FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greater EMC Chamber Launches Corridor Stewardship Initiative

Collaboration Results in Ongoing TxDOT Maintenance Commitment Along I-69 Corridor

East Montgomery County, Texas — The Greater EMC Chamber is proud to announce the launch of its Greater EMC Chamber Corridor Stewardship Initiative, a long-term advocacy effort dedicated to promoting the care and stewardship of East Montgomery County's major transportation corridors because First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions.

The initiative has already achieved its first significant success through a collaborative effort involving the Greater EMC Chamber, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Representative Janis Holt's office.

Over the past year, the Greater EMC Chamber has been advocating for enhanced stewardship of East Montgomery County's transportation corridors after observing opportunities to improve the appearance and maintenance of several highly visible gateway intersections along the I-69 corridor. Throughout that effort, the Chamber worked with TxDOT to better understand maintenance responsibilities and identify opportunities for improvement. Representative Janis Holt's office later joined the initiative, helping facilitate communication and advance the effort toward a successful outcome.

As a result of that collaboration, TxDOT recently completed cleanup and maintenance of major intersections along the I-69 corridor from Northpark Drive to FM 2090 and has committed to maintaining those intersections on an every-even-month schedule.

"We're grateful to Representative Janis Holt and her staff for recognizing the importance of this initiative and helping bring the right partners together," said Mark Linabury, President & CEO of the Greater EMC Chamber. "We also appreciate TxDOT's willingness to listen, respond, and commit to an ongoing maintenance schedule. This demonstrates what can be accomplished when business, government, and transportation partners work together to strengthen our community."

Representative Janis Holt praised the collaborative effort and its impact on East Montgomery County.

"Our transportation corridors are often the first impression people have of our communities, and they should reflect the pride we take in East Montgomery County. I appreciate the Greater EMC Chamber for bringing attention to this issue and TxDOT for their commitment to ongoing maintenance. When local leaders, businesses, and state agencies work together, we can achieve meaningful results that benefit residents, support economic growth, and showcase the best of our region."

— Representative Janis Holt

Linabury said the Chamber's vision extends well beyond a single corridor or maintenance project.

"Our transportation corridors are much more than roads. They are the gateways to our communities and create the first impression for prospective employers, developers, families, visitors, customers, and future investors.

Businesses are making investment decisions. Developers are evaluating opportunities. Families are deciding where to live. Visitors are forming opinions about our community. Existing businesses want confidence that the public infrastructure serving our region reflects the pride and investment taking place here.

First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions.

As East Montgomery County continues to experience extraordinary growth, stewardship of our transportation infrastructure becomes increasingly important. We view TxDOT as an essential partner in helping ensure our gateways and major corridors reflect the quality, pride, and opportunity that define our region. This initiative is about building long-term partnerships that support economic competitiveness, strengthen community pride, and help create a thriving community."

The Greater EMC Chamber Corridor Stewardship Initiative will foster ongoing collaboration among the Greater EMC Chamber, TxDOT, elected officials, local governments, and community stakeholders to encourage the stewardship of transportation assets throughout East Montgomery County.

The initiative will advocate for the care and stewardship of gateway intersections, rights-of-way, medians, roadway signs, traffic signals, underpasses, and other highly visible transportation infrastructure that contributes to safety, economic development, and community pride.

"Every day, thousands of people experience East Montgomery County through its transportation corridors before they ever visit a business, a neighborhood, or a destination," Linabury said. "Those corridors are the front door to our community. By working together, we can ensure they reflect the pride we have in East Montgomery County and the bright future we are building together."

The Greater EMC Chamber looks forward to building on this successful collaboration by continuing to work with TxDOT, Representative Janis Holt, other elected officials, and community partners to promote the stewardship of transportation corridors throughout East Montgomery County because First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions.

  

About the Greater EMC Chamber

The Greater EMC Chamber is the voice of business, advancing a strong local economy for a thriving community. Representing nearly 600 member businesses, the Chamber creates opportunities, advocates for business, and works collaboratively to strengthen East Montgomery County.