Right on the Money: The number that explains why your DFW rush hour commute seems more crowded

Author: Jason Wheeler,  WFAA News

Does it seem like the work commute in North Texas gets more crowded every day? If you've screamed in the confines of your car, here is part of the reason why.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released employment...

Sweet Chicks Dessert Shoppe Opening

Sweet Chicks Dessert Shoppe will open their doors to the public on Saturday, Nov 9 @ 10:30am. Stop in for a sweet treat or just to say hello! 

Event link: http://ow.ly/E9bc50x652u 

Read on...

Orscheln Farm & Home Grand Opening - Decatur, TX

The Decatur Orscheln Farm & Home will celebrate its grand opening this Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8 & 9, with storewide sales, events and giveaways!

Click here for even more exciting stuff going on.... come on out and help suppor...

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! Polls are open until 7pm. 

Unsure where to vote? Click here for more info: http://ow.ly/6XHW50x2xZs 

Read on...

Projected growth coming to Wise County, Texas

Star Telegram article about the projected growth coming to Wise County: Wise County, a throwback to rural Texas, may be the region’s next frontier of growth. 

Wise County is known for its rural features — including horse pastur...

Texas’ fiscal growth 3-5 times greater than national 50-state level post Great Recession

By Bethany Blankley - The Center Square

Texas is among state governments whose rainy day funds are at their highest levels since before the Great Recession, according to analyses by the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and The Pew Char...

Wise County Chamber of Commerce EDC Forum

The Wise County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an EDC Forum for all our local Wise County Economic Development Teams. 

There will be a community luncheon, open to the public, to follow to discuss development within out county.

Monday, November 4th ...

Successful Wise County Business Workshop

Orscheln Farm & Home, located in Decatur, TX, is now open!

Texas employers are continuing to add new jobs, but the growth rate is beginning to taper off.

By Paul O'Donnell, Dallas Morning News 

Texas employers are continuing to add new jobs, but the growth rate is beginning to taper off.

The state added 7,600 jobs in September, the lowest monthly gain in more than a year, according to data released ...

2019 Wise County Business Workshop

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend this great business workshop where you can connect with local entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders.

Please join Wise County Judge, J.D. Clark, Decatur EDC, Bridgeport EDC, Weatherford College, Decatur Chamber, B...

The City of Decatur is rewriting its Comprehensive Plan

THE CITY OF DECATUR IS REWRITING ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN! Citizen input is a very important step in this process for both the City of Decatur and its citizens. We hope that you will register for and attend this planning event! www.Decatur2050.com

Read on...

How to Run a Business in Texas

By: Adam C. Uzialko, Business News Daily

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state's economy. The Lone Star State boasts a gross domestic product of $1.77 trillion – the second largest in the nation. The state i...

How to Run a Business in Texas

By: Adam C. Uzialko, Business News Daily

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state's economy. The Lone Star State boasts a gross domestic product of $1.77 trillion – the second largest in the nation. The state i...

Orscheln Farm & Home Opening Soon!

We are looking forward to welcoming Orscheln Farm & Home to Decatur, Texas! 

Check out their video.

Wise County Business Workshop

Please join us as we co-host a business workshop. There will be resources and opportunities for everyone from entrepreneurs to established business owners. Local, regional, state, and federal agencies will be there to help you explore ways to strengthen y...

Keep Decatur Beautiful Fall Sweep Kick-Off

Keep Decatur Beautiful will be hosting KTB’s Fall Sweep Kick-off event this coming Saturday. Join hundreds of volunteers at several sites across town to work together & clean up Decatur. 

View Event Details.

Read on...

TEDC's 2019 Annual Conference

HEAR FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS ON IMPORTANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOPICS.

TEDC's 2019 Annual Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas, at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel 

Dates: October 9-11.

For More Info: https://texasedc.org/2019-annual-conference

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,810,900 in August 2019, up 115,800 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From August 2018 to August 2019, local nonfarm emplo...

State Fair of Texas Time

The State Fair of Texas is here! Check out this rundown of all of the foods you need to try at the fair: http://ow.ly/wWMZ50wtAFT

#EverythingsBiggerInTexas

Shannon receives contract extension

By Brian Knox |  Wise County Messenger

Longtime Decatur City Manager Brett Shannon received a contract extension at Monday’s meeting of the Decatur City Council.

