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
July 8, 2011 Volume 6, Issue 7
Your July 2011 Monthly Chamber Newsletter
Inside This Issue Page 2 • Community Highlight • Play Ball! Page 3 • Headliners • Leadership Brownwood Page 4 • Ribbon Cuttings Page 5 • “My Fair Lady” • New Members Page 6 • National Night Out • Under the Stars Page 7 • Fall Show 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
Luncheon to feature State Representative Jim Keffer The Chamber’s Monthly Luncheon will be Friday, July 29 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—which currently stands at more than $530. James L. “Jim” Keffer was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from District 60 in November of 1996. Representative Keffer continues to serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy Resources. He also serves on the House Calendars Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Redistricting Committee. A legislative leader in past sessions, Representative Keffer has previously served as Chairman of other House committees including: Ways and Means, Economic Development, and the House Select Committee on Property Tax Relief. Jim has received numerous awards including: the Texas Association of Business “Champion of Free Enterprise Award”, the Texas Medical Association’s “Texas Medicine’s Best Legislator Award”, the Texas Industrial Vocational Association’s “Outstanding Leader Award”; the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas “Golden Flame Award”, the Texas Academy of Family Physician’s “Patient Advocacy Award” and he was recognized as a “Star for Rural Texas” by Texas Farm Bureau. Additionally, he was named one of the five best members of the legislature by the news service Gallery Watch. Jim and Leslie Keffer, his wife of 35 years, reside in Eastland, and are the proud parents of three sons who graduated from Eastland public schools. Representative Keffer is a graduate of Texas Tech University, and is President of a family owned and operated iron foundry business with plants in Eastland and Albany. House District 60 encompasses Brown, Eastland, Hood, Palo Pinto, Shackelford and Stephens counties. This month’s luncheon is sponsored by Bob’s Fuels, Inc. Door Prize Sponsors are: American State Bank, Top Cut Lawn Care and PF & E/Food Plaza. The cost of the luncheon is $10 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.
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2011
“Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don’t care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don’t win it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, At the old ball game.”
This month is full of excitement as the Brownwood Girls Softball Association brings 4 tournaments to town! If you have noticed an influx of girls around town this week, it would be because the TTAS High School Eligible State Tournament is in town. The 10U State Championship will be held for the first time in Brownwood with two of our local teams participating. Teams Fire and Ice, and Eruption both represented our community and we will be represented by 2 8U teams, 2 12U teams, and one High School Eligible team. Brownwood is blessed with very talented youth and dedicated adults to coach them. President of the Softball Association, Marcus Sanders, stated “We have a very nice complex here in Brownwood now and we should start having more and more tournaments in the future. I want Brownwood to become a place where everyone wants to come play!” The Association has put in many hours making the fields attractive for these girls and has worked hard to recruit these tournaments. Each tournament will generate overnight stays and have an economic impact for our community. Based on conservative numbers, the estimated economic impact for the month of July will be approximately $750,000. Yes, I did say $750,000! Please make the girls, their coaches and families feel welcome as they visit us. It takes everyone doing their part to make these folks want to come back. Brownwood is a great place to be!
PLAY BALL!!!
New Magazine to Highlight Community & Business The Brownwood & Early Chambers of Commerce have teamed up to offer the area an all new community guide and membership directory. This new high quality magazine will act as an ideal community reference guide with the ability to serve as an informational relocation publication, visitor guide, and business tool. This customized publication will feature a refreshing writing style, coupled with eye-popping design and colorful pictures - grasping the distinct character of the community. In addition to the profile portion, the publication will include a complete Chamber membership directory and/or comprehensive buyer’s guide Alan Feinberg from Village Profile will be in the Brownwood/Early area talking to businesses about the unrivaled advantages about advertising in the community guide and membership directory. The multi-platform advertising bundle goes beyond the traditional print publication to include: a community website and downloadable NewView eBook®, which convert the publication’s editorial, pictures and design elements into a digital format; on-the-go wireless access via various web-enabled devices; and the searchable vpMobile.us® Business Directory Portal, featuring the Chambers’ entire membership directory, available wirelessly, 24/7. Since 1996, the Village Profile® website has seen over 250,000,000 hits from Internet locales around the world and from all manners of users. This considerable traffic will prove beneficial to the entire community. The
vpmobile.us site totaled 8,187,392 hits in 2010. In addition, as of 2010, a user-friendly Smartphone app--accessible via the iPhone
Alan Feinberg from Village Profile talks to Chamber members about the upcoming magazine.
