Information compiled by the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce Staff or member submitted unless otherwise noted/Design by the Brownwood Bulletin/ over 7,000 copied printed and distributed.
www.brownwoodchamber.org
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce 600 E. Depot PO Box 880 Brownwood, TX 76804
August 10, 2012 Volume 7, Issue 8
Your August 2012 Monthly Chamber Newsletter
Inside This Issue Page 2 • You’re A Tourist • Chamber Luncheon Page 3 • Shop Local • New Members Page 4 • Reunion Wristbands Page 5 • Ribbon Cuttings Page 6 • Leadership Brownwood Page 7 • Leadership Brownwood Page 8 • SALE!!
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Phone: (325) 646-9535 Fax (325) 643-6686 membership @brownwoodchamber.org
Check out our up coming events on page 6
18th Annual Business Showcase
“Get in the Game”
It is time again for the Annual Business Showcase hosted by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. For 17 years, the Brownwood Chamber has provided a venue for local businesses to network with over 1,000 potential clients/customers in one location and ultimately grow their business and the local economy. This year will not be any different; the 18th Annual Business Showcase will feature over 70 local businesses in various lines of trade from banking, insurance and energy to home health services and personal well being. The show will open at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 6th at the Brownwood Coliseum and will feature wellknown, established businesses as well as some of the newest in the Brownwood area. Admission is only $2 and complimentary passes are available for a limited time at the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce office. The first 500 visitors will receive a tote bag to hold all of the valuable information you will likely gather throughout your visit! All visitors to the show will have the opportunity to win booth prizes from each of the exhibitors. Those who participate in the “Bingo” game may enter to win one of the Grand Door Prizes - A Brinkman Grill or patio set!
For the 6th year, the “Taste of Brownwood” – Presented by Sodexo returns to offer the community an opportunity to sample favorite recipes from local restaurants, caterers and bakeries. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, showcase visitors can visit restaurant row and sample tasty treats from local restaurants. Each visitor will receive 4 FREE Taste of Brownwood tickets with the $2 admission fee. Those who choose to enter with a complimentary pass will need to purchase Taste of Brownwood tickets for a $1 each at the door the day of the show. Make plans to attend, visit with people you have known for years and get to know the new faces in town. Take time to learn about the products and services offered by each one of these local business owners. The Brownwood Chamber encourages local residents to “shop local” to support local businesses and our local economy. Every dollar that you spend in Brownwood generates the funds used to better the community that we all call home. The 2012 Business Showcase Gold Sponsors are Songbird Lodge and Citizens National Bank; Silver Sponsors are Brownwood Economic Development, Kroger, and KTAB. The 6th Annual Taste of Brownwood is presented by Sodexo Campus Services.
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2012
Chamber Hosts President Bill Ellis “State of HPU”
The Chamber’s Monthly Luncheon will be Friday, August 17 at the Brownwood Country Club from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. The luncheon is open to members and guests. It will feature an interesting program, door prizes, introduction of new members and the “Aces Wild” Cash Drawing—which features a guaranteed winner each month. The featured speaker will be Dr. William (Bill) N. Ellis, President of Howard Payne University. He will present the “State of HPU” Report to the Chamber members and guests. Dr. Bill Ellis, 19th President of Howard Payne University,
assumed leadership of the University on August 1, 2009. He came to Howard Payne from Hardin-Simmons University where he served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer from 2001-09. From 1990 to 2001, Dr. Ellis was Dean of Arts and Sciences at Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR. All together he has taught or been an administrator in six different Baptist colleges and universities. He has also served as a bi-vocational pastor and has had numerous interim pastorates. Dr. Ellis has the Doctor of Philosophy degree in 18th Century American Litera-
Sponsored by Staples
ture from the University of Colorado. His Master of Arts degree is from Texas Tech University in Modern American Literature, and he received his Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Hardin-Simmons.
