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MEETING THE NEW C.E.O.
STATE OF THE ECONOMY LUNCHEON
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Mount Pleasant
Everything Texas Ranch Run, Priefert Ranch
L.E.A.P. YOUTH EXPO
SEPT/OCT ISSUE 17 2015
EVERYTHING TEXAS UNCORKED
BI-MONTHLY BUSINESS REPORT
Mount Pleasant
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contents:
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Partners 4 L.E.A.P. Youth Expo 5 Meeting the New CEO 6
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Everything Texas Uncorked 8 Partner Spotlight: Heritage Park Village 11 State of the Economy Luncheon 12 Everything Texas Heartbeat :Kim Crabb 14
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Taking
To the next level
New Partners
July 1, 2015 - Aug 31, 2015
Leetex Construction, LLC
Bealls
Mary Kay Independent Sales Kellie Davis
Durrum Chiropractic and Family Wellness George O'Neal DDS Jones Insurance Agency, Inc. Karen Neeley Mill's Flower Shop Mount Pleasant Daily Tribune
Print Works Sisk Motors, Inc. Spruill Honda Kawasaki Sweet Shop USA The Bake Shop
Renewing July 1, 2015 - Aug 31, 2015
Diya Modi LLC, dba Best Western ACH Construction Bates Cooper Sloan Funeral Home Bowie Cass Electric Cooperative Cardiology Consultants of East Texas, PA Cypress Bank
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Many students have difficulty choosing a career path, even by the time they graduate from high school. A new program will give local eighth-grade students a unique opportunity to gain some insight to help them make that decision sooner. The LEAP Expo, planned for Oct. 16 at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center, is designed to open their eyes to careers, industries and fields of study that they may have never considered. LEAP stands for Learning Endorsements and Professions.
"We don't expect our students to grasp fully or make that decision for a lifelong commitment to an occupation," he said. "But if they find something out there that interests them that they didn't think about before, that's what we're trying to do."
industry; public service; and arts and humanities. Businesses and departments from Northeast Texas Community College will set up booths based on where they fit in those categories. The expo is the second in a series of events Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is hosting with the help of chambers in the region.
“If they find something out there that interests them that they didn't think about before, that's what we're trying to do."
"The expo is tied to the new endorsements that eighth graders have to select prior to entering high school," said Bart Spivey, business development and community relations project manager for Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas.
The school superintendents are especially pleased that the center chose to offer the program to the younger students.
The center hosted its first expo in Texarkana earlier this year and will hold expos in Sulphur Springs and Paris this fall.
“The students will leave better prepared to make an informed education and career decision,� Hinton said. "This is another valuable event that the Chamber Education Committee is proud to offer."
To participate in the expo, businesses should contact the Chamber at 903-572 "They are excited about the opportunity -8567 or Amy Hinton at 903-575-4190. that this allows eighth graders before Workforce Solutions is partnering with they have to pick their endorsements," the Chamber Education Committee to said Amy Hinton, chair of the Chamber bring the expo to Mount Pleasant. Education Committee. "We are so forSpivey said most career fairs are tunate here that every superintendent geared toward older students consider- in Titus County puts students first." ing college or going directly into the workforce. This expo is designed to Organizers will divide the civic center show students options well in advance into four areas: science, technology, of their junior or senior year. engineering and math; business and
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Katie Stedman has been preparing for her new role as Mount Pleasant-Titus County Chamber CEO for years, even if she didn't realize it.
ham, Texas Chamber of Commerce messaged me two years ago. She knew me and said, 'I think you'd enjoy chamber work. You'd have your fingers in a lot of different projects, and you Stedman has served in leadership roles would have a lot of opportunities to in the non-profit sector for more than 14 make a real impact on a community,' so years and is a former owner of an I tucked that away in my mind." event planning company. The combination of experience has led her to what Stedman, a Colorado native, graduated she calls "a cool crossroad" between from the University of Texas with a those two worlds. Bachelor of Arts degree. Most recently, Stedman's broad base of experience she was the director of operations for prompted a friend of hers to suggest Lemonade Day, a national non-profit she make a career move. organization, based in Houston. The program teaches the basics of entre"A friend who is the CEO of the Grapreneurship and business to children
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through curriculum and the creation of a lemonade stand. The organization has affiliates in 56 cities in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa. "It's such a cool program. Entire communities rally around these young entrepreneurs," Stedman said. Stedman worked with a lot of chambers in her role with Lemonade Day so that tucked-away conversation with her friend rolled to the forefront of her mind about eight weeks ago. "I decided to do a job search and the position in Mount Pleasant came up. I'd never heard of Mount Pleasant before,
but I thought, 'I'm going to stick my toe in the water and see what happens,' and here we are," she said. It would take Stedman no time at all to realize the city she had never heard of was one that she would quickly fall in love with, especially when she heard the "Everything Texas" brand. "I think it's fantastic. I love it," she said. "What a great way to confidently state who you are as a community. Small or not, we still have what all the other cities in Texas have, at least in some element." She and her husband, Edward, daughter Rhys, 6, and son Guy, 3, moved here in time for Rhys to start the new school year at Chapel Hill Elementary.
