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Message to our Stakeholders
Message to our Stakeholders
Company Purposes
Board Members2
Organizational Impact and ROI
Organizational Impact + ROI
Annual Impact
Annual Impact
Current Prospects
Current Prospects
Current Prospects
Current Prospects
Continue to Lubbock Economic Development Alliance
The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), Market Lubbock Inc., Visit Lubbock and Lubbock Sports work to fulfill the core of its mission of creating economic stimulus to the economic of Lubbock. Each entity works in their specific way to promote Lubbock as an advantageous location that will more than fit the needs of growing businesses, meeting planners, sports planners and leisure travelers.
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LEDA’s mission is to promote economic growth by creating high-quality jobs, investing in new capital improvements and improving Lubbock’s quality of life. LEDA accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations and individuals across the region, state, nation and world in an effort to inform and educate them about Lubbock’s business-friendly environment and skilled, qualified workforce. |
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Market Lubbock Economic Corporation was created in 1995, with the approval of the Lubbock City Council, for the purpose of promoting, assisting and enhancing economic development in the city. The legislation under which Market Lubbock, Inc. was incorporated provides Lubbock with broader opportunities to attract new job-producing investments. |
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Visit Lubbock’s purpose is to grow the local economy by attracting and hosting meetings, conventions and conferences, as well as leisure or attraction-driven visitors. The dollars spent by visitors benefits our local citizens by reducing their tax burden. |
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Lubbock Sports is responsible for helping to attract and host sporting events and sports-related meetings that act as an economic development tool for Lubbock. The dollars spent by sports-related visitors benefits our local citizens by reducing their tax burden. |
MR. BARRY ORRChairman of the Board |
MRS. KRISTIN MURRAY, CHAExecutive Director at Voice of Hope |
MR. MARK GRIFFINPresident & General Counsel of the Griffin Companies |
MRS. REGINA JOHNSTON, CPAPartner at Robinson, Johnston & Patton |
MR. CHRIS CARPENTERPresident of Armstrong Plumbing - Air - Electric Armstrong Mechanical Co. Inc. |
DR. JOHN OPPERMANVice Chancellor for Texas Tech University System |
MRS. SUZANN KIRBY, CPACFO for United Supermarkets, LLC |
MR. CALVIN DAVISDistrict Director of Business Administration, West Texas Office |
MR. MATT BUMSTEADPresident at Nun Ide and CEO in Residence for Lubbock Christian University |
MR. BRETT CATEChief Sales Officer for Tyler Technologies |
Click here to view a complete list of the LEDA staff and here to view the Visit Lubbock team
“Even with the Covid pandemic playing havoc with our lives and our businesses this year, Lubbock’s overall economic vitality proved resilient. While many small businesses suffered, others shifted their business models and displayed exciting and very successful entrepreneurial adaptations.”
- Eddie McBride, President and CEO of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
The teams at LEDA, Visit Lubbock and Lubbock Sports experienced many exciting projects this year including hosting nearly six and a half million visitors, encouraging growth in industries, revitalizing downtown and investing in workforce development programs. By collaborating with local organizations as well as the City of Lubbock, Market Lubbock, Inc. was able to offer financial assistance to small businesses and business owners affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.
