Page 65 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

interested in arts, food and beverage, live music,
and much more.

The ever-growing Tomball Farmers Market has
become a major regional draw for those looking
to get their hands on healthy, locally sourced food.
The weekly market, home to over 70 vendors,
welcomes between 2,000 and 4,000 attendees
every Saturday to downtown Tomball. The Tomball
Farmers Market has also been a catalyst for making
Tomball a foodie destination.

Locally owned restaurants line the streets in the
heart of Tomball, with nearly every food genre
train company employees from all product lines, in place and strong population growth, residential being represented. Of course, in Texas, barbecue
primarily serves Baker Hughes’ North America developers are heavily investing in the Tomball is king. Rated a Top 10 Texas Barbecue, newcomer
and Latin America regions, as well as the Europe/ community. Tomball’s population currently sits Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue is just one block off
Africa/Russia-Caspian and Middle East/Asia- at nearly 12,000, with that number expected to Main Street and Rib Tickler on Tomball Parkway
Pacific regions. reach 20,000 by 2030. remains a standard-bearer of quality barbecue in
the city. Yet, you can still find Tex-Mex, German
Adjacent to Baker Hughes, BJ Services calls Tomball Brand new master-planned communities, like the and comfort foods from all cultures.
home to its corporate headquarters. BJ Services Reserve at Spring Lakes and Raleigh Creek, are
provides hydraulic fracturing and cementing services already drawing new residents to Tomball. These The influx of food entrepreneurs, including Tomball
to upstream oil and gas companies engaged in the two communities, and others like them, are helping Mayor Gretchen Fagan who owns the 403 Eats food
exploration and production of North American oil to meet the demand of people aiming to get closer truck park, has led the Tomball EDC to explore ways
and natural gas resources. The nearly 150 year old to the amenities and major employment centers to help promote and support these entrepreneurs.
company is the largest North American-focused, in Tomball. The Tomball EDC is currently exploring the idea of a
pure-play pressure pumping services provider. local commercial kitchen. Through the development
Growth has been met with preparation by local of a commercial kitchen, local culinary entrepreneurs
In all, Tomball is home to over 1,500 businesses leadership and citizens. To meet present and future would have a place where food can be prepared
and nearly 14,000 employees. needs of the Tomball Independent School District and stored outside of their home. This facility
(Tomball ISD), voters approved a $275 million would then allow entrepreneurs to expand their
Appealing Incentives bond referendum in 2017. The bond will be used business and the reach of their products into
to construct new schools, renovate facilities at grocery stores, restaurants, etc. While still in the
Tomball is also home to very competitive incentive existing campuses, and add improved technology exploratory phase, there is palpable excitement
programs for companies interested in locating in in the highly-regarded Tomball ISD. over this opportunity.
Tomball. The City of Tomball offers an attractive
tax abatement program, while the State of Texas Along with Tomball ISD, the growing business Uniquely Positioned
utilizes the Texas Enterprise Zone Program and the community has a great partner in Lone Star College-
Texas Enterprise Fund to invest in new business. Tomball (LSC-Tomball) to address increasing Tomball’s collective strength is at an all-time high.
workforce needs. LSC-Tomball is part of the Lone The city finds itself in a prosperous place, on the brink
Not to be outdone, the Tomball EDC assists with Star College system; the second largest community of a boon. Local leadership is determined to keep
funding infrastructure costs for eligible projects. college system in Texas. LSC-Tomball educates Tomball thriving, placing a priority on community,
The Tomball EDC also provides financial assistance thousands of students at three campuses, with economic partnerships, and connectivity. With
in the form of cash grants for projects that create degrees and certificates that directly translate an outstanding mix of transportation, business,
or retain jobs on a case-by-case basis. into the labor force. education, and lifestyle, there has never been a
better time to locate in Tomball.
The Tomball EDC works to attract new business Charming Destination
and industry that will bring quality jobs and capital
investment to Tomball. Additionally, the organization With rooftops come retail, and Tomball is no
focuses on supporting existing businesses and exception. The exception, however, is that it’s not
working with partners to coordinate economic just any old retail. Mirroring neighboring Houston,
development efforts that will improve Tomball, the frequently named as America’s most diverse city,
region, and the state. The efforts of the Tomball Tomball is a culture-rich hub for residents and Kelly Violette, CEcD
EDC and its partners led to 158 new jobs, 163 visitors alike, with roots that go back to the early
retained jobs, 8 new project grants, and $24.1 19th century. Executive Director
million in capital investment for the most recent 29201 Quinn Road, Suite B
fiscal year. Tomball plays host to nearly 20 annual festivals and
parades, including the Tomball German Heritage Tomball, TX 77375
Growth Strategy Festival and the Tomball German Christmas Market, (281) 401-4086
which each welcome over 50,000 visitors every kviolette@tomballtxedc.org
As business growth continues on an upward trend, so year. The draw goes beyond parades and festivals,
too does residential growth. With new infrastructure as Tomball is a weekly destination for people

FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019 65