would love to continue the momentum that she has built," Stedman said. "I want to learn from everybody and see what new ideas or different approaches that I could roll in from my past experiences and make it even better." Curry announced she was stepping down as CEO in May to move with her husband, Clint Chitsey, to Georgetown. Chitsey accepted a job offer as the manager of a new expo center being built in Williamson County.
"She brought everybody together from education, industry, manufacturing and the retail side." Witherspoon said Stedman understands the role and understands the mission for the Chamber. "The Chamber is doing great right now, and Katie wants to bring it forward. She feels a great sense of pride in our community, and I think she's going to be a great fit for us," he said.
In the five years Curry has led the Chamber, membership increased from 300 to 450. With the implementation of the Total Resource Campaign during Curry's tenure, sponsorships have grown to $165,000.
Stedman said one of the biggest motivators for accepting the position was that they would be able to raise their children in a smaller, tight-knit community.
"Faustine leaves here on such a high note, and we have big expectations for our Chamber because of the work she put in," said Chamber Board Chairman Richard Witherspoon. "She has raised the level of the Chamber. "We wanted to raise them in a com- We will miss her, and we wish her munity with people who are interested and Clint all the best. They are great in their lives and know who they are. people." We homeschooled our daughter for her first year of school, but we are Witherspoon spoke highly of comfortable sending her to public Stedman's ability to continue where school here," she said. "We're very Curry left off. excited about being able to let our kids be kids." "I'm very excited. We had a strong field of candidates, and she was the Stedman said she was impressed top choice for us. She brings a lot of with the city when she visited. "I was enthusiasm and energy to the job," excited get here and learn from the he said. community and figure out what makes you guys tick," she said. "We were so "Her experience working with several impressed with everybody we met, non-profit organizations will carry the hospitality, and the kindness." over into the Chamber environment very well." She is also ready to take the reigns of a thriving Chamber left in great shape Witherspoon said Stedman is "a peoby former CEO Faustine Curry. "I ple person. She is a builder. She know Faustine has done amazing brings people together. That's somework. I respect her so much and thing Faustine did very well," he said.
Katie is a graduate of the University of Texas and a native of Colorado. Katie joins the Mount Pleasant community along with her husband, Edward, and their two children, Rhys (6) and Guy (3).
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The Everything Texas Uncorked Ranch Run & Wine Festival is expected to be bigger and better this year.“Last year was a rainy day, but we’re expecting a cool morning and mild temperatures this year, so we’re expecting over 250 runners to register,” said Chamber President Richard Witherspoon. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at Priefert Ranch, with the run starting at 7 a.m. The wine festival will be an all-day affair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first year the event drew 175 participants, with 130 finishing the hybrid hard packed dirt/pasture course. “It’s a unique setting going through the pasture land, and the runners liked it,” Witherspoon said. “It’s a good cross between regular street running and trail running. It’s a neat course and all the runners enjoyed it and the scenery.” Run Time Productions, a professional race management company from Dallas, organizes the race. “They do an excellent, professional event. It kicks off at 8 a.m. and then when everyone crosses the finish line, we’ll start the 1K for kids around 9:30 a.m.,” he said. “We have entertainment for all the runners when they finish and with the kids run, it’s a good family event.”
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The event includes three distances, a 5K (3.1 miles), a 15K (5.3 miles) and 1K (.6 miles) for kids. “It’s a good event for all levels of walkers and runners, so no matter your skill level, you can come out and participate,” he said. Registration packets are available online at the Run Time Productions website as well as the Chamber website. Participants can pick up their race packets the Friday before the event from 6-8 p.m. at Herschel’s Family Restaurant or register on site starting at 7 a.m. the day of the run. The wine festival keeps the fun going until 7 p.m. with several Go Texancertified wineries setting up booths to show off their wines with wine tastings and offering them for sale by the glass or bottle. Witherspoon said the wine festival was a huge success last year. All of the wineries are returning, and a few more are being added this year. There will also be food and shopping vendors. “We have vendors with everything from burgers to tacos to appetizers and cheeses,” he said. “It’s a good time to go around and enjoy the wine tastings, the shopping, the artisan food, handmade crafts, and art.
