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Community-powered movements are often the most sustainable and satisfying. The GVEC Power Up Grant Program has turned small donations into improved safety, access, education, and quality of life across its service area for over a decade.The deadline for the next cycle of applications is fast approaching - August 15 at 5:00 p.m. - so don’t delay! Whether launching a community garden, renovating a public space, improving accessibility, or investing in life-saving equipment, Power Up can help bring your plan across the finish line.“In our eyes, it doesn’t matter how big or small; the value to the community is the true...

More major upgrades are coming to Seguin’s Manuel Castilla Park.The park, located at the corner of Guadalupe and Martindale streets, recently received a new large pavilion — thanks to the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.Parks and Recreation Director Jack Jones says that partnership with the leadership class has sparked some additional improvements to be made soon by the city.Jones says the park will get a totally new playground, which will replace an outdated and undersized playscape currently in place.Click here to view the original article.

Every year, more professionals take the leap into entrepreneurship, and more often than not, they're forming LLCs to do it. According to the IRS, LLCs made up 72.7% of all partnerships in 2022, far surpassing other entity types for the last two decades.Why? LLCs combine the liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity and flexibility of a sole proprietorship. But those aren't the only reasons they've become the go-to structure for startups, solo professionals, and even families looking to preserve generational wealth. Here's why the LLC continues to gain momentum — and what that signals for the evolving business...

With a population surging past 31 million and the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas is experiencing an unprecedented wave of industrial growth. This expansion is powered in part by the state’s unmatched energy output — Texas produces nearly a quarter of all U.S. energy, more than any other state. While this growth brings jobs, investment, and innovation, it also places new demands on the infrastructure that underpins the Lone Star State’s economic momentum.Texas’s Bold Response to Energy and Water DemandsBooming sectors like tech, manufacturing, and logistics are driving sharp increases in Texas’ energy use, placing growing pressure on grid...

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the next 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be held in Rockport-Fulton on July 10. Held throughout the year and in regions across the state, the Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of Texas' vibrant communities,” said Governor Abbott. “From family-owned shops to innovative startups, more than 3.3 million small businesses across our state fuel job creation and drive our...

From the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, TxDOT continues to push forward on major infrastructure projects aimed at keeping Texas connected, safe and moving into the future. Here’s a look back at groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for projects across the state in June.MidlandA significant traffic shift is underway in Midland as the long-awaited Midkiff and Cotton Flat bridge projects near completion along Interstate 20. Beginning Saturday, July 13, traffic will be rerouted onto newly constructed bridges, allowing drivers to pass over Midkiff Road and Cotton Flat Road.Demolition of the previous structures began in mid-2023. Crews have been working around...

The competition to be recognized as one of the “best of the best” Texas barbecue joints by Texas Monthly has heated up faster than a propane grill in Hank Hill’s experienced hands.For the 2025 edition of this quadrennial list, TM barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and his staff of taste testers went to more restaurants than ever before — 319 stands, smokehouses, shacks or pits, to be exact.And while Gonzales’ own Baker Boys BBQ didn’t reach quite the same heights it did in 2017 and 2021 — when the restaurant was named one of the Top 50 spots in the Lone...

James Beard-nominated pitmasters draw praise for ribs, brisketSAN ANTONIO – Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. landed at the top of Texas Monthly’s list of 50 best barbecue joints in the Lone Star State.Texas Monthly, which released its list on Tuesday, praised Burnt Bean pitmasters David Kirkland and Ernest Servantes for their weekend-only rib dishes, plus their brisket, turkey and sausage.The restaurant’s bourbon peach cobbler taco dessert and its ambiance, reminiscent of “a museum of small-town Texas,” were also noted. (Read the full review here.)This isn’t the first time Burnt Bean has earned high praise from respected outlets.Continue reading the full article...

