Business View Civil Municipal June 2023

28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 of our elected officials, who are also behind our organization and the success that we have been having. You can’t have success without the backing of your local community in any project.” KEDC Executive Director, Gilberto Salinas explains how this strategic direction has led to the recruitment of several prominent companies, positioning Kerrville as a major player in the aerospace industry. Notable additions include Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Gulf Avionics, RBR Aviation, Aero Parts and Supply, Rice Helicopter, and Mooney Aerospace Group. Adding that there are other companies coming on board, which the city hopes to be able to announce within the year, he offers, “We had the direction from the 2050 comprehensive plan to go after those kinds of companies. So as a result of that, we started the process of building an aerospace and aviation cluster, which is really exciting. For a community, our size, the assets that we have in place, the plan, the strategy, rivals some of the larger metros.” In addition, these companies, many of whom have come in over the last three years, have added 1,200 jobs to the city, and Salinas believes this is only the beginning. “I like to say that big fish draw bigger fish. So, we’ve got a very healthy pipeline as far as projects in the realm of economic development,” he maintains. On the education side Schreiner University, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is a key institution in Kerrville, with plans for further growth. The presence of Alamo College’s branch and three local school districts further emphasizes the city’s commitment to workforce development and educational opportunities for its residents. Salinas recounts, “The word that comes to mind is alignment. All three of those educational institutions and entities align very well with our industry, creating a pipeline of talent, which for a community our size, and from an economic development standpoint, is a dream come true.” Peterson Regional Medical Center serves as WHERE THE DEALER MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BIG CITY SELECTION 550 BENSON DR KERRVILLE, TX 78028 www.cecilmotorsgm.com (866) 240-2964 Get the “Cecil Advantage,” which offers tons of vehicle ownership perks, like: Complimentary car washes 3-Day Love It or Exchange it Program * Complimentary roadside assistance FREE Loaner Vehicles ** *Vehiclemust be returnedwithin 3 calendar days of deliverywith no alterations or damage andwith nomore than 150 additionalmiles.May only be exchanged for another vehicle from dealer inventory. LoanerVehicles are availablewith scheduled service appointment.Based on first come, first service basis.Available to customers that have purchased a vehicle fromCecilAtkissionMotors.See dealer for details.