Over the past four years, the Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) has supported 14 projects representing over 1,800 jobs, $95.5 million in annual payroll, and nearly $500 million in capital investment.
2024 marked a year of progress and collaborative achievement for the PEDC. Working alongside our partners, we laid a strong foundation for continued growth in Paris and Lamar County. From attracting new business to supporting key local employers, our efforts reflect our commitment to building a resilient and thriving economic future.
2024 in Review: Key Projects and Milestones
Business Attraction
In April, the PEDC celebrated the completion of road infrastructure improvements and expansion at PEDC-owned Northwest Industrial Park. The project was made possible after the Economic Development Administration awarded the PEDC a $1.3 million grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce. These improvements enhanced Lionshead Specialty Tire and Wheel’s logistics capabilities and prepared the park for further expansion and job creation.
One of the year’s standout achievements was the successful attraction of an Amazon Last Mile Facility—a 48,000-square-foot hub that has already created 200 direct jobs. Beyond the employment opportunities, this facility will enhance delivery speeds for our community, making it a win-win for economic growth and our citizens.
We also launched our brand new, cutting-edge website, which drew over 12,000 visitors and effectively spotlighted our region’s potential to a global audience
Business Retention and Expansion
Supporting our existing businesses remains central to our mission. In April 2024, we celebrated the expansion of Rodgers Wade, a project that will create 40 new jobs. Recognizing that the majority of new job growth is generated by existing employers, investing in and nurturing the growth of our local businesses is essential to driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for our community.
One of the most complex and significant developments of the year was retaining Campbell’s presence in Paris. Following a company-wide supply chain review, Campbell’s made the difficult decision to close its soup production line, impacting approximately 300 employees. We understand the deep effect this has on workers and their families, and supporting Campbell’s leadership to provide job placement assistance, retraining programs, and resources to help those affected through the transition is our immediate priority.
However, amidst these challenges, their decision to retain and reinvest in the Paris facility represents a major win for our local economy. Campbell’s has been a pillar of our community for over 60 years, and preserving that legacy was vital to our future. By averting a complete closure, the Paris plant will now be transformed into Campbell’s flagship sauce production facility. This reinvestment positions the Paris facility for long-term growth and continued partnership with our community.
Recognitions and Partnerships
In November, the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) honored us with the Annual Community Economic Development Award (CEDA). The CEDA award is the highest recognition an economic development corporation can receive in the state of Texas.The PEDC received the award for our efforts in securing the retention and expansion of Huhtamaki. The project is positioned to deliver significant economic growth and community benefits over the next ten years, representing 280 jobs and an estimated $1 billion in total economic impact.
We were also honored to attend the Governor’s Cup Ceremony in recognition of our work with both Universal Fabricating and Huhtamaki—further evidence of the value of strong public-private partnerships in driving economic success.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025
With strong momentum from 2024, the PEDC is entering 2025 focused on new strategies to drive economic development and elevate community prosperity.
Strengthening the Business Attraction Pipeline
We are stepping up our outreach and lead generation efforts through targeted recruitment trips with Team Texas and Oncor to expand our business attraction pipeline. At the same time, we’re elevating our marketing efforts with a more focused, data-driven campaign designed to highlight our region’s unique advantages.
To remain competitive, communities must maintain a diverse portfolio of available, site-ready properties. As such, expanding our land holdings is a vital part of our long-term strategy. And while the impact may not be immediate, it’s a foundational investment that will position us to compete for major, large-scale projects in the years ahead.
Elevating Business Retention and Workforce Development
Our existing businesses are the backbone of our local economy, which is why they remain a top priority. This year, we have already launched a new job listing feature on our website to connect local talent with employers, and we have hosted industry roundtables to foster collaboration and gather insights directly from business leaders. Looking ahead, we’re exploring new programs tailored to support our local industries. We also plan to relaunch our site visitation program, to meet as many primary employers as possible. These visits will foster stronger relationships, identify their evolving needs, and allow us to deliver targeted support.
Fueling Entrepreneurial Growth
Entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly important focus for the PEDC, and in 2025, we are launching new initiatives and resources to empower startups and small businesses. There’s exciting momentum building—stay tuned for updates in the months ahead!
Building a Unified Vision for the Future
Perhaps the most transformative initiative of 2025 will be developing a community-wide strategic plan. Recognizing that the PEDC’s work is closely interconnected with housing, education, infrastructure, and quality of life, we are partnering with Mayor Pankaj and other key leaders to develop a collaborative, actionable roadmap for the future.
This unified framework will unite stakeholders from the PEDC, City of Paris, Paris Junior College, Visit Paris, and Lamar County —aligning goals, pooling resources, and enhancing accountability. We applaud Mayor Pankaj’s leadership in championing this undertaking. The time for action is now. Growth is undeniably coming to our community—whether in 5 years or 15 years—and it is critical that we prepare with a clear, cohesive plan and a shared vision for the future.
By turning conversations into actionable projects with clear accountability, this strategic plan has the potential to deliver tangible, meaningful results. The future of our community depends on it.
In closing, the outlook for our community is bright. The successes of 2024 show what’s possible when we work together. From introducing global brands like Amazon to retaining longstanding institutions like Campbell’s, these achievements are a testament to the collective work of our businesses, community, stakeholders, and partners.
As we look ahead, the path is filled with opportunity. By prioritizing strategic planning, collaboration, and reaching higher, Paris and Lamar County are poised not just to adapt to change—but to lead it.
Here’s to another year of progress, partnership, and promise as we continue reaching higher as a community.