Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai shared his thoughts on the state of business in Bexar County on Wednesday.
He covered a wide range of topics during a Q&A session that the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce called a "fireside chat." Brett Finley, the chamber's president and CEO, moderated.
Sakai said his visit to Japan enabled him to tell Toyota officials that the county remained committed to its success as the vehicle manufacturer plans a half-billion dollar expansion at its South Side location.
Sakai, who has been in office for more than a year, said the county is helping to train the workforce Toyota and Navistar and other advanced manufacturers need in the future.
"We're doing good," he added. "I mentioned our two county associated programs, Texas FAME and Texas FAST, two separate programs, but both working to supply the advanced manufacturing trainees and training that those business and industries need."
Sakai said the local economy was booming, especially on the South Side, where heavy duty equipment manufacturer JCB just broke ground and where new subdivisions and a county hospital are going up.
Sakai also commented on the future home for the Spurs, reminding everyone that the Spurs are under contract to remain in the county-owned Frost Bank Center until 2032.
He said he wants to work with the Spurs as talk of a downtown move continues but added that the Spurs also need to make good on their promises to be an economic generator for the East Side around the Frost Bank Center -- something that has not happened.
"All I want to say is the Frost Bank Center is still a wonderful place for the Spurs to play in," Sakai added.
The discussion was the centerpiece of a chamber event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt hotel.
About 320 people attended the event, including city leaders and political candidates.
Sakai also planned to make a more traditional State of the County speech this fall.
