Investing in the Historic Communities of Texas and Encouraging Economic Development

Investing in the Historic Communities of Texas and Encouraging Economic Development Atlanta, Texas | Posted on Facebook in February 2023 Carolyn M. Appleton Nonprofit Fundraising and Communications (Facebook @carolynmappletonfornonprofits) I have enjoyed working with a nonprofit based in Atlanta, Texas in far Northeast Texas called, Atlanta Grade School Friends. The organization seeks to restore an historic school built and opened for classes in 1936 called Atlanta-Miller Grade School.

Dedication of a new flagpole and installation of a Texas historical marker at Atlanta-Miller Grade School in Atlanta, Texas in 2022.

Investopedia notes in, "What Is Quality of Life? Why It's Important and How to Improve It" (2022): "What Is Quality of Life? Quality of life is a highly subjective measure of happiness that is an essential component of many financial decisions. Factors that play a role in the quality of life vary according to personal preferences, but they often include financial security, job satisfaction, family life, health, and safety. Financial decisions can often involve a tradeoff wherein quality of life is decreased to save money or earn more money. Conversely, quality of life can be increased by spending more money."

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My subjective impression of Atlanta, Texas is that is has a high quality of life. The volunteers I have met love their city. They have many fond memories they share on Facebook. What better place to relocate a company or manufacturing operation than to a city where families can raise their children in safety, where life is interesting and lively with an historic downtown district, a variety of festivals during the year, and a Texas State Park nearby, nestled among the majestic trees of the forests of the Pineywoods?

Last summer, I wrote an article about the importance of historic preservation and economic development. The two are inextricably linked. You can access my article for the July 2022 issue of the Atlanta Grade School Friends Newsletter via ISSUU (see list of newsletter short links).

I note that Texas has traditionally ranked high in terms of states that are "best for business."

The Texas Economic Development Corporation notes this is partly owed to, "the warm welcome we give CEOs who are looking for a better place to do business .... Our economic development community is proactive in providing these CEOs with the support they need, and CEOs often tell us how important that support has been in making the decision to come here.”

A THC: Texas Historical Commission research report observes that businesses move to Texas for numerous reasons. The state’s quality of life is increasingly one of them. "Historic preservation offers attractive and economical spaces for business, stable and interesting historic neighborhoods, lively Main Streets and revitalized downtowns. In turn, these tax-paying properties enhance our quality of life and directly improve the economic well-being of all Texans."

Returning to Investopedia, how do we evaluate quality of life and choose a city in which to live? Where can CEOs find not only employees for profitable operations, but also a happy, attractive, and safe area in which to live and work? Perhaps my article will encourage them to seek out historic "small towns" in Texas like Atlanta, Texas!

"If you feel your quality of life lacks in some areas, taking stock of how you define a good quality of life is an excellent first step towards improvement. While everyone's idea of a high-quality life varies, there are some universal markers. These markers may include access to good healthcare, loving relationships, meaningful work or volunteerism, making time for hobbies you enjoy, good rest, healthy food, and the ability to perform an enjoyable form of exercise all help to improve the quality of one's life."

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And perhaps they will not only invest in new corporate operations in the historic towns of Texas, but also in saving, preserving, and sustaining historic towns and sites, thereby creating a lasting rich and interesting area for company employees and visitors alike. I find the small towns in Texas struggle financially - even though they have such interesting histories, and people do want to visit and learn about them. We need companies and institutions to invest for the long term in historic communities across Texas.

Atlanta Veterans Memorial in downtown Atlanta, Texas. "Dedicated to the memory of all the men and women who gave their lives for freedom and in honor of all who served our nation in uniform in its times of need to preserve and protect our American way of life."

If you have questions at any time, reach out via email: atlantagradeschoolfriends@gmail.com.

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