Oil and gas has long been a key industry promoting economic growth nationwide - even globally. However, here in Texas, the industry has a significant impact on multiple factors from city/state revenue to overall employment. The uptick and seeming stability above $40/boe from last August has increased the nation's rig count and, in turn, production, employment, and growth. Nationwide, the Permian Basin out in the west of the state accounts for 40% of the total rig count and 55% of the industry's jobs nationwide. Over the past few months, the steady increase in rig count has increased jobs by 3,300 in the region with 72% of that being in the service sector. This growth, layered with higher priced production hedges and increased nation exports will allow the price of oil to continue to rise, at least through year end.