Midland Mayor Patrick Payton last week welcomed the Texas Economic Development Corp.’s Regional Business Summit to his city.
Payton said it was an honor that such a summit should be held in the economic engine of the state.
“The Permian Basin has changed the world,” he told those gathered at the Bush Convention Center.
“What we do makes the world possible,” Payton added. “We are the economic driver of the region, the state, the nation and now the world.”
Payton said the entire region must come together to plan and execute a vision that fosters even more economic growth and development.
Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, applauded the business-oriented focus of the state government. He added that the TEDC and other state offices are currently working to help not only the Permian Basin and Texas businesses grow but also attract new businesses to the flourishing region.
“We embrace the oil and gas sector in Texas,” Abbott told the gathered audience. “We want you here, we want you to produce here. We also see the tremendous stewardship of the industry.
“Companies are working not just on producing oil and gas but on the next generation of producing oil and gas while also protecting the environment. We know you’re good business leaders, good stewards. The entire world needs the products you’re producing.”
While promoting this worthwhile industry, Abbott added that state officials are always working to provide the necessary partnerships and resources to help companies succeed.
One such example is the $600 million earmarked for road infrastructure in the Permian Basin. Abbott added that billions of dollars are waiting to be allocated to the region.
Abbott said state officials are witnessing the positive impacts of the oil and gas industry in the region. In the end, quality of life will improve for everyone, which is the chief goal of this venture.