Four live bands will be performing throughout the day. Kids can enjoy the kids activities area. Also, a corner of the venue will be set up with big screen TVs broadcasting the college football games so avid sports fans can enjoy the event without missing a play on the field. The event is a big tourism draw for the area as well, with runners coming in from all over the area, including Dallas, Tyler, Longview, and Louisiana. “Last year, we had a runner from a state in the Northeast come. She was trying to catch 5K runs in every state, and ours was the one she picked for Texas,” Witherspoon said. He said the Chamber hopes to draw people to the unique event who will stay and see what Mount Pleasant has to offer. “We want it to be something that will encourage people to stay overnight and check out other sights in Mount Pleasant and Titus County,” he said. “It’s a neat event that we’re very proud of, and we know it’s going to be bigger and better each year,” Witherspoon said.
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At Heritage Park Village, residents and staff are like family. "I have the best staff in the country. They feel about the residents like they are family," said Janet Burks, RN, executive director of the senior living community.
"It's good for them because they don't have to give up all of their independence. They have their apartment, and we are here to help them with things like laundry, housekeeping, bathing and dressing," Burks said. "It's more like a home for them, and they get the Heritage Park Village is the only family- help they need." That offers families owned center of its kind in Mount peace of mind. Pleasant. It is a place for seniors who can take care of themselves, but still "The families can call and get updates need a helping hand. The amenities on them 24/7. Our families have beinclude a choice of a private studio come so connected that they even ask suite or private one bedroom suite. about other residents," she said. Each suite includes a kitchenette, full bath with walk-in shower, a telephone Teresa Dossey, the center's assistant connection, cable TV, wireless internet, director, said the residents enjoy each an emergency call system and fullother's company, too. "There are a lot service dining facilities. The suites are of bingo games; about three times a fully-furnished, but residents can week," Dossey said. "They also play choose to use personal furnishings and dominoes, and they love the Gospel decor. singing time."
Residents have access to transportation within the city limits. They can also sit on the wide open porches and take in the picturesque views or enjoy nearby Heritage Park. "Some residents even race their hover rounds in the parking lot. I'm not sure if the tortoise or the chair would win, though. They are very competitive. There are games of 42 that go on half the night," Burks said. "We laugh every day." Burks said it is a job that is rewarding, knowing they are elevating the quality of life for their residents. "They become like family. You come to work because you want to. Not because you have to," she said.
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Economy State of
Luncheon
Economic improvement is part of the heartbeat of a community. Mount Pleasant and Titus County residents will get a glimpse into the future of the local economy at the 2015 State of the Economy Luncheon. Steve Murdock, Ph.D., an expert demographer, is the keynote speaker at the annual event set for Oct. 30. "He uses a demographic model that projects our future economic outlook," Charlie Smith, executive director of the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation.
"He'll give us an outline of how our future is being shaped today, and we'll get some ideas on things we can change to impact the future in a positive way," Smith said. Smith will also speak at the conference.
He'll give us an outline of how our future is being shaped today, and we'll get some ideas on things we can change to impact the future in a positive way,"
Murdock is the founding director of the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas and holds the Allyn and Gladys Cline Chair in Sociol- He will talk about local trends and give ogy at Rice University. He is the former a summary of the current state of the director of the U.S. Census Bureau and economy in Titus County. the former state demographer of Texas. "I will look at new construction, new "He's an excellent speaker. I heard him employment, unemployment numbers speak on the topic of schools moving over the course of the year and new away from career training. That was investment," Smith said. "I'll look at one of the early seeds that encouraged what's growing and what isn't and why me to pursue the Industrial Technology it is important." Center at the high school and the col- While the economy in the Northeast lege," Smith said. Texas region has not improved at the Dr. Murdock will offer statistics, trends same pace as the rest of the state, and projections for the Mount Pleasant- there are several positive economic Titus County area. indicators.
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"We've had some new major investments, new construction is picking up, and our sales tax revenue was up again," he said. "Virtually every industry is back up to greater than pre-recession employment." Smith also pointed to significant investment in the SWEPCO power plant, numerous remodeling projects in the public and private sectors and business investment including the construction of loft apartments - in Downtown Mount Pleasant.
"Our downtown effort is very strong. There is a lot of small business growth and construction in the downtown area, and that impacts our quality of life," he said. "All those things put more money back into the economy." The MPEDC and the Mount PleasantTitus County Chamber of Commerce will host the luncheon at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center. It is the second year the two organizations have collaborated on the event. For ticket information, contact the Chamber at 903-572-8567.
