Walker County Economic Development Corporation

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the Walker County EDC office will be closed May 23 through May 25. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear today.

From all of us, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as you spend time with family and friends 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

Walker County EDC is excited to attend the ICSC conference as we continue working to bring new retail opportunities to our community.

Retail recruitment is about more than shopping. It’s about creating jobs, expanding local services, increasing tax revenue, and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Strong retail growth helps communities thrive and keeps more dollars local.

Big thank you to Retail Strategies for hosting a great networking event!

As we connect with retailers, developers, and industry leaders at ICSC, we want to hear from YOU:

What restaurants, stores, entertainment, or services would you like to see in Walker County?

Drop your ideas in the comments and help us shape the future of retail in our community!

05/18/2026

As we approach our 1-year anniversary, only 2 Founding Memberships remain with the Walker County EDC. This exclusive level represents the highest commitment to shaping the future of our community, workforce, and economy.

Founding Members are more than supporters. They are visionary leaders who help drive progress, create opportunity, and build a lasting legacy for generations to come. As a Permanent Founding Member, your organization receives all top-tier benefits and will be permanently recognized with a commemorative plaque in the WCEDC Board Room as one of the original partners who helped launch and strengthen our mission.

This opportunity is available only through our 1-year anniversary milestone. Once these final memberships are filled, the Founding Member level will permanently close. If your organization believes in investing in Walker County’s future, now is the time to lead!

Not ready for a Founding Membership? We offer several membership levels designed for businesses and organizations that want to stay connected, support economic growth, and invest in the future of Walker County.

Whether you’re ready to leave a legacy or simply want to get involved, there’s a place for you here at the Walker County EDC.

05/15/2026

Tonight, we had the privilege of attending the Huntsville Independent School District School Board Meeting. It was an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and excitement for the future of the district!

During this meeting, Dr. Scott Sheppard highlighted the incredible accomplishments of Huntsville ISD students and staff, including:
🎓 $6.5 million in scholarships awarded to the Class of 2026
📚 SAT/ACT scores continuing to outpace the state average
🤝 Strong community partnerships that continue to strengthen opportunities for students

One of the most powerful messages shared tonight by Dr. Sheppard was that Huntsville ISD’s greatest achievement has been the transformation of its culture, changing expectations and beliefs about what can be accomplished together as a district and community.

City of Huntsville, TX - Government honored Dr. Sheppard for an incredible 8 years at Huntsville ISD.

The Board also announced the lone finalist for Superintendent: Travis Fanning of Beeville ISD. The search, led by Thompson & Horton, drew 40 applicants. This a testament to the strength and reputation of Huntsville ISD.
As shared during the meeting, Dr. Sheppard ended his speech saying “The best is yet to come, and we look forward to seeing Huntsville ISD continue reaching even greater heights in the years ahead”.

05/13/2026

We were excited to attend an exclusive industry tour for our Walker County EDC members at the newly renovated Elliott T. Bowers Stadium at Sam Houston State University!

The renovation began in January 2024 and added 400 seats, along with a new 47,000 sq. ft. press box and an additional 13,000 sq. ft. of covered exterior space. The upgrades also include 12 luxury suites, a two-story club lounge with an outdoor balcony, a new main lobby, apparel shop, updated restrooms, enhanced concessions, and a state-of-the-art media center. SHSU is excited to create even more opportunities for events, student experiences, and community engagement!

Industry tours are a great way to connect with the organizations helping shape Huntsville and Walker County. They give us a chance to see growth firsthand, build partnerships, and learn how education and local industry work together to strengthen our economy. SHSU continues to play a huge role in our community preparing future workforce talent and helping support the growth of our region. Eat 'Em Up, Kats! 🐾

05/06/2026

🌟 Celebrating National Small Business Week! 🌟

Walker County EDC is proud to join the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in celebrating the entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners who drive our economy forward.

Small businesses are the backbone of Texas communities — creating jobs, supporting families, and strengthening local economies every day. Here in Walker County, we are grateful for the dedication, resilience, and impact of our local businesses that help our community thrive.

During Small Business Week, we encourage everyone to shop local, support small businesses, and recognize the important role they play in building a stronger Texas.

For more resources and to learn more from the Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance, please visit the following website:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXGOV/bulletins/41337c8

Small Business Snapshot | Q2 2026 Office of the Governor Texas sent this bulletin at 05/05/2026 09:25 AM CDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers: It's Small Business Week in Texas! From Main Street storefron...

05/01/2026

Such a great tribute from Congressman Luttrell as he recognized and celebrated
Steely Lumber’s incredible 130-year anniversary!

For more than a century, Steely Lumber has been a cornerstone of hard work, quality craftsmanship, and community commitment. Milestones like this don’t happen by chance—they’re built on generations of dedication, integrity, and trust.

Congratulations to the entire Steely Lumber team on 130 years of excellence. Here’s to continuing a legacy that stands strong for many years to come!

04/23/2026

Please join us in welcoming Erica Arellano to the Walker County EDC team as our Economic Development Associate!

Erica joined us on April 13, 2026, bringing experience in operations management and marketing across several industries. In her previous roles, she led marketing initiatives, managed daily operations, and supported community engagement and growth. She is excited to contribute to efforts that support economic growth throughout Walker County.

Erica is currently pursuing her degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing and is set to graduate in May 2026. We’re excited to have her people-focused approach and passion for excellence on board!

04/12/2026

Grateful to Charles W Jones III and Debbie for the kind invitation to the Huntsville Rotary Club’s 6th Annual Winequest—what a fantastic event and a wonderful evening all around!
Also, a big welcome to Erica Arellano-we’re excited to have you on the team and look forward to all the great things ahead!

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from Walker County EDC! 🌷🐣

As we celebrate this season of renewal and hope, we’re grateful for our incredible community, local businesses, and partners who make Walker County such a special place to live and grow.

Wishing you and your family a joyful Easter filled with peace, happiness, and new beginnings!