CoreNet’s Baily Webb recently interviewed REDC President and CEO, Sheri Franza for the March/April issue of CoreNet’s Leader Magazine…

Webb:  How do you take advantage of proximity to the Metroplex and, at the same time, maintain Rockwall's character?

Franza:  That's one of the best things about Rockwall.  We have this amazing city, right on the shores of one the Metroplex's biggest lakes, Lake Ray Hubbard.  We're just "over the bridge" from east Dallas and its suburbs, but we have the smaller, hometown feel that people are drawn to and the beauty of the lake that separates us from the rest of the Metroplex.  Anyone who's ever spent some time in Rockwall understands the unique qualities that we have to offer and falls in love with our city.  We have everything we need right here:  shopping with the big brand stores you'll find in our neighboring cities; fabulous dining options with everything from the major chain casual dining to the ultimate steakhouse experience, an award winning school district; and the award winning Harbor project on the lake with exclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment.  Rockwall offers outdoor and indoor parks and recreation to rival any big city; first class spas that many travel from miles around to indulge themselves; amazing beautifully maintained neighborhoods and housing choices from affordable starter homes and rentals to magnificent estates by the lake…all wrapped in this extraordinary sense of community where people know one another and are constantly out enjoying the exclusive lifestyle Rockwall has to offer.  But you’re right when you mention our perfect proximity to the Metroplex…we’re so close to Dallas, just a short and beautiful 22 mile drive.  So it’s easy to meet with friends and family in neighboring cities and “get out of town” when we want or need to.  

Webb:  What kinds of industries are you targeting for Rockwall? What fits best and why?

Franza:  The Rockwall Technology Park is home to Fortune 500 & 1000 Companies, and is an ideal location for corporate headquarters.  The Park is home to a variety of industries.  In the manufacturing sector we have wire and cable, metal, plumbing products, and paint spray booths.    There are also engineering, software development, packaging, IT, metal fabrication and medical administrative services organizations located in the park. 

Webb:  How do you maintain your impressive growth track record in a down economy?

Franza:  We do have an impressive growth track record for this economy!  Or any economy for that matter.  I would attribute a great deal of our success to the visionary planning of our city and our REDC board of directors.  In 1996, when the REDC was formed, a master plan was proposed through a strong partnership and commitment between the REDC, the City of Rockwall, and the citizens in our community.    The plan was to bring industry to Rockwall in order to broaden and diversify the tax base, create employment for those who want to work and live in Rockwall, and create a premier business address for companies that want everything Rockwall has to offer.  The residential boom over the last 13 years has been phenomenal and record breaking!  Rockwall isn’t a secret anymore.  The secret got out in the late 90s when the I-30 bridge infrastructure was completed and our population and business growth has exploded ever since.  The quality of life that Rockwall has to offer its residents, coupled with our exceptional school system and city government, affordable housing, and unique beauty of our topography, have positioned us for the growth we are enjoying today and planning we are doing for the future.  People want to live and work in Rockwall.   We have the workforce, the incentives, the infrastructure, the access, and location…everything these companies are looking for. We are marketing Rockwall aggressively in 2009 and expect to bring in additional businesses this year.  Businesses that need to expand or relocate do so under every economic condition.  The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is ready to assist companies in many ways to make the transition easy.  The red carpet has been rolled out, and I promise….you will absolutely love it here!