News Flash
News
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Dalhart EDC Awards $704 Sign Grant to The Doggie Road House
Front row (left to right): Alfonso Venegas (DEDC Board Member), Sherri Haschke (DEDC President), Joe Livingston (DEDC Director), Ana "Gabby" Valdez (The Doggie Road House Owner), Dwayne Smith (DEDC Vice President), Franky Scott (DEDC Board Member)
June 18, 2024 - In a move to enhance the visibility and aesthetic appeal of local businesses, The Doggie Road House has been awarded a $704 sign grant by the Dalhart Economic Development Corporation (DEDC). This grant is part of the DEDC's ongoing efforts to support businesses in Dalhart by providing financial assistance for professional, high-quality signage.
The DEDC recognizes the critical role that signage plays in a business’s success. Signage not only identifies a business’s location and services but also contributes to the overall image and ambiance of the city. To this end, the DEDC offers the sign grant incentive as part of its suite of incentives aimed at improving the visual appeal and economic vitality of Dalhart.
The Doggie Road House's grant will cover up to 50% of the total costs for the materials, installation, and permit fees for their new sign. This investment underscores the DEDC’s commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the city’s streetscape.
To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet specific guidelines, including compliance with city codes and ordinances. The types of signs eligible for the grant range from primary signs intended for passing vehicles to hanging signs, window signs, portable signs, directory signs for multi-tenant buildings, temporary signs for special purposes, and interpretive signs that provide information on natural, cultural, or historic resources.
The Doggie Road House's new sign is a primary sign, designed to be easily viewable from passing vehicles with minimal visual clutter. This will ensure that the business stands out and is easily identifiable, enhancing its visibility and attracting more customers. The sign has been constructed from durable materials that complement the building’s facade and adhere to the aesthetic standards set by the DEDC.
The process for obtaining the sign grant is meticulous, requiring detailed applications that include professional cost estimates, photos of the building’s facade, renderings of the sign design, and proof of compliance with local regulations. Additionally, applicants must attend the DEDC meeting during which their application is considered, ensuring transparency and accountability in the awarding process.
Upon completion of the project, The Doggie Road House has been reimbursed for the qualifying costs. The DEDC's grant program stipulates that all receipts must be submitted and verified before the issuance of funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. This careful oversight ensures that public funds are used efficiently and effectively, contributing to the city's overall development.
The awarding of this grant to The Doggie Road House is a testament to the DEDC’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and improve the city's visual appeal. By investing in professional signage, the DEDC not only helps businesses succeed but also enhances the city’s charm and attractiveness to both residents and visitors.
The DEDC’s sign grant program continues to be a vital resource for Dalhart businesses, fostering a thriving business environment and a welcoming community atmosphere.
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Dalhart EDC Awards $2,000 Community Art Grant to JBeen Properties, LLC
Front row (left to right): Dwayne Smith (DEDC Vice President), Camila Green (DEDC Treasurer), Ann-Claire Gustin (DEDC Board Member), Jennifer Been (JBeen Properties, LLC Owner), Bailey Been (JBeen Properties, LLC Property Manager), Sherri Haschke (DEDC President), Joe Livingston (DEDC Director)
June 12, 2024 - In a significant step toward enhancing the cultural and aesthetic landscape of Dalhart, JBeen Properties, LLC has been awarded a $2,000 community art grant by the Dalhart Economic Development Corporation (DEDC). This grant is part of DEDC's broader initiative to improve the quality of life and promote economic development through green spaces, outdoor lighting, and community art projects.
The DEDC's grant program is designed to cover up to 50% of the total costs for materials, installation, labor, and permit fees for qualifying projects, with a maximum award of $3,000. By providing financial support for these projects, the DEDC aims to make substantial improvements to the city's image and environment, ultimately benefiting both residents and businesses.
JBeen Properties, LLC's project, which secured this grant, features prominent community art installations that aligns with the DEDC's vision. These installations are murals visible from the public right-of-way, designed to beautify the city and create a local landmark. This project will not only add to Dalhart's growing collection of public art but also inspire residents and visitors to engage with and share the city's cultural assets on social media.
The criteria for the community art grant are stringent, ensuring that projects contribute significantly to the city's character and appeal. To qualify, projects must:
- Beautify and add character to Dalhart.
- Create a local landmark that encourages photography and social media sharing.
- Enhance the city’s collection of public art.
- Be visible from the public right-of-way.
- Be permanent outdoor installations made of durable materials.
- Comply with local codes and ordinances.
JBeen Properties, LLC demonstrated a strong commitment to these principles in their application, which included detailed renderings of the proposed art and its intended location. The DEDC's selection process is rigorous, with all applications reviewed individually based on available funds and adherence to project guidelines.
