News Center

WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT HERE IN AMARILLO?

April 2007

New Amarillo EDC Projects

The Amarillo EDC board approved new economic development incentives to companies that will add more than 125 jobs to the local economy. On Tuesday, March 20th a $1.25 million grant to AIG, which will add 125 jobs to its Amarillo operation was approved. The Amarillo EDC also approved a $750,000 grant to Receptor Logic. The company's lead researcher has invented a new class of antibodies that can seek out and destroy targeted cancer cells. Austin Distribution was also approved with a small business interest rebate of up to $100,000. Austin Distribution is an Amarillo company that manufactures, distributes and sells hydraulic parts and accessories.

Company Progress Update

Construction is moving forward and remains on schedule at Hilmar Cheese Company, Dalhart. Last week over 400 contract employees were on site each day, working to complete the structure and install equipment. Most of the major cheese and whey processing equipment has arrived and is being installed.

Several new dairies are under construction in the area and two newly operating facilities, Avi-lanche Dairy and Dalhart Jersey Ranch, have Open House events scheduled early in May.

Dedication Ceremony

The community is invited to join Commissioner Jerry Patterson and honored guests at the dedication ceremony of the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home.

Tuesday, April 24th at 10AM
1020 Tascosa Road
Amarillo, TX 79124

For more information please contact 1.800.252.VETS or www.texasveterans.com

News from around the region

Landowner Considerations for Wind Farm Leases
Are You Interested In Wind Farm Leases?

Pampa, Texas -- Landowners and Ag Producers from across the state are making it their business to learn more about the development and benefits of wind farm leases.  On April 20th at 10 a.m., the North Rolling Plains Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) and First Ag Credit, will co-host a meeting in Pampa at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce Building. Anyone interested in wind energy is encouraged to attend the meeting.  Presenters will provide information about the environment, ecologic, wildlife, economic impacts and other general concerns for wind energy utilization.

The primary purpose of the meeting is to discuss items landowners and ag producers should consider when leasing their land for wind farm development. Rod Wetsel and Frank Horak, authors of a booklet titled, “Wind Facts: A Landowners Guide,” will give an overview of current wind farm development and discuss what landowners should look for in leases. John Crowell, North Rolling Plains RC&D coordinator said, “From a USDA standpoint, one of the questions we have been asked many times is, “How will a wind farm development on my land affect my CRP, my Conservation Plan or my Farm Program Payments?”  NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives will be on hand to answer questions on how the development of a wind farm would impact USDA Farm Bill Program participants for conservation planning and technical assistance needs.

For more information contact the North Rolling Plains RC&D office in Pampa at 806-669-0312.

Seminar Updates

Export Regulations & Strategic Export Marketing Seminar
Wednesday April 25th & Thursday 26th, 2007

Join others from around the region for a half day seminar, “Export Regulations and Strategic Export Marketing,” to learn the legal aspects of exporting, exporting regulations, your rights, responsibilities, and what to do if you’ve made a mistake.

The seminar will answer the following questions:

• Do you know that United States federal law regulates the transfer of technology, services, equipment, goods, software, and information to foreign nationals and foreign countries?
• Does your company have a Proactive Strategic Approach to entering International Markets?
• Do you know the 5 Key Areas of Legal Relationships involved with any export?
• Do you know that your products are not being used in sanctioned and embargoed countries? 

The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) regulates sanctions and embargoes, and you could unknowingly be in violation of these regulations. Do you know how to determine if your company’s product will require a license and/or otherwise complies with US Export Controls and that if you are in violation of these export regulations, you could be fined, lose your export privileges, and possibly imprisoned?

For more information visit http://www.buyusa.gov/westtexas/seminar.html or contact the West Texas Export Assistance Center at (432) 552-2451.

Model winner from the 2007 Heli-Expo

The Amarillo EDC would like to congratulate Sheila Bragole of HIREL Connectors for winning the V-22 model give-a-way at the 2007 Heli-Expo trade show. HIREL Connectors manufactures the most reliable electrical connection systems available - Environmental, Hermetic, Filtered, Micro-D, Rear Accessories, and Cable Assemblies. HIREL CONNECTORS, INC. manufactures connectors, headers and feedthroughs using plastic, elastomer, metal, and composite technology for environmental applications and glass or ceramic to steel and aluminum technology for hermetic applications. Shell materials range from plastic, aluminum and steel to CRES, kovar, inconel, and titanium. Contacts can be anything from copper alloy to exotic thermocouple and high temperature materials. Connectors can be supplied by themselves or cabled. Options include integrated passive and active electronics. Dock-to-stock programs are available. www.hirelco.com.

Thank you for entering the V-22 give-away at the 2007 Heli-Expo trade show. We look forward to seeing you next year!