Texas Midwest Community Network

30th Anniversary TMCN Annual Conference
2024-11-13 08:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Doubletree Hotel Abilene
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

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January 2025 Membership Meeting
2025-01-22 11:30 - 14:30 | TX
Important Information for the 89th Texas Legislative Session
We are excited to announce our first Membership Meeting of 2025. Our distinguished guest speaker, TSTC Vice Chancellor Gail Lawrence, will share invaluable insights and impactful topics for the upcoming legislative year.
This is a pivotal moment for us, as January marks the beginning of the 89th Legislative Session. It is essential for rural Texans to unite and ensure our priorities are heard loud and clear by our lawmakers.
Your presence is important. Join us in shaping the future of our communities and region by attending this important meeting and making your voice heard. Together, we can make a significant impact.
And as always, we will have time to network with your peers!

WHEN: Wednesday January 22, 2025
WHERE: Hendrick Hospice Care 1651 Pine St. Abilene (PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DIFFERENT LOCATION than the past few times we have been hosted by Hendrick Health. This is across from the main hospital on North Pine.)
TIME: 11:30am – 2:30pm
COST: $20

Quadrant Mtg - MARCH 5 BRECKENRIDGE - Strong Community Collaborations
2025-03-05 11:30 - 13:00 | TX
Interagency Partnerships and Collaborations
is the topic for our first Quadrant meeting of 2025!

How Entities/Agencies in Breckenridge Partner Together and Collaborate
Community Collaboration is one of the most valuable assets your community can possess. Join us in a panel discussion about positive and professional communication, respect, sharing the workload, and much more.
Panel participants:

Judge Michael Roach, Stephens County Judge
Cynthia Northrup, City Administrator, City of Breckenridge
Prairie Freeman, Breckenridge ISD Superintendent
Yuri Huntington, Executive Director Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce
David Miller, Executive Director, Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation

Citizens gain more understanding when they see how we work together: including the mobilization of resources, knowledge sharing, and the leveraging of collective strengths.
It amplifies impact, drives innovation, and promotes sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Come participate in the open Q&A as representatives from the City of Breckenridge, Breckenridge ISD, Shackleford County, Hospital, Chamber of Commerce and Breckenridge EDC discuss their roles in the county and city successful partnerships.
WHEN: Wednesday March 5, 2025
WHERE: TSTC Breckenridge Campus 415 N. Breckenridge St. Breckenridge, TX 76424
TIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm
COST: $20

RESCHEDULED - Quadrant Mtg - March 27 COMANCHE -
2025-03-27 11:30 - 13:30 | 122 N. Austin Comanche TX, 122 N. Austin, Comanche, TX, 76442, United States
DUE TO UNFORSEEN SCHEDULE CONFLICTS, THIS MEETING WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL. CHECK BACK SOON!!

How Entities/Agencies in Comanche Partner Together and Collaborate
Community Collaboration is one of the most valuable assets your community can possess. Join us in a panel discussion about positive and professional communication, respect, sharing the workload, and much more.
Invited Panel participants:

Judge Stephanie Davis, Comanche County Judge
Jim Winkelmann, City Administrator, City of Comanche
Denise Imiola, Thriving Economy
Carrie Johnson, Executive Director Comanche Chamber of Commerce
Robin Barfield, Executive Director, Comanche Texas Economic Development Corporation

Citizens gain more understanding when they see how we work together: including the mobilization of resources, knowledge sharing, and the leveraging of collective strengths.
It amplifies impact, drives innovation, and promotes sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Come participate in the open Q&A as representatives from the City of Comanche, Comanche County, Chamber of Commerce and Comanche EDC discuss their roles in the county and city successful partnerships.
WHEN: Thursday March 27
TIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm
WHERE: Rathbone Hall 122 N. Austin Comanche TX

Quadrant Meeting - Snyder - April 2 Community Collaborations
2025-04-02 11:30 - 13:30 | Martha Ann Women’s Center, 1600 Martha Ann Blvd, Snyder, United States
Interagency Partnerships and Collaborations
is the topic for our Quadrant meetings of 2025!

How Entities/Agencies in Snyder Partner Together and Collaborate
Community Collaboration is one of the most valuable assets your community can possess. Join us in a panel discussion about positive and professional communication, respect, sharing the workload, and much more.
Invited panelists include:

Terry Williams, Scurry County Commissioner
Eli Torres, City Administrator, City of Snyder
Ella Helms, Cogdell Memorial Hospital
Kenny Miller, President, Snyder Chamber of Commerce
Barbara Leatherwood, Executive Director, Development Corporation of Snyder
Jeff McGinnis, Director of Safety, Snyder ISD

Citizens gain more understanding when they see how we work together: including the mobilization of resources, knowledge sharing, and the leveraging of collective strengths.
It amplifies impact, drives innovation, and promotes sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Come participate in the open Q&A as representatives from the City of Snyder, Cogdell Hospital, Scurry County, Development Corporation of Snyder and the Chamber of Commerce discuss their roles in the successful partnerships of both county and city.
WHEN: Wednesday April 2, 2025
WHERE: Martha Ann Women’s Club 1600 Martha Ann Blvd. Snyder, TX 79549
TIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm
COST: $20

CANCELLED - Networking Luncheon - April 23
2025-04-23 11:30 - 14:30 | Hendrick Health North – Shelton Bldg, Abilene, TX
This membership networking meeting has been cancelled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and hope to see many of you in July!

Healthy People, Strong Communities
How your local hospital contributes to the economic growth and development of your town
Rural hospital administrators will discuss the importance of sustainable healthcare in your communities and the challenges they face to ensure local access to quality care.
Invited panelists include:

Ted Matthews, CEO, Anson General Hospital
Clay Vogel, CEO, Coleman County Medical Center
Michelle Stevens, CEO, Haskell Memorial Hospital
Michael Moorhead, CEO, Stonewall Memorial Hospital, Aspermont
Kelly Cheek, Executive Director, Texas Rural Health Association/West Central Texas Council of Governments

Working together to ensure access to care in our rural communities is more important now than ever. Texas leads the nation in loss of rural inpatient care via facility closure or conversion (26) over the last 15 years, and Texas also leads the nation in the number of facilities vulnerable to closure (47).
Join us to learn how we can work together to ensure access to care in our rural communities.
WHEN: Wednesday April 23, 2025
TIME: 11:30am – 2:30pm
WHERE: Hendrick Medical Center North
Shelton Building Auxiliary Conference Center A
Abilene, TX 79601
COST: $20

Chamber Best Practices - May 22, 2025
2025-05-22 09:30 - 16:15 | TSTC West campus, 650 E. Hwy 80, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
WHEN: MAY 22, 2025
WHERE: TSTC WEST 80 campus 650 W Hwy 80 Abilene 79601 Conference Rm 125
TIME: 9:30AM – 4:15PM
COST $50/PERSON incl. Resources and Lunch
