Marshall Economic Development recognizes board members, celebrates successes at annual event

Marshall Economic Development spearheaded numerous efforts to support Marshall businesses and employment in 2024. These accomplishments and goals for 2025 took center stage at the first Annual Meeting and Luncheon for MED held on January 29. Over 160 attendees joined with MED leadership at the Marshall Mercantile to honor outgoing board members and learn about ongoing and new economic development initiatives over a catered lunch from High Horse by Shawne Summerford. 

A keynote from Carlton Schwab, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council further developed these themes, leaving participants eager to implement new learnings in Marshall and the surrounding communities. 

Outgoing board members honored for years of service

Marshall Economic Development’s board features five members who serve three-year terms, and each member can serve up to terms. This year, two Board of Directors members, Sam Moseley and Brenda Brown, have left the board while Keith Hill is the outgoing Board of Directors Chair.

“Serving on the Marshall Economic Development Board provided the opportunity to promote in a tangible way the hometown that I love,” Moseley said. “Involvement in the EDC over several years allowed me to observe the positive impact of a cooperative team effort as we seek the best outcome for the entire community.”

Both Moseley, a Marshall attorney, and Brown, President at Texas Bank and Trust, served two terms on the board.

“Brenda Brown and Sam Moseley are creative thinkers who have helped us face challenges head-on and change the culture of how we do business,” Rush Harris, Marshall Economic Development Executive Director, said. “Their expertise guided us through many critical decisions, and we applaud their dedication. Each devoted their time to two consecutive terms on the board – a tremendous commitment to growing Marshall.”

Two new board members, Amy Hooper and Orlando Valle, are replacing Moseley and Brown on the board and starting their first three-year terms immediately. Hooper the Director of Chemical Manufacturing at Eastman Chemical Company. Orlando Valle is Regional Vice President at 1st National Bank of Hughes Springs and will serve as secretary and treasurer of the Board of Directors. Colin Brady, a realtor at Century 21 A Select Group, stepped into the position of Chairman this year.

Annual event provides background on local and statewide economic development programs

A recap of Marshall Economic Development's accomplishments in the community served as a highlight of the event. The annual review mingled with educational content designed to further local knowledge of what economic developers are accomplishing in Marshall and Harrison County day-to-day and year-to-year.

Marshall EDC contributed to educational offerings through the annual review and informational handouts highlighting essential programs, such as WE Align, or the Workforce and Education Alignment group.

Keynote speaker Schwab expanded on this theme in his keynote address by highlighting an array of tools communities can access to expand existing businesses and recruit new enterprises. A training session followed the main luncheon. Schwab provided an overview of economic development corporations by discussing how Texas EDCs work and the benefits they offer to local institutions. New and existing MED board members participated in the session.

Leadership and staff at Marshall Economic Development want to thank everyone who attended this year’s annual meeting and luncheon, and MED looks forward to hosting this event again each year. 

To learn the latest news about Marshall Economic Development visit the news section of our website here.