More Recognition For Blanco

Blanco has been selected as the site to unveil the latest Texas Heritage Trails brochure. The Texas Hill Country Trail brochure is a travel guide that wanders through the 19 counties that comprise the Texas Hill Country and highlights the culture and character of the region. Blanco was chosen above several other communities because of its unique character and commitment to preserving its heritage.

Uptown Blanco will host the event which will officially launch the Texas Hill Country Trail. The ceremony is scheduled for early Spring and is envisioned as a celebration of the region and its unique character. The Blanco Historic Committee is providing local historical flavor with period displays and attire. Several prominent state officials will be in attendance with more details to come as the event gets nearer.

The brochure offers a roadmap to guide travelers as they to explore the Texas Hill Country with specific points of interest highlighted. It is the final in a series of Texas Heritage Trail guides funded by the Texas Historical Commission. The Heritage Trail program is designed to encourage travelers to explore the state’s historical and cultural wonders and this Trail focuses in on the Texas Hill Country. The brochure meanders through the Hill Country with specific sites being identified and noted with contact information. They will be distributed throughout the state at visitor centers and similar venues.

The selection confirms Blanco’s increasing recognition as a unique Hill Country community with an active and involved community. “This is a real tribute to Blanco and its citizens” County Judge Bill Guthrie said. “It is a reflection of their hard work and commitment to be chosen for an event of this type.”

We’re looking forward to this opportunity to work with Uptown Blanco to showcase Blanco again,” said Marcy Westcott, President elect of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce. “We’re hoping to get as much support as possible from the community to ensure that this occasion is one that we can all be proud of. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Blanco Chamber for more information at: 830-833-5101 or info@blancochamber.com.

Blanco Economic Development on the Move

“Its been a good year,” County Judge John Guthrie said. “It was a major accomplishment for the County to form an Economic Development Corporation. That was a good first step, and now its time to roll up our sleeves and get to the business of laying out the path for our future.”

Judge Guthrie credited the dedication and leadership of Joe Stewart who has been heading up the effort. Last January Guthrie appointed Stewart, Dixie Hall and Bobby McClung to explore what options were available to enhance the County’s economic development program. They assembled a committee of other committed citizens and soon identified the need to establish an EDC.

Along the way the committee also got involved in applying for funds under the Rural Broadband Initiative of the Federal Stimulus Program for enhance Broadband access to the County. High speed internet is considered essential for economic activity these days, and this program representing a great opportunity to build out the necessary high speed broadband infrastructure throughout the County. While the results of the first funding round have not been announced yet, the experience served to reinforce the need for an EDC.

The Economic Development Corporation will provide the County with the structure and resources to manage its economic future. With over 250 other EDCs already operating in Texas, it was essential that the county establish such a focus to compete in the ever challenging business of economic development.

“We hope that the EDC will give us the ability to make a real difference in guiding our future economic growth. It should a certain amount of economic self determination and allow us to better manage our resources,” Stewart said.

One of the first priorities for the EDC will be developing a strategic planning process to identify the County’s resources and priorities. Stewart and Guthrie both emphasized the need for community input and involvement in the planning process as it unfolds.

Blanco County is poised for some major economic growth in the coming decade. With both San Antonio and Austin less than an hour away, it is not a matter of when it is coming, its how soon. There is a real possibility that the County could be overwhelmed in the near future if it doesn’t establish some sort of management of its economic resources.

“There is no cookie cutter model that would work for Blanco” according to Guthrie. “We’re a very unique Hill Country setting and it is important that we build a consensus of what we want our community to become. There is a wealth of extraordinary folks in Blanco County and we need to tap into that.

“The only way we can succeed is if we have the interest, input and commitment of the citizens of Blanco County.” said Stewart. He encouraged anyone interested in becoming a part of the process to contact him.

The Blanco Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working together to improve the economic well-being of local businesses and the business community as a whole, and to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Blanco and the surrounding areas. In an effort to better communicate with you, the Chamber has begun sending weekly emails to all Members and will begin a bi-weekly article in the Blanco County News. There is a new energy surrounding the Chamber and its activities and you don’t want to miss out!!

We are finalizing details for the Annual Member Banquet to be held in late February. Spotlight your business by sponsoring this annual event honoring our Members, volunteers, and Board of Directors.

The planning of the Sixth Annual Lavender Festival is underway… mark your calendars for June 11-13!

For more information contact Penny Thomas, Executive Director, at 830-833-5101 or info@blancochamber.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce and our community.