Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
Contact: Lisa Denton
1001 Synergy Blvd., Ste. 100
Kilgore, TX 75662
Phone: 903-983-3522
www.kilgore-edc.com

Strategic Location

Land and air transportation are favorable for materials distribution in Kilgore. We are located within a transportation nucleus east of Dallas and west of Shreveport, Louisiana, just two miles from Interstate 20. US HWY 259 south to Houston and north to I-30, along with State HWYs 42, 31, and 135, offer other interstate quality roads for easy transportation to additional markets. The East Texas Regional Airport is within a five-minute drive and holds the distinction of being the first civilian airport in the State and the Southwest to have a 10,000-foot runway. The Port of Shreveport-Bossier is just 69 miles east on the Red River Waterway.

Did You Know?  Kilgore-based businesses can reach a 2022 population of 20.6 million within a 250 mile radius. This includes the large metropolitan areas of the Dallas/Fort. Worth Metroplex, Houston, Austin and Shreveport. Other large markets including San Antonio and Baton Rouge are within a half-day’s drive.

Favorable Business Climate

In Kilgore, we’ve formalized the Texas Lone Star Spirit into a profitable business climate and made it even better. The tax structure is business friendly. For instance, Texas is one of only a handful of states with no individual income tax. In addition, total state and local taxes in Texas averaged $2,214 per capita in 2021, ranking the best in the nation. Similarly, state and local taxes in Texas are low relative to income, amounting to 4% of personal income, compared to 6.5% nationwide.

Did You Know?  Primary employers operating in Kilgore are up to 10% more profitable than the national average, according to a value proposition study conducted by the Global Supply Chain Laboratory at Texas A&M University.

Quality Workforce

As identified in a recent workforce profile, Kilgore and Gregg County draw workers from across 12 counties. The share of workers commuting to the county from more than 50 miles has increased steadily over the past decade. With a median age of 35.6 years, Gregg County has the youngest population in the region and also outperforms the region in education. In other words, we are able to do the job, and we are not afraid to work.

Did You Know?  More than 25% of Kilgore’s workforce is employed in manufacturing and warehouse/distribution sectors and exhibit the skills necessary to be competitive even in the defense and aerospace industries.

Low-Cost Utilities

The City of Kilgore supplies and distributes water and sewer services, and options are available for natural gas service. The regulated electric rates offered by AEP/SWEPCO in the Kilgore region are some of the lowest in the nation. In addition, AEP/SWEPCO currently has an Experimental Economic Development Rider (EDR) available that can benefit qualified businesses in Kilgore. This EDR tariff helps discount the “demand portion” of an electric bill and extends for a three-year time span.

Did You Know?  SWEPCO, available only in a portion of Northeast Texas, is a part of the Southwest Power Pool and is not a member of ERCOT.

Progressive Incentives

Kilgore offers a variety of incentive programs designed for business expansion and relocation, but we think the biggest incentive of all is a “business friendly” reputation. In fact, we think the Kilgore business climate shines quite bright in the Lone Star State. There is definitely a reason why. Kilgore’s sustained success is due to our effective responsiveness to the many factors that impact economic performance and create healthy business climates.  And while a healthy business climate is the best incentive of all, Kilgore offers plenty of others.

Synergy Park

Synergy Park at Elder Lake in Kilgore, Texas, is a place where the words “nature” and “industrial park” work together. Located just minutes away from the Interstate 20/U.S. 259 corridor, the park boasts a 10-acre lake and adjacent green belt that serve as the backdrop for a scenic industrial park, complete with walking and jogging trails. Sites are available from 4 to 140 acres with access to abundant water and sewer from the City of Kilgore.

Did You Know?  Location incentives at Synergy Park include a FTZ Alternative Site Framework designation, Triple Freeport Tax Exemption and an Enterprise Zone as well as direct local economic incentives and access to applicable State of Texas incentives.

Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)

Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is a leading economic development organization in Texas. Established in 1990, KEDC’s mission is to enhance a business climate that is conducive to job creation and retention improving the standard of living for Kilgore residents. Our vision is a strengthened and diverse economy that is considered to be a prime business location. KEDC is directed by a five-person board and managed by a staff of four with certifications in business retention and expansion, economic and community development and economic development finance. The organization has won international awards for excellence in economic development.