On June 1, Ottine Mineral Springs in Gonzales will officially re-open to the public, unveiling a massive renovation to the historic site about an hour and 15 minutes from Austin. Until recently, this 40-acre property was home to just two private mineral-fed pools, but now this sprawling land is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more.The scale of Ottine Mineral Springs' glow-up is hard to comprehend, so CultureMap made a little day trip out to the property to experience everything it has to offer and get...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Director of Communications Seth W. Christensen today released a statement calling out Congressional Democrats for politicizing disaster aid for farmers in need across the country:“Congressional Democrats are playing politics with disaster aid, withholding critical funding from farmers to manufacture controversy and blame the Trump Administration—when in reality, they’re pushing to misuse taxpayer dollars.Secretary Rollins is working in good faith to deliver relief quickly and responsibly. USDA has met weekly with eligible states, offering flexible options and clear guidance to avoid duplicating existing federal programs.Click here to read the original article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A class in leadership led a group of community members to take the lead on updating one of Seguin’s parks with a little extra shade.The Seguin Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Leadership Seguin Class recently cut the ribbon on a pavilion it had built at Manuel C. Castilla Park on the north side of the city.The group raised about $75,000 to construct the 40-foot by 60-foot shade structure through the help of community partnerships, Leadership Seguin member Jake Pflumm said.“This was a very concerted effort. It was a partnership,” he said. “It is a really big testament to the Seguin community...

Governor Greg Abbott today commended the Texas Legislature for making a Texas-size investment in the state's water infrastructure following passage of Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7.“With the dramatic population growth that Texas continues to experience, our water supplies are drying up, impacting Texans and communities across our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “This Texas-size water package is critical to fix broken and leaking pipes and give our agriculture producers in the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas the water they need to grow their crops. Thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Burrows, Senator...

A bill increasing the amount of money the state spends to attract film and television productions to Texas has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott after lawmakers agreed to lower what had originally been proposed at the start of the year.Senate Bill 22, filed by Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, would allow the comptroller to deposit $300 million into a new Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund every two years until 2035. The Senate's version of the bill would have deposited $500 million every two years until 2035. However, the House amended this version of the bill to lower it...

I get it. The economy seems uncertain and companies across the country are looking for a place where they can grow with confidence. In Texas, we like to say it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true—and the fact of the matter is, takes care of business. With a budget surplus, world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a can-do attitude that turns challenges into opportunities, Texas remains the safest place for business expansion and retention, both now and for generations to come.One of the biggest reasons businesses continue to choose Texas is our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility. While other states like...

When business and manufacturing leaders plan facility upgrades, art is not usually part of the blueprint. Equipment, efficiency, and lighting systems come first — and understandably so. Yet, a growing body of research and field experience proves that strategically incorporated art can do more than beautify a facility. It can improve employees' well-being, boost productivity, and even enhance safety. Art is not a luxury. It's a smart, strategic investment in individuals — and in performance.How One Warehouse Transformed with ArtAustin Energy's warehouse at Cameron Park demonstrates how thoughtfully integrated art can elevate industrial spaces. Building upon a previous successful collaboration...

Oil and gas companies locate where they need to – proximity to the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale or LNG hubs along the Gulf Coast for example. But where are their future employees looking to launch and grow their careers? Recent analysis from LearnToDrill.com, an online education and training resource for professionals in the oil and gas industry, offers insights into what its top five states with the fastest-growing career opportunities bring to the table as potential locations for workers.1) TEXASTexas provides over 400,000 direct jobs in the oil and gas industry, making up nearly 40% of all U.S. oil and...

Located in a carefully restored historic home on Camp Street in downtown Seguin, Texas, Pecantown Books and Brews is far more than a bookstore. It’s a place where the best in books, food, and community intersect. Founded by Tess Coody-Anders in June 2022, this cozy space has quickly become a regional destination for readers, food lovers, and regional travelers. “We opened almost three years ago in downtown Seguin with the intent of bringing new books, new food, and new opportunities to connect to the downtown area,” Coody-Anders said. The vision extended beyond creating a retail space to curating a unique cultural...

