FAQs

The GBC EDC is a Type B non-profit corporation. It is funded by a dedicated sales tax approved by voters to attract new businesses, grow existing ones, and expand the local sales tax base.

The GBC EDC was formally established following a local election in the early 1990s that authorized the adoption of a Section 4B sales and use tax for economic development.

The GBC EDC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for residents by attracting new investment, helping expand existing businesses within the city, and providing business assistance to qualifying companies.

All GBC EDC board and staff members can be found here.

The GBC EDC assists in site selection and relocation for new and existing businesses, offers financial incentives and assistance, and partners with local and state organizations on workforce development programs.

Gun Barrel City’s target industries include retail, dining, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and light manufacturing.

The GBC EDC collaborates with local, regional, and state organizations, such as the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), and the Texas Economic Development Council to leverage regional marketing and workforce resources.

You can give us a call at (903) 887-1899 or reach out via our online portal. 

The GBC EDC has the ability to provide incentives in the form of loans, grants, and consulting to all different types of businesses locating or expanding in Gun Barrel City. Applicants are vetted on a case-by-case basis.

Authorized by the Texas Local Government Code, a Chapter 380 Agreement allows the city to offer loans or grants of public money to promote economic development.

Interested businesses must submit a formal Incentive Application. This requires a detailed business plan, proof of secured capital, and a description of the project’s impact on local employment and tax revenue. Applicants are vetted on a case-by-case basis.

The GBC EDC often supports community projects that have a secondary economic impact, such as July Fest or lakefront improvements that benefit both residents and visitors.

Information on Gun Barrel City’s population, housing, income, and workforce can be found on our website’s community profile.

Available properties in Gun Barrel City can be found here.

The GBC EDC partners with a number of organizations to provide employers with access to a trained labor pool and support customized workforce training programs. More information on partners and programs can be found here.

Major employers in Gun Barrel City include Walmart, Lowe’s, Chrysler, UT Health, Cedar Creek Clinic, Home Instead, CenturyLink, SuddenLink, and a robust food & dining industry.