Gun Barrel City growing despite economic slump
By Steve Webster, Pres. GBC, EDC
Special to The Monitor
GUN BARREL CITY–The last several years have been tough for the economy in general, but responsible communities must continue to lay the groundwork that will continue their community’s growth.
In this spirit of planning for the future, the volunteer board members of the Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation (GBCEDC) work with dozens of businesses and organizations each year.
The goal is to benefit citizens and those who live in neighboring towns. The GBCEDC does this by attracting jobs and services that will generate revenue for the city. The specific duties of the GBCEDC include:
• promote existing businesses and assist business owners with expansion and job creation. Any business in Gun Barrel City can come to us with a request for assistance and know their proposal will be thoughtfully reviewed and considered.
• solicit appropriate businesses and respond to new business opportunities with the goal of bringing in new jobs, revenue and services for members of our community.
• participate with the city to develop the master land plan and thoroughfare plan to ensure positive growth and a well-designed future for the city.
In past years, the EDC has assisted with the expansion of Beall’s and Direct Tire & Battery, as well as supported the addition of Hibbett Sports, CiCi’s Pizza, Anytime Fitness and Denny’s, breathing new life into the center of our town.
The board also funded ball park improvements at the city park allowing tournaments to be held there, attracting visitors who will patronize the hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
The EDC also funded the park pavilion, providing space for civic events such as National Night Out, Walk Like M.A.D.D., and Concerts in the Park.
The EDC purchased property next to city-owned land to seek new projects and businesses our community needs and that fit into the master plan.
Much of the EDC’s work may not be apparent to city residents until a new business opens.
We currently are working with Silverleaf to bring affordable senior housing and Country Living Place, an assisted living facility to Gun Barrel City.
These facilities will create job opportunities and provide housing for members of our community.
Most residents are aware that Applebee’s restaurant may be moving to town. This will create as many as 60 jobs and some much needed sales tax revenue.
We also are assisting with expansion plans of an automotive business and supporting the opening of a large national retailer to our community.
A new office and retail center on Municipal Drive is being considered to provide additional retail and service business space.
Other plans include a new road to be built just off Municipal Drive.
Although it is impossible to control the timing of businesses that rely on financing, corporate decision-making, and competitive offers from other cities and towns, the goal of the EDC board is to make our community their first choice when weighing their options.
The monthly Board of Directors meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Tuesday of every month at the EDC offices at the new City Hall in Gun Barrel City.
For more information, contact the EDC at (903) 887-1899.

 

Kemp High School yearbook earns award
Monitor Staff Reports
KEMP–Kudos to the Kemp High School yearbook staff and Dr. Daniel Sue for the outstanding creation of the 2010-11 Yearbook.
Walter’s Publishing in Mankato, Minn, announced it selected the KHS 2010-11 Yearbook for the “Outstanding Achievement Award.”
Walter’s Publishing looks for high quality production and creative book cover design as criteria for the award.
Moreover, because of the creativity of Kemp’s Yearbook, Walter’s Publishing said the outstanding design was “anything but ordinary.”

 

Women’s club hears about ‘Sweet Potato Queens’
By Susan Harrison
Monitor Staff Writer
KEMP–The Cedar Creek Lake Women’s Club learned about ‘Sweet Potato Queens’ from guest speaker, book reviewer and motivational speaker, Carol Brandon, at their monthly meeting at Cedar Creek Country Club, Nov. 15.
Brandon of Garland entertained the ladies with origin of the Sweet Potato Queens.
The founder, Jill Conner Browne, has written three books about the queens but Brandon mainly referenced Browne’s book, “God Save the Sweet Potato Queens.”
“Browne lives in Jackson, Miss., and was never a prom queen,” explained Brandon.
She said that she was crownless and all should declare themselves queens.
“Browne says that anyone can be a queen of anything – just name yourself queen!” Brandon added.
“Browne encourages you to follow your dream and that it is never too late to have a happy childhood.”
“Have fun and let it hang out, no matter your age,” said Brandon about Browne’s philosophy.
As the queens became popular they began participating in an annual parade, known as ‘The Big Event’ and during their second year, they threw sweet potatoes to the crowds.
“Browne believes that a woman should wear a tiara as least an hour a day and especially when she is vacuuming, to feel special,” Brandon said.
At Sweet Potato Queens’ parties the guests wear boas and tiaras and eat all the time.
“They are very conscious of fat grams. Browne says they can turn any dish into a heart attack,” Brandon explained.
Funeral food is food to die for and is served after a funeral.
“There are wanna-be Sweet Potato Queens and ‘Spud Studs’ are former boyfriends, current boyfriends and husbands. ‘Tater Tots’ are children of Sweet Potato Queens and cannot ride on the floats during the annual parade.”
Sweet Potato Queens believe in saying ‘bless your heart’ and ‘out of pocket’ for uncomfortable situations.
Their favorite cookies are made from crumbled cooked bacon and brown sugar.
They also recommend that you have a picture from when you are in your 40’s for your family to use for your obituary.
In closing, Brandon reminded the group of Browne’s words that it is better to live your dream than to dream how you want to live.
Club president Beth Brown welcomed seven new members and thanked the members for their generous food donations to Make- A -Difference Day.
“We are giving $500 to both Make-A-Difference Day and the East Texas Crisis Center,” Brown said.
Members are to bring their East Texas Crisis Center unwrapped donations to the Tuesday, Dec. 13 meeting. Donations can be new or gently used clothing, gas and calling cards, gift and food baskets and diapers and baby wipes.
Club members enjoyed a tasty lunch of baked ham, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bread and cookies.

 

Come Adopt Us At The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

We have many animals at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points in dire need of a good home. Please call or stop by the Humane Society today and rescue one of these forgotten animals. The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is located on 10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points. For more information, please call (903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m. We are closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

For further information visit our website at petfinder.com