Kilgore Economic Development Corp.

05/25/2026

Today we honor the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

05/22/2026

⚡Established infrastructure means manufacturers can move forward in Kilgore, TX with speed, confidence and fewer unknowns.

➡️ Learn more: https://ow.ly/QMLu50Z3ouS

05/19/2026

🌟Kilgore, TX is built for industry growth. Here, location, labor, and low operating costs create a competitive advantage few markets can match. 👉 https://ow.ly/yApA50Z1jPl

05/14/2026

How do you ensure workforce readiness when evaluating a location?

In Episode 6 of the Gone to Texas podcast: Kilgore Spotlight Series,
Brandon Belkin, Dean of Industrial Technologies at Kilgore College, highlights how Kilgore aligns education with industry needs through:

• Industry-led advisory committees shaping curriculum
• Short-term, high-impact training programs (CDL, industrial maintenance, technical skills)
• Customized, on-site employer training and upskilling
• Rapidly growing dual credit pipelines connecting high school students to careers
• Expanding apprenticeship and internship opportunities

For companies evaluating Texas locations, the takeaway is clear:
👉 Kilgore doesn’t just offer workforce—it actively builds it in partnership with industry.
🎥Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/ZlxuvR21hoI?si=vRIO3S3Op9G-aMXU

Episode 06 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines

05/12/2026

Speed matters in manufacturing site selection.

The difference between a site that’s “available” and one that’s truly shovel-ready can mean months of time saved—or lost.

Before choosing a location, manufacturers should ask:
• Are utilities already in place?
• Are permitting timelines clear?
• Can the project move forward without delays?

Because faster timelines don’t happen by chance—they come from sites that are ready from day one.

That’s where Kilgore stands out.

With shovel-ready sites at Synergy Park, coordinated local support, and infrastructure already in place, manufacturers can move from planning to production with greater confidence and speed.

➡️ Read the full blog: https://ow.ly/rKCQ50YXSV5

05/07/2026

➡️ Population size alone won’t tell you if a community is the right fit for your manufacturing operation.

Instead, broaden your search outside metro areas and evaluate:

• How much of the workforce is in goods-producing industries
• How many workers have real-world manufacturing experience
• What technical training pipelines are in place to support hiring

Because a production facility depends on a workforce with real industrial experience and the ability to perform in demanding environments.

That’s where Kilgore, TX stands out:

✔️ 325,000+ workers in a 12-county labor draw
✔️ 23% employed in goods-producing sectors (above state & national averages)
✔️ 12 colleges and universities within a 1-hour drive offering engineering and/or technical skills training
✔️ A 100-year industrial heritage rooted in oil & gas, contributing to a resilient and adaptable workforce

For manufacturers, that translates into a workforce that’s ready to perform from day one.

🌟 Explore the full workforce breakdown: https://ow.ly/w7au50YVceb

05/05/2026

📍 Available: 14.4 Acres at Synergy Park – Kilgore, Texas

Looking for a site that’s ready when you are? Lot 18 at Synergy Park offers 14.4 developable, shovel-ready acres in a premier business environment built for growth.

🏗️ Shovel-ready site with 14.4 developable acres
📦 Just 2 miles from I-20 for efficient regional and national distribution
🌿 Located in a Class A, campus-style business park
👷‍♂️ Supported by a strong, goods-producing workforce

Synergy Park combines infrastructure, accessibility, and workforce strength—giving industrial users a competitive advantage from day one.

🔗 View the listing: https://tiny.giswebtechguru.com/4zdbmk3e

04/28/2026

💥The Gone to Texas podcast crew is now streaming “The Kilgore Advantage: Community, Culture, and Collaboration.” 🎙️This is Episode 5 of the series spotlighting Kilgore and features entrepreneur Ricardo Viloria, Director of Operations at Camfil USA.

Viloria shares his journey of relocating a business to Texas—and why Kilgore ultimately became home. After evaluating multiple cities, he chose Kilgore not just for logistics or workforce—but for something harder to quantify: a welcoming, business-friendly community and a culture of collaboration.

From workforce training partnerships with Kilgore College to real-world examples of local support and responsiveness, this episode highlights what truly sets Kilgore apart:

✔ Strong business relationships
✔ Accessible leadership and support
✔ A collaborative approach to growth
✔ A community where people genuinely want you to succeed

It’s a powerful reminder that the “Kilgore Advantage” goes beyond business—it’s about people, culture, and long-term success.

🎧 Listen now to hear Ricardo Viloria’s story and discover why companies choose Kilgore. https://youtu.be/WpMO30TO1JE?si=BrBcuDUop0d7dRTp

⚙️Learn more about what Kilgore offers manufacturing companies: https://kilgore-edc.com/about-kedc/manufacturing/

Ep 05: The Kilgore Advantage: Community, Culture, and Collaboration

04/20/2026

LeTourneau University broke ground Friday to begin construction of a 100,000-square-foot Christian Polytechnic University Center.

It will house the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, the School of Business, the Department of Computer Science and the Center for Academic Ministry.

The building also will house collaboration spaces for entrepreneurs, cyber learning, finance trading and a Mixed Reality Simulation lab.

LeTourneau University leaders and Longview community members broke ground Friday to begin construction of a 100,000-square-foot building at the university. The four-story Christian Polytechnic University Center will be the largest […]

04/16/2026

Big congratulations to Kilgore High School CTE students, teachers, and advisors on an outstanding showing at the State SkillsUSA competitions.

This is a great example of student talent, strong instruction, and the value of career-focused education in building Kilgore’s future workforce. We are proud to celebrate your success. 👏