By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director
This episode of “Is This a Thing?” was taped Sept. 17 in front of a live audience and featured College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz, Bryan Economic Development Manager Todd McDaniel, and Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Chair-Elect Bobby Gutierrez.
Total run time: 50:31
- 00:00 — Message to live audience.
- 01:05 — Show open and introductions.
- 03:06 — Ruiz on whether or not the time of year affects the ability to succeed at economic development.
- 05:15 — McDaniel on how Bryan is prepared to tackle the redevelopment of Texas Avenue between Villa Maria Road and downtown.
- 08:56 — Gutierrez on what the EDC's role is in complementing the work performed by College Station and Bryan.
- 12:28 — Ruiz on the importance of sales tax revenues and how online and brick-and-mortar retailers are joining forces.
- 16:30 — McDaniel on the changes we can expect in the proximity of the future super park development at the former Bryan Golf Course site.
- 20:35 — Gutierrez offers to answer the question McDaniel was asked about the super park area.
- 24:33 — McDaniel on what BCS needs to attract more jobs and industry.
- 26:00 — Ruiz adds to the perspective.
- 26:51 — Gutierrez chimes in on the same topic.
- 29:12 — Gutierrez answers an audience question: What types of industry are you trying to recruit?
- 31:14 — Ruiz answers an audience question: What's being done about the ever-emerging multifamily developments?
- 33:08 — Gutierrez answers from a Bryan Planning & Zoning Commission perspective.
- 35:01 — McDaniel adds perspective from a City of Bryan standpoint.
- 36:35 — Audience question: Gutierrez talks about addressing growth and needs in surrounding communities.
- 39:36 — Audience question: How do nonprofits fit into your planning and economic development work?
- 41:07 — Gutierrez addresses how nonprofits fit into that work.
- 44:03 — Audience question: Plans for Highway 6?
- 45:33 — Natalie adds the College Station perspective on Highway 6.
- 46:54 — Gutierrez gives Bryan P&Z perspective on development along major corridors.
- 49:48 — Show wrap-up.
Jay Socol (@jaysocol) is in his 10th year as College Station’s public communications director. A 1991 graduate of Texas A&M. Jay has also been communications director for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, public information officer for the City of Bryan, and news director at several Bryan-College Station area radio stations. A native of Breckenridge, he also serves as president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.
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