July 17, 2024

Collin County is an incredibly special place—and people are taking notice. It is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and the sixth most populous in the state. As I look at all the progress we’ve made, I’m filled with a great sense of pride that the Collin County Business Alliance gives business and community leaders an opportunity to come together to make this area the very best place to live and work.

I’m always amazed with the way this region supports businesses that are vital to the growth of our communities and economy. We have a strong talent pipeline and at the heart of this community are the businesses that call North Texas home. The CCBA plays a critical role in our community’s ecosystem, driving positive change and keeping the region vibrant. Our collective experience and insights are invaluable assets that can guide and inspire the future workforce.

In that spirit, I’m excited to kick off the CCBA’s mentorship program this month, an initiative that provides a platform for established business leaders to share their knowledge with the next generation and serves as a catalyst for change. Together, we can solidify Collin County's reputation as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, career growth and business excellence.

State of the Business Luncheon

The CCBA State of the Business Luncheon brought together leaders from various fields, including business, community, government, and academia. They discussed Collin County's business-friendly atmosphere, affordable living costs, strategic location, excellent transportation and skilled workforce. Here is what some of the speakers had to say:

“As businesses we have an opportunity to invest in our local communities to ensure a more vibrant future. Real estate development or economic development, the region’s business-friendly environment, low cost of living, central location, superior access to the U.S. and the world through its transportation network and a strong base of well-educated and skilled employees, we’re a tough area to beat,” Aaron Demerson, president and CEO, Texas Economic Development Corporation

“We have an Economic Development Fund that has always been used judiciously to attract quality companies. We do innovative things like having a special project person for big projects to ensure they come in on time, which saves money for companies. This collaboration ensures that companies feel they are in a place where their people are wanted and accepted, creating a sense of belonging and purpose." Harry LaRosiliere, former mayor of Plano.

"We view ourselves at Triten as a facilitator, and we utilize collaboration as the tool and mechanism to

get us there. That starts with identifying an unmet demand or something that we see that's interesting and then engaging and collaborating with the community, potential tenants, or prospects." John

Hardaway, partner of Triten Real Estate Partners

"The stars are aligning with a great city management team. We have a great city council and a great proactive mayor. It's our time to really get it done. I think all of us in this room have to pause and remind ourselves this is not normal, in terms of what's happening in North Texas. We have to be optimistic about what we're doing." Michael Kowski, president of McKinney Economic Development

"Companies are looking to property owners and developers to do a lot of the heavy lifting when it

comes to creating that environment that people want to be in. They want to have spaces where they

can host social functions for the people in their company, not necessarily in their office, but to get out of their office and to promote that collaboration." Kim Butler, executive vice president, Hall Group

Local Profile’s feature about CCBA’s State of the Business luncheon shines a light on Collin County's thriving business scene and the teamwork behind its economic success. With callouts from key figures like Aaron Demerson, Harry LaRosiliere, and Kim Butler, these industry experts discuss the area's dynamic business environment, innovative economic strategies and community investments, outlining how collaboration among developers, government, and businesses drives growth. Read more about it here. 

You have an opportunity to make a long-term impact in the life of a young person as part of CCBA’s new mentorship program. The program is proof of the power mentorship in shaping our local communities' future. Designed to bridge the gap between diverse talent and seasoned business experts, it serves as a conduit for nurturing student potential and fostering meaningful connections. To learn more, including details on becoming a mentor or mentee, visit the website here.

Nate Opel 

Director Finance - The Boeing Company

CCBA is welcoming a new board member. Nate Opel serves as finance director for Distribution Services and is a graduate of Boeing Military Aircraft Emerging Leaders Development Program Class of 2017. He has held leadership roles at Ernst & Young LLP’s Phoenix office, managing the integrated audit of an international Fortune 500 company and financial statement audits of non-public real estate. Nate earned his Master of Business Administration at the W.P. Carey School of Business, with a focus on Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Arizona State University in Tempe. Get to know the rest of our board members here.

Collin County Votes is a cooperative effort between CCBA and local Chamber of Commerce partners to educate business leaders and residents about local elections and encourage greater voter participation. Learn more here.

Click here to see the latest local election results. We encourage you to stay connected to our Collin County Votes initiative in 2024 as we approach the general election season in November.