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TEDCO Opens Entrepreneur Hub and Business Meeting Spaces in Newly Acquired FSR Building

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:16:46 GMT

TEDCO Turns FSR Building into Hub for Local Business Growth

TATUM, TX — September 15, 2025 — The Tatum Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) is proud to announce the acquisition of the former FSR building, transforming it into a vibrant business incubator and meeting hub for Tatum’s growing community of entrepreneurs.

This facility will not only provide dedicated office space for service-based entrepreneurs but will also offer a training room and conference room for businesses and organizations needing professional space for workshops, seminars, and meetings.

Spaces will be available as early as October , allowing local businesses and start-ups to secure an office and take advantage of shared amenities designed to encourage growth and collaboration.

“This acquisition represents a major step toward cultivating a thriving small business ecosystem right here in Tatum,” said Nakia Smith, Executive Director of TEDCO. “We now have a place where entrepreneurs can work, meet, train, and grow — all under one roof.”

Entrepreneurs and organizations interested in leasing office space, booking the training room, or reserving the conference room for meetings can contact TEDCO's Executive Director, Nakia Smith at (903) 947-6403 , (903) 475-6445 , or by email at info@edc.tatumtexas.com .

TDCJ Hiring Event

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:06:54 GMT

Golden Opportunity in Your Backyard!

TDCJ Hiring Event – Henderson, TX

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Henderson Chamber of Commerce
201 N. Main St., Henderson, TX 75652

Looking for a New Career?

✅ Tired of your 9–5 and ready for a fresh start?
✅ Want to serve your community and make a real impact?
✅ Need great pay and benefits with room to grow?

If you answered YES — this event is for you!

We’re Hiring!

Corrections Officers – Starting pay $4,370.10/month
All Other Positions – Multiple roles available!

No experience needed — we provide paid training!

Why You Should Come

Meet the hiring team in person
Get details on pay, benefits & career advancement
Learn how to start your career with TDCJ on the spot

Questions?

Relay Texas:

TDD: 1-800-735-2989
Voice: 1-800-735-2988 or 7-1-1

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

14th Annual Pecan Pie Festival

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:12:47 GMT

Tatum's 14th Annual Pecan Pie Festival – A Sweet Celebration with a Purpose

TATUM, TX – Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025 , from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Tatum High School parking lot for the 14th Annual Pecan Pie Festival . This cherished event combines delightful festivities with a meaningful cause, bringing the community together to support women's health initiatives.

Since its inception in 2012, the Pecan Pie Festival has been dedicated to providing free or low-cost mammograms to women who might not otherwise afford this life-saving screening. The festival features a variety of activities, including:

Over 40 vendors and food trucks offering a diverse array of culinary delights and unique crafts.
Live music performances showcasing local talent and enhancing the festive atmosphere.
An antique car show displaying classic vehicles that tell the story of automotive history.
Bounce houses and games for children, ensuring fun for the whole family.
A pecan pie contest where bakers compete for the title of best pie, with samples available for attendees.

All proceeds from the festival directly support the festival's mission to provide mammograms, underscoring the community's commitment to health and wellness. The event exemplifies Tatum's spirit of unity and dedication to enhancing the lives of its residents.

New This Year: Street Dance with The Darrin Morris Band

To close out the day on a high note, the festival will feature a Street Dance from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM with The Darrin Morris Band performing live! Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of great music, good company, and a lively atmosphere as we celebrate the community and the success of the festival.

Event Details:

Date : Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Festival) | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Street Dance)
Location : Tatum High School Parking Lot, Tatum, TX
Admission : Free!

For the latest updates and more information, please visit Tatum Economic Development Corporation official website at www.tatum-edc.com or follow us on social media.

