Business Opportunities
Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 AM
Click HERE for Agenda
Posted 2/3/20912 17:00
WEDCO 4B
Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 9 at 9:00 AM
Click HERE for Agenda
Posted 2/3=2012 17:00
The City of Whitesboro Texas is committed to the promotion and retention of high quality development within the city limits. The economic development team is lead by the 4A Whitesboro Industrial Development Board, the 4B Whitesboro Economic Development Board of Directors and the Whitesboro City Council to offer incentives
and opportunities to business recruitment, retention and expansion. The City will, on a case by case basis, consider providing incentives and/or tax abatements to aid in the stimulation of economic development in Whitesboro.
The economic development team may enter into incentive agreements with landowners on projects demonstrating an increased investment in buildings, fixed assets, increased employment, or an increase in the City’s sales tax revenues.
NOTE: This page of the Whitesboro website is directly accessible at: www.WhitesboroTexas.com/Business
Business Economic Development News
Whitesboro Butterfield Overland Mail Stage Stop and ‘Diamond Station’ Dedication Day, Saturday, September 11, 2010 @ 1PM
The WEDCO Board of Directors and Whitesboro City Council invite everyone to downtown on Saturday, September 11, 2010 for a little Whitesboro History and Heritage Preservation. A project earmarked by WEDCO in early 2010 was to place a Designation Marker at the site of the once ‘Diamond Station’ a stop for the Butterfield/Overland Mail Route Stagecoach. This site is located one mile west of downtown on Main Street/US Hwy 56W and Mr. John Diamond is buried on the site. It is now known as ‘Pioneer Park’. Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Brown purchased the property several years ago and since have undergone a cemetery restoration and beautification task to allow this property to become a park in honor of the Diamond Family and the legacy they leave behind as one of the first settlers in the area.
The dedication of this marker will designate Pioneer Park as a historic site with a beautiful marble marker. The site was designated by the State of Texas as a Historic Site in 1967, yet very few Whitesboro residence understood what the site was actually used for. This hopefully begins the education process of not only Whitesboro area residence but for all visitors to our area and those studying the travels of the Butterfield/Overland Mail Route.
The route stretched from St Louis MS to San Francisco CA, 2800 miles and it took 21 to 25 days to make the trip. An unqualified success. John Butterfield, a New Yorker businessman and financier, spearheaded the first transcontinental stage line by obtaining a $600,000 government contract to establish and run the Overland Mail Company. This year-round operation of the Butterfield Overland Mail dictated the choice of a route through the milder climate of the southern tier of states and territories from September 1858 to 1861. The ‘Diamond Station’ was the second stop inside Texas on its way to California. In establishing the service, John Butterfield was quoted “Remember boys, nothing on God’s earth must stop the United States mail!” And nothing did, during the 21/2 years of service, every eastbound and westbound stage arrived within the 25-day contract time.
The only through passenger on the first westbound stage was Waterman L. Ormsby, a correspondent for the New York Herald, notes tell the story of harnessing wild mules at the ‘Diamond Station’ stop and the length of time it took. Horses were changed to mules in Texas due to the Indian raids. The mules were less sought after than horses by the Indians.
Everyone is invited to the marker dedication, free shuttle rides provided by TAPS will begin at 12:15pm from Downtown City Hall or meet at the location – 1 mile west on Main Street (USHwy 56) on the north side of the roadway at the Historical Marker.
Bynum Eye Car Groundbreaking
Whitesboro Industrial & Economic Development Corporations celebrate the groundbreaking of Bynum Eye Care, PA in Whitesboro. Bynum Eye Care is located at 650 N. US377, Whitesboro Texas (next to Landmark Bank) in a temporary building while the new building is under construction. Patience are being accepted at this time. Phone number for Bynum Eye Care is 903.564.9100. More >>
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United Way Kick-Off
Whitesboro Texas represented at the Grayson County United Way Campaign Kick-off Fun Run in Sherman on Saturday, August 28. "Whitesboro...United in Giving back"
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Whitesboro Attends Regional Rural Economic Development Summit June 24, 2010
June 24, 2011 Whitesboro Economic Development Director, Janis Crawley and Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) Community Development Director, Katy Cummins reviews the new 'Texas Economic Development Guide' at the recently held Regional ED meeting held in Van Alstyne.