and Android--is made available to the Chambers as an extension of Village Profile’s enhanced connectivity not offered anywhere else in the Chamber publishing industry. All of these elements come together to offer the Brownwood Area and Early Chambers of Commerce, participating advertisers and the community valuable added exposure to a global audience. This leading-edge publishing program is made possible through a partnership between the Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce and Village Profile® - an innovative Chamber publisher. For publication and advertising information, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
Community Partners for Progress
www.brownwoodtx.com • 325-646-2541
July 2011 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
Leadership Brownwood Plans for the Coming Year
Reunion Headliners Announced
The 11th Annual Brownwood Reunion Celebration will be held Sept. 16-18 in Brownwood, TX. During the celebration weekend you can dance under the stars to concerts featuring Eddie Money, Easton Corbin, Jason Wyatt, Group 1 Crew, and Todd Agnew for only $15 for a weekend of concerts. (Advance sales only.) You can also stroll through the craft booths, see an amazing reptile show, enter a BBQ contest, compete in the 5K or 10K run, see a magic show, ride carnival rides, enjoy a car show, and much more. For the most up-to-date information, visit CelebrateBrownwood.com
Support these local Chamber Members Davis-Morris Funeral Home PO Box 356 Brownwood, Texas 76804 325-646-5555
McCoys Building Supply Center Tony Hill 3605 Hwy 377 S Brownwood, Texas 76801 325-643-2658
Leadership Brownwood began in the mid-80’s by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce as a community leadership development program. 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. Spanning nine months from September through May, Leadership Brownwood is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills. The beginning retreat, the first Thursday in September, focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques. Starting in October and ending in May, 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 sessions include facility tours. Plans are well underway for the 2011-12 Leadership program. The first session (to be held on September 1 from 9 AM to 3 PM) will feature a discussion of leadership, examples as well as activities to demonstrate the principles. The invited speakers are: • • •
Former Mayor Bert V Massey, II—History of Brownwood and Community Leadership Putter Jarvis, owner of Landmark Life Insurance Company—Business Leadership Dr. Reece Blincoe, BISD Superintendent—Leadership Development
Tuition is $395 per person and includes transportation to tour sites and nine meals or snacks. Deadline for application is Friday, August 19, 2011 at 4 PM. Tuition must be received by Sept 1. Chamber members who are interested in participating in the Leadership Brownwood program are urged to call Chamber CEO Laura Terhune at 325-646-9535 for more information and registration details.
Bert V Massey, II
Putter Jarvis
Dr. Reece Blincoe
Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2011
Ribbon cuttings
Shear Chaos Boutique Celebrates Membership with Ribbon Cutting The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 15th for the newly opened business, Shear Chaos Boutique. The new business, located in Downtown Brownwood, is described as an upscale consignment shop with a wide range of inventory. They offer name brand clothing and accessories to meet the needs of any style. With new inventory arriving each week, shoppers are guaranteed new, high fashion styles at an affordable price. They are located at 117 N. Fisk or can be reached at (325) 643-3875. Pictured above are Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors with store owner Brenda McCleery at the ribbon cutting.
Central Texas Opportunities Joins the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for their newest member on Thursday, June 2nd, Central Texas Opportunities, Inc. Founded in 1965, Central Texas Opportunities, Inc is a non-profit community action agency that provides Head Start programs in 7 counties and offers utility assistance, job search help, and college classes to eligible customers. For more information about their programs, call 800-622-4167 or visit them online at www.ctoinc.org. Pictured above are Central Texas Opportunities, Inc representatives along with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
New Edition of Business Start-Up Guide 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. A new edition has just been printed that 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 of 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 2011 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
“My Fair Lady” Opens July 14 Tickets Now Available
The Lyric Performing Arts Company will present their summer musical “My Fair Lady” in July. Performances will be held at the Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center at Brownwood High School at the following dates and times:
July 14, 15, 16 at 7:30 July 21, 22, 23 at 7:30
July 16 and 17 at 2:30 July 22 and 24 at 2:30
Tickets for My Fair Lady cost $10 each and are currently for sale at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce office – 600 E. Depot Street. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.BrownwoodLyricTheatre.com. “My Fair Lady” is a musical based upon George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” and with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. The story concerns Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from Professor Henry Higgins, a phoneticist, so she can pass as a proper lady.
