Economic development foundation celebrates 60 years

Nov. 3—Wednesday's annual membership meeting of the Cleburne Economic Development Foundation at the Cleburne Conference Center marked a milestone date for the organization.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of CEDF, which was officially founded April 25, 1963.

Originally named the Cleburne Industrial Foundation, current at the time leaders changed the entity's name to CEDF in 1991 to better reflect and describe the organization's goals, objectives and operations.

Those objectives include:

—Working to improve quality of life.

—Recruiting quality industries to the community.

—Helping to create better paying jobs.

—Increasing the industrial tax base.

—Assisting existing industries in expanding their operations.

CEDF President Dan Taylor praised the city leaders who started CEDF six decades ago.

"Without the vision and foresight of the local Cleburne business leaders back in 1963 and continued support today, Cleburne would not be what it is today with all the jobs and millions of dolars added to the local taxing entities tax base," Taylor said. "These have been created through the efforts of CEDG, local and county government, utility and railroad companies, governing entities and those of you in business in Cleburne.

CEDF's success also derives Cleburne ISD, Hill College and Cleburne residents' support, Taylor added.

"CEDF is unigue in the economic development world in that it was organized and funded through private donations from local banks, utility companies and business owners," Taylor said. "Most economic development organizations in Texas cities are funded in part by 4A or 4B sales and use tax revenues approved by voters.

"CISD, Johnson County and the state of Texas with assistance through their incentive programs also supported CEDF."

Since 1963, CEDF has developed more than 1,250 acres of land to sell to industrial businesses looking to relocate to Cleburne.

Which has been a success with more than 50 industries having located and/or expanded operations in Cleburne creating roughly 5,500 industrial related jobs along the way.

"These jobs represent at least 25% of the 15,446 jobs as reported in Cleburne by the Texas Workforce Commission as of September 2023," Taylor said.

The first large industrial company CEDF recruited to Cleburne was Johns Manville, a manufacturer of fiberglass and insulation products. Johns Manville purchased 100 acres from the Foundation in 1964. The company employs more than 400 and their facility has undergone numerous renovations and expansions through the years.

CEDF also played a pivotal role in attracting the Walmart Distribution Center, Technical Chemical Company, SACHEM, James Hardie Building Products, La Moderna Pasta and other industries to Cleburne.

Celebrated also on Wednesday was Cleburne's Rangaire Inc., which at 75 years old, predates the CEDF.

Governed by 15 directors elected by members, CEDF derives its income primarily through industrial land sales and interest income on investments and membership dues.

"In summary, much has been accomplished by CEDF throughout its 60-year history with great leadership by many community leaders," Taylor said.

CEDF Executive Director Jerry Cash said CEDF hold two parcels of land as of now totaling about 22 acres ready for development.

Cash added that several groups or people owning additional industrial property have agreed to work with CEDF to attract new industry to town.

"That gives us a good amount of industrial property to work with," Cash said. "Which is a good thing because we still have quite a bit of activity for industrial projects looking for sites in Cleburne as well as the DFW area and Texas."

Cash listed several potential projects in the works, which, if successful, will lead to millions in new capital investments and a substantial amount of new jobs created.

Such projects come to the attention of CEDF through several routes including the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Development Alliance as well as commercial industrial realtors locally and throughout the DFW area, Cash said.

Cleburne remains strong in other economic areas as well, Cash added, helping the organizations mission to attract new industry.

CEDF itself remains strong, Treasurer Jerry Wheatley reported.

The organization holds $6.5 million in assets with no debt, Wheatley said, and gained $843,000 since last year having realized $990,997 in income last year minus $147,267 in operating expenses.

"Even through COVID-19 and this year Cleburne economic numbers have not let up," Cash said. "Cleburne is still in good shape. Still quite a few homes being built. Unemployment is 3.7%, 3.9%. Sales tax collections are up over the previous year. Overall, our economy is trucking along pretty well."