MDC Receives Economic Development Award

Texas Economic Development Council’s Community Economic Development Award was presented to Midland Development Corporation at TEDC’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, September 30th in San Antonio. 

Working under the TIPS strategic plan initiatives, MDC’s project feature was the revitalization of the central business district.

“MDC’s collaboration with downtown stakeholders has been the cornerstone of our CBD initiatives,” explains Doug Henson, MDC board chair.  “Infrastructure is paramount; the Redevelopment of Block 56 was the perfect step in the right direction for downtown.”

Elements of MDC’s submission included the “LiveMidlandTexas.com” campaign to raise awareness of the benefits and features of downtown, while providing a central platform for news, events and other opportunities downtown. The Basic Energy Corporate headquarters mixed-use redevelopment project and the retention of downtown employees were also highlighted in the submission.

Other features included in the award application consisted of MDC’s active role in bridging the City of Midland and the TIRZ for the $1.8 million dollar makeover of Centennial Plaza and Josh Hopkins’s endeavor, “The Lofts on Main.”

When asked what this means to Midland, Mike Hatley, executive vice-president of MDC has a quick response, “Again, Midland and its corporate partners are being recognized as leaders in the arena of economic development.  This isn’t an award for MDC; this is an award for Midland.”

MDC plans to take it a step further.  In appreciation, MDC is planning an upcoming event to place a focus on the entities that have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Midland. 

When asked about the event, Hatley’s response was simple, “we’re going to pass the kudos to where they belong.”

In 1995, the TEDC established CEDA to honor excellence and exceptional contributions of Texas communities in economic development.  The criteria used to determine the CEDA recipients include innovativeness, measurable objectives, and ancillary benefits to the community.  Other entries included City of Arlington, City of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership and San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.

MDC Board of Director Spotlight

David Mims serves as the First Vice President of the Midland Development Corporation.  As a long time Midlander, David brings a unique insight to the organization that comes from both his personal and professional roots being firmly rooted in Midland.

David established himself professionally in 1977 when he began his insurance career and is currently the President of Mims and Smith Insurance Agency.  David is actively involved in a variety of civic organizations in Midland including the Midland Rotary Club, Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, and has served on the following boards, High Sky Children’s Ranch, Midland United Way, and the Midland Chamber of Commerce.

He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Management and continued his education at Auburn University where he earned his masters.  Mims is charged with Marketing for the Midland Development Corporation.

When asked what first attracted David to the MDC, there was no delay in his response.  “As a native Midlander, I want to be a part of helping Midland grow and diversify our economy, and build on the foundation that many great Midlanders have established before me.”

As for what the future holds for Midland, again David refers to attracting new industry.  “I would like to utilize the strong existing framework of the oil and gas industry to leverage the application of new energy technologies and to provide a springboard for the attraction of new industry to our economy.”

To visit with David Mims, email him directly.

Check Out What’s Going On Downtown!

There is a lot going on in Downtown Midland in the month of October.  Check out the LiveMidlandTexas.com calendar and plan your weekends to stay Downtown!

If you know of any downtown events that need to be added please click here and let us know!