Benefits of Doing Business in East Texas

Choosing where to start, relocate, or expand a business affects much more than the company’s address. Location can influence transportation costs, access to employees, customer reach, taxes, facility expenses, supplier relationships, and the ability to recruit future leaders.

For companies evaluating Longview and the surrounding region, doing business in East Texas offers a practical combination of regional market access, established industries, workforce resources, available development sites, and business support organizations. Longview also provides access to the broader advantages of operating in Texas without requiring a company to locate in one of the state’s largest metropolitan areas.

No location is the right fit for every company. Businesses should still evaluate specific sites, utilities, labor requirements, customer demand, taxes, and operating costs before making a final decision. However, East Texas presents several advantages worth considering.

What Are the Benefits of Doing Business in East Texas?

The strongest location decisions are usually based on several factors working together rather than one tax incentive or one low-cost property.

For many companies, the benefits of doing business in East Texas include:

The value of each advantage depends on the company. A manufacturer may place greater weight on utilities, workforce skills, and freight access. A professional-services firm may prioritize regional customer reach and networking. A retailer may focus on traffic patterns, demographics, and the size of the surrounding trade area.

Strategic Access to Major Markets

One of East Texas’s most practical advantages is its location between major markets in Texas and the southeastern United States.

Longview is positioned along Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 80, with access to U.S. Highway 259. According to the Longview Economic Development Corporation’s accessibility information, this location connects the area with Dallas-Fort Worth to the west, Shreveport and northern Louisiana to the east, and other regional markets throughout Texas and the South. LEDCO identifies Longview as approximately 125 miles from Dallas and about 30 miles from the Louisiana state line. (Longview USA)

This positioning can benefit companies that need to:

• Distribute products across Texas and neighboring states
• Serve customers in several East Texas communities
• Send technicians or field crews to regional job sites
• Receive materials from major suppliers
• Reach Dallas-Fort Worth without operating directly inside the metroplex
• Maintain business relationships in both Texas and Louisiana

Transportation access matters to more than manufacturers and distributors. Construction companies, healthcare providers, professional-services firms, equipment companies, wholesalers, and home-service businesses may all serve customers across multiple communities.

Businesses should still review their specific transportation needs. A location near I-20 may provide a different operating advantage than a downtown office, airport property, or industrial site with rail access.

Road, Rail, and Airport Infrastructure

East Texas businesses have access to several types of transportation infrastructure.

The East Texas Regional Airport is located near Longview and includes a 10,000-foot runway. LEDCO also identifies airport property and an airpark as potential assets for aviation, aeronautics, manufacturing, and other companies with specialized transportation requirements. (Longview USA)

Longview’s business parks are accessible from major highways, while rail-car handling can be provided through a local logistics operator connected to Union Pacific Railroad. LEDCO’s business parks overview also identifies access to interstate, port, airport, utility, and fiber infrastructure. (Longview USA)

This combination can support businesses that depend on:

• Truck freight
• Rail transportation
• Corporate or general aviation
• Equipment movement
• Regional distribution
• Just-in-time delivery
• Access to suppliers in several markets

A company should not assume that every property has the same transportation access. Freight routes, rail-spur availability, airport proximity, truck turning space, loading capacity, bridge restrictions, and last-mile road conditions should be reviewed during site selection.

Access to a Broader Regional Market

A business located in Longview is not limited to customers who live within the city limits.

LEDCO describes Longview as a regional hub serving more than 400,000 people who rely on the area for healthcare, education, retail, dining, professional services, and other needs. The organization also reports a labor-market pull of more than 300,000 workers across a 12-county area. (Longview USA)

That regional reach can be especially valuable for:

• Medical and healthcare services
• Retailers and restaurants
• Financial and professional services
• Construction and home services
• Equipment sales and maintenance
• Education and training providers
• Business-to-business suppliers
• Entertainment and hospitality businesses

A company may be able to serve a much larger customer base than Longview’s municipal population would suggest. At the same time, demand should be tested rather than assumed. Businesses should examine drive-time demographics, customer behavior, competitor locations, and the size of the realistic service area for their industry.

