YEAR END LOOK AT SALES TAX...

Sales tax has been tabulated for the 2006 calendar year. Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn stated in a release "the state collected $1.73 billion in sales tax in November, up 9.4 percent compared to November 2005."

Cuero collected $1,088,505.17 in sales tax revenue for the year. That is up from last year's $1,032,210.51. Sales tax is collected two months behind, therefore holiday sales tax will not be reported for a couple of months.

Strayhorn also stated in a release, "Texas's population growth, diversity and economic strength have helped the state recover from the '02-03 economic slowdown that followed the triple economic whammy of 9/11, the Enron and WorldCom scandals and the high tech bubble bursting. Local communities have bounced back from the economic setbacks and natural disasters like Hurricane Rita."

Cuero has faced additional setbacks including: drought, little to no wildflower season, and rising gas prices which affects tourism. However, the continued improving sales tax numbers indicated a strong retail and economic growth present in Cuero. These numbers are a testament to the economic viability of Cuero. Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Cuero can see on paper the strength of the local economy.

For the upcoming calendar year it is important for everyone to continue to do a great job of supporting Cuero's businesses by shopping locally! Also, equally important is the amazing continued support of the many organizations that bring visitors and tourists to our community.

For details of sales tax payments to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts contact the Comptroller's office at 1-800-252-5555.

REMINDER!

Sign up to receive the Edgevantage Newsletter via email! Go to the CDC website at www.cuerodc.com and click on newsletter subscription.

The DeWitt Community Development Foundation has office space for lease in the DeWitt Technology Center. For more information contact Finley Barth at 361-275-5030.

The Technology Center also has launched a brand new website. Check it out at www.dewitttech.org.

The UHV Small Business Development Center has moved!

Visit them at their new location across from the UHV Campus at 3402 N. Ben Wilson.

The SBDC is part of a nationwide business assistance program. They provide free, one-stop business management assistance through business advising, business training, and information. To find out more go to www.sbdcvictoria.com or call them at 361-575-8944.

The Cuero Business Co-op

The Cuero Business Co-op worked hard this holiday season to promote Cuero. This organization, which is comprised of local businesses, wants to make a difference and increase exposure for Cuero. To fulfill that goal they work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cuero Development Corporation to advertise and market Cuero. The Co-op uses radio commercials to entice visitors and locals to shop our unique stores and eat in our wonderful restaurants. They also advertise in print and on billboards.

With increases in online shopping, businesses compete with stores worldwide as well as within their region. Cuero is only one of many communities that people can choose to patronize. However, stores in Cuero offer alternatives to generic, mass-produced items that fill so many shelves these days. When shopping, food is a big factor and Cuero has a variety of restaurants to fill empty stomachs. In addition, friendly customer service awaits anyone who walks through the door of a business in Cuero.

The Cuero Business Co-op delivers an important message to visitors and locals alike. As a community, collaboration is an important tool that we can utilize to create and keep successful businesses. Our local stores and restaurants are a vital part of what makes Cuero a great place to live.

Our office will be closed Monday, January 15, 2007 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2007, and Monday, February 19, 2007 in observance of Presidents Day 2007.