Cass County Connect

We often think of history as something found in museums, monuments, or cemeteries. But in truth, history lives among us. It lives on Main Street. It lives in the places we pass every day. And it lives in the doors that have stayed open across decades—serving generations of customers, watching the seasons of our towns change, and helping define what home feels like.

We’ve all had that moment—you return to your hometown, take a drive down the same old streets, and expect to see the same old places. But then, one of them is gone. A shop, a café, a family-run store that seemed like it would be there forever. And in that moment, you realize that when a business closes, it doesn’t just leave an empty building—it leaves a hole in our shared memory. A chapter in the story of the town quietly comes to a close.

That’s why recognizing and preserving long-standing local businesses is so important. These aren’t just places of commerce— they are places of connection. They are woven into the personal histories of families, employees, and neighbors. They witness our ordinary days and our milestone moments. And their survival, especially through changing times, is no small feat.

The Texas Treasure Business Award was created in 2005 as a way to recognize businesses that have stood the test of time—businesses that reflect the grit, commitment, and heart of Texas communities. From major names like H.E.B. to small-town florists and general stores, over 500 businesses have received this distinction.

Earlier this month, we added one more name to that honored list—a business that has been family owned and operated in Hughes Springs, Texas since 1973. The Steel Belt Gym Academy was awarded a Texas Treasure Business Award, not only for their exceptional contribution toward the economic growth and prosperity of Texas, but for providing continuity— something you can count on, something dependable, something uniquely Hughes Springs.

We offer our sincere gratitude to Greta Wright and the Steel Belt Gym Academy. Thank you for showing up, day after day, year after year. Thank you for being part of our story. And thank you for reminding us that preserving our past doesn’t mean freezing time—it means recognizing the value of what has endured. Congratulations on receiving the Texas Treasure Business Award. You’ve earned your place among the legends of Texas.

Texas Historic Commission

The Texas Treasure Business Award (TTBA) program is an initiative of the Community Heritage Division. Created in 2005 by Senate Bill 920, authored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio and sponsored by Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson of Waco, the program pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions to communities across Texas.

Red River Leadership Institute Event

Free admission to the August 27-28, 2025 Red River Leadership Institute in Linden, Texas and includes lunch both days. Training is from 8am to 5pm both days at Music City Texas Theater in Linden