An Established and Diverse Business Base

A location with an established business base can offer more than potential customers. It can also provide suppliers, contractors, skilled workers, professional advisors, and industry knowledge.

Longview has long-standing activity in advanced manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, petrochemicals and plastics, and food processing. The Longview Economic Development Corporation’s industry overview also identifies infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and workforce development as assets supporting these sectors. (Longview USA)

Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Longview metropolitan area show employment spread across several major categories, including trade, transportation and utilities; education and health services; manufacturing; mining, logging and construction; professional and business services; hospitality; financial activities; and government. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

This range of industries can create opportunities for businesses that support larger employers, including:

• Accounting and financial services
• Attorneys and compliance professionals
• Information technology providers
• Marketing and communications firms
• Staffing and recruiting companies
• Industrial maintenance providers
• Safety and environmental consultants
• Transportation and logistics companies
• Equipment suppliers
• Commercial construction firms
• Employee benefits and insurance providers
• Food, hospitality, and event services

An established industrial economy can also create specialized knowledge within the workforce. Employees, contractors, and suppliers may already understand production environments, transportation schedules, safety requirements, quality standards, and business-to-business purchasing.

Opportunities for Both Large and Small Businesses

East Texas is not only a location for industrial plants or major distribution centers.

A large employer can create demand for smaller companies throughout the local economy. Employees need housing, healthcare, childcare, food, financial services, vehicle maintenance, entertainment, retail, and professional support. The employer itself may need vendors for maintenance, training, transportation, security, printing, technology, landscaping, legal services, and other operational needs.

Longview also serves as a retail and service destination for surrounding communities. That can give locally owned businesses access to customers from outside the city, particularly when the company offers a specialized product or service that is not available in every nearby town.

Smaller companies should evaluate whether they can serve:

• Major employers
• Local governments
• Schools and colleges
• Healthcare systems
• Construction projects
• Manufacturers
• Regional distributors
• Other small businesses
• Residents from surrounding communities

A local business does not need to become a direct supplier to a large corporation to benefit from the broader economic activity that employer helps generate.

Workforce Recruitment and Employer Support

Finding qualified employees is a major concern for businesses in nearly every region. East Texas cannot eliminate that challenge, but employers have access to organizations that can help with recruiting, training, labor-market information, and workforce planning.

Workforce Solutions East Texas serves a 14-county area and offers employer services such as recruitment assistance, candidate screening, hiring events, labor-market information, training resources, and information about available tax-incentive programs. Many of these employer services are available at no cost. (East Texas Workforce)

These institutions can contribute to the business environment through:

• Degree programs
• Technical education
• Professional certifications
• Continuing education
• Customized employee training
• Internships
• Career fairs
• Research and faculty expertise
• Entry-level talent pipelines

Regional economic-development organizations and colleges have also worked together to address specific employer needs. For example, East Texas economic-development corporations partnered with Kilgore College to purchase equipment for an automation training lab after identifying millwright training as a regional workforce need. (Longview USA)

Employers do not have to wait for graduates to appear. Businesses can build relationships with instructors, workforce departments, career offices, and student organizations before they need to make a large number of hires.

Workforce Training Assistance

Texas offers several employer training programs that may help companies strengthen the skills of new or existing workers.

The Texas Workforce Commission’s employer training resources include the Skills Development Fund, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, adult literacy education, and other workforce programs. (Texas Workforce Commission)

The Skills for Small Business program is designed for eligible companies with fewer than 100 employees and focuses on training new and current workers through participating public community and technical colleges. Program requirements, available funding, and approved training should be confirmed directly with the Texas Workforce Commission. (Texas Workforce Commission)

Training assistance can be especially useful when a company is:

• Adding new technology
• Expanding production
• Hiring for a new location
• Promoting employees into supervisory positions
• Addressing technical skill gaps
• Improving safety or quality processes
• Preparing workers for new responsibilities

Funding programs should support a clearly defined workforce plan. A grant is not a substitute for determining which skills employees need and how those skills will improve the company’s performance.

