Case Studies
BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL OF DENTON COUNTY
Factors
- Denton County had no dominant city at the time of this initiative. It was made up of numerous moderate and small communities, some with chambers of commerce. There was no countywide, pro-business leadership force at the time the BLC was established.
- Denton County is strategically located north of Fort Worth and Dallas in the North Central Texas region, ready to benefit in innumerable ways from the North American Free Trade Agreement which was newly in place.
- Denton County's economic development budget was slim; there was no marketing or promotional budget.
- Anti-growth forces countywide lobbied against tax incentive packages for new development, capital improvement bonds for infrastructure expansions, and the explosive residential and commercial development underway in all parts of the county.
Agency Role
Pavlik and Associates was retained initially with a grant from Intel Corp. that was secured by the Denton County Judge to research economic development support organizations and structure a private group for Denton County. Shortly thereafter, the agency also assumed responsibility for initial fundraising and developed numerous programs for collaboration on challenges facing the region. BLC highlights, as developed and executed by the agency, include:
- Day-long summits to explore regional issues such as water quantity and quality, transportation, and information systems.
- Periodic newsletters, print and electronic, that inform businesses and community leaders about economic development activities countywide.
- A web page highlighting Denton County's economic development functions.
- Marketing materials including a logo, brochures, print ads and trade show displays.
- An aerial map serving as a tool for developers and governmental agencies.
- Managing an operating budget of about $200,000 a year.
- Exploring and developing new partnerships with chambers of commerce, municipalities, school districts, institutions of higher learning, county government and other important allies in the on-going nurturing of profitable and productive businesses.
- Creating a legislative action guide for pro-business advocates for use in state legislative sessions.
Results
The Business Leaders Council of Denton County became a viable organization which gained in influence and stature.
Follow-up
The pro-business advocacy group supported positive growth and infrastructure development such as the Denton County Transportation Authority. Successful economic development throughout the area made it possible for the BLC to dissolve because its goals had been met.