Jacksboro EDC explained

Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation said the EDC helps community and commerce bond together for ultimate success. Executive Director Leslie Chalmers explained what her group does as part of the Jacksboro Lions Club meeting Aug. 26.

Chalmers, formerly Chamber of Commerce Director for the city, takes over for Lynda Pack who was in the position for 11 years before retiring. Chalmers said the EDC connects community and commerce for ultimate success.The EDC focuses on retention, recruitment and resolving issues of businesses. With the COVID virus, the EDC and businesses had to adjust quickly to keep and grow a customer base. The EDC use programs such as Eat local, where businesses receive monies for paying for a first responder or essential personnel’s meal; a business rescue grant where businesses could apply for money to keep doors open. In the $50,000 grant, $47,000 was used by business for bills or to keep doors open.

Monies were also used to build websites of businesses. In this day and age websites are crucial to have businesses an helping to increase workforces and to increase city sales taxes. EDC also works with companies locally and internationally too help with the 3R’s and develop their customer base.

Businesses can apply for an enhance their inside and outside grant for a $30,000 grant. Tractor Supply Company locally has worked on its infrastructure of business. By providing proof of costs, the business received some of its infrastructure back.

Midwestern State University is developing a workforce development grant to encourage top notch customer service. Without top notch customer service, businesses will fail to survive. Chalmers said getting single family and group family housing in the city that people can afford is also paramount for growth as is getting some hotels and motels in the city itself.

Revitalizing downtown is also crucial to keep the city operational.