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The Surge: October 2024

Celebrating Manufacturing Month in the Austin Region:

As we recognize Manufacturing Month, we are reminded of the vital role this sector plays in shaping the economic landscape of Central Texas. Over the past few decades, manufacturing has evolved into a cornerstone of our region’s growth, supporting thousands of jobs and fostering innovation across a variety of industries. Today, more than 1,900 manufacturers contribute to the diversity and strength of our economy.

This growth underscores the importance of continued collaboration across industry, education, and government to ensure we remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market. By working together, we are building the foundation for long-term success and ensuring Central Texas continues to lead in manufacturing excellence.

Opportunity Austin is proud to support this ecosystem by recruiting new manufacturers to the region, providing resources, and facilitating connections that strengthen the region’s manufacturing capabilities. Together, we’re not just supporting today’s progress—we’re building the future of Central Texas.

— Ed Latson, CEO, Opportunity Austin

FEATURED ARTICLES

Rep. Lloyd Doggett presents $1.5 million in congressional funding to ACC: On Thursday, August 29, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett visited the College to announce new $1.5 million congressional funding he secured directly to support semiconductor training at ACC. 

First look: Jet engine manufacturer’s divisional HQ opens in Austin with more to come: The Sept. 10 event took place about three months after Aigrain went public with the plans he has called a “triple play” from company, which represents a notable economic development win for the region.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Breaks Ground on Midfield Taxiways, Aiding Future Concourse Expansion:Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) celebrated the ground breaking of two new concrete parallel midfield taxiways, a key component in the development of a new 20+ gate concourse. 

Secure Your Tickets for the 2024 A-LIST Awards

Don’t miss your chance to attend the 13th Annual A-LIST Awards on October 23rd at The Long Center for Performing Arts, where we will be honoring Austin’s top innovators, including our 2024 Ecosystem Leader of the Year, Tyson Tuttle, Founder & CEO of Circuit. Tyson will be joining us for a special fireside chat, sharing insights on his journey and contributions to Austin’s thriving tech landscape. All checked-in attendees will be entered into a live raffle to win two Copa Airlines tickets, including the option for a Panama stopover, giving you the chance to explore two destinations in one trip!

From our blog

The Evolution of Manufacturing in the Austin Region:

The roots of Central Texas’ manufacturing industry stretch back to the 1980s when industry giants like IBM, Motorola, 3M, and Dell first established a presence in Austin. These companies played a pivotal role in shaping Austin’s rise as a tech and manufacturing hub.

 Read the blog.

Austin Job Postings Report September 2024:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Austin MSA unemployment rate was 3.6% in August 2024, a decrease of 0.2% from the prior month.
Austin Remains A Place Where Workers and Companies Want to Be:

For nearly two decades, Central Texas has excelled in population growth, corporate relocations and job creation, remaining resilient through economic downturns and the pandemic.

Read the blog.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

For businesses: Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process.

For start ups & fundersMore and more creativity, innovation, & collaboration. The Austin Region is a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting diverse industries and fostering growth of established companies and startups.

 

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The Austin region’s growth story is being shaped by activity happening across every layer of the ecosystem. University research is fueling the next generation of startups and breakthrough technologies, industrial investment is expanding into fast-growing communities across Central Texas, and global engagement continues to strengthen the region’s international connectivity.

Austin is emerging as a strategic aerospace and defense hub, driven by talent, innovation ecosystems, federal alignment and a strong pro-business environment.

Economic Indicators is a numbers update on select indicators in the Central Texas region that chronicle economic activity on a monthly or quarterly basis. The report and associated Excel files are posted on or about the first Wednesday of the month.

Several recent developments point to how the Austin region’s innovation economy is evolving in real time. Breakthroughs in emerging sectors like aerospace and defense, life sciences, and digital infrastructure are being matched by record levels of startup investment and top national job growth rankings. Together, these signals reflect how emerging technologies are translating into tangible economic outcomes across the region. Workforce development and infrastructure are advancing in parallel, aligning talent and capacity with the needs of these industries and supporting the region’s ability to scale.

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