The organization was founded in 1994, with an emphasis on promoting regional tourism, itself an important aspect of economic diversification. Now, TMCN has expanded to marketing the region to prospective businesses and industries and supporting existing business. Executive Director Nicki Harle sees nothing wrong with members belonging to overlapping associations and creating smaller associations within existing networks. I think they have a strong purpose. They are where we were five years ago, and I think the best thing in the world would be for them to bring in some industry to the area.
Success breeds success.
Harle said the new era of cooperation is beginning to include cities within counties. There is even cooperation between Abilene, a TMCN member, and smaller communities in the network. And it is clear why they do. Those jobs that are created in area towns help Abilene, because those people are going to spend money in Abilene and support the Abilene economy. We call it partnering for economic development.