his commitment.