What makes two entrepreneurs from opposite sides of the Atlantic choose the quaint town of Sanger, Texas as their business haven? Join us as we unravel the captivating journeys of Renee Richardson, a Texas native, and Joanne Dela Cruz from London. Discover how Renee transitioned from corporate life to become a thriving small vendor and eventually opened her own store, Vintage Variety. Hear Joanne’s heartfelt story of moving from Pennsylvania to Texas and falling in love with Sanger’s small-town charm, which inspired her to establish Whistle Stop Coffee, Tea and More.

Vintage Variety, which began as a vintage clothing store, has blossomed into a treasure trove offering everything from eclectic furniture to fresh honey and locally-sourced produce. The serendipitous addition of the Whistle Stop tea room underlines the power of community support and collaboration. Inspired by the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, Whistle Stop offers a quirky menu featuring air-fried delights and creatively named dishes. Listen in as we explore how Renee and Joanne’s businesses have thrived through mutual cooperation and a shared vision, becoming cornerstones of Sanger’s downtown district.

Exciting times are ahead with our upcoming events, including a bustling August 3rd featuring fried green tomatoes, a Back to School Bash, and the Moonlight Market with extended hours and special menus. Don’t miss out on our Facebook Live event this Tuesday night, where we’ll be sampling fried green tomatoes live on air. Join us at 308 Bolivar Street, and be part of our vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the 266 Express, this episode promises to inspire and engage with stories of small-town entrepreneurship and camaraderie.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to dgreen@sangertexas.org

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a community's economic landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Shani Bradshaw, the Economic Development Director who turned her diverse background in marketing, social media, and community engagement into a thriving career in economic development. Learn how her initial hesitations were overcome with encouragement from a police chief and the power of a robust professional network. Shani shares her journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the certifications that paved the way for her role today.

Discover the strategic efforts behind workforce development in Sanger as Shani details the innovative programs spearheaded by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC). From collaborations with the local school district and the Texas Workforce Commission to on-site business visits addressing workforce challenges, you'll gain insight into the crucial components that support local businesses. Shani also breaks down the unique structure of Sanger's Type A and Type B corporations, explaining how they drive industrial and quality-of-life projects through strategic funding and marketing initiatives.

Networking is the backbone of economic development, and Shani sheds light on the importance of trade shows and major events like ICSE in Texas and Retail Live in Austin. Understand the meticulous criteria businesses evaluate before setting up shop in Sanger and gain clarity on common misconceptions about business decisions. Finally, explore the role of the EDC in funding significant projects such as Porter Park Phase 2 and the collaborative synergy between the EDC, city, and chamber of commerce to foster a thriving business environment. Tune in to uncover the dynamic strategies propelling Sanger's growth and the multifaceted challenges of economic development.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to dgreen@sangertexas.org

What if a simple scrapyard could transform into a thriving business that uplifts an entire community? Join us as we welcome David Fulton, the driving force behind DEF Recycling, and uncover the remarkable 38-year journey that took him from working in his father's scrapyard to becoming a pivotal figure in Sanger's metal recycling industry. David's story is a testament to the power of family businesses and the significant economic impact of the scrap industry on local economies. Learn why DEF Recycling focuses solely on metals and avoids plastics and newspapers, and discover where these recycled materials go, including steel mills and foundries in nearby towns like Melothian and Durant.

But that's not all—this episode also dives into the cutting-edge advancements in recycling technology, such as sorting plastics by color, and the exciting implications these innovations have for job creation and community involvement. Hear firsthand from David about his motivations for sponsoring local events like Freedom Fest and Sanger Cleanup Days and how these initiatives foster a sense of community and promote recycling awareness. We’ll also share our fascinating visit to DEF Recycling, highlighting the impressive equipment, and discuss the potential for school visits to inspire the next generation. Tune in to celebrate the industrious spirit of North Texas and discover how one man's vision is making a lasting impact.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to dgreen@sangertexas.org