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TMCN Annual Conference – The Rural Advantage
The Rural Advantage: Why This Year’s TMCN Conference Matters
There has always been something special about rural Midwest Texas. We knew it. We lived it. And now, others are beginning to see it, too.
Across our region, communities find themselves at pivotal, different stages:
Preserving Our Core: Some towns work tirelessly to retain businesses, families, workforce, and tax bases while navigating declining school enrollments and quiet main streets.
Managing Unprecedented Growth: Others are fielding unexpected calls from developers and industries—data centers, renewable energy, battery storage, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and technology—asking, “What could we build here?”
Navigating the Middle Ground: Many communities sit right in between, balancing legacy values with emerging opportunities.
No matter where your community stands, this year’s Texas Midwest Community Network Annual Conference is designed for you.
What to Expect
On Wednesday, October 14, we are bringing together the people who power rural Texas every single day—economic development professionals, tourism and chamber leaders, city and county officials, community leaders, and regional partners.
Together, we’ll explore the rapidly changing landscape of rural development:
Digital Infrastructure & Emerging Industries
Artificial Intelligence and its Practical Applications
Managing Growth vs. Sustaining Community Identity
Peer-to-Peer Networking & Idea Sharing
Beyond the presentations from the podium, the greatest strength of TMCN lies in the conversations around the tables. Once a year, you get to sit in a room with leaders who understand the unique challenges of rural service, share proven strategies, and inspire new approaches for the future.
A huge thank you to our Sponsors!
Agenda(subject to change)
Key Note Speaker – Brittany Williams, CEN
Breakouts: The Rural Exchange: Real challenges. Shared ideas. Practical solutions.
- Chamber & Tourism Exchange — Building Community, Creating Connection, Staci Williams(Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce)
- Economic Development Exchange — Opportunity, Growth & What’s Next, Tom Parker(Olney EDC)
- City/Municipality Exchange — Leading Communities That Work, Renae Rodger(Mayor of Eden)
A Real Time Case Study: City of Haskell
Christina Isbell, Mayor of Haskell
Casey Moeller, Chief of Haskell FD
Brittany Williams, CEN
Moderator, Cynthia Northrop, City Manager Breckenridge
Breakouts: Ready or Not: Is Your Community Ready for What’s Coming?
- Build It Yourself: Build Your AI Solution, Tim Jespersen(CulturaMinds)
- Before You Sign: Tax Abatements, Agreements & Protecting Your Community, Judge Brian Umphress(Jack County Judge)
- Ready or Not: Is your Community Ready for What’s Coming?, Will Dugger(Jacob & Martin)
Check back for more details soon!
WHEN: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
WHERE: Hendrick Health Volunteers Hall 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd
Abilene, TX 79606 (Old Sears Building) – Abilene, TX
TIME: 8:30AM – 3:30PM (registration opens at 8:30am)