1. Vernon, Texas Community and Economic Development Initiative Presented By: The Business Development Corporation of Vernon The City of Vernon Wilbarger County The Vernon Chamber of Commerce September 5, 2008

2. Project History April 2007 BDC Contacts TEEX for a Community Baseline Study and Economic Development Assessment Identify Best Opportunities for economic, community and tourism growth Educate Vernon’s “Elected Leadership” about trends and opportunities in above categories

3. The Process Community Round-Table with Vernon Community Leaders January 2008 CityCountyChamberBDC Community Workshops with Vernon Citizenry March 6 th and 7 th 2008 at RRVM Small Business Owners College Students TeachersHomemakersFarmersRealtorsBankersEtc… No Elected Officials, City, County or BDC employees or board members present at these meetings De-Brief with BDC, City and County of final “Vernon Community and Economic Development Initiative April 4, 2008 in College Station

4. The Results Water Quality Perception Downtown/Main Street Revitalization Program Local Government and Community Interaction Capitalize on Western Heritage Tourism Water Resources Wilbarger Auditorium Better Workforce Coordinated Tourism Effort Covered Events Center (aka Arena) Youth Activities Beautification Attract New Industry RRVM Expansion Water Park Paved Roads Capitalize in Auto Related Tourism Airport Jailhouse/Tourism Attraction

5. Where We’re At Today… Covered Event Center Under Construction Cooperation between governmental agencies to “Get things Done” Leadership Vernon program New Industry Attraction –Green Industry Companies Vernon Revitalization Committee Youth Activities Swimming Pool Initiative

6. Next Steps Communication, Coordination, Cooperation –City, County, BDC and Chamber agree to lead the charge and be held accountable to Citizens of Vernon Do not lose community momentum Progress Reports at least bi-annually to community We need ALL the Community to be involved and committed “for the long haul” to be successful Eat the Elephant One Bite at a time… Community Support Committees to tackle issues –BDC will serve as focal point for committee development and sign-ups

7. Next Steps cont… Marketing/Branding of Vernon Development of a Shared Community Website Downtown Revitalization Efforts –Main Street –Wilbarger –College Drive –Etc…

8. The Resolutions BDC Vote City Vote County Vote Chamber Vote

9. Public Comment Q&As