The Texas Business Tax Structure

Companies doing business in East Texas also operate within the broader Texas tax system.

Texas does not impose a state individual income tax or a conventional corporate income tax. The Office of the Texas Governor’s business overview identifies the state’s tax structure, workforce, infrastructure, and access to markets among its primary business advantages. (Texas.gov)

However, “no corporate income tax” does not mean that businesses pay no state or local taxes.

The Texas franchise tax is a privilege tax imposed on many taxable entities formed in Texas or doing business in the state. Rates, thresholds, deductions, filing requirements, and exemptions can vary by report year and business type. (Texas Comptroller)

Depending on its activities and structure, a company may also be responsible for:

• State and local sales and use taxes
• Property taxes
• Payroll taxes
• Franchise tax
• Hotel occupancy taxes
• Motor vehicle taxes
• Industry-specific fees
• Permits and licenses
• Federal income and employment taxes

A business should calculate its complete tax exposure rather than relying on a general statement that Texas has no income tax. The best structure for one company may not be the best structure for another. A qualified accountant or tax attorney should review the company’s property, payroll, revenue, entity type, and planned activities.

Available Business Parks and Development Sites

Companies that need industrial land, utilities, warehouse space, or room to expand may find options in and around Longview.

LEDCO identifies three primary business parks: Longview Business Park, North Business Park, and Bar-K Business Park. The organization’s business parks information describes access to major transportation routes and infrastructure such as electricity, water, natural gas, sewer capacity, and high-speed fiber. Site readiness and available acreage vary by park and property. (Longview USA)

The Bar-K property includes frontage along U.S. Highway 80 and is located approximately six miles from Interstate 20. LEDCO acquired the property to increase the amount of land available for future industry recruitment and development. (Longview USA)

Available development options are not limited to industrial parks. Businesses may also consider:

• Existing commercial buildings
• Downtown properties
• Retail centers
• Interstate 20 corridor sites
• Airport property
• Office space
• Warehouse and flex space
• Undeveloped commercial land

The right site depends on the company’s customers, workforce, freight requirements, zoning, utilities, parking, visibility, and future expansion plans.

Utility and Technology Infrastructure

A business location can appear affordable until the company calculates the cost of obtaining the utilities and technology required to operate.

LEDCO identifies water availability, sewer capacity, electricity, natural gas, high-speed fiber, and maintained road infrastructure among Longview’s business assets. (Longview USA)

Companies should verify property-specific capacity for:

• Electrical load
• Water volume and pressure
• Wastewater discharge
• Natural gas
• Broadband speed and redundancy
• Backup power
• Fire protection
• Stormwater management
• Truck and employee access

This is particularly important for manufacturers, food processors, data-dependent companies, healthcare facilities, call centers, laboratories, and businesses with specialized equipment.

The existence of a utility in the general area does not guarantee that a specific building or parcel can support the required capacity. Utility providers, engineers, property owners, and local development officials should be involved before a company signs a lease or completes a purchase.

Business Incentives and Expansion Assistance

Eligible companies may have access to local or state economic-development incentives.

According to LEDCO’s incentives overview, potential assistance may include property-tax abatements, utility reductions, workforce training, site development, and other performance-based programs. Incentives are evaluated individually and may depend on capital investment, job creation, wages, project competition, location, and other economic benefits. (Longview USA)

Some qualifying projects may also be considered for state programs, such as workforce grants or the Texas Enterprise Fund. The Enterprise Fund is generally intended for competitive projects in which a Texas site is being considered against locations in other states and the project would create significant employment and investment. (Longview USA)

Incentives should be viewed as one part of the financial analysis, not the reason to select a location.

A company should first determine whether the location works based on:

• Customers
• Workforce
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Taxes
• Operating costs
• Supplier access
• Facility suitability

An incentive will not correct a site that is poorly matched to the company’s long-term needs. Businesses should also review performance agreements carefully because incentives may include job, wage, investment, reporting, and operating-period requirements.

Business Support During Site Selection

Longview businesses can receive assistance before and during the location process.

The Longview Economic Development Corporation assists businesses with property searches, site selection, workforce development, job training, regulatory coordination, and relationships with local and state organizations. LEDCO also provides support to existing businesses considering expansion. (Longview USA)

This support can help a company gather information about:

• Available properties
• Demographics
• Workforce
• Traffic and transportation
• Utilities
• Permitting
• Local development requirements
• Possible incentives
• Training resources
• Regional partnerships

Decision-makers should provide detailed project requirements as early as possible. A site-selection team can give more useful recommendations when it understands the company’s preferred acreage, building size, utility load, workforce needs, freight activity, investment, and timing.

Competitive Living Costs and Employee Recruitment

Business location decisions increasingly involve quality of life because employers need to recruit and retain people, not just purchase land.

LEDCO reports that Longview’s overall cost of living is more than 15% below the national average and highlights housing costs as an advantage when compared with larger Texas metropolitan areas. Its housing and cost-of-living overview connects housing affordability with employee recruitment and retention. (Longview USA)

The Longview Chamber’s Why Longview page also identifies affordable housing, healthcare, schools, outdoor recreation, arts, shorter commutes, and community connections as local quality-of-life considerations. (Longview Chamber)

For employers, these factors may affect:

• The compensation needed to attract workers
• Employees’ willingness to relocate
• Commute-related turnover
• Recruitment of managers and professionals
• Employee satisfaction
• The owner’s own relocation decision

Quality of life is subjective. A location that appeals to one candidate may not appeal to another. Employers should be prepared to discuss specific housing options, schools, healthcare access, recreation, and community opportunities rather than relying on general claims about affordability.

Shorter Commutes and Daily Accessibility

Commute time can influence employee recruitment, punctuality, job satisfaction, and retention.

LEDCO reports an average Longview commute of approximately 20 minutes and notes that many locations within the city can be reached within a similar drive time. (Longview USA)

Shorter commutes may provide employees with:

• More time outside work
• Lower transportation costs
• Less exposure to severe metropolitan congestion
• Easier access to schools and childcare
• More flexibility when managing family responsibilities

Businesses should still study the location of their likely workforce. A site may be convenient from one part of the region but difficult to reach from another. Shift times, public transportation, road construction, and the distance between the workplace and surrounding communities should all be considered.

Strong Local Business Relationships

Business relationships can be especially important in a regional economy.

Companies often need trusted local contacts before they need a formal service. Those relationships can help owners find vendors, identify employees, understand community issues, compare service providers, and learn about opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

The Longview Chamber’s Business Solutions resources connect entrepreneurs and established companies with startup guidance, access-to-capital resources, training, marketing opportunities, business events, and relationship-building programs. (Longview Chamber)

Chamber resources include:

• Business After Hours
• Business forums
• Training opportunities
• TechTalk
• Business-directory visibility
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Leadership programs
• Referrals and introductions
• Advocacy information

The Chamber also maintains an online business directory that companies can use to locate local vendors, service providers, and potential partners. (Longview Chamber of Commerce)

Networking does not produce results simply because a company attends one event. The value comes from consistent participation, follow-up, referrals, and a willingness to contribute to the business community.

No-Cost Small Business Advising

Entrepreneurs and small-business owners can also receive assistance through the UT Tyler Longview Small Business Development Center.

The UT Tyler Longview SBDC provides no-cost, one-on-one business advising for new and existing businesses. Its service area includes Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Marion, Rusk, and Upshur counties. (UT Tyler Longview SBDC)

Advisors can assist with topics such as:

• Business planning
• Financial projections
• Funding preparation
• Market research
• Buying or selling a business
• Growth planning
• Business systems
• Government contracting resources
• Export considerations
• Operational challenges

An advisor will not make every decision for the owner, but outside guidance can help a business identify risks, organize information, and prepare for conversations with lenders, attorneys, landlords, and development officials.