Media Contact:

Tatum Pecan Pie Festival
Phone: (903) 947-6403
Email: tatumppf@gmail.com

About the Tatum Pecan Pie Festival:

The Tatum Pecan Pie Festival is an annual event that combines community engagement with a commitment to women's health. Founded in 2012, the festival has grown to become a highlight in Tatum, TX, featuring a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. Proceeds from the event support the provision of free or low-cost mammograms, emphasizing the community's dedication to accessible healthcare for all.

Local community developer attends national institute

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:59:14 GMT

Year 3 Complete for Local Developer

Houston (March 6, 2025) – Economic and community development representatives from across the nation participated in the Texas Community Development Institute (CDI Texas) March 3-7. Among those completing Year 3 of the three-year program was Nakia Smith of the Tatum Economic Development Corporation.

The four-day course was held at Lone Star College-System Office The Woodlands and included over 50 sessions facilitated by more than 30 practitioners on such topics as Community and Economic Development Practice, Developing a Workforce, Community Strategic Visioning and Planning, Identifying Stakeholders and Community Assessments.

Instructors from across the country, each well known in their business and community development fields, facilitated the comprehensive program curriculum designed to meet the increasing challenges facing community developers in today's fast-paced society. The program is applicable for community leaders from towns and cities of all sizes.

The purpose of CDI Texas is to provide practical, interactive, and comprehensive training to meet the needs of economic and community development professionals. Participants included community officials, volunteers and employees who work with city/state/county governments, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, utility companies and community social services. Since the program's inception, thousands of community leaders from throughout the country have participated in the program.

Lone Star College, Entergy Texas, Inc., and the Community Development Council are supporting organizations of CDI Texas.

Lone Star College offers more than 200 program options, including four bachelor’s degrees, for students to complete a degree, transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce. Courses are available in face-to-face, online or hybrid formats. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Registration .

Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.

Contact:

Kay Fitzsimons

832.813.6623, desk

kay.l.fitzsimons@lonestar.edu

Tatum Economic Development Corporation Announces Hilliary Communications Installing Fiber-Optic Broadband

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:44:20 GMT

Fiber-Optic Network to Empower Residents, Drive Economic Growth, and Enhance Education

The Tatum Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that Hilliary Communications has officially commenced the groundbreaking process to lay fiber-optic cables in Tatum. This significant development marks a monumental step in enhancing our community’s connectivity and digital infrastructure. The new network will foster economic development, support workforce training, enable educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for all residents.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between Tatum City Council, Hilliary Communications, and key community stakeholders, represents a significant step forward in Tatum's long-term vision of being a connected, modern, and thriving community. With the rapid advancement of technology, reliable broadband access has become essential for nearly every aspect of daily life, from business operations to education and telemedicine, and this project aims to bridge the digital divide for Tatum 's residents.

"Tatum is a special place in East Texas. Geographically, we're close to major lakes and offer an incredible quality of life with some of the best homes in the area. Commercially, Tatum has 100's of acres of developable land and is situated at the intersection of the two main highways that travel this area. What's been missing is the broadband to connect the workforce requirements of regional industries with the quality of life available in Tatum, and this project is going to bridge that gap. We don't have an exact date, but the estimated timeframe for the last customer to be connected is approximately nine months. We're excited, and the region should be too."

- Nakia Smith, Executive Director TEDCO

Construction of the fiber-optic network has begun, with completion expected in 2025. The project will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on connecting the most underserved areas of Tatum. Residents and businesses will be notified as service becomes available in their area.

For more information about the broadband project, including updates on construction, service availability, and how Tatum Economic Development Corporation can help your business take advantage of this new service, contact Nakia Smith by phone , email , or the TEDCO website .

“We are pleased to share the news of the upgraded internet capabilities for the City of Tatum, a development our community has long anticipated. This improvement will facilitate more efficient completion of home assignments for students. Furthermore, it will provide valuable support for our adult workforce who work from home and pursue higher education. As we navigate this technological era, we recognize that these enhancements will play an important role in our community's future growth and connectivity.”

