FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abilene, Texas — The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) proudly announces receiving the prestigious Community Economic Development Award (CEDA) from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). This accolade is in recognition of DCOA’s significant role in the expansion of Bridgestone Bandag’s tire retread plant, emphasizing more than 50 years of Bridgestone Bandag’s impact in Abilene.
The $60 million expansion project, which broke ground in May 2023, expands the existing 200,000 square-foot facility by 50,000 square feet and introduces a highly automated operation for rubber mixing, boosting the plant’s retread capacity. This investment exemplifies the forward-thinking strategies executed by the DCOA as well as Bridgestone Bandag’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tire solutions.
“Bridgestone Bandag’s expansion is a pivotal economic development project for Abilene. This expansion represents Abilene’s commitment to fostering long-term economic growth,” said Misty Mayo, President and CEO of the DCOA. “Being honored with TEDC’s highest award is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and strategic approach to economic development. We are cultivating a vibrant economic landscape that will benefit our community for generations.”
The Community Economic Development Award program recognizes exceptional contributions of TEDC member cities towards the economic vitality of their communities and the state of Texas. Nominees are judged on criteria including innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measurable objectives, and secondary benefits. The DCOA has won a TEDC award three times in four years and recently recognized as the Economic Development Organization of the Year by the International Economic Development Council.
The Bridgestone Bandag project will yield significant long-term benefits for the Abilene community by retaining and creating jobs, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The project also aligns with sustainable practices, enhancing the environmental profile of Abilene’s industrial sector.
“The DCOA’s strategies and innovative capabilities are shaping a bright future for Abilene,” said DCOA Board Chair Shea Hall. “The successful expansion of Bridgestone Bandag exemplifies the DCOA’s commitment to fostering innovative growth, and receiving this award reaffirms the DCOA’s direction towards a thriving, future Abilene.”
About the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA)
Recognized as The Economic Development Organization of the Year by The International Economic Development Council, the DCOA is the economic development driver of Abilene with the goal to build the future Abilene by attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, foster strong business, and ensure a prosperous community. The DCOA is focused on the future success of the community and leverages the DevelopAbilene partnership to market Abilene as the premier location for business expansion. Learn more about the DCOA and DevelopAbilene at www.developabilene.com.
About Abilene
Abilene, Texas, is located in Taylor County, Texas. Directly on I-20, just two and half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, Abilene is strategically located in the south-central United States. The city has a population of 127,129 people and is a regional hub representing a civilian labor force of more than 145,000 people. In addition to powerful professionals, the community has a robust infrastructure and a strategic location in the south-central United States that secures Abilene as the premier location for global manufacturers.
Contact: Trish Dressen
Phone: 325-665-1527
Email: trish@trishdressen.com
