ETCOG Honors Regional Leaders for Outstanding Contributions at 107th Board of Directors Meeting

East Texas Council of Governments • March 19, 2025
A group of people are standing next to each other holding awards.

Awardees left to right: Britnee Cagle-White accepting for Jason Boyd; Janice Melton, accepting for Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr.; Patrick Dooley; Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook; and Bill Firestone of Republic Services.



ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025. The awards celebrate commitment, leadership, and community service, highlighting those who go above and beyond in making East Texas a better place to live and work.

 

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office
The Regional First Responder of the Year award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley of the Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office was honored for his heroic actions during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl. On July 8, 2024, Dooley assisted in a life-threatening water rescue, working alongside Trooper Paul Bickerstaff to save a stranded woman from a submerged vehicle. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and skill, Dooley positioned himself strategically to ensure the rescue team’s safety and played a key role in securing the woman’s safe evacuation. His actions exemplify the dedication and courage of East Texas’ first responders.

 

 

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team
This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), was honored for his dedication to disaster preparedness and emergency response. Since relocating to Smith County, Boyd identified a critical need for a trained volunteer force to assist in times of crisis. He established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support CERT, ensuring its sustainability and expanding its reach. Under his leadership, volunteers have received life-saving training, strengthening community resilience. His impact extends beyond Smith County as he mentors and aids other communities in establishing their own CERT programs.

 

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. Republic Services, led by General Manager Bill Firestone, was honored for its extensive contributions to the East Texas region. For over 45 years, Republic Services has supported cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations with financial and labor resources. Through research, staff found over 50 organizations whose programs receive support regularly from Republic Services. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Services demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by providing financial assistance to employees, supporting local businesses, and ensuring essential sanitation services continued without interruption. Additionally, Republic has maintained a long-standing presence within ETCOG committees and associated boards, with representatives like Gene Keenon actively shaping workforce and economic development initiatives, as well as advising on regional solid waste minimization programs.

 

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. (In Memoriam)

The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. Former Van Zandt County Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. was recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for Valor, Commissioner Melton’s service to his country was followed by an extensive career in law enforcement and county government. His contributions to Van Zandt County included the development of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial and over 17 years of service as County Commissioner. Commissioner Melton also served with great distinction for eight years on the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he was known for his insightful leadership and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration.

 

 

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD
Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County

The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook was recognized for his outstanding commitment to ETCOG and the broader East Texas community. A dedicated member of multiple ETCOG committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and EasTexConnects transportation committee, Cook is known for his hands-on leadership. Whether resolving critical infrastructure issues, personally assisting residents with 911 address verification, or championing regional initiatives, Cook’s proactive approach and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact.

 

ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland expressed gratitude for the awardees, stating, “Each of these recipients embodies the spirit of service and commitment that makes East Texas such a special place. Their dedication, leadership, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our communities, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements!”

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
A poster that says rebuilding the fort strategic listening session

Strategic Listening Session on Veteran-Led Community Revitalization Coming to Kilgore

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 7, 2025
On Tuesday, July 29, ETCOG will host Rebuilding the Fort for a Strategic Listening Session from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will be held at ETCOG offices located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, with lunch provided courtesy of BBKLAW.COM . This session will introduce Rebuilding the Fort’s veteran-led model for community revitalization, focused on: Activating affordable housing Advancing workforce development Driving economic transformation in underutilized neighborhoods Their team has successfully implemented this approach in cities such as Fort Worth, Hurst, and Balch Springs using tools like:  Pattern books with pre-approved housing designs Land banks and housing trust funds Layered financing strategies (TIF, LIHTC, CDBG, PRI) Veteran development labs and public-private partnerships This is not just a presentation—it’s a working session. They're here to listen, learn, and collaborate with leaders in East Texas with the goal of identifying communities ready to lead regional transformation with the support of a scalable, proven platform. RSVP by emailing support@rebuildingthefort.com.

Environmental Law Training Courses Offered by ETCOG

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • July 7, 2025
Day 1: Basic Environmental Law Training Day 2: Intermediate Environmental Law Training

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 .
A man with a beard and glasses is wearing a suit and tie.

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.
A man in a striped shirt is sitting in a car with a tv on the wall.

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 .
The sun is shining through the windows of an old building.

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.”
A red and white tower with a lot of antennas on it.

Important BEAD Deadline Approaching to Apply for Broadband Funding

By East Texas Council of Governments • May 15, 2025
ETCOG is partnering with Halff to assist counties in preparing applications for the upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding opportunity. Round 1 applications are due August 15.
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