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
June 13, 2012 Volume 7, Issue 7
Your July 2012 Monthly Chamber Newsletter
Inside This Issue Page 2 • Small Business Development • Writing Workshop Page 3 • Council Finance • Support Small Business Page 4 • Strategic Plan Page 5 • Ribbon Cuttins • Thank You! Page 6 • Industrial Foundation Page 7 • Common Grounds Page 8 • Brownwood Store 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
Shop Local for Back-to-School As the first day of school fast approaches, families will soon be visiting stores to purchase all of the essentials for back-to-school time. The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce want to remind area residents how important shopping at local retailers can be by launching a shop local campaign for backto-school. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance in keeping local dollars local and how it affects public services, local business, jobs and community activities. “Each time you make a local purchase, you support local jobs,” said Laura Terhune, Director for the Brownwood Chamber. “During tougher times like these, spending those dollars at home makes an even greater impact on the local economy.” Terhune said sales tax that is generated by local purchases goes to fund important city departments such as fire, police, parks, library, and senior services. Businesses also support and sponsor local events and activities that make Brown County a great place to live. “We realized that not everything is available in Brown County stores, but we want to encourage local shoppers to look here first before making a trip out of town,” said Early Chamber Director
Wanda Furgason. “Shoppers will often save time and money by shopping locally instead of taking a long trip.” Residents can expect to see and hear local advertising in the coming weeks through a variety of sources to heighten awareness of the importance of shopping locally. Chamber of Commerce officials also released their top reasons to shop local. Why Buying Local Benefits You 1. More money is put into our local economy 2. Jobs are created & saved 3. Local businesses support community activities 4. Better customer service & convenience 5. Tax dollars fund our local fire, police, & parks departments
The 2012 Shop Local campaign is sponsored by Heartland Mall, Wendlee Broadcasting, Mid-Tex Cellular, ServiceMaster Clean, Weakley-Watson True Value Hardware, the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Early Chamber of Commerce. For more information about shopping local or to find a local business, visit BrownwoodChamber.org or EarlyTx.com.
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2012
Small Business Development Center Helping Local Small Business
The TSU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a nationwide system designed to assist small businesses thrive. The SBDC partners with Federal, state, local government, the educational community and the private sector to offer “one-stop services” to both present and prospective business owners. Statistics show a new job is created nationwide by a SBDC client every 9 minutes and a new business opened every 45 minutes. The nationwide SBDC program serves more than one million small businesses a year. The local SBDC office is sponsored by a partnership between Tarleton State University and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The TSU SBDC’s goal is to help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and give them the knowledge and tools to enable them to compete in today’s ever-changing global economy. The TSU SBDC is staffed with qualified professionals that provide confidential one-on-one business counseling. Services are offered at NO CHARGE thanks to the grants from the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA), Tarleton and the State of Texas. “Entrepreneurs have numerous questions and concerns when starting a small business”, says Randy Thomas of the TSU SBDC. “We are able to assist them in a variety of topics related to their particular needs and interests.” The SBDC offers a wide range of services to help persons considering starting or expanding a small business. In addition to
business counseling, developing a business plan and loan advice, the SBDC also offers other services at no charge to existing businesses. For example, a business interested in bidding on Government contracting or import/exporting products can take advantage of the resource partnerships offered through the TSU SBDC. Tarleton SBDC partners with the Business Industry Data Center and National Clearinghouse to provide a range of timely and relevant statistics, demographic, and information to empower the entrepreneur. The Geographic Information System (GIS) software has capabilities for mapping and graphical representation of data. In addition, Dr. Adolfo Benavides, Dean of Tarleton College of Business, allows top business students to gain real world experience by working with the SBDC. By students and the SBDC working together it is able to offer extensive research and feasibility projects for businesses. The Small Business Development Center is celebrating 25 years of assisting small business owners in their 10 county service area. A large part of its success is through its cohesive relationships with Brownwood and Early Chambers or Commerce, the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation and its other partners in Brown County. In Brown County, the SBDC meets with clients at the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce and the Early Economic Development Center. To contact the SBDC for a private counseling session call 817.573.7681 or visit their website at www.tsusbdc.org.
