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ETCOG Happenings – April 2023

ETCOG Announces Regional Award Recipients for Exemplary Contributions to East Texas

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community at its 103rd Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting at Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall, Texas. Recipients are as follows:

  • Regional First Responder of the Year
  • Officer Tyler Stroschein – Longview Police Department
  • Darren Renshaw – Emory VFD & Rains County Sheriff Department
  • Regional Citizen of the Year
  • Mayor Ronnie Spradlin III – Kilgore
  • Dr. Beverly Waddleton Johnson – Quitman
  • Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year
  • NET Health
  • Regional Statesmanship Award
  • Former Judge Robert Johnston – Anderson County
  • Regional Committee Service Award
  • Kristy Swan Range – EasTexasConnects
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ETCOG to Host Hiring Event for GoBus

Operator Positions April 27

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) will host a Hiring Event for part-time GoBus Operator positions on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

GoBus is ETCOG’s rural, demand response public transit system with about 30 vehicles on the road making approximately 500 trips a day, five days a week, throughout 14 counties in East Texas.

The Hiring Event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Workforce Solutions East Texas, located at 4100 Troup Hwy in Tyler.

Positions are available to serve in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties.

ETCOG is seeking applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of professional driving and customer service experience.

Apply Early Here

Area Agency on Aging to Host Four Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host four celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on aging unbound – how communities can combat stereotypes and explore diverse aging experiences.

The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors:

  • May 4 | 10AM – 1:00 PM | Green Street Recreation Center | Longview
  • May 10 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Emory Senior Center | Emory
  • May 16 | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Douglass Alumni High School | Pittsburg
  • May 30 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Winkler Place Assisted Living | Carthage

Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.

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Regional Solutions Reports and Membership Dues Released for 2023

With the leadership and guidance of our Board, Executive Committee, and Advisory Committees, we are hard at work to serve East Texas and provide regional solutions. In March, ETCOG mailed out new Solutions Reports that set forth a snapshot of results delivered within each county during the Fiscal Year 2022. Copies of the reports will be sent to area elected officials and our ISD and Special District members with their annual dues statements.

ETCOG receives local membership dues from cities, counties, and special districts and utilizes these funds for general council expenditures and supports the required match for various federal and state programs.

View Your County

HUD Commemorates National Fair Housing Month 2023

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) kicked off Fair Housing Month 2023, commemorating 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law. This year’s Fair Housing Month theme, Choices for All Voices: Building an Equitable Future, underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity in housing, combating discrimination in housing, and protecting fair housing rights for all who call America home.

Each April, HUD, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting events that underscore the impact and significance of the Fair Housing Act. Throughout the month, HUD and its partners will host activities that enhance public awareness of fair housing rights, highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, and emphasize the importance of creating diverse and inclusive communities.

For a complete listing of HUD Fair Housing Month events and activities, go to: www.hud.gov/FHM2022.

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TxCDBG Application

Period Extended

to May 3

Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds directly to states, which, in turn, provide the funds to cities with populations less than 50,000 and to counties that have a non-metropolitan population under 200,000 and are not eligible for direct funding from HUD.

The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low-to-moderate income.

Maximum Grant Amount: $500,000

Application Deadline: May 3, 2023

Apply at https://tda-go.intelligrants.com/

ETCOG’s East Texas Economic Development District provides technical assistance for jurisdictions in the ETCOG region seeking CDBG funds. For assistance, contact Lynda.David@etcog.org or

(903) 218-6457.

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ETCOG’s Business Lending Program Celebrates a New Project Funded

ETCOG has been providing small business lending solutions through SBA and revolving loan funds with the East Texas Regional Development Company since 1983.

The ETRDC is proud to announce another project has been funded! A $300K SBA 504 loan will soon benefit Smith County with a new advertisement agency. SBA 504 borrowers can benefit from a low down payment, fixed interest rate, and long terms.

Find out more about our business lending solutions at www.ETRDC.com.

Identity Management Day Celebrated on April 11

Launched in 2021, the mission of Identity Management Day is to educate business leaders and IT decision-makers on the importance of identity management and key components, including governance, identity-centric security best practices, processes, and technology, with a special focus on the dangers of not properly securing identities and access credentials.

In addition, the National Cybersecurity Alliance will provide guidance for consumers to ensure that their online identities are protected through security awareness, best practices, and readily-available technologies.

If your community has concerns about its internet or system safety, contact ETCOG. Our Regional Technology Solutions Team can help. You can find out more at www.regionaltechnologysolutions.com.

East Texas Council of Governments

(903) 218-6400

www.etcog.org

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