Guest Blog

The Midland Development Corporation 

Tradeshow Booth  

The Midland Development Corporation unveiled a new tradeshow booth this year.  The unique cutting edge design has served greatly in making an outstanding impression in a very competitive tradeshow environment.   In designing the booth, great lengths were taken to maintain a degree of flexibility in order to create a message that could easily be adapted and changed to speak to specific targeted industries, an objective accomplished through interchangeable graphics and videos.   The size of the booth is also a flexible element, expandable from 10×10 to 10×20 and is complete with a meeting area furnished table and chairs, for face to face interaction with the decision makers attending conferences.

The addition of the MDC booth to the marketing initiatives creates an added benefit by offering the MDC the opportunity to extend invitations to various local entities to attend trade shows.  Those crucial to the recruitment of new businesses who have attended with the MDC include city representatives in Planning and Zoning, Utility Companies and  Directors from the Midland International Airport.   The value of having the Midland International Airport represented at a recent Aviation show was of value in presenting Midland’s strong aviation potential to businesses considering expansions or relocations.  A prime example was further demonstrated when representatives from Oncor were in attendance at the Data Center trade show, providing first hand information and  professional expertise to questions regarding utilities and redundancy.  In May 2010 the MDC participated with the High Ground of Texas, a regional marketing group, at the America Wind Energy Association AWEA.  The AWEA show was the largest exhibit held at the Dallas Convention Center, and quite an accomplishment for the MDC to exhibit alongside giants in the industry such as GE and Vestas.

Determining which tradeshow to exhibit is an in-depth process and relies greatly on research regarding the history of the show, the past attendees, partnered with the mission outlined in the MDC’s strategic plan.  The opportunity zones emphasized in the plan serves to fine tune the marketing strategy and the avenues utilized to successfully carryout those goals.  The MDC tradeshow booth has made quite a few appearances including the MRO America’s Show, Renewable Energy World and Expo, Data Center World Expo, America Wind Energy Association and CoreNet Global Summit to name just a few.  As the 2010 tradeshow and exhibit season winds down plans and preparation are underway for a productive 2011.

The Midland Development Corporation met Friday -  May 28, 2010, and approved two incentives to present to the Midland City Council for final approval.  The agreements will be on the City Council agenda for consideration at a later date.

MDC’s board of directors approved an economic development incentive in the amount of $75,000 to support the development of the National Institute for Renewable Energy and the National Wind Resource Center; both entities will capitalize research and development wind farms, provide a services for the wind energy sector nationally and offer collaborative efforts of the R&D component with the federal government, universities and the private sector.  The entities are creations out of the Texas Tech University System, with Texas Tech committing over $10 million of matching dollars in advance of an Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) grant request of $10 million.

“Wind and renewable energy is quickly moving to the forefront for industry diversification for west Texas,” explains David Mims, MDC board chair.  “Midland is fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Texas Tech University System on the development of these entities and to ensure the role our City and this region will play as these endeavors flourish.”

The second incentive, a request of $25,000 by the West Texas Coalition for Innovation and Commercialization (WTCIC) was also approved by the MDC’s board of directors.  WTCIC, the regional center for supporting the ETF fund, was formed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, with the first of its goals being to capture funds for businesses through the ETF fund – similar to the Texas Tech initiative.

The WTCIC is available to provide Midland businesses, who match the profile required of the WTCIC, an opportunity for development grants.  The grant would be used to promote entrepreneurship, technology business development and the ETF via review from MDC and WTCIC.  The economic development directors of Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo, with guidance from the Governor of Texas’ office, collaborate to support the efforts of WTCIC. 

“The consideration and approval of both incentives are reflective of the MDC’s long-term strategic plan developed via TIPS,” said Mims.  “These initiatives profile exceptionally under the Innovation and Commercialization for Energy (ICE) opportunity zone.”

Midland is listed in the top five out of 250 metropolitan statistical areas in the United States for business location by Business Facilities Magazine and is ranked number one for small cities in the “2008 Best Performing Cities in America” list, posted the Milken Institute.

The Midland Development Corporation (MDC), created in January 2002, offers incentives to qualified new and existing employers who create jobs for the community.  A five-member board appointed by the City Council governs the Midland Development Corporation.

Farmer Matt here, You there,

I hope this note finds you happy and healthy.  Although it has been a bit breezy, this Spring has been beautimous.

I’m trying to create a picture with words in these emails, but this week I think the best thing to say is, “You just gotta come down…town.”  Ultimately you have to experience the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market for yourself and create your own picture.  Maybe you can help me create a picture in your own words.  Email one word that best creates a picture of what the market is for you.  I will post these on our website that will help others create a picture with your words.  I am really excited to see your thoughts.

We have a fantastic selection of local Spring produce (Bill even has greenhouse tomatoes), coffee, baked goods, salsas, jams, eggs, meats, relishes, doggy treats, arts and crafts.  Might even have something special for your mom.

This week’s rookie:

• Granddaddy’s Sweet Southern Heat is a Tennessee hot sauce that brings a fresh and unique kick to the state of Texas.  This sauce is our secret family recipe that has accompanied our Fourth of July celebrations for over 50 years.  It is perfect for grilling any kind of meat including ribs, brisket, sausage, steak, and chicken.  Our sauce also provides a one of a kind taste to vegetables, sandwiches, and eggs.  Granddaddy’s Sweet Southern Heat is ready to go right out of the bottle and we invite you to stop by our website at GranddaddysSweetSouthernHeat.com and give it a try!

