EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAYS GOODBYE

I am writing this with bitter-sweet emotions as this is my last newsletter as the Director of Economic Development for the Cuero Development Corporation. As of October, I will be taking on a similar position for the City of Kyle, Texas. I would like to begin by thanking the board of the Cuero Development Corporation for having faith in me and supporting me over the past 5½ years of service as the first Director of Economic Development for the Cuero Development Corporation. I am fortunate to have been afforded such opportunities in my home town and also thank CDC for that. I feel the time has come to undertake new challenges and learn from new experiences. I also feel that it is a good time to transition out of the office of the Cuero Development Corporation as many projects are moving forward and will continue momentum.

Over the past several years we have seen numerous projects begin, continue and some come to completion such as the Daule Park Project, several infrastructure projects including lift-stations, force feed lines and street paving projects, historic district lighting, historic district banners, Main Street trash receptacles, industrial facility acquisition, Cuero Community Network, Christmas in Cuero, soccer field lighting, the small business loan pool, the Sister City program, the beginning of the downtown restroom project among many other projects that are just beginning.

Beyond the Cuero Development Corporation, I have also spent much of my time playing a part on several boards and organizations including the Chairperson of the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission Regional Economic Development Advisory Board, DeWitt Community Development Foundation Board of Directors, Texas Workforce Solutions of the Golden Crescent Economic Development Taskforce, Texas Workforce Solutions of the Golden Crescent Labor Market Committee, Cuero Recruitment Ready Team, CISD Community Leaders Team, CDC Community Leaders Group, CISD/UHV Mentor Program, member of the 2002 Turkeyfest Race Team, Texas Economic Development Council Rural Committee, Texas Economic Development Council International Business Committee, Texas Rural Development Association, Texas Downtown Association, Go Texan and Texas Yes! Programs. I wish all of you the best of continued luck in all that you do.

I want to also take the opportunity to thank all the family, friends, individuals and organizations that I have worked closely with and have really helped me to keep my head above water over the years as Director of Economic Development for the CDC. The encouragement and assistance from you have made all the difference. I can truly say that this is a community full of people who stand by their convictions and do not waiver. This is something to be proud of.

I have hopes that the economy of Cuero will continue to grow and allow for Cuero High School graduates to return to high school level positions and a positive quality of life as I have had the opportunity to experience. I see great progress that has been made in Cuero over the past several years, see a strong desire to continue to prosper and have no doubts that the future holds nothing but success for Cuero. If you are ever in the Kyle area, stop by and say Hi. It will be nice to see a friendly face to remind me of home.

.... Something worth remembering ....

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success."

~ Anon