LEDA/Market Lubbock, inc. Locations |
2019/20 |
TOTAL (SINCE 2004) |
AVERAGE (SINCE 2004) |
Total Locations |
25 |
217 |
13.6 |
Total Jobs |
1,090 |
9,804 |
612.8 |
Avg. # Jobs/Location |
43.6 |
- |
45.2 |
Total Capital Investment |
$36,308,437 |
$1,220,086,404 |
$76,255,400 |
Total Incented Annual Wages |
$0 |
$160,589,135 |
$10,036,821 |
Avg. Annual Wage of Incented Jobs |
N/A |
- |
$40,708 |
Total Annual Value Added Impact |
$85,215,633 |
$1,609,409,986 |
$100,588,124 |
Avg. Value Added Impact/Job Created |
$78,179 |
- |
$164,159 |
Avg. Value Added Impact/Location |
$3,408,625 |
- |
$7,416,636 |
Visit Lubbock and Lubbock Sports |
2019/20 |
TOTAL (SINCE 2004) |
AVERAGE (SINCE 2004) |
Total Conventions and Events |
254 |
6,538 |
408.6 |
Total Number of Room Nights |
92,579 |
2,109,245 |
131,827.8 |
Average Number of Room Nights/Convention or Event |
364 |
- |
322.6 |
Total Estimated Attendees |
347,732 |
6,177,485 |
386,093 |
Average Number of Attendees/Convention or Event |
1,369 |
- |
908 |
Total Economic Impact |
$38,809,116.80 |
$673,131,352 |
$42,070,710 |
Total Annual Value Added Impact |
$85,215,633 |
$1,609,409,986 |
$100,588,124 |
Avg. Economic Impact/Convention or Event |
$152,791.80 |
- |
$102,957 |
Avg. Economic Impact/Room Night |
$419.20 |
- |
$319 |
Avg. Economic Impact/ Attendee |
$111.61 |
- |
$108.97 |
Avg. Amount of Incentives |
$1,328 |
- |
$1,262 |
Avg. Amount of Incentives/Room Night |
$3.64 |
- |
$4.08 |
Avg. Amount of Incentives/Attendee |
$0.97 |
- |
$1.39 |
Every $1 Committed to Incentives Generates am Economic Impact of: |
$115.02 |
- |
$108.17 |
Tax Relief Per Household in Lubbock Due toTravel-related Taxes Collected from Visitors to Lubbock |
$783.83 |
- |
$541.40 |
“When you look at the opportunities that exist in the Lubbock community, our decision to open a corn milling facility here is a no-brainer. Our partnership with LEDA allows us to provide more job opportunities to the region and offer a new organic flour product to the world at a time when food security is more critical than ever.”
- Gary Van Dam, project development for General Advanced Foods
2019/20 LEDA Prospects by NAICS Code |
TOTAL |
PERCENT |
111 Crop Production |
2 |
2.6% |
237 Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction |
1 |
1.3% |
311 Food Manufacturing |
13 |
17.1% |
315 Apparel Manufacturing |
1 |
1.3% |
325 Chemical Manufacturing |
4 |
5.3% |
326 Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing |
5 |
6.6% |
331 Primary Metal Manufacturing |
1 |
1.3% |
332 Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing |
3 |
3.9% |
333 Machinery Manufacturing |
6 |
7.9% |
334 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing |
3 |
3.9% |
335 Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing |
1 |
1.3% |
336 Transportation Equipment Manufacturing |
1 |
1.3% |
339 Miscellaneous Manufacturing |
5 |
6.6% |
423 Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods |
1 |
1.3% |
424 Merchant Wholesalers |
3 |
3.9% |
484 Truck Transportation |
4 |
5.3% |
488 Support Activities for Transportation |
1 |
1.3% |
493 Warehousing/Storage |
2 |
2.6% |
517 Telecommunications |
2 |
2.6% |
519 Other Information Svcs |
1 |
1.3% |
524 Insurance Carriers |
1 |
1.3% |
525 Funds, Trusts and Other Financial Vehicles |
1 |
1.3% |
541 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services |
9 |
11.8% |
551 Management of Companies and Enterprises |
2 |
2.6% |
561 Administrative and Support Services |
2 |
2.6% |
621 Ambulatory Health Care Services |
1 |
1.3% |
GRAND TOTAL |
76 |
100.0% |
Prospects by Market |
total |
percent |
Association |
28 |
30.43% |
Association Government |
2 |
2.17% |
Corporate |
5 |
5.43% |
Education |
21 |
22.83% |
Festivals/Events |
5 |
5.43% |
Government |
1 |
1.09% |
Group Tour |
5 |
5.43% |
Military Reunion |
1 |
1.09% |
Religious |
1 |
1.09% |
Social/Fraternal |
5 |
5.34% |
Weddings |
1 |
1.09% |
Total |
96 |
Prospects by Sport |
Total |
Percent |
Academics |
1 |
1.37% |
Baseball |
4 |
5.48% |
Basketball |
16 |
21.92% |
Bowling |
2 |
2.74% |
Combat |
10 |
13.70% |
Football |
2 |
2.79% |
Golf |
3 |
4.11% |
Gymnastics |
1 |
1.37% |
Multisport |
3 |
4.11% |
Other |
5 |
6.85% |
Running |
7 |
9.59% |
Soccer |
2 |
2.74% |
Softball |
2 |
2.74% |
Swim/Dive |
2 |
2.74% |
Tennis |
5 |
6.85% |
Track & Field |
7 |
9.59% |
Tumbling/Cheer |
1 |
1.37% |
Total |
73 |
Back to Year in Review
LEDA Location Announcements
LEDA Location Announcements
Location Highlights
Hub City Spokes
Lubbock Coding Academy
Lubbock Coding Academy
SPC Academic Center
Workforce Solutions South Plains
SPC Truck Driving School
Ports-to-Plains Alliance
Ports-to-Plains Alliance
Support Lubbock Fund
Support Lubbock Fund
Continue to Market Lubbock, Inc.
