BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Texas Midwest Community Network - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Texas Midwest Community Network X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tmcn.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Texas Midwest Community Network REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250924T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250924T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T073739 CREATED:20250825T183038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T144851Z UID:10000089-1758713400-1758722400@tmcn.org SUMMARY:Last Membership Meeting - Sept 24 - Smart Social Media AND an 89th Lege Update DESCRIPTION:🚀 Stay Ahead in the Digital Game with AI-Driven Strategies \nArtificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping algorithms and advertising tactics—making it more important than ever to understand how these changes affect your content strategy. That’s why Texas Midwest Community Network is teaming up with Golden Shovel Agency to bring you practical\, low-cost (and even free!) tips to help you maximize your impact across social media and paid advertising. \n  \n🎙️ Bethany Quinn\, CEO of Golden Shovel\, will break down (even if you’re not a data nerd) how AI is revolutionizing: \n\nOrganic search results\nAd performance optimization\nROI tracking and analytics\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned marketer or just getting started\, this session will help you work smarter—not harder—in your digital campaigns. Register today and join us for an insightful\, actionable discussion. \n📜 Bonus Session: Legislative Recap    HD 71 Representative Stan Lambert and TSTC Deputy Chancellor Gail Lawrence will also provide a timely overview of the 89th Legislative Session\, and what it looks like for rural Texas. Got specific bills you’ve been tracking? Let us know in advance so we can tailor the update to include the info you need. \n \nWHEN: Wednesday Sept 24\, 2025 \nWHERE: Hendrick Health Service Center  Mall of Abilene    Volunteer Hall Room C    4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene\, TX 79606 \nTIME: 11:30AM until 2:00PM \nCOST: $20 \n\n\n \n \n Quarterly Membership Meeting\n \n \n Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n Phone*Names of Attendees (click + to add more)Community Name*Number of Registrations Quantity*\n \n \n Price:\n $20.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Total\n $0.00\n \n Credit Card\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n  URL:https://tmcn.org/event/membership-meeting-sept-24-2025-smart-social-media-and-a-89th-lege-update/ LOCATION:Hendrick Health Volunteers Hall\, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd\, Abilene\, TX\, 79606\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T153000 DTSTAMP:20260404T073739 CREATED:20250925T191122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T215517Z UID:10000090-1762936200-1762961400@tmcn.org SUMMARY:31st Annual Conference - Rural Roots with Cosmic Possibilities DESCRIPTION:  \n🌟 TMCN Annual Conference Is Almost Here!\nRURAL ROOTS with COSMIC POSSIBILITIES 🚀 \nWhether you’re curious about: \n\nStarGate 1 (data centers)\nStarlink (satellite internet services)\nCEN EPIC (Empowering People\, Inspiring Communities)\n\n…you won’t want to miss this year’s annual meeting! \n Explore These STELLAR STRATEGIES:\n\nLauren Bush\, City of Seymour — Order in the Cosmos: Crafting a Code Enforcement Plan—without formal ordinance enforcement\nJulie Norman\, GrantWorks\, Inc — Written in the Stars: Unlocking Federal Funding for EDCs\nRon Kresha\, Golden Shovel Agency — Out of This World: Using Virtual Reality to Attract Workforce & Promote Your Community\nDiana Lopez\, City of Coleman — Reach for the Stars: A Guide to Hiring Your City’s Next “Star” Employee\nDiann Bayes\, How Big is Texas — Coming Down to Earth: Finding the Bright Stars in Your Own Night Sky- Taking a Community Inventory\nAndy Wilson & Amy Anthony\, CEN EPIC — Cosmic Connection: Building Workforce Pipelines and Community Engagement in Rural Communities\nMisty Mayo\, Development Corp of Abilene — The Sky’s the Limit: Being Prepared for More Growth\, Faster than the Speed of Light\nAndres Ramos\, Texas Space Commission — Light Years Ahead:  Texas Space Commission is Here and Leading the Way!\n\n🎓 Leadership TMCN Student Sessions\nWe encourage all communities to invite high school students to experience Leadership TMCN firsthand. Student tickets are just $25—a great opportunity to inspire future leaders! \n\nCameron Wiley\, Ret. USAF & Relations Specialist\, TSTC — Beyond the Horizon: Finding Your Own Path to the Stars (STUDENTS/MENTORS)\nMike Daggs/Kevin Tutt\, Engage\, Inc.– Shoot for the Moon: Putting your all into the Leadership TMCN program and come out a       SHINING STAR! And maybe with $3000 cash in your pocket… (STUDENTS/MENTORS)\n\n Interested in Sponsoring One of the Best Rural Texas Conferences Under the Sun?\nFor sponsorship details\, contact Lori at tmcn@tmcn.org. \nNeed a Hotel Room for Nov. 11?\nReserve your room at MCM Elegante using this link.\nSpecial rate of $139 available through October 28\, 2025 only! \n  \n \n \nWHEN: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12 \nWHERE: ABILENE CONVENTION CENTER/CONFERENCE HALL  1100 N. 6th St. (Downtown) Abilene\, TX \nTIME: 8:30AM – 3:30PM (registration opens at 8:30am) \nCOST: $70 Individual     $25  Student          $350 Vendor        $500 Rooted Rural Ally \n\n \n \n Annual Conference 2025\n \n \n Name\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Title and CommunityTicketsPlease enter how many tickets you needStudent Attendee Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $25.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Rural Ally Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $500.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Conference Exhibitor Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $350.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Adult Attendee Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $70.