The summit was hosted by Texas Department of Agriculture, Amy Lorance, TCOG and the Van Alstyne Economic Development Team. ED professionals, City Leaders and Chamber executives from Grayson, Fannin, Denton and Collin counties attended the meeting to learn about regional and rural economic development programs and strategies.
Guest speakers included a welcome from Van Alstyne Mayor, Ruth Ann Collins; Texas Department of Agriculture, Amy Lorance; United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Director, Allen Lambright; Officer of the Governor North Texas ED and Tourism rep, Janie Havel; North Texas Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization stakeholder relations, Maria Smith; SBDC Grayson County, Dr. Karen Stidham; and TCOG Director of Government Services, Ryan Gleason.
This meeting was attended also by Whitesboro City Council members Charles Whitecotton and Mike Pack.
Whitesboro Showcases Tourism at Texas State Fair
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Partners Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) and Texas Lakes Trails and Texas Historical Commission Booth at Texas State Fair showcases the ten (10) Regions of Texas Tourism. (see article) |
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Texas Tropical Trail Regional Coordinator Lane Hollinsgworth and Janis Crawley at Booth. |
Whitesboro Economic Development Team
Receives TEDC Award
Janis Crawley, Economic Development Director accepts the 2009 Community Economic Development Merit Recognition Award from TEDC CEDA Committee Chair, Carolyn Molt at the Texas Economic Development Council Annual Conference. Janis accepts the award for the entire team, saying "I always have to give credit to the wonderful volunteers on our team:
Brandon Parker, Tommy Neal, Cary Bryan, Bill Hayes, Truman Case, Terry Stone, Ryan Dahle, Mike Haynie, Amy Goedecke, Craig Falco, Jerry Warren, Jon Sanders, Ralph Burton, Tim Meador".
The Whitesboro Economic Develop- ment Team was recognized and nominated as one of three for the 2009 CEDA Award. The awards criteria is based on Innovativeness, Transferability, Community Commitment and Leverage, Measured Objectives and secondary benefits. The Whitesboro Team met all 5 criteria’s therefore fell into the nomination for population under 5000 for the creation of the Whitesboro Industrial Park and the innovativeness of working with a developer for the creation of 25 new jobs by the IESI Corporation. The “Team” took a disused property transferred into useable space, sold to a developer, landed the IESI Corporation, laid sewer and water lines and opened up additional acres with full utilities.
WIDCO Receives CiCi Award
WIDCO is awarded the CiCi Award by Trade & Industry Development Magazine for the Community ImPact the IESI project had on the community.
IESI, Corp and WIDCO were chosen as one of the Top 15 Community Impact Economic Development Projects in the Nation for 2009. This award was presented to IESI, Corp and WIDCO by Texas Governor Rick Perry's Economic Development department.
For full details, visit tradeandindustrydev.com
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| Ribbon Cutting with Mickey Flood as the Corporation President (left of Janis holding the plaque). |
The IESI Team is who worked to make the project happen. The award plaques as presented by the Governor's office. |
WEDCO / WIDCO Furthers Sidewalk Grant Process
Recently the Whitesboro Economic & Industrial Development Corporation set up display at the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce quarterly breakfast. This display offered information on the sidewalk grant application showcasing a downtown revitalization concept with explanation that the grant application would include funding for the replacement of sidewalks in the Downtown Historic Business District, 100 Block East Main. WEDCO is making application for funding of $150,000.00 with a $50,000 match to be used for the ADA compliance areas in mid-block and inside the walkways on the south side of Main.
