The latest episode of the City’s Town Talk podcast features Economic Development Director Danielle Williams and her newest staff member, Business Retention and Expansion Manager Chris Conner, sharing insights about why a strong business community is good for Victoria and how the City is improving its support for business owners.

In his new role, Conner will help to improve the City’s support for businesses of all sizes, including better coordination with local economic partners. He will also help to connect new or expanding businesses with services that the City provides.

“My last job dealt with specifically economic development … going out and talking to businesses, trying to gather information and asking them what they need,” Conner said.

Williams also provided updates about new businesses that are coming to Victoria, including a few locally owned franchises.

“When I go to conferences and things and we’re talking to all these retailers … it’s harder to get those franchisees to want to expand so far away from Houston, Austin, San Antonio and so forth,” Williams said. “So to see these local, homegrown franchise owners is super huge and is really great for our community.”

Residents who are interested in becoming franchise owners can reach out to Williams at dwilliams@victoriatx.gov to be connected with franchises that are seeking to expand to Victoria.

Residents can be part of the conversation around community prosperity by attending the Growing Victoria Summit on March 12, which will feature insights from local leaders and invited experts. Residents can register through March 6 at www.growingvictoriatx.com.

To learn more, watch or listen to the latest episode of Town Talk on YouTube at Victoria Texas Videos or on Spotify at Town Talk (City of Victoria).