Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody returns optimistic from Israel trade mission, reporting potential business opportunities under budget.
SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody has returned from a week-long trade mission to Israel. The trip, which was approved by the commissioner’s court in March with a budget of more than $41,000, aimed to attract business opportunities to Bexar County. The commissioner’s office reports the trip came under budget and was approximately $30,000.
“I am more confident than ever that we are going to be able to bring some real value to Bexar County from this trip,” Moody told KENS 5 in an interview following his return.
The commissioner said he met with over 20 companies across sectors such as cybersecurity, aerospace and healthcare industries Moody said align well with Bexar County.
“Finding those industries that match up well, those synergies with our existing economy here in Bexar County,” he said. “The goal here has always been economic development opportunity.”
According to Moody, many of the companies he met were familiar with Texas’ growth but lacked awareness of San Antonio’s size and potential.
“A lot of the companies are aware of Texas. They understand that Texas is growing,” he said. “But they don’t have an awareness that San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States.”
Moody pointed to Israel’s reputation as a “startup nation” as a key reason for targeting the country.
“They have long been a friend and ally of the United States,” he said. “But beyond that, they are known for innovation. Many of these companies are looking to scale up and enter the U.S. market.”
At the time of the trip’s approval, Moody defended the use of taxpayer funds, arguing the potential return on investment could outweigh the cost.
“If even one of those 20 companies brings a handful of jobs here, then it more than pays for the cost of the trip,” he said.
While it is still too early to confirm any job commitments, Moody said he received strong interest and remains optimistic about long-term results.
“I think it is going to pay off in spades for Bexar County,” he said.
Next steps include continuing conversations with local economic development partners and hosting an Israeli delegation in Bexar County to showcase what the region offers.
