The Texas Downtown Association, TDA, is the only state-wide organization dedicated to downtowns and Levelland Main Street Manager, Tania Moody is one of the three west Texans that will joining the board for 2023.
Representing the western part of the state, moving up to take the president’s position, will be Jorge Quirino, the Director of Downtown & Special Projects for Lubbock Economic Development (LEDA) and joining him on the board are new members Brent Schroeder, Director of Emerging Business Abilene’s Industrial Foundation.
Downtown revitalization is a team sport and downtown vibrancy is the end goal. TDA encompasses a diverse group of partners and members ranging from economic development corporations to small business owners in order to achieve the vision of every community in Texas having economically vibrant districts that reflect their unique character.
Part of board service for the TDA includes monthly meetings, some in person, some on zoom, and the first meeting of the year will be a two-day in person board meeting held in the incoming president’s backyard, Lubbock, Texas.
Moody will be serving on the Engagement/Marketing committee and is excited to join forces with Quirino and Schroeder to highlight the best kept secret in the state: West Texas.
“I’ve been impressed with the TDA and all that they do for downtown revitalization, since becoming the main street manager for Levelland,” said Moody. “It’s an honor to get to serve on this board with this incredible and eclectic group of Texans sharing a common goal for downtown revitalization.”
Moody has also been named to the Texas Plains Trail Region Board, which encompasses 52 counties of the Plains and Panhandle regions; one of the original 10 scenic driving trails created in 1968 by Gov. John Connally and TX-DOT, as a marketing tool for Texas tourism. The Texas Heritage Trails Program is the Texas Historical Commission’s award-winning heritage tourism initiative. This economic development initiative encourages communities, heritage regions, and the state to partner and promote Texas’ historic and cultural resources.
In 1997, the State Legislature charged the THC to create a statewide heritage tourism program. The THC responded with a program based on local, regional, and state partnerships, centered on the 10 scenic driving trails. These trails serve as the nucleus of 10 heritage regions, and include heritage tourism.
“When you think Plains Trail Region, think Quanah Parker trail. It’s one of the significant historic markers we have in this region, with Levelland’s arrow residing on the NW corner of Lobo Park on Avenue H,” said Moody.
She is thrilled to be a part of this historically focused organization and looks forward to highlighting more of the rich history this region has to offer.
“It’s my hope that Levelland can become a major tourist stop and that people from all over the region, state and world will put us on their bucket list for future travel plans,” explained Moody.
She also stated she couldn’t wait to learn more about the organization and how she and her board could help with their preservation and tourism mission and goals.