Sample book with community resources insert

Heritage, economy, style, places—all are important
pieces of what make Abilene the Heart of the Big Country.
But what really makes Abilene and the Big Country
buzz are the people who call this part of Texas home.
Educators, students, medical professionals, financial
experts, media whizzes, active duty and retired military
personnel, business leaders, laborers, nonprofit employees
and volunteers and, of course, cowboys, all are pieces of
the mosaic that blend together to create Abilene and the
Big Country.
Each year, the Abilene Reporter-News publishes a “20
Under 40” magazine, citing current and future Abilene
leaders, who will follow the notable footprints left by
former and current leaders. Many of those are associated
with the Abilene Young Professionals, a Chamber of
Commerce organization with a mission to “attract, retain
and engage young professionals in Abilene.” Many of the
professionals in Abilene, both today and in the past,
come from the ranks of the military. Camp Barkeley, a
World War II Army camp southwest of Abilene, was
home to 50,000 soldiers and officers, making the camp
twice the size of Abilene in the early 1940s. Many of
them returned to Abilene after the war, marrying local
women and starting a business or working for one.
Dancing the night away at Eller Hall.
CHAPTER FIVE
105