About this episode
Robert Allen is the President and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (FWEDP). A husband, father, and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott, Allen most recently served as President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC). His organization’s efforts have helped catapult Texas to a record-breaking number of Governor’s Cups as awarded by Site Selection Magazine. With Texas now home to the most Fortune 500 headquarters in America, Robert launched efforts at TxEDC to showcase all that Texas continues to offer to businesses.We discuss:
Building the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership
How corporate relocations are negotiated and executed
Growing the future of Fort Worth
We'd appreciate you filling out our audience survey, so we can continuously work on providing relevant content to our listeners. https://www.thefortpod.com/surveyLinksThe Fort Worth Economic Development PartnershipRobert on LinkedInFort Worth Economic Development Partnership Board Members:Mike Berry - President of HillwoodJohn Goff - CEO of Goff CapitalRobert Isom - CEO of American AirlinesGreg Ulmer - Executive Vice President of Lockheed MartinDan Berce - President and CEO of GM FinancialLista Atherton - President & CEO of BellDavid Endicott - CEO of Alcon LaboratoriesKatie Farmer - President & CEO of BNSF RailwayElaine Agather - Managing Director & CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in the Central U.S.Marianne Auld - Managing Partner of Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLPRusty Reid - Chairman and CEO of HigginbothamMayor Mattie ParkerSteve Montgomery - President and CEO of the Fort Worth ChamberTopics(00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:22) - Robert’s career in public service(00:06:58) - What does an AG do?(00:08:24) - Robert’s roles as deputy chief of staff for the Governor?(00:09:40) - How does Texas prepare for disasters?(00:13:36) - Becoming President/CEO of the Texas Economic Development(00:15:59) - Marketing Texas(00:19:06) - How does a corporate relocation happen?(00:22:39) - Robert’s work today growing FWTX(00:27:24) - The FW Economic Development Program(00:30:42) - What were your key priorities on day one?(00:37:44) - Who is Fort Worth?(00:47:36) - Strengthening the workforce(00:59:17) - The Election(01:00:54) - How long do projects typically take?(01:04:12) - The Great Bones in Fort Worth(01:07:30) - What do 10k jobs coming in