Following a two-hour closed session for Shannon’s annual evaluatio...

Boo Bash in Downtown Decatur

BOO BASH on the Square in Decatur, October 27th!

* Trunk or Treat* Bounce Houses* Live Music* Goodies for the Kids* Car Decorating Contest* Doggie Costume Contest

Proceeds to Wise County Animal Shelter. 940-393-1128 or 940-399-8845 for more info.

See Event ...

Team Behind The Team - Decatur Eagles Football

In this edition of "Team Behind The Team," Kaime Stroot got to hang out with Decatur ISD's down marker official, who has over 70 years of experience! 

Check out the Video.

Construction on the Trinity Street Expansion has begun

Construction on the Trinity Street Expansion has begun!!

Matt Fisher, who owns Trinity Street Coffee Bar, Kimzey’s, and West Oak Coffee, is excited about this project. Fisher said their roasting company has outgrown its space in Denton, and since...

Decatur ISD Job Draws Interest

By Richard Greene |  WC Messenger

Fifty candidates have expressed interest in becoming the next superintendent at Decatur ISD, School Board President Charlie Tibbels reported Monday night.

Tibbels said that has been the number of requests for appli...

Upskilling a Workforce for North Texas' Robust Economy

Dave Moore, Data Journalist and Staff Writer  - Dallas Regional Chamber

Roughly 800,000 jobs have been created in the Dallas Region over the past 10 years, leading companies to cannibalize each other for talent. One solution – according ...

Poco Graphite Celebrating 50 Years

By Joy Burgess-Carrico | WC Messenger  

Poco Graphite moved to Decatur in September of 1969, so they are celebrating 50 years here this month.  

Check out this interesting article on the mysterious POCO Graphite plant in Decatur.

Cruise Night on the Downtown Decatur Square

Come on out to the September Cruise Night on the Square Saturday, September 7th, 4:00-8:00pm

Registration will be in front of the courthouse from 4pm - 6pm and $15 per vehicle. Judging begins at 6pm and awards will be presented by 8pm. Awards in 20 classes...

Home Prices Soar in July

The average price for homes in Wise County broke $260,000 in July. 

The median price for the 96 homes sold last month was $261,750. That was up 1.3 percent from the $258,491 for the 101 homes purchased in July 2018.

View Original Article.

Read on...

Fort Worth’s Economic Challenge: How to keep up with Dallas-Plano-Irving?

For decades, the economies of Dallas and Fort Worth moved in tandem, usually rising and falling together and growing at similar rates.

But their paths have diverged, primarily because the eastern side of the region, known as Dallas-Plano-Irving, has grown ...

Music Downtown Decatur with Adam Hood with Jake Ward

Mark your calendar for Oct 5th and grab your friends, it's another great concert night in Decatur Texas! Adam Hood with Jake Ward opening 8 PM – 11 PM on Decatur Main Street! 

View Event for Details.

Read on...

Texas #3 Best State for Business

The $1.8 trillion Texas economy is the second biggest in the U.S., behind only California. Texas ranks third for current economic climate and first for its growth prospects, thanks to strong employment and income growth forecasts over the next five years....

Decatur ISD Discusses Budget

Decatur ISD trustees discussed a $33.9 million budget for the 2019/20 fiscal year Monday night. The budget is $2.9 million more than this past year with nearly $2 million for pay increases and new jobs in the district. The district is proposing a tax rate...

Now Open - Home Town Restaurant & Bakery

Home Town Restaurant & Bakery open today, Monday August 12th. They are serving Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Be sure to check them out - 1803 S Hwy 287 in Decatur. 

Read on...

Red-Hot Economy: Texas Unemployment Falls

By: Dom DiFurio, Dallas Morning News

After breaking previous records in May, Texas' unemployment rate once again fell to a new historic low of 3.4% in June, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The then all-time low set in May was 3.5%, a number not...

August 2019 Texas Economic Outlook

By Robert A. Dye, Ph.D., Daniel Sanabria

The Texas economy is having a strong year in 2019. Most of the state’s major metropolitan areas are showing employment growth well above the national average. Texas was prominent in the June release of met...

Interim Superintendent Springston focused on improving Decatur ISD

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

ON THE JOB – Decatur ISD interim superintendent Brett Springston started his stint with Decatur July 22. Messenger photo by Richard Greene 

Brett Springston is not taking time to hang pictures or memorabili...

