Interview with Joey Grisham(Bonham Texas Economic Director)

Summary

In this video, Joey Grisham, the Director of Economic Development for Bonham, Texas, discusses the city's growth potential, highlighting land availability, strategic location, and progressive city council support for development. Grisham emphasizes the benefits of investing in Bonham, including affordable land prices, the impact of nearby Sherman's economic boom, and the city's infrastructure, such as its own airport and the new Lake Ralph Hall. The script also showcases the city's vibrant downtown, retail growth, and the importance of the local hospital and medical services, painting a picture of a thriving community with significant investment opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joey Grisham is the director of economic development for Bonham, Texas, and has been in the role for five months.
• 🏙️ Prior to Bonham, Joey worked in various cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, focusing on office, industrial, and downtown redevelopment projects.
• 🛣️ Bonham offers land availability on major highways, including US82 and Highway 121, which are key selling points for the city.
• 🏢 The city of Bonham is strategically located near Sherman, a booming economic development market, which could drive growth and attract residents.
• 🏘️ Bonham's land costs are more affordable compared to neighboring cities like Anna, Melissa, and Salina, making it an attractive option for businesses and developers.
• 🏭 Bonham has industrial areas suitable for manufacturing facilities, unlike some neighboring cities, providing opportunities for industrial development.
• 🏬 The city has a growing retail corridor along Highway 121, with national chains and service businesses showing interest in the area.
• 🏥 Medical services are a growing need in Bonham, with an aging population and the potential for more general practitioners and dental groups.
• 🏨 The development of new lakes in the area, including Lake Bottom and Lake Ralph Hall, is expected to increase tourism and related businesses like hotels and restaurants.
• 🏞️ Bonham's city council is described as progressive and open to zoning changes, making it a welcoming environment for new investments and developments.
• 💡 The script emphasizes that now is a good time to invest in Bonham due to reasonable land prices and the city's strategic location for future growth.

Q & A

What is Joey Grisham's role in the city of Bonham, Texas?

Joey Grisham is the Director of Economic Development for Bonham, Texas, and has been in this position for five months.

What is the significance of Bonham's location in relation to economic development?

Bonham's location is significant for economic development due to its proximity to major highways and its closeness to Sherman, which is a booming economic market, attracting potential businesses and residents.

What are some of the unique selling points for land in Bonham?

The unique selling points for land in Bonham include its availability, affordability compared to neighboring cities, and its strategic location on major highways.

How does the city of Bonham differentiate itself from other cities in terms of economic development?

Bonham differentiates itself by being more business-friendly, having a city council that is progressive and open to zoning changes, and offering land at a more affordable price.

What is the current status of industrial development in Bonham?

Bonham has two key areas for industrial development: one near the south side off Highway 121, which includes Clayton Homes, and another area north on Highway 82 by the airport, which includes companies like Tongren and Vector Systems.

What are some of the retail developments that have recently taken place in Bonham?

Recent retail developments in Bonham include new Starbucks locations, a Water Burger, and businesses like Little Caesar's Pizza, Jimmy John Subs, and Scooter's Coffee.

How does the presence of a hospital impact the community and economic development in Bonham?

The presence of a hospital, such as Texoma Medical Center, is important for the community's health needs and also contributes to economic development by attracting medical businesses and professionals to the area.

What is the significance of the new lakes being built near Bonham?

The new lakes, including Lake Ralph Hall and Lake Bonham, are significant as they bring in more people for recreational activities, which in turn supports the growth of restaurants, retail, and other businesses.

What does Joey Grisham suggest as the best time for investors to invest in Bonham?

Joey Grisham suggests that now is the best time for investors to invest in Bonham due to the current land prices and the city's progressive approach to growth and development.

What is the current state of the downtown area in Bonham?

The downtown area in Bonham is described as having a lot of structure, with a mix of historical buildings and new developments, including hotels like the Holiday Inn and various retail and service businesses.

How does the city of Bonham support the growth of businesses and the community?

The city of Bonham supports growth through various means, such as offering land at affordable prices, having a city council that is open to zoning changes, and providing infrastructure grants and economic development incentives.