Paris Main Street Advisory Board is leading an effort to recognize business that have continuously been in operation for 50 years or more by nominating them for the Texas Treasure Business Award, an award that is sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission.
The Texas Treasure Business Award Program recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years. Created in 2005 by Senate Bill 920, authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio and sponsored by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson of Waco, the program pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
“The Main Street Advisory Board has a work plan for 2015/16, and one of the items on the plan was to nominate downtown businesses for this award,” says Cheri Bedford, Main Street Program Coordinator. “We quickly realized that all of these 50 year old plus businesses, even though they may or may not be located in downtown, have been a vital part of the history and economy of Paris.”
We want to make sure to include all the businesses who wish to be nominated for this award, says Jill Drake, Main Street Advisory Board Chair.
To be eligible for the award business must meet the following criteria:
- Have been in continuous for-profit operation in Texas for at least 50 years.
- Continue to operate the same or a very similar type of business as it did at least 50 years ago.
- Have a continuous record of employment for at least the past 50 years.
- Continue to operate as an independent, for-profit business (i.e., it cannot be operating as a subsidiary of or have been absorbed into another business)
- Maintain a good business relationship with the state -
Businesses that can also establish that they have been continuously owned by the same family or have operated continuously from a building that is at least 50 years old and have maintained its architectural integrity will receive additional recognition.
“There is a short application process that must be completed, so we are asking interested persons to contact us by July 20, 2015.” says Bedford.
Paris Main Street is requesting all business that meets the requirements contact Cheri Bedford, Paris Main Street Coordinator at 903-784-9293 or email cbedford@paristexas.gov.