Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 3, Issue 3

157 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 PORT LAVACA , TEXAS Not only does Formosa bring with it a strong workforce, but a diverse one at that. The worldwide company is based in Taiwan, and brings over many of its international employees to work in the plant. According to Carpenter, “Formosa pays for training and certifications for all their employees. So we have Hispanic, African American, Burmese, Taiwanese – it’s quite a diverse perspective for such a small population count.” Aside from offering coastal living and great job opportunities, Port Lavaca has fostered a small-town feel with a true sense of community. “People matter here,” Carpenter says. “That’s something that drew me in and to this day it just makes my heart grow more and more for Port Lavaca. Everyone is so invested in this community. We all know each other in a sense, it’s kind of a six degrees of separation thing. We are so willing to step up for one another and to lift up one another as well.” Being a newcomer to the area herself, having moved just over a year ago from Seattle, Carpenter has been drawn in by the close-knit atmosphere. “I love the community mindset, the endearment of the people on an individual level,” she says. “And of course, being on the bay is just beautiful.” At the heart of the community, Port Lavaca boasts top-notch medical care through Memorial Medical Center. Founded in 1950, this 25-bed critical access hospital features specialty clinics and the latest in diagnostic equipment. The community also takes pride in its award winning school district. The Calhoun Sandcrabs and Sandies are recognized throughout the state and beyond for both academics and extracurricular achievements. Port Lavaca puts on a series of events each year to help bring the community together even more. Pre-COVID-19 the city hosted a couple of large “signature” events each year, including its Photo Courtesy of Bill Harvey