“We could not be happier with our choice in expanding into Lubbock and are looking forward to establishing a trusted partnership with the community. Working with the team at the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance was an important, key piece in our decision.”
- Elaine Widner, Vice President, Administration of Skywriter MD
In line with its strategic plan, LEDA actively seeks businesses that will diversify and complement Lubbock’s industry composition, have a positive impact on the community, and employ residents and graduates while strengthening Lubbock’s growing, highly-skilled workforce.
Company |
Total Jobs |
Capital Investment |
Annual Value Added Impact |
Tyler Technologies |
115 |
$5,000,000 |
$29,478,051 |
AT&T Communications |
300 |
- |
$15,685,936 |
St. Francis Community Services in Texas ,Inc. |
190 |
$236,678 |
$11,063,079 |
Key Organics, Inc. |
38 |
$5,854,400 |
$3,866,727 |
Corteva |
2 |
$5,062,000 |
$284,438 |
SkyWriter MD |
130 |
$400,000 |
$9,151,466 |
AT&T Communications |
240 |
$0 |
$15,685,936 |
MC&O Inc |
6 |
- |
- |
Texas Truck and Equipment |
18 |
- |
- |
A&K Delivery |
17 |
- |
- |
Grady Henly Decorators |
6 |
- |
- |
Hayes DME |
9 |
- |
- |
Nitai Texas LLC |
10 |
- |
- |
LSO - Support Lubbock |
9 |
- |
- |
2019/20 |
1,090 |
$16,553,078 |
$85,215,633 |
Corteva Agriscience, an agricultural chemical and seed company, expanded the current facility for the Corteva Seed Research Center investing $5 million and adding two jobs. The expansion accommodated additional efforts on multi-crop breeding and testing. This facility serves as the hub of the Rolling Plains, High Plains, and the Panhandle of Texas and focuses on cotton, corn and sorghum.
Skywriter MD, a medical scribe company, created 130 new jobs and $400,000 of capital investment for the downtown Lubbock community. Skywriter MD utilized Lubbock’s position as the hub for health care in West Texas and hired more than 100 new virtual scribe positions. This service provides physicians with more time with patients and less time documenting notes from the visit. The experience these positions provide in medical terminology, electronic medical record software and physician workflow creates a well-rounded skill set for the employees. Medical students make up the majority of these positions making them a competitive candidate for the medical field or continued course of study.
Saint Francis Community and Family Services, Inc. provides healing and hope to children, adults and families. Located in seven states and two countries, Saint Francis opened three new offices in Texas with the largest one in downtown Lubbock. To provide for placement services, community engagement and the coordination of services for children in foster care and their families, Saint Francis Ministries plans to add 190 jobs in Lubbock within the next two years.
From exceptional community leaders and pioneers of major research, to the highlight on local companies who worked tirelessly to serve Lubbock during the COVID-19 outbreak, each of the season themes is strategically curated to provide listeners in any field of work with valuable information that spurs momentum in Lubbock. Just as a spoke connects the wheel, support for our strong workforce connects our community. When one business, organization or individual flourishes, we all do.
This season on Hub City Spokes, Katherine White with the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance sat down with entrepreneurs and leaders to discuss the impacts of the recent public health emergency on their businesses. Local business owners and public officials shared their experiences adapting to the recent changes, economic climate and opening a business, as well as how Lubbock citizens came together during this challenging time in support of the community.
