East Texas Small Businesses Recognized at Economic Development Summit

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Small business across East Texas were recognized during the 2015 Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP)Economic Development Summit held at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, Texas, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015.

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Susan Winkler, owner of Mike’s Family BBQ Pit, receives the Small Business Award for Tyler County at the 2015 Economic Development Summit held at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, Texas. (Photos: Misty Boggs | MSGPR)

Winners were DEMCO Manufacturing, Angelina County; Hallmark Center Fixture Operations, Shelby County; Animal Science Products, Nacogdoches County; ElastoTech Southwest, Inc., Houston County; Mike’s Family BBQ Pitt, Tyler County; Thomas Supply, Polk County; Vaughn & Associates, San Jacinto County; Hamburger Depot, Jasper County; Mike Perry Buick, Chevrolet, Kawasawki, San Augstine County.

“Small business is the backbone of our community,” said Bill Malnar, Director of Imaging Services, Temple Cancer Center at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial and Board Chairman of the TFCP. “It’s not just the jobs they provide, but the services they provide to our communities through their charitable donations of money and time.”

TFCP is a growing economic development organization that serves twelve counties in the Piney Woods. The Economic Development Summit provided key information on water resources, economic growth, and future expectations for the region.

Misty Boggs
Misty Boggs
Misty Boggs is the Creative Director at MSGPR. As a resident of Angelina County, she enjoys getting to spend time with her family at their tree farm or exploring new art forms at home. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a minor in Creative Writing at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2020 and received her MBA in Marketing from Lamar University in 2024.

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