Decatur Eyes Tax Rate Decrease

For the second year in a row, Decatur residents could see a decrease in their tax rate. 

At Monday’s meeting, the Decatur City Council proposed a tax rate cut of 1.8 cents to fund next year’s $9.2 million proposed budget. Even ...

Real Estate Market Remains Steady

By Richard Greene |  Wise County Messenger

After slowing slightly in May, the Wise County real estate market remained steady in June.

Ninety-four homes sold in the month, one less than in May. Sales were up 6.8 percent or six homes from June 2018.

T...

Governor Abbott Announces $5.2 Million In Texas Talent Connection Grants

Governor Greg Abbott today announced more than $5.2 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to 15 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs across the state. These competitive grant awards, administered by the Texas Workforce Inves...

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,780,000 in May 2019, up 107,000 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From May 2018 to May 2019, local nonfarm employment ros...

REUNION READY – Wise County Old Settlers Reunion returns this week

The Wise County Old Settlers Reunion returns this week to Joe Wheeler Park, between Farm Road 51 South and Old Reunion Road. The Reunion Grounds will once again host a variety of entertainment options for all ages throughout the week, Monday through Satur...

New money to schools - Wise County Texas

By Richard Greene - Wise County Messenger

With the newly adopted school finance bill, House Bill 3, local school districts are expected to see an increase in state funding this coming school year. The amount of the increase is still to be determined.

Gov. G...

Small-to-Medium Businesses Continue to Bolster North Texas Economy

BY Lance Murray, Dallas Innovates

When evaluating job growth in Dallas-Fort Worth, JLL Research Manager Walter Bialas doesn’t want the impact of small- and medium-sized businesses to be forgotten.

In a recent “Snapshot,” Bialas...

NCTCOG Transportation Department Pilot Test

WHAT DO YOU THINK?The NCTCOG Transportation Department is conducting a pilot test to gauge interest in the electronic distribution of public input/meeting notices.

Visit www.nctcog.org/input for public review and comment July 15, 2019-August 28, 2019.

Read on...

Free Concert - Stoney LaRue and Jarrod Morris and Jeep Night

Friday, July 19 - FREE concert on Decatur Town Square and JEEP Night

Texas famed Stoney LaRue will be headlining with Decatur's own Jarrod Morris opening. Music begins at 7pm. Food trucks, live music, and a great time! NO COOLERS, beverage sales on site!

County to regulate development in ETJ

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

HOME BUILDING – Homes and other developments being built in Decatur’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, such as these homes just east of the city, will no longer submit their plans to the city but rath...

Total Employment in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Area up 107,000 over the year

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,780,000 in May 2019, up 107,000 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

View Full Report and Statistics

Dallas-Fort Worth shines as top ‘all-star’ in U.S. employment growth, report shows

By John Egan - Culture Map LLC - Dallas

In terms of job growth, Dallas-Fort Worth has climbed to the peak of the economic mountain in the United States.

A new report from commercial real estate services company Cushman & Wakefield recognizes DFW as the ...

Governor Abbott Delivers State Of The State Address

Governor Abbott Delivers State Of The State Address

"The newcomers have joined with long-time Texans, and together we have forged what has become the most powerful state in America.

Texas leads the nation in new job creation. And we have the fastest gr...

Texas VS Oklahoma Chute Out

Hosted by Cowboy Youth Bull Rider Association

A red river rivalry!! We have talent on both sides of the river and what better way to amp up these kids and do something a little ...

Free Live Music and Food Trucks in Downtown Decatur, Texas

Mark your calendar for this great event in Decatur tomorrow! Free Live Music and Food Trucks! 

Friday, June 21st from 7pm-11pm in Downtown Decatur.

View the event page for more information.

Read on...

Thinking of starting a small business in Texas? Learn what you need to know.

Thinking of starting a small business in Texas? Check out the Governor's Small Business Handbook.

Fort Worth becomes 13th largest in U.S.

By Bill Hanna - Fort Worth Star Telegram

The boom shows no sign of ending.

Developments fueling growth in West Fort Worth, thus traffic is expected to increase by 40% over the next 20 years. (By Amanda McCoy) 

Fort Worth is now the 13th-largest city...