Lindsay Wilson"The Lubbock coding academy was a great and challenging experience for me. I went from knowing nothing about programming to learning so much. I started a new job a few months before graduating as a programming intern and am currently a software developer. I absolutely love my job and what I do." |
Anthony Perez"My experience with Lubbock Coding Academy was one of being presented with challenges both technical and personal, and being determined enough to overcome those challenges. I have Lubbock Coding Academy to thank for the wealth of knowledge that the instructors have passed down to me." |
In 2014, the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) began exploring the possibility of adding an academic center to downtown. Leaders recognized a need for a community college in Lubbock that would bring people to the downtown area daily.
After years in the works, the South Plains College Lubbock Center will open in the former Lubbock City Hall and bring 2,500 students downtown every day. This project has not only spurred more purchases and renovations of downtown buildings but also provides citizens with additional access to education. Students will have the opportunity to live, learn, work and play in a burgeoning downtown scene. As 70% of community college students work while going to school, the South Plains College Lubbock Center in downtown also increases availability of a workforce for these businesses.
Over the past year, South Plains College has officially taken ownership of the building located on 13th street and Avenue Q. The college is currently in the process of making renovations. Building improvements will include a complete and total remodel and is expected to be complete in time for classes to take place in the 2022 Fall semester.
"This past year we were very successful in several projects. The most rewarding joint success was the recognition we received from the National Association of Workforce Boards for our partnership with LEDA and the local school systems that allowed for the expansion and improvement of the career and technical programs offered in our local South Plains schools. We look forward to additional ventures as we continue to work together."
- Martin Aguirre, CEO for Workforce Solutions South Plains
The demand for professional truck drivers is continuously increasing. In the past year, there have been over 500,000 professional truck-and-trailer job postings in the state of Texas. As students begin searching for a position upon completion of the program at South Plains College a plethora of entry-level jobs are available.
“I’m very proud to work across the aisle with my good friend and colleague, Rep. Henry Cuellar, on this important legislation. With a stronger farm bill, a new and improved trade deal with Canada and Mexico, and one of the largest energy basins in the world - establishing a four-lane, federal highway from West Texas through the Heartland is critical to enhancing America's agriculture and energy dominance. However you measure it - new jobs, economic growth, reductions in traffic and accidents - the return on investment for the Ports-to-Plains highway project is tremendous, not only for Texas, but for the entire country."
- U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19)
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1079 initiating the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study which was conducted by TxDOT. The Segment Committee reported a positive economic analysis for the entire Corridor, which included the following projected impacts for the first 20 years following the completion of the infrastructure upgrade in the graphic on the left.
U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington introduced the Ports-to-Plains Highway Act of 2020 (HR 7151), which was later added as an amendment to The Moving Forward Act (HR 2), designating the future interstate along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Texas and New Mexico. The Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representative 233 to 188 on July 1, 2020.
Letters supporting future interstate designation for Texas and New Mexico were provided by TxDOT and NMDOT.
U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced S. 4701, the Ports-to-Plains Highway Act, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). The legislation designates the Ports-to-Plains Corridor for Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado as a future interstate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lubbock exhibited the true depth of its commitment to the business community through a relief fund of $2 million that helped local small businesses bridge the gap during those challenging times. During a Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) board meeting, the need to aid small businesses was quickly recognized and received unanimous support; this determination to support local businesses set into motion the basis for the Support Lubbock Fund. A partnership was established for the fund to include LEDA, Market Lubbock, Inc. and South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG).
When the Support Lubbock Fund was announced on April 22, 2020, John Osborne, president and CEO of LEDA and Market Lubbock, Inc., expressed his hopes for the effort, saying, “We know Lubbock’s small businesses are experiencing very difficult times, and the Support Lubbock Fund is meant to help them during this in-between time as we all work together to bring back our economy.” Within days of the fund’s creation, relief money started going out to local businesses with gross annual revenues of less than $5 million. The collective sigh of relief was almost audible. A total of 59 small businesses received loans ranging from $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the gross annual revenue of the company and the amount needed. These businesses represented a broad range of industries, from retail, to manufacturing, and more. The $2 million fund was fully deployed throughout the community within 13 days. As impressive as $2 million is, the Support Lubbock Fund represented much more than dollars in bank accounts. It protected the livelihoods of hard-working people.
“It was an honor for the South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG) to be able to partner with LEDA in the development and implementation of the Support Lubbock Fund. At a time when many of Lubbock’s small businesses were hurting as a result of the pandemic, LEDA and Market Lubbock stepped up and provided a much-needed lifeline”.
