Texas Rising February 2010

Neighbors Working
Together

The counties are Brown, Callahan, Coke, Coleman, Comanche, Concho, Eastland, Erath, Fisher, Hamilton, Haskell, Knox, Jones, McCulloch, Menard, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Throckmorton, Tom Green.

Communities draw on advice,
experience of others

by Clint Shields

Problem solving is often best accomplished when multiple minds examine a situation from multiple angles. That was the idea when the Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) formed in 1994.

“TMCN founders were keenly aware of the need to pull together as a region simply by being neighborly,” says Nicki Harle, TMCN executive director. “Most of our communities needed more foundation for serious economic development.”

The group has grown from its original 28 communities to the current roster of 45 communities representing 26 counties. Meeting community and regional needs, however, aren’t as simple as organizing neighborhood barbecues or poolside gatherings. Beautification projects and economic or leadership development require coordination of efforts and, at times, guidance from other entities with similar experiences.

“Whatever the project might be, there are probably communities in the region that have done it,” Harle says. “And we feel this is an effort that other rural parts of the state need desperately. The ones that will survive will plug into a network that knows how to get things done.”

Tyed Together

Texas Midwest Community Network

Achievement Award

The Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) promotes a regional approach to helping its 45 member communities obtain the resources they need to achieve economic and community growth.

Member communities in TMCN are eligible for the group’s Community of Achievement Award, presented annually to communities that meet five criteria:

Vision – including community planning and goal setting;

Pride– relating to beautification projects ;

Student involvement – area students working with local volunteer groups ; Connectivity – featuring an up-to-date Web site;

Assessment – which includes a visitor’s-eye community tour.

Tye and Early each have won the award three times.

Connie Selden used TMCN’s community network to bring business and jobs to her community – Tye, in Taylor County. Selden attended a TMCN gathering, listened to a presentation and learned of a business incubator in Early. Following a couple of on-site visits, the Tye Economic Development Council (TEDCO) bought 20 acres and built a 12,000- square-foot facility with manufacturing and office space. Using Type A/B sales tax money and a loan from a local bank, TEDCO opened its $900,000 facility in November with one tenant, which was quickly followed by two others.

“We picked up information and ideas from our visits to Early, and then added our own ideas to make this project a reality,” says Selden, TEDCO CEO. “Our property taxes are lower than a lot of other places, Interstate 20 provides easy truck transportation and we have rail close by. So, businesses want to come.”

Networking also gives communities the chance to seek or give input before starting – or not starting – certain projects. At a TMCN gathering, Roger Nelson, city administrator in Clyde, offered personal experience to another city’s group that was considering working with a firm.

“They were looking at a particular firm and I advised them to take a real close look before working with it,” he says. “In the end, they didn’t go with them and it probably saved them about $10,000 to $20,000. Out in this rural area, we’ve got limited resources, but this gives us better chances to help each other.” TR

“Our communities needed more foundation for serious economic development.”

Nicki Harle, TMCN executive director.

Find more information about the Texas Midwest Community Network, including networking activity dates and information about its member communities.

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