“Promoting Community Commerce” was the theme of the program provided by representatives of Polk County Publishing Company for the March 27 meeting of the Rotary Club of Livingston. Those presenting the program were Publisher Kelli Barnes, Advertising Manager Madison Bland and Managing Editor Emily Banks Wooten.
Barnes discussed the importance of community newspapers and why they matter, in addition to the community newspaper’s relevance to the community. She said the Polk County Enterprise was founded in 1904 and the owner, Alvin Holley, has been affiliated with it since 1974 – over 50 years.
“He has allowed us to move ahead with newspapers and today we offer four print products, four digital products, a website, a quarterly magazine, twice-a-week newsletters, weekly videos and social media,” Barnes said.
Reviewing a diverse list of things in that day’s newspaper, Barnes emphasized that with social media, you only read about the things in your bubble, but that with newspapers, you get all the bubbles.
She thanked the Rotary Club for its involvement in the community and its role in pushing Polk County and the East Texas region forward.
Bland reviewed the variety of positive offerings in Polk County, referring to Lake Livingston as the jewel of the community and how it is a tremendous selling point for local realtors, attracting new residents and creating a bustling hub of tourism and business every spring and summer. She added that the lake’s recreational opportunities draw people from near and far, fostering a vibrant local economy.
She also addressed the variety of educational opportunities in Polk County – from daycare to public and private schools – ensuring that local youth receive a solid foundation. Additionally, being part of the Texas State University System means local students have access to higher education right here at home.
“With recent improvements in internet infrastructure, our schooling options have expanded, helping our young people get the education and training they need to contribute meaningfully to our county if they choose to stay,” Bland said.
Bland also recognized healthcare as another cornerstone of the community, with a diverse array of healthcare options, be it private practices, CHI St. Luke’s, various emergency rooms and nursing homes.
“These facilities not only meet our residents’ needs, but also provide a wealth of career opportunities in the healthcare sector,” Bland said.
She said the vast number of churches, clubs and organizations in Polk County are another plus – providing the opportunities to market, volunteer, make connections or simply make a friend.
“One of the most endearing qualities of Polk County is its small-town charm. Our local restaurants, wineries, boutiques and events – like Hometown Christmas – create an atmosphere that every out-of-towner describes as feeling like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. These attractions not only enhance our quality of life, but also make Polk County a desirable destination for visitors and potential new residents,” Bland said.
She also touched on the land – both commercial and residential – that Polk County offers, commenting that this is what initially brought her to the area. Speaking of its abundance, she said there is something for everyone, whether your dream is living in the suburbs, owning a ranch or having a lakefront property.
“Polk County is a great place that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, excellent education, top-notch healthcare, small-town charm and vast land opportunities. It is a place where community spirit thrives,” Bland said.
Wooten talked about the importance of supporting each other for a stronger community and offered suggestions on how to do this. These include shopping locally, eating out locally, sharing fellow businesses on social media, cross-promoting, referring local businesses and leaving reviews, offering skills and expertise in volunteer work and trying new things locally.
“I heard something at a conference a few years ago that stuck with me – ‘You have to find the value and importance of your job. Once you do, you will be a rockstar.’ That’s so true. And it can also apply to our community – both how we view it and how we portray it to others,” Wooten said.
She mentioned a travel and tourism workshop she attended that was geared toward ways to promote the area, commenting that her biggest takeaway was to come up with a list of favorite things and places in the community. In other words, if you were having friends or relatives from out of town, where would you take them? What would you consider the “must-sees” and “must-dos?”
Wooten commented that there are various types of tourism and that Polk County is blessed to have a bountiful offering of two specific types – heritage tourism and ecological tourism.
“Some of these places we probably drive by every day and never give a second thought or look. But maybe it’s time we took a closer look at our community … and with a fresh set of eyes. There’s an old saying, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats,’ which basically means that a healthy economy benefits everyone. I truly believe that. When one of us wins, we all win. Be happy for others. There’s room for all of us to be successful,” Wooten said.