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Total\n \n If registering more than one person\, please list all attendeesPhone *(Required)Email*(Required)\n \n Credit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n  URL:https://tmcn.org/event/31st-annual-conference-rural-roots-with-cosmic-possibilities/ LOCATION:Abilene Convention Center\, 1100 N 6th\, Abilene\, TX\, 79601\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Texas Midwest Community Network":MAILTO:tmcn@tmcn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260225T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260225T110000 DTSTAMP:20260404T073739 CREATED:20260120T170335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T170335Z UID:10000091-1772013600-1772017200@tmcn.org SUMMARY:Federal Grants for Rural Economic Development DESCRIPTION:Federal Grants for Economic Development \nFederal grant funding brings needed capital into local economic development projects. With this funding\, however\, comes a whole book of regulations and rules that can trip up even the most experienced local administrators. \nCome learn from subject-matter experts Julie Norman\, Vice President of Economic Development at GrantWorks\, Inc. and Andrew Coker\, Economic Development Project Manager at GrantWorks Inc. on how to build stronger capital stacks for economic development projects\, how to create competitive funding applications to federal agencies\, how to bring projects in on time and under budget\, and how GrantWorks can assist in keeping you in full federal compliance. \nWhen: Wednesday Feb 25\, 2026 \nTime: 10am – 11am \nCost: $15 \nWhere: zoom link will be emailed to you after registration completed \n\n \n \n Webinar Registration Form\n \n \n Name\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Tickets Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $15.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Total\n \n If registering more than one person\, please list all attendeesPhone *(Required)Email*(Required)\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n  URL:https://tmcn.org/event/federal-grants-for-rural-economic-development/ LOCATION:TX ORGANIZER;CN="Texas Midwest Community Network":MAILTO:tmcn@tmcn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T150000 DTSTAMP:20260404T073739 CREATED:20260316T200513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T200513Z UID:10000093-1775743200-1775746800@tmcn.org SUMMARY:Executive Fast Track DESCRIPTION:New to economic development? Been in the field for years? Either way\, this session is for you. Gain practical knowledge\, refresh your understanding of key concepts\, and walk away with ideas and tools that will help you serve your community and perform your role with confidence. \nJoin us for this fast-paced\, info-packed presentation by Justin Jaworski. \n\n\nJustin Jaworski is a twenty-year practitioner in the field of economic development. He was born in Sweetwater\, Texas and later raised in the neighboring rural community of Eula. After graduating from high school\, he enrolled in Abilene Christian University where he earned a Bachelor of Business degree in Marketing. \n\n\nJustin has built his career across a remarkably diverse range of economic development organizations—from small-to-medium rural communities like Floydada and Brownfield to serving as Executive Director of the Abilene Industrial Foundation. That breadth of experience has shaped a leader who understands both the challenges of rural Texas and the opportunities within larger regional economies. \n\n\nThe session will cover the following topics: \n\n1. Articles of Incorporation                          6. Technology (IT)\n2. Bylaws                                                          7. Legal Council\n3. Financial Statements                                8. Marketing\n4. Stakeholders                                              9. Performance Agreements\n5. Staff                                                            10. Real Estate \nWHEN: Thursday April 9\, 2025 \nTIME: 2:00 – 3:00 pm \nWHERE: Virtual/Zoom \nCOST: $15 \n\n \n \n Webinar Registration Form\n \n \n Name\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Tickets Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $15.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Total\n \n If registering more than one person\, please list all attendeesPhone *(Required)Email*(Required)\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n  URL:https://tmcn.org/event/executive-fast-track/ LOCATION:Webinar ORGANIZER;CN="Texas Midwest Community Network":MAILTO:tmcn@tmcn.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T073739 CREATED:20260316T221342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T221342Z UID:10000094-1776857400-1776866400@tmcn.org SUMMARY:Special Event - Palo Pinto Mountains State Park DESCRIPTION:  \n\nInvitation to a Special Event at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park \nYou are warmly invited to join your TMCN peers for a special gathering at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park\, celebrating the people\, partnerships\, and perseverance that brought Texas’ newest state park to life. \nWe’ll enjoy lunch together followed by a short program featuring remarks from Park Superintendent James Adams and several local leaders who played a vital role in carrying this project across the finish line. They’ll share stories from the journey and speak to the park’s growing impact on the region—economically\, environmentally\, and culturally. \nFollowing the program\, guests are invited on an exclusive private tour of the park led by Superintendent Adams\, offering a firsthand look at the landscapes\, amenities\, and vision shaping this remarkable new destination. \nWe hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of  discovery at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. \nWHEN: Wednesday April 22\, 2026 \nTIME: 11:30AM until 2:00PM \nWHERE: Palo Pinto State Park PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR EXACT LOCATION \nCOST: $20/person \n\n \n \n Quadrant Luncheon Registration\n \n \n Name\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Tickets Quantity\n \n \n Price:\n $20.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Total\n \n If registering more than one person\, please list all attendeesPhone *(Required)Email*(Required)\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://tmcn.org/event/special-event-palo-pinto-mountains-state-park/ LOCATION:Palo Pinto Mountains State Park\, Strawn\, TX ORGANIZER;CN="Texas Midwest Community Network":MAILTO:tmcn@tmcn.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR