Boosting Economic Diversification in Austin with Gary Farmer

On this week's "Austin Tech Connect Podcast" we focus on economic development in an in depth conversation with Gary Farmer.  Gary has been the chair of Opportunity Austin for many years, and served as the interim CEO for the past several months.  

  Since the early 2000s, Opportunity Austin has been focused on helping Austin grow, attract business, grow the workforce, etc...     In this interview Gary talks about how Austin has changed since his early days in business in the 1980s, and how we need to continue to plan for the future and plant the seeds for growth. He also talks about how the time is coming (again) for the seasoned leaders to pass the baton to the next generation of civic minded entrepreneurs.   If you are not familiar with Opportunity Austin and the efforts this group has made over the past 20 years, be sure to listen to all of this interview.     About Gary Farmer   Gary S. Farmer is President of Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc., a commercially oriented title insurance agency operating throughout the major markets of Texas. He has been in the title insurance business since 1985. During Gary’s tenure, Heritage has been recognized for its excellence in the commercial title insurance arena as it has grown to be among the largest independently owned title agencies in Texas. Gary is involved in a variety of civic and charitable endeavors. Currently, Gary serves as Chairman of the Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation, Opportunity Austin 4.0 Campaign and Co-Chair of the Waller Creek Conservancy Capital Campaign. Additionally, Gary serves as a Board Member of the following organizations: The University of Texas Chancellor’s Council, The University of Texas Development Board, the President’s Council of The Real Estate Council of Austin, the National Multi Housing Council, The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Austin Crime Commission. Gary founded the Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation in 2003 and has served as its Chairman for thirteen (13) years. Gary is the Past Chair of Opportunity Austin (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0), Past Chair of Advantage Austin III, Co-Founder and Past Chair of The Real Estate Council of Austin, Past Chair of Capital Area Transportation Coalition, Past Chair of Take on Traffic Initiative, Past Chair of Caritas Community Advisory Board (two terms) and has served as a Board Member on numerous other civic and charitable boards. He has chaired/co-chaired eight (8) Capital Campaigns which have raised approximately $145,000,000 for community endeavors. Additionally, Gary has served on three (3) Mayoral Task Forces dealing with the economy, the environment and healthcare. Gary and his wife, Susan, are graduates of The University of Texas, the proud parents of three daughters and members of Tarrytown United Methodist Church.    

What does opportunity Austin do?

  Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process. They work to boost economic diversification to proactively strengthen the economy, deepen the talent pool through development and attraction, and helping to keep the Austin region attractive to entrepreneurs, business leaders, and site selectors. Opportunity Austin targets key industries for future economic development, including advanced manufacturing, automotive, semiconductors, creative and digital media, clean technology, financial services, life sciences, data management, space technology, and corporate headquarters and regional offices.