Other displayed items included the Red River Valley Tourism Association display and the Community Impact Award. The Red River Valley Tourism Association display showcases the partnership between Whitesboro and neighboring Red River Valley participating communities on both sides of the River involved with tourism for a region that spans 350 miles and includes three states (Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas). The Community Impact Award was presented by the Due North Consulting, Inc “Trade & Industry” magazine to the Whitesboro Industrial Development Corporation and IESI, Corporation for the Economic impact this company made on Whitesboro with the creation of 20 plus jobs in 2008. This is a National recognition which only 15 communities are chosen annually.
WEDCO / WIDCO thought its importance to showcase in their hometown for all breakfast guest, the citizens of Whitesboro and Whitesboro Business leaders and to offer a better understanding of the importance showcasing Whitesboro at Trade and Tourism events. In 2008 and 2009 WEDCO has participated in 16 Tourism shows and 4 Trade shows. This includes the State Fair of Texas and New Mexico. Partnering has allowed the corporation the ability to participate in a number of Trade & Tourism shows with lower travel and booking expenses.
Showcasing what Whitesboro has to offer is a full time job and not one taken lightly by the members of Whitesboro City Council and the Economic Development TEAM. Tourism, business recruitment and business retention is our business and we are open for all suggestions for improvement. You may contact the ED Team at 903.564.4000 or edc@whitesborotexas.com . Members of the TEAM are: Mike Haynie, Craig Falco, Jerry Warren, Amy Goedecke, Jon Sanders, Ralph Burton, Tim Meador, Brandon Parker, Bill Hayes, Tommy Neal, Cary Bryan, Truman Case, Michael Marter, Charles Whitecotton, Mike Pack and Janis Crawley.
Red River Valley Tourism Association
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Pictured L-R: Ardmore Oklahoma Convention & Visitor Bureau, Janet Bateman; Whitesboro Texas Economic Development, Janis Crawley; Bowie Texas Economic Development & Main Street, Susan Campbell |
Janis Crawley, Past ED Director working the Home & Garden Show in Wichita Falls to promote tourism in Whitesboro and along the Red River Valley.
This year's new brochure features Whitesboro on the back page. The Red River Valley Tourism Association is a non-profit community membership based organization for the Red River Valley both Texas and Oklahoma and is designed to promote those communities which flank the Red River and Lake Texoma area. Janis plans to attend 8 trade and tourism shows in 2009, including the Texas State Fair in October, as a representative for Whitesboro, the Red River Valley Tourism Association and the Texas Lakes Trails Organization. Currently, this organization represents 37 tourist bureaus or economic development community organizations. For a copy of the brochure or more information please visit the website at www.redrivervalley.info.
Whitesboro Inn & Suites Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Whitesboro Inn & Suites celebrate their grand opening on February 9, 2008. WIDCO assisted with utilities and the building permitting process for this project. Owner Suddath Patel, cutting the ribbon (center)
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Pictured with Janis and the Governor is Commerce Economic Development Director, Jeanette Burnett at left. |
Texas One Meeting
Economic Development Director, Janis Crawley attended the Texas One meeting in Austin on December 10 & 11 where she heard economist and site selectors speak on the current economy in Texas and the Nation.
Governor Perry addressed the crowd with the 2008 annual wrap-up and held individual discussion meetings with Texas state representatives covering the current and future economics for Texas.
Retiring Board Member
Jeff Butts receives a plaque from Whitesboro Mayor Dee Welch at the October 2008 City Council meeting for his outstanding performance as a board member on the Whitesboro Industrial Development Corporation from 2002 through 2008. Jeff served as the President of the organization from 2006 through 2008.
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Pictured: Paula Walker, Texas Pecos Trail Region Director Senora Texas; Debbie Schwanbeck, Director of Tourism Athens Texas; Suzanne Cross, Tourism/Main Street Director Henderson Texas and Janis Crawley, Director of Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation |
Whitesboro At The Texas
State Fair
Whitesboro partners with the Texas Historical Commission, The Texas Lakes Trail Region and The Texas Department of Agriculture at the Texas State Fair to showcase tourism in and around the Whitesboro area. This is a partnership that the Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation has entered into with the named organizations to draw tourism to our area. Whitesboro brochures and information can be located in the Food & Fiber Building at the State Fair for the entire time of the event. The booth offers an array of tourism spots in the State of Texas. Whitesboro offers their own brochure and is featured in the Lakes Trail brochure and the Red River Valley Tourism brochure. We are expected to hand out over 2000 Whitesboro brochures and information at the Fair and a total of 10,000 plus that feature the Whitesboro Area.
