The small coastal community of Rockport-Fulton has recently achieved the designation of a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, a title granted by the Texas Music Office (TMO) after the area successfully completed a comprehensive certification process. This achievement makes Rockport-Fulton the 82nd Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, joining a growing list of areas recognized for their support and enhancement of music industry economic development within the Lone Star State.
In an announcement made by Governor Greg Abbott, he congratulated the town for its accomplishment, emphasizing the significance of music to the "Texas brand" and its deep roots in the state's cultural traditions. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Music Friendly Texas Communities aim to "attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth." He also pointed out that the music industry in Texas is responsible for over 196,000 jobs and generates $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide.
Senator Lois Kolkhorst also weighed in on Rockport-Fulton's designation, acknowledging the coastal region's diverse attractions and experiences that contribute to the local economy, and offering musicians, songwriters, and other musical artists valuable exposure. Speaking to the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, President and CEO Shelly Stuart talked about the pride in the community for recognizing their passion for music and the potential it holds for their future. This designation offers "new tools and partnerships that will help grow our local music scene," Stuart told the Office of the Texas Governor.
The positive implications of the designation were echoed by Rockport Songwriter Association board member Sandy Jumper. In an interview obtained by the source publication, Jumper expressed excitement for the opportunities to expand the community’s music industry and looked forward to "future opportunities to increase awareness of our area’s diverse musical talent." Aransas County Judge Ray Garza also acknowledged music's role as an economic driver and connector of communities. He highlighted that the certification opens new doors for growth in the music and tourism industries across the state, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
The official certification ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at The Harbor Tent at Charlotte Plummer's and will feature city officials and community leaders, with TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro presenting the designation. Further details about the ceremony and inquiries can be directed to Sandy Jumper of the Rockport Songwriter Association. The Texas Music Office, serving since 1990, continues to support music business development in the state, demonstrating the sustainable economic impact that the music industry can offer local communities.
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