Executive Spotlight with Holly Reed of AT&T Texas

In the recently released 2009 FORTUNE 500 list, North Texas holds on strong with 25 FORTUNE companies based in the region. In addition to a few new additions to the list, AT&T now serves as the second-highest ranking FORTUNE 500 company based in North Texas after announcing its relocation in June 2008.

Q: What factors contributed to AT&T’s decision to relocate to North Texas?

A: Several factors contributed to our relocation. Most important were our access to direct flights, proximity to our vendors and large customers and the region’s talent pool.

Q: What are some of the business benefits of doing business here?

A: Because we are located in the central time zone and the middle of the country, we can work well at the national and international level. When you combine this with direct flights, that has a positive impact on our ability to do business efficiently.

Q: What benefits have you seen for your employees that have relocated to the area?

A: During our transition we made information available to employees about the region. In addition to this information, employees already here provided input and answered questions of relocating employees. It allowed them to make the best decision for each of their personal situations.

Q: Do you think having two FORTUNE top 10 companies based in North Texas will make the region attractive to other companies considering a relocation or expansion?

A: Ease of doing business and a positive business and tax climate are the most important factors for a region to be competitive.

Q: How does regional collaboration and organizations such as the North Texas Commission aid in a company’s decision to relocate to the area?

A: The NTC is the only public private partnership in the region. It is important that there be good positive communication and coordination in a region this large to maintain a positive business environment.

Q: What would you say to a company considering an expansion or relocation to the region?

A: They will find that this region and the people who live and work here are very welcoming to business relocations.

Sounding Board

“Fluor relocated its corporate headquarters from Southern California to Las Colinas in 2006. In making the move, we have been able to hire an outstanding workforce from within the Metroplex to replace those employees who chose to remain in California. The quality of our headquarters staff has never been better. Additionally, we have been able to take maximum advantage of the international travel afforded by the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport. This has enhanced business travel and overall efficiency.” Glenn Gilkey, SR VP Human Resources & Administration, Fluor

Glenn Gilkey, Fluor

“Just like the real estate motto location, location, location … moving our corporate headquarters to Dallas, Texas has allowed our executives to be at the center of the action; to more easily access and engage key national and international decision makers on a day to day basis – such as bankers, commercial brokers, contractors, and political leaders. With Dallas/Fort Worth being the 3rd largest industrial market in the U.S. and the home to so many Fortune 500 headquarters, we feel that Dallas is the most strategic location for our business!” Daniel J. McAuliffe, President of The Allen Group’s Texas Division and Developers of the Dallas Logistics Hub, one of the largest multimodal logistics parks in North America

Daniel J. McAuliffe, The Allen Group