DETCOG Regional Economic Development Coordinator Eddie Hopkins recently provided a program for the Livingston Lions Club. A retired banker, Hopkins is also a past president and treasurer of the Jasper Lions Club.
“There’s a lot of little rural counties that need help. I see it as a calling to help people. Deep East Texas is an economic goldmine,” Hopkins said.
“Polk County and Livingston are sitting in a wonderful spot. I-14 is on the drawing board. Livingston sits at the intersection of I-69 and I-14. Can you imagine the growth our grandchildren will see?” he said.
Hopkins said members of Lions Clubs serve as ambassadors and should support local initiatives.
“Some of us get frustrated with the tourists, but I see that as economic opportunity,” he said.
Hopkins touched on the various components that contribute to economic development, including education, beautification, youth, health care, industry and work force.
Referring to the local Texas State University System Polk County Center as a “beautiful facility,” Hopkins said, “The kids and adults it’s impacting is just going to be revolutionary.”
He then mentioned the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas’ new Naskila Casino Resort presently under construction on tribal-owned land in Leggett.
“Whether you agree with it or not, it’s going to be huge in terms of economic development,” Hopkins said.
“We have some wonderful opportunities in Polk County for growth, we need to sell Livingston and Polk County. John Tarver is a friend of mine,” he added, referring to the president and executive director of the Polk County Economic Development Corporation.
“We need to partner with TSUS to provide scholarships. The obstacles to getting higher education are not like they were for us. There are opportunities financially out there,” Hopkins said, adding, “I truly believe that education is economic development and economic development is education. Getting people trained with a marketable skill that they can use to making a living is key.
“Supporting the youth is so important. We need to connect students with local learning opportunities and offer apprenticeships,” he said.
Mentioning the value of supporting local beautification efforts, Hopkins said, “Livingston is doing a great job of handling its parks.”
He discussed the importance of partnering with local businesses to enhance visitors’ experiences. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression. You should welcome visitors. There’s nothing more gratifying,” he said.
“Health care facilities. Y’all don’t know how blessed you are to have that facility,” he said of the local hospital. “Take advantage of the health care opportunities you have here and use them.
“Polk County is one of the largest timber producers in the state. It’s amazing the input that Polk County’s having in the timber industry with RoyOMartin in Camden,” he said.
“The economic development corporation, TSUS Polk County Center, the chamber of commerce, the local school districts … should all have visible, meaningful input. Shop local. Host a workforce roundtable. You need to see what’s happening out there. Partner with local officials in building a community where people want to live, work and visit,” Hopkins said.
