Boots, truck talk and bands highlight Toyota celebration in Plano

The first time Toyota executive Chris Nielsen came to Texas — to open a pick-up manufacturing plant in San Antonio — he slapped one of those "Wasn't born in Texas but got here as fast as I could" bumper stickers on the back of his Tundra.

Nielsen, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, temporarily left the Lone Star State, only to return for the headquarters move to Plano.

This time, the sign on his tailgate reads "I wasn't born in Texas but got here as fast as I could … then I had to leave but I got back even faster."

That's a mouthful, to be sure, but he couldn't be happier to return, he told a room full of Toyota and Plano business executives, politicians and economic developers at the company's "Hello Texas" shindig in the Legacy area of Plano.

Texas is about trucks and boots, Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz said, before hiking up his pants leg to show his "Hello Texas" pair.

Lentz said this move was a "huge decision." But it's "the right move at the right time to the right place."

"I wanted the opportunity to improve the way we do business from the ground up," he said.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry praised Toyota's pioneer spirit and said the North Texas cultural arts scene made it easier to lure the company to Plano.

Outside, Toyota showed off its cars and set up several stages for musicians. The Plano West High School band performed a rendition of "The Cupid Shuffle" to folks dressed mainly in dark suits.

Restaurants including Mi Cocina's, Nicola's Ristorante Italiano, Jasper's Smoke House and Taco Diner set up booths as a Tejano band warmed up, pond-side, by the Marriott.

Bill covers health care, law, education and general assignments. Subscribe to our email newsletters.