YEDC provides website update

The Yoakum Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Genora Young provided an update on the progress of the organization’s new website at the July 15 meeting.

The new website is under construction. The website’s design was approved by the Board and the following content sections are finalized: YEDC Overview, vision and mission statements, strategic plan, board and staff biographies, healthcare information, and board meeting minutes and agendas which provide historical information from past meetings.

The website is tailored to meet the needs of site selectors, who prioritize quick access to critical data.

According to Young, site selectors seek information within three click and prefer minimal scrolling. Key data points of interest include Yoakum’s proximity to major thoroughfares, commercial/ international airports, rail services, and gulf ports; employment data; the number and variety of existing manufacturing, industrial, and retail businesses; workforce availability and sourcing; maps and images of manufacturing companies and business locations.

“Our goal is to capture the attention of site selectors, provide the information they seek as quickly as possible, and inspire them to visit our community, and bring businesses here,” Young said.

Additional board actions during the meeting included acceptance of the monthly financial report, an the  Board’s direction to update the YEDC website maps to include the Gulf of America citing the presidential order.

The board reviewed and approved the monthly financial report.

On July 14, 2025, a joint meeting between the city council and YEDC was held, during which public hearings were opened to discuss two grant applicationsFreebird Salon and Double D Ranchwear, Inc.

The first grant application reviewed was for Freebird Salon to support a complete renovation of their building. Originally budgeted at $52,000, the project scope expanded due to significant termite damage and rot discovered during the removal of interior and exterior walls, increasing costs by approximately $30,000.

The total grant amount approved for Freebird Salon Phases I and II will not exceed $41,000. Phase III, landscaping, aesthetic enhancements creating an inviting exterior space will be presented to the board for consideration after the completion of the first two phases.

The second grant application for Double D Ranchwear, Inc. will not exceed $125,000, and is intended to facilitate growth and improvements for the business. Both approved projects will be completed and reimbursed in phases.