Southeast Fort Worth, Inc.

Photo courtesy of https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=466&q=andre+mcewing+fort+worth&oq=andre+mce&gs_l=img.1.2.0j0i24l4.1513.5141.0.8946.11.10.1.0.0.0.275.1408.3j5j2.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.8VSnVRTVUdE#facrc=_&imgrc=2FB3coMmbC5BKM%3A%3BIk7nKHS-jc89FM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.tccd.edu%252FImages%252FHighlights%252FRegular%252FAndreEwing_reg.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.tccd.edu%252Fmcewing.html%3B300%3B210

     On May 25, 2013 Andre McEwing, the president and CEO of Southeast Fort Worth, Inc., presented our class with information about Southeast Fort Worth, Inc.  Andre was born and raised in Fort Worth and believes that every individual should have a vested interest in improving where they grew up.  This is a sign of his tireless efforts of giving back to the community.

      Mr. McEwing started out in business in various industries before serving at his current post.  He now spends his time dedicated to helping developers and investors see the potential of communities by engaging and understanding their wants and needs.  He stated that the community has the “sweat equity” and often times only needs financial backing to turn neighborhoods around.  He said “there is still value in an inner city” that people tend to overlook.

     Andre attempts to marry investors with community organizers and planners getting them to invest and create a better neighborhood.  Often times he says this is a challenging task because the residents of neighborhoods can be leery of bigger businesses coming in and investors seem to think the neighborhood isn’t worth the investment. 
     
     By utilizing and re-purposing existing areas they are definitely having a positive impact.  The economic development of these areas is ensuring the sustainment and allowing the local community the potential to thrive.

     I think what he is doing is a model for all to emulate.  I personally evaluated a proposal for the revitalization of a block on Evans Avenue in Southeast Fort Worth.  I did not talk to any investors; however, the residents of the area that I interacted with were excited to see an interest in the area.  I was only able to see a glimpse of the satisfaction that Mr. McEwing gets by planning for the future and improving neighborhoods.

Useful Links:

www.southeastfw.com