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Recent Activity Wrap-Up

In the past few weeks, MPEDC attended the 4th Annual Northeast Texas Transportation held in Sulphur Springs and the annual, “Stars & Stripes”-themed, Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas celebration/award ceremony. We’ve learned more about the viability of our region as a place to do business, watched Mount Pleasant companies win awards, and hung out with our economic development partners/friends. Congrats to Mount Pleasant’s Priefert Rodeo & Ranch Equipment for winning Workforce Solutions’ Large Employer of the Year and to Guaranty Bank & Trust for winning Small Employer of the Year! Way to represent! We appreciate your presence in our community. 

MPEDC Executive Director Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

(MOUNT PLEASANT, TX – November 4, 2019) – Nathan Tafoya, Executive Director MPEDC in Mount Pleasant, TX, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. 

 
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the CEcD exam on October 12-13, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN at the JW Marriott. With 13 years of economic development experience, Nathan Tafoya has a successful track record at both state and local levels attracting jobs and capital investment to communities. Mr. Tafoya holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico, where he took 1st place in the school’s annual technology business plan competition and was awarded $25,000 from Lockheed Martin. Mr. Tafoya is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Tafoya joined MPEDC on June 18, 2018.

 
“I am extremely pleased to announce I’ve earned the nationally-recognized Certified Economic Developer designation from IEDC,” Nathan Tafoya said. “This designation adds another level of confidence in MPEDC’s activities in the community. The designation also signals to outside companies and consultants that their projects in Mount Pleasant, TX will be handled at the highest levels of expertise and professionalism. I look forward to a continued and rigorous application of all things economic development in Mount Pleasant and Titus County. This community is poised for incredible success and I’m excited to be standing should-to-shoulder with some of the most dedicated and proficient community partners and leaders in Texas.” 


The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

● business retention and expansion

● finance & credit analysis

● marketing and attraction

● strategic planning

● entrepreneurial & small business development

● managing economic development organizations

● neighborhood development strategies

● real estate development & reuse

● technology-led economic development

● workforce development strategies

● foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well-being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently more than 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.

Community-Wide Internet Infrastructure Availability Survey

ATTENTION Mount Pleasant & Titus County region! Help!

MPEDC is working with community leaders to bring high-speed, fiber internet to our community (including outlying, rural areas) & we need your help with our feasibility study. We are crowd-sourcing internet availability data via the first-ever, community-wide, internet availability survey done in our area. By completing the survey, you are helping us map our internet connectivity and coverage in a way that has never been done. Please participate. Be heard. Be the change you want to see.

WHAT IS THIS: Mount Pleasant Economic Development has partnered with an internet services and engineering company to make this survey a reality. The survey data only works if we fill it out as a community. Survey questions will be tied to the address you provide to give internet utilities the data they need to move forward in our community. Our survey’s coverage extends beyond Titus County. Every person counts!

WHY: We want to future-proof our community. Internet connectivity is paramount to economic growth. Today, businesses, families, schools, and communities at large rely on ‘connectivity’. From schoolwork and homework assignments, to work requirements and projects, to opportunities for remote-workers and entrepreneurs, the reach and potential of a high-speed internet connection is crucial to the success of any community.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE: You can find the survey online at internet.mpedc.org (strongly preferred method) or at the Chamber of Commerce in paper form (English & Spanish). The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.

Thank you for helping us grow as a truly connected community!

Share! 

Main Street Revitalization Announcement

The Mount Pleasant Main Street Revitalization Low Interest Loan Program has been reviewed and renewed for the 2019-2020 year. This program is an incentive to encourage property and small business owners to rebuild and revitalize commercial buildings within the Main Street District. Any interested loan applicant will work directly with his or her lending institution of choice. More information is located at https://lnkd.in/edMQZbm.  Pictured are the financial institutions that have agreed to the proposal and the designated officers will serve as the contact person. These officers, pictured from left to right are: Cypress Bank – Barry Jones 903-572-9856 Guaranty Bank and Trust – Trent Abbott 903-572-9881 First Federal Bank – Ashley Amerson 903-577-1118 American National Bank – Sheila Donnelly 903-572-1776 Pilgrim Bank – Zach Ervin 903-575-2317 (not pictured) VeraBank – Joseph Harwell (903) 577-6900 Main Street Manager – Jacob Hatfield 

 

Mount Pleasant Texas Main Street

Main Street layout

MPISD $55 Million Bond for Renovation and Security Updates

Overview of MPISD High School Campus
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MPISD Board of Trustees chose to put a $55 million school building bond in front of voters. On Saturday May 4, 2019, those same voters decisively approved the bond by almost 56 percent.

 

Key Committee Consideration:

  1. Safety & Securtiy at ALL Campuses
  2. Updating Academics Programs & Spaces
  3. Overcrowding at High School & CTE
  4. Visibility, Transparency& Easy Monitoring
  5. Reviving Preforing Arts Center
  6. Transformed Existing Spaces

 

Why was the Bond Election Called?

On January 23, upon the recommendation of the Facility Advisory Committee, comprised of members of the Mount Pleasant community, the Mount Pleasant ISD Board of Trustees voted to call a $55 million bond election to address: 

 

  • Renovate and expand CTE.
  • Demolish 500s building.
  • Renovate existing gym.
  • Fine Arts Center-renovate Auditorium, enlarge Band, new Dance Studio, Choir, Black Box, and visual art.
  • New gym entrance.
  • Transform ‘66 building.
  • Renovate academic space.
  • New academic space, administrative space, and secure entrance.
  • Re-purpose ESS.
  • Provide perimeter security for campus.
  • Resurface parking.
  • Addressing traffic flow at High School.