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The Texas Plains Trail Region  

Monthly Highlights 

Big Region!  Big History!  Big Fun!   

                                                                             January, 2009
    
LATEST NEWS
Hospitality Training Available
Community Events Wanted
Winning Hand Cards Available
INFORMATION
 
Upcoming TPTR Meeting
 
January 15, 2009 at Shallowater High School- 11:00-3:00
 
Our meetings are held every other month around the region.  They are a great place to find out what's going on in the region as well as an opportunity to network with regionally minded leaders. 
 
Check our website for more details!
TPTR DVD'S 
DVD

We would love for you to have one of our Texas Plains Trail DVD's which were produced by Friona High School's Service Learning Class.  The DVD shows "snippets" of our 52 Counties and attractions. 

Join Our Mailing List

Proud of the Plains 

brochure
Do your supplies of our 24-page TPTR brochure need replenished?  No problem.  The Texas Historical Commission will be happy to send you a box. 
 
 or call: 512-463-6255
 
NEW REGIONAL MAPS ARE IN!
 
Our newest marketing piece is ready to be distributed.  These maps are another tool to help people travel & discover more about the Texas Plains Trail Region.The detailed maps highlight each county and their events.  Can''t wait to share them. 

Texas Plains Trail Regional
 Board of Directors 2009
 

OFFICERS 
 
Dolores Mosser
(2009 Board Chair) 
 
Candy Boyer
(2009 Vice-Chair)
 
 Debbie Wegman
(2009 Secretary)
 
 
Harry B. Martin
(2009 Treasurer)
 
 
Wendy Carthel
(2oo8 Board Chair) 
_______________ 
BOARD 
 
Lana Barnett
Deborah Bigness
Judy Burlin
Anne Christian 
Linda Drake
Margo Hardin
Bobbye Hill
John Hope
Sheryl Jones
Ada Lester
Viola Moore
Marie Neff
Wes Phillips
Virginia Scott
Eric Turner
Beverly Wall 
 
Please contact one of our Directors or the Regional Coordinator for information about becoming a TPTR Board Member. 
 

 

About Us

A part of theTexas Historical Commission's Award Winning Heritage Trail Program, the Texas Plains Trail Region, a non-profit organization, exists to stimulate economic development by enhancing awareness and appreciation of the Region's unique cultural, heritage, and natural resources. Although partially funded by THC, additional funds are needed to support our endeavors to market the region at a local, state, national, and international level.  We appreciate and rely on your continued support!

Welcome to 2009!

     Whew!  Talk about a whirlwind!  Where did this year go?  Coming out of a 27-year career as an educator to becoming Regional Coordinator of the 52-County Texas Plains Trail Region has been a fun and exciting challenge. Big thanks for the gracious amount of  patience many of you allowed.  Being a "newby" to the Travel Industry, I can assure you I have made more-than several laughable bloopers as I took on the, "Fake it 'til I make it"  approach.  I appreciate so greatly those who took me under their wings to teach me the tricks of the trade.  You know who you are!
     As there had been no Regional Coordinator for over a year,  we've had lots of catching up to do. We think, however, that we have made great strides in meeting people, marketing our region, and getting the word out of what the Texas Plains Trail Regional Organization is all about.   We've got LOTS of plans for 2009.
     There's plenty to be proud of in the Plains Region.   Great People, Great Stories, Great Places. Our goal is to make this region the "go to" place.  Please remember that I am your resource, encourager, and cheerleader.  Taking words from the movie, Jerry McGuire, "Help me, Help you!"  Let me know if you want something on the website or need a shout-out for your events.  Need a speaker?  Want to partner on advertising?  I strive to know every detail of what's going on in your communities and how I can help make them better.  It's been a joy getting to know many of you, and for those who I  haven't  bumped into yet...be forewarned! I'm heading your way.  Please give me a call to set up a meeting.   
                                 Expecting Great Things in 2009!
 
                                     Deborah Sue McDonald
                                     Regional Coordinator
 
UPCOMING TRAVEL & TRADE SHOWS -2009
January 16-18:   Ft. Worth Travel & Leisure Show
February 20-22: Tulsa Golf & Outdoor Expo
February 11:      Texas Heritage Trails Day, Austin
April 15-17:        THC Annual Preservation Conf.  
April 23:             TTIA Travel Fair in San Angelo
June-August:     TEXAS Musical
September:        New Mexico State Fair
Ocober:              Texas State Fair in Dallas
 
We are more-than happy to take your marketing materials with us.  Send your brochures, give-aways, etc to our mailing address.  Our region has so much to offer...let's work together to promote it as a premiere travel destination
 
REMINDER:  We market the entire REGION...not just the trail!
 