Governor Greg Abbott today touted the strength of the expanding Texas economy as new data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Texas economy growing at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. The state’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew in the fourth quarter of 2024 at an annual rate of 3.5%, well ahead of the U.S. average of 2.4%.  “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed and Texans the tools to prosper,” said Governor Abbott. “It is hardworking Texans who power our booming and growing economy. Year after year, we continue to lead...

Though Seguin High senior Miguel Carrillo is eyeing a career as an electrician, he said he found other things that sparked his interest Wednesday at a career fair.Drawn to Seguin Career Day by the opportunity to speak with a representative of Masters Electrical Services, a stop at the TXFAME Lonestar Chapter booth also proved fruitful, Carillo said.“(TXFAME) sounds like a good opportunity to have. All of the opportunities they give, it sounds like a good program,” he said. “A lot of great people are here, a lot of great opportunities, a lot of great jobs, as well.”Those opportunities are what...

Is the zeitgeist right for ‘agrihoods’?Would you rather invest in a golf course community or one where valuable property is profitably used to grow food?“Agrihoods” are gaining steam as an alternative real estate strategy targeting affluent, younger demographics that are jazzed by the prospect of living and raising families among nature and abundant, organic food sources.According to the Urban Land Institute, there are now about 200 “agrihoods” in more than 30 states across the United States, with such developments increasingly popping up not just in rural areas but also in proximity to major cities. ULI defines agrihoods as “single-family, multifamily,...

Rural communities hold immense potential for growth, innovation, and development. However, capitalizing on this potential requires strategic efforts highlighting your rural community and its unique advantages. At Golden Shovel Agency, we specialize in empowering economic developers to promote their regions effectively.Why Promoting Rural Communities MattersEconomic development in rural areas is vital for cultivating growth, improving residents' quality of life, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Rural regions offer many benefits, such as lower operating costs, access to natural resources, and a close-knit community—yet they often face challenges in marketing themselves effectively to attract talent and investment.Read the full article from the Golden...

Texas was already the leading state in the nation for semiconductor chip manufacturing when, in 2022, the federal government passed the CHIPS Act and focused attention on bolstering this key industry. Texas’ government followed suit with its own CHIPS Act, spurring an influx of resources and job opportunities across the state. A new grant from the Department of Defense puts $7.5 million more into nascent semiconductor technician training programs at Austin Community College (ACC), readying the workforce to fill the high-tech jobs that will be created in coming years as new plants open.Strengthening National SecuritySemiconductors are the tiny computer “chips”...

As part of the Victoria Independent School District's (VISD) mission to obtain and retain high-quality, experienced teachers, in accordance with the newly implemented 2025- 2029 academic strategic plan, the district will stage a two-day job fair beginning on April 3.The job fair will offer experienced educators or individuals with a bachelor's degree looking to enter into a career path in the education the opportunity to connect with hiring managers and explore opportunities to teach in VISD. the two-day event is intended exclusively for individuals interested in a teaching position within VISD.Read the full article here.

Community members gathered to plant 76 trees at the Ag Friar Complex on March 1. Mac Martin, the Community Forestry Program Lead, conducted a tree planting demonstration. He placed the tree on its side and carefully removed the bucket. Avoid yanking the tree out. Various species of oak trees were also available for free for take home....Read the full article here.

While Texas might be best known for the fuel that’s under the ground, an exciting new hydrogen project at one Austin school explores the rich possibilities of several other natural resources the state has to offer. The Center for Electromechanics at The University of Texas at Austin has opened a cutting edge hydrogen power ‘proto-hub’ that will put clean power to the test and explore the possibilities of scaling up and modernizing the Texas energy industry.Several years in the making, this facility is part of the larger “Demonstration and Framework for H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond” project. H2@Scale is supported...