Business Advocacy and Regional Coordination

Businesses are affected by decisions involving infrastructure, education, water, broadband, housing, regulation, and workforce development.

The Longview Chamber’s advocacy work brings employers, community leaders, and policymakers together around issues that influence business growth, competitiveness, and quality of place. Its stated focus areas include workforce and education, infrastructure, water, broadband, and regional alignment. (Longview Chamber)

This type of coordination matters because many business challenges cannot be solved by one employer.

For example:

• One employer cannot build an entire regional talent pipeline.
• One retailer cannot independently improve a major transportation corridor.
• One manufacturer cannot address every regional water or infrastructure need.
• One small business may have limited influence on public policy.

Regional organizations can gather information, align priorities, communicate business concerns, and support longer-term projects.

Which Businesses May Be a Good Fit for East Texas?

East Texas can support many types of businesses, but the region may be especially worth evaluating for companies that benefit from a central regional location, established industries, and access to surrounding communities.

Manufacturing and Industrial Companies

Manufacturers may benefit from transportation connections, industrial sites, utilities, technical training partners, and an existing manufacturing workforce.

Warehousing and Distribution

Longview’s Interstate 20 access and proximity to Texas and Louisiana markets can support companies distributing products across a multi-state region.

Construction and Skilled Trades

Residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure activity can create demand for contractors, equipment providers, maintenance firms, and specialized trades.

Healthcare and Medical Services

Longview functions as a healthcare center for surrounding communities, creating opportunities for medical practices, support services, suppliers, staffing companies, and related professionals.

Professional and Business Services

The region’s employers need accounting, legal, insurance, banking, technology, marketing, consulting, recruiting, and other business services.

Retail, Food, and Hospitality

Longview draws shoppers, patients, students, employees, and visitors from a wider area. Businesses with a strong location and a clearly defined customer base may be able to serve both residents and regional visitors.

Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Local Chamber, SBDC, workforce, and economic-development resources can help entrepreneurs research ideas, create plans, locate property, access training, and build business relationships.

What Should a Business Evaluate Before Moving?

A decision-maker should compare East Texas with other realistic locations using the same criteria.

Customer Access

Determine where customers are located and how far they will travel. For business-to-business companies, map major accounts, prospects, and industry clusters.

Workforce Availability

Identify required occupations, wages, schedules, credentials, and the geographic area from which employees will need to commute.

Transportation

Review freight routes, delivery times, airport needs, rail access, fuel costs, and proximity to suppliers.

Utilities

Confirm electrical, water, wastewater, gas, internet, fire-protection, and backup-power requirements for the specific property.

Taxes and Incentives

Calculate the complete state and local tax obligation. Review incentives separately and account for performance requirements.

Facility Costs

Compare purchase price or rent, renovations, insurance, utilities, maintenance, security, and future expansion costs.

Permitting and Zoning

Confirm that the intended operation is allowed and identify necessary development approvals, licenses, environmental reviews, and inspections.

Business Continuity Risks

Evaluate severe weather, flooding, power reliability, insurance availability, cybersecurity, supplier concentration, and alternative transportation routes.

Quality of Life

Consider housing, healthcare, schools, childcare, recreation, and the ability to recruit leadership and specialized employees.

Local Support

Identify which organizations can assist with planning, hiring, financing, training, permitting, and business relationships.

How to Explore Business Opportunities in Longview

A company considering Longview can begin with a structured process.

1. Define the project. Document the required facility, workforce, utilities, investment, transportation, and timeline.
2. Research the market. Review regional customers, competitors, wages, demographics, suppliers, and industry activity.
3. Contact local business organizations. Connect with LEDCO, the Longview Chamber, the SBDC, and Workforce Solutions East Texas.
4. Identify possible sites. Compare existing buildings, commercial areas, industrial parks, airport property, and undeveloped land.
5. Visit the area. Evaluate transportation, neighborhoods, business districts, available properties, and commute patterns in person.
6. Complete financial due diligence. Compare taxes, utilities, labor, real estate, insurance, construction, and financing.
7. Review incentives last. Determine whether potential assistance improves an already viable project.
8. Build local relationships. Meet potential vendors, lenders, professional advisors, employers, educators, and community leaders.

