Release
d on June 21, 2015, the Howe Development Alliance launched a promotional video about Howe with the direct purpose of luring businesses, developers, home builders and residents to Howe. The three minute, thirteen second promo was produced by Heritage Preservation Studio, which normally focuses their attention to documentaries on historical significance, however, HDA Economic Development Director Monte Walker was looking for a little bit of a different flavor and Heritage obliged.
The video shows scenes of Howe’s friendly atmosphere and shows many citizens captured during the Founders Day celebration in April.
Featured speakers in the pitch are Walker, Mayor Jeff Stanley, County Commissioner Jeff Whitmire, Justice of the Peace, Rita Noel, Howe Police Chief Carl Hudman, former Executive Director of Keep Howe Beautiful Laura Duree, Howe Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Cannaday and local Howe businessman Todd Creekmore.
Walker said that since he’s been hired as the economic development director, he’s found from visiting with numerous developers and home builders that Howe has had a reputation of anti-growth.
“The largest part of my job has been to start from ground zero and educate those that think Howe doesn’t want them.” said Walker. “Businesses and developers were interested in Howe seven or eight years ago, but found resistance from city leaders. We have a renewed interest here with a renewed outlook.”
Howe’s geographic location makes the city very attractive to developers. With US 75 carrying more traffic than Interstate 35, Howe sees its fair share of that traffic with over 36,000 daily commuters passing through the city on US 75.
Walker says that no one wants Howe to turn into Frisco or McKinney, but a healthy tax base is a must for street improvements, parks, recreation and general quality of life. New homes mean distribution of the cost of utility bills amongst citizens also.
“If we didn’t make an attempt to grow, there is no question that Howe would be swallowed up by the neighboring US 75 communities in the next 10-15 years which would make us the economic weak-link on the corridor.” said Walker. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. There is no such thing as staying the same.”
The video, located here, took approximately a month and a half to produce. Jen Davis, of Heritage Preservation Studio and her family captured all of the footage and performed all of the interviews. They also edited the hours and hours of footage and even left some of the interviews out.
While Walker said the video has been sent to major companies and developers, he couldn’t say who specifically has been targeted.
“About 10 times a week people tell me to bring in a grocery store.” said Walker. “You can be assured that one or more grocery stores have seen the video. When we have the rooftops to support a grocery store, it’s a much easier sell, but I feel we’re just in too good of a position to not see something start rolling soon in this town.”
Howe is in a unique situation right now with a supportive council, mayor and city administrator who seem to be all on the same page. The next five years are crucial for Howe.
