This podcast is a visit with the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.

The Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) just finished visiting with high level executives of more than 50 local companies about the impact of the pandemic.

BVEDC president Matt Prochaska says half of the companies experienced increased revenue last year and 42 percent maintained revenue last year compared to 2019. And 92 percent plan to add employees by May of next year.

Prochaska also says 90 percent of those surveyed also had a favorable view of the support they receive from the two cities, the county, and Texas A&M.

Companies in the professional services industry made up 35 percent of the survey. Banking companies made up 14 percent. Real estate made up 10 percent, and the construction and contractor sectors made up 10 percent.

The companies that were surveyed employed fewer than ten to more than 500 employees. A little more than half employed between five and 45 people.

And Prochaska says the pandemic has not slowed down the interest by prospective companies to consider a move to the Brazos Valley.