2006 was busy chamber year
BY BOB GOLDSBERRY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

BOB GOLDSBERRY

We are getting ready to welcome in the year 2007 when it seems like yesterday it was Jan. 1, 2006. This year has been a very busy year for the Rusk Chamber of Commerce and the Rusk E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p - ment Corporation. I can't think of a better way to close out the year than with a reminder of what two of the City of Rusk's economic strengths are currently, shopping at home and tourism dollars.

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce strives to support Rusk's local retail and restaurant merchants by providing an easy outlet for information about the businesses, hours of operations, goods and services that are provided. The quickest and easiest way for each citizen to promote the economic vitality of Rusk is to support these local businesses.

The Chamber, which always has had a "Shop at Home" campaign, now has a new slogan, "Rusk Merchants - Use Them or Lose Them." While to some, this may sound dire and bleak, it serves as an excellent reminder to all of our citizens that the first priority should be shopping at home. The importance of continuing shopping at home is shown by the approximate 5.5 percent overall increase in sales tax receipts to the City of Rusk for the FY 2005- 06 versus the same period in the FY 2004-05. All of the merchants offer a wide variety of goods and services and a citizen can find most everything that is needed right here in our hometown. Thank you to the citizens who have made shopping in Rusk a priority.

Another factor in the continued economic growth is the increase in the number of visitors and tourists this year. Several tourist opportunities are right here in our back yard and need to be supported locally as much as possible. We are very fortunate to have these attractions locally for our own use and benefit. In conjunction with the Texas State Railroad, Rusk and Cherokee County also boast a drive through animal safari and preserve, NHRA drag strip, racing dirt track and three ATV/off road parks. All of these venues, working together, will draw several thousand people to our area. The visitors and tourists will not only increase the opportunities for existing merchants' sales and employment opportunities but also enhance the opportunity of adding new retail shopping outlets and jobs.

The ridership for the Texas State Railroad was up from approximately 57,500 riders in 2005 to possibly exceed 70,000 for 2006.

While the future of the railroad is still up in the air, state operation vs. private operation, the key issue is to keep the Railroad functioning and a working museum for generations to come.

The other and least desirable option for the TSR is to become a static display, this is not an option for our community.

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce and Rusk Economic Development Corporation will continue to strive to add businesses, employment opportunities and retail shopping opportunities for the citizens of Rusk during the upcoming 2007 year.

Bob Goldsberry is executive director of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce.