Business

The Eagle Ford Shale project is expected to be the world’s largest natural gas exploration project in the next three years, so Frio County Commissioners are working toward a master plan for economic development needed by the community.

Dr. Tom Tunstall, with the Institute for Economic Development at UTSA, is working with Frio County. He said Frio County is looking at all of the impacts of the fracking boom on its supply chains, such as food and housing, as well as schools, roads, power systems, and other infrastructure.

Craft brewing companies have provided plenty of fun to beer fans, and according to a report by University of Texas at San Antonio economics professor Scott Metzger (who also happens to run his very own brewery, Freetail Brewing Company) have generated $608 million in the Lone Star State.

Metzger estimates that by 2020, the industry will generate $5.6 billion, a figure he calls conservative.

Retailers are counting on those last minute shoppers to finish the year on a high note with many of them rush to buy those last-minute gifts.

“You know, we have the big gifts,” said Lisa Montanez, but added the smaller extra gifts help make a more complete Christmas experience.

While she shops for the knick-knacks, Teresa Sanchez says aunts and extended family members remain on her Christmas lists.

"It's just because we found out they're buying gifts for our kids so we went out and got them something since they're taking care of our kids,” she said.

From 2009 to 2011 the healthcare and bioscience industries in San Antonio grew by nearly $5 billion according to a new report  by doctors Richard Butler and Mary Stefl from Trinity University.

The study shows the comprehensive impact in 2011 was $29.2 billion, up from $24.5 billion in 2009. Butler said that more than 40,000 new jobs have been added over the past decade to those industries, fueling the city's growth.