Welcome New Members James R. Campbell – The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce welcomes James R. Campbell as one its newest members. James is the former Director for the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, and wishes to continue to be involved in the Brownwood Community.
VillageProfile - The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes VillageProfile as one of its newest members. VillageProfile is the leader in Chamber Publishing and has produced well over 3,700 community publications that have been successfully sponsored, published and delivered to over 1,400 Chambers of Commerce from coast to coast. The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce have joined efforts and have contracted with VillageProfile to produce a joint Membership Directory/Community Guide that will be distributed in January of 2012. Ad sales for this publication have begun and will take place over the next 6 to 8 weeks. If you are interested in
advertising, contact Alan Feinberg at the Brownwood Chamber office, 325-646-9535. Starr Sales – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome back Starr Sales as one of its newest members. Starr Sales first opened in 1983 and in 2010 was bought and now managed by Steve McDorman. Starr Sales offers Industrial grade fasteners, nuts and bolts to businesses and individuals alike. Delivery/House Calls available at no extra charge, give them a call at 325-643-2524 or visit www. starrsales.com for more information.
A Special THANKS 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 Big Brothers Big Sisters Brownwood Apartments I&II Brownwood Art Association Brownwood Country Club Brownwood IOOF Lodge #219 Bruner Auto Group CASA Color Visual Concepts Day Stone Demand Staff Depot Liquor
Diamond P Enterprises Gary Twiford Hampton Inn Harris Broadband Heart of Texas Orthopedics Longhorn Auto Sales On-Target Embroidery and Screen Printing RE/MAX GOLDSTAR Rex Bessent, CPA Salvation Army – Loaves and Fishes Skinny’s, Inc. Spa on the Creek
Sun Loan and Tax Service Superior Essex The Country Store The Section Hand The Turtle Restaurant & Gelateria Trans Texas Tire United Country – Heart of Texas Real Estate WT Harris Company Warren Ranch Western Bank
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2011
upcoming events
Save the Date for National Night Out October 4th October 4, 2011 is National Night Out across Brown County once again. Residents in neighborhoods throughout the area 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 Brown County will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, contests, youth activities, and anticrime rallies. For more information about National Night Out or to register your block party, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas – or at least cooler weather! Believe it or not, the 3rd Annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival is only 5 months away and we are busy making plans!!! Festivities will be moved back to the Depot Complex area this year with new components and activities being added. We will announce new competitions and entertainment on Facebook and in our newsletter as the event date approaches. All I am going to say is you might
CROSS TIMBERS
HEALTH CLINIC
Dr. Garner, D.O. ~ Shanna Perkins, F.N.P. Wednesday Henry-F.N.P ~ Bud Isbell, P.A. Any Insurance Accepted Accept Medicaid and Medicare Sliding Fee Scale • Tuesday Night Late Clinic For appointments, call Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 3804 Hwy 377, Brownwood
(325)643-5167
Get Your Loan With Someone You Trust Loans up to $1,115 !
Sylvia
Se Habla Español 325-643-1211 ®
And Tax Service
511 W. Commerce Brownwood, TX
want to brush up on your dancing skills! If you have a facebook page, “like” Brownwood, Texas to see what’s new and happening. Certainly continue to read our monthly newsletter and check out our Events Calendar on our website www.visitbrownwood.com AND most importantly, make sure to SAVE THE DATE for December 2nd and 3rd for the 3rd Annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival!
