FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott names president, appoints three to Sabine River Authority Board of Directors AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott named Cliff Todd as president of the Sabine River Authority Board of Directors and reappointed Richard “Blair” Abney, Joshua A. “Josh” McAdams, and Kevin M. Williams for terms to be determined as set forth by law. The purpose of the Sabine River Authority is to conserve, store, control, preserve, utilize, and distribute the storm and flood waters and the waters of the Sabine River and its tributaries.

Cliff Todd of Long Branch manages the assets of his farm and ranch operations in Panola County and is an Executive Vice President for Topcat Companies in Longview. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and board member of UT Health Carthage. He serves as a commissioner with the Panola County Emergency Services District. He is the past member of the Austin and Carthage Rotary Clubs. Additionally, he is a member and deacon of Central Baptist Church of Carthage, and is a longtime adult Sunday school teacher. Todd received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Richard “Blair” Abney of Marshall is an appraiser and owner of Abney Valuation Group, PLLC. He is a member of the Appraisal Institute and its National Government Relations Committee. Additionally, he is an investment committee member for the Court Appointment Special Advocates (CASA) Tri-County Board, board member of the Pelz Family Foundation, and a volunteer for First Methodist Church – Marshall. Abney received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Baylor University.

Joshua A. “Josh” McAdams of Center is the owner of Midstream Transportation and vice president of McAdams Propane Company. He is president-elect of the Texas Propane Gas Association and a member of National Propane Gas Association. In addition, he is president of Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center and a member of Shelby County Cookers and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Area Go Texan Committee. McAdams received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from Texas A&M University ( TAMU).

Kevin M. Williams of Orange is owner of Cypress Bayou Industrial. He serves on the board of First Financial Bank, and as a member of Rotary District and Associated Builders & Contractors. In addition, he is a member of Faith United Methodist Church and Krewe De Bon Amis. Williams received a Bachelor of Science in economics from TAMU.

Abbott announces Cancoil Manufacturing Facility in Jacksonville HED: Abbott announces Cancoil Manufacturing Facility in Jacksonville AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that Cancoil USA is building their new U.S. manufacturing operations center in Jacksonville, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility will create 120 new jobs and generate more than $28 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $648,000 has been extended to Cancoil. In addition, the company has been offered a $10,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.

“Texas is the undisputed champion for attracting more job-creating businesses than any other state, with the best business climate in the nation and a highly skilled and growing workforce across our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “This investment of more than $28 million by Cancoil to build their U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Jacksonville will improve supply chain efficiency for diverse industries. It will also create 120 good-paying jobs in East Texas as part of the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in Texas.”

Cancoil USA is one of North America’s fastest growing manufacturers of commercial and industrial heat transfer products.

“This new facility will serve as a cornerstone for Cancoil USA’s operations, supporting manufacturing and delivering industry- leading heat transfer solutions to our customers in the United States,” said Cancoil USA Spokeswoman Monika Datta. “Our decision to invest in Jacksonville reflects our confidence in the region’s skilled workforce and its strong business climate. We look forward to building lasting relationships with the community and contributing to its economic vitality. This expansion is made possible through collaboration with local and state partners, including the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO). Together, we aim to foster growth that benefits both the local economy and our customers.”

“As a retired businessman who built factories in Jacksonville myself, I know there’s no better place to work,” said Senator Robert Nichols. “Congratulations to Cancoil and the City of Jacksonville, and thank you to Governor Abbott for making this award.”

“Texas continues to lead economically under the leadership of Governor Abbott, and Cancoil Thermal Corporation’s move to Jacksonville is part of this exciting period of unprecedented job growth and opportunity,” said Representative Cody Harris. “House District 8 is reaping benefits like the 120 new jobs for the area and possible opportunities for veterans. It is exciting to see what it will mean for those of us who already call East Texas home and for those who will call it home in the future.”

“Cancoil’s decision to invest in Jacksonville represents more than just new jobs; it’s a reflection of the faith they’ve placed in our people and our future,” said Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorham. “This project shows what’s possible when a community works together to create a strong business climate and a welcoming hometown for families. We’re proud to welcome Cancoil to Jacksonville and look forward to seeing the opportunities this partnership will create for years to come.”

“We’re honored that Cancoil chose Jacksonville for their U.S. expansion,” said JEDCO Board Chairman Darrell Dement. “This project embodies the kind of growth we strive for: innovative, forward- looking, and rooted in community values. Our Board is deeply committed to fostering projects that strengthen our economy and provide opportunities for local families. Cancoil’s investment is another step in building a stronger, more vibrant Jacksonville.”

“Cancoil’s expansion into Jacksonville is a testament to the steady progress our community has made in creating the right environment for quality jobs and long-term investment,” said JEDCO President Shane Pace. “This project will strengthen our industrial base, bring new career opportunities to local residents, and add lasting value to our city. We’re grateful for the teamwork that made this possible; from our City Council and JEDCO Board to our state and local partners, all working toward one shared goal: to make Jacksonville an even better place to live, work, and grow.”

TEF is a performancebased grant that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.

Abbott congratulates Burleson as Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the city of Burleson for being designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas after completing the multi-step certification process. The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows Burleson’s commitment to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.

“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of Burleson on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”

“I am proud to join Governor Abbott in recognizing Burleson as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said Senator Phil King. “Not only is Burleson a great place to live and work, but it’s a destination that welcomes visitors with genuine Texas hospitality. From the charm and history of Old Town to the city’s exciting new developments, Burleson seamlessly blends small-town warmth with big opportunities. Congratulations to the City of Burleson on this outstanding achievement.”

“Congratulations to our great City of Burleson,” said Representative Helen Kerwin. “Burleson is full of life, and I am thrilled to see the rest of Texas taking notice. Whether you’re strolling through Downtown Old Town (our beloved old soul), enjoying the arts at Russell Farm, relaxing at Lost Oak Winery, having a blast at Alley Cats, making memories at Jellystone Water Park, cooling off at the Brick Splashpad, or cheering on teams at Chisenhall Fields — Burleson has something special for every visitor. This Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation celebrates our community’s heart, creativity, and hospitality — and I can’t wait to welcome even more people to experience it. Thank you Governor Abbott and Travel Texas for this amazing opportunity.”

“The City of Burleson’s recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is a testament to its strong leadership and shared vision for growth,” said Representative David Cook. “Located on the southern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Burleson offers a family-oriented environment, great schools, and a thriving economy that makes it an incredible place to live, work, and play. This achievement reflects the hard work of our local leaders, businesses, and families who make Burleson a great place to call home, and I’m proud to represent a city that continues to lead the way in Texas. I want to thank Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, the City of Burleson, and everyone who helped make this historic achievement possible.”

“Being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is a big win for Burleson,” said Burleson Mayor Chris Fletcher. “Folks already know this is a great place to visit, and now the whole state does too.”

“Earning the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation reflects our city’s commitment to strategic growth and long-term economic vitality,” said Burleson City Manager Tommy Ludwig. “Tourism is an important driver of investment, supporting our local businesses and enhancing Burleson’s reputation as both a destination and a community of choice.”

The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/ tourism-friendly-texas.

The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.