Whitesboro's new Welcome Marquee Sign
The construction of this was paid for by a Texas Department of Agriculture GO TEXAN (see GO TEXAN link at left sidebar) Downtown Beautification grant and the Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation.
Post Office Beautification
The Whitesboro Post Office property is owned by the Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation and leased to the United States Postal Service with a 20 year lease agreement. The grounds recently took on a new look with the addition of Texas Native plants and a new rock bed on the corner of Main & Union where the Service Monument was relocated from the corner to the center of the bed for better viewing of the monument.
The Economic Development Director represents Whitesboro at Travel Show.
The Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation is a member of the Red River Valley Tourism Association and partners with other communities on both sides of the Red River to promote tourism in the region. Pictured here is Jannis Ayers, Electra, TX; Janis Crawley, Whitesboro TX; Sammie Hatfield, Henrietta, TX and Myra Busby, Seymour, TX. Others who attended the show represented Bowie, Paris, Sherman, Gainesville, and Nocona Texas and Duncan, Ardmore and Durant Oklahoma.
IESI Corporation Groundbreaking
The Whitesboro Industrial Development Corporation recently broke ground with Justin Texas developers, Sammy Harwell & Kelly Kimmey, for construction of a 6000 sq ft maintenance facility to be leased to the IESI Corporation bringing 20 plus jobs to Whitesboro. Pictured here are: L-R WIDCO Board President, Jeff Butts; IESI Division Manager, Richard West; Developers, Kelly Kimmey & Sammy Harwell; WIDCO Board VP, Brandon Parker, Whitesboro Mayor, Dee Welch; County Commissioner, Jackie Crisp; City Administrator, Michael Marter and other community supporters for the project.
Economic Development Director, Janis Crawley noted this project will add an additional $300,000 to the tax base and more than 20 full time primary jobs. WIDCO currently offers 3.15 acres of land in their Industrial Park located at 408 S Union. This facility will be placed on Lot 2 of the Industrial Park. For information about available space in the Park contact the Economic Development Director at edc@WhitesboroTexas.com or by phone (903)564-3311.
Whitesboro Suites Ground Breaking
The Whitesboro Industrial Development Corporation and the City of Whitesboro is proud to announce the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Whitesboro Inn & Suites that will be located at 31434 East US Hwy 82, Whitesboro Texas.
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| Left to Right: Whitesboro Mayor, Dee Welch; Owner Sudha Patel; Pete Patel; general contractor Orcas Company, Inc, Rick & Sydney Reynolds; and WIDCO Board President, Jeff Butts. | Left to Right: City Administrator, Michael Marter; WIDCO Board Member, Brandon Parker; Whitesboro Inn & Suites Owner, Sudha Patel; City Council Reps, Mike Pack and Mark Pike; WIDCO Board Member Cary Bryan and WIDCO Board President, Jeff Butts. |
See also WIDCO 4A Projects.
Economic Development Director, Janis Crawley along with the Economic Development Director of Nocona Texas joining teams with Red River Valley Tourism Association and working Trade Shows in Texas and Oklahoma. The Whitesboro Economic Development Corporation is a member of The Red River Valley Tourism Association, The Texas Lakes Trails Region, The Texas Economic Development Council and the Association of Rural Development. (right)
For more information on this program, contact the Economic Development Director at edc@WhitesboroTexas.com or by phone (903)564-3311.
Download Board Member Application Form – (PDF File)
The Whitesboro Economic & Industrial Development Corporation are members of the GO TEXAN Rural Community Program launched by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to help market and promote rural Texas. For more information on Go Texan, click the Go Texan Logo or link to www.GoTexan.org