YEDC presents grant check to Yoakum Memorial Association

By Clayton Kelley

  • Members of the YEDC board submit a $10,000 check to Vanita Cheeves of the Yoakum Memorial Association. This will go toward new fencing to the Yoakum Colored Cemetery
    Members of the YEDC board submit a $10,000 check to Vanita Cheeves of the Yoakum Memorial Association. This will go toward new fencing to the Yoakum Colored Cemetery

    The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation presented the ceremonial “big check” to the Yoakum Memorial Association at the Nov. 18 Board meeting.

    The actual funds were released to the YMA during the September Board meeting.

    “The funds, in the amount of $10,000, granted to YMA through the Community Improvement Small Project Matching funds grant were used as a match for the construction of protective and attractive fencing around the Yoakum African American Cemetery,” YEDC Executive Director, Genora Young said.

    Yoakum Memorial Association President Vanita Cheeves said she is very grateful to the YEDC.

    “I’m thankful for Genora Young’s assistance with the application and the Board’s approval of the project,” Cheeves said. “Thankful and grateful that the grant helped pay for the beautiful fencing around the cemetery.”

    The YEDC discussed a request from local vendors for the occasional use of the YEDC parking lot on Irvine St. for “Popup Shops.”

    “Board discussion visibility noting that the Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce occasionally hosts events in these locations.”

    The Board received an update regarding the development of the YEDC website.

    “ Content for the healthcare portion of the website is under development and will include information about the hospital and other healthcare services in Yoakum,” Young said.

    The Finance Committee also updated the Board regarding the process of reviewing the YEDC matching grant programs. They are considering ways to simplify the application process and make the program easier for potential applicants to understand according to Young. There are currently 11 different grant programs.

    The goal is to provide clear and concise explanations including a list of qualifying projects, funding ranges, and legally required documentation from applicants, as required in the Local Government Code.

    It is important to note that YEDC grants are matching and reimbursable funds. The corporation does not fund 100% of a project and funds are only released after an application is approved, work is completed, and required documentation is presented to the Board.

    Other items on the agenda included:

    • The financial report was given by Director of Finance Debbie Gray.

    • There was a progress update of water and wastewater infrastructure development in YEDC Industrial Park II (IP2).

    • YEDC and City Staff training on Placer.ai, a data collection program that assists communities with retail/industry expansion, recruitment, and events promotion and marketing.