NEWS RELEASE - April 28, 2006

SEED: “Blooming” with Activity!

Sweetwater, Texas (April 28, 2006) – The Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development Corporation (S.E.E.D.) is filled with optimism as Mike Hatley, S.E.E.D’s director, announces Sweetwater’s most recent developments and achievements in its business growth.

Sweetwater will serve as one of the sponsors and host for the 2006 Wind Energy Institute. This two-day conference, titled “Wildcatting for Wind” is being presented at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) by the University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. Attendees will review the law and economics of wind energy deals, energy credits, leasing, transmission, and interconnection issues. Site tours of two area wind farms are scheduled. The region produces 25% of the wind energy in the nation; so it is no surprise that S.E.E.D. is actively meeting with individuals and companies related to the wind generation industry who are interested in relocating their business to Sweetwater.

S.E.E.D. is currently visiting with several manufacturing companies as well. With its available industrial sites and abundant work force, Sweetwater is in consideration for the new home for an industrial manufacturer, which would offer 200 jobs initially and then graduate to 280 jobs at full production. Another manufacturer considering Sweetwater would employ 125 in the $10 to $13 per hour range. A third manufacturer – who has made several site visits - would employ approximately 25.

Manufacturing isn’t the only game in town. Sweetwater is still in early discussion with developer to build an outlet mall on Interstate 20 (I-20). This initiative would not only provide a wide variety of jobs for its residents, it would require land development and construction that would continue to draw new businesses in the future. Sweetwater’s proximity to I-20 and a potential customer base of one million residents within 120-mile radius lend to endless possibilities of tourism and recreation growth for Sweetwater.

Other projects in the pipeline include: the establishment of a call center which would employ 25 to 50 residents and pay approximately $10 per hour, the construction of a new government-related facility with a potential to employ 75 to 100 residents; a distribution facility which would provide 100 full-time jobs and would utilize 200,000 to 300,000 square feet of industrial space; and an industrial production project with early indicators of employing 30 initially but then peak at 175 once full production was underway.

With its ample industrial space, abundant workforce, location to other metropolitan areas, lower overhead cost and vast customer base, Sweetwater is an ideal location for major industrial growth. S.E.E.D. is not only actively introducing its region to interested groups, but is making sure that its residents are prepared to acquire the positions that will be available to them. TSTC is partnering with S.E.E.D. and the Sweetwater Independent School District to provide training in “soft skills” and business ethics. Soft skills are the set of skills that influence how we interact with each other. It includes such abilities as effective communication, creativity, analytical thinking, diplomacy, flexibility, change-readiness, and problem solving, leadership, team building, and listening skills. The goal of soft skill training is to give students opportunity to learn and practice new patterns of behavior and in so doing to enhance human relations.

The Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development Incorporated (S.E.E.D.) mission is to facilitate a transitional move to this forward-thinking area. S.E.E.D is prepared for the challenge of maintaining consistent economic growth, including the creation and retention of jobs in Sweetwater. As a 4A organization, S.E.E.D. is focused on providing businesses the best opportunity for the growth, thereby ensuring consistent economic growth for this area.

For more information on these and many other projects, please contact Mike Hatley at (325) 235-0555 or via email at mike@sweetwatertexas.net.