A look back at the past year highlighted last Wednesday’s meeting of the Wood County Economic development Commission.

Adoption of a strategic plan was among the top items from the year.

The strategic plan gives the county a shared vision for the next 10 years, Chairman Tom Keenan said.

“We have a lot of work to do,” he added.

Among the plan’s top items are to develop the workforce, affordable housing, water accessibility, community development initiative starting with Quitman, airport land use plan and Jarvis Christian aviation school, Wood County Walls to include education and marketing components, and to not lose the small-town feel.

Other highlights from the year included hosting the Bassmaster Elite fishing tournament at Lake Fork, which the commission hopes to bring back in 2025, distributing $150,000 in hotel occupancy tax grants and supporting various non-profit events.

Executive director Christine Thomas summarized current activities, including working with Neon Cloud from Dallas for marketing videos for the airport. Then contract for just under $10,000 must be approved by county commissioners.

Thomas briefed the commission on efforts to promote agri-tourism in the county, with the hub to be the Northeast Texas Prairie Classroom in Yantis.

Benefits of promoting native plants and wildflowers range from supporting wildlife to water conservation and health benefits.

WCEDC is also working on updating its websites and travel guide, using QR codes to keep the various listings up-to-date.

Thomas noted that the recent health fair in Quitman was a success, and ideas to improve future fairs are being discussed.