The FORT Podcast – Robert Allen – CEO @ Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership – Fort Worth, TX Is About to Explode With Growth
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
Listen on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
Topics:
(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 do for a city?
(01:09:53) – Fort Worth’s pipeline
(01:02:22) – 10-year predictions
Episode Summary:
The conversation begins with Allen recounting his entry into public service. He explains how he initially started as an intern at the Texas Attorney General’s office, where he worked for John Cornyn and later Greg Abbott. His responsibilities evolved as he became a travel aid and then advanced to Deputy Chief of Staff. Allen highlights his involvement in disaster management and logistics, particularly during hurricane season. This experience in operational leadership proved invaluable as he later transitioned to roles focused on economic development, offering a comprehensive view of how the state government operates during emergencies.
Allen’s role at TxEDC marked a shift from public service to business development, a move driven by Texas’s growing reputation as an attractive destination for corporations. He shares how Governor Perry set the stage for Texas’s aggressive marketing as a business-friendly state, with campaigns like “Texas is Open for Business,” targeting companies in high-tax states such as California. Allen details some of the significant wins during this period, including Toyota’s relocation of its U.S. headquarters to Plano, Texas. He explains how the proactive approach of reaching out to CEOs and directly marketing the state played a pivotal role in these successes.
As the conversation moves to Allen’s current position at the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, he discusses his vision for Fort Worth. Allen emphasizes that while Fort Worth has experienced strong population growth, the city has lacked the same aggressive business recruitment efforts seen in cities like Dallas or Austin. Allen believes that Fort Worth has untapped potential, given its cultural heritage, available land, and strategic location. He critiques the city’s past approach to economic development, stating that it has been too passive and reactive rather than proactive in attracting businesses.
Allen describes his strategy to position Fort Worth as a major player in the Metroplex and beyond. He stresses the importance of going on the offensive and actively seeking out opportunities, instead of waiting for companies to come to Fort Worth. Part of this strategy involves working closely with local business leaders, the city’s economic development team, and other key stakeholders to create a cohesive and unified approach. Allen highlights the importance of collaboration with surrounding communities and organizations, including chambers of commerce and higher education institutions, in building a stronger business ecosystem.
In addition to outlining his overall strategy, Allen addresses some of the tactical measures being implemented. One key focus is targeting industries that align with Fort Worth’s strengths, particularly in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and corporate headquarters. He notes that Fort Worth is already home to several major players in these sectors, such as Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter, which creates an opportunity to build upon existing relationships and attract complementary businesses. The city’s relatively low cost of doing business, available workforce, and strategic location near DFW International Airport further enhance its appeal to companies looking to relocate or expand.
Throughout the discussion, Allen emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in economic development. His team has created a project tracking system that categorizes potential leads and evaluates them based on various factors such as wages, capital expenditures, and alignment with targeted industries. This system helps Fort Worth focus on high-value projects and avoid wasting resources on leads that are unlikely to result in substantial benefits for the city. Allen is candid about the challenges, acknowledging that some projects may take years to materialize, but stresses that laying a strong foundation now is critical for long-term success.
One of the most significant areas of opportunity Allen identifies is workforce development. He highlights the need for Fort Worth to build a pipeline of skilled workers that can support the industries the city is trying to attract. To achieve this, Allen and his team are working closely with local universities and educational institutions, such as Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington, to ensure that graduates have the skills needed by local employers. Allen believes that Fort Worth’s ability to provide a well-trained workforce will be a key differentiator in attracting businesses to the area.
Allen also touches on the challenges posed by environmental regulations, particularly around air quality. He explains that Fort Worth is subject to severe non-attainment regulations, which limit the amount of emissions businesses can produce. These regulations can be a hurdle for certain types of companies, particularly those in advanced manufacturing, but Allen is committed to being transparent with potential prospects about the region’s regulatory landscape. He views this as part of Fort Worth’s broader strategy of focusing on sustainable, long-term growth rather than chasing short-term wins.
The episode also delves into Allen’s thoughts on the broader economic landscape and how Fort Worth fits into the national conversation about business relocation. He discusses the growing trend of onshoring and nearshoring, as companies look to bring their operations closer to the U.S. due to geopolitical concerns and supply chain disruptions. While this trend is still in its early stages, Allen sees it as a major opportunity for Fort Worth, particularly given the city’s strategic location and available industrial space. He notes that Fort Worth is well-positioned to benefit from companies looking to relocate or expand operations in the U.S., particularly in sectors like advanced manufacturing and logistics.
Throughout the episode, Allen’s passion for Fort Worth and its potential is evident. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration in driving the city’s growth. Whether it’s working with local businesses, educational institutions, or government agencies, Allen believes that a united effort is key to positioning Fort Worth as a top destination for business investment. He encourages listeners to act as ambassadors for the city, sharing its story and promoting its strengths to anyone who will listen.
The FORT is produced by Johnny Podcasts