In Spring 2021 the Navasota Independent School District was excited to host a grand opening for their brand new outdoor athletic complex. With the help of Goodwin-Lasiter-Strong and Hellas Construction, Inc., and the support of the School Board and Navasota ISD Administration, the district was able to provide major upgrades and renovations. These updates include a multipurpose Matrix Helix game field, an epIQ track, TPS tennis courts, and Major Play baseball and softball fields, in addition to awnings, concession stands, restrooms, LED lighting, and an elevator to the press box.

"​Greg Mallett started cooking blueberry muffins when he was just 4 years old. Now he’s the owner of three barbecue restaurants in the Brazos Valley under the same name — Mallett Brothers Barbeque.

Greg and his brother Chad opened their first location in Navasota in June 2009. A second location was opened in Iola, their hometown, in 2011, and a third restaurant opened in Madisonville in 2017.

Consistency and customer service are of utmost priority at Mallett Brothers, Greg Mallett said.

“Every time a customer comes in, it should be the same every time,” Mallett said. “That’s kind of the hard thing in the barbecue industry. Brisket is the staple, so it’s one of the things that we have to make sure is perfect each time.”

Freshness is another key factor, Mallet noted. Pits are fired up each morning to make ribs and other meats. Chicken-fried steaks and onion rings are hand-battered.

“Everything that we do is hands-on, not out of the freezer,” Mallett said. “Everything’s fresh.”

The Texas barbecue classics including brisket, pork ribs and sausage are offered, along with chicken-fried steak sandwiches and jalapeno ranch burgers.

"The team at Summit Precast Concrete, LLC joined Trey Kirby after closing on their new property located in the industrial district in Navasota. TX. Trey represented the buyers, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Ogorchock and their sons, Michael and Kris, and assisted them in closing this property to house their precast operation.
The location includes approx. 50k sf of warehouse, 4k sf office, and a concrete plant producing traffic barrier for the highway construction industry. Congrats to Summit Precast and the Ogorchock family on their latest acquisition. #Congrats! #NavasotaTX #SVNRiverstone"

The City of Navasota and Navasota Economic Development Corporation (NEC) were excited to be featured in the March 2021 edition of the Texas Municipal League’s Texas Town & City Magazine.
 
Over the last year, community members and organizations throughout Navasota, such as The City of Navasota, the Navasota Economic Development Corporation, Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, Willy 98.7, the Navasota Examiner, and many more have come together to develop an extensive Shop Local Navasota Campaign.
 
What started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shop Local campaign has transformed into a permanent program benefiting not only local businesses, but also the community as a whole. The Shop Local Navasota campaign includes the website, www.ShopLocalNavasota.com, the weekly Grilling Stafford video series, the Navasota Freedom Festival, the Navasota Home for the Holidays event, the NEDC COVID-19 Relief Grant that ran from April 2020 to May 2020, free advertising for local businesses, and much more.

​On February 24, 2021 representatives from both the City of Navasota and the Navasota Economic Development Corporation were invited to attend the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce 2021 Economic Outlook. As regular attendees of the annual event, the 2021 Economic Outlook Conference has been able to provide the City and NEDC opportunities to learn about regional growth, strengthen relationships with regional partners, and gain insight for how to best serve the Navasota community, local businesses, and future prospects. 

Navasota ISD started a large project to make major renovations and upgrades in 2019 after passing a $61 million bond in 2017. Phase 2 of the upgrades includes a new career and technology education center. New additions to the center include a new engineering lab, veterinary sciences lab, culinary arts lab, auto garage, medical science lab, greenhouse, cosmetology lab, and much more.

The expansion offers more opportunities for students to explore as they begin thinking about their career and future. The district offers several classes such as cosmetology, AG sciences, culinary arts, welding certifications, and much more. 

These expansions allow Navasota ISD students more opportunities after they graduate whether they decide to attend a community college, technical school, a four-year university, or immediately enter the workforce with certification(s) from the CTE programs.

Continuing partnerships between the City, Navasota Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), and Navasota ISD leads to collaboration and new ideas to get local employers involved in youth workforce. In turn, progress and projects like these greatly support local economy as more residents choose to stay, live, and work in their community.

In December 2020, the City of Navasota and Navasota Economic Development Corporation kicked off a Christmas shopping promotion for small businesses. Between November 27, 2020 and December 14, 2020, both Navasota residents and visitors were able to turn in receipts via email, text message, or by coming to City Hall.

Every $25 spent at any small business in Navasota earned one entry into the drawing for a chance to win a Navasota gift basket. Receipts from multiple stores could also be submitted and added together to meet the $25 entry level.

Throughout this period, receipts were submitted from shoppers supporting 28 local businesses. 

​The Navasota City Council held a Regular Meeting Monday, Dec. 14, and approved a greenhouse construction permit application submitted by Cole TS Navasota TX LLC (Tractor Supply). Council member Pattie Pederson was present via Zoom.

After a public hearing with no comments against, council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 949-20 for construction of a greenhouse at the 9320 Hwy. 6 Loop location. The site plan provides for two enclosed greenhouse areas, two canopied areas and a drive-thru lane. According to Tractor Supply representative Aaron Blue, the project’s cost is $500,000.

Community Development Director Lupe Diosdado said, “It’s exciting to see that existing businesses are reinvesting and giving back to the community.”

"NAVASOTA, Texas — The 2020 Travelers’ Choice has awarded a local Navasota gem as a winner for best coffee/eating places.

The Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen in Navasota calls themselves "a cross between a record store, a music store, a coffee shop, and a rock museum". They offer coffees from around the globe, along with teas, smoothies, protein shakes, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, soups, and sweets. 

“We are so pleased to have been given this honor. It makes us proud that we are providing what our visitors are looking for when choosing us and taking the extra step to provide a review. This input allows us to improve even more and provide a greater experience on their visit.” said owner Bert Miller in a release.

Travelers’ Choice awards are based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews. Award winners consistently receive great traveler & diner feedback, placing them in the top 10 percent of hospitality businesses around the globe.

“Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners' achievements...Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for diners & travelers as the world begins to venture out again,” said chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor Kanika Soni in the release.
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If you want to experience the Classic Rock Coffee Co. for yourself, head on down to their website and see what they have to offer."