The Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). This transformative investment will renovate the historic Fair Department Store building at 101 W. Main Street in downtown Cuero, creating a dynamic hub for tourism, business development, and community engagement.
Revitalizing Cuero’s Heartbeat The EDA grant will breathe new life into the cherished Fair Department Store, which was constructed in 1881, converting it into a stateof- the-art visitor center, event space, and economic development hub. This initiative is a significant stride forward in Cuero’s mission to bolster local businesses, attract new investments, and enhance the tourism experience. With an additional $287,500 in local funds, this project is expected to create and retain 105 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
Building a Brighter Future for Cuero
Angie Cuellar, Executive Director of the Cuero Chamber of Commerce, expressed her excitement: “This grant is a game-changer for Cuero. It reflects the unwavering dedication of our board, staff, and community to see this vision come to life. Special thanks to Rhonda Stastny, our City of Cuero representative on our Cuero Chamber Board of Directors, whose commitment was key to securing this funding. We’re also grateful for the exceptional grant writing expertise that helped make this dream a reality.”
Cuellar recounted the journey leading to this success: “We purchased the old Fair building during the height of the pandemic in 2020, a challenging time when we had to pause our fundraising efforts to support our local businesses. However, in 2022, with the invaluable assistance of Donald Brinkman from CSRS, we submitted our grant application, and after being denied and resubmitting in 2024, our perse- verance has paid off.”
A Vision for Growth The renovated Fair Department Store, offering 5,000 square feet of versatile space, will soon be the new home for the Cuero Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Cuellar added, “This space will be more than just a building; it will be the heart of our community, where we welcome visitors, support local businesses, and drive economic growth. We are launching a fundraising campaign to ensure the renovations meet the highest standards, making Cuero a must-visit destination for travelers and a thriving environment for businesses.” Cuellar shared the building fundraising campaign is titled “Building on Our Legacy” and more information can be found at www.CueroLegacy.org
Celebrating the Achievement
Upon receiving the news, Cuellar immediately convened an emergency meeting with the Cuero Chamber Board of Directors, City of Cuero leadership, and Cuero Development Corporation leaders. “This has been a two-year endeavor,” Cuellar shared, “and thanks to our board’s persistence and hard work, it’s now a reality. While the $1.2 million grant provides the essential funds for renovations, we aim to raise an additional $1 million to ensure the building meets the demands of our growing tourism and business sectors.”
National and Statewide Recognition This project has garnered praise from leaders across the nation and the state. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated, “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, communities like Cuero have more resources to invest in their future. This EDA investment will empower Cuero with the tools needed to support local businesses, create jobs, and enhance tourism.”
Governor Greg Abbott echoed this sentiment, noting, “Texas is the premier travel destination in the nation, and this grant will further elevate Cuero as a unique experience for travelers. I look forward to seeing Cuero’s tourism and local economy thrive as a result of this investment.”
Senator John Cornyn also praised the initiative, saying, “Access to robust infrastructure is critical for economic development. This investment will have a lasting impact on businesses and tourism in Cuero.”
Join Us in Making History
The Cuero Chamber of Commerce invites the community and potential sponsors to learn more about this exciting project and explore opportunities for involvement. Visit www.cuerolegacy. org for more information. Limited naming rights opportunities are available for those businesses wishing to make their mark in this renovated hub. To learn more about the Cuero Chamber of Commerce, visit www.cuero.org.
