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 13, 2010 Volume 5, Issue 8
Your August 2010 Monthly Chamber Newsletter I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE PAGE 2 • Festival Planning • New Board Member PAGE 3 • Successful Celebration • On the Road PAGE 4 • Lighting the Lyric • New Members PAGE 5 • Ribbon Cuttings PAGE 6 • Leadership Brownwood PAGE 7 • America’s Night Out PAGE 8 • Brownwood Ornament has arrived
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.
Thursday, September 9th from 10am - 6pm Time is running out for you to sign up for the Business Showcase that is less than a month away! The 16th Annual Business Showcase will be held on Thursday, September 9th at the Brownwood Coliseum from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is only $2 and complimentary passes will be available the week of the show at the Brownwood Chamber office and through each of the exhibitors participating in the show. Throughout the day, drawings will be held for booth prizes as well as the much anticipated Grand Prize drawing at the end of the show! This successful show gives local residents a chance to see the variety of products and services available in Brownwood. Another successful part of the Showcase is the returning “Taste of Brownwood.” Restaurant Row will open at 4:00 where our restaurants will
serve up samples of their most popular dishes until the show closes at 6:00. Local restaurants are encouraged to participate and should take advantage of this opportunity to reach hundreds of people in just two hours! The one-day show will also allow businesses the opportunity to meet, showcase and network with other business people. Trade shows are a proven way to reach your target customers, in one location. The show is over half full with only 10 spots remaining, so get your registration in TODAY! Early registration ends August 25th, after this date the price of the booth spaces will go up $50. With all the publicity and word-of-mouth this event will be the “place to be” on September 9th! Contact Missi Malone to make your reservation, 646-9535 or by email at: membership@brownwoodchamber.org
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2010
Luncheon to feature Brownwood ISD The Chamber’s Monthly Luncheon will be Friday, August 20 at the Brownwood Country Club from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. The luncheon, which is open to members and guests, will feature an interesting program and will also include door prizes, introduction of new members and a cash drawing. The featured speaker will be Reece Blincoe, Superintendent of Brownwood Independent School District. Blincoe was born in Burnet and attended Austin schools before graduating from Pflugerville High School. He attended Tarleton State University and Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State), graduating from Texas State University with a B.S. degree in Agriculture Education in 1987 and a master’s degree in Education Administration in 1998.
Prior to taking his position with Brownwood ISD, Blincoe taught Agriculture Science at Southside High School in San Antonio and Leander High School where they were designated “Best Agriculture Departments
Planning for Christmas Festival Underway needs volunteers in various capacities. If you would like to volunteer and be part of an exciting event in any of the following areas, please join us at the next planning meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting but want to be involved, please call and give us your contact information.
It’s really hard to believe that we have just entered the month of August and one of the main focus points for the Chamber staff is the 2010 Christmas Under the Stars Festival. If you are a crafter or artisan who would like to have a booth, please contact the Chamber for a vendor registration form. The fee for booth spaces is $50 and $25 for non-profits. Contact the Brownwood Chamber at 325.646.9535. Last year, the Chamber staff worked tirelessly setting up and taking down the event with very little volunteer help. Any event, regardless of the size,
Activities/contests – children, teens, adults Craft/retail vendors Non-profit vendors Logistics Gingerbread house contest Christmas villages Santa schedule coordinator Festival set up Festival tear down Lighting For more information and to get involved in this great community event, please join us at the next planning meeting set for THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH AT 3:30 in the Chamber offices. Please note that this date has changed since the last newsletter distribution.
