Since its inception in 1989, the TEDC has consistently and aggressively promoted business growth through a highly effective, four-point strategy: Retention and Expansion of Existing Businesses New and Small Business Development Targeted Marketing and Attraction of New Business Incentives and InfrastructureThe TEDC's focus is on primary employers; that is, companies that sell a majority of their products and services to markets outside our regional economy, thereby funneling those new dollars into our local economy. A two to three times economic growth factor is realized by Smith County retail and service sectors as a result of primary business expansion and the inbound revenue it generates.