The Durant Economic Development council met for its monthly meeting early this morning. Business began with City Manager James Dunegan speaking of the tax revenue which is in positive growth in the city.

Dr. Larry Minks, Southeastern president, made a presentation discussing the partnership between SE and Grayson County Community College based in Sherman, Texas.

Minks said the partnership has grown over the years. Approximately 98 students are currently enrolled in the Elementary Education program, which is a partnered program between both schools.

Minks also told council Southeastern’s ranking is moving up in different categories, including moving up one slot in the overall ranking.

Minks said some of his goals are to continue growing the number of adult graduates and better preparing students for the global economy.

Campus beautification projects continue around the college as Minks said the school is coming out of a major construction phase. The school is now cleaning up what projects had been started.

Tommy Kramer spoke to the council about various constructions going on in Durant. Seven new restaurants have come to Durant. Main Street Barbecue just opened on the corner of First and Main.

Rex Chicken and Fresh Berry are still under construction in the final stages. Opening date has yet been set.

Wendy’s construction is almost completed with hope to open its doors next Monday.

Rib Crib BBQ & Grill is underway in Durant. Completion date of the restaurant is yet to be determined after some hold ups. They hope to open in October. Marco’s Pizza is a new gourmet Italian pizza restaurant, which will open Monday. Kramer said it is locally owned.

Asian Gourmet, which has been open to the community for a number of months, is preparing to have its ribbon cutting.

Stonebrook Park, a housing plan, is a 37-home project. The homes will begin leasing in September. Project heads plan to lease five homes at a time as the project nears its November completion.

Kramer continued speaking to the council about recruiting new businesses to Durant. He said he’s hopeful of a new company joining the community, which will open many more jobs to the economy. Members from the company, whose headquarters are based in Houston, met with Kramer to discuss various things needed to move to the area. Kramer said the company chose Durant, but due to a request made from higher authorities in association with the company, it was unable to move into the community.

Kramer is positive about companies that are still looking into Durant as a new home and said he will continue to work toward bringing businesses into the community.