2026 DCMA Business Journal - FINAL - Journal - Page 29
manufacturers through training, job fairs, workforce
connections, and industry-speci昀椀c events and
conferences. Their robust online presence, through
the chamber’s website, newsletters and targeted
communication, positions Garland as the number
one location for manufacturing in North Texas.
Manufacturers in Garland face complex challenges:
automation and workforce specialization, largescale utilities, international logistics, strict safety
and zoning needs, and supply chain intricacies.
The chamber helps companies navigate all of these
aspects, while also working to elevate the image
of manufacturing among parents, teachers and
students, helping build the next generation of skilled
workers.
A Unique Model of Economic Development
From the beginning, the Garland Economic
Development Partnership set out to de昀椀ne economic
growth not only by recruitment but by long-term
sustainability. The chamber plays a vital role in that
strategy, employing sta昀昀 dedicated speci昀椀cally to
manufacturers and small businesses, and aligning
their goals with measurable results such as increases
in taxable business value and workforce productivity.
Chamber sta昀昀 Paul Mayer and Michele Bennett visit
with Steve Novakovich of Garrett Metal Detectors.
approach. Their shared priority is to stay aligned
with leadership’s vision and continue building strong
relationships that foster innovation and adaptability.
What makes Garland unique is the depth of this
relationship. “We’ve built on this partnership for
more than 35 years,” Mayer notes. “It’s intentional,
it’s measurable, and it’s focused entirely on
improving the business lives of Garland companies.”
“The future of manufacturing in Garland depends on
how we lead the way in making things di昀昀erently,
and better,” says Mayer. “If we do that, investment
will follow.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Investment
As technology, workforce dynamics, and national
economic trends continue to evolve, the chamber
and the city are united in their forward-looking
From addressing infrastructure needs to preparing
for the next wave of industrial technology, Garland’s
partnership model is proof that collaboration is a
powerful engine for prosperity.
“Economic development in Garland has always been more than
recruitment. It’s the sum of every city e昀昀ort, from public safety
and sanitation to planning, zoning and code compliance, that
impacts our business community.”
- Paul Mayer, CEO of the Garland Chamber of Commerce & Founding CEO of the DCMA
DCMA Business Journal Page 29