- Tatum, TX Mayor Mike Henry

In addition to supporting residents and local businesses, this broadband expansion is poised to directly benefit several key industries that require fast, reliable internet connections to thrive:

Small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from the faster upload and download speeds, allowing for more efficient e-commerce operations, cloud computing, and online marketing. Local entrepreneurs can also tap into a wider market, while digital tools and platforms will improve their ability to manage operations, connect with customers, and grow.

This broadband initiative is not just about upgrading infrastructure—it's about transforming Tatum into a community prepared for the future. With a fiber-optic network that meets the demands of today's digital economy, Tatum is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years to come.

About Hilliary Communications

More than 60 years ago, the Hilliary Family acquired a small telephone company in rural southwest Oklahoma. Now in its third generation, the company has grown from a single exchange with just 100 access lines covering 22 square miles to now serving more than 19,000 customers in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations.

A Bright Future with the Revitalization of the Henderson Overton Branch Rail Line

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:44:17 GMT

A Bold Move for Rusk County’s Future

The RCRRD and NET RMA’s announcement signals a decisive step forward in Rusk County’s long-term economic strategy. With an $8.48 million federal grant and matching funds from private partners, the project is expected to inject over $15 million into the county, ushering in a new era of economic growth and industrial development. For Tatum, this means new opportunities for job creation, infrastructure improvements, and a closer connection to the growing economic networks of East Texas.

As RCRRD president John Cloutier put it, "Rusk County is seizing its future by transforming an aging rail line into a vibrant economic artery." This investment will modernize the Henderson Overton Branch, a vital part of the regional transportation network that has long supported local businesses. The project’s enhancements are poised to impact Tatum significantly, strengthening its position as a key player in the broader Pineywoods industrial hub.

Key Project Highlights and What They Mean for Tatum

The revitalization project includes several important improvements that will benefit Tatum directly:

Rebuilding Transload Zones in Overton and Henderson
Tatum is situated just a short distance from Overton, one of the cities that will see significant upgrades to its transload zones. These areas, where goods are transferred between rail and truck, are critical for local businesses and industries that rely on rail for the transportation of goods. Enhanced transload facilities will make it easier for businesses in Tatum to import and export materials, opening the door to more industrial activity and growth.

Increasing Track Capacity
Expanding track splits along the rail line will allow for more rail traffic, meaning faster and more efficient transportation of goods. For Tatum, this translates to a more connected and competitive business environment, as companies that rely on rail logistics can count on timely deliveries and better access to national and global markets.

Modernizing Connections to Union Pacific’s Mainline
One of the most important upgrades in this project is the modernization of the switch connecting the HOB rail line to the Union Pacific mainline. This connection, which has not been updated in over a century, is critical for enhancing the flow of goods from Tatum and surrounding communities. By making this vital connection more efficient, the entire region benefits from improved access to larger freight systems and more opportunities for trade.

Tatum’s Place in the Regional Economic Landscape

Tatum has always been an integral part of the Pineywoods region, known for its tight-knit community, scenic landscapes, and rich history. But this new investment promises to position the town as a central player in East Texas’ industrial future. With the HOB rail line improvements, Tatum will be better connected to growing industries in Rusk County and beyond, making it an even more attractive location for investment.

As Glenn Green, executive director of NET RMA, stated, "By investing in this rail line, we are not just building infrastructure but we are also building a better future for Rusk County and the surrounding areas." This sentiment rings true for Tatum, where local leaders and residents can look forward to a stronger, more prosperous community driven by enhanced infrastructure and new economic opportunities.

Get Involved in Tatum's Economic Future!

The revitalization of the Henderson Overton Branch rail line is a game-changing opportunity for Tatum, Texas, and we want you to be a part of it! If you're a local business owner, community leader, or resident interested in learning more about how this project can benefit Tatum, now is the time to get involved.

Contact the Executive Director of the Tatum Economic Development Corporation, Nakia Smith, to discuss how you can take advantage of new opportunities, whether through business expansion, job creation, or community development.