HOUSTON-The local economy has done quite well this past year dueto two things: energy and jobs. Many energy companies have selectedHouston for their operations base – the city isn't nicknamed"Oil City" for nothing -- and experts tell GlobeSt.com that it'sthose companies, and their offshoots, that are having a greatimpact on the industrial sector.

"The main economic driver here is the energy industry andco-related dependents," explains Stream Realtyassociate Michael Flowers. "That will continue toflourish, and will continue to fuel growth in multiple arenas,whether directly or from suppliers."

It is, in fact, those auxiliary businesses that have helpedboost jobs creation and demand for industrial space. According toone source, more than 70% of industrial space is going to companiesinvolved in some way in the energy sector. Though the majority ofthat activity is taking place in a handful of sectors, much of theregion is showing single-digit vacancies.