9 Industries Driving GDP Growth in the Texas Economy

BY Ryan Downie  

In the years following the 2009 recession, Texas was one of the most economically resilient states, experiencing compounding annual growth in excess of 7% between 2009 and 2014. Throughout the economic recovery, the strongest grow...

Texas Will Add 294,100 Jobs In 2019, Dallas Fed Says

Texas will add 294,100 jobs in 2019, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas forecast recently. Texas employment will jump by 2.3 percent, reaching 12.9 million by December 2019.

“The Texas Employment Forecast suggests jobs will grow 2.3 percent this ...

Welcome New Photography Studio - Downtown Decatur, TX

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting April 16 for the new photography studio on Main Street. Owners Joe & Lisa Duty. Help us welcome their new business to Decatur, TX.

Check them out online: Pro 360 Virtual Tours and Joe Duty Photograp...

Opportunity knocks: Decatur EDC hires help to maximize zone.

Opportunity knocks: Decatur EDC hires help to maximize zone.

The Decatur Economic Development Corp. last week hired Manassas Capital to develop a comprehensive plan for the local Opportunity Zone, as designated by the federal government.

Learn more from the...

QT Opening Thursday, April 4th - Decatur, TX

QT OPENINGQuickTrip in Decatur is opening Thursday.Located at the corner of U.S. 81/287 and Hale Street, the company transformed the property where Cornerstone Baptist Church once stood. 

Read on...

TEDC Webinar April 24: The Changing World of Foreign Direct Investment.

Date of Event: Wednesday, April 24, 2019Time of Event: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (CST)Registration Rate: $79/Individual   $295/Group of 5 or more

This presentation will take a look at the current state of FDI amidst the global uncertainty.

Topics includ...

Texas job growth continues in February, adding more than 17,000 new jobs.

By Dom DiFurio - Dallas News

The Texas economy continued growing in February, adding 17,700 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.8 percent, according to the latest report from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Growth was largely driven by the private...

Voltage Coffee Project Expands

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

The Decatur Economic Development Corp. board Wednesday approved a performance agreement with Voltage Coffee Project to expand Trinity Street Coffee Bar and move its coffee roasting business into t...

North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD)

North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD)

NCTEDD encompasses North Central Texas (the 16 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant and Wise), a...

The Diverse Economy of Texas

Texas has a diverse economy with major industries, such as petroleum and natural gas, farming, steel, banking, and tourism.

Click here to watch the informative video and learn more about about career options in the top Texas industries.

Texas Is Where the Jobs Are

By: Bethany Erickson 

What two Texas cities are hot for jobs? What is the most expensive neighborhood in Texas? Who was honored locally for their work in providing summer meals to reduce childhood hunger? We have all this and more in this week’s r...

25 most picture-perfect spots for you in Decatur, TX

By: Jill Robbins with Ripped Jeans & Bifocals

Decatur Texas is located about an hour outside of the Dallas Forth Worth Metro area. It's a great place to sight-see, eat, shop, relax, and have a great time. But what about the best places to tale Instagra...

Texas Economic Engine

By Luke Ranker, Fort Worth Star Telegram

Each year about 1,000 new students roam the halls of Northwest schools.

Morning commuters crowd Interstate 35, Texas 170, Texas 114 and U.S. 377 in a section of Tarrant County that 30 years ago was little more than p...

North Texas to 2030: Extending The Trends

National forecasts of population and economic growth indicate that this region will continue to add residents and jobs well into the future. Learn More.

Read on...

Texas ranked No.1 state for women entrepreneurs

Texas ranked No.1 state for women entrepreneurs! Twenty-three percent of entrepreneurs seeking angel investing were female in 2018, according to FitSmallBusiness.com. That number is up 19 percent from 2014. Read more.

Read on...

Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence

Thank you Texas Economic Development Council. We are so honored to receive this Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence in 2018!

#DecaturTX #TEDC

Texas Women in Economic Development Conference

Texas Women in Economic Development ConferenceApril 4-5, 2019 Waco, Texas

Time of Event: Thursday 12:30 PM - Friday 12:00 PM

Registration Deadline:  March 27, 2019Registration Rate:  $165

Click here for agenda and registration.

DEVON TO SELL LOCAL ASSETS

Update for Thursday, February 21, 2019

Posted on February 21, 2019.

