Businesses are moving in and expanding in downtown Mineola. City Manager Mercy Rushing advised the Mineola Economic Development Corp. board last Thursday that local business is doing really well, especially in the downtown area.

Rushing also serves as the city’s economic development director.

Among the moves Rushing outlined was Downtown Pizza, which is moving to a larger location on N. Johnson from its location on W. Broad. Another business is slotted for the pizza location following the move.

The former jewelry store adjacent is also getting a new tenant. The Biz’ee B’s, formerly located in Terrell, has relocated to Broad St., and Everlee Jane is scheduled to open soon on S. Johnson. Shively Mercantile and Feed has recently opened on N. Johnson.

She estimated the occupancy of downtown buildings at 95% or above.

One challenge will be working to get more tenants into the shopping center on N. Pacific where several retail stores have vacated, Rushing said.

She also updated the board on the new location for Hometown Trophies in the business park and the land recently purchased on Front St. that will add parking for the downtown area.

One area that will enhance economic development will be expanding high-speed internet.

Rushing said the East Texas Council of Governments has been working for years to help improve broadband in rural areas.

The ETCOG has obtained funding for broadband projects, and Wood County has been among the first to get projects lined up.

The city is applying for broadband projects for the Mineola Nature Preserve and the industrial park.

She said the county is applying for the airport, Winnsboro is applying for its industrial park, and Hawkins is applying for its downtown area.

Rushing said she does not yet have a timetable on when these projects might be awarded.

That project is separate from the city’s efforts to attract another internet provider for the city.

Board member Ken Pearce said that project was put on hold during the pandemic.

Rushing briefed the board on the recent Mineola Foundation meeting where foundation members wanted to know the status of a potential regional Career and Technical Education hub sponsored by the school district.

The MEDC’s offer of financial support is still on the table, said chairman Gordon Tiner, and the ball is in the school district’s court.

Rushing announced that City Secretary Cindy Karch will be serving as the assistant EDC director following the retirement of Lynn Kitchens, who filled that role as well as marketing.

Rushing said she hopes to announce a new marketing person before June 1.

Karch has previously attended the EDC boot camp put on by the state organization.