Dallas is fast becoming an economic hotspot, with recent activities signaling a surge in international trade and media production endeavors. On May 6, the city welcomed the launch of the Tanzanian American Chamber of Commerce (TACC) at the Dallas International District's Prism Center. Mayor Eric Johnson led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling a new initiative designed to bolster trade and tourism between Tanzania and the United States, according to the City of Dallas.
This pivot towards international commerce is seen as a strategic move to solidify Dallas' status on the global stage. The TACC is the third such establishment in the last two years, ushering in a wave of potential for cultural exchanges and direct foreign investment in the region. The investment is not just in economic terms but also cultural, promising to enrich the local and national communities alike.
Maintaining the momentum, the City Council played its part in pushing Dallas to the forefront of the media industry. On May 22, they granted the city the title of Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ), eyeing to scoop up more media production companies, leveraging a juicy sales tax incentive. South Side Studios Dallas, LLC was nominated as the first media production site within this zone, which is in the throes of transforming a warehouse into a film-making wonderland complete with an LED virtual production stage.
Following blessing from the Texas Film Commission and the Texas Comptroller’s Office, South Side Studios can expect a two-year tax holiday on sales and use taxes. That’s a major win for Dallas, gunning to keep its rep as a hotspot for films, TV shows, and all things digital media. Meanwhile, Dallas's own El Rio Grande Latin Market proudly nabbed a world record for the largest fruit display with an avocado spectacle weighing in at a whopping 86,764 pounds, per the same source.
Businesses eager to tap into these fertile grounds aren't left wandering in the dark, as the Office of Economic Development is opening its doors for inquiries every third Thursday of the month. For those with a calendar handy, the next session will be held on JUNE 20 at 3 p.m. This is where interested parties can snag details on the best incentive programs for their projects. For more on the Dallas economic scene, folks are invited to follow their Twitter feed.
