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Schertz, TX is building a community to benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike.Thoughtful economic development, infrastructure investment, and quality-of-life enhancements can work together to create a lasting impact for a community. Schertz is a classic example, as it builds momentum by investing in the places and amenities that support long-term growth.With new retail destinations and expanded parks, trails, and sports facilities, the city’s recent progress reflects a balanced approach to growth that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses alike. “Economic development is about more than attracting projects,” said Amy Madison, Deputy Director of Economic Development at Schertz Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “When...

In a rapidly growing region, it can be easy for small businesses to get lost in the pace of development. In Cibolo, Texas, city leaders are taking a different approach. By investing directly in local entrepreneurs and forming strong partnerships with regional utilities and organizations, Cibolo is fostering intentional, collaborative, and sustainable growth.“Cibolo is set up for success,” said Clancy Hardin, City of Cibolo Economic Development Manager. “It is just a matter of right-sizing and right-fitting.”Cibolo exemplifies the forward-thinking communities within the GVEC service area. Through specific programs and purposeful partnerships, the city demonstrates how sustainable growth can simultaneously support...

A new amenity has been added to the fishing pond adjacent to H-E-B in Cibolo.What happenedIn November, two solar-powered benches were installed at the pond, located at 824 Everyday Way.The benches are part of a Cibolo Partnered Trailways Project that aims to add amenities to the H-E-B trail and pond, according to Cibolo City Council agenda documents.Along with the benches, the project added an aeration fountain system to the pond. According to agenda documents, the system will preserve the health of the fishing pond.451350 Freehold Communities-NEM-12-2025-Website LeaderboardCost detailsThe total project cost was $114,000, with $94,000 coming from a portion of...

We at Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) are proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming Stand Up Rural America Regional Forum, taking place October 7–8, 2025, in Gonzales, Texas, at the JB Wells Event Center.This national forum is designed specifically for rural communities and will feature nationally recognized experts and practitioners, as well as a special regional panel: Logistics: The Foundation for a Thriving Community. Attendees will explore key topics such as planning, leadership, entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, rural tourism, sustainability, business retention & expansion, communications, retail development, talent strategies, and more.The event promises engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and outstanding...

“Go Soak!” It’s more than just a playful motto at Ottine Mineral Springs, it’s an open invitation to slow down, recharge and discover the restorative power of what guests affectionately call “Texas Magic Water.”Ottine Mineral Springs, located in the GVEC region beneath centuries-old oak trees and Spanish moss along the San Marcos River, is a one-of-a-kind mineral springs resort experience that uniquely blends natural healing, relaxation and history.From Hot Plunges to Hammocks: Wellness Retreat PerfectionOttine Mineral Springs is more than just a spa. It’s a full mind-and-body retreat where guests can slow down and recharge from the bustle of everyday...

In the small Texas town of Yoakum, the sound of tools on leather has been part of daily life for almost 100 years. No one knows that more keenly than local saddle-maker, Circle Y Saddles, home to generations of craftsmen and women who proudly pass down their skills and artistry of saddlemaking. It’s a craft that connects past to present, preserving the town’s identity in every hand-tooled detail.In the GVEC region, Yoakum is a town built by ranchers, saddle-makers and leatherworkers. Located about 90 minutes east of San Antonio and two hours west of Houston, Yoakum offers a unique blend...

From its beginnings in a tent beside a sandy street in Indianola to its current location on the main highway through Cuero, Reuss Pharmacy has been serving Texas residents since 1845. And now, after 180 years, the company that currently owns Reuss has closed the doors for good on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 11:00 a.m.For decades, it was a place where locals could not only get their prescriptions filled, they could buy medical devices, medical supplies, over-thecounter medications, gifts and cards. Cueroites could count on windows being decorated for the various holidays and with Go Gobbler slogans during football season.Click...

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a commitment to new actions (PDF, 1.2 MB) to increase the number of rural food animal veterinarians across the U.S. and recruit new veterinarians to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in their role to protect American ranchers, animals, and our food supply.Secretary Rollins also announced two awardees of the Veterinary Services Grant Program which will allow for expanded capabilities to serve livestock producers in rural Mississippi and opened a new consolidated USDA office with the Rural Development, the Farm Service Agency, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau in line with...

Texas has long been known as a national leader in job creation, energy production, and entrepreneurship. Now, it is taking another bold step forward in expanding its role as a financial powerhouse with the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). Headquartered in Dallas, the TXSE is set to shift the landscape for business leaders and investors by creating a new, competitive venue to raise capital and invest in regional growth.Backed by financial giants including BlackRock, Citadel Securities, Charles Schwab, and Fortress, the TXSE aims to begin trading in 2026 and promises to bring Wall Street energy to the Lone...

The Powerhouses Driving GrowthIn today’s dynamic economic landscape, tourism has emerged as a robust engine for local, state, and national growth. Over the last two years, particularly in the period from 2024 to 2025, the industry has not only rebounded from global disruptions but has also reinvented its strategic role in driving economic development. From innovations in digital marketing and infrastructure investments to the resurgence of domestic travel and spectator events, tourism now occupies a central place in policy planning and community revitalization. This article explores the multifaceted contributions of tourism to economic development during this period, examines emerging trends,...