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Economic Development Office For The State Of Texas

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The summer of 2014, I interned at the Economic Development Office for the state of Texas. The office was tasked with preparing relocation incentives for companies in order to create jobs. The office was split into different departments totaling about 45 people. The office worked strictly under the Governor. One would answer the phone, “Office of the Governor, Economic Development…” Economic Development offices around the country came under repetitive criticism for behaving as governors’ slush funds. Essentially there are “clear lines of imperative control from” superior offices. The office was responsible for overseeing the economic development of the whole state. In other ways, the office directly contrasted Weber’s definition. Since the office was able to distribute funds and abate taxes, it made incredible financial decisions for companies and the taxpayers of the state. Awards could not be given out based on a specific set of rules. There was careful consideration into a companies intentions, how they were prepared for the future, and if they fit the new model of businesses Texas wanted to attract. In this regard, the office did not always make systematic decisions. Those promoted were the best performing, most ambitious, and took initiative; only residue of a seniority system remained. A meritocracy, in direct opposition to a tenured hierarchy, opened a dichotomy between the older and younger generations. Under-performers were let go regardless of tenure. On a

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