FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Let’s talk about the gravity of Williamson County. While always a bustling center of business energy, our county continues to pull new companies, innovations, and opportunity from every corner of Texas and the nation. In this issue, with our unique outlook and unrivaled access to local leadership and influencers, we are pleased to share diverse insights into the ever-evolving regional business landscape.

Our cover story features Savvy Development, a world-class startup that has roots—and names that are familiar—in many sectors of the business community statewide. This special section includes the impressive details of a promising and experience-laden partnership that dares to be different by aligning the company’s values directly with the communities they serve. We look forward to the positive disruption to come as they continue to break new ground—literally and figuratively.

We explore the evolving relationship between technology and artisanship in manufacturing. Staccato 2011 firearms in Florence is skillfully embracing old world skills with cutting edge equipment to improve their products while putting their production goals alongside the needs of their customers. With a focus on precision, safety, and innovation, CEO Nate Horvath is setting new standards in industry.

We also pay tribute to Claude Hays, a treasured Georgetown businessman who left an indelible legacy of growth and goodness. With help from his son, David, we celebrate the life and achievements of a man who loved his Creator, his family, and his community with equal fervor and talent.

Our regular contributors continue to provide valuable strategic input, including perspective from Williamson County's Economic Development Partnership Director Dave Porter on Central Texas' new industrial revolution; as well as a timely primer on artificial intelligence tools, which are quickly becoming integral to businesses’ customer service strategies and virtual assistance, and the transformation potential they hold for businesses of all sizes.

We are already working on the next issue of the Wilco Business Review and, like the business we rely on to live, work, and play in Williamson County, we are confident this relevant and actionable content and analysis will continue to draw readers across the business spectrum as well.

Michael Payne

Catherine Payne