TMCN Celebrates 30 Years of Service to the Texas Midwest Region

We are delighted to invite you to a nostalgic reunion and a day of celebration as we commemorate 30 years of advancing economic and community development through the Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN).

Event Highlights:

• Breakout Sessions: Join us for insightful breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon.
  • Cybersecurity and Physical Security– Enhancing Security in County and City Government Buildings, A Modern Approach to Public Safety. Protecting public servants, residents, and visitors within government buildings has become more critical than ever. This session will highlight the latest security technologies and strategies that safeguard our government buildings, hospitals and public schools. Presented by Mary Leggett, Rose Technologies Group and Eric Bueller, Security Expert from PHYSAAS. CITY EDC
  • Social Media Disciplines – How to Slay on Social…Even If It’s Slaying You…Successfully managing social media feels like an impossible task for groups and organizations with minimal staff available to tame the beast — but don’t let that scare you away! Learn key do’s and don’ts that even departments-of-one (or multiple halves) can implement. Presented by Mari Cockrell and Blaine Beyer, City of Abilene CHAMBER EDC CITY
  • Texas Treasures Program – Presented by the Texas Historical Commission, come learn how you can help recognize these treasured businesses in your community and be part of a legacy that strengthens the Texas Midwest region. Presented by Tammie Virden, Executive Director Texas Forts Trail and Julie Smith, TFT Board Member CHAMBER EDC
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax –The Inns and Outs of HOT, this popular session returns after 4 years to help those of us new to the position and even those experienced to have a refresher on the topic. Learn the who, what and how of Hotel Occupancy Tax. Presented by Erin Corbell, City Manager -Brady      CHAMBER CITY
  • Texas Tourism Friendly Program – Are you interested in learning more about becoming a Texas Music Friendly, Texas Film Friendly or Texas Tourism Friendly Community? This curated panel will go over the application process as well as what they have gained and learned from being listed with the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism program. Panel includes Karen Hunt, Executive Director Sweetwater Chamber, Amanda Dulaney, Tourism Director Graham CVB, and Robert Lopez, Vice President Abilene CVB. CHAMBER EDC
  • ADA Website Mandates – Navigating Web Accessibility: Legislation, Deadlines and Compliance. In April the Dept of Justice published a final rule requiring state and local governments to ensure their websites and mobile apps meet certain accessibility requirements under the ADA … or face DOJ enforcement actions. In this low-tech session we’ll review deadlines from the legislation, discuss effective methods to evaluate compliance and share practical strategies for ensuring your websites are ADA-friendly. Presented by Matthew Lowe, Dome Software Solutions CITY
  • STUDENT SESSIONS: LEADERSHIP TMCN – Do you have high school students that want to learn more about our Leadership TMCN program? Bring them!! The Dynamic Duo of Tutt & Daggs will be here to work with our students and give them a taste of the fun and value of the Leadership TMCN program. Students will have the opportunity to build their personal skillset and be equipped with the leadership skills needed for tomorrow, and given an inside look as to how much of a difference one can make within a community. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM HERE: TMCN Brochure
  • STUDENT SESSION: How to Build Confidence and Community When Starting Your Career…and Life   Starting your career and transitioning into adult life can be both exciting and overwhelming. This presentation will guide you through practical strategies to boost your confidence and build a community as you embark on this journey.  Presented by Kasey Nixon, University Recruiter, First Financial Bank
  • PLEASE NOTE: STUDENT SESSIONS ARE FOR STUDENTS AND MENTORS
• Recognition Ceremony: Celebrate the achievements of TMCN’s most influential leaders.
• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal while we honor the recipients of the Leadership TMCN awards, marking the 10th anniversary of our premier Youth Leadership program.
• Keynote Speaker: Hear from Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel, who will provide valuable insights, updates, and encouragement regarding our Rural Workforce Task Force.
• Silent Auction: Participate in our silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Leadership TMCN program.
• Rural Partner: Show your support for rural Texas by sponsoring the event. Sponsorship details here.
• Become an Exhibitor: Are you a business or organization looking to reach or do business with rural educational institutions, hospital districts, counties, or cities? Your audience is at this event! Join us as an exhibitor to network and spread awareness of the importance of rural Texas. Details here.

One final note: If you and anyone from your community plan to attend the evening soiree (Grace Museum, Tuesday Nov 12), please be sure to RSVP to Lori at tmcn@tmcn.org. There is NO TICKET required, but we do need to know you’re coming please.  If you haven’t received an invitation in the mail or online, please be sure to contact Lori and she can send you all the information for the event!

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024

TIME: 8:30AM until 3:30PM

WHERE: Doubletree Hotel and Convention – Downtown Abilene | Room rate is $149 – Click Here for Booking

COST: $70 PERSON     $25 STUDENT       $350 EXHIBITOR        $500 RURAL FRIEND