Cuero Welcomes The Goodstock Company

Cuero welcomes The Goodstock Company, a newly located business to the community. The family-owned and operated company recently chose Cuero as its new home and is quickly getting things moving.

The Goodstock Company produces specialized soap used in the oil field. Owner, Steve Tinsley, is from the area and comes with several years of experience in this field.

Tinsley is commended on the choice to locate The Goodstock Company in Cuero, the creation of jobs and revenue in the community and for acquiring and utilizing two adjacent existing buildings, former Leske Motor Company and Morrow Storage, in the community. He has formulated a plan for improvements to these buildings on South Esplanade and is seeking old photos of the buildings for possible future facade improvements. If anyone is aware of such photos, please contact Diana Blank, Director of Economic Development, Cuero Development Corporation at (361) 275-8178 or cueroed@dewittec.net.

CDC Budget Approved

The Cuero Development Corporation budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 has recently been approved by the CDC Board and the Cuero City Council.

The new budget encompasses several projects including public space improvements, specifically, a public restroom in the Downtown Commercial Historic District and participation in the Downtown Revitalization Grant offered by the State of Texas, which would provide infrastructure improvements in the District, completion of Historic District Lighting and banners. The budget also includes funding for businesses incentives, recruitment and marketing. The public hearing for this budget was held August 6.

Regional Economic Development Summit Held

Texas Workforce Solutions, in partnership with local economic development entities, community-based organizations and local businesses, recently sponsored a regional economic development summit in Victoria, Texas August 11 & 12.

This 2-day event included great training sessions conducted by Mark Sweeney, McCallum Consulting and Carlton Schwab, Texas Economic Development Council, on the basics of the economic development business and how to make and stay on a prospect's short list. Mark James, ED Solutions, Inc., focused on the importance of technology and good working websites in economic development strategies. James suggested that in the future, communities should expect 90% of the site selection process to take place through use of the Internet.

Governor Rick Perry and Diane Rath, Texas Workforce Commission, both enthusiastically addressed recent economic development activities and efforts throughout the State of Texas. Perry stressed the fact that Texas is now a driving force of competition in Economic Development.

Other informative speakers at the summit included Victor Carrillo, Railroad Commission of Texas; Bryan Daniel, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Karl Young, Texas Department of Agriculture; Charlie Stone, Office of Rural Community Affairs; Mark Ellison, Texas Workforce Commission; Shannon Cantrell, Office of the Governor; Judy Fort, Texas Department of Agriculture and David Weber, Office of Speaker Tom Craddick, Texas House of Representatives.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
The next monthly Community Leaders Breakfast Meeting will be held Friday, September 10 at 7:30 a.m. at the Cuero State Bank Community Room, 121 E. Courthouse.

* * * * * * * * * * * *