Sugar Land, TX – The Texas Economic Development Council awarded the city of Sugar Land a 2020 Community Economic Development Award for a COVID-relief program that has already contributed more than $160,000 to the local economy.
Sugar Land was recognized in the category of “Innovativeness” for the implementation and successful launch of the #AllInForSLTX Sweet Cash program, created to support Sugar Land businesses and drive public and private dollars into the local economy during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The awards program recognizes economic development groups across the state that have made tremendous contributions to their cities through creativity, leadership and partnership in the achievement of business retention, business recruitment and community improvement.
Sugar Land’s Office of Economic Development initiated the Sweet Cash program as the first element in the #AllInForSLTX campaign to help area businesses that were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the program was approved by Sugar Land City Council and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, as non-property funds, but rather revenue restricted sales tax funds were used for the program. Complete program details can be found at www.allinforSLTX.com.
The program encouraged residents to shop local through purchasing gift cards from Sugar Land businesses. For each gift card bought, consumers received a card worth approximately half the value; the other half was donated to a frontline worker in the form of an additional gift card. More than 2,600 gift cards were purchased and distributed -- an impact of more than $160,000 on the local economy.
“We are so honored to receive TEDC’s award for Innovativeness,” said Sugar Land Economic Development Director Elizabeth Huff. “Sugar Land wanted to do their part in helping the community during a time of extreme economic uncertainty. The #AllInForSLTX campaign, and Sweet Cash in particular, has helped us do just that. Sugar Land community members are always willing to help one another, and we’re glad to have created a unique initiative to benefit everyone.”
Innovative programs like #AllInForSLTX contribute to recognitions such as Sugar Land’s recent selection as one of the nation’s best cities with the highest job growth. These proactive efforts ensure Sugar Land remains an economic powerhouse within the Houston region with a strong economy that supports quality services for Sugar Land residents and allows the city to maintain the second lowest tax rate in the state among cities of similar size.
The city of Sugar Land’s Office of Economic Development is the first point-of-contact for information to help businesses in Sugar Land stay on a course to success. The team assists site selection consultants, developers, brokers and businesses with relocation and expansion in Sugar Land.
For more information on the Sweet Cash program, visit http://www.allinforsltx.com/.