Fort Bend County Judge KP George launched a task force to position the county as a major hub for technology companies, according to a recent press release. The task force is being led by Tom Webb, Vice President of Products for HCSS, a software company based in Sugar Land.

Webb said Fort Bend County offers the perfect mix for large and small tech companies and is keen on moving forward quickly. “I’ve had this vision for years and believe that Fort Bend has all the components and more to be a regional technology hub,” Webb said. “I met with Judge George, and he shares the same passion for growing the technology and innovation footprint in Fort Bend County.” George says several factors make Fort Bend attractive to technology companies.

“As one of the most diverse and educated communities in the state situated with a strategic geographic advantage in the Houston area, Fort Bend County is a natural fit for tech and innovation companies,” he said. “I’m launching the Fort Bend County Technology Task Force with Tom Webb at the head to let the world know that Fort Bend is a prime location for tech and innovation companies. Our unparalleled workforce, strategic location, high quality master-planned communities and excellent schools stand out among the region as a top destination for 21st century businesses.”

Webb says a proper workforce is the biggest issue for most software companies. However, Fort Bend has an overabundance of employable technology workers. “Fort Bend has a highly educated workforce with a strong background in IT,” he said. “Plus, we have one of the most diverse workforces in the entire country. That is important for a technology company that wants to go global.”

Having the support of a “flexible and creative” education institution such as the University of Houston also is important. The school’s Sugar Land campus is a Tier One university with a heavy focus on technology. Sixty percent of the school’s undergraduate programs are within the College of Technology and 30 percent of its master’s programs are within the technology college. Webb says he plans to keep the core task force relatively small, although various subcommittees may involve more people.

“I want us to focus on getting things done,” he said. “With that in mind, the task force will probably number eight to 10.” “Our first tasks will be to capitalize on our assets, which also includes being close to oil and gas companies and international shipping channels,” Webb said. “Then we want to aggressively recruit other technology companies. We want quick wins and then put together a long-term vision for Fort Bend. Every tech hub in the world has a specialty, so that’s something we have to consider.”

More information about Fort Bend County, including how the county is “tech ready” can be found at www.fortbendcounty.com.