News
Lorena wins 2015 TEDC Community Economic Development Award
September 16, 2015The Lorena EDC has been notified that Lorena has won the 2015 Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) Community Economic Development Award for its Lorena TIRZ #1 East Project !
The Lorena EDC and City of Lorena would like to share this award with McLennan County, as it has been quite the team effort the two years to make this happen! Thanks to all involved in the project and thanks to the TEDC for the award !
for more information, click below:
TEDC award press release
Lorena TIRZ #1 East application description for TEDC award
Lorena EDC to be exhibitor at Texas Small Business Forum Waco Regional Conference
Tues Aug 9, 8am-3pm!
The Lorena EDC will be an exhibitor at the upcoming Texas Small Business Forum Waco Regional Conference, Tuesday August 9, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center.
All small business owners are encouraged to attend this free conference. Information and expertise will be available to help your business survive and thrive within the economy.
Stop by the Lorena EDC booth to learn about our Business Improvement Grant, Business Rent Subsidy Grant, and other info that can assist your existing or future Lorena business.
All small business owners are encouraged to attend this free conference. Information and expertise will be available to help your business survive and thrive within the economy.
Stop by the Lorena EDC booth to learn about our Business Improvement Grant, Business Rent Subsidy Grant, and other info that can assist your existing or future Lorena business.
EDC meetings to be held at the new Lorena Police Station starting July 2011 !
Starting July 2011, the Lorena EDC monthly meetings will be held at the new Lorena Police Station, 100 N. Bordon Street, in the historic Lorena Downtown. Meetings remain the second tuesday of each month at 6pm. Public is welcome to attend. Entrance is through the northernmost door along Bordon Street.
The Lorena EDC awards Business Rent Subsidy Grant to Ta Dah Salon and Boutique !
In June 2011, The Lorena Texas Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) awarded a Lorena Business Rent Subsidy Grant to Sherry Jackson and Ta Dah Salon & Boutique, a new business that opened July 6 at 108B Center Street in the Lorena Downtown.
The Lorena EDC Welcomes Sherry and her business to the community !
Standing Left to right in the photo are: Director John Johnston, Chairman David Anderton, Sherry Jackson, Treasurer Mark McLean, Vice Chairman John Taverner, and Director Michael Green.
The Business Rent Subsidy Grant Program developed by the LEDC and Mundo and Associates, Inc. is intended to enhance the economic development of the City of Lorena by offering matching grant funds for rent subsidy to help new business survive and thrive during their initial months in a previously unoccupied building of Lorena. Thereby helping both the creation of new businesses and filling empty buildings at the same time.
Lorena's Business Rent Subsidy Grant Program has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development District and has been the model and inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The Lorena EDC investing in new businesses in Lorena !
Standing Left to right in the photo are: Director John Johnston, Chairman David Anderton, Sherry Jackson, Treasurer Mark McLean, Vice Chairman John Taverner, and Director Michael Green.
The Business Rent Subsidy Grant Program developed by the LEDC and Mundo and Associates, Inc. is intended to enhance the economic development of the City of Lorena by offering matching grant funds for rent subsidy to help new business survive and thrive during their initial months in a previously unoccupied building of Lorena. Thereby helping both the creation of new businesses and filling empty buildings at the same time.
Lorena's Business Rent Subsidy Grant Program has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development District and has been the model and inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The Lorena EDC investing in new businesses in Lorena !
Scout Lovett Ledger completes Eagle Scout project with assistance from Lorena EDC and City of Lorena!
In Late June 2011, Boy Scout and Lorena Resident Lovett Ledger completed his Eagle Scout project at McBrayer Park. Mr. Ledger organized the repainting of the exterior, bathrooms, and roof supports of the McBrayer Park Pavilion for his project after identifying the need in the community. Mr. Ledger was assisted by Boy Scout Troop 462 of Lorena and Troop 308 of Waco.
The Lorena EDC provided approximately $1200 in paint and anti
graffiti sealer for the project. Additional Funding and equipment was
provided by The City of Lorena and members of the community.
Standing Left to Right in the photo in front of the completed project are: Jason Mundo - Mundo and Associates Inc. and Lorena EDC Consultant; David Anderton - Lorena EDC Chairman; John Taverner - Lorena EDC Vice Chairman; Lovett Ledger - Boy Scout and Lorena Resident; John Johnston - Lorena EDC Director; Mark McLean - Lorena EDC Treasurer; Billy Clemons - Lorena City Manager; Kevin Neal - City of Lorena;
Standing Left to Right in the photo in front of the completed project are: Jason Mundo - Mundo and Associates Inc. and Lorena EDC Consultant; David Anderton - Lorena EDC Chairman; John Taverner - Lorena EDC Vice Chairman; Lovett Ledger - Boy Scout and Lorena Resident; John Johnston - Lorena EDC Director; Mark McLean - Lorena EDC Treasurer; Billy Clemons - Lorena City Manager; Kevin Neal - City of Lorena;
Lorena EDC welcomes 2 new Board Members: Michael Green and John Johnston
In Spring 2011, the Lorena EDC welcomes two new Board Members, Michael D. Green and John Johnston!Michael D. Green (standing left in photo) is a longtime resident of Lorena who works for the McLennan County College Small Business Development Center helping small businesses in the surrounding community grow. The EDC thanks Michael for volunteering his time for the EDC and Lorena. Welcome1
John Johnston (standing right in photo) is a longtime resident of Lorena who serves as Fire Chief for the City of Waco. John also volunteers in Lorena helping to run the youth basketball program for several years. The EDC thanks John for his service in the community and volunteering his time for the EDC and Lorena. Welcome!