Join our Facebook fan page, Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, for more info, photos, and events.  Also join the fan page for the WesTexas Heritage Garden, a new community garden @ the Scarborough/Linebery House in Midland opening in May.

Savor the Local Flavor every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Peace

Farmer Matt

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Love Your Mother Earth! 

Come down to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Kiddos can plant and take home an heirloom veggie seed.  

We need y’all to make it all work.  What a way to celebrate the abundance from our natural mama.

Join our Facebook fan page, Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, for more info, photos, and events.  While you are there you can also join the fan page for the West Texas Heritage Garden, a new community garden in Midland.

Savor the Local Flavor every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Peace

Farmer Matt

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

I hope you all are fabulous.  This rain is certainly fabulous.  Taxes are not, but roads and bridges are.  As are local produce, foods, arts and crafts.  And what is your best source for these unique items?  That’s right, the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  We might set up under the covered area of the American State Bank bldg. (big white bldg. at southeast corner of parking lot) if the rain proves to be as formidable as we are. Although it might be raining we will still be there.  Get out and get wet while you get healthy and wise.  Bring the Kids (remember the kids craft area), the Dogs, those Close (and Far) to You, and your Hard-Earned Cash.  I can’t think of a better way to spend our time.  

We have a few new vendors that I need to tell you about, but definitely don’t forget about our absolutely fabulous core of regular vendors. They are too numerous to list here, but you can find more info. on our website - http://www.midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com

• Gold Star Kettle Corn - This stuff is hot and awesome.  You’ll enjoy watchin’ how it’s made fresh for you at Eric and Celia’s booth.
• Crafty Mommas - An eclectic group of at-home moms who have a passion and desire to create crafty things.  We each have our own gifts & talents and want to put them to good use.  We make a variety of things from handmade cards, nursing cover-ups, tote bags, bibs, and jewelry.  It is a way for us to do what we love to do and hope to help contribute to our family financially.
• C & M Pecans - Locally raised and shelled pecans in halves, whole, pieces, and meal.  Chris will also shell your pecans for you.
• Blessings to You woodworking - Galen Bock started woodworking in high school years.  He has had a love of wood.  Each Plant Hanger has been hand crafted, sanded, stained and finished.  He makes three types of hangers the double, triple pot hangers and a hanging basket type.
• Big Yellow House Co. - Melloine and her mother will have Fresh eggs from Free Range Chickens, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Jam (Blackberries from their own vines), and Fresh Salsa.

Although this event will not be at the market, I feel it warrants mentioning here.  Their message and mission are in close alignment with that of MDFM.  Colores del Pueblo is an organization that promotes social justice and cultural preservation throughout Latin America through Economic Fair Trade.  You can learn more and support this worthwhile group at the Unitarian Church (corner of Midkiff and Neely) this Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (come to the market first) for the finest collection of clothing, jewelry, pillow covers, masks and more from Guatemala.

Now a little bit o’ bidness.  I am looking for volunteers to help grow MDFM.  Because I will be focusing more on my farming efforts, I will need help with certain aspects of the market.  Quite frankly, I can’t do it all, and there may be certain parts that can only be done with your help.  I am interested in cultivating a market that is driven by our community’s need and interests, not just the interests of a few individuals.  If you are interested in shaping the future of your MDFM, please contact me.  Skill sets are not absolutely necessary, just an interest in a more regionally based sustainable economy and food system.  We can learn the details together.

Remember to join our Facebook fan page, Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, for more info, photos, and events.

Savor the Local Flavor every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Peace

Farmer Matt

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Well, I hope everybody is having a great morning.  This should be another fine day, as should tomorrow.  Speaking of tomorrow, the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market will have another excellent day.  Last Saturday was very encouraging as we saw a lot of new faces as well as our good core of regulars.  Thank you all.

The greens are fabulous right now.  If you aren’t familiar with Swiss Chard, you are definitely missing out.  Outside of the last few hot days the conditions have been ideal for the growth of Chard.  It has such a sweet and salty flavor all in succulent leaves, and they hold up well when you cook them.   Not to mention that it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. Come down and enjoy this and other incredible local greens while they last at MDFM.

If you haven’t noticed yet we have an awesome kids craft area to keep the kiddos busy while you’re busy.

Check out and join our Facebook fan page, ‘Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market’.  I will use this page to keep everybody updated outside of this weekly update.  You can see what everybody’s talking about, photos of the market, and also stay updated with our vendors.

Savor the Local Flavor every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Peace

Farmer Matt

432-695-4114

‘Midland’ TV pilot with Jon Voight being shot in Dallas

Read more: http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/03/30/news/top_stories/d0617_bc-tx-midlandtvshow_03-29_0164.txt#ixzz0jflcAjKJ

Farmer Matt here, You there

Time for the 2nd Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market Winter Once-a-Monther.  This Saturday, February 20 from 9a.m.-1p.m., we will have fresh winter veggies, baked goods, honey, locally raised pork products, doggy treats, photography, relishes, jewelry, coffee, and quite likely more.  We will also have a craft area for the kiddos this week.  

There is also an exciting event happening March 29th and 30th.  The first ever Midland-Odessa Local Food Day. It should be a fun and extremely informative event.  If you have questions, thoughts, or comments, let me know.

Make sure to check out our website http://www.midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com/.  I have done some updating, and I hope to do more in the coming weeks.  Also check out our group on Facebook.  Both of these media will help you stay abreast of the latest in local food.

Bring the Kids, Bring your cash, Bring your Appetite, Bring your Friends, Bring your Family, Bring Yourself, and 
Savor the Local Flavor.

Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Peace,
Farmer Matt
432-695-4114