CANCELLED - Get Out of Neutral Workshop 2025
2025-09-09 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | TSTC Abilene, 650 E Hwy 80, Abilene, 79601
WHAT TO EXPECT:

The Rural Spark will lead Economic Developers and board members in a hands-on workshop to take any project to the next level. The workshop will help communities get past the roadblocks and turn their ideas into a reality. You will leave with a strong plan by the end of the day to tackle your project and a resource guide to use in the future.

Resource organizations such as USDA, TDA, TPWD, WCTCOG, and more will be on-hand to help participants. There will also be seasoned ED Directors on-hand to help guide you. This group will serve as the resource team, lending their expertise directly to you, the rural economic developers.

We know you have many projects on your plate. We want you to bring one or two projects that you need the most help with, or the one you feel is stuck and you can’t get past a certain point, or one that needs a little help to be pushed over the finish line. No project? No problem. Come and help others with their project and collect new ideas for your own community. You will not leave empty-handed.
REGISTRATION INFO:

Last Membership Meeting - Sept 24 - Smart Social Media AND an 89th Lege Update
2025-09-24 11:30 - 14:00 | Hendrick Health Volunteers Hall, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX, 79606, United States
🚀 Stay Ahead in the Digital Game with AI-Driven Strategies
Artificial 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.

🎙️ Bethany Quinn, CEO of Golden Shovel, will break down (even if you’re not a data nerd) how AI is revolutionizing:

Organic search results
Ad performance optimization
ROI tracking and analytics

Whether 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.
📜 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.

WHEN: Wednesday Sept 24, 2025
WHERE: Hendrick Health Service Center Mall of Abilene Volunteer Hall Room C 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, TX 79606
TIME: 11:30AM until 2:00PM
COST: $20

31st Annual Conference - Rural Roots with Cosmic Possibilities
2025-11-12 08:30 - 15:30 | Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N 6th, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
🌟 TMCN Annual Conference Is Almost Here!
RURAL ROOTS with COSMIC POSSIBILITIES 🚀
Whether you’re curious about:

StarGate 1 (data centers)
Starlink (satellite internet services)
CEN EPIC (Empowering People, Inspiring Communities)

…you won’t want to miss this year’s annual meeting!
Explore These STELLAR STRATEGIES:

Lauren Bush, City of Seymour — Order in the Cosmos: Crafting a Code Enforcement Plan—without formal ordinance enforcement
Julie Norman, GrantWorks, Inc — Written in the Stars: Unlocking Federal Funding for EDCs
Ron Kresha, Golden Shovel Agency — Out of This World: Using Virtual Reality to Attract Workforce & Promote Your Community
Diana Lopez, City of Coleman — Reach for the Stars: A Guide to Hiring Your City’s Next “Star” Employee
Diann Bayes, How Big is Texas — Coming Down to Earth: Finding the Bright Stars in Your Own Night Sky- Taking a Community Inventory
Andy Wilson & Amy Anthony, CEN EPIC — Cosmic Connection: Building Workforce Pipelines and Community Engagement in Rural Communities
Misty Mayo, Development Corp of Abilene — The Sky’s the Limit: Being Prepared for More Growth, Faster than the Speed of Light
Andres Ramos, Texas Space Commission — Light Years Ahead: Texas Space Commission is Here and Leading the Way!

🎓 Leadership TMCN Student Sessions
We 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!

Cameron Wiley, Ret. USAF & Relations Specialist, TSTC — Beyond the Horizon: Finding Your Own Path to the Stars (STUDENTS/MENTORS)
Mike 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)

Interested in Sponsoring One of the Best Rural Texas Conferences Under the Sun?
For sponsorship details, contact Lori at tmcn@tmcn.org.
Need a Hotel Room for Nov. 11?
Reserve your room at MCM Elegante using this link.
Special rate of $139 available through October 28, 2025 only!

