Resources for Rural South Texas Symposium
to launch economic development program

By Paul de la Peña-Franceschi

The IH-35 South Economic Development Coalition (SEDC) will host its first ever Resources for Rural South Texas Symposium which will feature officials from various state and federal agencies who will present ways in which South Texans can receive funding for economic and developmental needs in their communities. The one-day event is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Devine Community Center and will include two panel discussions and a keynote address by Agribusiness Development Deputy Assistant Commissioner Robert Wood.
The IH-35 SEDC invites all counties along the IH-35 corridor, as well as the 11 surrounding counties, to participate in this unique opportunity of dialogue and receive federal and state funding for economic development in South Texas. In addition to the introduction of the Texas Yes program, the IH-35 SEDC has expanded the symposium to include state and federal agencies who will present new and ongoing programs available to businesses, bankers, investors, and ranchers who will be taking a fresh look at the growing needs and growing diversity along the IH-35 corridor.
Acknowledging that IH-35 is the corridor to Mexico and that Mexico is the country's number one trading partner, this symposium will address many of the issues and laws that directly affect economic prosperity in Texas and the United States. The symposium will feature two resource panels, one with federal officials, and one with state officials. The federal organizations include NADBANK (Fernando R. Escarcega), USDA (Humberto D. Martinez), SBA (Aixa Santiago), EDA (Francisco Grajales), and HUD (Richard Lopez). The state resource panel will include TDA Texas Yes (Michael Muska), ORCA (Sam Tessen), TWB (Ignacio Madera, Jr.), and TCEQ (Carmen Ramirez).
The first annual resource symposium for rural South Texas will also be one of the first to kick off the Texas Yes program sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Texas Yes is a broad-based promotional program designed to spotlight the people and places of rural Texas. "This is a strong message that will show how rural Texas is not only alive and kicking, but in fact creating new, dynamic opportunities that benefit the entire state," said Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs. "Rural Texas faces more than its share of unique challenges. It's time to showcase how these are being met with fresh ideas, trailblazing leadership, community spirit, and true Texas grit."
Texas Yes membership will be open to cities, non-profit organizations, associations, and businesses in rural areas of the state. Associate membership will be offered to entities that help support and promote rural Texas, such as publications and travel associations. A million dollars will be available for rural Texans over a two-year period for economic development.
The new program kicks off this month with the announcement of Texas towns that exemplify some of the best of rural Texas. A special panel representing media, government, marketing, tourism, and business will select these towns. Likewise, small communities can compete for the available funding by offering programs that work to revitalize historical areas, enhance their economic future, develop programs which develop their cultural heritage, and encourage involvement and beautification.
"These towns are shining examples of what can be done when people put their heads together with a common vision of making the community a better place and generating new jobs, dollars, and excitement," said Combs.
According to state statistics, more than three million Texans live in non-metropolitan counties. Rural Texas covers approximately 80 percent of the state's total land area, encompassing 213,297 square miles out of the state's 267,277 square miles. Although the state's urban areas contribute the highest population numbers, many Texans might be surprised to know that 85 percent of the state's 1,196 incorporated cities have fewer than 10,000 residents.
"Small towns are the backbone of rural Texas, and that's why Texas Yes is big on small towns," said Combs.
The IH-35 SEDC is the hosting member that will facilitate the Texas Yes membership. The program is strictly for rural Texas communities, excluding urban or metropolitan areas.
Registration for the Nov. 7 Resources for Rural South Texas Symposium is from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The state panel will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Lunch will be served from noon to 1:15 p.m. courtesy of Medina Electric Cooperative, featuring the Department of Agriculture guest speaker. The afternoon session will include the federal panel concluding at 2:45 p.m. Symposium education partners include the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and Texas A&M International University.
For additional information about the symposium, call David L. Cardwell at (956) 326-2548, or via email dlcardwell@tamiu.edu. For additional details on becoming part of the Texas Yes Program, go to www.TexasYes.org or call 866-4TE-XYES.