With over thirty years of experience as a literature and creative writing professor, he is a published poet and essayist. Dr. Ellis is married to Dr. Diana Ellis, who has her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from North Texas University and retired from a position as a tenured-full professor at McMurry University in Abilene, TX. They have two children, Emily, who is employed with a marketing firm in Albuquerque, NM, and Brett who is a sophomore in college. This luncheon’s Presenting Sponsor is Staples. The Table Sponsors are AT&T and How-
ard Payne University. Door prizes have been provided by Holly’s Tees, Brownwood Reunion Celebration, West/Central Texas Valuation Services, McCluskey & Associates Real Estate, Trees Forever Nursery, and Mary Kay Cosmetics Laura Lacey Johnson The cost of the luncheon is $12 per person to be paid at the door. Anyone interested in attending the luncheon is urged to RSVP to the Chamber by calling 325-646-9535. You can also register online on the Chamber’s website: www.brownwoodchamber.org.
You Are A Tourist!
What did you do this summer? Where did you go on vacation? It’s that time of year when these questions seem to be inevitable. If you are a Facebook user, I’m sure someone posted pictures of their wonderful getaway that might have made
you a little envious! Whether you traveled a great distance or chose to stay closer to home, you were a tourist. If you stayed in a hotel or B&B, you were charged a Hotel Occupancy Tax by the state and the local government for your room. This tax collected by the hotel or B&B was then turned over to the City in
which you stayed. From that point, the money was used to promote the community and draw visitors in and generate more overnight stays. It doesn’t stop there! Fuel, food, snacks, souvenirs, activities, etc. all have to be accounted for especially as costs increase. When these dollars are spent in a community, it has
an economic impact. It is no different for Brownwood. Each year, the Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism Div. releases a report showing the economic impact of tourism on the counties throughout the state. I am pleased to share those numbers for Brown County with you!
2011 Brown County Economic Impact Report • $48.9 Million in Direct Visitor Spending (up from $44.2 Million in 2010) • Rank – 85th of 254 Counties in Visitor Spending (Top 35% in State) • Local Sales Tax Receipts – $950,000 (up from $851,100 in 2010) • 620 Travel Industry Jobs with $14.2 Million in Earnings (up from 552 with $13 Million in Earnings)
Tourism is a strong industry in Brown County and the folks that make up our great community make the difference. Thank you for making Brownwood feel like home!
Welcome New Members MAK Images – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Amary Doremus and MAK Imagesas a new member! Amary specializes in high-quality professional photographyfor all occasions at an affordable price. For more information visit www.makqualityimages. com or give Amary a call today at (325) 642-8651.
Trunk offers clothing and shoes for kids from newborns up to size 7 for boys and girls. They also have nursery and gift items and welcome shower selections as well! Stop by today and check out this precious store located inside Heartland Mall, next to Chick-fil-A or visit their website www.tinytotstrunk. com.
LeAp N LizRd Nutrition – LeAp N LizRd offers personal nutrition plans for weight loss, energy & fitness as well as wellness evaluations and personal wellness coaching. Stop by 1516 Austin Avenue today and see how they can help you reach your health and fitness goals!
Darby’s Joy –Located just outside Brownwood on FM 586, Darby’s Joy is the ultimate getaway right here at home. Darby’s Joy is a hilltop retreat and offers guests a soaring fireplace within an open living space. Stained concrete floors flow throughout all areas of the home. Combined with the high ceilings, it gives an additional open feeling to this marvelous space. Great entertaining possibilities are available with this open floor plan of a large living, dining and full kitchen, study, utility and three bedrooms; all you need is your suit case. For more information visit www. darbysjoy.com.
Golden Chick – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Golden Chick to the Brownwood community. Golden Chick is the newest restaurant in the Brownwood area. They opened their doors on June 22, 2012 and offer delicious fried chicken and fish with all of the fixin’s as well as baked chicken.Stop by their location at 563 W. Commerce and try some of their delicious fish or chicken! Tiny Tots Trunk – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the area’s newest children only clothing store, Tiny Tots Trunk! Just recently opened inside Heartland Mall, Tiny Tots
Simply Stuff – Simply Stuff opened in 2012 and offers the Brownwood area a one stop shop for antiques, books, dolls, furniture, signs, jewelry and so much more! Vendor spaces are available for rent, for more information contact Shannon Underwood at (325) 642-5835 or stop by 309 3rd Street and do a little shopping!