Lorena EDC Awards Business Improvement Grants to Lorena Plaza
At the beginning of 2011 the Lorena Economic awarded a Business Rent Subsidy Grant to Lorena Plaza for extensive parking lot improvements including sawcut and filling of the potholes, repaving, sealing, striping, and repairs to the parking lot entrances.
The improvements addressed a long standing need in the community and provided better access to not only the businesses of Lorena Plaza but also Lorena City Hall as well. The LEDC awarded the maximum grant of $5,000 to Lorena Plaza and owner Nick Barrera and thanks Mr. Barrera for the project that results in a nearly $20,000 investment in Lorena!
The Business Improvement Grant was developed by the Lorena EDC and Mundo & Associates, Inc. in 2009 as a way to stimulate investment and economic development in Lorena by providing a 50% match for exterior improvements to existing businesses in Lorena including exterior painting, awnings, lighting, signage, and parking lot repair. The Grant has been utilized in improvements to the Downtown on Center Street for exterior painting and exterior improvements at Pepper West Gals and 113 E. Center Street.
Lorena's Business Improvement Grant program has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development District and has been the inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The Lorena EDC...investing in existing businesses in Lorena!
The Business Improvement Grant was developed by the Lorena EDC and Mundo & Associates, Inc. in 2009 as a way to stimulate investment and economic development in Lorena by providing a 50% match for exterior improvements to existing businesses in Lorena including exterior painting, awnings, lighting, signage, and parking lot repair. The Grant has been utilized in improvements to the Downtown on Center Street for exterior painting and exterior improvements at Pepper West Gals and 113 E. Center Street.
Lorena's Business Improvement Grant program has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development District and has been the inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The Lorena EDC...investing in existing businesses in Lorena!
Lorena Edc Awards Its First Business Rent Subsidy Grant to Hodges Insurance and Cross Timbers Commodities in Late Fall 2010
In late fall 2010, the Lorena EDC Awarded its first Business Rent Subsidy Grant to Hodges Insurance and Cross Timbers Commodities, 2 new businesses that opened in the previously unoccupied Jamnie Center on IH-35 S. Frontage Rd. in Lorena.
In picture from left to right is EDC Director Mark Richardson, Matt Hodges of Hodges Insurance, and EDC Treasurer Mark McLean.
The EDC and Mundo & Associates, Inc. developed the Lorena Rent Subsidy Grant Program as a way to stimulate commercial investment in Lorena. The program utilizes rent subsidy to encourage the filling of unoccupied buildings in Lorena with new businesses. The grant award is limited to no greater than 50% of each month’s rent not to exceed a cumulative total of $1,800 for one year and the applicant must match the Grant amount approved by the LEDC. Any new business in the City of Lorena is eligible for this program.
The Business Rent Subsidy Grant has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development district and has been a model and inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The EDC is proud to welcome Hodges Insurance and Cross Timbers Commodities to Lorena. Stop by and visit their business today.
In addition, the LEDC offers a Business Improvement Grant, now in its second year. The Business Improvement Grant Program is intended to enhance the economic development of the City of Lorena by offering matching grant funds for façade or exterior improvements to the building, sign improvements, or other exterior property improvements such as landscaping, parking lot resurfacing, striping, driveway improvements, and lighting. The maximum size of the Grant award is $5,000, and the applicant must match the Grant amount approved by the LEDC. Any existing business in the City of Lorena is eligible for this program.
Application forms and Grant guidelines for both the Business Rent Subsidy Grant and the Business Improvement Grant can be found on this website on the pull down menu under Departments --> Economic Development.
The LEDC Board in March authorized the completion of the application; which Chairman David Anderton prepared. The requirements for the award included documentation on the plans, programs and policies of the LEDC. To receive the award the LEDC needed to achieve 100 points including important Board and Council training on Open Meetings and Open Records, completion of the strategic plan, annual action program and to have significant projects underway that will promote new investment in Lorena.
Downtown Improvements Project
In 2010, the Lorena EDC funded a Downtown Improvements Project through a Texas Capital Grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The $150,000 Downtown Improvements Plan and Project has brought new ADA ramps, new parking, improved storm water drainage, and improved sidewalks to the downtown and businesses of Lorena.
2009 Annual Report
The Lorena EDC has posted its 2009 Annual Report ! This Report details the achievements of the Lorena EDC in 2009. See the Annual Report section listed under Economic Development for the link to the document. The Lorena EDC thanks you for the opportunity to serve Lorena !
