Tuesday, 10th of June 2008 at 07:36:46 PM
The Houston Business Journal reported today that Houston was first in the nation for manufacturing jobs over the past year.
“Evanston, Ill.-based Manufacturers’ News Inc. (MNI) reports Texas gained 4,579 industrial jobs, representing a half percent increase, from April 2007 to April 2008. The 2008 manufacturing report indicates a smaller increase than posted by the state in prior years. However, Texas is still in a better position than much of the U.S., which suffered significant employment losses over the year.”
Startup Houston is about technology startups but a critical ingredient for a strong startup environment is a strong regional economy. We often talk about how Houston needs to build its technology infrastructure and support high tech. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the core of Houston is industrial and it is what has kept this city mostly insulated from the worsening macro-economic conditions. Places like New York are under seige from the recent financial crisis while Middle America is drowning in $4 gas and growing food costs.
Think I’m wrong? Let me hear your thoughts.
Great factor to highlight. The importance of a strong economy on the local level is probably something that’s overlooked when it comes to tech startups. Sure…we think…it’s important if you’re opening a local store, but our focus is much wider.
But regional conditions are vitally important. Much initial business and investment is still likely to come locally at first. And that’s going to come much more easily when general business and economic confidence is high. Even if the long term focus is well beyond regional confines companies can still benefit hugely from a vibrant regional economy.