ANNUAL CONFERENCES ATTENDED

Diana Blank, Director of Economic Development, Cuero Development Corporation attended the International Economic Development Council Annual Confence in St. Louis and the Texas Economic Development Council Annual Confence in Dallas in September.

Among many of the topics discussed at the International Economic Development Council Annual Conference were business retention and expansion of economic trends for the future, rural economic development, ensuring a competitive workforce, outsourcing, regional economic development, being smart enough to win projects and working with site consultants. Panelists suggested that outsourcing is not having as big of a negative impact on the United States as the media and such are making it out to be. The fact is that the U.S. still insources (meaning other countries outsource their work to the U.S.) 50% more revenue than any other country.

Jack Schultz, author of Boom Town USA, presented "7½ Keys To Big Success in Small Towns": 1) Adopt a "Can Do" Attitude; 2) Shape Your Vision; 3) Leverage Your Resources; 4) Raise Up Strong Leaders; 5) Encourage An Entrepreneurial Approach; 6) Maintain Local Control; 7) Build Your Brand and 7½) Embrace the Teeter-Toter Factor. Communities should take full advantage of good economic times, but also be prepared to successfully strive in economically difficult times.

The Texas Economic Development Council also offered an array of workshops pertaining to economic development from smart ideas in economic development marketing, financing the entrepreneur, leveraging your location for distribution sites, leveraging technology for effective economic development, resources for economic development, why international trade with Mexico matters, seamless collaboration between regional governments and education and research institutions and industry.

Lobbyist Sabrina Brown is currently representing the TEDC and the Texas Economic Development Sales Tax Association for the next Legislative session. TEDC is preparing its legislative agenda for the 79th Texas Legislature (2005). This agenda will include a brief overview of the economic development function of the State of Texas, accomplishments and key priorities for the next session.

CDC Plans Complete

The Cuero Development Corporation began working with Johnson & Associates to prepare a Strategic Plan and Business Retention and Expansion Plan in May. The CDC has reviewed all recommendations made by J & A as a result of community feedback and observations. The Strategic Plan was approved and adopted by the CDC in September.

This plan includes several projects that have been prioritized by year by the Board of the Directors. The Business Retention and Expansion Plan came as a direct result of the Strategic Plan recommendations and was also approved in September.

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The next monthly Community Leaders Breakfast Meeting will be held Friday, November 5 at 7:30 a.m. at the Cuero State Bank Community Room, 121 E. Courthouse.

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