The Wood County Economic Development Commission will begin taking applications for hotel occupancy tax grants June 1.

Deadline is June 30, and applications may be found at WoodCountyTx.com, along with the eligibility requirements.

The grants are funded by taxes collected on lodging establishments throughout the year and must be used to promote tourism in the county.

Last year 35 grants totaling $150,000 were awarded.

WCEDC plans to stress to recipients that any marketing efforts funded by the grants need to include the WCEDC logo.

The WCEDC plans to host a economic development conference in Mineola on July 24 for the county organizations involved in economic development, such as chambers of commerce, city economic development corporation’s and their city councils, Main Street programs and others.

The conference is planned for the Mineola Civic Center, and the WCEDC board will hold its monthly board meeting in conjunction with the conference.

The governor’s economic development office is also planing to participate.

The conference is part of the WCEDC’s effort, identified in its strategic plan, dubbed “Wood County United.”

A condensed version of that plan is scheduled to be put on the WoodCountyTx.com website soon.

Executive Director Christine Thomas reported that she has invited the dean of the new medical school at UT Tyler to meet with local stakeholders to address the lack of mental health providers and facilities in East Texas.

With the Wood County airport getting ready to expand its runway and attract more business, the marketing arm of ECEDC is proposing to offer advertising along the airport fence to create income that the airport can use to help market itself.

Directors toured the Mineola League of the Arts facilities following their meeting last Wednesday.