The Allen Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a 4A Nonprofit Corporation that works to recruit businesses and jobs to Allen, Texas, a growing high-tech community located just 10 minutes north of Dallas.  The AEDC uses creative marketing and competitive incentives to promote Allen to the business community and build on Allen’s already stellar reputation.  With a multi-million dollar budget and access to a variety of tax, training, and infrastructure incentives, the AEDC is a one-stop-shop for major corporate relocations.

In January 1992, the citizens of Allen passed a citywide half-cent sales tax in support of an economic development corporation.  Since its inception, the AEDC has been charged with facilitating expansions and relocations of new and existing businesses that in turn will bring additional tax revenue, local spending and job opportunities to the community. Since 1992, the AEDC has recruited many new businesses and industries to Allen, adding over $856 million to the tax rolls.

The AEDC Board of Directors, appointed by the City Council, oversees the corporation’s operations. Current members of the Board are Tim Wood, President; Maxine Sweet, Vice-President; Carl Clemencich, Secretary/Treasurer; Gary Caplinger, Director; and Susan Bartlemay, Director.  These individuals represent a diverse spectrum of interests and expertise and provide solid leadership for Allen’s economic development efforts.  A professional economic development staff handles the day-to-day business of the corporation.

The AEDC was instrumental in developing 92 acres along US 75 into Millennium Technology Park.  This first-class park is home to a number of nationally known companies including Finisar, Xtera, Photronics, ICBS, and WatchGuard.  The AEDC also partners with real estate professionals to promote and develop other quality business parks, fill existing commercial space, and plan for future development along Allen’s major corridors.  This positive energy has translated into the success of Enterprise Business Park with major companies including DEY Laboratories, Celerity, Experian, Jack Henry & Associates, Micron, and Sanmina-SCI.

The AEDC provided infrastructure assistance to kick off Allen Station Business Park, developed by Trammell Crow Company adjacent to the Allen Historic Dam site.  The park is home to Premiere Election Solutions, J. Suzette & Company, Nextel, Specialized Resources, State Farm Insurance Regional Claims Office, and Andrews Distribution.

Allen’s business parks are designed with the infrastructure necessary to attract high-tech, pharmaceutical and telecommunications companies, including dual-feed electric power from separate substations and fiber optics.

The AEDC is currently marketing Allen Central Park (owned by the AEDC) with frontage on US 75.  The 55 acre park features a fiber optic sonet ring, dual-feed electric power from separate substations and other amenities.  Two data centers currently occupy 230,000 square feet of high-finish office/tech space in the park, with the remaining 30 acres designated for Class “A”, mid-rise office space.  Duke Realty constructed a 5-story, 150,000 square foot Class “A” office building in the park where the AEDC offices are currently located.  Other park amenities include extensive landscaping and monument features.