WHEN: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12
WHERE: ABILENE CONVENTION CENTER/CONFERENCE HALL 1100 N. 6th St. (Downtown) Abilene, TX
TIME: 8:30AM – 3:30PM (registration opens at 8:30am)
COST: $70 Individual $25 Student $350 Vendor $500 Rooted Rural Ally

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Federal Grants for Rural Economic Development
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00
Federal Grants for Economic Development
Federal 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.
Come 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.
When: Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Time: 10am – 11am
Cost: $15
Where: zoom link will be emailed to you after registration completed

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Executive Fast Track
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
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.
Join us for this fast-paced, info-packed presentation by Justin Jaworski.

Justin 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.

Justin 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.

The session will cover the following topics:

1. Articles of Incorporation 6. Technology (IT)
2. Bylaws 7. Legal Council
3. Financial Statements 8. Marketing
4. Stakeholders 9. Performance Agreements
5. Staff 10. Real Estate
WHEN: Thursday April 9, 2025
TIME: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
WHERE: Virtual/Zoom
COST: $15

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Special Event - Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
2026-04-22 11:30 - 14:00 | Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, Strawn, TX
Invitation to a Special Event at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
You 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.
We’ll enjoy lunch together followed by a short program featuring remarks from Park Superintendent James Adams.
We will also hear from Cody Jordan, past President of the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce. Cody is a development strategist and operator known for transforming vision into built reality. As COO of NSC Properties, she leads efforts to revitalize Texas downtowns, reimagine underutilized corridors, and create destinations that draw business, tourism, and everyday life. Cody will share stories from this ongoing journey and speak to the growing economic, environmental, cultural, and regional impact emerging from Mineral Wells.
Following 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.
We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of discovery at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.
WHEN: Wednesday April 22, 2026
TIME: 11:30AM until 2:00PM
WHERE: LUNCH will be at the Lexington Event Center 512 Grant Strawn There will be a short program then we will drive out to the park.
COST: $20/person

Growing Your Chamber Membership
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting, Zoom Meeting, TX, 79601, United States
The Not‑So‑Serious Guide to Seriously Growing Your Chamber Membership
In this webinar, we’re talking about chamber membership growth—also known as the ancient art of convincing busy business owners to join one more thing. If you’ve ever felt like you’re speed‑dating your entire community with a stack of brochures and a hopeful smile… you are absolutely in the right place.
By the end of this session, you’ll have strategies that work, scripts that don’t sound desperate, and maybe—just maybe—the confidence to stop bribing potential members with cookies. Let’s DO THIS!
Our guest, Lauren Bush – Seymour, will bring all the info you will need to help your chamber members feel loved and appreciated, not feeling you only want them for the ‘donation’!
WHERE: ZOOM (link will be sent when you register)
WHEN: WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2026
TIME: 10am – 11am
COST: $15

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Elected Officials Seminar 2026
2026-06-10 08:00 - 17:00 | TSTC Abilene, 650 E Hwy 80, Abilene, 79601
2026 ELECTED OFFICIALS SEMINAR
Registration will be open through Friday June 5, 2026.

Parliamentary Procedure, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act – Pat Chesser, Brownwood City Attorney
Hotel Occupancy Tax – NEW – Erin Harrison, City Manager
Understanding Your City Budgets and Spending – Diana Lopez, City of Coleman
Economic Development Sales Tax and its Legal Uses- NEW – Justin Jaworski
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest – Jeff Betty, Attorney
Getting to Know your local Council of Governments – Staff from West Central Texas Council of Governments
Grants and additional Funding for your community- Staff from USDA Rural Development, TDA, TPWD

WHEN: Wednesday June 10,2026
WHERE: TSTC Campus Conference Rm 125 650 E. Hwy 80 Abilene TX 79601
TIME: 8:00am – 5:00pm
COST: $50/person includes meal

Data Center Deep Dive Week 1 - Understanding Data Centers
2026-08-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting, Zoom Meeting, TX, 79601, United States
As data center and digital infrastructure investments rapidly expand across Texas, rural communities face an unprecedented opportunity to shape their economic future.
Will your community be ready?
Hosted by the Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) and Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) through its EPIC (Empowering People, Inspiring Communities) initiative, this eight-week virtual series offers unbiased, actionable education for local leaders, educators, economic development professionals, utility providers, and engaged citizens.

