CANYON, Texas — A growing initiative by the West Texas A&M University Alumni Association is showing the impact the University has on the economy of the region and beyond.

On Feb. 1, the Alumni Association will launch an online directory of Buff Owned, Buff Operated businesses, complementing an effort that began in July 2022.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback since we began providing Buff Owned, Buff Operated Business window stickers,” said Ronnie Hall, executive director of the WT Alumni Association. “But now we’re trying to expand that by creating a digital landing page for all of our alumni-owned businesses so we can help connect those entrepreneurs with potential customers.”

At its launch, the Buff Owned web page will feature more than 100 businesses in 26 cities around the country, as well as online-only businesses and a bakery in Selango, Malaysia.

The directory includes seven categories: agriculture, building and construction; cleaning, repairs and automotive; creative, educational and marketing; financial, realty, business and technology; fitness, health and wellness; food, retail and entertainment; and one category solely collecting businesses in Canyon.

“I use the skills I learned at WT in running my company, Altruistic,” said Megan Ward, a WT graduate. “I’m proud to announce my Buff roots to potential customers, and I’ve already used the networking capabilities provided by the Alumni Association to connect with Aaron Soto, another WT alumni, whose business Sueno and Co. redesigned my website.”

To join the directory, contact Abby Waters, assistant director of alumni relations, at 806-651-2390 or register on the website: buffalum.com/buff-businesses.html.

Strengthening existing and creating new relationships with alumni and meeting regional needs are both key missions of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $150 million.

Photo: Journey Coffee in Canyon, owned by Noah and Stephanie Littlejohn, right, is one of more than 100 businesses on the Buff Owned, Buff Operated Business Directory operated by the West Texas A&M University Alumni Association. Also pictured are, from left, Abby Waters, assistant director of alumni relations, and Ronnie Hall, executive director of the Alumni Association.