The Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) uses the county’s assets to promote economic development. Its goal is to diversify the county’s economy by creating an Energy Cluster that builds on our existing agricultural, chemical and power production assets. Assets on which to build are: renewable energy crops for power and fuel production, the South Texas Project nuclear plant, a state of the art coal power plant, three chemical plants, salt dome caverns for oil and natural gas storage, synthetic gas from industrial by-products, wind power and other renewable technology opportunities. The county’s multiple oil and gas lines; rail service by two providers; commercial barge service on the Intracoastal Waterway and Colorado River channel; high capacity transmission grid; air quality attainment; surface, ground and brackish water supplies, and large amounts of open land provide opportunities for various types of conventional, alternative and green energy processes.
Matagorda County’s tourism industry also continues to grow. It is based on outstanding fishing and boating activities, birding where the nation’s highest species count is regularly observed (234 species in the 2010Christmas Audubon Bird Count) and eco-tourism. East and West Matagorda Bays, the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles for surf fishing and two rivers provide excellent salt- and fresh-water fishing opportunities. Kayaking and canoeing are growing in popularity and our beaches and rivers stay busy from season to season.
Other activities include golf and tours of historical markers, structures and communities.
About the MCEDC
The MCEDC Board represents all of Matagorda County. Its 11 appointed members represent five public funding entities–Matagorda County, Bay City Community Development, Palacios Economic Development, Matagorda County Navigation District #1, the Port of Bay City Authority and the four Chambers of Commerce from Bay City, Matagorda, Palacios and Sargent. An Executive Director and a Director of Communications implement Board directives.
The MCEDC is focused on growing Matagorda County through recruitment of new industries, commercial businesses, tourism infrastructure and through expansion of existing businesses. It seeks to expand our agriculture and aquaculture sectors through new crops for renewable fuel production and value-added opportunities.
MCEDC Board of Directors & Staff
Mitch Thames Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture President
Debbie Morris Matagorda County Navigation District #1 Vice President
Susan Mitchell Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary
George Harrison Port of Bay City Authority Treasurer
Judge Nate McDonald Matagorda County Commissioners Court
Mayor Mark Bricker Bay City Community Development
Mayor John Sardelich Palacios Economic Development
V.L. "Butch" Bowers Palacios Chamber of Commerce
Tiger Lane Sargent Chamber of Commerce
John Chipman Palacios Economic Development
Councilman Clarence Fenner Bay City Community Development
Owen Bludau Executive Director
Marsha Butler Director of Communications