Writing a Successful Business Plan Workshop – August 8th The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce, Early Economic Development Corporation and Tarleton Small Business Development Center will hold a free “Writing a Successful Business Plan Workshop” on August 8th. The one-hour workshop will be presented by Randy Thomas of the Small Business Development Center and will provide the tools for writing a successful business plan. Thomas said “Rather than attempting to teach everything there is to know about business planning in an hour, we’ll take our allotted time to deliver the most important facets of the business planning process , how to create a successful business plan and maximize your funding success, whether starting-up, expanding or needing funding.” An opportunity for networking will begin at 11:30 am and lunch can be purchased during the workshop for $8. The workshop will take place from noon until 1:00 pm in the Chamber Conference Room at the Early Chamber Commerce Building at 104 E Industrial Drive. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Call 325-646-9533 or 325-649-9317 to register.
Randy Thomas of the SBDC conducts a recent workshop on how to start a business.
July 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
Council Finance Offers SBA Commercial Loans Council Finance’s primary financing tool is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 commercial mortgage program. It is designed to give small businesses access to long-term capital. The 504 loan combines conventional financing from a private lender with a fixed-rate loan from SBA for the purpose of financing land, commercial buildings, and long useful life equipment.
LOAN STRUCTURE: The SBA 504 program allows Council Finance to structure a loan package consisting of three funding sources. The borrower’s commercial lender typically provides 50 percent of the total project cost, Council Finance’s SBA loan provides up to 40 percent of the project cost, and the borrower provides a minimum 10% equity injection. The rate is set at the time the loan funds and remains fixed for the life of the loan. LOAN QUALIFICATIONS: A business may qualify to participate in the SBA 504 Program if its
tangible net worth does not exceed $15 million and its net income after taxes is not more than $5 million for the previous 2 years. The loan proceeds must be used for fixed-asset financing that includes the acquisition of land, building, renovation, new construction, and long useful life equipment. The minimum project size is $125,000, and the project must create or retain one job for ADVANTAGES FOR THE BORROWER: every $65,000 borrowed from SBA. • LOW EQUITY INJECTION • FIXED-RATE OF INTEREST Contact Information: • PRESERVATION OF WORKING Daniel Hutson CAPITAL 600 E. Depot St. • FULLY AMORTIZING, LONG Brownwood, Texas 76801 • TERM LOAN (10 OR 20 YEARS) 325-518-4942
Brownwood Area Chamber Supports Small Business
In the uncertain economy, small business owners struggle to find affordable resources and time to sustain and ultimately grow their business. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that is committed to nurturing the success of our members by offering a variety of benefits and services to help insure success. Whether the business is an established small business looking for ways to be more profitable or a new and developing business looking for assistance to get started, the chamber offers programs to meet most business needs. As a member of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, a business becomes a part of an innovative, dynamic organization whose sole purpose is to improve the economy of the Brownwood Area
and thereby improve the quality of life for its citizens. Our membership business community consists of over 500 businesses from small independent businesses to large global corporations, with small businesses making up over 90% of the membership! Small businesses are vital to this community, and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that providing affordable resources and programs for local businesses is key to building a stronger economy and a strong, healthy community. Members of the organization have access to
online resources such as the Hot Deals and Job Listings feature on the chamber’s website. These portals give businesses the opportunity to share specials, coupons and list job openings on the chamber website that receives 45,000 page views each month. Small businesses may also take advantage of the quarterly workshop/seminar series, an educational tool that is free for members offering information on a variety of topics pertaining to business growth, development and overall business success. Another resource available to
local businesses is networking through annual chamber events. Each year, the chamber hosts two business expos, the Spring Business Showcase held in April and the Fall Business Showcase in September. Each expo gives businesses the opportunity to network and gain exposure through one on one communication with thousands of potential clients in one location. These events are an affordable way for small businesses to connect with clients and the community while expanding their bottom line. For more information on how to participate in one of these events or any of the programs offered by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, call Missi Malone Director of Member Services at (325) 646-9535 or email at membership@brownwoodchamber.org.
Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2012
Austin’s Avalanche Consulting Hired to Develop Brownwood EDC Strategic Plan
Avalanche Consultsulting.com ing has been awarded Brownwood a contract with the Economic DevelopBrownwood Ecoment Corporation is the nomic Development City of Brownwood’s Corporation to create official economic dean economic develvelopment entity. It is opment strategy for a non-profit organizathe community. The tion that focuses on job consulting firm kicked creation and economic off the project with growth by providing the Brownwood EDC assistance to current in April 2012, which and prospective businesses. For more inincludes a comprehensive competitive formation please visit: assessment, target inwww.BrownwoodBusiEmily Crawford, Executive dustry evaluation, and ness.com. Director Brownwood Economic Development Corporation strategic plan. The BEDC “We look forward provides a variety of to teaming up with Avalanche Consultassistance to business prospects. Each ing to identify target industry sectors package is customized to fit the needs of and strategies that will increase jobs the prospects, to benefit the community and investment in our community,” said and to enhance the economic well-being Emily Crawford, Executive Director of of the citizens of Brownwood. These the Brownwood EDC. can include: Avalanche Consulting’s principals, • construction or relocation Amy Holloway and Chris Engle, have of utilities • acquiring rights-of-way worked with more than 100 economic and workforce development organiza or easements tions. Since Avalanche’s founding six • job training years ago, the firm’s clients have gen• packaging of proposed tax erated over $3 billion in new capital abatements investment and thousands of jobs for • street improvements residents. • provide maps, demographics Avalanche Consulting is a research and other information and strategy consulting firm specializing • coordination of meetings with in economic and workforce develop key decision-makers ment, strate• special pricing on land in the gic planning, industrial areas target industry • site improvements analysis, work For more information, please conforce demand tact Emily Crawford Executive Director assessments, of the Brownwood Economic Developand marketing plans. For more informa- ment Corporation at 325-646-6751. tion please visit: www.AvalancheCon-
Business Start-Up Guide Available
Need help starting or expanding your business? The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce offers a free Brownwood Business Start-up guide to help potential entrepreneurs navigate through the process. The publication offers information on creating a business plan, financing information, permits & licenses, marketing, location, and many other useful topics. There is also contact information to various organizations that help businesses get started or expand. The booklet was created through a partnership with the Brownwood Marketing Alliance which includes the Brownwood Chamber, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, Brownwood Industrial Foundation, and Downtown Brownwood, Inc. Print copies are available at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce or online at www. BrownwoodBusiness.com.
July 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
Ribbon cutting
Rustics and Rhinestones Joins the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting cer-
emony on Thursday, June 21st to welcome them as new members. Rustics and Rhinestone’s is the area’s newest boutique offering women’s fashions, jewelry and rustic décor. Stop by their location at115 Early Blvd. and see what’s new, Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
US Docks Wild Duck Marina Celebrates Chamber Membership
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the US Docks Wild Duck Marina on Wednesday, June 13th. Opened in summer of 2010, you can find anything and everything you need for a fun day on the lake and a great meal too! They also offer boat slip rentals as well as cabin, house and RV space rentals. If fishing is your passion, Wild Duck offers great fishing at Kirkland Dock’s Crappie House. With a membership you can fish all year! Stop by this summer and enjoy great food and fun at the Wild Duck Marina!
A Special THANK YOU to the following businesses that renewed their Membership in the month of June. We greatly appreciate your continued support of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Community! Abilene Regional Airport Aldersgate Enrichment All Star Awards Brown County Republican Women’s Club Brownwood Apartments I & II Brownwood Art Association Brownwood Gastroenterology Brownwood Medical Associates Brownwood Regional Medical Center Brownwood Specialty Group Brownwood Sportsman Center Bruner Auto Group CASA in the Heart of Texas Clear Fork Roofing Color Visual Concepts Diamond P Enterprise
Demand Staff Eastlawn Memorial Flagship Inn Flour Power Bakery Gary Twiford, Realtor Hampton Inn Harris Insurance Agency Heart of Texas Orthopaedics Hope for Tomorrow Kohler Leland’s Portable Buildings Loadcraft Industries Longhorn Auto Sales McCluskey & Associates Mid-Tex Federal Credit Union Moore Printing
New Ice Age Red Raider Club Center Salvation Army Schwan’s Section Hand Skinny’s Spa on the Creek Sun Loan Top Cut Lawn Care Trans Texas Tire TXU United Country - Heart of Texas Real Estate Wall Moulding & Associates Warren Ranch Western Bank WT Harris Company
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2012
upcoming events
Brownwood Industrial Foundation From Economic Development to Small Business Support
July
14-15 ASA State 3D Archery Shoot Brown County Bow Range 23-27 14U Texas Teenage State Baseball Tournament Sports Complex
August
4 16 17
“Remembering When” Hank Williams Remembered Brownwood Coliseum Business After Hours F&M Bank Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
September
