The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) heard reports on steady growth in the local economy, new tourism efforts and expanding partnerships during its board meeting Wednesday, July 22.
Executive Director Christine Thomas also introduced special guest Megan Whitworth, the new executive director of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce, who also handles communications for the City of Quitman. Whitworth recently moved to East Texas from Arkansas with her family.
“We’re hitting the ground running,” Whitworth said, pointing to the success of Liberty Fest and upcoming chamber events. She said she is glad to be back in East Texas and looks forward to working with groups across Wood County.
The board approved minutes from its previous meeting before hearing updates on sales tax collections and the county’s financial outlook.
While final figures from the county auditor were not yet available, Thomas said both the commission’s general budget and Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) grant budget are expected to come in under budget.
Sales tax numbers continue to show positive trends. Wood County is up 4.3% overall compared to last year. Mineola remained essentially even with last year despite a slight dip in June. Quitman showed growth in both June and July and is now nearly 5.9% ahead of last year.
Alba, Yantis and Winnsboro saw mixed results month to month, but Thomas said the overall county picture remains strong. Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue was down compared to June 2024, but year-to-date collections are still about 20% higher than last year after a strong spring.
The board also received information on several marketing efforts aimed at boosting tourism and economic development.
Thomas said filming has wrapped on a new promotional video featuring Lake Fork, Quitman, Mineola and the Mineola Nature Preserve. Thomas said additional footage from the preserve is being added before the video is released in the coming weeks.
Work is also moving forward on a redesigned WCEDC website, which is expected to launch next month once final approvals are complete.
Marketing consultant Michael Arcand reported continued growth on the commission’s social media pages, driven largely by video content.
He said the Facebook page saw more than 1,000 visits and gained over 100 new followers in the past month. A Fourth of July video drew strong engagement through shares and views.
Arcand also said WCEDC content is beginning to appear in AI-generated search summaries, giving potential visitors another way to discover information about Wood County.
“The number one attractor is video,” Arcand told the board, encouraging members to keep sharing photos and videos from local events.
Planning is also underway for the county’s annual health fair, which will include a new “Walk with the Doc” event. Thomas said she is inviting doctors, physician assistants, chiropractors, therapists and other health professionals to take part in a community walk before the health screenings and vendor booths open.
One of the main topics of discussion was the 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax grant program. Thomas said the commission received 34 applications this year, the highest number in recent years, including six first-time applicants. Requests totaled more than $454,000, far above the $150,000 available.
Board members also unanimously approved a $500 sponsorship for the first Tour de Pines cycling event with a matching contribution through the Upper Sabine Valley Solid Waste Management District.
Treasurer Joanne Wisdom said the inaugural Tour de Pines, sponsored by the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion Association, is expected to draw at least 250 cyclists from across Texas.
The meeting wrapped up with an update from board President Tom Keenan on the proposed Wood County memory care village. Keenan said progress is being made on hiring a grant administrator to manage a $6 million USDA grant and pursue additional funding for construction.
Todd Witt also discussed the “Better Together” initiative, a countywide effort aimed at bringing together economic development, environmental efforts and community groups under a shared plan for long-term growth.
The board then went into executive session to discuss aviation-related economic development matters. Following executive session, the board voted to move forward with the proposed aviation tax abatements agreement and forward it to the Wood County Commissioners Court for final approval.