Steve Murdock, Ph.D. is the founding Director of the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas and the Allyn and Gladys Cline Chair in Sociology at Rice University. He is the former Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, The State Demographer of Texas, holder of a Regents Chair at Texas A&M University, The Lutcher Brown Distinguished Chair in Demography and Organization Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a noted scholar with 14 books and more than 150 articles and
analytical reports. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from North Dakota State University, the Distinguished Rural Sociologist Award from the Rural Sociological Society, a recipient of the Excellence in Research Awards from the Rural Sociological Society, Faculty Distinguished Research Award from Texas A&M University and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and the Phi Eta Sigma national honorary societies. He is also noted in applied and
Texas governmental circles having been named as one of the 50 most influential Texans by Texas Business in 1997 and one of the 25 most influential Texans by Texas Monthly in 2005. He has extensive experience in research on a wide variety of issues impacting Texas and the Nation and is widely known as a national expert in the areas of Demography, Rural Sociology and Socioeconomic Impact Assessment.
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Kim Crabb has such a heart for volun- Mount Pleasant High School. She stud- She worked at the Chamber for four teering she's given notice at work that ied business at Tyler Junior College, years and then for another local trailer she is giving all of her time to it soon. earning a business certificate in 1976. manufacturer before she and her husShe manages the office at band started their business. Diamond C Trailers, the company she and her hus"The business joined the band, Mike, opened in Chamber, and I have volunMount Pleasant in 1985. teered on an off since then, "I think you have to be passionate about Their sons, Jeffery and Jabut more so after Pat Adhelping others or you're not going to give 100 cob Crabb, are also owners ams became the Chamber of the family business. percent. I think it's part of God's plan for us to director," she said. “I’m rooted here.” V8uolunteer, whether that's helping a retail She said she told Jeffery Crabb, the company’s presiShe calls herself a floater business through the Chamber or raising dent, she plans to retire in for whenever the Chamber money to save a life." two years and be 100 perneeds someone to help out cent volunteer. with a project or event. She “I have been trying to phase has worked on the Total myself out, but Jeffery Resource Campaign for the keeps giving me more dupast three years and has ties," she said. She decided to move back to Mount served on the Education Committee Pleasant and started working in the and as a member of the Chamber Crabb, who was born Pennsylvania, Chamber office. That’s also the year Board of Directors. She plans to volunand brought to Mount Pleasant by her she was crowned the first “Christmas teer for Deck the Halls this year and in adoptive parents, is a graduate of Ball Queen.” the future, she will join the Chamber
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Ambassadors committee. As a business owner, she understands the importance of being involved with the Chamber.
oversee the food committee for Center Church and Ark Ministries. She also helps organize Quake on Town Lake for Cypress Basin Hospice and helps with the Junior Livestock Show and the "The Chamber can help your business Ag Mechanics Show at the Titus Coungrow, especially with the internet and ty Fair. technology. There is so much that they can get out to the whole community," "In most cases, I like to volunteer for a she said. "You can serve on commitcause that helps people," Crabb said. tees that are doing things to keep busi- "I volunteer for the Chamber because I nesses growing and keep Mount just want our community and our busiPleasant on top; to be one of the best nesses to grow. I know what the towns of our size in Texas." Chamber can do for our area, and I'm passionate about that." Crabb volunteers for several other organizations, including Relay 4 Life of Volunteering starts with an interest and Titus County. She has served on the flourishes with a passionate, giving school board for Mount Pleasant ISD heart. for five years. She and her husband "I think you have to be passionate
about helping others or you're not going to give 100 percent," she said. "I think it's part of God's plan for us to volunteer, whether that's helping a retail business through the Chamber or raising money to save a life." Mike and Kim Crabb have been married 38 years. They have four children and 13 grandchildren and the title, "Gran," is one of her most cherished. "I have a very rewarding life. God has blessed me," she said.
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MOUNT PLEASANT BUSINESS REPORT An official publication of the Mount Pleasant/Titus County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Council 1604 North Jefferson | Mount Pleasant Texas 75455 903.572.8567 | mtpleasanttx.com Mount Pleasant/Titus County Chamber Publisher Katie Stedman Editor in Chief Mandy Stringer Creative Director Mandy Stringer Graphic Design, Layout Lynda Stringer Contributing Writer Echo Publishing Co. Printing
Mount Pleasant/Titus County Chamber of Commerce 1604 North Jefferson Avenue Mount Pleasant, TX 75455 www.mtpleasanttx.com info@mtpleasanttx.com (p) 903.572.8567 (f) 903.572.0613
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