- Tim Pierce, Executive Director of SPAG
Back to Lubbock Economic Development Alliance
Downtown and East Side Activity
Downtown Grants
Therese Barret Downtown Grant
East Side Grants
Marketing and Communications
Marketing and Communications
Travel Writers
Continue to Visit Lubbock
“With the completion of three catalytic projects; the Cotton Court Hotel, Citizens Tower, and The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, the outlook for Downtown has never been better. In addition, there were new restaurants open and numerous renovation projects completed. McDougal Companies relocated our corporate offices to the middle of the action, and we hope our relocation will inspire other Lubbock businesses to join in downtown’s transformation. You can expect more major project announcements in the coming months. Downtown Lubbock will be an economic driver and preferred destination for decades.”
- Marc McDougal, CEO for McDougal Companies
Company Name |
Capital Investment |
Address |
1500 Broadway Partners |
$1,207,523 |
1500 Broadway 79401 |
1602 Texas Ave, LLC |
$128,007 |
1302 Broadway 79401 |
2Sparks & Co. |
$166,499 |
1109 Broadway 79401 |
806 Development LC |
$240,551 |
1013 Broadway 79401 |
Auld Brewing Company |
$214,808 |
515 Broadway 79401 |
Experience Life |
$6,655 |
1313 13th St. 79401 |
Germblast |
$41,135 |
1414 Ave J 79401 |
Hart Chesnutt LLC |
$18,000 |
1401 Crickets 79401 |
Lubbock Pico Properties |
$91,200 |
1822 Buddy Holly 79401 |
Lubbock Symphony |
$199,341 |
601 Ave K 79401 |
McCourt Place, L.C. |
$20,160 |
1001 Main St. 79401 |
Metro Tower Housing |
$14,707,425 |
1220 Broadway 79401 |
Nicolett Restaurant |
$256,730 |
511 Broadway 79401 |
Officewise |
$6,249 |
1301 13th St. 79401 |
Pierce Consulting Group |
$12,465 |
1306 Broadway, Suite B 79401 |
Sally Blair LLC |
$70,010 |
1320 19th St. 79401 |
Stonesoup Properties |
$50,000 |
2204 Ave J 79411 |
Take 5 Oil Change |
$552,553 |
812 Ave Q 79401 |
Teinert |
$1,833,866 |
1402 Crickets 79401 |
Therese Barrett Photo |
$20,500 |
1812 Texas Ave 79401 |
West Family Hospitality |
$285,101 |
1636 13th St. 79401 |
total |
$20,128,778 |
|
Company Name |
Capital Investment |
Dale Richardson |
$8,235 |
East Lubbock Art House |
$1,211 |
Tropical Icy |
$12,896 |
UniFirst Corporation |
$18,197 |
Total |
$40,539 |
“What appears to be an ordinary town has in fact a long history of human inhabitation, attractive Western cowboy culture, and unexpected public arts and wine appreciation.”
– David Lang, Sing Tao Daily News (translated from Chinese)
14 |
|
183M |
Journalists Hosted |
|
Reached |
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Back to Market Lubbock, Inc.
Visit Lubbock & Lubbock Sports Events
Visit Lubbock & Lubbock Sports Events
Visit Lubbock Highlights
Continue to Lubbock Sports
“Lubbock was the first place we held one of our week-long programs after some COVID restrictions were lifted and we were allowed to travel. The Visit Lubbock and Overton Hotel staff made it so easy to host a successful and safe event. The communication was amazing and I never felt like we were putting on this event alone. I highly recommend hosting an event in Lubbock.”
- Tara Armstrong, meeting planner for the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
Economic Impact Lost |
$45,966,956 |
Room Nights Lost |
109,654 |
Attendees lost |
241,470 |
Total Events Lost |
135 |
Each year, convention-goers and sports teams from across the country and around the world make their way to Lubbock to attend events, conferences, tournaments and games. From first-time visitors to those rebooking an event, Lubbock is reputable for its unmatched service, attention to detail and competitive bid.
This year, as a result of Covid-19, Lubbock had significant economic losses due to canceled and postponed events. The longterm affects of the public health crisis on the tourism industry will result in smaller groups, virtual meetings and other industry changes. The economic impacts of tourism are crucial to the prosperity of Lubbock.
