About - Junction EDC Junction EDC

NEXT MEETING

Public Hearing Notice

The Board of the Junction Texas Economic Development Corporation (JTEDC) will hold a public hearing on the following grant application:
Grant Applicant: Junction Sapphire LLC DBA Days Inn by Wyndham. Vishrut N Bhakta, owner

City Hall Meeting Room

102 N. 5th Street

Junction, Texas 76849

Thursday, May 7 2026, at 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

JTEDC'S MISSION

The Junction Texas Economic Development Corporation’s (JTEDC) mission is to attract, retain, and grow businesses and jobs and improve the quality of life in Kimble County.

HISTORY OF THE JTEDC

The JTEDC had its beginnings in 1994, when voters in the City of Junction adopted a proposition authorizing the levy of a one-half cent “sales and use” tax within the city limits. This proposition and the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1979 (as amended) govern the types of activities that may be funded with the sales tax revenue collected by the City of Junction.

The JTEDC, a government entity, is the body responsible for administering economic development activities authorized by the 1994 City proposition and state law. The City Council is the governing body of the JTEDC. Its board consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council. Appointees, who serve staggered two-year terms, must be at least 18 years old, residents of Kimble County, and at least three (3) of the Board members must not be City employees or members of the City Council.

The JTEDC has undertaken a number of projects since its inception, which involved loan guarantees for local businesses, funding construction of facilities on the Texas Tech campus in Junction, making a grant to assist with upgrading the county airport, and assisting with City Park improvement projects. Depending on the nature of a project, both private and public entities are eligible for financial assistance. Cost-sharing grants continue to be the primary type of assistance provided by the JTEDC.

CURRENT JTEDC BOARD MEMBERS

Cliff Robbins, President

Cliff Robbins is Vice President of Software Engineering at White House Custom Colour (WHCC), where he leverages his deep expertise in computer and data science to drive innovative print‐service solutions. A former Marine and founder of a successful digital marketing firm— which he grew and sold over a decade—Cliff combines strategic business vision with hands-on technical leadership. Based in Junction, Texas, he manages remote engineering teams, invests in rental property renovations on his ranch, and enjoys hunting and family time with his wife and four dogs. As an active member of the Junction Economic Development Committee, Cliff is passionate about supporting local growth and fostering opportunity in his community.

Lisa Heap, Vice President

Lisa Heap has served as an Administrative Assistant at Junction ISD for the past 18 years, where she plays an integral role in the district’s daily operations. She manages the district’s website and social media, organizes board meetings, coordinates elections, and supports a variety of programs that connect the school with the broader community.

Prior to her work in education, Lisa co-owned and operated a boutique alongside her mother and grandmother, reflecting her entrepreneurial background and deep family roots in the community. This experience, combined with her long-standing role in education, has given her a unique perspective on the importance of supporting local businesses, workforce development, and community growth.

A lifelong member of the Junction community, Lisa was born and raised here. After spending 10 years away due to her husband’s career, she and her family returned home in 2002, where they raised their three children. Today, she enjoys spending time with her three granddaughters and remains deeply committed to the continued success and vitality of her hometown.

Lisa has been actively involved in community service through her work with the Kimble County Chamber and Zonta Study Club. She is passionate about fostering economic development opportunities that strengthen local families, support education, and ensure a thriving future for Junction. She is proud to serve on the Economic Development Corporatio

Carmen Bierschwale, Secretary

Carmen Bierschwale moved to Junction in 2007 with her husband, Justin, a native of Junction, Texas. Together they have three children. Carmen has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. She serves as the Office Manager for the family business, Bierschwale Land Company, LLC. The Bierschwale family also maintains a six-generation ranch in Kimble County. In addition, Carmen is independently contracted by two professional organizations within the appraisal industry and serves as the Executive Director for both. Volunteerism is important to Carmen, and she is involved in many different organizations including the JTEDC, Kimble County Library board, Junction A&M Club, Junction Eagle Athletic Booster Club, and the First Presbyterian Church. A devoted sports fan, you can always find Carmen supporting her kids and all the Junction athletes, and of course, her Texas Aggies.

Doug Haynes, Treasurer

Doug moved to Kimble County late in the summer of 2005 to coordinate operations at the Junction office of Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Recently retired after 40 years of service, he served the Co-op’s members in underground distribution design, system maintenance and most recently served as the Director of District Operations for the Junction district. A member of the First United Methodist Church, Doug participates in the choir and is an active participant in Parent University. In addition to his service on the JTEDC, he also currently serves on the City Council in Place 4. His interests include, among other things, his four grand kids, raising poultry, fishing and relaxing on the banks of the Johnson Fork Creek.

Dr. Michael Gosney, Board Member

Michael Gosney and his wife Donna Sheppard Gosney (a graduate of Junction High School) moved back to Kimble County in 2021 to join their daughter, Kimberlee Gosney, a teacher at Junction Elementary School, their daughter Dr. Alyssa Rieber from Fredericksburg, and their son Matthew. Michael graduated from Sonora High School, attended Texas A&M University, served in the US Army and established a veterinary practice in Waco, Texas. After three years of veterinary practice, the decision was made to pursue a Medical Degree. Michael practiced Anesthesiology in NW Alabama for 36 years and was active in the community as well as medical and hospital leadership. In Alabama, Michael was able to return to school and received a JD and MBA. The motivation to serve Junction is to improve the quality of life and to leverage the abundant natural resources we have to grow this community in positive ways. Junction is becoming a busy transportation hub and a recreation destination should be ready with an organized plan to meet the needs of prospective employers, visitors and residents. It is essential to provide adequate employment and affordable housing for both our young people and for others who wish to relocate to our area. Michael and Donna are enjoying community involvement and life in Kimble County. They also spend time at their ranch in NW Kimble County.

Tom Rattan, Board Member
Tom is a native Texan who grew up in Midland. He graduated high school in 1967, attended Odessa Junior college a couple of semesters, then joined the Navy. He volunteered for river boat duty in Vietnam and, after four years in the Navy came back to Midland and attended Midland Junior College for two years and finished college at Arizona State University. He came back to Midland and went to work for an architecture firm there. After a few years opened his own firm and did mainly commercial design along with residential design. Churches made up a large part of the practice. Tom is retired and living in Junction but still does a few projects for some of the local builders. He attends the College St. Church of Christ and is on the board at the Junction Golf Course. Interests include working in his pottery studio and fishing.

Marcy Levien, Board Member

STAFF

For current news and further contact information:

Marie Armes, Economic Development Coordinator

Marie Armes serves as the Economic Development Coordinator, bringing a strong background in sales and marketing to her role. After stepping away from the workforce in 2009, she returned with a renewed passion for supporting community growth. As a former business owner, Marie understands the complexities of owning and operating a business and the challenges local entrepreneurs face.

Marie and her husband, Clay, own a ranch in the Cleo Community where they raise meat goats and care for their four rescue dogs, Mr. Goo, Bones, Boomer, and Lucy. Three of which were found abandoned on the side of the road. Clay works at the Texas Tech Junction Campus, and both of their children are graduates of Junction High School. They are proud grandparents to Conner and Vivie. Marie is proud to call Junction home and is excited to work alongside the EDC Board to help the community grow and thrive.

About the Junction EDC