Oct 10, 2023
On this week's "Austin Tech Connect Podcast" we focus on
economic development in an in depth conversation with Gary
Farmer. Gary has been the chair of Opportunity Austin for
many years, and served as the interim CEO for the past several
months.
Since the early 2000s, Opportunity Austin has been focused on
helping Austin grow, attract business, grow the workforce,
etc...
In this interview Gary talks about how Austin has changed
since his early days in business in the 1980s, and how we need to
continue to plan for the future and plant the seeds for growth. He
also talks about how the time is coming (again) for the seasoned
leaders to pass the baton to the next generation of civic minded
entrepreneurs.
If you are not familiar with Opportunity Austin and the
efforts this group has made over the past 20 years, be sure to
listen to all of this interview.
About Gary Farmer
Gary S. Farmer is President of Heritage Title Company of
Austin, Inc., a commercially oriented title insurance agency
operating throughout the major markets of Texas. He has been in the
title insurance business since 1985. During Gary’s tenure, Heritage
has been recognized for its excellence in the commercial title
insurance arena as it has grown to be among the largest
independently owned title agencies in Texas.
Gary is involved in a variety of civic and charitable endeavors.
Currently, Gary serves as Chairman of the Greater Austin Economic
Development Corporation, Opportunity Austin 4.0 Campaign and
Co-Chair of the Waller Creek Conservancy Capital Campaign.
Additionally, Gary serves as a Board Member of the following
organizations: The University of Texas Chancellor’s Council, The
University of Texas Development Board, the President’s Council of
The Real Estate Council of Austin, the National Multi Housing
Council, The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and The Greater
Austin Crime Commission.
Gary founded the Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation in
2003 and has served as its Chairman for thirteen (13) years. Gary
is the Past Chair of Opportunity Austin (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0), Past
Chair of Advantage Austin III, Co-Founder and Past Chair of The
Real Estate Council of Austin, Past Chair of Capital Area
Transportation Coalition, Past Chair of Take on Traffic Initiative,
Past Chair of Caritas Community Advisory Board (two terms) and has
served as a Board Member on numerous other civic and charitable
boards. He has chaired/co-chaired eight (8) Capital Campaigns which
have raised approximately $145,000,000 for community endeavors.
Additionally, Gary has served on three (3) Mayoral Task Forces
dealing with the economy, the environment and healthcare.
Gary and his wife, Susan, are graduates of The University of Texas,
the proud parents of three daughters and members of Tarrytown
United Methodist Church.
What does opportunity Austin do?
Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for
projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of
all aspects of the site selection process.
They work to boost economic diversification to proactively
strengthen the economy, deepen the talent pool through development
and attraction, and helping to keep the Austin region attractive to
entrepreneurs, business leaders, and site selectors.
Opportunity Austin targets key industries for future economic
development, including advanced manufacturing, automotive,
semiconductors, creative and digital media, clean technology,
financial services, life sciences, data management, space
technology, and corporate headquarters and regional
offices.