No Product, No Project in Central Texas with Mike Kamerlander

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Mike Kamerlander, President and CEO of the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, to discuss what economic development looks like inside one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.

Drawing from HCEDP’s recent Economic Outlook Event, the conversation explores why Central Texas continues to attract companies, how cities, counties, and private businesses are investing through uncertainty, and what shifting project timelines signal for 2026. Mike also shares lessons from leading a two-county, ten-city partnership, why “no product, no project” still holds true, and how speed, predictability, and engagement quietly determine which regions win.

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10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Product readiness matters more than marketing language.
2. Speed and predictability often outweigh incentive packages.
3. Regional collaboration expands capacity without diluting local wins.
4. Growth planning must stay ahead of infrastructure demand.
5. Economic outlook events are tools for alignment, not just forecasting.
6. Accurate, current site information prevents deal-killing surprises.
7. Cities and counties should be treated as the primary customer.
8. Engagement across private industry strengthens long-term outcomes.
9. Development processes should be reviewed continuously, not periodically.
10. Capital on the sidelines eventually moves. Be ready when it does.

• Economic Development Is Not for Amateurs!: A must-read for community leaders on how to achieve economic development success by Jay Garner and Ross Patten
• Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership | Home
• Mike Kamerlander, CEcD