Chamber is ready to welcome 2008
BOB GOLDSBERRY Rusk

BOB GOLDSBERRY

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce is ready to welcome 2008. It feels like just yesterday it was Jan. 1, 2007. This year has been a very busy year for the Rusk Chamber of Commerce and the Rusk Economic Development Corporation. I can't think of a better way to close out the year but to say thank you for your support and to provide a reminder of what two of the City of Rusk's economic strengths are: shopping at home and tourism dollars.

A big "thank you" to the citizens who have made shopping in Rusk a priority. The Rusk Chamber of Commerce strives to support its chamber members by providing an easy outlet for information about the businesses, hours of operations paired with the 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 importance of continuing shopping at home is shown by the approximate 11.4 percent overall increase in sales tax receipts to the City of Rusk for the fiscal year of 2006-07 versus the same period in the fiscal year 2005- 06. All of the local merchants offer a wide variety of goods and services and a citizen can find most everything that is needed right here in our hometown. Our local merchants are working hard to earn your business, stop by and check out what they have to offer. Just to mention some of the new businesses here in Rusk are three child day care centers, one private Christian school, three restaurants, one retail shopping outlet, one Cellular telephone services and one wireless high speed internet services have been added this year. Existing local businesses have also expanded hours, added new goods and services and are offering internet and e-commerce services to meet the needs of our citizens as well.

The Rusk Economic Development Corporation appreciates the Citizens of Rusk who voted "yes" to switching the current half cent sales tax from a 4-A Economic Development Corporation to a 4-B Economic Development Corporation. By voting to make this switch, the citizens have allowed the EDC Board the opportunity to participate in a wider variety of projects and potentially expand employment opportunities and the types of goods and services offered here in Rusk.

Keeping the Texas State Railroad in operation is a way for our chamber member businesses and local economy to continue to grow and increase the customer base due to the tourists that visit our area. There were 12,000 ticketed riders at the Rusk depot during the "A Day Out With Thomas" event. The "Polar Express" event is currently tracking to have approximately 15,000 riders at the Palestine depot of the Texas State Railroad. By having the Texas State Railroad offering these special events in conjunction with regular excursion runs, there is a big potential for 40,000 plus tourists to visit Rusk in 2008.

Several other recreational businesses provide opportunities right here in our back yard and need to be supported locally as much as possible. Support these businesses by using them or working with them during their special events. All of these venues, working together, will draw several thousands of people to our area. The visitors and tourists will not only increase the opportunities for existing merchant's sales and employment opportunities but also enhance the opportunity of adding new retail shopping outlets and jobs.

The Chamber would also like to express our gratitude for the support of our volunteers, event chairpersons, board members and the citizens of Rusk for supporting all of our events in 2007. These events are continuing to grow and be better every year.

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce and Rusk Economic Development Corporation continue to promote local businesses and work to add new businesses, employment opportunities and retail shopping opportunities for the citizens of Rusk for the new year.

Bob Goldsberry is the Rusk Chamber of Commerce executive director.