JEDCO Opens Doors for Public Dialogue Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
- Rita Shipp
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Photos by Rita Shipp
In an effort to address rising concerns and ongoing scrutiny from some members of the community, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) hosted a public open house Tuesday at the Jasper Welcome Center. The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., was designed to give residents a chance to ask questions, learn more about how JEDCO operates, and review printed documentation outlining past and current contributions to the City of Jasper.
By early afternoon, turnout remained low, with only one known resident stopping by during the first several hours. Still, JEDCO board members were fully present — seated at an information table, offering printed materials, and ready to speak openly with anyone who walked through the door.
During a sit-down conversation with East Texas Banner, JEDCO board members walked through each of the documents available on-site — including grant histories, project funding breakdowns, and contributions dating back to 2008 — emphasizing their ongoing efforts to operate transparently and remain accessible to the public.
“Everything we’ve done is laid out right here,” one board member said, referencing the printed materials. “We’ve made it all available so people can see for themselves — no guessing, no games. We’re here, we’re ready to talk, but folks have to be willing to come in and look at the facts.”
Printed Documents Highlight JEDCO’s Impact
To support their message of transparency, JEDCO made available a printed summary of its contributions to the City of Jasper dating back to 2008. The handout detailed investments made across education, business development, health and safety, infrastructure, and youth programs.
Key highlights include:
Grants for Jasper High School’s robotics and CDL programs.
Business support for Hammer Equipment, Cedar Tree Restaurant, Terra BioChem, and Provallus.
Contributions toward Christus Memorial Hospital infrastructure, Jasper County Airport, and fire department improvements.
Downtown revitalization and Chamber of Commerce assistance.
Youth sports investments, including scoreboard upgrades, softball field enhancements, and property for a future sports complex.
“A lot of our work doesn’t make headlines, but it’s consistent and long-term,” a board member said. “We’re investing in Jasper’s future, even when nobody’s looking.”
Another JEDCO board member addressed a common misconception that the organization freely hands out funding without oversight.
“JEDCO doesn’t just give away money — there are criteria that have to be met,” one board member explained. “People talk about transparency, but the issue is, many aren’t showing up to learn what’s really going on.”
Board members pointed to recent online discussions and commentary at public meetings, noting that many of the strongest opinions often come from individuals who have never attended a JEDCO meeting or reached out for clarification.
“People say they ‘heard’ something or saw a post online,” the board member said. “But when you ask if they’ve come to a meeting, called us, or even just walked into the office — most haven’t. That’s what’s frustrating. The truth is, anyone with a question can pick up the phone, send an email, or come down and talk to us in person. We’re here, and we’re willing — all it takes is someone reaching out.”
Board Encourages Public to Speak at Upcoming Meeting
While the open house was an attempt to create space for one-on-one conversations in a relaxed environment, JEDCO board members hope residents will take advantage of upcoming opportunities to engage.
The next JEDCO board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, and will include an open public comment period, where citizens can voice concerns or ask questions directly.
“We’ve always been open,” a member noted. “If someone wants to sit down and talk, they don’t need a public records request — they can just come in. That offer has always been there.”
Outside the Welcome Center, a small group of individuals voicing dissent held signs reading “Say NO to JEDCO.” One demonstrator shared that transparency in how public funds are allocated was a key concern. Their quiet protest served as a reminder of the divide that still exists between some residents and the organization’s leadership.
As the day wrapped up, JEDCO board members reiterated a consistent message: the door is open. Whether through public meetings, one-on-one conversations, or events like Tuesday’s open house, they say the invitation remains — for questions, for concerns, and most importantly, for conversation.
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