The Paris Economic Development Corporation named the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Paris District as the 2025 Industry of the Year recipient at the 122nd Lamar County Chamber of Commerce Celebration on Tuesday.
The award celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional achievement in fostering job growth, investment, and community development within Paris and Lamar County.
TxDOT Paris District has been a pillar in Lamar County for nearly a century, providing quality jobs, serving as a key partner in planning and development, and playing a foundational role in the operations of not only Lamar County but also the surrounding nine counties in our region.
In August, TxDOT Paris District celebrated the Grand Opening of their all-new 120,000 sq ft facility spanning across 12 buildings at the PEDC’s Gene Stallings Business Park. Previously, the Paris District operated from City of Paris-owned offices, under a 99-year lease agreement that came to completion this year.
“Historically, this award is presented to private industry; however, this year we are proud to recognize a public partner that has met and exceeded those same standards in job growth, innovation, and lasting investment,” said PEDC Executive Director Maureen Hammond. “Their new facility is much more than a set of buildings; it represents 160 high-quality jobs, supports an annual payroll of $10 million, and is projected to generate more than $500 million in economic impact over the next decade.”
PEDC’s Board Chair, Josh Bray, echoed this while articulating the value of having the TxDOT Paris District as a strategic partner in logistics, road connectivity, and safety. “Lamar County’s manufacturing base is three times that of other surrounding counties. Our need for a strong logistics partner as industry growth accelerates is more urgent than ever. TxDOT choosing Paris as its district headquarters is a win for our community and our future.”
Receiving the award on behalf of TxDOT was their very own Director of Transportation Planning and Development, Dan Perry.
“Our 108-year relationship between the TxDOT Paris District and the City of Paris, Lamar County and the Paris Economic Development Corporation is more than just a collaboration—it’s a partnership built on a shared vision. Together, we have delivered truly transformative infrastructure projects that have powered growth across Northeast Texas,” stated Dan. “We look forward to the next century from right here in Paris, continuing this great relationship and delivering the vital projects needed to ensure Paris, Lamar County, and Northeast Texas prosper.”
The Paris Economic Development has honored many other employers in previous years, including the most recent recipients, Universal Fabricating, Delco Trailers, and American Spiralweld. The PEDC, as a Type A Economic Development Partner, serves Paris by executing its mission to plan, promote, finance, and construct opportunities for the retention, growth, and attraction of businesses that enhance employment, the economic base, and the quality of life in Paris and Lamar County. To learn more about Paris EDC, visit their website www.selectparistexas.com.
For more information, please contact Sarah Moore at the Paris Economic Development Corporation at (903) 784-6964 or smoore@selectparistexas.com.
TXDot Industry of the Year Award (pictured L to R: Mark Homer – PEDC Board Member ; Chase Coleman – PEDC Secretary/Treasurer; David Escobedo – TXDot Maintenance Section Supervisor; Zachary Smith – TXDOT Assistant Area Engineer; Kristen Prater – TXDot Public Information Officer; James Atkins – TXDot Director of Construction; Dan Perry – TXDot Director of Transportation Planning and Development; Maureen Hammond-PEDC Executive Director; Josh Bray -PEDC Chairman; Curtis Fendley – PEDC Vice Chairman; Marshall Dougherty – PEDC Board Member
