SAN ANTONIO – At the annual State of Port San Antonio, the outlook was deemed exciting by Roland Mower, Port San Antonio president and CEO.
Mower told the attendees of the midday gathering that 500 jobs had been created in the last several months and more are predicted by the end of the year.
He said manufacturing and cyber technology jobs lead the growth in employment.
"Our goal is 5,000 jobs by 2020," Mower said.
Located in what began as Kelly Field almost 100 years ago, Mower said much like Kelly Air Force Base, it's hoped Port San Antonio will become a pathway to the middle class. He said not all jobs require a college degree. At least 100 job openings are listed on the Port San Antonio website.
"We encourage you to apply regardless of your skill sets. Look at what's available," Mower said.
But with increasing concerns over hacking and other cyber attacks, Mower said, "San Antonio is absolutely a cybersecurity hub."
He said the second largest concentration of cybersecurity experts is in the Alamo City.
In addition to the growing tech presence downtown, Mower said, "We've had five companies either relocate or expand their operations at Port San Antonio in the past year."
He said one reason being, "The U.S. Cyber Command is located about 400 yards from here."
CyberSecurity San Antonio was formed as a public-private partnership to heighten national awareness of what the city has to offer the tech industry. Will Garrett, its director, said he believes San Antonio has the right "ecosystem."
He said that includes "the academic sector, private companies, federal contractors, the military missions, the NSA mission."
He said, "We have all the aspects...if we connect the dots effectively."