Martinez moves in as Tyler economic development leader

TYLER — Thursday is the first day on the job for Scott Martinez, the new leader of the Tyler Economic Development Council and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. During an interview to be heard Sunday on KTBB’s “In Focus,” Martinez pointed to the Tyler area’s double-digit growth over the last decade as a key reason for his move from northern Louisiana. He also mentioned the local educational systems, not least the prospect of a new medical school in Tyler. Martinez succeeds Tom Mullins, who has stepped down after 31 years of leadership in local economic development. Martinez says Mullins has done a great job, so not much will change.

For his part, Mullins has started a new consulting group, T.G. Mullins Consulting, L.L.C. His first project will be helping Martinez get familiar with Tyler and Smith County. After that, he’ll be involved in some regional work with UT Health East Texas, including efforts to bring in the new medical school. You can go to http://www.tedc.org or http://www.tgmullins.com for more information.