The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC) is committed to fostering economic growth, sustainability, and prosperity in the vibrant city of Yoakum, Texas.
As a catalyst for community development, the YEDC collaborates with local businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives that enhance Yoakum’s economic landscape. With a focus on promoting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and nurturing a business-friendly environment, the YEDC works tirelessly to support existing businesses and attract new opportunities to the area. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and proactive economic development efforts, the YEDC strives to position Yoakum as a premier destination for business and industry, while preserving the city’s unique heritage and quality of life.
Vision
Yoakum will be a destination for opportunity and growth, endeavoring to attract new, diverse, and emerging sectors. The YEDC will leverage resources for strategic partnerships resulting in the retention and relocation of businesses bringing commercial stability, resource development, and marketplace expansion. These efforts will result in prospects for employment and a better quality of life for the citizens of Yoakum.
Mission
A force in the community that leverages state, federal, and local resources to recruit new businesses, retain existing businesses, and improve the quality of life for all its citizens.
Bylaws
The YEDC’s bylaws outline the rules, governance structure, and procedures that guide our work in fostering economic growth for Yoakum.
History & Industry
Yoakum’s History of Opportunity and Growth
The YEDC Grant program is a fitting salute to the May family who received a league of land granted by the government of Coahuila and Mexico. John May quickly recognized the opportunity for growth and established his land as the collecting point for cattle and the starting point for the cattle drives called the Chisolm Trail. John May, Sr. and Pat May provided opportunity and growth for the future when they gave every other acre of land for the development of a townsite, in addition to donating land in other areas. These early entrepreneurs also had big dreams of rail coming to their area after the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Rail’s push to Texas came in 1876. John May, Sr. did not live to see his dream fulfilled but his sons, James Xavier “Bud” May, Sr. and Alex May, Sr. donated 200 acres of land for railroad shops and the right-of-way for San Antonio-Houston tracks and other facilities.
Through the generosity and foresight of the May family, Yoakum, once again, seized opportunity for growth and secured the rail, the rail station, and shops earning the community the name The Hub City. Hundreds of people from throughout the region were employed by the rail in The Hub City.
The Hub City for Industry
Nestled between Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Victoria, and Corpus Christi, is the welcoming community of Yoakum, Texas — Your Destination for Opportunity and Growth. With excellent access to major thoroughfares, rail, ports, and several International Airports, Yoakum is an enticing location for new, expanding, or relocating business and industry.
Currently under development is a 63-acre Industrial Park II (IP2). Through a $2.5M federal grant from the Economic Development Administration, water and wastewater will be available in IP2 by mid 2026. Also partnering to make IP “shovel ready” is Guadalupe Valley Electric Coop (GVEC), the provider of power and bandwidth in IP2.
From leather to the fashion industry, food processing to insurance, and agriculture to banking, diversity and longevity populate the economic landscape in Yoakum.
Companies with lengthy histories in Yoakum include
- Yoakum National Bank (1890)
- Hochheim Prairie Insurance (1892)
- Crossroads Bank (1930)
- Yoakum Pack/Farm Pack (1947)
- Eddy Packing (1953)
- Yoakum Grain, Inc. (1957)
- Circle Y Saddles (1960)
- A A & E Leather (1967)
- Double D Ranchwear (1989)
- Double J Saddlery (1991)
Yoakum has received numerous acknowledgments throughout the years
- The Hub City of South Texas
- The Tomato Capitol of South Texas
- The Land of Leather
- Purple Heart Community
- Recognized as the starting point of the Chisolm Trail
- Recognized for Economic Excellence by Texas Economic
Development Council
- 2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the US by the Chartis
Center for Rural Health - Certified Film Friendly by the Texas Film Commission
We invite you to make Yoakum, TX, Your Destination for Opportunity and Growth.
Ready to Grow in Yoakum?
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