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September 7, 2012

Nichols, Cook to lead off Small Business Forum

Staff Reports Palestine Herald-Press

PALESTINE — State Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, will be in Palestine for the Small Business Development Forum hosted by Palestine Economic Development Corp to give a legislative update for the opening session of the forum on Monday, Sept. 17.

The opening session will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Ben E. Keith Community Room, located at 2019 W. Oak St.

The PEDC is hosting the forum through grant money provided by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Texas Workforce Commission. PEDC took advantage of the opportunity to host the forum in order to provide small business owners in the region access to industry and government experts.

During the opening session Nichols and Cook will discuss the upcoming changes taking place during this legislative session and how that will affect small business in Texas. While discussing the legislative session, both will relate tips they have learned from experiences won during successful business ventures in East Texas.

“As successful small business owners and experienced elected officials, Senator Nichols and Representative Cook have unique insights to share with our business community,” PEDC Economic Development Director Wendy Ellis said. “Their perspectives are an invaluable resource, and we are proud to have them participating in our small business forum.”

Nichols was elected to the Texas Senate in 2006 for District 3 that encompasses 19 counties throughout the greater East Texas area. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and sits on the Transportations and Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Nominations and Natural Resources Committees. He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission. A Jacksonville native, Nichols is married with three children. He built four successful manufacturing facilities, earned 32 U.S. patents and created more than 900 jobs for East Texas.

Cook was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2002 for District 8 which includes Anderson, Freestone, Hill and Navarro counties. During the 82nd Legislative Session, Cook was appointed Chairman of the House Committee of State Affairs which handles a multitude of issues, including utility regulations, management of state agencies, immigration and the administration of state government. He is also a member of the House Committee on Calendars and was re-appointed as a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Cook lives in Corsicana with his family where he continues his interests as a businessman and rancher.

The forum will continue on Tuesday, Sept. 18 where participants will learn from state and nationally recognized experts how to develop practical plans for their business. Business owners will leave with tangible business tools in hand. Those interested in attending opening session on Monday night can purchase tickets for $20, which dinner. The price to attend both the opening session and the forum on Tuesday is $60. Registration for Tuesday is $50 which includes breakfast, lunch and break refreshments.

To register for the Small Business Development Forum or to get more information on the opening session, contact  Ellis or Tara Thompson at PEDC at 903-729-4100 or wellis@palestine-tx.org, tdulock@palestine-tx.org.

 

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