The Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) discussed plans to have a workshop with lodging establishments in the county concerning human trafficking awareness at last Wednesday’s meeting.

The lodging industry is getting involved in trying to stop the flow of human trafficking throughout the state including rural communities such as Wood County.

“We are looking at the potential for a workshop for our lodging industry here in the county to discuss training requirements. We can also discuss our upcoming annual HOT (hotel occupancy tax) program and make sure those lodging industries know everything that grant can be used for,” said Christophe Trahan, executive director. “We field questions all the time concerning the HOT tax funds at the office. It will also be a good time to bring in local EDCs and chambers for the lodging emphasis as well as other businesses affected.”

The board approved $2,000 to plan the workshop. Board member Gwen Winters of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins offered information on the subject.

“At Jarvis we have created a human trafficking institute to bring in a global perspective bringing in national speakers so we would love to partner,” she said. “Jarvis may be a good location to have it.” 

Trahan agreed and said it would definitely be something to look at.

The commission approved a bylaws change moving the regular meeting time to the fourth Wednesday of the month in order to have up-to-date financials to present to the board.

The board discussed the BassMaster Elite Tournament May 19-22 at Lake Fork.

Keenan gave a glowing report on the BassMaster’s in Putnam County, Fla. where during the television broadcasts of the tournament the county was advertised in many ways.

“We need to get with their marketing group and go through the contract that we get everything Putnam County got and hopefully more,” Keenan said. “We are making a big deal out of this.”

There will be a public festival May 21 and 22.

Entertainment during the festival portion of the event includes Quitman’s Bobby Irwin and band. Irwin is the national FFA talent winner and one of Texas music rising stars. Also, a yet to be announced national country music act will perform.

In the director’s report Trahan said he attended the Alba City Council meeting in February and secured approval to work with East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) on planning for fiber optic expansion in the downtown Alba square area. 

Trahan reported meetings with leadership in Alba, Quitman and Winnsboro to discuss each municipality’s potential involvement in the ETCOG broadband initiative.