Community Council of Southwest Texas holds Economic Summit

On January 13 - 14, 2006, the Community Council of Southwest Texas held an Economic Development Summit in Concan, Texas at Neil’s Cabins. (This is the site where RDLN held its National Network Assembly, hosted by CCSWT. in 1997.) The goal of the Summit was part of the process of transforming the agency from a traditional community action agency providing services to an organization that can stimulate economic development and greater self-sufficiency. The Summit's sessions focussed on first time home buyer education, forming a credit union, developing a savings association, resource development, and developing a five-year agenda. Taking a leadership role in this process is the Field Project of RDLN Leader Sarah Hidalgo-Cook. Her Field Advisor, Jorge Botello, is Executive Director of CCSWT. The Board Chair Mike Acosta is also an RDLN Leader. Anselmo Telles of the Housing Assistance Association, a field Advisor for Leticia Carreón, was there as a resource person. RDLN Leader Emma Dixon led the session presenting the “Structure of the Southwest Savings Association.”

Anselmo Telles (HAC), RDLN Advisor; Claudia Leija, RDLN Assemblly attendee; Mike Acosta. CCSWT Chair, RDLN Leader; Jorge Botello, CCSWT Executive Director and RDLN Field Advisor; Sarah Hidalgo-Cook, CCSWT Transit Director, RDLN Leader; Nina Limones, potential RDLN participant; Emma Dixon, RDLN Leader