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The Cuero Development Corporation’s (CDC) fiscal year is coming to a close September 30. I want to share with you some of the work that involved CDC this year. CDC worked with December Events, Turkeyfest, Cuero Business Co-op, CBAT, Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Keep Cuero Beautiful, DeWitt County Historical Museum, and the City of Cuero-Alexander Park on various projects.

The ongoing small business loan program to date has loaned $389,850 to local businesses. This program has created 23 new jobs and helped to retain 22 jobs.

Cuero became certified as a retirement community through the State of Texas. This designation will allow us to draw much-needed workers, volunteers, and neighbors from the growing population of Baby Boomers. Economically speaking, one retired couple is worth 3.7 factory jobs to a community. By becoming more diversified, Cuero will have a well-rounded approach to growth.

Collaboration between entities is crucial to having successful ventures. To that end, CDC is assisting DeWitt County, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, and the City of Cuero as they work through the process for an Economic Development Administration grant for infrastructure in the DeWitt Industrial Park. The park is now home to seven businesses and is almost full.

Developers have begun searching the Internet for opportunities. With that in mind, CDC revamped its website with a new updated look to greet any potential clients. There is never a second chance to make a first impression.

This is a very brief glimpse at a few of the projects CDC worked on this year. Looking toward the future there are two important goals. CDC has purchased the former TxDOT property and is making plans to market and sell the 4.519 acre property to create primary jobs. Secondly, a new strategic plan will be created to determine the community’s needs and future focus for CDC.

Shelley South
Executive Director

SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM

• Available to businesses in Cuero
  
  
• Up to $25,000 for working capital, real estate, machinery, construction, computers, fixtures, furniture, and leasehold improvements
  
  
• Stop by the CDC office and pick up a brochure
  
  

Business Visits

In an effort to help local businesses and find out more about their needs, the CDC’s Executive Director and Board President have been visiting businesses over the past year.

There are many unique businesses in Cuero like Surface Burial Vault and Brentex Mills. Many talented people are employed at Tod Slone Saddles and Lancaster Industries. Amazing products are created by RSP Plastics and The Goodstock Company.

Many businesses have not been contacted yet. However, if you are a business owner/manager, do not be surprised if you get a phone call from CDC wanting to spend a few minutes to see what’s going on! These visits help CDC determine where our focus should be for the future.

Canoe/Kayak Paddling Trail Update!

A public meeting was held August 28 at the Cuero Library to discuss partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife (TP&W) to create a local paddling trail. TP&W were present to talk about the program, the increase in kayaking and canoeing, and opportunities for communities. This program is happening throughout the state! Guadalupe Blanco River Authority talked about collaboration while representatives from Luling and Goliad answered questions about their experiences.

The feedback has been positive and a committee is forming to continue researching this possibility. It is a great way to teach preservation, educate about nature, landowner rights, poaching, and environmental issues.

If you are interested in supporting the program or serving on the committee, please contact the Cuero Development Corporation at 361-275-8178 or the Chamber of Commerce at 361-275-2112.