News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 22, 2022

JENNIFER STORM

BUDA EDC BOARD PRESIDENT

JSTORMBUDAEDC@GMAIL.COM

512-295-2022

ANDERSON ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION FROM BUDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

After leading the Buda Economic Development Corporation for the last two and a half years, Traci Anderson, CEcD, MEDP, announced she will resign as Executive Director on April 15, 2022.  Anderson joined the team in October 2019 and has worked to revitalize programs, rebuild relationships and restore transparency. Anderson will continue her 16-year career in economic development.

Anderson’s ability to establish and grow relationships and EDC organizations, as well as strengthen new and existing businesses, helped rebuild and improve the Buda EDC’s local and regional reputation.

Anderson arrived at the Buda EDC shortly before COVID-19 began closing down economies across the world.  One of Anderson’s most notable contributions was her integral part in the development of the Still Budaful Stimulus Grant Program in partnership with the City of Buda and the creation of the Buda EDC Microloan Program.  These two programs saved over 700 jobs in the local community and assisted 120 Buda businesses.  The Still Budaful Program earned a silver award in the Business Retention and Expansion category for the Excellence in Economic Development Award by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Anderson’s collaboration with companies has brought in over 2.5 million square feet of industrial space to Buda, expansion of small businesses, an Airstream dealership to name a few, totaling over $300 million in capital investment in the community. Additionally, Anderson’s internal operation accomplishments include: establishment of a new Buda EDC Personnel Policy; analysis and creation of new and improved job descriptions for new and existing staff; improved and insured transparent budget processes; creation of a robust Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program for local businesses.  In addition, Anderson also helped to establish a 1-year work plan from the existing BEDC Strategic Plan, and reviewed service agreements and negotiated rates saving thousands of tax dollars, as well as hiring a new CPA firm and crafting a Marketing RFP to re-brand the organization. Anderson also obtained a Highest and Best Use study to aid stakeholders in maximizing the use of remaining land in Buda.   Under her leadership, BEDC was awarded the Gold Award in Innovation during Economic Development Week for the Excellence in Economic Development Award from IEDC; as well as the Texas EDC Economic Excellence Awards for 2020 and 2021.

In addition to providing services to new, existing, and relocating businesses, Anderson also represents Buda EDC as an ex-officio member on the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Small Business Task Force, appointed by then-Mayor Haehn to serve on a Task Force to help re-open Buda after COVID, appointed by the Hays County Commissioner’s Court to serve on the Hays County Emergency Cash Assistance Program (ECAP) Awards Committee, City of Buda Incentive Task Force, Capital Area Economic Development District Board (CAPCOG). She also serves as a Board member for the Dupre Local Government Council (TIRZ) Board and the IEDC Education and Certification Advisory Committee.

Anderson shares, “the work we have done together has not only improved Buda, but it has improved me. I am better because of your confidence, partnership, and leadership. I hope that I have left you with a clear understanding that my love for Buda runs deep and look forward to seeing the community’s brilliant future.”

Anderson is helping with the transition to ensure that the organization can meet the needs of the public and existing partners and projects. The Buda EDC board is excited to prioritize its projects and create a new pathway forward to build off Anderson’s tenure. “When Traci joined our team, her professionalism and knowledge were valuable assets in our transition,” said Jennifer Storm, President of the Buda EDC Board. “Traci’s leadership in creating and pursuing balanced economic growth has made significant contributions to our community and strengthened the Buda EDC. We look forward to seeing the projects in the works come to fruition.”

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The Buda EDC helps to grow the Buda economy by actively recruiting new retail, manufacturing, and office businesses to Buda, providing small business assistance and guidance, and working with existing Buda businesses by providing assistance with growth and expansion.