Collaborative efforts between the County of El Paso and the City of El Paso continue to promote the regional business climate and economic development. During the FY19 budget hearings, $50,000 was approved and allocated for the County to participate in the South by Southwest Trade Show from March 10 through March 13, 2019. The proposal includes booth space, event passes (4 for the County), tradeshow logistics, set-up coordination, and travel for Destination El Paso Staff who will also staff the event. The County’s portion is $50,000 plus the cost of travel for the 4 County participants.

Attending the SXSW trade show will highlight the region’s geographic location, maximize networking efforts for local businesses, contribute to link and bring together various resources as an opportunity to market the community as a whole and achieve multiple economic development objectives including:

• Improvement of the community’s image locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses
• Attraction and retention of residents and tourists
• Promotion of incentives and programs

The contract was review by County Attorney (Contract No. 2019-0057)

Funding is available in the amount of $50,000 from the following account:

SR-TOURPROM OPS EXPENSES-GEN

COSR-6014-0000000-431-70-70000-0001-00000-600309-

February 13, 2017 Item #9: The Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of El Paso to attend and participate in South by Southwest Tradeshow on March 2017 (2017-0087).

January 8, 2018 Item #11:  The Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement with the City of El Paso to attend and participate in South by Southwest Tradeshow on March 2018. (2017-0891).