Tuesday's Internet Edition, July 08, 2008.
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Texas last won the award in 1992, when it shared the award with North Carolina. Texas also won the award in 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1982. This year’s win brings a record six-wins to Texas, more than any other state.
“The 12-year drought is officially over, and the Governor’s Cup has come home to Texas because we have pursued a path of limited government, fiscal restraint and made unprecedented investments in job creation,” Perry said.
Site Selection magazine noted: “The Governor’s Cup returns to the Lone Star State, which demonstrated in 2004 what happens when a state has the right tools to compete. … At the rate Texas is racking up new facilities lately, and with a business climate ranked first in the U. S. by this publication, it could happen again.”
“We have made job creation a priority because jobs are the foundation of a bright future for all Texans,” Perry said. “Jobs are the bricks that pave the path to prosperity. And they generate something far greater than paychecks for workers or revenue for government priorities, and that is hope for Texas families.”
Site Selection magazine editor Mark Arend said, “Governor Perry and his team clearly intend to make Texas an economic development powerhouse, and this award recognizes the state’s progress toward that end.”
Site Selection called the $295 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) a tool that is “Central to Texas’ ability to lure projects whose role cannot be overstated.”
“The Enterprise Fund is the bright neon sign that is letting employers around the world know that Texas is wide open for business and job creation,” said Perry.
Perry has asked the legislature to reauthorize the TEF, which has helped secure projects that will create more than 24,000 new jobs and pump $6 billion into the Texas economy.
The Governor’s Cup rankings are determined by tracking the number of business expansion projects in a state that involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, create 50 jobs or more or involve 20,000 square feet of new floor space. Texas secured 668 such projects in 2004.
The magazine ranked the Dallas Fort-Worth area first among major metropolitan areas in the nation for securing the most job announcements in 2004 with 277. Detroit placed second with 263 projects.
The magazine also said Texas has more top ranking metropolitan areas than any other state in the nation.