Electra - There's no doubt about it! Electra's economy for years has been based on oil and gas. In fact, the state legislature has dubbed Electra, "The Pump Jack" capitol of Texas . But recently, in an effort to add to that economic base, the City of Electra and Iowa Park have joined forces to help people with the dream of opening a small business. 

"We try to help small business owners get off the ground, get opened  and try to get them started," said Steve Giesbrecht. He is the city administrator. He says they now have an enterprise facilitator who has been trained and is now working in this community development agency.  "Her job is to basically listen. It's very passive, we do some advertising and will encourage people to come see her," says Giesbrecht.

The whole process is to make sure prospective business owners know there are three principles involved in making a successful business---finance, marketing and product. Giesbrecht says take any one of those things away, and there is a good chance that business could fail. 

There are some businesses that have succeeded. Like this antique shop in downtown Electra. After spending a lot of time and effort on renovating, the owner opened and has flourished in this location.

Other developments underway include the old Grand Theater. As Giesbrecht puts it, if a business opens, it's much better for it to succeed. 

Not only for the obvious reasons, but for everyone in the community to have a positive attitude about the community in general. 

The economic development agency is already working with a couple of people in the community who have dreams of opening small businesses. It's hoped one of those will take their place beside other community businesses in the months to come.