in Texas” in 1997. He is the former Superintendent of Schools at Stockdale ISD in Stockdale, TX a position he held for 4 years. Reece has been Superintendent at Brownwood ISD for 2 years. He earned his doctorate from University of Texas at Austin in Educational Leadership soon after he moved here. Dr. Blincoe is a passionate advocate for the teaching profession and the students he serves. Utilizing his talents in creativity, team-building and problemsolving to achieve excellence, he has served on the U.S. Dept. of Education Committee on Local Program Success; the Commissioner’s Cabinet for 2 years, TASA Legislative Committee for 2 years, and member of the Public Education Visioning Institute for 2 years. Reece has been married for 21 years
to Mary Mercer Blincoe and they have two daughters, Shelby, 15 and Marissa, 13. The cost of the luncheon is $11 per person to be paid at the door. Attendees may choose to charge their meals to their personal country club account. Anyone interested in attending the luncheon is urged to RSVP to the Chamber by calling 325-646-9535 or email director@brownwoodchamber.org. Luncheon Sponsors: • • • • • •
F & M Bank First Central Credit Union TexasBank Heart of Texas Orthopaedics Brownwood Regional Medical Center The Turtle Restaurant & Gelateria
NEW CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER NAMED Eric McNeese has been appointed to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, filling the unexpired term of Steven McCrane. Although the term expires on March 31, 2011, McNeese will be qualified to be re-elected to the Board for a full three-year term. Eric McNeese was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 5, 1972. He is the son of Larry and Judy Ehrke of Blanket and Robert and Olinda McNeese of San Antonio. He graduated from Early High School in 1990 and from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Economics in 1994. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's University School of Law and was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in 2003. Eric has worked in the land title industry since 1993 in numerous capacities (title examiner, escrow officer and general counsel).
From 2008-present he has practiced law in Brownwood Texas as an Attorney for Massey & West, Attorneys, and also serves as Vice-President of The Brown County Abstract Company, Inc. He is a member of the Brown County Bar Association, the Independent Title Agents of Texas, and the Texas Land Title Association of Texas. He is also serving as Texas Underwriting Counsel for Alliant National Title Insurance Company. Over the past four years Eric has served on the “Rates, Rules and Forms Committee” and the “Legislative Committee” of the Texas Land Title Association. Eric is married to Sarah Massey McNeese and has three children; Cora, a 5th grader at Brownwood Intermediate, Liam, a Kindergartener at East Elementary and Rory, 2. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Brownwood.
August 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
Depot Centennial Celebration a Big Success Mayor Stephen Haynes introduces former Harvey Girl Dorothy Cason
The Depot Centennial Celebration held Friday, August 6th was a big success with great attendance by the public and some great fun and surprises. The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum unveiled a new exhibit celebrating the history of the Depot and railroad in the Brownwood area. Photos and mem-
enjoyed serving the troop train and the other railroad workers during her time as a “Harvey Girl.” Mrs. Cason took a tour of the Depot and Harvey House and relived some great memories. Kim Combs, owner of Flour Power – Cakes by Kim, created a special cake for the Depot birthday party. She custom baked a cake in the shape of the Depot building which turned into an attraction of its own at the event. Thanks to everyone who attended the Depot Centennial Celebration. Here’s to the next 100 years.
orabilia of the Depot and Harvey House were also on display. Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes read a proclamation commemorating the event. He also had the pleasure of introducing a special guest on hand for the celebration, Dorothy Cason. Mrs. Cason was former “Harvey Girl” and worked at the Harvey House beginning in 1940 at the age of 16. She worked there for several years during WWII where she was a waitress and a cashier during that time. She also lived in one of the upstairs rooms of the Harvey House. She said that she most
The Depot Centennial Cake prepared by Kim Combs of Flour Power – Cakes by Kim located inside Twisted Sisters To Go.
KTAB Brings Party to Brownwood On July 22nd, KTAB-TV News brought its live newscasts "On the Road" to Brownwood along with some fun, excitement, and activities. Bob Bartlett, Lane Stone, Sam Nichols, and David Robinett broadcasted live from Brownwood at the Margaret & Stewart Coleman Plaza near the Depot. During the show, KTAB highlighted unique aspects and interesting stories about Brownwood including economic development, Lake Brownwood, Police Chief Mike Corley, and the 2010 Brownwood Reunion Celebration. Hundreds attended the event which gave resi-
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McCoys Building Supply Center
PO Box 356 Brownwood, Texas 76804 325-646-5555
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dents the chance to meet their favorite KTAB personality. Live music was provided by local band County Road Nowhere and the country-rock star Zach Harmon from Abilene. KTAB also gave away several great prizes through an “Amazing Race” game, a “Survivor” game, a “Wheel of Fortune” game, and a “Let’s Make a Deal”. One lucky young man won a pair of Dallas Cowboy football tickets. Thanks to KTAB for bringing an enjoyable event to the Brownwood community.
