Synergy touted as visionary

(Second in a four-part series in connection with the opening of Kilgore's new Synergy Park.)

Synergy Park reflects the forward thinking of Kilgore business and industrial leaders.

That's what Carlton Schwab, president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council thinks.

Kilgore's newest industrial park is scheduled to open officially Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. when the gates open to the public. The park's main entrance is located on the new US. Hwy. 259 by-pass north of FM 349. The park is also accessible from FM 349, 1.25 miles east of US. Hwy. 259 and Texas Hwy. 31.

S c h w a b , along with a number of others, will be on hand for the grand opening of Synergy Park.

"Not many towns the size of Kilgore have a modern business park," said Schwab. "I hate the term 'industrial park,' when it's actually a 'business park'."

The economic development specialist said Synergy Park "gives Kilgore a product for somebody looking to expand or relocate. There is now an opportunity in Kilgore that was not available before -a place to put a company," he said.

Schwab said Kilgore is "ahead of the curve in anticipating and preparing for opportunities. These may not be fully realized for 15 or 20 years -this is a long-term investment in the community."

He pointed out that Synergy Park's success and the return on the investment will "not be seen in six months but down the road."

Schwab said in his travels, he's been to cities that show potential developers "our industrial park built in 1950 and the one that was built in 1960 and here's our new one."

He said the "visionary effort" of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore leaders and citizens has produced a product you might see in North Dallas or Metroplex, north of Houston or ex-urban Atlanta, Ga.

"(Synergy Park) is very progressive, a long term asset that will ensure Kilgore's role in future (worldwide) economic development in 20 to 30 years," he said. "You know some define luck as preparation meeting opportunity. KEDC has taken the preparation side of the equation and now is able to take care of the opportunities."

Schwab said now Kilgore has "a tool to carry into the future that will attract business to support the economy."

State Sen. Kevin Eltife believes Synergy to be "an incredible asset to Kilgore and all of East Texas. We should all be very proud of this project."

Eltife said KEDC and the development of Synergy Park demonstrates how "we are constantly working to create and retain jobs in the area and this project will help further the cause."

State Rep. Tommy Merritt says he is humbled by the fact that "today's leaders of the community had the vision to move Kilgore forward with the development of Synergy Park."

Merritt said the facility is an asset to the city, community, District 1 and the state.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said "impressive" is the first word that comes to mind when he hears "Synergy Park."

"It has all the attributes a company is looking for in quality, environment, location (in East Texas) and Kilgore as a whole," Stoudt said. "Synergy Park is an asset to Kilgore and KEDC should be proud of a facility that will benefit Kilgore."

Kilgore Mayor Joe T. Park is looking forward to the park being full.

"When we get that park full of industries and businesses, it will increase sales and property taxes that will help Kilgore do more," he said. "We will grow and more jobs will be created."

Parker said Synergy Park also aids in the quality of life of residents with the nature trail designed for walking.

Members of the KEDC Board are also positive about the park's potential and effect on the area.

KEDC President Jackie Clayton believes the opening of the park makes "the future wide open" for economic development.

"I think Synergy Park will grow and expand faster than we think," he said. "We've had lots of prospects; lots of people love the park. It's a great thing and I see a big expansion."

Bill Adamson is vice president of the KEDC Board.

"I feel that Synergy Park is a vision for Kilgore's continued growth," he said. "The catalyst for growth will be the cooperative efforts of the Kilgore citizens, city commission, Kilgore officials, our current diversifying businesses and the continued efforts of KEDC."

"It's amazing a city the size of Kilgore has something like this," said Gary Boyd, KEDC secretary treasurer. "It's exciting people had the vision to something like this."

Boyd said he has heard from "folks with bigger economic development perspectives and insights" that developing Synergy Park "was the right thing to do."

Dr. Jerry Ted Roberts is "amazed at the quality of people looking at us (for business expansion or relocation). I think it has a lot to do with Synergy Park."

Roberts, who's worked with economic development since he served on the city commission in the 1990s, said that once the rail spur is constructed the industrial park "will have all the amenities a Fortune 500 company would look for as a location."

Roberts pointed out the park, "even without the rail spur, still has facilities that interest the same companies including a nice park, nice facilities, infrastructure, Internet and it's close to I-20 and the airport ... everything a company could want."

KEDC Director Bobby Beane see the park "as a tremendous potential for the community."

"It has drawn national attention in economic development communities," Beane said. "A lot of prospects have seen the park and some (who came to see Synergy Park) ended up locating in other areas of the city."

Beane said Synergy Park is a "drawing card" for Kilgore as well as it's economic community. GRAND OPENING SYNERGY PARK AT

ELDER LAKE TUESDAY, APRIL 11

Gates Open to the Public: 12:15 P.M. Ceremonies Begin:

12:30 P.M.

U.S. LOOP 259 ONE-FOURTH MILE NORTH OF FM 349