‘Now they know about Abilene’: DCOA president returns from economic development mission in Asia

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC )- Development Corporation of Abilene CEO & President Misty Mayo recently returned to the States. Mayo is one of 28 delegates chosen to join Texas Governor Greg Abbott on a three-country economic development mission in Asia. While on the trip, she was able to make professional connections with hundreds of potential business partners in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Mayo said it was a rigorous schedule but a mission she feels honored to represent Abilene on. KTAB/KRBC sat down with her to discuss the findings of her trip and what benefit they will bring to the Key City industry.

“There are vast opportunities for Texas, which translates to vast opportunities for Abilene… Each country had hundreds of business leaders that we had the opportunity to meet with,” Mayo told KTAB/KRBC.

The delegation attended several high-profile meetings, demonstrations with companies such as Samsung and Toyota , and a few cultural performances. The Governor announced his administration’s plans to open a State of Texas office in Taipei Taiwan.

While Abilene may have been one of the smaller cities represented, the connections Mayo was able to make while there were anything but small. Mayo said she attributes the Governor’s choice to include the DCOA as a delegate to her team’s proven ability to grow business and perform on a professional level.

In addition to the Governor’s schedule, Mayo was able to meet with companies identified by the DCOA team as having existing ties to Abilene. She says those encounters are already proving fruitful for Abilene’s international business relations.

“We actually have an active prospect right now with one of those companies,” Mayo said, though she was unable to provide the names of the companies involved as the prospect is still in discussions.

In all, Mayo said the trip was highly productive. Our international partners are able to better understand the benefits of Texas commerce, and those same partners are made aware of all the Abilene industry has to offer.

“They heard that it mattered for us to meet with them on their home turf. That type of message goes a very long way in building relationships and trust. And for building the brand that Abilene is the place for them to grow and prosper,” said Mayo.

International eyes are now turning to Key City soil as a potential place to expand, whether through trade, development, or economic support.

“They know about Texas and the vast opportunities in our state. Now they know about Abilene and the vast opportunities in our town,” Mayo said.

Mayo mentioned that manufacturing, a thriving industry in Abilene, more specifically that of Technology, is one of the most promising fields she sees as an area of promise between these countries and Abilene. The state and our city are becoming ever more integral to global relations as the Governor announced this year that Semiconductor manufacturing will be a key goal pursued by the state moving ahead.

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