New name and expansion for PEP

Established in 1960, the Pineywoods Economic Partnership, PEP, is one of the state's oldest regional economic development groups dedicated to promoting the natural and human resources of central East Texas. The PEP Board of Directors recently announced some exciting changes in the organization.

First is a new name. The organization is now known as Texas Forest Country Partnership, TFCP.

“As evidenced by the dozens of chambers of commerce, local government officials, businesses, media outlets and individuals who are using the Texas Forest Country moniker, we are excited about this opportunity and what this means for our ability to stimulate regional economic growth,” Trent Ashby, TFCP President/CEO said.

Also, the TFCP is growing and expanding the organization’s regional boundary. After months of dialogue and proving to meet the criteria for TFCP membership, Panola County is welcomed as the 13th county in the regional economic development organization.

The Nacogdoches County Chamber continues to work closely with TFCP, notably with promoting the county as a Certified Retirement Community.