of business success 5

“I know the hurdles that the men and women of small businesses go through,” DeCuir says. I know how hard it is to be a mom and pop and watch the bottom line and not exceed the overhead.”

Those skills attracted the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, which eventually named her executive director. Ever since, the organization’s impact can be seen and felt throughout Nederland, Mid County and beyond.

New businesses, property purchases and signature pieces like the “Welkom to Nederland” arch on Boston Avenue are commonplace in the city.

DeCuir stresses that the NEDC also wants to help existing businesses grow, adding she knows most local business owners by name. “I have a phenomenal (NEDC) board that I work with. They have the vision. Many are born and raised here. We want to leave it better then we found it for future generations. We listen to what is needed. We are working toward that. In the last three years we have accomplished an incredible amount.”

Stephen Hemelt is the president of Port Arthur Newsmedia, which publishes Greater Port Arthur the Magazine, panews. com and The Port Arthur News. Email him at stephen.hemelt@ panews.com.