Community leaders said it marks the beginning of more projects they hope will boost the local economy and bring new life to the small town.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — This City of Mathis kicked off a new chapter with the ribbon cutting of its new Tractor Supply Company store, the latest addition to their growing city.
This is one of the first major developments to arrive in the area. Community leaders said it marks the beginning of more projects they hope will boost the local economy and bring new life to the small town.
Residents have been waiting years for this, including Sabas Encinia Jr. He grew up in Mathis and now oversees the city’s economic development.
“It’s just the beginning of something – much better,” Encina said. “Development doesn’t happen overnight, but with hard work and persistence – and that’s what Mathis is – we have a lot of persistence and we push forward until it happens.”
Encinia said that three years ago, city leaders set their priorities: retail, food, and housing. Saturday’s opening is a major step toward that vision, thanks in part to City Manager Cedric Davis Jr.
“This also gives a shot in the arm to the economy of Mathis. A lot of the jobs here are local hires. It’s a boost economically because it’ll put millions into the coffers of the city,” Davis said. “It will be used for infrastructure and other projects coming into the city of Mathis.”
Longtime residents Jackie and Kilo Garcia said they’re thrilled to see new opportunities finally arriving and hope more industry follows for future generations.
“The growth is great. I mean, any community is growing accessible to other things that other big towns have, we’re just a little small town, but it feels good. It feels good to have these things and, and to see it growing,” Garcia said.
In attendance was Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa, who said this new project is a big win for Mathis and will boost the local economy. And he adds this is just the beginning for the small community, which he hopes will keep growing in the years ahead.
“Really puts Mathis on the map, Tractor Supply is a big organization. They serve our rural areas, especially in Senate District 27, so making Mathis their new home is such a big deal, and there’s much more to come. Like I said, Mathis is now on the map. We’re working out the infrastructure issues with the city. We’re in close collaboration with them, and so we’re going to get all that resolved, and that’s just going to even greater enable the city to grow in leaps and bounds,” Hinojosa said.
And Davis said the momentum isn’t slowing down, with even more projects already lined up for next year.
“In February we’ll be breaking ground, which as some of the previous speakers told you, we cannot mention the names now, but I will say this, there are several brand national chains that’ll be coming to Mathis in February,” Davis said. “Currently the city of Mathis and its CDC is working out all the covenants the financial and incentive packages, the tax breaks, and all those things, but right now we’re about 98% go.”
Davis said they’re listening closely to what residents want to see come to the area.
“Just eateries, good quality – I’ll say family-dining, retail. They want a Walmart. Family entertainment. I am looking into it,” Davis said.
Encinia said residents can expect big changes in the years ahead.
“So the housing is coming and everything else will come along with it and when you pass through Mathis you’re gonna stop and you’re gonna shop and you’re gonna eat and you’re gonna enjoy the lake and we welcome everybody to come to Mathis,” Encina said.
The next big development is expected in February. Davis said once everything is finalized, the City of Mathis will announce what project they’ll be breaking ground on next.
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