A multinational tech company investing close to $200 billion in Taylor took another step forward and gave $1 million to local nonprofits this week, officials said.
On Friday, Aug. 19, Samsung Austin Semiconductor announced it’s donating allotments of $250,000 each to four local organizations.
“To our friends at Samsung, you made a promise, and today you have delivered on that,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell.
Samsung is building a multibillion- dollar semiconductor fabrication facility in southwest Taylor that will create thousands of new jobs over the next several years.
Donations are being made to Bluebonnet Trails of Williamson County, the Boys and Girls Club of East Williamson County, Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry & Community Ministry and the Taylor Independent School District.
“Samsung Austin Semiconductor is thrilled to become a part of the fabric of Taylor. We have been working during the past year to identify the best way to support our new community,” said John Taylor, corporate vice president of public affairs. “This gift will address the increased needs of its citizens, especially those in eastern Williamson County, around food insecurity, mental health and wellness, and our ongoing commitment to improve the lives and futures of local youth.” As the one-year anniversary draws closer to when Taylor and Williamson County governments approved incentives to bring Samsung’s newest $17 billion advanced semiconductor fabrication plant site to the area, the company says it is demonstrating its commitment to being a good
neighbor. The announcement about the new foundry was made Nov. 1. “I’m so happy and excited for these very deserving organizations that have received this generous contribution from Samsung,” said Mayor Brandt Rydell.
He said the council is pleased to have a community partner in Samsung. “The history Samsung has is being a good corporate citizen and we knew the value they could bring to Taylor in that regard,” he said. “I think this is the first example. These are early days with Samsung and we are just starting to see the benefit they’ll have on the community.”
The contribution to Taylor ISD is to support academic success for students.
“I’m just really happy to see Samsung contributing to the community and contributing to the school district,” Superintendent Devin Padavil said. “I think this is the first of many developments we’re going to see in Taylor, Texas.”
The contribution will help fund classroom projects for students.
“From the beginning Williamson County has been committed to the kids of Central Texas. Samsung delivered on … a really strong future for Taylor,” Gravell said. “Kids are getting on buses even now as we talk, but they have no clue about the investment you have made in this community. But we do, and we are grateful for the future of our nation.” This gift is in addition to the previously announced $300,000 investment Samsung makes each year to taxexempt organizations which have a civic and community development impact in Taylor. “I think this sends a very strong message to the people of Taylor that Taylor is going to be a community partner, they’re going to be invested in Taylor and they care about the well-being of the community, particularly our youth and the generations to follow,” Rydell said. Other local officials at the announcement Friday include Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles. “From my initial meeting with Samsung, they have shown a huge desire to be a part of and support Taylor,” said Boles. “This gift shows not only their generosity, but also their commitment to the community as well.”
U.S. representatives Michael McCaul and John Carter also lauded the South Korean company; its new factory represents the largest foreign investment in Texas history. “Samsung has been an amazing partner for Texas,” said McCaul. “Not only are they investing in our community by establishing a new semiconductor fabrication facility, which will create thousands of good paying jobs that will help boost the local economy, they are also giving back to the community. I applauded Samsung for their generous donations. I am grateful for their partnership and continued leadership.”
Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been making itself more well-known in the community after detailing its intentions to build a 6-million-square-foot manufacturing plant off of U.S. 79 and near Taylor High School in what was formerly Taylor’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The plant is expected to create at least 2,585 new jobs.
“I think our greatest gift that God gives us are our children,” Gravell said. “Our gift back to God is how we choose to care for them and raise them, and this was a good day.”
