ETCOG Announces Regional Award Recipients for Exemplary Contributions to East Texas

East Texas Council of Governments • March 26, 2024

A collage of photos of people standing next to each other holding awards.

ETCOG honored regional citizens who exemplify excellence in performance, innovation, and contributions to the community at its 105th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting last week at the Jeffersonian Institute in Jefferson, Texas. The meeting was led by ETCOG’s Board Chairman, Harrison County Commissioner William Hatfield, which included celebrating seven regional award winners at the ceremony. Honoree information is as follows:

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARD

ETCOG presented a Regional First Responder Award, recognizing a first responder who has rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties. Sergeant Konrad Roberts, from the Longview Police Department, was recognized for his dedication to ensuring the safety of his community and fellow officers. His dedication and character go beyond his duty, as he actively mentors young officers, shoulders additional responsibilities, and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance his leadership skills. Beyond his role as a sergeant and police officer, Roberts is a devoted father and full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. An excerpt from his award nomination proudly states, “Konrad Roberts deserves this award for not only the commitment he gives to the Longview community through serving and protecting, but for the countless hours he spends trying to improve himself so that he can be the best possible version of himself for the people of Longview.”

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ETCOG's Regional Citizen of the Year award is designed to honor a citizen of East Texas who has contributed to the region's well-being. Dina Carroll of Jefferson and Paula Jimenez of Longview received the awards.

Dina Carroll, a lead volunteer helping run the Friends of Jefferson Animals rescue, has been awarded this prestigious award for her dedication to animal welfare. Carroll was nominated for this award by over 50 community members for her tireless efforts in rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for abandoned and abused animals. Through her leadership efforts, she raises awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering pets, advocates for responsible pet ownership, and educates the community on animal protection issues. Friends of Jefferson Animals is a non-profit run by three volunteers, including Carroll, who also works full-time and dedicates her free time to the agency along with her son Cooper.

Paula Jimenez is passionate about supporting communities and vital resources. Raised in adversity by a single mother among seven siblings, Jiminez is a testament to hard work and resilience. Despite facing many challenges, her spirit and drive propelled her to become a first-generation college graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology. During her time as a private investigator, she provided free services advocating for justice through her involvement with “The Innocence Project,” working to reunite torn families. Within our communities, she has helped release 14 innocent citizens from incarceration and helped reunite 134 children back to their families. Beyond her professional endeavors, she supports victims of human trafficking and leads fundraising initiatives for numerous nonprofits, showcasing her leadership and dedication to serving others.

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the region's well-being. The ETCOG board conferred the award to The Genesis Group in Tyler, a software solution provider that has revolutionized public safety operations while remaining deeply committed to making a lasting impact in the region. In their 35 years of operation, they have supported public safety initiatives with software to promote emergency preparedness, ensuring the safety of public safety operators and enhancing overall community resilience. One notable initiative is the groundbreaking eBONDS software platform, offered at no cost to county governments, modernizing jail operations across the ETCOG region, reducing detention periods, and streamlining bail bonding processes. Through strategic partnerships and targeted philanthropic initiatives, The Genesis Group has supported local nonprofits dedicated to addressing issues such as children’s welfare, education, and food insecurity.

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Gladewater Councilwoman Brandy Flannagan has been awarded this year's Regional Statesmanship Award for her valuable and dedicated service to regional cooperation. Flannagan was nominated by several community members, including a fellow Gladwater councilperson, who shared, “Brandy has served the Gladewater City Council tirelessly for six years and has now committed to lending her talents to and running for the office of mayor. She has been instrumental in the long process of creating a budget surplus in our city, moving the balance from $13 in 2018 to an estimated $1 million-plus this year. She brings a wealth of fiscal knowledge to the table and uses that expertise to benefit all of the citizenry.” Flanagan’s impact transcends municipal boundaries, as evidenced by her role as a business advisor for many East Texas counties through the UT Tyler Longview Small Business Development Center. Her leadership has facilitated increased engagement from local businesses, fostering economic growth and access to resources in neighboring communities.

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD

Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano has served on the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for over 20 years. Through his exemplary service, he was chosen for the Regional Committee Service Award, recognizing an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Sheriff Cerliano has been a dedicated committee member, lending his expertise, insights, and discernment to advancing regional grant recommendations and other needed services for our entire region. His tireless efforts have played a crucial role in shaping policies, initiatives, and programs to enhance public safety and promote fairness within our criminal justice system. His dedication to upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and professionalism has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and colleagues throughout East Texas.

“Sheriff Maxey’s commitment to Public Service and servants heart can be clearly seen in how he cares for the daily welfare of the law abiding citizens of Gregg County and East Texas.” Said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His contributions to the County and the region over the past 25 years go well beyond the scope of this award. We are fortunate to have him as our Sherriff and I am glad we could honor him in this way!”