DEVON TO SELL LOCAL ASSETS – Devon Energy Corp. announced Tuesday it plans to sell its Barnett Shale and Canadian assets to complete its transformation to a high-return U.S. oil growth busi...

Here's How Healthy Texas' Economy Really Is

By Fernando Alfonso, Patch Staff | Feb 7, 2019 8:11 am ET | Updated Feb 7, 2019 9:56 am ET

Texas has the 27th healthiest economy in the country, according to a new study published Wednesday by Ohio University. The researchers ranked the performanc...

Webinar: Economic Development Technology Triad

Any discussion of technology is transient. Needs and tools are constantly changing. Yet, technology is a catalyst in all aspects of economic development. Technology impacts economic development organizations at three distinct levels: strategy, operations,...

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment — November 2018

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,765,700 in November 2018, up 94,700 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From November 2017 to November 2018, local nonfarm ...

Financial filings show that DFW companies are rolling in cash

By Jeff Jeffrey  – National Digital Producer, The Business Journals,

Dec 31, 2018, 8:24am CST Updated Dec 31, 2018, 9:28am EST

Political uncertainty and trade tensions with China have prompted many businesses to take a conservative ...

Construction along 287 will improve safety in fast-growing area

Posted Jan. 10, 2019

Construction has started along U.S. 287 in Fort Worth, a project that will extend the southbound service road and relocate the southbound ramp at Blue Mound Road.

The construction is a collaborative project involving the City o...

Texas Economic Indicators

January 22, 2019

Texas economic indicators were mixed in December. The state finished 2018 with strong job growth and continued labor market tightness, but forward-looking indicators suggest that the state’s economic outlook has softened. The leading index...

Huge data center project coming at Fort Worth's AllianceTexas project.

A new data center company is teaming up with the developers of Fort Worth's huge AllianceTexas development to build a major data center campus in northern Tarrant County.

Denver-based Stack Infrastructure and AllianceTexas developer Hillwood will build the...

Career coach offers advice for finding a job

A really good job market is good news for people who might want to switch jobs or even start a new career. Career coach Tracy Timm talks about the market right now and what you should do first if you want to make a change.

View original newscast on Fox4Ne...

How Strong is Texas’ Economy?

By Lisa Brown | November 25, 2018

DALLAS—The major Texas markets are viewed very favorably in terms of near-term investment outlook. According to Emerging Trends in Real Estate: 2019, published by the Urban Land Institute and PWC, real e...

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar gives lawmakers cautiously optimistic revenue estimate

BY EDGAR WALTERS JAN. 7, 2019

Texas Legislature 2019

The 86th Legislature runs from Jan. 8 to May 27. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislat...

Basic Economic Development Course

The Basic Economic Development Course focuses on the fundamental concepts, tools and skills needed to be successful in today's political, economic and business environment.

North Texas wants to keep up the momentum in 2019 as a tech testing ground

Melissa Repko, Staff Writer

Dockless bike-share companies have continued to use Dallas as a laboratory. This year, new options were added to the mix: electric scooters from California-based Bird and Razor and from Lime, which also offers bikes and electric...

Texas Hospitality for Small Business Owners

In Texas, economic development efforts occur at all levels. School districts, municipalities, counties, specifically-designated zones, and the state all offer different tools and incentives to assist small businesses. To find out what is available, start ...

Real estate year closes on a high note

By Richard Greene | Published Saturday, December 22, 2018

An up-and-down year for the real estate market entered the final month on an uptick in Wise County.

The number of houses sold in November jumped to 76 from 64 in October. It was the most homes sold s...

Sales taxes roll in during 2018

By Richard Greene | Published Saturday, December 15, 2018

2018 will be remembered as an economic boom for Wise County.

A big year came to a close with more large sales tax disbursements for most cities in Wise County. Eight Wise County cities saw double-dig...

Outlook for the Texas Economy

Luis B. Torres, Wesley Miller, and Paige Woodson (Dec 11, 2018)

Texas' economic expansion continued but with less momentum. Falling oil prices and signs of weakness in the European and Asian economies weighed on domestic activity. While growth is moderatin...

Governor Abbott Statement On New Record-Low Texas Unemployment

November 16, 2018 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement as Texas achieves a new record-low unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, the lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976, with 32,...