Watch CBS News

Toyota Says "Hello Texas" With A Big Party

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) – In Plano, the party is in full swing!

Texas is rolling out the red carpet for Toyota, which will serve as the company's new American headquarters.

Organizers call it the "Hello Texas" event. The formal event kicked off at 11 am on Monday.

Governor Rick Perry is one of the many dignitaries who spoke at the event. Perry arrived in a Toyota Tundra pick-up truck that has a "Built in Texas" label on it.

The Plano West high school band, drill team and cheerleaders, were among the performers scheduled for a noon block party, that's is open to the public.

"Huge honor first of all, because how often do you get to play for dignitaries, and the opportunity to perform, it's what we do. And so it's a great opportunity for our school and community to be able to represent for the state," said Plano West Band Director James Hannah.

Several announcements and surprises were expected throughout the day, including a $1 million donation from Toyota to Plano ISD.

Stars like Olympic gold medalist and Plano native, Nastia Liukin, are also on hand to celebrate the jobs and opportunities to come with Toyota's big move.

Toyota officials say groundbreaking on the new facility will happen later this year or early next year.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Latest News:

Top Trending:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.