6 Brownwood Business Showcase & Taste of Brownwood Brownwood Coliseum St. John’s Arts & Crafts Fair 8 St. John’s Church 14-16 Brownwood Reunion Celebration Downtown Brownwood 20 Business After Hours Bob’s Fuels 21 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day Lehnis Railroad Museum
The Brownwood Industrial Foundation, Inc. (BIFI) was born as the economic development arm of the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce in the early part of the 20th century. Its members included many of our community’s civic leaders and elected officials of the day. After World War II, these men pooled their personal resources to purchase land from the US Army in order to develop an Industrial Park and recruit business and industry to the area. The Chamber incorporated the committee into the Brownwood Industrial Foundation in 1959. Today, the BIFI continues to help businesses launch or expand in the Brownwood Area. Their two primary services are to provide low interest business loans made through the USDA-Rural Development IRP Program and to sell or lease their available property to businesses that create jobs. The IRP Loan Program: The purpose of the IRP program is to increase economic activity and employment in rural communities. Under the IRP program, loans are provided to the Brownwood Industrial Foundation for the establishment of revolving loan funds. These revolving loan
funds are used to assist with financing business and economic development activity to create or retain jobs in rural communities. The Brownwood Industrial Foundation works in partnership with other public and private organizations that provide complimentary resources. The following entities may apply for loans from the IRP program provided they owe no delinquent debt to the Federal Government: • U. S. citizens or individuals who have been legally admitted to the U.S. • Those located in a rural area defined as an area with a population of 25,000 or less • An entity that is able to incur debt, give security, and repay the loan • A corporation, partnership, LLC, individual, non-profit corporation, public body. IRP funding may be used for a number of purposes but to be eligible, ultimate recipients must be located in a rural area. Under the IRP, a rural area is any area that is not inside a city with a population of 25,000 or more according to the latest decennial census. Some
examples of eligible projects are: • The acquisition, construction, conversion, enlargement, or repair of a business or business facility, particularly when jobs will be created or retained. • The purchase or development of land (easements, rights of way, buildings, facilities, leases, materials) • To purchase equipment, leasehold improvements, machinery, supplies • Start up costs and working capital • Pollution control and abatement • Transportation Services • Feasibility studies • Hotels, motels, B&Bs, convention centers The Brownwood Industrial Foundation has a long history of helping bring both large and small industries to Brownwood. Through the Brownwood Marketing Alliance, the Industrial Foundation partners with several other business organizations to help make Brownwood a business friendly community. For more information, please contact Chamber CEO Laura Terhune, the BIFI Administrator at 325-646-9535.
July 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
Brownwood Brews Up Small Business Start-Ups By Nora Hartfeil KTAB News
With national unemployment rates peaking and unfavorable economic conditions, the last thing many would think about is starting a business. But for the community of Brownwood, these obstacles don’t seem to faze them. The Chamber of Commerce holds regular small business workshops, usually with a packed audience. Randy Thomas, of the Small Business Development Center, calls Brownwood a “business friendly market”. “I think right now is a real advantageous time to start a business in this market, especially in the Brownwood and Brown
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doval, Common Grounds owner. Advice for those looking to go into business? “Do it while you’re still young, cause you don’t want to get too old and regret it and say ‘Well, I should have done it, what if’”, Sandoval tells us.
The Small Business Administration says that the top reason for business start-up failure is due to lack of planning. Companies like Common Grounds are living proof that new businesses can thrive, even in the current state of the economy.
September 6th ...........Business Showcase and Taste of Brownwood 11th ..........Leadership Brownwood 14th-16th ..Brownwood Reunion Celebration October 2nd.............National Night Out December 6th..............Lighted Christmas Parade 7th-8th........Christmas Under the Stars Festival
Brownwood BrownwoodCountry CountryClub Club AUTO AUTO Support these local Chamber Members AAgreat greatplace placetotogolf, golf,swim, swim,relax relax
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and andsocialize. socialize.Whether Whetherit’s it’smaking making new newfriends friendsorormaybe maybeallallyou you want wantisisa agreat greatmeal mealinina abeautiful beautiful setting settingthen thencome cometotothe the Brownwood BrownwoodCountry CountryClub Cluband and enjoy enjoysome someofofthe thefinest finestfood foodand and fellowship fellowshipthat thata aprivate privateclub club has hastotooffer. offer.Call Calltoday todayforfor information informationononmembership. membership.
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
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 / July 2012
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2012-2013
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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
Come see over 600 Texas items & our NEW Texas puzzles!!
Above: $16.50 “Welcome to Texas” Right: $12.95 “Austin Streamline Puzzle”
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
Stuffed Lions, Armadillos, Buffaloes, Longhorns & Eagles
Eric McNeese, Chairman Brown County Abstract
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