Ever wonder about the people that make our great community go round? Today we’re starting a new series on our blog, spotlighting local movers and shakers that help grow our vibrant Kerrville community. First up: KEDC’s very own Katie Milton Jordan!
Katie Milton Jordan, MBA, serves as the Director of Business Development, Entrepreneurship, & Talent at the Kerr Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, she is a Texas Venture Committee Member and hosts the Texas Venture Crawl in Kerrville. In her role, she plays a pivotal part in fostering entrepreneurship, business growth, and talent development in the Kerrville region.
How She Started
Katie’s passion for entrepreneurship was ignited when she purchased her first business in 2010, leading her to become self-employed. Her career has been marked by diverse experiences in various parts of the world. She spent 12 years working remotely in three foreign countries, providing her with unique insights into the possibilities that exist in the world of remote work. In recent years, she has dedicated herself to educational pursuits, earning essential industry credentials and achieving her Master’s in Business Administration, a long-held personal goal.
How It’s Going
One of Katie’s current initiatives is the ongoing growth of Kerrville’s Texas Venture Crawl, which has garnered considerable attention from the investor and startup communities. When asked about the opportunities in Kerrville, she highlighted its potential for aviation and aerospace startups, given the significant developments at KERV. Furthermore, she emphasized the allure of Kerrville for cloud-based startups seeking a more rural atmosphere, with affordable land compared to major Texas cities while remaining in proximity to San Antonio and Austin. Katie also underlined the valuable support from the local business mentor community.
Kerr Economic Development Corporation recently received the International Economic Development Corporation’s Gold Award in the Innovative Strategy Category. The award recognized their approach to addressing childcare challenges in the community. Katie believes the community was awarded the Gold for their swift implementation and the involvement of key stakeholders.
How to Get Involved
For entrepreneurs seeking to engage with Kerrville’s business community, there are various resources available. The Kerredc.com website provides curated resources, and the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce is a valuable networking hub. Leadership Kerr County, also offered through the Chamber, is recommended for newcomers. Additionally, Kerrville offers numerous volunteer opportunities, service organizations, and special interest groups that cater to business owners, including Rotary, First Friday Wine Share, and The Women Who Run the Hill Country.
How to Move Forward
Looking ahead, Katie envisions a bright future for Kerr County, with Kerrville playing a pivotal role. She anticipates a growing interest from urbanites seeking a high-quality rural lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or amenities. She also pointed out the ongoing improvements to the I-10 corridor, which will further enhance the region’s appeal. Kerrville, with its innovative spirit and thriving business community, is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.
*Thanks, Katie, for all of your thoughts! This article was repurposed in its entirety from an article previously published by the Texas Venture Alliance. To read that article, please click this link.
