BY JACQUELYN BURRER
What it means
Looking ahead
McDonald said Plano ISD’s new Career and Technical Education Center, opening in 2026, will strengthen the city’s nancial workforce pipeline. PISD CTE Director Karen Buechman said the students will operate a fully functioning bank through the Credit Union of Texas, supplemented by partnerships with companies to integrate real- world experience. The center will also feature 17 other workforce development programs, including several in tech. McDonald said Plano is home to more than 140 nancial services companies, employing just over
50,000 people. The TXSE’s launch, he said, could bring new institutions. Kelle Marsalis, Plano Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said having a local stock exchange will also open doors for business already in Plano. “From a business perspective, what’s good for Dallas is good for Plano,” Marsalis said. “Our region has always been a really great hub for those nancial services and professional services industries, and so I think this will be a shot in the arm for them too.”
McDonald said while Dallas will be the region’s central inancial hub, Plano will serve as a “supporting system.” Marsalis said Plano-based businesses “on the precipice of growth” could also see increased access to investors as the exchange brings “some of that capital market and some of those investors along with it.” “[Plano has] some large employers, but [we] also have a really big group of middle-market and small-business institutions,” Marsalis said. “Anything that can keep the job market strong … means more higher paying wage jobs.” The stock exchange’s launch will also draw supporting infrastructure to North Texas, such as data centers, Verghese said.
Plano’s corporate landscape
“Plano is a household name in the corporate world. … [We’re] going to start seeing nancial institutions from across the world that want to be here.” DOUG MCDONALD, FORMER PLANO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
140+ nancial services rms 50,000+ nancial services jobs 18,000+ businesses
SOURCES: CITY OF PLANO, PLANO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth‑grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Independence (PS–G3) (469) 642-2000 10145 Independence Parkway, Plano Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077 6700 Communications Parkway, Plano Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
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PLANO SOUTH EDITION
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