The Van Horn Economic Development Corporation recently informed AdventGX of plans to contract for our economic and tourism development services in support of the Far West Texas region. AdventGX will develop a comprehensive master plan for Van Horn, Texas involving the merging of numerous past planning studies, innovative concepts and existing initiatives. Once contract documents are formalized, the project is expected to kick off quickly with the first ASD workshop expected to take place in March.

EAB member Stan Meador's X-Bar Ranch is featured in the February 2005 edition of Texas Highways magazine. The four-page feature presents beautiful photos of the 7,100 acre ranch that beckons ecotourists, hikers, mountain bikers and star gazers to make an escape from the ordinary.

Municipalities and attractions now have a new online promotion tool that captures travel experiences in an engaging virtual travel journal. Lauren and Erin's Travel Adventures combine the Wyatt sisters' creative zeal and fun loving perspective in an entertaining and insightful web site that is sure to draw attention online as a powerful promotional tool.

The College Station Adventure features stops at the George Bush Presidential Library, the Children's Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Corps of Cadets Museum. The virtual journal of Austin features the Capital Building, Texas History Museum, Zilker Park and the Nature and Science Center. Check it out online at: http://www.adventgx.com/laurenwyatt/.

AdventGX will host the first Travel By Road International Summit in College Station later this year. The conference will focus on issues and opportunities facing industries serving business and leisure travelers. Watch for more information on this exciting upcoming international event brought to you by AdventGX.

Chief Knowledge Officer Dr. Andy Skadberg presented the Texas Education Vacation and Rediscover Texas programs as part of the Texas Travel Industry Association's Unity Dinner program. AdventGX developed the Texas Education Vacation program on behalf of TTIA and the program was formally announced during the dinner which was attended by some 1,100 representatives of the travel industry in Texas. AdventGX also developed the online media kit for the Rediscover Texas campaign, enabling participants to browse media buying options and make advertising reservations online.

AdventGX EAB member Stan Meador hosted and Chief Knowledge Officer Andy Skadberg participated in the first of a series of workshops that are rolling out under the Texas Cooperative Extension's Nature Tourism Banner Program. The first workshop was held in Eldorado, Texas and was attended by representatives from Texas Farm Bureau, small business land owners and a large ranch owned by Riata Energies. Guiding business owner Pete Szilagyi (writer for the Austin American Statesman), and Jeff McCoy with the Van Horn EDC also participated. Board member Dr. Carson Watt has provided guidance to the Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Dept. for developing the program and future collaborations with AdventGX.