For Immediate Release:
October 13, 2014

COMMISSIONER STAPLES RECERTIFIES GUN BARREL CITY’S GO TEXAN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY STATUS

Certified retirement communities partner with the Texas Department of Agriculture to encourage retirement in Texas

AUSTIN — Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced that Gun Barrel City has been recertified as a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community (CRC) for an additional five years. The Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN CRC program helps local communities attract potential residents to retire in Texas.

“We are proud to extend Gun Barrel City’s status as a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community for an additional five years,” Commissioner Staples said. “Not only do retirees have a significant economic impact on the regions in which they reside, they also bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to community service, employment and business.”

Gun Barrel City is centrally located in East Texas. It’s a short one-hour drive northwest to Dallas, a one-hour drive east to Tyler, a 30-minute drive north to Canton for First Monday Trade Days and an easy drive to Galveston to enjoy the coast. Best of all, you can stay home and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

"Gun Barrel City is very excited to be recertified with the Certified Retirement Community (CRC) designation,” said Mayor James Braswell. “This certification not only draws attention to the great state of Texas, but will provide a window of opportunity for potential retirees to become aware of a hidden gem at the edge of East Texas — Gun Barrel City. We welcome all current and future retirees who are considering Gun Barrel City as their retirement community!"

More about the GO TEXAN CRC Program

The CRC program is funded by its member communities and was created to encourage retirement in Texas and boost the state’s economy. On average, migrant retirees contribute $732 million annually to the Texas economy. Additionally, retirees provide a dependable part- and full-time workforce and volunteer pool.

To become a CRC, each community must completea rigorous application process, including a retiree desirability assessment.The GO TEXAN stamp of approval ensures eachcertified community has demonstrated that it can meet the living, employment/volunteer, health, entertainment, education and safety needs ofits citizens and visitors — all things that make Texas a great place to retire.

For more information about Gun Barrel City or the GO TEXAN CRC program, visit

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Contact:Bryan Black and Caity Post
(512) 463-7664

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