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!”

TCEQ Launches Program to Reduce Emissions from Stationary Sources

By Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • June 5, 2026
$16.5 Million in Grants Available

USDA is Now Accepting Applications for Rural Businesses and Community Development Projects

By USDA Rural Development • June 2, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it is making $27.7 million in grants available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation. Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications will compete in two separate categories: Business opportunity grants: May be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities. Business enterprise grants: May be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements, buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas, constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment, capitalizing revolving loan funds, and supporting rural business incubators and community economic development and other eligible activities. Electronic applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. local time through Grants.gov on the due date. The Rural Business Development Grant Program has two different closing dates: June 15, 2026, only applies to Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) applications. June 30, 2026, applies to the remainder of the applicants. For more information on how to apply please visit on gov or contact your local USDA Rural Development office .

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs

May 19, 2026
Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash 

Grant Opportunity for: Clean Land, Healthy Communities

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 30, 2026
Many of our communities have properties that are abandoned or underutilized because of suspected environmental contamination from past uses. These properties are commonly referred to as “Brownfields.” Redeveloping a brownfield site does more than change the look of a property; it strengthens the health, economy, and spirit of the whole community. Through ETCOG’s Brownfield Site Reuse & Revitalization Program, local governments and property owners can receive no-match funding to assess and plan for the safe reuse of vacant or underused sites. Projects can include environmental studies, market analyses, community engagement efforts, and much more, that set the stage for growth while protecting public health and the environment. Every successful project begins with identifying potential sites. If your community has a property that could be brought back to life, now is the time to act. Find details and a site nomination form at www.etcog.org/brownfields-program .
Sunset over a calm lake with clouds reflected in the water and a tree-lined shore

Application Period for Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants Now Open

By Texas Water Development Board • April 29, 2026
This is an announcement shared from Texas Water Development Board

ETCOG Awards Civic Marketplace to Expand Cooperative Purchasing for Rural Communities, Schools, and Local Districts

By Civic Marketplace • April 28, 2026
Today, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announced the award of Civic Marketplace as the technology platform for COGWORKS, its cooperative purchasing arm. The partnership will leverage cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to support regional purchasing for rural communities, school districts, and local governments across the East Texas region, state, and nationwide. For more than 50 years, ETCOG has supported East Texas through regional planning, coordination, and shared services. COGWORKS was established in response to member demand for dependable cost-control solutions that serve jurisdictions of all sizes through competitively awarded cooperative contracts. This collaboration strengthens COGWORKS by improving shared buying, administrative coordination, and visibility into contract activity, enabling members to operate more efficiently while meeting procurement requirements. “This partnership supports our responsibility to ensure rural communities, schools, and local districts can access purchasing programs that deliver measurable savings and efficiencies,” said David Cleveland, Executive Director of ETCOG. “COGWORKS allows participants to benefit from collective buying power and shared procurement expertise through a program they know and trust.” Civic Marketplace will partner with ETCOG to activate and operate COGWORKS on its digital platform, in order to expand participation and deliver measurable value to member agencies across East Texas. Through its purpose-built technology platform, proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) agentic, solutions, and hands-on program enablement, Civic Marketplace will support contract visibility, supplier onboarding, entity activation, and ongoing program analytics at no cost to member agencies. “This partnership demonstrates ETCOG's commitment to building a strong, sustainable cooperative purchasing ecosystem for East Texas,” said Al Hleileh, CEO and Co-Founder of Civic Marketplace. “Our goal is to help COGWORKS increase utilization and transparency of cooperative contracts, elevate local businesses, and deliver regional efficiency.” “Civic Marketplace was born in East Texas, with deep roots in the cities of Longview and Tyler,” added Ron Holifield, Co-Founder and President of Civic Marketplace. “Our partnership with COGWORKS is both a homecoming and a new wellspring for these communities, bringing together collaborative purchasing and cutting edge technology to help local government entities better serve their residents.” As COGWORKS continues to grow, ETCOG and Civic Marketplace will work together to expand contract offerings, support supplier participation, and provide members with the tools and information needed to use cooperative purchasing effectively. About Civic Marketplace Civic Marketplace is the AI procurement platform built for local governments and free for every SLED entity to use. By removing cost as a barrier, we make it easier for cities, counties, and school districts to modernize how they buy goods and services without adding strain to already tight budgets. Our platform connects government buyers to a network of pre-approved suppliers, ensuring every contract meets compliance and quality standards from the start. We're especially committed to expanding access for historically underutilized businesses, helping local governments support regional suppliers and strengthen the communities they serve. Procurement doesn't have to be slow, complicated, or expensive. Civic Marketplace is backed by venture investment and built to prove it.  Learn more at civicmarketplace.com

ETCOG Awarded for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 24 Consecutive Years

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 28, 2026
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the East Texas Council of Governments for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the program's high standards, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. It is awarded to the East Texas Council of Governments Operations Division, which includes David Cleveland, Executive Director; Wendi Horst, Operations Director; and Operations team members Gini Blackwell, Sloane Bodle, Trish Branham, Christy Cross, Rita Hitt, Kelly Horn, Elizabeth Jones, DeAnn Jordan, Glenda Lamothe, Michaela Marotta, Jennifer Nicholson, Staci Reynolds, Cori Rhodes, Susan Schooley, Kim Scott, and Christine Weems. "I am impressed with the consistent excellence and professionalism of our Financial Operations Team! They produce excellent results for the East Texas Region every single day! When one considers the fact that they help manage well over 100 different federal and state funding streams, you can begin to understand why I am thrilled they continue to receive objective substantiation of their work every year they are recognized with this prestigious GFOA award!" said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This award is a tribute to our team's commitment to transparency, accuracy, and integrity in financial reporting. Earning this award for 24years in a row is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. While we celebrate this incredible streak, we remain focused on the future and upholding the values that have earned us this recognition and become the standard in everything we do," said ETCOG Operations Director Wendi Horst. ETCOG's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report can be viewed at www.etcog.org/financials . About GFOA The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the communities they serve.

Everyone Deserves Equal Access to Housing: Know Your Rights

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 1, 2026
Everyone deserves equal access to housing opportunities. During Fair Housing Month, ETCOG joins the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in raising awareness about housing rights and protections under the Federal Housing Act and the Texas Fair Housing Act. These laws ensure that individuals can rent an apartment, buy a home, or obtain a mortgage free from discrimination based on: Race Religion National Origin Color Familial Status Disability Sex What to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination If you believe you have been discriminated against, you have one year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. 📞 Call: 888-452-4778 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/fair-housing For concerns related to TDHCA-monitored properties, you can also submit a complaint: 📞 Call: 800-525-0657 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/complaint.htm By knowing your rights and taking action against housing discrimination, we can work together to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all Texans!

Area Agency on Aging is Seeking Public Comments on 2027-2029 Area Plan

By East Texas Council of Governments • March 26, 2026
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
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