Certified Tourism Friendly Texas Community
During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Maddie Phillips from Governor Greg Abbott's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, also known as Travel Texas, presented the City of Early with a certificate in recognition of its achievement as a Certified Tourism Friendly Texas Community, which was initially achieved on September 20, 2024.
During the presentation, Ms. Phillips stated that This is a milestone for the City of Early, and the certification is not only a testament to the dedication of your local tourism leaders but also a dedication to the entire City of Early, embracing tourism as an economic development drive. Tourism is more than an industry; it's a powerful force that fuels economic development, strengthens a community, and strengthens the lives of residents.
She stated that in Early, 18.8 million dollars are directly spent annually on direct tourism, generating almost $600,000 million dollars in local sales taxes. These funds help support essential services, businesses, and future development.
Phillips applauded the Visit Early Team for being one of the first 20 communities to receive the award; to be exact, Early is number 16. The team's commitment to strengthening the Visitor's economy, engaging stakeholders, and using the Texas Friendly Certification resources is commendable. Through the certification process, the team has demonstrated the success of their advocacy for the Visitor economy. It shows how the business community has embraced this innovation and recognizes the value of tourism investment and its importance in strengthening the economy.
Visit Early's greatest strengths are having an established brand identity and strong leadership support. A recognizable brand, a dedicated team, and engaged leadership ensure that marketing efforts are impactful and successful, well-positioned for the future. It was impressive for our office to see a recommendation letters from the local businesses expressing their appreciation for Visit Early's work. The businesses clearly see firsthand the work being done by the Visit Early Team. The positive impact seen in increased foot traffic in stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues is the economic ripple effect of tourism.
As part of the certification process, Visit Early is asked to report and update Travel Texas on events happening in Early. She noted that one of the most impressive events reported to our office by the Visit Early team was the hosting of the Major League Fishing tournament. This was a tremendous opportunity to showcase Early as a premium fishing destination, strengthening the brand along with Lake Brownwood. With the upcoming 185 episodes of the tournament airing on the Outdoor Channel, the exposure Early has and will receive is invaluable. The local commitment to branding Early as the fishing hub is a strategic move that will continue to attract visitors inside and outside the state.
The Visit Early team understands the importance of long-term planning, collaborating with neighboring communities to maximize regional efforts, and developing a long-term comprehensive strategic plan to strengthen the road map to guide the city's efforts to ensure sustainable growth. The visionary 63-acre Town Center Development with a boardwalk and visitor center is another ambitious insight-transforming project that will further develop position Early as a destination of choice.
She noted that Early is an excellent example of how tourism fosters community development. Community hospitality, pride and a commitment to providing a valve for significant events make Early a prime destination for visitors. Texas High School Bass tournaments and the Southwest Amputee Golf Association Championship are just a few high-profile events that will bring new visitors to Early in the coming months. These events not only drive hotel stays but also support local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
She also highlighted the recent media and entertainment exposure Early has seen, with County Music singer Chris Christy filming a music video at Los Trece and the filming of Only in Lola. The kind of cultural and entertainment moments create a lasting impression and further enhance Early's reputation as a vibrant and dynamic destination with multiple markets that further promote economic development.
Phillips congratulated Visit Early, City Leadership, and the entire Early Community on earning this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication to growing tourism as a key component pillar of economic and community development is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing your continued success as a Texas Tourism-Friendly City. She then presented Mayor Robert Mangrum and the Visit Early Team (Denise Hudson-Brian -Tourism Director, Amy Constancia – Marketing Assistant & Payton Rabe – Event/Visitor Center Assistant) with the official Texas Tourism-Friendly City.