The Longview Chamber of Commerce can help connect decision-makers with resources and relationships throughout the region. Companies evaluating industrial property, relocation, or major expansion can also contact the Longview Economic Development Corporation, while entrepreneurs and small businesses can request advising through the UT Tyler Longview SBDC. (Longview Chamber)

Doing business in East Texas is not simply about finding a less expensive address. The larger opportunity is finding a location where market access, workforce, infrastructure, operating costs, and community support work together.

For companies whose needs align with the region’s strengths, Longview can provide room to start, operate, expand, and build lasting business relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of doing business in East Texas?

Potential benefits include access to Interstate 20 and regional markets, an established industrial and service economy, workforce-development resources, available commercial and industrial sites, the Texas tax structure, and assistance from local business organizations. The value of each benefit depends on the company’s industry, customers, workforce, and facility requirements.

Is East Texas a good place to start a small business?

East Texas can be a good location for a small business that serves regional customers or supports established employers and industries. Entrepreneurs in the Longview area can use the Longview Chamber’s Business Solutions resources and receive no-cost advising from the UT Tyler Longview SBDC. Owners should still validate demand, competition, startup costs, and financial projections before opening. (Longview Chamber)

What industries are established in Longview?

Longview has established activity in advanced manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, petrochemicals and plastics, food processing, healthcare, construction, retail, education, transportation, and professional services. The area is also pursuing additional opportunities in sectors such as aviation, semiconductors, and data centers. (Longview USA)

Does Texas have a corporate income tax?

Texas does not impose a conventional state corporate income tax. However, many companies formed or doing business in Texas may be subject to the state franchise tax. Businesses may also owe sales and use taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, federal taxes, and other fees. Owners should consult a qualified tax professional and review current requirements through the Texas Comptroller. (Texas.gov)

Are business incentives available in Longview?

Potential incentives may be available for qualifying projects and can include tax abatements, utility reductions, workforce training, site development, or other performance-based assistance. Programs are considered individually and may depend on investment, jobs, wages, location, and competition with other sites. Businesses should contact LEDCO before assuming that a project qualifies. (Longview USA)

How can East Texas businesses find employees?

Employers can contact Workforce Solutions East Texas for recruitment assistance, job postings, candidate screening, hiring events, labor-market information, and possible training resources. Businesses can also build relationships with regional colleges, technical schools, and universities. (East Texas Workforce)

Is Longview a good location for distribution?

Longview’s position along Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 80 can provide access to Dallas-Fort Worth, Shreveport, and other regional markets. The area also offers business parks, rail connections, and proximity to the East Texas Regional Airport. A distributor should still evaluate carrier availability, delivery routes, fuel costs, warehouse requirements, and customer locations. (Longview USA)

Is the cost of living lower in Longview?

LEDCO reports that Longview’s overall cost of living is more than 15% below the national average and identifies housing affordability as a regional advantage. Actual expenses vary by household, neighborhood, housing choice, insurance, and transportation needs, so employers and relocating employees should compare current costs directly. (Longview USA)

What business support is available in Longview?

Businesses can receive support from the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview Economic Development Corporation, UT Tyler Longview SBDC, Workforce Solutions East Texas, the City of Longview, and regional education partners. Available assistance may include planning, site selection, workforce recruitment, training, funding preparation, networking, marketing, and advocacy. (Longview Chamber)

Who should a company contact when considering Longview?

Companies evaluating industrial property, relocation, or a major expansion can begin with the Longview Economic Development Corporation. Entrepreneurs and small businesses can contact the UT Tyler Longview SBDC, while the Longview Chamber can help businesses connect with local resources, programs, vendors, and decision-makers. (Longview USA)