Lorena Board Plans Business Breakfast
The Lorena Economic Development Board of Directors is planning a 7:15 a.m. May 6, 2009, Business Breakfast at the Texas Cheese House at 102 East Center Street to update the business community on the activities of the Board including updates on the Center Street improvements planned as part of the Downtown Revitalization Grant, introduce opportunities to apply for a grant to improve the facades and exterior of a business location through the Lorena Business Improvement Grant and other actions planned by the Board to increase new investment in Lorena.
Lorena EDC Proposes a Business Improvement Grant
In February of 2009 the Board of Directors completed work on the guidelines for a Business Improvement Grant for business locations in Lorena. For a copy of the application and guidelines please click on Departments, then click on Economic Development and then click on Business Improvement Grants.
The EDC and Mundo & Associates, Inc. developed the Lorena Rent Subsidy Grant Program as a way to stimulate commercial investment in Lorena. The program utilizes rent subsidy to encourage the filling of unoccupied buildings in Lorena with new businesses. The grant award is limited to no greater than 50% of each month’s rent not to exceed a cumulative total of $1,800 for one year and the applicant must match the Grant amount approved by the LEDC. Any new business in the City of Lorena is eligible for this program.
The Business Rent Subsidy Grant has received praise from the head of the Heart of Texas Economic Development district and has been a model and inspiration for a similar program in nearby Bellmead, Texas.
The EDC is proud to welcome Hodges Insurance and Cross Timbers Commodities to Lorena. Stop by and visit their business today.
Business Rent Subsidy Grant and Business Improvement Grant
In August 2010, The Lorena Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) introduces the Lorena Business Rent Subsidy Grant Program as a way to stimulate commercial investment in Lorena. The program developed by the Lorena EDC and Mundo & Associates, Inc. utilizes rent subsidy to encourage the filling of unoccupied buildings in Lorena with new businesses. The Grant award is limited to no greater than 50% of each month’s rent not to exceed a cumulative total of $1,800 for one year and the applicant must match the Grant amount approved by the LEDC. Any new business in the City of Lorena is eligible for this program.In addition, the LEDC offers a Business Improvement Grant, now in its second year. The Business Improvement Grant Program is intended to enhance the economic development of the City of Lorena by offering matching grant funds for façade or exterior improvements to the building, sign improvements, or other exterior property improvements such as landscaping, parking lot resurfacing, striping, driveway improvements, and lighting. The maximum size of the Grant award is $5,000, and the applicant must match the Grant amount approved by the LEDC. Any existing business in the City of Lorena is eligible for this program.
Application forms and Grant guidelines for both the Business Rent Subsidy Grant and the Business Improvement Grant can be found on this website on the pull down menu under Departments --> Economic Development.
Economic Excellence Award
At the Statewide meeting of the Texas Economic Development Council in April 2010, Lorena’s Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) recently received recognition for its hard work and success. The Economic Excellence Recognition award recognizes…..” the commitment to Professional Economic Development by the Town Administration, Elected and Appointed Officials and exemplary professional standards….”The LEDC Board in March authorized the completion of the application; which Chairman David Anderton prepared. The requirements for the award included documentation on the plans, programs and policies of the LEDC. To receive the award the LEDC needed to achieve 100 points including important Board and Council training on Open Meetings and Open Records, completion of the strategic plan, annual action program and to have significant projects underway that will promote new investment in Lorena.
Downtown Improvements Project
In 2010, the Lorena EDC funded a Downtown Improvements Project through a Texas Capital Grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The $150,000 Downtown Improvements Plan and Project has brought new ADA ramps, new parking, improved storm water drainage, and improved sidewalks to the downtown and businesses of Lorena.
Disc Golf Course Completed
In 2009 the Lorena EDC, in partnership with the Lorena ISD, developed a Disc Golf Course for residents of all ages of the city of Lorena. The Disc Golf Course is located on the grounds of the Lorena High School. Go out and throw some discs or frisbees today !2009 Annual Report
The Lorena EDC has posted its 2009 Annual Report ! This Report details the achievements of the Lorena EDC in 2009. See the Annual Report section listed under Economic Development for the link to the document. The Lorena EDC thanks you for the opportunity to serve Lorena !
Lorena Board Plans Business Breakfast
The Lorena Economic Development Board of Directors is planning a 7:15 a.m. May 6, 2009, Business Breakfast at the Texas Cheese House at 102 East Center Street to update the business community on the activities of the Board including updates on the Center Street improvements planned as part of the Downtown Revitalization Grant, introduce opportunities to apply for a grant to improve the facades and exterior of a business location through the Lorena Business Improvement Grant and other actions planned by the Board to increase new investment in Lorena.
Lorena EDC Proposes a Business Improvement Grant
In February of 2009 the Board of Directors completed work on the guidelines for a Business Improvement Grant for business locations in Lorena. For a copy of the application and guidelines please click on Departments, then click on Economic Development and then click on Business Improvement Grants.