In November 2021, the Texas Association Collegiate Registrants: Admissions Officers Annual Conference is making its way to Lubbock. This event is expected to draw 700 attendees from across the Lone Star State, booking 1,405 rooms with an estimated economic impact of $588,976.
In early spring, the Solid Waste Associate of North America will host the 2020 Texas Lone Star Chapter Annual Conference. This event is estimated to track 305 rooms, 200 attendees and have an economic impact of $127,856.
In April 2021, Visit Lubbock will welcome the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Spring Convention. An estimated 150 attendees from across the state will gather, bringing in a projected 175 room nights and $73,360 to the Lubbock economy.
Back to Visit Lubbock
Lubbock Sports
Lubbock Sports Highlights
Berl Huffman Athletic Complex
Continue to Hub City
“We were faced with certain challenges that come from planning an event during this uncertain time but the team at Lubbock Sports stayed in constant communication with us throughout the process and were very understanding of the situation by helping with anything I needed or asked for. Lubbock is a great place to host an event right now because they are open and willing to help make your event a success.”
- Travis Tew, President of T2 Sporting
In May 2021, Texas Tech University will host the Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships. During this three-day competition, athletes from across the region will make their way to the "Hub City" to compete bringing with them 500 athletes, 50 coaches, 100 staffers, 1,000 spectators and an estimated 3,000 room nights.
Next spring, Lubbock Sports is hosting golfers from across the country at the 2021 NJCAA Golf National Championship. Over 110 athletes will tee up at the Rawls Golf Course at Texas Tech University. This tournament is expected to bring over 20 staff and officials, 40 coaches and 500 spectators.
In June 2020, the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex was kicked off with over 50 fields suitable for any sport requiring a flat field including soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, Quidditch, and more. It is also accommodating to tournaments of all sizes ranging from 3v3 to collegiate-grade events. The championship complex makes it possible to play up to eight games simultaneously on 375,000 square-feet of world-class fields.
The athlete experience is unlike any other at the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex. While players compete to win, spectators are favored with new bleachers, food trucks, additional restroom facilities and accessible parking to ensure each visit to Lubbock’s premier sporting facility is positive.
For the third consecutive year, the LEDA Team and its partners were recognized by The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) aw) with the 2020 Workforce Excellence Award, a prestigious recognition for the regional efforts in providing resources to high school students in the South Plains region training for high-demand jobs.
In October 2020, Visit Lubbock received ConventionSouth Magazine’s coveted Readers’ Choice Award. The magazine is the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South and is circulated to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country. This is the third time that Visit Lubbock has received this award.
Carolyn Rowley serves on the Advisory Council for Team Texas, a member-based state marketing program through TEDC. Their mission is to create opportunities for job creation, increased investment and economic diversification as a team of future-focused and collaborative Texas community partners.
This year, Amy Zientek served as the immediate past-chairman for TACVB’s Board of Directors. TACVB is a statewide organization that provides cooperative action to enhance and encourage the growth of the convention and visitor industry in Texas.
Christine Allen serves as the secretary for the West Texas District Export Council. This organization is a diverse group of volunteer international trade professionals who represent regions throughout West Texas.
Amy Zientek, director of sales for Visit Lubbock, serves on the Sales & Marketing Committee for DI. This committee promotes the use of destination marketing organizations among meeting planners.
John Osborne, president and CEO of LEDA & Market Lubbock, Inc. serves as chairman for the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. Based in Lubbock, Ports-to-Plains is a grassroots alliance of communities and businesses whose mission is to advocate for a robust international transportation infrastructure to promote economic security and prosperity throughout North America’s energy and agricultural heartland including Mexico and Canada.
Christine Allen, director of workforce development and Foreign-Trade Zone 260 for LEDA, currently serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ). NAFTZ connects global business with local communities through the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone Program and works with its membership to foster business growth, economic development and U.S. employment.
Jorge Quirino, manager of downtown and special projects, serves as a board member for the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). With more than 300 Texas cities, towns, economic development corporations, nonprofits, small businesses and individuals, the TDA pursues the success of downtown development and revitalization.
Carolyn Rowley, director of business recruitment and innovation for LEDA, was appointed to serve on the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) Board of Directors. TEDC is the premier statewide, nonprofit professional association dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities in Texas.
