Working Better. Growing Smarter. Texas First
The Texas First Regional Development Corporation is a multi-community alliance designed to amplify the East Texas region in site selection, business recruitment, and economic growth. We simplify the process for companies and consultants by offering a single point of contact, aligned goals across multiple cities, and a dependable team of local leaders who are ready to help.
Our Mission
We help businesses connect with the people, sites, and support that make East Texas a smart, profitable place to invest. Our team works together to make doing business here easier, faster, and more productive from the first conversation through long-term expansion.
Why Regional Partnership Matters
Every community in the Texas First RDC brings something different to the table. When combined, these strengths create a larger market, a wider labor pool, and more development-ready sites. With aligned industry sectors, and experienced professionals at the local level, we offer businesses a better way to grow.
What We Deliver
- One point of contact for multi-city inquiries
- Coordinated site visits
- A workforce pipeline connected to manufacturing, logistics, energy, and aerospace
- Long-term support for retention, expansion, and recruitment
Leadership and Collaboration
The Texas First RDC is led by a group of experienced economic development professionals who work together to support business investment across the region. Every project receives coordinated support from local experts who understand the market and know how to deliver results.
Our Member Communities
Texarkana provides a bi-state location with workforce access from both Texas and Arkansas. Its infrastructure, higher education presence, and open industrial land make it a smart choice for aviation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Contact: Rob Sitterley, President/CEO
Phone: 903‑824‑1792
Email: rob.sitterley@ar-txredi.com
Website: https://artxredi.com/
Henderson is known for manufacturing and fabrication, with deep expertise in machinery, plastics, rubber products, wood products, and leather goods. The community is home to skilled trades and strong utility capacity that supports industry growth.
Contact: Bret Gardella, Executive Director
Phone: 903‑392‑0447
Email: bret@hendersonedc.com
Website: https://www.hendersonedc.com/
Kilgore supports advanced manufacturing, metalwork, and logistics operations, with strategic access to Interstate 20 and shovel-ready industrial sites. The community’s commitment to workforce training and infrastructure investment has earned it recognition as one of Texas’ best-positioned small cities for industry.
Contact: Lisa Denton, Executive Director
Phone: 903‑983‑3522
Email: ldenton@kilgore-edc.com
Website: https://kilgore-edc.com/
Lindale is one of East Texas’ fastest-growing communities, strategically located along I-20 just north of Tyler. The city supports growth in logistics, light manufacturing, and agribusiness with strong infrastructure and available industrial sites. With access to a skilled regional workforce and a pro-business climate, Lindale is well positioned for companies seeking efficiency and long-term success.
Contact: Susan Gill, President
Phone: (903) 882-5332
Email: susan.gill@lindaletexas.com
Website: https://www.lindaletexas.com/
Longview is an East Texas industrial center with strong foundations in petrochemical processing, equipment manufacturing, metal fabrication, and warehouse distribution. The city is also growing in aerospace, semiconductors, and technology industry development.
Contact: Wayne Mansfield, President/CEO
Phone: 903‑753‑7878
Email: wayne@longviewusa.com
Website: https://longviewusa.com/
Marshall has a long history of manufacturing leadership, with current momentum in chemical processing, plastics, and machining. Its central location and business-friendly climate continue to attract new investment.
Contact: Rush Harris, Executive Director
Phone: 903‑934‑8035
Email: rushharris@marshalledc.org
Website: https://www.marshalledc.org/
Mount Pleasant focuses on advanced manufacturing, food production, logistics, and the circular economy. The community is also seeing growth in defense-related industries and has a strong reputation for high-quality workforce development.
Contact: Kevin Carter, Executive Director
Phone: 903‑572‑6602
Email: kevin@mpedc.org
Website: https://mpedc.org/