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Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2010
Lyric Lights the Sign in Downtown Brownwood Hundreds gathered in Downtown Brownwood on July 20th to celebrate a historic event when the Lyric Theatre’s sign and marquee were lit for the first time in 50 years. Organizers threw a huge street party near the Lyric which featured live music, food, and fun. Performers from this year’s Lyric Performing Arts Company’s annual musical also performed
a couple of scenes from “Annie” on the street during the event. The evening was topped off as 4th grade students flipped the switch on the Lyric sign that will light up Downtown Brownwood for years to come. The students were chosen through an essay contest where they wrote about how important the Lyric Theatre is to Brownwood. Those in attendance who made a dona-
tion to help further the renovation of the Lyric Theatre received an exclusive commemorative t-shirt. The money raised will help pay for the final phase of renovation of the theatre and complete the last $500,000 needed in the $1.5 million capital campaign. The “Light the Sign Street Party” will be an event that Brownwood will be talking about for years to come.
NEW MEMBERS: Strategic Fire Equipment – Strategic Fire Equipment was founded in 2009 by Gene and Linda Terry, who also own Strategic Real Estate. Strategic Fire Equipment retails stream light flashlights, phoenix rescue tools, lights and radios. Gene and Linda not only sell but service all items related to fire, police and rescue services, as well as lights and sirens. For more information on Strategic Fire Equipment, give them a call at 325-739-2350. Wall Moulding & Associates – The Brownwood Chamber would like to welcome Wall Moulding & Associates as one of its newest members. Wall Moulding is a wholesale company selling finished frame mouldings since 1957. Wall Moulding specializes in providing the highest quality frame mouldings to fit each need.
In order to serve their customers better they offer several different service programs including chop service and custom wedging, a container program, special and custom orders. For more information visit the website at www.wallmoulding.com or give them a call at 325-643-2521. The Beach on Lake Brownwood - The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome The Beach back to Brownwood! Formerly known as Sandy Beach, The Beach is under new ownership and is rejuvenated and open for business! With over 3,000 feet of waterfront access to beautiful Lake Brownwood and 38 RV spots, The Beach is the place to getaway this summer! The Beach also offers weekend entertainment on a weekly basis with special events opened to the public! For more information
contact Brandon Byars at 325784-5340 or visit www.thebeachonlake bwd.com. DC Metalworx - The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome DC Metalworx as the newest member. DC Metalworx offers handcrafted metal items for wall hangings, metal décor for your home or everyday needs such as an earring stand, etc. Owner Don Carmack, works with light weight sheet metal and uses a plasma cutter to ensure the utmost quality in even the most detailed designs. For more information visit their website at www.etsy.com/shop/dcmetalworx or give Don a call at 325-2007823. KTXS/KTES/CW Abilene – The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome
KTXS as one of its newest members. KTXS is one of this areas source for area news via television media. KTXS also includes KTES and CW Abilene that deliver various programs and popular television shows and dramas to the Brownwood area. For more information visit their website, www.ktxs.com. Heart of Texas Orthopaedics – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen Roberts, MD to the Brownwood area and as one of its newest members. Dr. Roberts specializes in orthopedics and has recently opened Heart of Texas Orthopedics in Brownwood. He specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. For more information contact Dr. Roberts at 325-6438080 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
August 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
Bealls Holds Grand Opening of New Store The all new Bealls Department Store held a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, July 23rd to commemorate the opening of their new building. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Ambassadors, Bealls employees and customers, as well as Mayor Stephen Haynes, were on hand for the celebration. Bealls new store, located at 509 West Commerce, offers over 22,000 square feet of shopping with a wide range of name brand clothing, shoes, and accessories. Stop by today and see the new and improved Bealls in Brownwood! Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For more information call 325-646-4531.
Brownwood Chamber Welcomes New Member “Down to Earth” The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Down to Earth on Tuesday, July 20th to celebrate the opening of their new business. Owner Leann Donham has practiced massage therapy since 2007 and recently opened her new “mini” spa which offers a full line of massage and spa therapies. Down to Earth offers a great range of services which are focused on providing highquality, customer satisfaction. For a list of services offered, visit the Down to Earth website at www.downtoearth-destress.com. Down to Earth’s office is located at 2900 Coggin Avenue Suite B and they can be contacted at 325-643-9569.
