Pictured, left to right, are David Rhodes, Scott Nelson, Dawn Franks, Tim Perkins, Lindsey Bradley, Mark Anderson and Terry Cowan. Pictured in the foreground is City Manager Larry Morgan. PHOTO BY KYLE HARRIS Bullard’s Economic Development Corporation held its first meeting since a nearly total re-tooling on Feb. 16.

The new-look board features two veterans from the previous board in Scott Nelson of Primary Residential Mortgage in Whitehouse and Terry Cowan of John Cowan Surveyors.

The board features five new members, all showcasing strong business or financial backgrounds, including Lindsey Bradley, the Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Mother Francis Hospitals, Tim Perkins, President of Dressin’ Gaudy in Tyler, Dawn Franks, President of Fourth Partner, David Rhodes, owner of East Texas Truck Systems and Mark Anderson of Pinnacle Realty Group.

The first item of business on the agenda was to appoint the members to the officer positions. Scott Nelson was appointed president, Mark Anderson took the vice president position, Lindsey Bradley was appointed the treasurer and David Rhodes was appointed as secretary.

“It was an indescribable feeling for me to look up from my seat and see that collection of people on that board,” said Bullard Mayor Pam Frederick. “Bullard is blessed to have that group of talent working for them.”

Lindsey Bradley said although BEDCO was a relatively new organization, it can and should be a very positive influence on the community.

“Right now, all of us are just trying to understand what the plan is and the money flow so we can do everything we can to support both residential and commercial development to both honor the past and look forward to the future,” he said. “I have great confidence in this group of individuals. I know most of them have different backgrounds and skillsets that we will work together to use to do what’s best for the city.”

David Rhodes said he feels he can use his education and professional background to help the city flourish.

“I want to see Bullard grow,” said Rhodes. “My family is here, and has been here. I feel like I can help through my experience as a business owner. I have a degree in business management and my family is tied to this community. After this first meeting, I am very impressed with the caliber of people on the board and am excited to see what’s going to happen.”

New president Scott Nelson was noticeably surprised by his nomination.

“It was nice, but I wasn’t expecting that,” Nelson said. “Over the years I’ve sat back and learned a lot. We’ve got a good group here. I don’t think we’ve ever had this many people on the board at the same time. We’ve got a lot of knowledge up there.”

Nelson said his main concern as the new president is making sure the board makes good decisions.

Bullard City Councilman Rodger Johnson was one of several in attendance. He said he was excited to see the direction in which the board has the potential to take the city.

“BEDCO was formed to attract businesses to our community,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to see the reorganization of BEDCO with the addition of some extremely talented and successful individuals. I feel the board we have brings a unique variety of experience in business ownership and management that will lead our city in the positive direction it needs to grow.”