Week 1 – Understanding Data Centers
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CT)
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yxJRYbLkQdiRzFxLdL07TQ#/registration
Get started with a foundational dive into the world of digital infrastructure. In this opening session, industry experts and local leaders discuss:
The Basics: What a data center actually is and how digital infrastructure operates.
The Opportunity: Why rural Texas is attracting major technology and infrastructure investments.
The Impact: Practical insights into what hosting a data center means for your local economy.

Complete 8-Week Webinar Schedule
Every Wednesday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CT) on Zoom, featured panel discussions will explore the key pillars of community readiness:
Week 1 (Aug 19): Understanding Data Centers
Week 2: Preparing Your Community Before They Arrive
Week 3: Infrastructure Readiness
Week 4: Workforce Development
Week 5: Education Partnerships
Week 6: Public Safety & Community Services
Week 7: Lessons Learned (Real-World Insights)
Week 8: Housing & Community Growth

Why Attend?
Learn from Experts: Hear directly from subject matter specialists, utility providers, and local leaders with real-world experience.
Proactive Planning: Gain tools and practical resources to evaluate infrastructure, housing, public safety, and workforce needs.
Build Connections: Connect with regional peers and industry leaders across Texas.
This series serves as the official lead-up to TMCN’s Annual Conference this October in Abilene, where these critical conversations will continue in person.

Economic Development Strategic Planning
2026-08-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Via Zoom Meetings, TX, United States
TMCN is excited to welcome Justin Jaworski for an engaging Economic Development Strategic Planning session designed to help communities strengthen their economic development strategies!
With more than 20 years of experience in Economic Development, Justin will help untangle the web of strategic planning by sharing practical insights, proven strategies, and real-world solutions. Whether you’re refining your community’s vision or tackling complex challenges, you’ll leave with actionable ideas and a clearer path forward.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an experienced leader, connect with peers from across the region, and gain valuable tools to support your community’s future success.

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10th Biennial Lawmakers Luncheon
2026-09-15 11:30 - 15:00 | Myrtle Wilks Community Center, 1498 W. Interstate 20, Cisco, TX, 76437, United States
TMCN’s 10th Biennial Lawmakers Luncheon is here and we look forward to you joining us for this unique and informative event!
The day offers a great format to network with your peers from across the region and visit with your own elected officials. We will also offer you an opportunity to submit questions to the legislative panel. Come hear about their top take-aways from the 89th Session, what are their thoughts for the 90th Session and an opportunity for you to lend your voice to the discussion.
Currently, those who have tentatively committed are: Senator Perry, Representative Frank, Rep. Lambert, Rep. Spiller and Rep. Darby.
There is a limited number of seats in this venue, we encourage early registration.
WHEN: Tuesday September 15, 2026
WHERE: Myrtle Wilks Community Center – Cisco, TX
TIME: 11:30am – 3:00pm
COST: $50/Person

Lawmakers Luncheon
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TMCN Annual Conference - The Rural Advantage
2026-10-14 08:30 - 15:30 | Hendrick Health Volunteers Hall, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX, 79606, United States
TMCN’s Annual Conference – The Rural Advantage: Innovation & Opportunity Summit – is here, and we look forward to having you join us for this high-impact event!
This summit offers a fantastic opportunity to unlock rural opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape. Network with peers from across the region, engage with key leaders, and discover innovative strategies to strengthen rural communities.
Seats and vendor spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot! IF you need more information or would like to sponsor this event, please email tmcn@tmcn.org
CHECK BACK for more details of the day’s Program, speakers, etc.
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)
COST: $65 Individual $25 Student $350 Vendor $500 Rural Readiness Partner

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