From left to right: Joe Buck Crisp, District Director with Representative Chris Paddie; Debra Smith, 50 Women Impact; Judy Monroe, 50 Women Impact; Tanya Dora, TFCP Director of Economic Development; Linda Miller, 50 Women Impact; Nancy Windham, TFCP President and CEO; Alease Copelin, 50 Women Impact; Allison Harbison, 50 Women Impact; Lisa McAdams, 50 Women Impact; Pam Howard, 50 Women Impact; and J.J. Ford, 50 Women Impact.
January 25, 2021 - 50 Women Impact received the 2020 "Do-Gooder" of the Year Award for Shelby County during the 2020 Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP) Virtual Economic Development Summit on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
The award presentation was made on behalf of the TFCP by Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation; Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Office of the Governor; and Bryan Daniel, Chair of the Texas.
Today at the Shelby County Courthouse, TFCP President and CEO Nancy Windham and TFCP Director of Economic Development Tanya Dora presented the framed award to representatives from "50 Women Impact" who established the group.
"50 Women Impact" was established In November of 2017 with a small group of women in the community. The goal was to create a group of 50 women willing to give $100 per quarter to be awarded to a deserving organization in the county. Fifty members soon became over 100 women dedicated to this cause. Since formation, this organization has given back over $120,000 to include $31,500 during the COVID-19 Crisis. Some recipients include Texas A&M Agri-life 4-H, ministries, foundations, youth organizations and more.
Christi Sullivan, Chair of the TFCP in 2020, commented, "Thank you for your mission to fulfill your goal and what the power of giving as one" can do!"
"We are proud to recognize "50 Women Impact" for your genuine concern for the well-being of others. Your commitment to those in your community and to the Texas Forest Country region during the COVID-19 Pandemic is invaluable!" "Our Summit is an opportunity to explore ways to improve the economy of our region and we appreciate everyone who attended virtually to help us celebrate "Do-Gooders" who go over and beyond the call of duty to serve others and be an integral part of our future", she continued.
In addition to recognizing the counties' "Do-Gooder" winners, Jay Shands of Angelina County received the 2020 Silver Bucket Award. The Summit's Keynote Address was made by Governor Greg Abbott followed by a regional and state-wide in-depth discussion with Featured Presenters Robert Allen, Adriana Cruz and Bryan Daniel listed above. Lonnie Hunt, Executive Director of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District; Jennifer Harris, State Program Director of Connected Nation Texas and Wynn Rosser, President and CEO of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation presented an overview and an update on Broadband in our region. Concluding the Summit was a panel discussion with the region's State Senator and State Representatives.
The Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP), formerly known as the Pineywoods Economic Partnership (PEP) and the Deep East Texas Development Association (DETDA), was founded in 1960 as a non-profit economic development organization. The TFCP is a regional economic development organization that is committed to coordinating economic development-related activities in Deep East Texas and further enhancing the appeal of the 12-county area that it serves.
The Texas Forest Country Partnership is committed to enriching the economic prosperity and well-being of our region through marketing, business development, and advocacy.
