Dumas, Texas October 26, 2009— This recession has not stopped Dumas Economic Development Corporation from landing an industrial paint service company with a niche in the wind energy industry. Wells Paint Service, a Kansas based company has announced plans to locate a new office in Dumas, Texas. A formal welcome reception hosted by the Dumas Economic Development Corporation was held on Tuesday, October 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the DEDC offices.

With large numbers of wind turbines erected on all sides of this Panhandle community, the Dumas Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) has been focusing much of its marketing and recruitment efforts on landing the support businesses tied to this rapidly growing industry. The DEDC recently provided Amarillo College with $69,000 to establish a Wind/Renewable Energy Training Program at its Moore County Campus. “Dumas is fast becoming a major player in the renewable energy industry. This partnership will provide a great tool for us to use when attracting new business opportunities to the area” said Mike Running, Executive Director of the Dumas Economic Development Corporation. It was just this tool that helped land Wells Paint Service. According to Running, conversations between Mr. Wells had been occurring for the last several months. A recent visit to Dumas by the company’s founder acquainted him with the community as well as Amarillo College’s new program. “Mr. Wells was excited to learn that not only was the Moore County Campus willing to help train his new staff, but would also help him pre-qualify candidates through a climb test. Running indicated that Wells was also impressed with the amount of opportunities in the area, the friendly people and the willingness of DEDC to work with him on recruiting new business opportunities. “We chose Dumas because of its location and encouragement from the EDC and the community” stated Mr. Wells. Wells Paint Service is currently working in the region on behalf of Vernon E. Faulconer, Inc., but also has traditionally worked for the likes of Chesapeake and other energy companies.

Located in the northern portion of the Texas Panhandle, Dumas is within 3 hours of wind farms generating nearly 2000 mega watts of energy and an estimated 4000 mega watts of proposed developments. “Mr. Wells was quite familiar with the Panhandle and knew the area was active because he has sent crews to the area many times. Because of that, Mr. Wells made contact with The High Ground of Texas at the Chicago Wind Show last summer seeking out opportunities. Dumas is a member of this regional business recruiting organization and we took that business lead and ran with it” Running stated. “They have sent crews around the nation for projects as well as in our own backyard. We are extremely pleased and honored, after looking at other Panhandle communities, that they have chosen Dumas as the location with the best growth potential” added Running.

DEDC is currently working with Wells to provide incentives to help make the transition easier. Through business educational scholarships, marketing assistance, workforce training programs and a little cash, DEDC hopes to help the business grow and succeed in there new location. “We are locating in an existing building at 110 East 18^th Street for the time being, but we plan on purchasing a new location as business allows” stated Wells. As the firm continues to make adjustments and expand their business, plans include staffing the leased office, then locating the business in a larger building within the community. Running indicated that any assistance provided by the DEDC will correspond to the needs of the firm, number of jobs created and salaries earned. Running stated that he has had discussions with the company regarding some financial assistance and the DEDC Incentives Committee has made an offer to Wells. Wells has accepted the offer and now the package will be presented to the DEDC Board of Directors for approval before it is passed on to the City Commission for consideration. Running indicated that the company has projected up to 5 initial jobs with future projections reaching as many as 30 new jobs in the next few years. The company also anticipates first year revenues of over $800,000 and estimated revenues of $1.5M in 5 years. Wells also spends a sizeable amount of local dollars for operational supplies.

Although the DEDC sees some great value with new wind farms in the area, Running says that the best value comes in the form of permanent, good paying jobs that the support businesses will provide. “A 10 mega watt farm may provide substantial property tax revenue and a good temporary work force, but it only provides one permanent job after it is constructed. A business that performs technical, operational and maintenance work for wind farms has the potential for numerous permanent good paying jobs that will grow as the number of new turbines increase in the region” he added, “Wells Paint Service is one of those firms that will bring new dollars to the community from all over the country as well as provide a valuable service to the community. Mr. Wells is a fantastic, kind-hearted man with a blessed heart. I know Dumas will enjoy having him in the community”.

Based out of Kiowa, Kansas, Wells Paint Service has over 40 years of combined experience in all aspects of painting. Contact Wells Paint Service for more information about their full range of services. Wells is committed to quality and service. Hiring for new employees will begin soon. If you would like to contact us about projects, local sales or hiring information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact her at 620-886-0669.

Dumas Economic Development Corporation is a recognized economic development entity in the state of Texas. Mike Running has been with the Corporation since March 2008 and is aggressively seeking out potential wind industry and renewable energy projects for the area. According the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Dumas is uniquely situated within hours of an estimated 1400 turbine generators. In addition, Dumas is located within an hour of another proposed 1000 wind turbine generators. With so much wind activity in the area, Dumas is perfect for those businesses needing to be near the action. The Dumas EDC is authorized under state law to provide incentives to businesses that provide economic vitality to the community. For more information on locating, establishing or expanding your business in Dumas, and on the available incentive opportunities, please contact Mike Running at 877-934-3332 or check out our website at www.dumasedc.org. 

For more information, contact the Dumas Economic Development Corporation offices at 806-934-3332.