August 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
A Special THANK YOU to the following businesses that renewed their Membership in the month of July. We greatly appreciate your continued support of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Community. AA Prosthetic Services, Inc. Arts Council of Brownwood Bangs Nursing Home Bob’s Fuels Brookshire’s Food Store Brownwood Insurance Agency Cen-Tex Body and Paint Concho Valley Foundation Repair Cross Country Health Care
Executive Inn Farmers – CT Ham Insurance Agency Gate One Inn Heart of Texas EMS Sodexo Campus Services The Turtle Restaurant & Gelateria US Docks Wild Duck Marina Verizon
Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2012
Reunion Concert Wristbands Now on Sale Organizers of the 2012 Brownwood Reunion Celebration announced that weekend passes (in the form of wristbands) for the main concert stage are now on sale. The wristbands will give access to the main concerts on Friday, September 14th and Saturday, September 15th during the festival. This year’s concert headliners feature Rick Springfield on Friday and Wade Bowen on Saturday. Sunday’s concerts will feature local Christian bands in the evening with free admission. Wristbands cost $15 each and are available at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Early Chamber of Commerce, Wendlee Broadcasting, KOXE, Brownwood Music or online at CelebrateBrownwood.com. Credit card sales can be accepted online only. This year’s Brownwood Reunion Celebration will be held September 14, 15, and 16. The community-wide festival features a variety of competitions, events, attractions, music, and food in addition to the main concerts. See the concert main stage schedule below.
Friday, September 14 7:30pm - Blackbird 9:00pm - Three Shades Blue 10:30pm - Rick Springfield
Saturday, September 15 7:30pm - Brenda Kay Band 9:00pm - Mark Powell & Lariat 10:30pm - Wade Bowen
Sunday, September 16 5:00pm-8:00pm Local Christian Bands
Register Your Neighborhood for the 2012 National Night Out Neighborhoods throughout Brown County are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “29th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. From 5:30pm to 8:30pm on October 2nd, residents in neighborhoods throughout Brown County are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout the area will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, and other activities. Coordinators of the local NNO event
are currently looking for block captains to organize these small gatherings in neighborhoods across the city. These gatherings will be a rallying point where neighbors can meet each other, visit, and send a message to potential criminals. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug preven-
tion awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Representatives from the Brownwood Police Department, Brown
County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, area fire departments, and city officials will travel around Brownwood, Early and Brown County during the event to visit these gatherings and speak to those in attendance. For more information or to register as a block captain, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535. Local participating sponsors for the 2012 National Night Out include Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers, WT Harris Company, Guardian EMS, ATMOS Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery, Southside Church, TexasBank, and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
August 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
Ribbon cutting
Simply Stuff Celebrates Membership
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting cer-
emony on Thursday, August 2nd for Simply Stuff. This recently opened indoor flea market and thrift store offers the Brownwood area a one-stop shop for antiques, books, dolls, furniture, signs, jewelry and more. Vendor spaces are available for rent so individuals can sell their own merchandise. Simply Stuff is located at 309 3rd Street and is open Thursday-Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday noon to 7 PM. For more info, give them a call at 325-642-5835. Pictured are owners and vendors of Simply Stuff cutting the ribbon along with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
Join Us! August Business After Hours Thursday, August 16th at American State Bank from 5pm to 7pm. Enjoy cold drinks, tasty hors d’oeuvres and drawings for door prizes
Hosted by American State Bank
Tiny Tots Trunk Joins the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a rib-
