Gov. Greg Abbott rang the iconic Nasdaq closing bell this week in honor of the state’s many economic milestones.
The governor celebrated Texas’ achievements during a virtual bell-ringing ceremony on Monday with Nasdaq, Inc. officials at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin.
Joining Abbott at the virtual ceremony was First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Nasdaq executive vice-chairman Ed Knight, and head of listing Karen Snow.
The ceremony began with Abbott lauding the Lone Star State as the nation’s home of innovation, freedom, and opportunity.
“With an annual GDP of $2.4 trillion — the eighth-largest economy in the entire world — and more Fortune 500 companies than any other state in the nation, we are America’s economic juggernaut, said Abbott in a news release.
“As so many business owners in our great state know, Texas is the modern embodiment of the American dream. One thing is clear: 187 years after Texas was founded, there has never been a better time to be a Texan,” he said.
Following his prepared remarks, which were broadcast live before a global audience, Abbott, along with Knight and Snow, officially ended market trading Monday by ringing the iconic Nasdaq closing bell.
Monday’s virtual bell-ringing ceremony was the first time Nasdaq, Inc. has closed a market in a government facility, according to Knight.
“This is a very special place,” said Knight during the broadcast. “There is something exceptional going on here in Texas, and it’s a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence, innovative drive, and financial strength.”
“Texas … is home to some of the fastest-growing, job-creating communities in the United States,” he said. “We celebrate the cutting-edge, innovative companies here, which have not only put a man on the Moon but will someday put a man on Mars.”
