Providing
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
for East Texas

Businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government entities across East Texas can earn recognition for practical efforts that reduce waste, increase recycling, and support a cleaner, more sustainable region through the ETCOG Green Business Program. The program recognizes organizations that voluntarily adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily operations. Whether an organization is just beginning to improve its recycling efforts or has established a more comprehensive waste-reduction program, ETCOG provides resources to help participants evaluate their operations and build sustainable practices that are practical and manageable. Turning Everyday Actions Into Meaningful Results Waste reduction and recycling can create real benefits for organizations and the communities they serve. By reducing materials sent to landfills, businesses and other participating organizations may lower disposal costs, conserve landfill capacity, avoid greenhouse-gas emissions, and support markets for recovered materials. The Green Business Program is designed to help organizations take meaningful steps without making the process overwhelming. ETCOG’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit includes practical guidance and evaluation tools that can help participants identify opportunities for source reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics recovery. The program supports the goals of the ETCOG Regional Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan by encouraging organizations to: Reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal through source reduction, reuse, and recycling Create local markets for recovered materials Develop strategies to recover organics from the waste stream Increase awareness of landfill diversion and sustainable waste-management practices Recognition for East Texas Organizations The Green Business Program is open at no cost to qualifying businesses, governmental entities, schools, and nonprofit organizations located within ETCOG’s 14-county region. Organizations can qualify for one of two recognition levels. Green Business Partner recognition is available to organizations that meet the program’s minimum requirements and earn at least 10 points on the Green Business Program Award Application. Green Business Pioneer recognition is available to organizations that meet the minimum requirements and earn at least 20 points. Green Business Pioneers are also eligible for the annual Green Business of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding recycling, waste-reduction, and innovative sustainability efforts. Recognition is valid for one year and can help participating organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, strengthen community visibility, and appeal to customers, residents, employees, and partners who value responsible environmental practices. How to Participate Organizations interested in Green Business recognition should first confirm that they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must be located within the ETCOG region, earn at least 10 points on the Green Business Program Award Application, maintain recycling or organics collection service or self-haul recyclable or organic materials, and complete the required Waste Evaluation Toolkit. To apply: 1.) Review the Green Business Program Overview Packet . The packet includes the Green Business Program Award Application, Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkits, required forms, and instructions for completing the application materials. 2.) Complete the Green Business Program Award Application. In Section 1.4 of the packet, identify the waste-reduction, reuse, recycling, organics-recovery, and other sustainable practices currently in place at your organization. 3.) Complete the required Waste Evaluation Toolkit. Located in Section 2.0, the toolkit helps organizations assess current waste practices and identify opportunities to reduce disposal, increase recycling, and recover organic materials. Applicants must complete the Facility Survey, Observation Checklist, and Waste Composition Form. A Quick Start Guide in Appendix B provides instructions for using the Excel-based toolkit. 4.) Collect verification of the actions identified in the application. Supporting documentation may include: Proof of recycling or organics collection service Photos of collection containers Policies or program documentation Recycling-rate information The completed Waste Evaluation Toolkit 5.) Submit the completed application, Waste Evaluation Toolkit, and supporting documentation by contacting ETCOG at 903-218-6400and asking for the Solid Waste Coordinator. The Green Business Program Overview Packet includes the application, required templates, and Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkits needed for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to review the packet before beginning the application process. Applications are due April 1 each year. ETCOG reviews applications by June 1, followed by review from the ETCOG Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Award recipients are announced in July or August. Start Building a Greener East Texas Sustainable practices do not have to begin with large-scale changes. Improving recycling access, reducing unnecessary material use, tracking waste, establishing internal policies, or finding ways to recover organic materials can all be meaningful steps toward a more environmentally responsible operation. Through the Green Business Program, ETCOG is proud to recognize organizations that are helping reduce waste, conserve resources, and build a cleaner East Texas. To learn more, access the program packet and toolkits, or begin the application process, visit the ETCOG Green Business Program page. For questions, contact Economic & Community Development Specialist Cammie Keenon at Cammie.Keenon@etcog.org or call ETCOG at 903-218-6400 and ask for the Solid Waste Coordinator.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) will host three specialized Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator Course (SAFVIC) training opportunities in late November and early December for East Texas telecommunications professionals, peace officers, and prosecutors. The courses will provide practical, trauma-informed instruction to strengthen the regional response to sexual assault, family violence, stalking, human trafficking, and strangulation-related offenses. All participants must pre-register at www.safvic.org . SAFVIC for Telecommunication Professionals November 20, 2026 ETCOG | 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas 8 TCOLE Hours Texas 911 call-takers and dispatch professionals are often the first point of contact during an emergency. The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator Course for Telecommunication Professionals is designed to help these critical first responders identify and appropriately manage calls involving sexual assault and family violence while supporting victim and officer safety. Topics include: Statistics and history of sexual assault and family violence Dynamics of family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking Special considerations involving people with disabilities, older adults, military families, immigrant communities, and tribal communities Victim-centered communication and safety planning Best practices for handling sexual assault and family violence calls Applicable state and federal laws Participants who pass the final exam will receive eight hours of TCOLE credit. Three-Day Sexual Assault & Family Violence Investigators Course November 30 – December 2, 2026 East Texas Police Academy | 209 S. Center Street, Longview, TX 75601 24 TCOLE Hours | Course #3264 This comprehensive three-day course is designed for Texas peace officers who investigate sexual assault and family violence offenses. Participants will receive instruction on effective investigative strategies and trauma-informed practices that can improve responses to victims and strengthen case preparation. Topics include: Sexual assault and family violence dynamics Current legal updates and applicable laws Investigative and tactical approaches Trauma-informed care Interviewing and interrogation Protective orders and report writing Stalking investigations Drug-facilitated sexual assault Violence affecting immigrant and tribal communities, military families, people with disabilities, Deaf individuals, and adults later in life Community response systems and victim resources Successful participants will receive 24 hours of TCOLE credit under Course #3264. The course may also be taken in lieu of: Special Investigative Topics — TCOLE #3232 Trauma-Informed Approach to Sexual Assault Investigations — TCOLE #470 and #4070 Texas Investigations & Prosecutions of Strangulation December 4, 2026 East Texas Police Academy | 209 S. Center Street, Longview, TX 75601 8 TCOLE Hours The Texas Investigations & Prosecutions of Strangulation course, known as TxIPS, equips Texas law-enforcement officers and prosecutors to recognize, investigate, and prosecute strangulation-related offenses. Strangulation is among the most lethal forms of domestic and sexual violence. A victim can lose consciousness within seconds, and death can occur within minutes. Because many victims may not show visible external injuries, it is especially important for public-safety professionals to recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with these incidents. Topics include: Introduction to strangulation and its connection to intimate partner violence, homicide, sexual violence, and human trafficking Lethality and risk indicators associated with strangulation Signs and symptoms, including cases without visible external injuries Texas strangulation laws Proper use of a strangulation supplement Strategies for prosecution of strangulation crimes These courses are part of the statewide SAFVIC initiative, which works to strengthen law enforcement and public safety responses to sexual assault and family violence. By providing specialized training for dispatch professionals, investigators, and prosecutors, ETCOG is helping ensure that East Texas agencies have access to the tools, knowledge, and trauma-informed practices needed to support victims and promote safer communities. To register for any of these training opportunities, visit www.safvic.org .