bon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 3rd for Tiny Tots Trunk. This recently opened children’s store offers the Brownwood area clothing and accessories for children form newborn to a size 7. Tiny Tots Trunk also offers nursery and gift items, and welcome shower selections as well. Tiny Tots Trunk is located inside Heartland Mall and is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Visit their website www. tinytotstrunk.com for daily specials and online shopping. Pictured are the owners of Tiny Tots Trunk cutting the ribbon along with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2012
upcoming events
14 16 17 18 30 30
Register Now for Leadership Brownwood
August
Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Dinner Brownwood Coliseum Business After Hours American State Bank Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club DJ Allen Memorial Bull Riding Brown Co. Fair Grounds Leadership Brownwood Kickoff Brownwood Chamber Boardroom Business After Hours F&M Bank
September
6 Brownwood Business Showcase & Taste of Brownwood Brownwood Coliseum 8 St. John’s Arts & Crafts Fair St. John’s Church 8 Picnic in the Park Coggin Park 14-16 Brownwood Reunion Celebration Downtown Brownwood 20 Business After Hours Bob’s Fuels 21 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
October
2 3 19 24 27
National Night Out A neighborhood near you Wake Up Wednesday Brownwood Chamber Boardroom Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club Wake Up Wednesday Brownwood Chamber Boardroom A Nite at the Races Grand Starz
6 10 11 15 16 22
Election Day Holiday Arts and Crafts Show Brownwood Coliseum Veteran’s Day Business After Hours Hamilton’s Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club Thanksgiving Day
November
First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day Lehnis Railroad Museum
Leadership Brownwood Leadership Brownwood began in the mid-80’s by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce as a community leadership development program. Mission A program of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Brownwood is dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations. Program Details Spanning eight months from September through May, Leadership Brownwood is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills. The beginning retreat focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques— and gives the participants an opportunity to get to know each other. Starting in October, the class then spends one day a month (typically from 9 AM to 3 PM) examining specific aspects of the community such as education, area government, local business and economic development, health and human services, the criminal justice system, and tourism. The insights participants gain as they explore the inner workings of the community serves as a foundation for their long-term involvement in Brownwood in a variety of leadership roles. Dress is business casual but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as most ses-
sions include facility tours. Some facilities have mandated dress codes or restrictions. Classes are limited to 20 participants—and are first-come, first serve. Deadline for application is Wednesday, August 29 at 4 PM. Tuition must be paid in full by the opening session. Benefits Leadership Brownwood participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community in which they live and work, while developing a valuable communications network among civic, business and educational leaders. They also develop lasting friendships over the course of the year, and personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environment. The City of Brownwood benefits from the development of a source of high quality leaders with broadened perspectives prepared to address issues critical to Brownwood’s future. The success of the program can be measured by the number of Leadership Brownwood graduates who currently serve the community in volunteer and elected positions. Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Brownwood gain not only a knowledge of the inner workings of the city, but also personal skills that increase their effectiveness in their professional environment. Curriculum (The order of session topics and content are tentative and may be rescheduled based upon presenter/facility availability)
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August 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
