Former Lone Star College Administrator To Lead Willis EDC

WILLIS, TX — The Willis Economic Development Corporation has hired Ray Laughter as director of the organization.

Laughter, who served as vice chancellor of External Affairs for the Lone Star College System in The Woodlands until his retirement in 2016, brings more than 30 years experience to the city of Willis.

“Ray's experience with Lone Star College gives him a vast knowledge of the needs of our area. His highlights have always been on economic development through the efforts of the small business development council,” said Billy Click, chairman of the board.

As Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at LSCS, Laughter was responsible for marketing and communications, community relations, government affairs, office of public records, and community and economic development partnerships and programs.

These economic development programs are unique for a higher education institution and include the coordination of the regional North Houston Economic Development Alliance, the Center for Business and Economic Development, the Small Business Development Center, and the Community Development Institute.

“My interest came from the fact that even though Willis has been one of the fastest growing regions in the area, the projected growth of new developments are going to accelerate that growth,” he said. “As a long time resident of the North Houston region, it's something I felt like I'd like to be a part of-managing that growth.”

With a number of residential developments in the works, including The Woodlands Hills, a project of the Howard Hughes Corporation expected to produce 4,500 new residences, some of which will be located in the City of Willis, and many new businesses in the Willis community, Laughter is excited to offer his expertise to the preparation of the city for such significant growth.

“Even though growth is going to come on it's own to the city, I would like to make sure we are positioned correctly in managing that growth to where it serves the city and it's residents the best that it can. My vision is to make a city that's well positioned to deal with that growth,” he said.

The mission of the Willis Economic Development Corporation is to empower the local Willis economy through the expansion and retention of the business community, with infrastructure assistance, and to promote business opportunities in the market area and enhance the quality of life.

The board meets every other month, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Their next meeting will be held Jan. 23. For more information, contact Ray Laughter at 936-856-4611.

Image: City of Willis

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