Cybersecurity, economic development and tourism are on the agenda during the 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum and Economic Summit, hosted by the Texas Forest Country Partnership.

The luncheon Summit will be 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Lufkin Convention Center. Reservations for the day are $50 each or tables of eight for $500. For reservations call Jerry Huffman, Texas Forest Country Partnership executive director, at (936) 632-3552 or register online at www.regonline.com/LufkinForum.

 

The event will feature:

Recognition of a Small Business of the year from each of the region’s 12 counties by the Governor’s Office Announcement of the Texas Forest Country Regional Economic Plan

Session on Economic Development and Tourism from the Governor’s Office

Cybersecurity for small businesses and communities Legislative update on the upcoming 2017 legislative session by State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representatives Trent Ashby and Travis Clardy.

 

The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Lowell Catlett, a futurist with positive and upbeat predictions. His unique perspective of emerging technologies prepares us to anticipate coming changes. Catlett was a Regents Professor in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and Extension Economics and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University. He retired in 2015. The event will start with the presentation of the Forest Country Region Small Business Awards, which are awarded to one outstanding business from each of the TFCP counties. “This event will provide a great deal of information to our business owners and leaders in our 12-county region,” Jerry Huffman, executive director of the Texas Forest Country Partnership, said. “Plus, it offers an opportunity to speak with our legislators as well as hear from them about these issues that directly impact our communities.

“This is a chance help make a difference in East Texas. This is what this Partnership is all about — creating opportunities and growing East Texas,” Huffman said. “Our board and member counties work hard to ensure our part of Texas remains a great place to live and raise a family.”

The event also will include the awarding of The Silver Bucket, sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas. It is given to a person who has given of themselves — “toted a lot of water” strictly for the betterment of East Texas.

 

The Partnership counties are: Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler.

 

For more information, contact Jerry Huffman at (936) 632-3552 or email Jerry at jerryhuffman44@outlook.com Seating is limited, so please RSVP by Monday, Nov. 7.