Deona Thompson   
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    Director, Office of Economic Development
   Phone (325) 884-2288
   Fax (325) 884-1523

      Randy Blake, Board Member
 
     Susan Schwertner, Board Member

The City of Big Lake is strategically located at the crossroads of two highways, US Hwy 67 and State Highway 137. To the south, the I-20 is approximately 45 miles away. To the north, the I-10 is a one-hour drive. San Angelo, Big Spring, Midland and Odessa are within easy access of our city. There is no logical way to get to the Fort Stockton area from points east such as San Angelo except through Big Lake. Big Lake is also a well traveled point from Big Spring (or points north), towards the valley to Del Rio and the boarder with Mexico.

In 1999, the citizens of Big Lake approved by virtue of a ballot vote, to enact the 4b Sales Tax usage for the Big Lake Economic Development Corporation. The B.L.E.D.C. has been assisting businesses, whether existing or new startups, by way of grant incentives and in some cases, tax abatements. These tools are used to encourage and stimulate growth, development and investment in the area. Businesses who invest, operate, or locate within the city limits of Big Lake may be eligible for other special incentives.
 
The City of Big Lake is a business friendly government. The city government works together with the county government as well as the B.L.E.D.C. to ease the transition of any new business wishing to locate here. The available labor pool has increased slightly, over the past few months and because Big Lake is much more willing to act quickly, the down-turn of the national economy has been largely kept at bay so far.
 
There have been building activities all across our town, with the completion of the new (2009) Security State Bank building, following new construction (2008) of the Dollar General store over the last two years. Four businesses have relocated or started up, with their new location in the Industrial Park east of town in the last 2 ½ years; some with assistance from the B.L.E.D.C. A few of those that are new in the city limits are: J.A. Soliz Roustabouts, Inc., Galvan Pro, Texas Energy, Reggie’s Trucking and Rentals with 2 businesses in process with plans to come and the list keeps growing. The B.L.E.D.C. has assisted with startups of 2 new restaurants, and several other projects in town in the last 2 ½ years. The High School has been revamped with a near-total remodel and additions. Improvements have just been completed on the Elementary School facilities and work is in progress at the local Middle High School.
 
Big Lake sees the construction activity as a vote of confidence in its people and leadership. We believe they embody the kind of can-do attitude that will ensure effective and efficient service to our city’s customers.
The City of Big Lake will work with you as a full partner. The City can add value to your site search process by making sure that you get the help you need when you need it. In particular, the Economic Development office can provide site information, bring in utility companies, city representatives, financial assistance and employee recruitment assistance. The City and Economic Development office will also help with training assistance, provide permit streamlining, redevelopment incentives, state services and other resources tailored to your needs.

Here are just a few highlights why the City of Big Lake is an excellent location for establishing your business
* Located at the crossroads of the US Highway 67 and State Highway 137.
* A market of over 3 thousand people locally, with steady pass-through traffic from all directions.
* A qualified labor pool – most of whom live in our town and want to work close to home.
* Wage rates are competitive with area towns.
* Very competitive commercial real estate prices, much lower than those in the larger nearby cities.
* Much less stringent air quality restrictions than the larger cities.
* Access to 8 college campuses; 5 within 1 hour and 3 more within 1 ½ hours drive.
* Single-family home prices are affordable, in an average range of $70,000 to $120,000.
* Tax rates for the city and county are competitive with area towns of our size and lower than larger cities.
* Some sites at the Big Lake Industrial Park also offer easy access to rail service.


There is a general aviation Airport in Big Lake with a 4,500 ft. runway. The paved surface has landing lights and it has instrument landing system with GPS capabilities. Aircraft storage is present, however there is no aircraft maintenance service available locally.

Our City offers your business more competitive labor rates, real estate prices and a traffic pattern that is suitable for your business. The region also offers many diverse recreational opportunities. Aside from the county park facilities such as a pool, playground, walking, hiking, biking, basketball, softball and tennis one can enjoy golfing at our public course and with a drive of less than 70 miles also enjoy the San Angelo area lakes. Local school sports are highlights for our residents, with a proud tradition of community support. The cultural centers of San Angelo, Midland, Odessa and Big Spring are options that many residents enjoy. In addition, the trip by car to Mexico is little more than 3 hours.

Please take time to tour the Economic Development and other pages on our website.

After reviewing the information, I believe that you will find the City of Big Lake a great place to locate your business.

Thank you for giving the City of Big Lake an opportunity to show-off its competitive advantages. Give me a call for more detailed information. We welcome your interest in our city and look forward to a great relationship and to working with you on your next project.

Regards,


Deona Thompson
Executive Director
Big Lake Economic Development Corporation
(325) 884-2288 office
(325) 450-2250 cell

Enclosure: Big Lake Economic Development Corporation’s Grant Incentive Application and the corporation's Policies and Procedures document.

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