REGIONAL SHINING STAR AWARD

This year, ETCOG initiated the Regional Shining Star Award to recognize persons who have provided exceptional support or invaluable partnership to the East Texas Council of Governments. Nancy Hoehn, serves as our region’s Public Transportation Coordinator representative with TxDOT. ETCOG first worked with Hoehn in her previous role as the Transportation Director of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments to bridge service gaps and coordinate partnerships between our regions. ETCOG’s Assistant Transportation Director, Katey Pilgram, shared at the awards presentation, “Her relationship with ETCOG expanded when she took on her current role with TxDOT as our Public Transportation Coordinator, which involves overseeing multiple agencies, including ETCOG’s transportation program. Regardless of her role and duties, there is one thing that has not changed: her passion to educate and inspire transit agencies and other local organizations to work together for the greater good of the residents we serve. She has been a constant resource for ETCOG and always encourages partnerships between agencies. This has been successful because, during her tenure with TxDOT, all of the transit agencies in East Texas have agreements in place with one another that have resulted in no area in East Texas being unserved.”

"It was our honor to host our regional awards ceremony, where we celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals, elected officials, and organizations that have made a positive impact on our region, said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This event is a tribute to those who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in their respective fields and made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve."

Photos of the event are available on the ETCOG Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EastTexasCOG.

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You're Invited: Three Dates Set for ETCOG 101 Workshops

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 9, 2025

Whether you're a board member, elected official, community partner, or simply curious about how regional collaboration works—this workshop is for you. ETCOG 101 is a great chance to learn how we serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments. From job training and transportation to emergency communications and aging services, we’re here to support what makes East Texas strong. Join us to: Understand our mission and regional initiatives. Explore how ETCOG contributes to shaping the future of East Texas. Connect with fellow partners and ETCOG leadership. Workshops will be held in person at ETCOG's main office located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, TX. Each workshop will cover the same material, which includes a general overview of all ETCOG programs. Workshop Dates - Click to Register! Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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By East Texas Council of Governments • July 7, 2025

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By Lindsay Vanderbilt • July 7, 2025

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ETCOG Receives National Recognition for Veteran-Friendly Community Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 30, 2025

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) awarded the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) an Achievement Award for its efforts to build veteran-friendly communities in East Texas. Regional Achievement awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in programs and services of regional councils, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other regional organizations across the country. The Achievement Awards were presented during a ceremony at the recent NARC 59th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Seattle, Washington, where ETCOG received the Rural Award. Launched in July 2024, the Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Program was developed by ETCOG in collaboration with the Alamo Area Council of Governments, the University of Texas at Tyler, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The program formally recognizes communities that show strong, lasting support for military veterans through policies, services, and community involvement. It requires each participating city or county to provide a comprehensive community profile, develop a plan focused on veterans, and commit to an annual self-assessment to maintain the designation. Tyler/Smith County and Quitman/Wood County were the first to receive the designation and have become good models of how to support veterans in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education. “We’re proud to be recognized by NARC for a program that recognizes the men and women that lay their lives on the line to keep us free!,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “In East Texas, we’ve always believed in taking care of our veterans—not just with words, but with our actions. This award means a great deal to us, and it demonstrates that when communities come together with a clear purpose, we can build something that truly makes a difference. We hope this program becomes a blueprint for how regions can support and encourage those who served all of us.” ETCOG has been a long-time member of NARC, whose member organizations are comprised of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities, large and small, urban and rural. Eight projects submitted from regional planning agencies across the nation received Achievement Awards. About the National Association of Regional Councils NARC serves as a national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. For more information about NARC awards, conferences, and leadership, visit www.NARC.org .

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ETCOG Hires Kimbrough to Manage Business Lending Programs

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 30, 2025

Executive Director David Cleveland has named Luke Kimbrough as the new Regional Lending Manager for the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). In this role, Kimbrough will oversee the day-to-day operations of the East Texas Regional Development Company’s (ETRDC) small business loan programs. He will work closely with the ETRDC Board, manage financial and administrative services, and ensure the program follows all state and federal guidelines. Kimbrough brings with them more than seven years of experience in banking and employee benefits. Before accepting this position, Kimbrough served as CEO of the Banking Center at Citizens Bank in Gladewater. His previous roles include Vice President at First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Liberty City, Benefits Consultant for Colonial Life in Longview, and Branch Manager for Regions Bank in Kilgore. Before his banking career, Mr. Kimbrough served for several years as the Director of Public Information and Regional Services at ETCOG. “It is a great pleasure for me to welcome Luke back to the ETCOG Family! His exceptional work in the banking community for many years position him for even greater success with our ETRDC Business Lending Programs. I am glad he is back and am even more excited to see the steady growth and expansion of one of our most important economic development programs that will undoubtedly occur under his leadership!” said Executive Director David Cleveland. “I am excited to come back to ETCOG and the East Texas Regional Development Company,” said Kimbrough. “Spending the last decade in banking, I have gained much more experience in financial analysis and commercial lending. There is a lot of work ahead to help the businesses and economy of East Texas.” The ETRDC is a nonprofit organization that is certified and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its main purpose is to support local economic development by helping small businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing. ETRDC offers financing through the SBA 504 Loan Program and Chapman Loan Program. About the ETRDC Since 1983, the East Texas Regional Development Company has provided small businesses in Texas with the financing they need to expand or even start their business. The East Texas Regional Development Company, or ETRDC, is a private, nonprofit organization formed to assist small businesses. The ETRDC is administered and housed within the East Texas Council of Governments. Find out more at www.etrdc.com.