 Hospitality Training Available
 
     We are excited to offer to our communities the Agri-Life Extension's Texas Friendly Hospitality Training.  The training was created in 1989 to improve the customer service skills for business employees who meet the public.  This training teaches a variety of valuable topics for your workforce including:
  •  Making 1st Impressions
  • Understanding your job
  • Knowing your community
  • Communication Skills
  • Handling problems
  • Making strong last impressions 

These skills are vital to "selling your community" to the travelers who visit.  By learning these important concepts, the employees can represent your town and business in a positive professional way that will insure repeat and regular visitors.  The goal of the workshop is to empower employees through enhanced customer service skills.  The Texas Plains Trail Coordinator will present the information in a fun and informative way which will hopefully be a great help to your community.  And....it's FREE!

 
 
 
Plains Trail Sign 
Community Events & Attractions Wanted!
  
    The Texas Plains Trail Region welcomes your  information to share on our website.  This is a free opportunity to list your local events, festivals, fairs, cook-off's, museum programs, etc.  You can e-mail them to [email protected]  or see the "add my event" on our website at www.TexasPlainsTrail.com .  Take a look at our website sometime soon.  Although a constant work in progress, we have added lots of community information and special interest pages. (Hiking, biking, Odd Places, Camping, Day Trips, Bed & Breakfasts, and many others)  THE MORE THEY KNOW...THE MORE THEY GO! 
 
 Share Your Information
 
     Have a story about your travels, favorite spot, or interesting tid-bit concerning our region? If you have an historical piece or side story...let me know!   E-mail them for consideration in this newsletter. Also if you have photos of the region, send them to be used on the website and other marketing items.  These are the stories that make us...us!
 
 Regional Coordinator Blog
 
     Follow the Regional Coordinator's journey through the highways, by-ways, and the,"Help me, I'm Lost" adventures and tales of the trail at:  http://plainsspeaking.blogspot.com.  Whether you want to know or not,  you'll find out, "Where in the World is that Coordinator now??" 
       
                  
 

winning hand

Winning Hand Cards Available
 
     The Texas Plains Trail Deck of Cards, "The Winning Hand" features all of our counties, their events and attractions.  This is a unique way to share the region with others.  They make a great gift or keepsake.  ONLY $5.50 
 
       We offer other Texas Plains Trail Regional materials such as posters, window decals, and our brochures that are FREE!  Give us a call.

  Need A Speaker?

 The Regional Coordinator is available to speak at organizations and civic groups. (Chambers, Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis, Book Clubs, etc)  Deborah Sue can give programs on a variety of topics including Heritage Tourism, Hospitality Training, Rural Tourism, Building Your Community's Sense of Place, and others. If you need other presentations, she can offer resources.  Call or e-mail to set up a program.
       The Texas Plains Trail Region...      
 
                      Promoting the past...
                           motivating the present...
                                and creating the future.
 
 
Happy Trails To You!


Deborah Sue McDonald
Texas Plains Trail Regional Coordinator 

Box 661   600 North Main
Borger, Texas 79008
Office:  806-273-0920   Cell:  806-231-3479
 
PARTNERS,
NOTICE  THIS PLEASE 
Complimentary Gift 
Save 10%
  Free Drink 
Buy one, Get one 
Kids eat free
2 for 1 Tickets 
    
     The Texas Plains Trail Region will be beginning a Regional Coupon Campaign in March. We will place coupons from regional  attractions, restaurants,  Bed & Breakfasts, Gift Stores, museums, RV Parks, etc. These coupons will be printable off of our website.  If you would like to be added to this list, please let me know.  Discounts for entrance to your business will hopefully entice prospective visitors to our communities.  We want to be a resource for enhancing our region.  Please send all pertinent information: (Name, Address, Discount or offer, expiration date, etc.)   We also have added lots of  your links to our site.  If you aren't on it, let me know. 
                       "Together...We can become better"
 
The Texas Plains Trail Region would  also appreciate a link to our website:   www.TexasPlainsTrail.com

 
Offer Expires:  9/1/09