2019 Blogs
Discussion of Economic Development in Yoakum, the State of Texas, the USA and around the world.
It is Official - Yoakum Commercial Historic District
The U.S. National Park Service weekly list of new additions to the National Register included the Yoakum Commercial Historic District. The October 29 announcement culminated nearly three years of effort by Read More
Here’s to Prosperity in Yoakum!
As my term at the Yoakum EDC comes to an end I offer three suggestions to the residents, downtown property owners and future leaders in support of the prosperity of Yoakum. Read More
YEDC Year End Results
During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation continued its support of new and existing businesses, preservation of Yoakum’s downtown buildings, and support of Read More
Filling The Gap!
A retail gap analysis helps economic developers create stronger local economies. It does that by comparing local demand (consumers’ spending power) with local supply (local stores). When local consumers spend more than local stores sell, Read More
Yoakum Wayfinding Design Chosen
A western saddle and the city “Y” logo together made the final cut for the new City of Yoakum wayfinding community marker design. Community markers will grace the top portion of fourteen (14) wayfinding signs designed to Read More
Retirement!
Business was good shoveling snow in northern New York in 1963. Not long after my tenth birthday, I opened a savings account with my newly printed social security card. I doubt the card’s true reason ever entered my head. Fast-forward 56 years and that purpose will be fulfilled when I retire from the Yoakum EDC and City of Yoakum, effective November 1. When our house sells we’ll pack up for Read More
Double D Addiction Coming August 3!
Enthusiasts of the Double D Ranch brand will travel to downtown Yoakum late this week for the company’s annual Double D ADDICTION event which celebrates a group of dedicated customers and the group’s founding. “These are some of our most loyal customers,” Double D Ranch owner Margie McMullen said. “We invite them Read More
Vallarta Restaurant to Open ... Soon
When asked about his restaurant’s opening date, David Serna cautiously smiled, “If the furniture arrives, August 1”. After what seems like endless months of renovations at 614 Irvine, custom-made Mexican dining tables and chairs are Read More
Yoakum’s Grand Birthday Bash July 27!
In what is evolving into an annual event, the city’s inception will be celebrated again at a Saturday night summer street dance in downtown Yoakum. On the evening of July 27 the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce, with assistance from the City of Yoakum, will host Read More
Haven Pizza Opens Downtown
Compared to the annual USA consumption of hot dogs (15 billion) and hamburgers (13 billion) pizza ranks a distant third (3 billion). At minimum, ten Yoakum restaurants sell hamburgers but pizza competition is finally heating up. Haven Pizza owners Tim and Valleen Bowden opened their take-out venue with Read More
Handy Stop Expansion
Ray Robinson of Tex-Con Oil Company can spot opportunities. “There is an expectation that for every dollar of gas sales, the store can expect a proportional amount of profitable indoor sales from soft drinks, beer and food,” said Robinson, who is celebrating his 50th year in the gas station business. The potential for Handy Stop is mind boggling, says Robinson, because Read More
The Grand Opens Second Screen
After months of planning and construction, The Grand Theater will introduce an additional movie screen this week. The owners of The Grand, which opened fall 2016 at 212 May Street, purchased half of the adjoining building Read More
Last Chance: Harvey Grants for Historic Buildings
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) will disburse $12.3 million in federal funds to address the impacts of Hurricane Harvey on significant historic properties. Eligibility: Any “contributing” building in the Yoakum Commercial Historic District can apply for Read More
Business Appreciation
The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation hosted its fourth annual Business Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday May 1. This year, two businesses received Community Investment Awards: Dairy Treet (901 W Grand) and Perk and Brew (210 W Grand). “Eddie Varela and family had a successful business in the Stanley Center for 18 years, yet they chose to invest Read More
Wayfinding for Yoakum
Chamber of Commerce Chair Diane McCommas, at the January meeting of the Yoakum EDC, suggested installing signs to entice highway travelers to visit multiple City of Yoakum points of interest. Three months later, “Wayfinding for Yoakum” findings were presented Read More
YEDC Mid – Year Update
By the mid-point of fiscal year 2018-2019 the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation approved fourteen grants in the categories of Retail Enhancement, Preservation, General and Community. Yoakum construction projects totaling $1,217,504 were matched by Read More
O’Reilly Motors into Yoakum
Heavy equipment could be seen lining up at the former Double J Saddlery last week as the new owners began demolition. Weather permitting, construction on the new 7,500 square foot O’Reilly Auto Parts is expected to be completed by Read More
CHPT OPENS NEW CLINIC
Kevin Chance knew he needed to move. The Yoakum office of Complete Hometown Physical Therapy (CHPT) had grown beyond the confines of its rented space on May Street. As the conversation with his wife, Kelly, progressed Read More
Economic Developers Meet with Senator Kolkhorst
South Central Texas economic developers took time out from their bi-annual state legislative meeting to visit Senator Lois Kolkhorst at her Capitol office on Thursday, February 21. Read More
Customer Service Training - February 27
Customer service is the ability of an organization to constantly and consistently give the customer what they want and need. Join us for a free, two hour session professionally instructed by the UHV- Small Business Development Center. Attendees will learn about: Read More
Customer Service Training, Act I
The desire for Customer Service training hit a chord last week when the Chamber of Commerce announced a free two hour training session to be held Wednesday, February 27. “Over 20 people signed up in the first 24 hours”, said Read More
New Retail in Yoakum
A previously vacant Yoakum building was filled with activity this past Thursday evening when both Anytime Fitness and Ace Hardware opened their doors at 201 US HWY 77A South. Read More
Destination Marketing
Sometimes a business hits it right on the head. Several years ago, my work cohorts and I would frequent lunch in a non-descript medical office building. None of us knew the restaurant name. We only knew it as “Apple Pie”, the Thursdays-only desert, Read More
Ace Hardware, Anytime Fitness to open in Yoakum
Yoakum residents will soon have the chance to work out any time of the day and have a one-stop shop that will offer most needed merchandise. The owners of Anytime Fitness and Ace Hardware hope to open their stores in mid-January at Read More
