Williamson County’s Global Reach Expands with South Korea Mission
FOLLOWING A RECENT TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA, WILLIAMSON COUNTY LEADERS ARE STRENGTHENING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS THAT PROMISE TO SHAPE THE REGION’S ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL FUTURE. COUNTY JUDGE STEVE SNELL AND DAVE PORTER, PRESIDENT OF THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, SHARED INSIGHTS FROM THE TRIP AND HOW INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IS CREATING LOCAL OPPORTUNITY.
When a Williamson County delegation traveled to South Korea this fall, the mission went far beyond a photo-op. Led by the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) and County Judge Steve Snell, the group of 34 executives from government, education, and business set out to strengthen long-standing relationships, open new channels of investment, and demonstrate that Central Texas is ready for global partnership.
The trip—Williamson County’s eighth visit to South Korea since April 2023—was part of a growing strategy to position the county as a hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, and research. Nine delegates joined the Austin Asian Chamber’s trade mission but broke off for a focused WilCo itinerary.
“Our first goal was to get Judge Snell face-to-face with Samsung leadership,” explained Dave Porter, WCEDP President. “That relationship is critical to keeping a continuous, uninterruptible flow of information between Samsung and the county.”
The second priority was continuing the sister-city relationship with Yongin City, home to Samsung’s global semiconductor operations. The delegation also met with the city’s mayor, visited local universities alongside representatives from UT Austin, Texas State University, and Austin Community College, and discussed long-term educational and workforce collaboration.
Strengthening Trust Abroad
The timing of the trip was delicate. Just weeks before departure, an ICE raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia resulted in the detention of Korean workers with valid visas.
“That’s not why we went, but it ended up being a lot of the conversation,” Judge Snell said. “When I got there, I realized how important it was for us to come—to learn their culture and values and show them we care about the people behind these companies.”
Snell said Korean executives wanted assurance that their employees would be safe and welcomed in Williamson County.
“They asked about education for their children, quality of life, and community safety. Those things matter deeply to them, and they’re the same things that matter to us.”
Education and Workforce Alignment
Having higher-education partners at the table sent a powerful signal.
“Austin Community College, Texas State, and UT each have significant investments here,” Snell noted. “UT is developing a campus in Taylor, ACC is expanding its semiconductor programs, and Texas State has made a major commitment to workforce training in Williamson County. Those partnerships don’t always make headlines, but they’re essential.”
The judge emphasized that economic development isn’t just about attracting corporations.
“It’s about making sure the people who live here are ready to thrive. When Koreans or anyone else relocate here, we want them—and their kids—to have access to great schools, safe neighborhoods, and opportunity.”
A Moment of Global Momentum
The trip also coincided with broader trade developments. Shortly after the delegation returned, President Donald Trump finalized a U.S.–Korea trade agreement lowering certain tariffs from 25 to 15 percent.
“That’s huge,” said Porter. “It gave everyone clarity on the rules of engagement. For Korean companies considering expansion here, that stability matters.”
Snell added that Trump’s visit “helped reinforce confidence” at a time when Korean leaders were still uneasy after the Hyundai incident.
“Everyone we met with had their eyes on that presidential trip,” he said. “They were hopeful—and frankly, relieved—to see the United States reaffirming its partnership with South Korea.”
Beyond Semiconductors
While Samsung remains the anchor, Porter and Snell both highlighted new opportunities in automotive, pharmaceutical, aerospace, energy, and defense sectors. Williamson County’s newly approved spaceport designation adds another dimension to its economic identity.
“There’s a lot of interest internationally in the aerospace industry,” Judge Snell said. “Firefly Aerospace has already established a strong presence here, and other companies are now looking at Williamson County as part of that ecosystem.”
Porter added, “Korea is on the leading edge of several of these technologies. Our job is to make sure they know Texas—and Williamson County—are the best places in America to invest.”
Responsible Growth at Home
Even as global attention intensifies, the judge is determined to maintain balance between industry and identity.
“We’re proud of our high-tech growth, but we also have agriculture, open land, and families who’ve been here for generations,” he said. “We’re big enough to have it all—and we want to grow responsibly.”
That means careful infrastructure planning—roads, water, wastewater, and energy—to support both new manufacturers and everyday residents.
“Traditionally counties are in the road business,” Snell noted, “but as we grow, water and energy are just as important. Growth is coming whether we want it or not; our job is to make sure it’s sustainable.”
He also pointed to the need for accountability when offering incentives.
“Anytime there’s an incentive, there are strings attached. We expect the jobs to be real and the factories operational. We hold ourselves and our partners accountable.”
Global Investment, Local Impact
For Judge Snell, the benefits of international partnership extend far beyond corporate contracts.
“When Korean companies come here, they create jobs for Americans. Their goal isn’t to move an entire workforce—it’s to train local people, share knowledge, and build something sustainable,” he said. “That’s true partnership.”
And while global headlines focus on billion-dollar facilities, Snell stressed that small businesses remain the backbone of the local economy.
“Every new family, every new company means more customers for our mom-and-pop shops, more diners in our restaurants, more demand for local services. We want small business to thrive right alongside the big names.”
Looking Ahead
Porter said the WCEDP is now finalizing a five-year strategic plan to identify the next regions and industries to pursue, with Taiwan already emerging as a key partner.
“Williamson County has evolved from a fast-growing Texas county into an internationally recognized destination for innovation,” he said. “What started with one big project has become a global network.”
Judge Snell agrees.
“People want to be here,” he said. “Our job is to make sure growth benefits everyone—from the companies investing to the families building their lives here. Williamson County is open for business, but it’s also open for community—and that’s what makes us strong.”
Click here for the article source. Wilco B2B – 2025 | ISSUE 2
