PERRYTON CDC
Our purpose is to promote economic growth in Perryton and Ochiltree County through the aggressive pursuit of job creation and retention, attraction of quality start-ups, recruitment of targeted business for relocation, involvement and education of our citizens, encouragement of investment, careful retention, maintenance, and expansion of existing business and tax base and business incubation.
The Community Development Corporation of Perryton (CDC) is a Type A economic development corporation specifically governed by the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1979. The business and affairs of the PCDC and all corporate powers are exercised by or under authority of the Board of Directors. All Directors must be residents of Ochiltree County. The Board of Directors is appointed by the City Council of the City of Perryton. The City Council considers an individual’s experience, accomplishments, and educational background in appointing members to the Board to ensure that the interests and concerns of all segments of the community are considered.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Colby Waters
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Doug Hale - President
Greg Good – Vice President
Elbre “Frosty” Hickerson - Director
Kerry Symons - Director
Brent Thurman - Director
The Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation of Perryton is Colby Waters. Mr. Waters was appointed to the position by the Board of Directors in 2022.
USING SALES TAX TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The sales tax for economic development has been one of the most popular and effective tools used by cities to promote economic development. Although authorization for the local option tax has been in effect only since 1989, over 400 cities have levied an economic development sales tax. The City of Perryton adopted a section 4A economic development sales tax of 1/2 cent which results in about $1,000,000 per year. The types of projects permitted under Section 4A include the more traditional types of economic development initiatives that facilitate manufacturing and industrial equipment for projects such as industrial and manufacturing facilities, distribution and warehouse facilities, business related airports, port related facilities, recycling facilities, and closed or realigned military bases.
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
The PCDC has obtained grant funding from the Economic Development Administration for retail incubation and from the Texas Department of Agriculture for various demolition projects associated with the tornado event of June, 2023. Additionally, the PCDC has worked with Frank Phillips College – Allen Campus and the Perryton Independent School District to obtain various grants for high demand job training within the Perryton community. In addition to the 4A Sales tax, the PCDC strives to find additional sources of funding to allow it to extend its ability to help provide a thriving business environment in Perryton.
FRANK PHILLIPS COLLEGE ALLEN CAMPUS
The Frank Phillips College Allen Campus was made possible with an investment of $900,000 from the Community Development Corporation, together with various donations from businesses and private individuals, and local support from key government entities. In 2011, the PCDC granted Frank Phillips College Allen Campus an additional $160,900 to renovate the technology laboratory into two classrooms.
HIGH DEMAND JOB TRAINING
The PCDC purchased the Midwest Inspection building and grounds in 2022, and this facility has become the Frank Phillips – Allen Campus High Demand Job Training facility. Primary programs at the facility are the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program, the Certified Welding Program, and the Certified Diesel Mechanics Program. In 2024, the PCDC bought property adjacent to the HDJT facility to allow expansion of the CDL program. The PCDC’s commitment to job training along with its educational partners has help provide much needed workforce training for Perryton and the surrounding area.
PERRYTON ACTIVITY CENTER
The Perryton Activity Center, with the help of the Perryton Community Development Corporation, was able to renovate its 25-year-old structure. The transformation included new gym floors, lighting throughout, remodeled restrooms and dressing rooms, new paint, a new roof, new heating and air and a number of other improvements.
TORNADO RELATED RELIEF
On June 15, 2023 the City of Perryton was struck by an F3 tornado that damaged many of the businesses in the heart of Downtown Perryton. The PCDC purchased many tornado damaged buildings and structures in the downtown area. Utilizing its own funds and grant funds from the Texas Department of Agriculture, the PCDC has demolished and removed many of the structures, opening the door for future development and revitalization of the downtown area. The PCDC will utilize funds that it has received from the US Economic Development Administration to construct incubator spaces Downtown to ensure that economic opportunities are available to future business owners. It is the belief of the PCDC that quality of life businesses and a strong and thriving retail business environment both downtown and through the community is key to the successful attraction of industry to our community.
AVIATION
The PCDC has invested time and dollars into the expansion of aviation related education and business opportunities in the community. Perryton has a rich and active aviation community. The Perryton High School began an aviation course of study in 2023. The PCDC has purchased property at the Perryton/Ochiltree County Airport to allow for the expansion of future aviation related business at that facility.
The PCDC reviews projects brought to it on an individual basis. No two projects are exactly alike, and the type of assistance that can be provided may vary. The PCDC Board of Directors strive to provide meaningful assistance to businesses that are improving the business environment of Perryton.
Types of assistance may depend on individual's need and may include:
· help in locating land or a building for lease or purchase
· employee recruitment and training
· cash for job creation
· grant incentives
· revolving loans at reduced interest rates
· tax incentives
Loans or financing may be considered for a broad array of projects, including but not limited to the following:
· Acquisition or construction of facilities
· Improvements to facilities
· Loans for renovation of leased or purchased facilities
· Loans for equipment
· Purchase of equipment
· Loans for working capital
The major markets for the Perryton area have historically included agriculture, oil and gas, and a wide variety of retail merchants. These include all of the related industries normally associated with each of these markets.
Perryton also has and encourages growth in all markets including, but not limited to, construction, education, financial, health, hotel/motel, manufacturing, professional, real estate, restaurant, general services, wholesale, etc.
The PCDC recognizes that quality of life is an important driver in the success of rural communities in attracting workers, teachers, health care providers, industry and future investment in the community. Where possible, the PCDC will work to assist in the creation of business opportunities that help improve the quality of life of Perryton, and consequentially, the business environment of Perryton.