Chamber is involved in upcoming events
Rusk Chamber of Commerce representatives and hotel-motel and recreational vehicle park personnel met recently to make plans for the upcoming Thomas the Tank promotion. In front from left are Wendy Wiley, Teresa Langley, Peter Faye and Penny Reynolds; in back, La Retta Britton, Walter Prebble, Leslie Hassell, Bruce Mansahia, Sue Hines, Bob Goldsberry and Melinda Faye. American Heritage Texas State Railroad will feature Thomas the Tank at the Rusk depot Oct. 19-21 and 26-28.

Representatives of Jacksonville, Palestine and Rusk met with the Texas Film Commission Aug. 9 in Texas Gov. Rick Perry's office in Austin. The film commission has been responsible for filming of several movies, television series, live television and documentaries, as well as business films, commercials and music videos at the Texas State Railroad. In front from left are Peggy Renfro, Jacksonville chamber president; Carol Pirie, Texas Film Commission deputy director; Susan Cottle- Leonard, director of tourism and conventions in Palestine and Carolyn F. Salter, Palestine mayor. In back are Meredith Stephens, director of development for MPS studios; Bob Hudgins, director of Texas Film Commission; Penny Reynolds, Rusk chamber president; John Crowley, head of production of Texas Film Commission; Laurnie Durisoe of Laurnie Inc.; Tom Durisoe, Durisoe Properties; Connie Brown, Rusk chamber; Andy Jones, The Conservation Fund Director; and Mark Price, Texas State Railroad Director of Marketing. Getting ready for the Rusk Pioneer and Heritage Festival Oct. 13 at the Jim Hogg City Park are in front from left, Shawn Chambers, Josiah Blankinship and Elisha Blankinship and in back, Cameron Blankinship.