National Recognition Highlights Development Corporation of Snyder’s Community Driven Approach
SNYDER, Texas – The Development Corporation of Snyder (DCOS) is proud to announce that Executive Director Barbara Leatherwood has been selected as the 2026 Honorable Mention recipient of the Jim Walton Community Impact Award, a national honor recognizing leaders who create meaningful change in rural America.
Presented annually at the Stand Up Rural America Summit, the Jim Walton Community Impact Award celebrates individuals whose work reflects the vision of Jim Walton, founder of Brand Acceleration and a lifelong advocate for rural communities. Recipients are chosen by an independent advisory committee of economic and community development professionals from across the country.
This year, Leatherwood was selected as the only Honorable Mention recipient from a nationwide pool of nominations, recognizing both her leadership and the momentum taking place in Snyder. In recognition of the honor, a donation is also made to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
While the award recognizes an individual, DCOS sees it as a reflection of an entire community committed to working together.
“This recognition belongs to Snyder,” said Leatherwood. “Every accomplishment we’ve celebrated over the last several years has been possible because of strong partnerships. Our board, staff, elected officials, educators, business owners, volunteers, and community organizations all share the same goal of creating opportunities for the people who call Snyder home.”
That collaborative approach has become a hallmark of DCOS. By bringing together businesses, schools, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and regional partners, the organization has helped advance projects that strengthen Snyder’s economy while improving quality of life for residents.
Recent initiatives include recruiting new industry, supporting local business growth, expanding workforce development partnerships, investing in downtown revitalization, and helping coordinate community improvement projects that continue to shape Snyder’s future. Rather than focusing on individual projects, DCOS has remained committed to building long-term relationships that create lasting results.
The national recognition joins a growing list of honors earned by DCOS in recent years, reflecting the organization’s commitment to responsible leadership, strategic partnerships, workforce development, and community investment.
“At the end of the day, success isn’t measured by awards,” Leatherwood said. “It’s measured by businesses choosing to invest here, students finding careers here, families building their futures here, and a community that continues moving forward together.”
About the Development Corporation of Snyder
The Development Corporation of Snyder works to strengthen the local economy through business recruitment, business retention and expansion, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and community investment. By connecting people, organizations, and opportunities, DCOS helps create a stronger future for Snyder, Scurry County, and the surrounding region.
Media Contact
Company Name: Development Corporation of Snyder
Contact Person: Barbara Leatherwood
Email: Send Email
Phone: 3255731544
Address:2514 Ave. R
City: Snyder
State: TX
Country: United States
Website: growsnyder.com
