Tomball, Texas thrives on community. Helping neighbors when times are tough is part of the culture of the city located just 30 miles north of Houston. This holds true for the Tomball business community and Tomball Economic Development Corporation, which have rallied to support one another during the COVID -19 pandemic. This commitment to working collectively, described as Tomball Together, has helped Tomball persevere and remain open for business.

A collaboration between the Tomball EDC and the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, TomballTogether.com is a one stop shop for Tomball businesses who need information. TomballTogether. com has details on how to operate during the pandemic, including keeping workers employed and the community served. TomballTogether.com provides information on federal loan programs, small business resources, local health updates, remote working tools, and local restaurants serving the community.

Supporting existing businesses has always been at the hear t of the Tomball EDC’s strategic mission. Through incentives like the Business Improvement Grant and a newly launched Façade Improvement Grant, businesses in Tomball have greater opportunity to expand and thrive. The Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program is a matching grant program designed to help property owners and businesses make high quality improvements to buildings and property in Tomball. The BIG program encourages investments that relate to improving aesthetics of the community, providing a more welcoming business environment, and increasing commercial property values. In the past three years, 83 businesses have been aided and dozens of jobs created by the BIG program.

launched in December 2019 the facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program is designed with an eye on Tomball’s cultural hub, Old Town Tomball. The FIG program offers matching grant funds to assist significant renovations in the Old Town Business District. The Tomball EDC reimburses eligible participants 50 percent of their investment, up to $50,000, for restoration and revitalization of building structures that complement a significant overall façade enhancement.

Several current Tomball businesses have used the COVID-19-caused business slowdown to make long-term upgrades funded by grants from BIG and FIG programs. At a time when small businesses are looking at ways to stand out, the Tomball EDC grants provide critical capital for local businesses. Focus is also placed on existing businesses through economic development support efforts, another strategic goal of the Tomball EDC. Events, such as Tomball Business Roundtables, Job Fairs, and annual Economic Outlook Luncheon provide businesses an opportunity to network, recruit talent, and discover best practices.

Support offered to businesses is key to an increasing number of companies relocating to Tomball. The Tomball EDC conveys the business-friendly atmosphere present in Tomball. This message allowed Tomball to maintain a robust economic climate and deliver a strong 2020 performance, despite challenges of COVID-19.

The 99.5-acre Tomball Business & Technology Park remains the crown jewel for development and continues to attract businesses to Tomball. This summer, two companies announced plans to launch projects in the master-planned and deedrestricted Park operated by the Tomball EDC. The Park is fully served with all utilities and located near major thoroughfares, such as the recently expanded Tomball Parkway and recently completed Grand Parkway.

JDR Cable Services is building a 65,000 square foot facility that will house their United States headquarters when it opens in February 2021. The project features 45,000 square-feet of assembly space and 20,0 0 0 square-feet of office space. Presently based in Houston, the power cable design, engineering and manufacturing company will bring 65 jobs to Tomball.

CCJ Collaborations will bring an exciting business and entertainment project to the Tomball Business & Technology Park. Led by veteran Brewmaster Chris Juergen, the company plans to construct 10,500 square-feet of brewery, restaurant, packaging, and distribution space on 4.6 acres in the Park. Scheduled to open in second quarter of 2021, the project will utilize the distinct wooded landscape of the Park to create an environment attractive for business and leisure customers. More than 50 jobs will be created by the hospitality venture.

Heightened demand for industrial space in Tomball led the Tomball EDC to create other expansion opportunities. Finalized this spring, the Tomball EDC purchased South Live Oak Industrial Park, consisting of two warehouses totaling 41,076 square feet. Visualized for mixed-use development, the 6.2-acre property provides opportunity for industrial success close to the heart of Tomball.

Available land and ready-made facilities are a large part of the draw to Tomball. Competitive incentives, in addition to the previously discussed BIG and FIG programs, play another leading role in attracting businesses. The City of Tomball and Harris County have attractive tax abatement programs, while the State of Texas utilizes the Texas Enterprise Zone Program and Texas Enterprise Fund to invest in new business. The Tomball EDC also assists with funding infrastructure costs for eligible projects and provides financial assistance in the form of cash grants for projects that create or retain jobs on a case-by-case basis.

Major road and drainage infrastructure investments have im prove d Tomball’s connectivity and sustainability. Local transpor tation projec ts created roadways to connect Tomball businesses to new highways and parkways to move people and product in and out of one of America’s fastest growing regions.

Tomball’s accessibility is also strengthened by proximity to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a 30 -minute drive from Tomball. David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, located less than five miles from downtown Tomball, gives businesses a regional option to utilize for chartered flights and fixed-based operator (FBO) services.

Businesses looking to ship goods to international and domestic markets will find Tomball has easy access to the Port of Houston via rail or truck. Tomball is serviced by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.

Improved connectivity has been noticeable in all construction markets. Matching the speed of business and infrastructure projects, residential construction has demonstrated rapid growth. The City of Tomball recently announced nearly 2,000 new homes are planned for construction.

The influx of housing starts will keep Tomball on pace to grow its population from approximately 12,0 0 0 to more than 20,0 0 0 by 2030. Growth in the area immediately surrounding Tomball will bring the total population of the Tomball region to more than 100,000 within five years. Population growth will add to an already robust pool of qualified workers, offering businesses another reason to invest in Tomball.

A talented workforce has been a priority in Tomball for many years. Tomball Independent School District remains among the highest-rated school districts in the State of Texas, receiving an “A” grade from the Texas Education Agency’s in its most recent accountability ratings.

Lone Star College-Tomball educates thousands of students at three campuses, with degrees and certificates that directly translate into the labor force. Lone Star College-Tomball is part of the Lone Star College system; the second largest community college system in Texas.

With investments in business, infrastructure, and workforce, Tomball is primed to grow. Tomball’s strong leadership, with a commitment to helping existing business and recruiting new businesses, keeps the city moving forward. In Tomball, every business is critical, and these extraordinary times have shown the importance of togetherness among the business community. Tomball remains open for business, connected and dedicated to growing Tomball Together