Come join us for Southeast Texas Legislative Day in Austin!

Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Tyler Counties
February 17-18, 2024 – Austin, Texas

The purpose of this trip to Austin is to deepen our understanding of rural issues, benefits, and opportunities while fostering stronger relationships with state officials and agencies, their staff, and other state leaders. By engaging directly with these key stakeholders, we aim to enhance collaboration and promote initiatives that support rural communities.

State legislators representing the four counties include Senator Robert Nichols, Representatives Trent Ashby, Janis Holt, Dade Phelan, and Joanne Shofner. Legislators will be invited to address the group upon their arrival at the event.

Cost: $25 – Registration is coordinated by the Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP) with Tanya Dora, Executive Director through Eventbrite with a 2.6% service fee or by contacting her directly to pay or be invoiced. Speakers and Agency Staff are complimentary.

Contact Information:
Tanya Dora, Executive Director, TFCP
[email protected]
936-553-8332

AGENDA

Monday, February 17th

Delegation arrives at the Austin Marriott North
2600 La Frontera Blvd., Round Rock, TX
512-733-6767 Desiree Knapp, Catering Manager
Group Room Block open until ____________ Use the code ____________
Price: $139.00 per night plus taxes
Room Block expires on _______

5:30 pm
Reception/Dinner – River City Grill Restaurant, Austin Marriott North (Restaurant, Grill, and Bar)

Tuesday, February 18th

7:30 am
Delegation departs for the Robert E. Johnson State Office Building
1501 North Congress (Corner of 15th and Congress Avenue. One block north of Capitol)
(30 minutes estimated driving time to Capitol)
Parking: Capitol Visitors Parking, 1201 San Jacinto, Austin
(7-minute walk to Robert E. Johnson State Office Building)

8:00 am
Meet and Greet - Light Breakfast Provided

8:30 am
Daniel Tejada, Executive Director – Association of Rural Communities in Texas (ARCIT)

• Access to Mental Health Services
• Transportation Solutions for Rural Areas
• Marketing and Education Awareness for Workforce Development
• Grant and Funding Strategies for Rural Areas Outside of City Structures

9:00 am
J D Hale, Director of Government Affairs – Texas Association of Builders

• Housing Affordability
• Proposed Legislation & Policies Affecting Housing

9:30 am
BREAK

9:45 am
Adriana Cruz, Executive Director – Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism

10:15 am

Aaron Demerson, President & CEO – Texas Economic Development Corporation

10:45 am
Robert Wood, Senior Advisor – McGuireWoods Consulting LLC

• Small Towns with Big Results - Rural in the Real World

11:15 am
Greg Conte, Director – Texas Broadband Development Office
Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director – Deep East Texas Council of Governments
Conner Sadro, MPA, Regional Broadband Director – Deep East Texas Council of Governments
John Hargrove, PE, John Hargrove Consulting LLC, Buna

• Strategies for expanding broadband access to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• Role of public-private partnerships in closing the digital divide in rural areas.

11:50 am
Roxana Newton, Economic Development Coordinator, Trade Business Development – Texas Department of Agriculture
Suzanne Barnard, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Director – Texas Department of Agriculture
Trent Engledow, Director, State Office of Rural Health – Texas Department of Agriculture

· (Insert topic, please)

· (Insert topic, please)

12:30 pm
Sessions End
Proceed to attend the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas event at the North Capitol Grounds.
Afternoon on your own. If you need assistance coordinating a visit to any Capitol or Agency Offices, please let us know.

Organizer Contact Information:
Nancy C. Windham - Regional Economic Development Advisor, Texas Forest Country Partnership
214-213-0281 C

Host or Publisher Texas Forest Country Partnership