With the snip of a ribbon, the Seguin High School baseball team officially has a home, while the softball team got an upgrade.While the teams have already christened the turf having practiced and played in the new stadium, the Matadors Legends Baseball/Softball Field officially opened Monday during a special ceremony.Students, staff, family and community members all gathered to help cut the golden ribbon, which signified the opening of Matador Legends Ballpark.“Thank you for supporting Seguin ISD, our schools and our students,” Seguin ISD Superintendent Veronica Vijil said at the ribbon cutting. “We would also like to recognize the families of...

The Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the 2024 Economic Excellence Recognition from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). This prestigious award was presented at TEDC’s 2025 Winter Conference on February 28th in Austin, Texas, placing Schertz among an elite group of 71 organizations recognized for their outstanding commitment to economic development.The Economic Excellence Recognition Program highlights organizations that uphold high standards in economic development through training, certification, and adherence to best practices. Recipients qualify based on the professional development of their governing board, economic development director, and staff, as well...

In Texas, the weather can turn on a dime. And in Southeast Texas, that means TxDOT needs to be ready for anything.“The strength of Mother Nature is so unpredictable,” said Melody Galland, director of maintenance for TxDOT in Houston. “Each of these weather events is a constant reminder that teamwork is essential—we can't face them alone. You have to learn to trust the people you have who work tirelessly to keep the roads open.”Southeast Texas experienced hurricanes last summer and an unprecedented winter snowstorm just six months later.Read the full article here.

Formulating an effective economic development strategy requires asking a full range of questions to identify community needs and priorities. Comprehensive economic development plans should address pressing and long-term needs in a community. Collaborating with key stakeholders ensures challenges and opportunities across all community sectors are acknowledged and considered as strategies are solidified. Golden Shovel Agency knows the questions to ask and the data to review to develop the most substantial economic development strategies and related plans.12 questions to ask when developing an economic development strategyWho are the key stakeholders in the region?Read the full article from Golden Shovel Agency here.

Scientists have long sought to effectively harness hydrogen as a clean power source. The earliest hydrogen fuel cell prototype, in fact, was developed in 1839, though American hydrogen research really took off after NASA used hydrogen fuel cells to power rockets in their race to space.The Gulf Coast was famously instrumental in journeying to the stars, and with plans for a massive new hydrogen hub on the way, it is also poised to help build the clean energy infrastructure of the future.The HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub is a collaboration between seven energy producers in the Houston area and is receiving funding...

Napoleon Hill’s iconic quote, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” embodies the spirit of possibility and ambition that fuels innovation. This mindset is essential for driving not only individual success but also the evolution of entire industries. Innovation thrives on the belief that challenges can be overcome and that new ideas, once envisioned, can be transformed into groundbreaking realities.By applying this principle, industries can achieve transformative growth. It encourages leaders, thinkers, and innovators to push boundaries, adapt to changing environments, and create solutions that shape the future. Whether through technological advancements, process improvements, or entirely new...

The medical device manufacturing industry is an innovative, thriving industry, to be sure. But even innovative, thriving industries entered 2025 with questions concerning making and assembling product, harnessing artificial intelligence, the new administration’s direction and, of course, costs.But answering those questions is what leads to progress.“With the ongoing pressures in health care to control costs, I believe the industry will continue to seek innovative ways to develop and produce products in a more efficient, cost-effective manner,” said Bob Vitoux, president and CEO of Warsaw, Ind.-based OrthoWorx, “while not forgoing the importance of quality and efficacy that has long been the...

Your perfect customer is searching for someone just like you. They want exactly what you offer. They need your skills, expertise and solutions. But if your LinkedIn profile isn't set up to grab their attention, they'll find someone else.When I started taking LinkedIn seriously, my business exploded. In one year my account grew from 7k to 30k followers, with a high proportion being my dream customers. This isn't random, and it's not luck. You can do it too. With intention, a process, and commitment to keep going, you can grow your business with help from LinkedIn.Read the full article from...