Economic development at forefront of city’s attention for 2014

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountry.com

With the focus on economic development for the city of Daingerfield, City Manager Carl Teel talked to the city council Dec. 19 about recent conferences and findings.
“Since our meeting last month, I have made several contacts regarding future economic development efforts for our city,” Mr. Teel said. “These contacts made it possible for Mike Carter and me to travel to Austin for a meeting with Rick Rhodes with the Texas Department of Agriculture.  Rural economic development is channeled primarily through the Department of Agriculture.  However, other agencies are a part of the overall structure as well.  Mr. Rhodes did an excellent job of introducing us to staff from eight different state agencies who offered to help us in every way possible.  These staff members described what their programs can do for us and how to coordinate with them.
“The main thing that we accomplished was being introduced to key staff members who can facilitate some of our efforts to gain some traction for economic development here in Daingerfield and our surrounding area.  It was emphasized to us to think in terms of including the surrounding area in our thoughts and plans.  They made an excellent point that economic development that benefits the area will have a direct correlation and benefit and spillover effect for Daingerfield.
“One tangible development generated by our new connections in Austin involves a follow up meeting that is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23.  I had a preliminary meeting on Dec. 3, with the field representative from Connected-Texas who came to Daingerfield to meet with a small group about a job development program called Digital Works.  According to their literature; ‘this is a sustainable job creation program bringing technology-based jobs to local communities.  It connects 21st century workforce opportunities to people who are seeking employment.  It is a unique strategy to create jobs in areas facing high unemployment by leveraging broadband technology and IT outsourcing’.”
Mr. Teel made some suggested actions to the council.
“Our city needs to explore some special mechanisms that were explained to us that will help attract some new business prospects by offering some incentives that are provided in the law,” he said. “Obviously, this requires some study and careful consideration in order to effectively use these economic development tools.  This is an area of specialization where we can benefit from membership in the Texas Economic Development Council.  
 

Read more in our e-edition:http://www.etypeservices.com/SWF/LocalUser/Daingerfield1//Magazine42564/...