Marble Falls eying California companies

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Marble Falls economic leaders are calling on savvy entrepreneurs, business men and women and company owners in California to consider calling the Texas Hill Country their home.

"We need jobs, everybody needs jobs," said Economic Development Corporation president Nona Fox.

Fox is looking to lure California-based manufacturing companies to Marble Falls.

"I want people to be able to live in Marble Falls and make a decent good living here," Fox added.

She said with no state income tax in Texas, less competition and a cheaper cost of living, getting companies to set up shop shouldn't be hard.

"Everybody knows that California, the state, is in a lot of financial troubles and I just think we are a great compliment to California," Fox explained.

Fox also said Marble Falls has ample places for companies to build including Gateway Business Park, Industrial Boulevard Park, Commerce Business Park, the Marble Falls Business & Technology Park and undeveloped land off Ranch Road 1431.

Her plans are preliminary.

The EDC is still deciding what part of California to target through a multi-media advertising campaign.

There is talk of a nationwide campaign, too.

"Primarily trade publications, websites, search sites where people look for real estate with square footage," explained Christian Fletcher, executive director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce . "[We want to] just get our name out there."

"We have a Texas Monthly.   I am sure they have a California Monthly," Fox said.

This out-of-state idea was spawned when EDC members were told to look outside of their own backyard for business at a seminar earlier this month.

Another factor is the high number of retiree-aged West Coasters relocating to the Texas Hill Country.

"We've done quite well with the retirees moving to the area because of the quality of life, being able to play golf 365 days, get out on the lake, temperate climate, all that kind of stuff.  We don't see any reason why the business community, business owners couldn't bring some of their creativity and expertise to our area as well. It is not just about kicking back and retiring, it's about making a good living," Fletcher explained.

Fletcher said he is currently meeting with representatives to determine how much advertising will cost.

"We are looking at where we get can the most bang for our buck," Fletcher said.

Fletcher said the EDC could decide to nix solely advertising in California and reach out to national publications and websites to garner more exposure.

He will present his findings to EDC members next month.