Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples made an appearance in Big Spring Tuesday morning to congratulate the Crossroads area on becoming the 27th Go-Texan Certified Retirement Community in the state, an accomplishment he called a step in the right direction.

 

Staples spoke to a small crowd gathered at the Dora Roberts Community Center, offering his gratitude for the accomplishment and encouraging Big Spring officials to continue growing.

 

“It is a significant event in the life of this city and the future of this community,” said Staples. “Terry (Wegman, executive director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation), I know your team worked extremely hard. Mayor (Russ McEwen), you have a great bunch of citizens, and it's great to be back (in Big Spring) because you do care about what Big Spring looks like in the future, and you're willing to put forth the efforts needed today to make that happen.

 

“Texas is going to grow in the next several decades. It's going to be one of the fastest growing states in our nation, and the competition for that growth will be very fierce. Communities need to continue to distinguish themselves, set themselves apart, and Big Spring has given the rest of the nation a really good reason to Go Texan.”

 

Texas has become the No. 2 retirement state in the nation, according to Department of Agriculture figures, which show that retirees spend an average of $42,5000 each year in their respective communities while paying more than $3,000 in state and local taxes.

 

Staples said it's simply a matter of time before the Lone Star State becomes the No. 1 destination for retirees.

 

“You put forth the effort, and it's quite an involved process. Texas is the No. 2 retirement state in the nation today, and I say look out Florida, here we come,” said Staples. “We want to be No. 1. And that can happen when communities like Big Spring realize you have to plan for growth. The retiree community is just as important an industry as the oil and gas industry and the agriculture community. One in five baby boomers is going to relocate upon retirement and I'd like them to come here. Wouldn't you?

 

“I think the more communities in your area that become designated certified retirement communities, the better it is for Big Spring. Because when retirees get out the map and they look at where they want to go, they will see they can go to Odessa, Big Spring, or other communities. And even if they don't retire here, they experience your hospitality and stay in your bed and breakfasts, they eat in your restaurants and they have an experience they can't have anywhere else on Earth. You have the opportunity to make that impression, and I congratulate you for becoming a certified retirement community.”

 

To become a Certified Retirement Community, towns must complete an application and retirement desirability assessment covering a range of topics, including demographics, tax structure, local housing availability, safety, employment opportunities, availability of health care services, public transportation and more.

 

Linda Heflin, wife of State Rep. Joe Heflin, also spoke during the ceremony, offering her and her husband's thanks and congratulations on achieving the certification.

 

“Sometimes we feel like we're the forgotten. We produce a lot, but we don't get much in return,” said Heflin. “There's a Roman proverb that says a strong city can only be built by brothers helping brothers, and that's what you (Big Spring citizens) do. This is a place where people participate. There were more than 100 people working to get this project done. We don't want to fade away. We want to grow and prosper, and that will take vision.”

 

Staples said retirees have much more to offer communities than just an economic boost.

 

“Texas is faring the economic downturn better than most states, and that didn't happen by chance,” said Staples. “It happened because of a lot of thoughtful planning to make certain Texas is a low-tax state, that we have a fair civil justice system... Those are important elements that people look at.

 

“Community colleges are a big part of rural Texas growth opportunities. I think continuing to focus on how you can match up the talented resources at the community college with our high schools and look for career and technical training opportunities. And there's nothing better than having retirees in your communities, that wealth of talent and knowledge that can work with our kids, work with our schools and community colleges and make things happen.”