John Osborne served as the chairman for the Texas Travel Alliance Executive Committee and Board of Directors. This is a statewide organization made up of businesses, organizations, associations and individuals with an interest in developing tourism in Texas.
Kenny McKay, director of business retention, was presented with the Top Gun Award during the Annual High Ground of Texas Meeting. This award recognizes members of the High Ground of Texas who go above and beyond for the organization and reflect the ultimate leadership qualities for High Ground.
John Osborne served on the High Ground of Texas Board of Directors, an organization that markets West Texas and strives to create jobs and increase the tax base of the region.
Carolyn Rowley serves on the High Ground of Texas Board of Directors, an organization that markets West Texas and strives to create jobs and increase the tax base of the region.
t Texas.
Katy Christy, human resources manager, was selected to participate in the 2019 Leadership Lubbock class. This class connects people across industries in Lubbock, providing them the opportunity to learn more about Lubbock.
John Osborne serves on the South Plains Workforce Development Board of Directors. This board is charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers in a 15-county area of the South Plains.
Christine Allen is a current member of the Lubbock, Frenship and Lubbock-Cooper ISDs’ CTE District-Wide Advisory Committees. Through CTE, there are a multitude of classes that provide hands-on opportunities for South Plains students to engage in learning. These committees offer input for career and technical education curriculum in manufacturing, information technology, floral design, culinary and more.
Tiffany Kennedy, sales manager, earned her Supplier Network Certification from CVENT. This certification provides her with the beneficial training to effectively utilize the platform for high conversion rates of Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Tory Davis, sales manager, earned her Supplier Network Certification from CVENT. This certification provides her with the beneficial training to effectively utilize the platform for high conversion rates of Request for Proposals (RFPs). She also earned her Event Diagramming Certification which is a helpful resource for meeting planners to rely on her training in coordinating the logistics of an event space.
Lisa Grinstead, sales manager, earned her Supplier Network Certification from CVENT. This certification provides her with the beneficial training to effectively utilize the platform for high conversion rates of Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Tiffany Kennedy, sales manager, achieved her Tourism Management Certificate from Florida Atlantic University. This certificate teaches about the travel industry from the fundamentals of marketing and revenue management to travel sustainability and industry trends.
Tory Davis, sales manager, achieved her Tourism Management Certificate from Florida Atlantic University. This certificate teaches about the travel industry from the fundamentals of marketing and revenue management to travel sustainability and industry trends.
Tiffany Kennedy, sales manager for Visit Lubbock, received her Destination Marketer Certificate from TACVB. In addition to her designation, she received certificates in Administration/Finance, Group Servciing and Texas Heritage & Cultural Tourism. The purpose of the TDM program is to provide employees of convention and visitors bureaus and destination marketing organizations an educational framework for marketing Texas as a tourism and group business destination.
Tory Davis, sales manager for Visit Lubbock, received her Group Sales, Communications and Texas Heritage Cultural Tourism certificate with the Destination Marketer Program from TACVB. The purpose of the TDM program is to provide employees of convention and visitors bureaus and destination marketing organizations an educational framework for marketing Texas as a tourism and group business destination.
Attitude is Everything |
A positive attitude projects internally and externally. A positive attitude is the key for encouraging, acknowledging and appreciating the work of others. |
Be Trustworthy |
Always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Always respect each other, our community and our clients; remembering our word is our bond. |
Communicate |
Take a proactive approach to ensure that all levels of the team are informed in a professional and respectful manner. Express your ideas clearly when speaking and actively listen. |
Family First |
We expect you to perform at the same levels at home as you do at work. Excellence at home equals excellence at work. |
Foster Success |
Cultivate and encourage a forward- thinking environment that embraces creativity and diversity, providing support and resources that nurture each individual’s unique skills. Empower and trust in others and strive for excellence. Be good stewards with our resources. All achievements big or small will be recognized. |
Serve Others |
Uncompromising commitment to our clients, our community and to each other. |
Work in Wisdom |
Work hard, work smart, produce while striving to achieve goals, and make good things happen. Be open and receptive to new ideas and guidance in your dealings with clients as well as fellow workers and be willing to share your experience and knowledge to produce and reach a successful result. Be a humble teacher; be a willing learner. |