Upon completion of the project, JBeen Properties, LLC has been reimbursed for the qualifying costs, marking the final step in bringing this new cultural landmark to life. The DEDC's grant program stipulates that all receipts must be submitted and verified before the issuance of funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
This award underscores the importance of public art in fostering community identity and engagement. As Dalhart continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like the DEDC's community art grant play a crucial role in shaping a vibrant, attractive, and economically robust city.
This project is not just an investment in art but an investment in the community, enhancing Dalhart's appeal for both residents and visitors alike.
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Dalhart Downtown Business Association Takes First Steps Toward Formation
June 7, 2024 - In a significant move towards bolstering the local economy and fostering community spirit, a group of downtown merchants and landowners gathered last night to lay the groundwork for the Dalhart Downtown Business Association. Hosted by the Dalhart Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce, the meeting marked a pivotal moment in the city's efforts to enhance and rejuvenate its downtown area.
Joe Livingston, the director of the Dalhart EDC, spearheaded the meeting, emphasizing the progress made over the past two years. "In the last two years, meetings have been held and the group has accomplished a lot such as creating a mission statement, creating a design committee and setting guidelines for signs, exterior paint, awnings, canopies, and doors," Livingston said. "It is time to establish and formalize the Dalhart Downtown Business Association."
Livingston clarified the EDC's role, stating, "Though the EDC and City are here to support and help in any way possible, it is not the EDC’s or the City’s intent to oversee forming a merchant's/property owner's association." He added that his role in facilitating the meeting was temporary until officers could be elected and the management of meetings transitioned to the association's members.
The gathering was marked by vibrant discussions, with participants sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and contemplating the future of downtown Dalhart. The enthusiasm was palpable, with even City Council members in attendance expressing their excitement and pledging their support for the initiative.
Although the meeting did not result in the election of officers, it concluded on a promising note. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Unlimited, located at 109 E. 2nd Street. It is hoped that a wider attendance from downtown merchants, landowners, and businesses will facilitate the election of officers and the adoption of by-laws.
The Dalhart EDC is optimistic about the future of the association, offering its support while stepping back from a leadership role. "The EDC is excited to see what the association's future will be and offers their support but will no longer be leading the way," Livingston remarked.
As Dalhart's downtown business community prepares for the next meeting, the momentum generated promises to translate into tangible improvements and a strengthened sense of community. The establishment of the Dalhart Downtown Business Association represents a collaborative effort to not only beautify but also invigorate the heart of the town, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for commerce and social interaction.
For more information and to stay updated on the association's progress, interested parties are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting or reach out to the Dalhart EDC and the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce.
Next Meeting:
- Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Unlimited - 109 E. 2nd Street
The formation of the Dalhart Downtown Business Association marks a new chapter in the city's history, with the promise of a brighter, more unified future for all its downtown stakeholders.
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Dalhart EDC Awards $40,000 Infrastructure Grant to HTeaO
Front row (left to right): Sherri Haschke (DEDC President), Sammy Bhakta (HTeaO Franchise Owner)Back row (left to right): Dwayne Smith (DEDC Vice President), Alfonso Venegas (DEDC Board Member), Kristy Detwiler (Dalhart Chamber of Commerce President), Camila Green (DEDC Treasurer), Ann-Claire Gustin (DEDC Board Member), Joe Livingston (DEDC Director)
June 3, 2024 - The Dalhart Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) has awarded a $40,000 infrastructure grant to HTeaO, a popular iced tea franchise. This grant is a significant step in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the City of Dalhart.
The DEDC's infrastructure grant program is designed to encourage improvements and expansions that benefit the local economy. By providing financial incentives, the program assists businesses in enhancing their infrastructure, which can include construction costs, permit fees, and other related expenses. The grants are awarded based on the applicant’s commitment to match the grant amount with an equal or greater investment of private funds, thereby ensuring a collaborative effort in the development process.
HTeaO's project, which qualified under the DEDC’s criteria for major infrastructure improvements, will see upgrades that include essential building systems such as electrical, HVAC, and lighting. The grant will cover up to 50% of the total project costs, demonstrating the DEDC’s commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the local economy.
The decision to approve HTeaO’s application was based on several factors, including the anticipated contribution to sales and property tax revenues, the creation and retention of jobs, and the overall impact on the city’s economic landscape. The DEDC's Board of Directors evaluated the application carefully, ensuring that the project aligns with the city’s economic development goals.
HTeaO’s investment in Dalhart is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate further economic activity, reinforcing the city’s business-friendly environment. The infrastructure improvements will not only benefit HTeaO but also enhance the surrounding area, making it more attractive for other potential businesses and investors.
By supporting projects like HTeaO’s, the DEDC continues to play a crucial role in the economic development of Dalhart, fostering a vibrant and sustainable business community.