In the first of our special series of Gone To Texas, highlighting Kilgore, TX, Dave sits down with Lisa Denton, Executive Director of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation. The conversation opens with a look at Kilgore’s history and its transformation from an oil boomtown to a diversified industrial center. Lisa shares how Kilgore’s industrial tax base has grown 551% since the formation of the Kilgore EDC in 1990, despite setbacks from the loss of legacy energy companies.

The discussion highlights the features and advantages of Synergy Park, a Class A campus-style industrial park with amenities like nature trails and a stocked lake, designed to attract and retain skilled workers. Lisa Denton talks about Kilgore’s commitment to building relationships with businesses and helping them succeed by providing ongoing support, connecting them to resources, and facilitating access to workforce training through local colleges. The episode also covers Kilgore's approach to regional and global competition, efforts in marketing and international outreach, and ongoing projects and expansions by companies such as Skeeter Boats and Camfil.

YouTube Chapter Summary:
00:00 Start
03:00 Oil boom legacy and the East Texas Oil Museum
05:00 Formation and mission of Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
06:30 Successes in industrial tax base growth
08:00 Role of Kilgore EDC in business retention and attraction
11:00 Synergy Park amenities and value for companies
14:00 Workforce, education, and regional advantages
16:00 Vision for Kilgore’s economic future and industry diversification
18:00 Adaptive workforce and examples of local companies
21:00 Highlighting manufacturers and Skeeter Boats expansion
23:00 The importance of relationships in economic development
26:00 Competing globally and regional collaboration
29:00 Regional benefits and cross-industry momentum
30:00 Why Kilgore is a strong candidate for relocation or expansion
32:00 Examples of Kilgore’s support for incoming businesses
33:30 Excitement for Kilgore’s future trajectory
35:00 Community partnership and leadership