Dale Fowler, President of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation was the featured speaker at the May Chamber Luncheon.  The event was held at the University of Houston - Victoria, Multi-purpose Room on Wednesday May 14, 2008.  Over 100 chamber members gather to hear Mr. Fowler talk about the mission of the Corporation and some of the projects they are working on.

Fowler spoke of the primary mission of VEDC is to bring primary jobs to the region.  He defined a primary job as a job that spin the rest of the economy.  He stated that according to Forbes.com, Victoria sits in the middle of three of the top ten cities with recession proof economies.  With those cities being Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Victoria is geographically link into their economies.  

Fowler talked about where they get their leads for business recruiting.  Their leads come from the State, Internet inquiries, site consultants and self directed research.  Many of their successful projects have come after years of relationship building with companies.  He stated that VEDC's main way of market is through relationship building.  Citing the example of StarTek, who located in Victoria at the end of 2007.  VEDC was contacted several years ago as a possible site but lost out to a city in Virginia, but by continuing to build on that relationship, when time came for another expansion Victoria was picked.

Also at the Chamber Luncheon, Gent's Formal Wear was announced as the Small Business Partner of the Month for the month of April.  Gent's has been a member of the Chamber since August 2007 and has already stepped in to help the Chamber on a couple of occasions.  The Corporate Partner of the Month for April is Coleto Creek Power.  CCP has been a member since October 2004.  They have been a great and valued corporate sponsor and partner since that time.

Our next Chamber Luncheon will be held on July 9th and will feature Exelon Generation.  The luncheon is sponsored by Agama Advertising and will be held at the Student Center on the campus of Victoria College.