As Governor of Texas, I am dedicated to supporting an environment of job growth, opportunity and prosperity for the people of the Lone Star State.

Texas’ pro-business climate continues to bring quality jobs to the state. Our state offers companies an unparalleled competitive edge, with the lowest per capita tax rates in the nation, no personal income tax, close proximity to strategic markets, cutting-edge infrastructure, excellent schools and a skilled workforce.

Texas provides businesses with the tools they need to grow and prosper, including the innovative, “deal closing” Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). To date, TEF has resulted in the announcement of nearly 52,000 new jobs and more than $14.3 billion in capital investment to the state. TETF has allocated more than $130 million in funds to 103 early-stage companies, and $168 million in grant matching and research superiority funds to Texas universities/industry consortia.

Texas is recognized around the world for our pro-business climate, which is demonstrated every day by statistics like these:

• Texas has been ranked the No. 1 exporting state for eight straight years. Texas’ exports were approximately $163 billion in 2009 (WISERTrade, February 2010).

• Texas has been ranked the No. 1 relocation destination in the United States for the fifth year in a row (SIRVA, Inc., January 2010).

• Four Texas cities were ranked in Forbes’ “Cities Where the Recession is Easing” list: Austin (1), Dallas (3), Houston (4) and San Antonio (7) (Forbes, March 2010).

Texas is a place of limitless possibility, and we will continue to make every effort to ensure that business and industry thrive in our great state. I invite you to come to Texas, where we’re ready to work with you. No matter the industry, the Lone Star State is committed to doing what it takes to keep Texas Wide Open for Business.

Sincerely,

Rick Perry
Governor