Tuesday, September 10, 2024
After only a few years as Granbury’s economic development director, Lance LaCour has officially relocated south — trading small-town charm for the vibrant energy of a bigger community.
LaCour, who started his new position last month, is now the director of economic development for Galveston County. In this role, he will lead, manage and coordinate Galveston County's economic development activities such as planning, proposal development, county incentives, marketing, and business retention and expansion.
While LaCour wasn’t in Granbury long, he spearheaded numerous initiatives that enhanced the local economy, from attracting new businesses to promoting tourism and development projects. His strategic approach and commitment to the community have left a lasting impact — not only on residents, but to city officials as well.
During a Granbury City Council meeting June 18, City Manager Chris Coffman expressed his gratitude for LaCour’s contribution, noting his efforts have positioned Granbury for future success.
“I just want to give him (LaCour) praise for all the hard work he's done on the administrative things behind the scenes that have prepared us for the next wave of economic development,” Coffman said. “We just want to thank you, Lance, for all you've done for us.”
Communications Manager Jeff Newpher said the city will continue to benefit from the fruits of LaCour’s labor for years to come.
“Those projects are coming to completion, even after he has left working for the city,” Newpher said. “Economic development, just by its nature, there's a lag to your efforts and the time you see those projects come to fruition.”
A former national racquetball champion and triathlon participant, LaCour first arrived in Granbury in June 2022.
The city hired LaCour after Coffman — with approval from the Granbury City Council — created an economic development department.
Since earlier partnerships involving the city, county, and chamber of commerce ultimately failed, Coffman previously told the Hood County News he felt an economic development department controlled and funded by the city would have greater sustainability.
LaCour was living in Humble and was president and CEO of Partnership Lake Houston, which he previously described as a combination chamber/economic development organization, when he drew the city of Granbury’s attention.
By the time he joined Partnership Lake Houston, LaCour was a seasoned economic development expert. He had spent 15 years with the Katy Area Economic Development Council and before that, he worked in economic development roles in both Alabama and Mississippi.
LaCour is a certified economic developer (CEcD) and holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi, earning awards in the regions where he has worked.
A native of Chalmette, Louisiana, near New Orleans, LaCour has enjoyed hunting, sports and fishing all his life — which might have also been one of the draws for LaCour’s new role in Galveston County.
“As we all know, Lance is checking out and going down south to his natural habitat in Gulf Coast fishing,” Coffman said, chuckling. “We're going to miss you. Glad to know you're still my friend, and maybe we can go fishing someday."