Brownwood Chamber Welcomes Courtyard Antiques as its Newest Member The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 8th to welcome its newest member, Courtyard Antiques. Courtyard Antiques is owned and operated by Paula Stephens who specializes in carrying true quality antiques. Her store is set up as an antique mall hosting merchandise from different vendors and owners. This helps offer a wide array of antique merchandise for customers to choose from. Courtyard Antiques recently relocated to 304 W. Commerce in Brownwood and offers plenty of parking behind their building. Their hours are Wednesday - Saturday 10:30AM - 5:00PM and Sunday 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Stop by today and see all the vintage pieces Paula has to offer.
The City of Brownwood and Brownwood Area Chamber Celebrate New Aquatic Center The City of Brownwood and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new Aquatic Center on July 9th. The City of Brownwood and the Parks & Recreation Department are happy to announce that Brownwood's new Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center is now open. Regular hours are 1pm to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $2 for ages 12 & under. Admission is $3 for ages 13 & over. Admission is $1.75 for Seniors 60+. Please call the Parks & Recreation Office at 646-0146 for additional information.
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2010
Leadership Brownwood Registration Has Begun Registration has begun for this year’s class of Leadership Brownwood. Participation is limited to 20 individuals who must own, manage or work for a current Chamber Member business. The class will kick off the year with a REQUIRED, all-day retreat at Brownwood Chamber of Commerce Board Room on Thursday, September 2 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, August 31 and the cost is $395 per person. Registration is not complete until the signed application has been returned This fee covers the cost of the Retreat, bus transportation for tours, class materials, noon meals and/or snacks and beverages for each session and a graduation award. Participants may register for the class through the Chamber’s online
Events Calendar (“September 2 Leadership Brownwood”). For more information or to register,
contact the Chamber at 325-6469535 or email: director@brownwoodchamber.org.
Tentative Schedule of Sessions Sept 2010 to May 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS August 14 14 19-20 20
September 2—Retreat Topic: Leadership Concepts 9 AM to 4 PM (lunch provided) Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
28
Learn to Love for Life Family Services Center Twogether in Texas Family Services Center Learning Vacation – Nature Photo Shoot Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club Cow Pasture Xtreme Golf & Sporting Clays Wilson Ranches
September Other Monthly Topics will Feature Education City of Brownwood History & Tourism Media/Social and Human Services Mental Health & Medical Economic Development & Industry Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
2 9 10-12 11 17-19 17 24-26
10th Annual Brownwood Reunion Celebration Headliners Set “Come one, come all to the greatest Reunion on earth.” The 10th Annual Brownwood Reunion Celebration is coming September 17th-19th with some great entertainment and activities. Texas-Country music star Kevin Fowler will headline the Saturday night concert on September 18th. Friday night, September 17th will feature Johnny Cooper and the Bart Crow Band. Sunday’s concert on September 19th will see Crawfish perform. Tickets for the concerts will go on sale August 18th at BrownwoodTx.com. The best news of all will be special prices for this year’s concert headliners. A weekend pass that includes entry to all three concerts will cost $10 in advance. Concert tickets at the gate will cost $20. This year’s Reunion Celebration offers a Vintage Circus theme and will feature some great attractions and events including an all new car show, 5K and 10K runs, fireworks show, midway, live music, children’s activities, and much more. Watch for more information to be released regarding specific events in the coming weeks.
