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Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

By: Super Dave Quinn CECD
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Welcome to "Gone to Texas," the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection. One of the Top 5 Business Podcasts in Texas. On every episode, we share the stories of business owners and CEOs who have relocated or expanded their business into Texas. Our goal is to use these stories as a guide to help others who are ready to hang a sign on the door that says, Gone to Texas.Day One Experts Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • EP 04 - Sustainable Growth: Manufacturing for Tomorrow

    EP 04 - Sustainable Growth: Manufacturing for Tomorrow
    Mar 26 2026
    "Super" Dave sits down with Tyler Esters, plant manager at CSI in Kilgore, Texas. Tyler shares the story of CSI’s growth as a global leader in bottle cap manufacturing, producing around 30 million caps daily at their Kilgore location. He explains how strategic local partnerships—including Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore College—have played a major role in sourcing skilled talent and solving operational challenges efficiently.

    The conversation covers CSI’s journey from its roots in Shreveport to becoming part of a larger corporate structure, and how these changes have balanced safety, innovation, and operational flexibility. Tyler gives insight into the company's culture, emphasizing the value of quick-response local support, a stable workforce, and a hands-on approach to management. The episode wraps up with future ambitions for CSI, their commitment to sustainability and efficiency, and some favorite spots to eat in Kilgore.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • CSI’s manufacturing and production scale
    • Local partnerships and community support
    • Global operations and logistics
    • Sourcing materials and Texas infrastructure
    • Workforce development with colleges
    • Corporate culture vs local management
    • Sustainability and efficiency in manufacturing
    • Employee progression and compensation
    • Operational challenges and solutions
    • Community and company culture
    • Customer relationships
    • Future plans for CSI
    • Kilgore local business recommendations


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    33 mins
  • Workforce Matchmaking and Texas Growth with Kori Bowen of TSTC

    Workforce Matchmaking and Texas Growth with Kori Bowen of TSTC
    Mar 24 2026
    Kori Bowen, Vice President of Industrial Relations at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), joins "Super" Dave Quinn to explain how TSTC is fueling the Texas economy by connecting businesses with workforce-ready technicians. They discuss the college’s unique pay-for-placement funding model, emphasizing TSTC’s focus on high-demand, high-placement technical careers and direct industry engagement. The conversation illustrates how TSTC actively builds partnerships with both large and small businesses, tailoring training and education programs to meet immediate and long-term workforce needs.

    They also talk about how the college's statewide presence and its flexible, hands-on approach to training, ensuring consistency across regions while adapting to local economic needs. She also shares examples of grant opportunities, such as soft skills and leadership training, available to all Texas businesses regardless of size. Throughout the episode, the collaboration between TSTC, local economic development councils, and industry stands out as a key factor in supporting Texas' booming job market and helping businesses grow successfully across the state.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • TSTC’s unique funding based on student job placement
    • Customized training and partnerships with Texas industries
    • Support for both large corporations and small businesses
    • Soft skills and leadership training grants
    • Statewide campus coordination and local leadership
    • Importance of early engagement with local economic developers
    • Advice for business owners moving to or expanding in Texas
    • Practical, real-world preparation for technical careers


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    46 mins
  • Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines

    Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines
    Mar 12 2026
    In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn talks with Alan Clipperton, Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement at LeTourneau University. Alan shares how the university supports industry in East Texas through technical education, hands-on projects, and workforce development. He breaks down how LeTourneau partners with local businesses for applied learning and senior design projects, giving students practical experience while addressing real-world business challenges. The conversation also covers the process of moving university-driven intellectual property from ideas to commercial ventures, and the timelines and complexities involved.

    The discussion highlights the importance of personal motivation alongside technical skills, reflecting on changes in the workforce, and the evolving role of technology and automation in education and industry. Alan outlines ways businesses can engage with LeTourneau to find solutions for their workforce or technical needs and points out how the university’s approach aligns with the diverse industries in the Kilgore area. The episode wraps up with the significance of building closer relationships between the university, the economic development corporations, and local businesses to leverage regional growth and talent development.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • LeTourneau University’s role in supporting local industry
    • Partnering with businesses through education, applied learning, and senior design projects
    • Managing intellectual property and entrepreneurship at the university
    • The impact of work ethic and motivation in workforce development
    • Adapting to rapid industry changes and new technologies
    • Collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
    • Opportunities for businesses to connect with LeTourneau for workforce and technical needs


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    44 mins
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Wonderful resource for economic development in the great state of Texas! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

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Great new series to hear firsthand why so many companies are choosing Texas. The personal stories highlight the business decision for relocating to Texas and are full of thought provoking questions to determine how to leverage the opportunities for growth. Can't wait for more episodes!

A Must Listen

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