Palestine Tx Economic Development Corporation

Looking for a new job? Join Workforce Solutions East Texas on Thursday, June 18, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the Windows of Opportunity Regionwide Career Fair. Learn more about this event and the companies looking to hire. https://rebrand.ly/31i1sm0 For more , click here. https://rebrand.ly/862f2af

🌟Grand Opening🌟
You've been asking when they'll be open - now it's official! 🎉
✂️Atwoods Ranch & Home Goods
📆 June 17, 2026
⏰ Ribbon cutting at 10AM

The wait is almost over. Atwoods Ranch & Home Goods is opening its doors, and we can't wait to celebrate with the community. Join us for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting as we welcome this exciting new addition to Palestine.

The celebration continues through June 21 with great savings, prize giveaways, free popcorn, and plenty of opportunities to explore everything Atwoods has to offer.

Mark your calendars and get ready.

Big ideas are being backed in a big way. 🚀

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced $250 million in funding opportunities for startups and small businesses developing breakthrough technologies — including new investments focused on advanced scientific equipment and research tools that could shape the future of discovery.

Innovation like this is already part of Palestine’s story. From the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility supporting scientific research and engineering, to companies like PCDworks developing breakthrough technologies, our community has growing momentum in innovation, advanced industry, and workforce development.

That momentum is also being built through robotics programs in local high schools, automation and industrial maintenance training pathways at Trinity Valley Community College, and hands-on STEAM learning opportunities through Curious Museum — all helping inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and skilled professionals.

Programs and partnerships like these help turn big ideas into real-world solutions, stronger companies, and future economic opportunity right here in Anderson County.

Learn more:
💡National Science Foundation funding opportunities and upcoming webinars https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-deploys-250-million-restart-small-business-innovation?utm_source=Area+Development+Site+%26+Facility+Planning+Newsletters&utm_campaign=5e0455e2e5-SFP_this_week_724&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_94850a8d43-5e0455e2e5-302990226&goal=0_94850a8d43-5e0455e2e5-302990226
💡Explore Palestine's Business Climate https://www.palestinetexas.net/do-business-here

Construction on the proposed $16 billion plant in Anderson County could begin as early as 2027. Learn more about what’s ahead. https://rebrand.ly/pbwbmgv For more , click here. https://rebrand.ly/39qr6w4

🎓 Texas students and families received some encouraging news this week. Governor Greg Abbott announced that undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at Texas public colleges and universities will remain frozen through the 2026–2027 academic year.

The freeze applies to both two-year and four-year public institutions across the state and is intended to help keep higher education more affordable and accessible for Texans pursuing degrees, certifications, and workforce training opportunities.

Affordable pathways to education and skills training are important for strengthening our workforce, supporting local employers, and creating opportunity for future generations across Texas.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Palestine Economic Development Corporation offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

We honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. ❤️🤍💙

The proposed $16 billion plant project could bring approximately 100 long-term jobs to Anderson County. Learn more about the potential economic impact. https://rebrand.ly/snc3ye6 For more , click here. https://rebrand.ly/3gqk3xz

New opportunities are coming for Texans seeking fast, affordable pathways into high-demand careers. Beginning July 1, 2026, the new Workforce Pell Grant program will expand federal Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term workforce training and certification programs — many as short as 8 weeks.

Students will be able to apply through the FAFSA and enroll in approved workforce training programs offered through participating colleges and institutions. Eligible programs will focus on high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers identified by state workforce priorities.

This initiative is designed to help students quickly gain skills through workforce certificates, registered apprenticeships, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and industry-recognized training programs. Fields expected to benefit include healthcare, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, IT, transportation, public safety, and other workforce-critical industries.

The program is intended to reduce barriers to training, strengthen employer partnerships, and support a stronger workforce pipeline for communities across Texas and the nation.

Learn more about the new Workforce Pell Grant program here:
U.S. Department of Education Announcement
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-final-rule-create-new-workforce-pell-grant-program

Additional workforce training overview:
SHRM Workforce Pell Overview
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/workforce-pell-grants-federal-aid-short-term-job-training

NextEra Energy Resources representatives recently met with the Anderson County Commissioners Court to discuss the proposed $16 billion natural gas plant project. Learn more. https://rebrand.ly/oeibkyk For more , click here. https://rebrand.ly/j6gcfe6

$16 Billion Natural Gas Plant to be Constructed in Anderson County Anderson County will soon be home to a major natural gas plant as part of President Donald Trump’s trade deal with Japan. The proposed $16 billion plant will produce up to 5.2 gigawatts of natural gas. NextEra Energy Resources will be the primary developer responsible for the plant’s constructio...