Leadership Brownwood Class Schedule Aug 30, 2012 - OPENING RETREAT (Mandatory Attendance) Class members meet for the first time and begin their leadership adventure with an allday retreat. Participants spend the day discovering their own leadership style and learning how to best utilize style differences. After lunch, members participate in activities involving team-building, problem-solving, trust and risk-taking. Oct 4, 2012 – SOCIAL SERVICES A community’s success is directly linked to its ability to meet the needs of its neediest citizens. The class will learn about the many social services available in the community and are encouraged to become personally involved through volunteerism. Facility tours will include Family Services Center, Salvation Army, Center for Life Resources and Good Samaritan. Nov 1, 2012 - EDUCATION Classroom visits and presentations by representatives from Brownwood ISD, Howard Payne University, Ranger College and Texas State Technical College cover topics such as curriculum, career and technology, work force development, community partnerships and challenges facing educational institutions. Dec 13, 2012 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT The class gains insight into local government and explores the political process as elected and appointed officials address current issues and future challenges facing the city. Participants will tour city and county facilities. Jan 3, 2013 - HEALTH SERVICES Presentations by local healthcare providers and facility tours offer insight into local services including Ranger College School of Nursing Training Facility, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Chamber and Brownwood Regional Medical Center. Feb 7, 2013 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This session provides an overview of programs and services provided by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Economic Development Board. Tours of local companies and discussion points will examine issues affecting small, medium and large businesses. March 7, 2013 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE Participants will take part in tours of the TR Havins State Prison, Texas Youth Commission Ron Jackson Unit, Brown County Law Enforcement Center and Jail. Representatives provide an overview of public safety issues and the criminal justice system. March 28, 2013 – BAD WEATHER DAY A session will be cancelled only if Brownwood schools are cancelled. This is our make-up date. April 4, 2013 - TOURISM The Chamber’s Tourism Manager will lead the participants on tours of museums and sights of interest such as Brown County Museum, Lyric Theatre, Lehnis Railroad Museum and MacArthur Academy of Freedom. The class will learn about local efforts to promote and encourage tourism to our area. April 9 or 11, 2013 - Annual Banquet-Leadership Class GRADUATION (Date TBD)
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PO Box 356 WINDSHIELDS WINDSHIELDS Brownwood, Texas 76804 646-9789 646-9789 325-646-5555
325/643-1023 325/643-1023
100 North Main • Brownwood 100 North Main • Brownwood
McCoys Building Supply Center Tony Hill 3605 Hwy 377 S Brownwood, Texas 76801 325-643-2658
Building Partnerships for a better Community Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 219 Early Blvd. Early, TX 76802 (325) 646-8023 Accu Screen 2201 Coggin Avenue Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 646-7828 www.accuscreen.net Blaylock Funeral Home 1914 Indian Creek Road Brownwood, TX 769801 (325) 203-4027 Brownwood Bulletin 700 Carnegie Brownwood (325) 646-2541
www.brownwoodtx.com www.brownwoodbulletin.com
Camelot Apartments 2001 Slayden Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 643-4591 Depot Liquor 1001 Vine Brownwood, TX 76801 646-3500 Southside Village 2801 4th St. Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 646-1749 www.southsidevillage.net
Page 8 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2012
Eric McNeese, Chairman Brown County Abstract
Chip Camp BRMC Aaron Diaz Staples Dr. Bill Ellis Howard Payne University Jill Evans Family Services Center Toni Hill McCoy’s Ray Garza TexasBank Brian Kight TSTC Debbie Morelock Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast David Robnett Robnett Insurance Richard Russell Wal-mart Josh Stegemoller Stegemoller Realtors Sam Waldrop Waldrop Construction
50% off sale
throughout august on the following items:
• All Texas Wild Salsas and barbecue sauce • candles • Roundtop soaps and lotions • Waffle mixes • Shaped Car scents from Scentsations • Brownwood Dirt shirts • Baskets • Birdhouses and feeders • The 12 oz. Brownwood Blend Coffee
The Brownwood Store and Visitors Center 600 East Depot inside the Chamber of Commerce Mon.-Thurs. 8am-5pm Fri. 8am-4pm
Steve Weckwerth Subway
Central Texas Rural Transit District
Chamber Staff Laura Terhune, Executive Director Sunni Modawell, Tourism Manager Ray Tipton, Marketing Manager Missi Malone, Membership Director Martha Faetche, Receptionist; Visitor Center & Brownwood Store Manager Dawn Norway – Office Manager
Books on Texas history, travel, cooking and humor
Dr. Don Bostic, Past Chairman Ranger College
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Stuffed Lions, Armadillos, Buffaloes, Longhorns & Eagles
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2012-2013
325-643-3545 1 Carnegie • Brownwood
COUNTIES: Brown Callahan Coleman
Comanche Eastland Erath Nolan
Runnels Shackleford Stephens Rural Taylor
Public Transit: 1-800-710-2277
Proven Community Partner
TexasBank www.texbank.com