What would you tell potential investors are the advantages of working in our region?
The people in this region make it special. We are strong, self-reliant, loyal and hardworking. We are also humble and accepting of others — this region is a true melting pot combining people of different race, creed and color into a single people. Another great attribute of our region is our climate. We have no natural disasters and close to 300 days of sunshine each year — meaning we have minimal nature-driven work disruptions.
What is the nature of the corporate business Kemp Smith does in the region?
The nature of corporate business in the region is similar to other regions except that the scale is often smaller, and there is the complexity of the intersection of Texas, New Mexico and Mexican laws. Otherwise, the work centers around labor and employment issues, corporate governance work, buying and selling assets, tax planning, succession planning, litigation and government regulation work.
What is it like to do business in the region?
While our region is large — with approximately 2.5 million people — we are a small business community. We cross paths frequently in business, social and community events, and children’s activities. This fosters close relationships and mutual respect. In addition, we have many opportunities for service. We live in a region where there is great need and scarcity of resources. This gives young people many opportunities to get involved, serve and learn leadership skills.
“While our region is large — with approximately 2.5 million people — we are a small business community. This fosters close relationships and mutual respect.”
What kind of exciting changes have you seen in our region in the last few years?
The most exciting change has been the recent focus on quality-of-life initiatives. Those initiatives include improving our highways, the new children’s museum in Juárez, the building of Southwest University Ballpark, the remodeling of the Plaza Theatre and San Jacinto Plaza, and the addition of new entertainment options, including Topgolf, iFLY, new theaters, natatoriums and restaurants, just to name a few. In addition, it is exciting to see the remodeling of El Paso downtown hotels, the building of the WestStar Tower and the construction on the UTEP and EPCC campuses. These projects, as well as others in the works, can be important as businesses consider moving to or opening facilities in our region.
What do you think you get in this region that you don't anywhere else?
You get a multicultural workforce — many of whom are bilingual — that is ready and willing to work.
What advice would you give to a company that is considering investing or relocating to our area?
Work with reputable local advisers who understand the local rules and procedures and can connect you with the right people. This will facilitate investing and relocating to the region. Once here, get engaged. Get plugged into service opportunities. Get to know the people, the mountains and the culture.
—Gene Wolf
Managing Partner