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Texas Veterans Commission Awards ETCOG $250K for Veteran Transport with GoBus

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 4, 2025

Recently, the Texas Veterans Commission's (TVC) Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) announced its largest funding in the 16-year history of FVA programs, with 213 grants totaling $46,315,000 to provide services to an estimated 40,000 veterans. ETCOG is proud to be one of the grant recipients selected with $250,000 of those funds to provide GoBus transportation services for veterans in our 14-county service region. "It is an honor to receive this funding award from the Texas Veterans Commission and Chair Koerner, which allows us to continue our mission to support all East Texas veterans," said Vince Huerta, GoBus Director. "We are dedicated to growing the program and look forward to assisting more veterans this year." With the grant, our public transit system, GoBus, will fund trips to and from medical, dental, and mental health appointments, as well as trips for basic needs such as grocery stores, community meetings, voting, court appearances, and tax offices. These trips are available to veterans, veteran spouses and dependents, survivor spouses, and active military personnel. The grant is in partnership with over $46.3 million in grants for veterans, Governor Abbott announced on May 20 . “Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation's military,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans—more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families. With over $46,315,000 in state grants, Texas will help thousands of veterans and their families access vital support and resources needed to thrive in our great state. Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.” Find out about all veteran transport services GoBus offers by visiting www.gobustransit.com/govet .

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ETCOG Seeks Nominations for Brownfield Site Assessments in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • June 2, 2025

ETCOG is calling on cities and communities across the region to nominate potential Brownfield sites for assessment and revitalization as part of a new initiative to support sustainable development and environmental stewardship. A Brownfield is any property, typically abandoned, underused, or industrial, that may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Through ETCOG’s Brownfield Assessment Program, local governments and property owners may receive free environmental assessments to determine site conditions and open the door to redevelopment opportunities. ETCOG was awarded a U.S. EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant in 2023, so our region could access up to $1 million in funding to: Develop an inventory of Brownfield sites Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Evaluate sites impacted by hazardous substances or petroleum Perform site investigations, asbestos and lead-based paint surveys Plan for cleanup and reuse strategies Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment Include: Increased property values Enhanced public health and environmental safety New job creation and business development Reuse of existing infrastructure Elimination of blight and community eyesores Participation is completely voluntary, and all eligible activities could be covered at no cost to property owners. Communities are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to address challenging properties and bring new life to underutilized areas. Submit Your Site Nomination by using the form linked below. If you know of a site in your city that may be a candidate for Brownfield revitalization , please contact: Bridget Booty, Economic Development Specialist (903) 218-6421 Bridget.Booty@etcog.org

TxCDBG Testimonial: Kilgore’s Strategic Grant Wins Fast-Track Downtown Improvements

By City of Kilgore • June 2, 2025

The City of Kilgore recently secured two Community Development Block Grants (TxCDBG) in the same round—thanks to strategic timing, guidance from local consultants, and support from the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). One of these grants is helping fast-track long-needed sidewalk improvements in the city’s entertainment district, part of an ongoing downtown revitalization effort. “We were primed to get the maximum amount of points,” said Clay Evers, Kilgore’s Public Works Director. “It made sense to apply for downtown revitalization funding to complete sidewalk improvements along the rest of the corridor, which otherwise would have taken years if the city had to fund it alone.” The area near the historic post office and the newly renovated Texan Theater has seen increased activity, and this grant helps the city keep pace. Previous streetscape improvements had brought upgrades close to Main Street, and this new funding allows that work to continue—connecting key areas of Kilgore’s growing downtown. At the time of the grant application, this project wasn’t even listed in the city’s near-term plans. “It wasn’t on the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In fact, it wasn’t even on the ten-year CIP,” said Evers. “This project was so far down the list that without this opportunity, we wouldn’t have touched it for a very long time.” The grant was made possible, in part, by insight from ETCOG and other grant administrators who informed the city that it was likely to score well in the 2022 application cycle. That foresight made all the difference. “The good thing is that ETCOG, along with other partners, generally has a good sense of how your project will score,” Evers noted. “Their guidance helps us pursue opportunities that are truly within reach.” He expressed gratitude for the collaboration and funding that will help transform downtown Kilgore even faster than expected. “We’re grateful to our local partners and the Texas Department of Agriculture for considering our project and deciding it was worth funding,” said Evers. “This is a great boon to our entertainment district—and it’s going to put us five to ten years ahead of where we would’ve been.”

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Important BEAD Deadline Approaching to Apply for Broadband Funding

By East Texas Council of Governments • May 15, 2025

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