VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES B.I.G. DONATION FOR RESTORATION
New Waste Management Firm Re-Invests in Community.
ROCKDALE, TX, NOVEMBER 15, 2021 – During a recent Rockdale City Council meeting Brannon Industrial Group (BIG) surprised all present with an $8,000 donation to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation. The Foundation had come to Council to request Hotel Occupancy Funds for advertising and promotion of the arts for their upcoming Lone Star Jazz Party Fundraising Event Series. The first event is scheduled for Saturday, December 11 on Burleson Street next to The 1895.
City Manager Barbara Holly expressed her support for funding, recommending the Council approve the $8,000 requested for the first event. “This restoration project is going to be very important to the revitalization of our downtown,” stated Holly. “Their plans to create an Arts & Entertainment District will bring tourism and draw new businesses to Rockdale.”
Earlier that evening, Brannon Industrial Group had been awarded the contract to provide solid waste disposal services to residents & businesses in Rockdale beginning January 2022. Upon hearing the City Manager’s support for this community event, Brannon Industrial Group’s President, Blake Brannon interjected BIG’s willingness to match that support with a donation to the Foundation. “If this project is as important to Rockdale’s future as you say, we would be happy to support the Foundation as well,” stated Blake Brannon. “BIG wants to be involved and give back to the community in a meaningful way.”
Intrigued by The 1895 restoration project, BIG CEO Mike Brannon and Chad Lechler, General Manager of BIG’s BVR Waste and Recycling division, toured the building learning of its varied history and the Foundation’s vision for its future. As it turns out, there is a long history of Brannons in Milam county – Mike’s family hails from Milano. “Brannon Industrial Group is proud to contribute to this restoration and re-development project,” stated Mike Brannon who also has a love for historic buildings and real estate. “This is kind of a homecoming to me and BIG is pleased to re-invest in the community.”
(Pictured in an upstairs office at The 1895 which once housed the Chamber of Commerce, is (L) Chad Lechler, General Manager of BVR Waste and Recylcing and CEO Mike Brannon (L) of Brannon Industrial Group.)
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To donate to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s fundraising campaign visit www.VisionRockdale.org. Click on the Events tab for information and tickets for the 12/11 Lone Star Jazz Party.
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The Mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.
Our Vision is to act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Rockdale by:
* Preserving the historical significance of The 1895.
* Creating new purpose and attracting businesses to the Development.
* Inspiring a culture of art, commerce and tourism for residents and visitors.
* Enhancing the success of all area businesses and enriching the lives of our citizens.
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For more information about Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s 1895 City Hall project or schedule a tour, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org
