GUEST COMMENTARY
Nearly 300 business and community leaders gathered at The Bevy Hotel in Boerne on Aug. 20 for the fourth annual Kendall County Economic Summit, bringing together leaders from education, business, tourism, government and economic development to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Kendall County’s future.
This year’s summit focused on three conversations that increasingly intersect with economic development in the Texas Hill Country: building the workforce of the future; strengthening the visitor economy; and balancing continued growth with the character and natural resources that make this region distinctive.
“These panel discussions focus on timely and critical topics in Kendall County and the perspectives of our panelists highlight how our community is addressing them,” said Amy Story, President & CEO of the Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation.
Building the Workforce of the Future
A strong economy depends on more than attracting new businesses. It also depends on having the people, skills and education pathways employers need to grow.
The summit’s workforce conversation brought together Amy Bosley, Ed.D., President of Northwest Vista College; Kristin Craft, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Boerne Independent School District; and Lance Pettigrew, CEO of SEnergy.
Their discussion underscored the importance of stronger connections among schools, higher education and employers, as well as giving students clearer pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers close to home.
“By continued collaboration among our education partners and local businesses, we can work to fill our workforce pipeline to meet the job demands of the future,” Story said.
Strengthening the Visitor Economy
Tourism is more than a quality-of-life asset for Kendall County. It is an important part of the local economy. Visitors support local businesses, restaurants, retailers, lodging properties and the experiences that help define our communities.
The summit’s tourism and hospitality discussion explored how destination identity, thoughtful growth and strong local businesses work together to strengthen the visitor economy. For communities like Boerne and Comfort, that means creating reasons for people to visit while protecting the qualities that make them want to return.
That connection between tourism and economic development is important. A vibrant destination supports entrepreneurs and existing businesses while also helping tell the broader story of why Kendall County is a desirable place to live, work and invest.
Growing Responsibly
Few conversations are more important to the future of the Hill Country than how we grow.
Ryan Bass, Boerne environmental program manager; Joseph Macaluso, Boerne District 5 city councilman; Kendall County Precinct 2 Commissioner Andra Wisian; and Robert Thornton, Partner with Robert Thornton LLP / Great Homes, discussed the relationship between development, infrastructure, conservation and long-term livability.
The takeaway was clear: economic opportunity, infrastructure, water, land use, conservation and quality of life cannot be treated as separate issues. Long-term prosperity depends on making thoughtful decisions that support economic vitality while protecting the character of the Hill Country.
For the BKCEDC, that means proactively pursuing quality economic development and recruiting businesses that fit our community while creating economic opportunities for future generations of Kendall County students.
A Regional Conversation with Local Impact
The Kendall County Economic Summit has become an important annual opportunity to bring the people shaping our region’s future into the same room.
For the BKCEDC, conversations like these are an important part of economic development. Supporting existing businesses and attracting new investment requires more than available sites and demographic data.
It requires a strong workforce, vibrant communities, sound infrastructure, regional partnerships and a shared commitment to long-term prosperity.
Continue the Conversation
The Summit may be over, but the work continues. Stay connected with the BKCEDC and explore the resources helping businesses grow, invest and build in Kendall County.
Amy Story is president and CEO of the Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation.
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