Gray Matter TX

Felicia Smith and her husband founded Rise Learning Pod, and alternative learning experience for kids with learning disabilities, in Sherman Texas. In an attempt to follow the recommended rules for teaching out of her home, Felicia did what most entrepreneurs attempt to do - Follow the rules. Since then, the City of Sherman has been an uphill battle of poorly managed filings, rude rhetoric, and has shown no interest in supporting entrepreneurial growth in the city. This theme is repeating itself continually even as the city continues to put on the - people and city first smiley face.

Last year, the term Tax Abatement didn't mean anything to you.  Today, it could be the gateway for Data Center Developers to be incentivized to destroy your rural way of life.  It is simple - NO TAX ABATEMENTS NOW OR EVER.  The law is clear; they are discretionary.  However, developers are smart, and deep pockets allow them to control the training and conversation with ill-equipped County Commissioners and lure them into a sense of insecurity that it is Data Center or bust.  That is a lie; that is a tactic.  Get educated.  Michael Rice of Leon County is a lifelong IT professional who has spent a majority of his career inside large-scale data centers and intends to be a resource for struggling commissioners.  Instead, he was met with defensive rhetoric and, frankly, commissioners who are in over their heads and making decisions they are not qualified to make.  Get involved.  

As men we need to stop making excuses to lead our families in faith. It is not easy. I sit with my friend and Green Beret, John Wayne Walding to discuss his amazing story in battle for this country, family, and god. John's military awards and badges include the Silver Star as well as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne, Air Assault and Special Forces Tab. More importantly he a friend and a mentor on my journey with God and stepping up for my family. This is a great conversation for men, dads, and leaders.

Frost Bank has been a Texas institution since the late 1800's.  Here at Tom Bean Feed, we are excited to partner with Rodney Niemuth, Senior Vice President at Frost, and his team to secure key financing to expand our businesses.  We are often asked, as small business owners, “How do I get small business financing?”  Rodney joined me at the feed store studio to discuss key steps in preparing to secure financing and retail banking options that could work for your “next steps.”

The conversation with David Apple covers the impact of data center development on rural communities, the environmental concerns, and the implications of AI development. It also delves into the challenges and consequences of hyper-scaled data center growth, particularly a report focused in Northern Virginia. The discussion emphasizes the need for better education and awareness about the effects of data center development.

Takeaways

• Rural communities face significant challenges due to the development of hyper-scaled data centers.
• The impact of data center growth extends beyond local communities and has broader implications for energy, water, and the environment.

"The fight to keep our small-town way of life alive is real—and it's happening right now in Texas."

Drop a 🔥 if you believe in protecting rural Texas communities!

Shelley Luther shares her unexpected journey from salon owner to a symbol of standing up for freedoms in the face of government overreach.

Her story is a reminder that speaking out doesn’t make you a celebrity—it makes you a fighter for what's right.

When communities come together, they can challenge big power and preserve their way of life. Have you ever felt called to stand up for your home?

Worth thinking about. www.SaveRuralTexas.com
#TexasStrong #RuralResilience #CommunityPower #FreedomFight #KeepTexasGreat

The data center conversation in rural Texas is moving fast, and decisions are being made without voters and in the interest of profit not land or environment. SaveRuralTexas.com is a group of concerned citizens looking to protect their legacy and get the right questions asked. We need members not money. Sign up today and lets protect our children's and our land's future.

The conversation delves into the rapid growth of data centers and their impact on the community. It explores the power and water needs, environmental concerns, and the long-term impact of data center development. Additionally, it highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues. The conversation covers the impact of tax abatements and job promises, the community's legacy and impact, the lack of community involvement in decision-making, and environmental and infrastructure concerns. It delves into the implications of these factors on the community and the need for better community engagement in decision-making processes.

Takeaways

• Data center development impact
• Community involvement Tax abatements and job promises
• Community impact and legacy
• Lack of community involvement in decision-making
• Environmental and infrastructure concerns

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Data Center Growth
• 07:40 The Data Center Conversation
• 13:50 Environmental and Long-Term Impact
• 35:37 Tax Abatements and Job Promises
• 45:11 Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns

The Data Center boom is a bubble.  The data does not align with demand; it is a rush to market on a major hedge made by massive developers to meet the “future” data demands of AI, crypto, and others.  However, the data needs to align with demand, as in the tech bubble of the late 90s and the housing bubble of 2008.  Data Centers will be overbuilt and suck the life out of rural communities.  There is one simple reason they are targeting rural communities, and it has nothing to do with “future data needs.”  They are here for one reason only - access to an easy negotiation:

• RED FLAG There are no “independent” studies on the long-term effects, only purchased reports from lobby groups and politically incentivised tech watchdogs
• There are no job opportunities at Data Centers.
• Construction will not be done by local contractors.
• The required power will crush small rural grids, forcing homeowners to pick up the tab for the revised infrastructure.
• The amount of water needed will force new wells and demands that local municipalities cannot meet.
• If you lose the negotiation before the agreements are signed...

• Charge the data center an exceptionally higher property tax.
• Add infrastructure needs to improve your community (sewage treatment, wells, road repair, traffic signals etc)
• DO NOT provide any abatements based on “guaranteed jobs” - these do not exist, and there are plenty of examples of this in Iowa and Montana.

Stay close to these conversations and let your voice be heard.  Help your local officials and state reps with these negotiations and be a part of the conversation.  

My friend Clay (and a special guest) and I discuss the relationship many of our customers have with this truly game-changing plumbing fittings. I have used them for oover a decade and have researched many of the troubles plumbers and DYI'ers have with them and we might have a simple fix to make these super reliable in your home or at your ranch.