Frequently Asked Questions
What is TexasOne?
The mission of TexasOneSM is to create a public/private partnership to market Texas in a dynamic and competitive manner. TexasOneSM is funded through private contributions by businesses, organizations and individuals interested in the promotion of the business climate, economic development, and job creation the state of Texas. Because TexasOneSM is a non-profit and non-partisan program of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, investments are deductible as a charitable contribution.
Why is TexasOne important?
TexasOneSM is a critical tool for job creation in Texas. TexasOneSM provides a deal-opening fund to generate leads and create promotional materials to competitively market Texas.
Governor Rick Perry has made economic development and job creation a cornerstone of his administration. The key to fighting budget deficits is bringing new jobs to Texas. During the 78th Legislature, several pieces of significant legislation were passed to enhance the state’s economic development efforts and business climate including historic tort reform, the creation of the $295 million Texas Enterprise Fund, and a balanced budget with no new taxes, despite a $10 billion shortfall. The Texas Enterprise Fund was renewed at an estimated $180 million by the 79th Legislature. The 79th Legislature also created the $200 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund that will expedite the development and commercialization of new technologies and will create and attract jobs in technology fields that will form the backbone of the Texas economy.
During the 2006 Special Legislative Special Session, Governor Rick Perry successfully led the Texas Legislature in passing a comprehensive school finance reform package that provides a record 33 percent property tax cut and overhauls the state’s archaic business tax structure. Overall, the package provides a net tax reduction of $7 billion over three years to employers and property owners. The package of bills drew broad support from the state’s business community. The school finance package also includes taxpayer protections against ever increasing property tax hikes, establishes the largest incentive pay program for teachers in the country, and implements significant school reforms that will improve the education of young Texans.
Gov. Perry also signed legislation to extend the Texas Economic Development Act (HB 1200) to the year 2011 and expanded the list of qualifying facilities. The Act allows public entities to create tax and other incentives at the local level to encourage corporate expansion and recruitment.
These historic measures, coupled with Texas’ excellent infrastructure, diverse workforce and favorable tax climate, create an ideal environment for attracting business. Our challenge is to effectively communicate the many advantages of doing business in Texas. TexasOneSM provides the means to tell Texas’ story in a global marketplace.
How is TexasOne Managed?
TexasOne is managed by a seven member board comprised of:
Nicholas Serafy, Jr., President
Proficiency Testing Services
Brownsville, Texas
Bob Wingo, Former Board President
Sanders/Wingo
El Paso, Texas
Tracye McDaniel, Vice President
Greater Houston Partnership
Houston, Texas
Scott Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer
Wheelhouse Ventures
Frisco, Texas
Paul Foster
Western Refining
El Paso, Texas
Kerry Hall
Texas Capital Bank
Austin, Texas
David Cabrales
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell
Dallas, Texas
Ex-Officio Members
Esperanza "Hope" Andrade
Texas Secretary of State
Aaron Demerson
Executive Director
Office of the Governor Economic Development & Tourism
Ray Sullivan
Chief of Staff
Office of the Governor
How are members kept infomed?
TexasOneSM partners are kept informed through the TexasOneSM website, a bi-monthly newsletter and are invited to quarterly board meetings. Tier One members are given a seat on the TexasOneSM Economic Development Partnership Council an advisory committee that meets bi-annually and provides recommendations on the implementation and the focus of TexasOneSM. Additional opportunities by member level are outlined on the Membership Commitment Form.