Brownwood Country Club 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
AUTO GLASS MAGIC WINDSHIELDS
646-9789 100 North Main • Brownwood
July
9 14-17 15 21 21-24 22 29
2nd Annual Clear Creek Cookoff Brookesmith, Texas The Lyric’s Production of “My Fair Lady” Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center Auditorium Rock the Dock Wild Duck Marina Business After Hours Brown County Farm Bureau The Lyric’s Production of “My Fair Lady” Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center Auditorium On the Road with KTAB Early City Park Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
18 19 27
Business After Hours Spa on the Creek Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club 2nd Annual DJ Allen Memorial Bull Riding Brown County Fair Grounds
August
September
2 Leadership Kick-off Business Showcase 8 Brownwood Coliseum 10 St. John’s Annual Arts and Crafts Fair St. John’s Church Business After Hours 15 Bob’s Fuels 16-18 Brownwood Reunion Celebration Downtown Brownwood 28 Quickbooks Workshop Brownwood Chamber Boardroom First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day Lehnis Railroad Museum
July 2011 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
17th Annual Business Showcase… 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
Filling up FAST!
It’s July and fall is quickly approaching as is the 17th Annual Business Showcase! The Business Showcase, presented by Songbird Lodge, Citizens National Bank, Texas Bank and Subway, will be held on Thursday, September 8th at the Brownwood Coliseum from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. With grand prizes, door prizes, a variety of delicious food, and lots of booth prizes, we’ll have another large crowd, so order now to ensure you have plenty of handouts for your company. Local residents will enjoy the chance to see the variety of products and services available in Brownwood. The
one-day show will also allow businesses the opportunity to meet, showcase and network with other business people. Trade shows are an effective way to reach your target customers. Another successful part of the Showcase is the returning “Taste of Brownwood”, presented this year by Sodexo Campus Services. Restaurant Row will open at 2:00 when our restaurants will serve up samples of their most popular dishes until 4:00. Radio ads are being planned, and the September Chamber Newsletter, produced and distributed by the Brownwood Bulletin,
will be devoted entirely to the Showcase and delivered to all subscribers the Saturday before the event. All exhibitors will be listed with a diagram of the coliseum for attendees to find the booths. The spaces are filling up fast, so get your registration in TODAY! Early-bird registrants will have first choice on booth location. With all the publicity and word-ofmouth this event will be the “place to be” on September 8th! Contact Missi Malone to make your reservation, 646-9535 or by email at membership@brownwoodchamber.org.
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
Join Us! July Business After Hours
Thursday, July 21st 2450 Hwy 377 S. 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hosted by Brown County Farm Bureau Insurance
Page 8 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / July 2011
Dr. Don Bostic, Chairman Ranger College
Steve Weckwerth Subway Dr. Bill Ellis Howard Payne University Brian Kight TSTC Ray Garza TexasBank Chance Barr Individual Ken Harriss Oncor Michael Richardson Farmers Insurance Priscilla Monson West Central Texas Valuation Services Eric McNeese Brown County Abstract Toni Hill McCoy’s Debbie Morelock Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast Josh Stegemoller Stegemoller Realtors
stuffed lions, armadillos, buffalos, longhorns & Eagles
Gregg Rice, Past Chairman 3M Company
Un wnw ique & So ood It e uve nir ms s
Bro
e Car s & age fts k c Pa er Gi ak Spe
the brownwood store Specializes in gifts for: • The Texan who has moved away • The “new Texan” • The visitor to Texas • The wan-a-be Texan
BROWNWOOD Huge selection of t-shirts, caps, dirt shirts, handpainted wine glasses, magnets, mugs, history and reference books, throws, postcards, Monopoly, lions and collectable ornaments & coffees TEXAS books on history, Indians, travel, birding, trails, gardening, cowboys, cookbooks, and children’s books. Dublin Dr Pepper products, wild berry jellies, hot sauce, dips, candles, road kill candles, Texas wildflower books, soaps, lotions and crosses HARVEY HOUSE and Fred Harvey books, t-shirts and memorabilia
Stop in today for a Texas Friendly experience! Hours are 8-5 Monday-Thursday • 8-4 Fridays
The Brownwood Store & Visitors Center
at the historic depot 646-9535 • www.VisitBrownwood.com
Sam Waldrop Waldrop Construction
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
Texas Jellies • horny toads
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2011-2012
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