CUERO RECOGNIZED AS OUTSTANDING RURAL COMMUNITY

The City of Cuero was recently recognized at the second annual All-Rural Texas Summit by The State of Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs as a community who is "Ready To Go!" The Summit held April 27-28 in New Braunfels featured 6 Texas Communities that were acknowledged for their significant contribution to rural issue in Texas. Along with the award, the communities receiving recognition had the opportunity to make presentations and share success stories from their communities.

The summit also highlighted activities of rural Texas, funding, healthcare, volunteerism and legislative issues. The Legislative update made by five State Representatives representing rural Texas focused on topics such as school funding and property tax caps.

Students in their final semester of a Masters Program at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University partnered with ORCA for their final project, which resulted in the Rural Viability Index. The seven students presented their findings at the summit. The Rural Viability Index is a measurement tool for assessing rural communities. The students researched the nature of rural communities by surveys and phone calls to approximately 140 Texas communities. Areas of interest were demographics, economy, education, environment, government, health, housing, society and culture, technology and transportation. This tool will be available through the Office of Rural Community Affairs to assist rural communities assess what areas their community needs improve on.

CUERO RECEIVES PRESERVE AMERICA DESIGNATION

Cuero is one of fifteen Texas communities that received Preserve America designation at the Texas Historic Preservation Conference May 7 in Fort Worth. Preserve America is a White House initiative developed in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of the Interior to preserve our national heritage.

Preserve America was announced on March 3, 2003, to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increase local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets and support for the economic vitality of communities. For more information on the Preserve America initiative visit www.PreserveAmerica.gov.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

Texas Workforce Solutions in partnership with local economic development entities, community-based organizations and local businesses are sponsoring a Regional Economic Development Summit August 11th and 12 in Victoria, Texas at The Victoria College.

This 2-day event will consist of training sessions in basic economic development, panelist discussions and keynote speakers featuring top elected officials and experts in the field of economic development. Economic development professionals, chambers of commerce, local elected officials, Council members, commissioners, and business leaders are encouraged to attend this timely and informative summit.

SNOWFLAKES AVAILABLE

Sponsorships, honorariums and memoriams are still available in two ways for Christmas in Cuero. Snowflakes can be purchased or cash donations can be made. For information contact the CDC office at 361-275-8178.