Vision
Sustainable economic progress over time is a precondition for a high standard of living as one key element of the quality of life. This precept has been embraced by local citizens and community leaders in the Bold Future for the Coastal Bend, a community-wide initiative spearheaded by two major higher-education institutions in South Texas—Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Del Mar College—and the City of Corpus Christi.
Our efforts as economists and policy advisors draw specifically on Bold Future's Vision for a Vibrant Economy:
WE ENVISION a vibrant economy for the Coastal Bend that builds on a diverse mix of industry and thriving small and local businesses to provide an abundance of family wage jobs and employment opportunities for young people. The Coastal Bend is open to growth, promoting a unified direction for the ongoing economic development of our region. Governments, businesses and higher educational institutions collaborate to provide incentives and opportunities that support local entrepreneurship, corporate recruitment and the creation of jobs, including those in high technology and green industry. The region has developed a skilled and highly educated workforce while a more diversified employment market provides job opportunities for residents of all education and skill levels. The Coastal Bend has a unique "brand" identity that promotes our region as both a world-class tourist destination and a great place to live, work and play.Strategy VEC 1: Growing, Thriving and Diverse Economy. Create a growing, thriving, and diverse economy built on existing and emerging industries that includes primary and multiplier job creation in targeted areas such as high-tech, research and development, port-related industries, healthcare, agriculture, military and related services, tourism, general business and retail.
Action VEC 1.2 Economic Analysis. Create a Center for a Vibrant Economy to centralize, analyze, and publicize (as appropriate) the economic information gathered from various community stakeholders.
Strategy VEC 5: Entrepreneurship. Promote and support business incubator efforts to encourage entrepreneurs, reflect favorable attitudes toward growth, and develop infrastructure to facilitate business growth.
Action VEC 5.1 Business Incubator. Leverage and grow the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center to provide support for emerging primary job creation initiatives.
Action VEC 5.2 Commercialization of University Research. Support commercialization of college and university research.
Action VEC 5.3 Funding for Entrepreneurs. Establish funding structures such as "angel" networks and venture capital investments to provide needed capital for new entrepreneurial initiatives and start-ups in the Coastal Bend.
Action VEC 5.4 Formalization of Entrepreneurial Track Education. Initiate, formalize and promote entrepreneurial tracks in the business programs at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and Del Mar College, including curricula, instruction and degree offerings.
