24-04-2025
Connections, growth and more discussed at State of Community event
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Empowering the community of Wichita Falls. That's the big goal Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens aims for during the State of the Community event.
'Change is good. It is something that we promote,' panelist and Con Potencia Co-Founder, Ismael Duran, said.
Duran spoke from an arts and culture perspective.
As an art advocate, Duran hopes that community members will continue to see the importance of the arts as a part of their identity.
'It is something that, hey, we have to be a part of,' Duran said. 'The arts and culture within the community need to reflect who we are as a community. That way, everybody can get a sense of pride of the community itself.'
Chicago Bear Adrian Colbert, also a Wichita Falls native, echoes that sentiment.
But his work has already begun with neighborhood cleanups in District 2.
He says while seeds have been planted for growth, he hopes audience members plant more seeds in the community.
'To see everybody together and having people express what they're doing and what they're working on and what they're working towards,' Colbert said. 'It's important because if someone doesn't know what you're doing within the community, then it's hard to be supportive.'
The two believe the city is in a good spot to support its goal of growth.
'One step at a time. That's all it takes, is one foot in front of the other,' Colbert said. 'Supporting each other and communicating. Communication is so important, and reaching goals because this is going to take a collective effort and a team effort.'
'The platform that we had, it was nice to have that and have it implanted in people's minds that, 'hey, we are a big part of this community',' Duran said.
As the community fosters connection to empower growth.
Duran and Con Potencia are gearing up for Loco for Cinco on Saturday, May 3 at Travis Park in downtown Wichita Falls.
Colbert is planning another community cleanup soon.
Both say they are opportunities for the community to support.
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