Guests "Tout" the Glories of Life in Texas Forest Country
Guests from a thirteen county region "touted" the glories of life in Texas Forest Country at the TFC Partnership's Annual Banquet. Pictured from left to right are Mayor John Windham of Center (President-Elect of TFCP), Sue Kennedy of Nacogdoches (President of TFCP Board), Gene Nethery of Sabine County and Trent Ashby, Executive Director of TFCP. More than 350 people attended the March 25th banquet and celebration at the Pitser Garrision Civic Center in Lufkin.
Economic Development Summit
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| Photo Credit: Lufkin Daily News |
Speakers echoed the TFCP's belief that attracting new residents to East Texas is as important as attracting new jobs and that taking a regional approach is the best avenue for making that happen. TFCP's retirement initiative is well founded. Texas ranks second only to Florida for retiree relocations. East Texas' natural resources, favorable economic outlook and friendly people make it prime real estate for retirees. Among other presenters today were State Comptroller Susan Combs, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and East Texas' own Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples. All of the presenters, including Research Economist Dr. James Gaines, underscored the belief that Texas is poised for an economic and population boom that will have a profound impact on the state during the next 25 years.
The Texas Forest Country Bass Circuit Kicks Off
In the much-anticipated first event of the first Texas Forest Country Bass Circuit, September 8th found people scrambling with excitement. The four-county tournament kicked off at the Umphrey Pavilion in Jasper County on Lake Sam Rayburn. 109 teams hit the lake with hopes of having the most bass that would win fetch them the $10,000 prize money - and qualify them for the championship on January 5, 2008.
The big prize went to the team of Stan Burgay and Charles Reagan, whose bass weighed in at a whopping 21.92 pounds! In addition, the duo had the biggest single fish of the day, a bass weighing 9.91 pounds. Burgay and Reagan accepted the winning check and thanked their sponsors - Skeeter Boats, Yamamoto baits and Okuma Reels.
Charles Reagan and Stan Burgay won 1st place and Big Bass, and were presented and these nice plaques to commemorate their win. The winners are flanked L to R by representatives and directors from each of the four counties including Liz Ware of San Augustine, Billy & Karen Stevens from Sabine County, Emcee John Salamone, Jasper County Brent Meaux, David Kountz, and Pam Phelps of Shelby County
The remaining top fishermen of the day were team #2 - Phil Henderson & Perry Hooks with 20.28 pounds, #3 - Ray Beck & Shane Hilton with 19.57 pounds, #4 - Harold Allen & Glen Freeman with 19.2 pounds, #5 - Bill Hudspeth & Ricky Potts with 18.92 pounds, #6 - John Gunnels & Dicky Newberry with 18.71 pounds, #7 - Jason Moorehead & Charles Shofner with 17.77 pounds, #8 - Jerry Ketchum & Gordon McBride with 17.56 pounds, #9 - Jerrel Pringle & Jeff Wouldridge with 17.21 pounds. And last but not least #10 - Don Mattern & Phillip Mattern with 16.73 pounds.
The Texas Forest Country Bass Circuit is open to all, so grab a partner and join in the fun on October 6 at Lowe's Creek Park on Toledo Bend. The final two qualifying dates on the circuit are November 10 at Jackson Hill Park & Marina on Lake Rayburn and December 8 at Huxley Bay on Toledo Bend. Entry fees are $250 per team per tournament. For more information or to get a registration form, please contact Pam Phelps at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (936.598.3682).
Bob Brown of American Rodsmiths gave the children in the crowd each a new rod and reel. "They are our future generation."