Leadership Brownwood Chamber Board Room Business Showcase Brownwood Coliseum Thunder in the Heart of Texas Riverside Park St. John’s Arts & Crafts Fair St. John’s Church Brownwood Reunion Celebration Downtown Brownwood Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club Texas Bass Couples Mountain View Lodge & Marina
October 5
8-9
15 19
National Night Out Coming to a neighborhood near you! HPU Homecoming Howard Payne University & Gordon Wood Stadium Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club Brownwood Area Live On Stage presents Greg Giannascolli Victory Life Church Auditorium
November 13-14 18 19
Brownwood Arts and Crafts Fair Brownwood Coliseum BALOS presents Sarah Getto Victory Life Church Auditorium Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day at the Lehnis Railroad Museum
August 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
Brownwood to Join Cities Nationwide for “America’s Night Out Against Crime” On Tuesday, October 5th, neighborhoods throughout Brownwood are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “27th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Brownwood Police Department; Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Early Police Department; Bangs Police Department and the Brownwood Fire Department will involve over 14,625 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 36.7 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime”. NNO 2010 is being supported in part by TARGET, a national corporate sponsor. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention 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. From 5:30pm to 8:30pm on October 5th, residents in neighborhoods throughout Brownwood and
across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods throughout Brownwood will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, youth activities, and anticrime rallies. National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for
America to stand together to promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight to build a safer nation. On NNO, we invite neighborhoods nationwide to join us in Giving Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party.” The Brownwood Police Department is currently looking for
block captains to organize these small gatherings in neighborhoods across the city. These gathering will be a rallying point where neighbors can meet each other, visit, and send a message to potential criminals. “I am very excited about this year’s National Night Out,” said Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley. “I know this is new for Brownwood, but I am looking forward to a great turnout in our community. Please get involved. It really will not be much trouble and I promise you will be glad that you did.” City, police, and fire officials will travel around Brownwood during the event to visit these gatherings and speak to those in attendance. “A get together with neighbors and a nice visit from one of Brownwood’s finest – what could be better?” Corley said. “I believe that the police should be part of the community and the community should be a part of the police. National Night Out helps us strengthen that partnership. I look forward to seeing you on October 5th and please call us if you have any questions at all.” For more information or to register as a block captain, contact Officer Chandra Means at 325-646-2525 or the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
Community Partners for Progress www.brownwoodbulletin.com • 325-646-2541
Page 8 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / August 2010
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2010-2011
Br
ow Uniq n u & S woo e ou d I ven te irs ms
e Car es & kag Gifts c a P ker a e Sp
Gregg Rice, Chairman 3M Company
Haynes Law Firm. P.C.
Remax
Becky Jones Jones Carpet
Steve Weckwerth Subway
Michelle Thomas Aldersgate Enrichment Center
Dr. Don Bostic Ranger College
Dr. Bill Ellis Howard Payne University
Jan Cate Girl Scouts
Ray Garza TexasBank
Jill Locke Chance Barr
Stuffed Lions • Armadillos & Longhorns
Stan Crawford
THE BROWNWOOD ORNAMENT
Texas Jellies • Pecan Pie Candles
Stephen Haynes, Past Chairman
IS HERE! The Brownwood ornament...a handcrafted, cloisonné collectible, sold out in just a few days after its debut last Thanksgiving. A shipment of only 36 has arrived this week, and we will not have more until November. The ornament depicts icons such as the lake, the Depot, the rodeo, HPU Yellow Jackets, BHS Lions, Cactus and Bluebonnets, and of course the Feels Like Home logo. The ornament sells for $35.00 and comes in a beautiful padded gift box that includes a description of the intricate eight step artistic process. $10.00 of each sale will go towards new Christmas lights for Brownwood. Don’t wait! Come start your Christmas shopping early for those special people to which Brownwood feels like home!
Stop in today for a Texas-Friendly experience! Hours are 8-5 Monday-Thursday and 8-4 Fridays
Individual
Ken Harriss Oncor
The Brownwood Store & Visitors Center
at the Historic Depot
Michael Richardson Farmers Insurance
646-9535 • VisitBrownwood.com
Priscilla Monson West Central Texas Valuation Services
Brownwood Country Club
Eric McNeese Brown County Abstract
CHAMBER STAFF Laura Terhune, Executive Director Sunni Holloway, Tourism Manager Donnette Carmack, Business Manager Ray Tipton, Marketing Manager Missi Malone, Membership Director Martha Faetche, Receptionist; Visitor Center & Brownwood Store Manager
325-643-3545 1 Carnegie • Brownwood
A great place to golf, swim, relax and socialize. Whether it’s making new friends or maybe all you want is a great meal in a beautiful setting then come to the Brownwood Country Club and enjoy some of the finest food and fellowship that a private club has to offer. Call today for information on membership.
325/643-1023
Central Texas Rural Transit District
COUNTIES: Brown Callahan Coleman
Comanche Eastland Erath Nolan
Runnels Shackleford Stephens Rural Taylor
Public Transit: 1-800-710-2277