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
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 225 Brownwood, TX 78601
June 11, 2010 Volume 5, Issue 6
Your June 2010 Monthly Chamber Newsletter I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE PAGE 2 • Chamber Luncheon • Juneteenth PAGE 3 • SHRM • Coming Soon! PAGE 4 • Leadership Brownwood • Law Enforcement • Ribbon Cuttings PAGE 5 • New Members PAGE 6 • Texas Rising PAGE 7 • Rod Run Success PAGE 8 • Business Showcase
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.
Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center Opens in July The long anticipated Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center is almost ready for use and should be open sometime in July. A little over 20 months ago, citizens of Brownwood voted and approved a referendum to use $6 million in funding through the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation to bring a new sports complex, swimming pool, and provide a new home for the Senior Citizens Center. $2 million of the original referendum went to fund the aquatic center project while a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department of $500,000 was split between this project and the new sports complex. The construction of the pool is being overseen by Sunbelt Pool while the bath house is being
constructed by Fain Construction. This facility will feature many great attractions that will appeal to a wide range of users. A water slide and tower will be the centerpiece of the aquatic center with a 4-lane lap area & diving well on one side and a current channel on the other. Other great features of the facility include a smaller tot slide, zero entry wading area, leisure pool, interactive water geysers, and much more. An array of vibrant and fun colors has been selected for the center and equipment. City of Brownwood Parks & Recreation Director David Withers said that they plan on keeping the admission price the same as the old pool. The capacity of the new pool will be
approximately 400 people. The current plan is to close the old Camp Bowie pool once the new center is open and eventually do away with the old facility all together. The Wiggins Pool on Victoria Street will remain open. Fees for the new aquatic center will be close to the same prices as those of the old pool. General admission will be $2 for 12 & under; $3 for 13 & over. Season passes for 12 swims will be $20 for 12 & under and $30 for 13 & over. Rental of the pavilion will be $35 for 2 hrs, which includes 3 tables and free admission for 1 chaperon. Rental of pool after hours will be $250 (6:30-8:30 with a $100 deposit and $125/each extra hour with 8 lifeguards required).
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / June 2010
Luncheon to feature Texas Parks & Wildlife The Chamber’s Monthly Luncheon will be Friday, June 18 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 Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). A native of Austin, Smith developed his passion for wildlife and the out of doors at a young age while roaming his family’s farm and ranch land interests in Gonzales, Williamson, and Edwards Counties. He has a
wildlife management degree from Texas Tech and a master’s degree in conservation biology from Yale University. He began his professional career in 1992 as a management intern at TPWD, assisting in the Private Lands and Public Hunting programs. As a biologist, he has worked on a variety of research projects ranging from studying moose in the boreal forests of Saskatchewan to pronghorn antelope in far west Texas.
He serves on a number of conservation-related boards of directors and advisory councils and was recently named an outstanding alumnus by Texas Tech and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Prior to his selection as TPWD executive director, Smith was with The Nature Conservancy of Texas, serving as state director, where he led a team that protected nearly 250,000 acres while he was director.
At Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, he is responsible for overseeing an agency of 3,100 professionals in 11 different divisions, including Wildlife, Law Enforcement, State Parks, Coastal Fisheries, and Inland Fisheries. Carter and his wife, Stacy, reside in Austin. 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.
Br
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e Car es & kag Gifts c a P r ake e p S
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• The Texan who has moved away • The “new Texan” • The visitor to Texas • The wan-a-be Texan Brownwood Friends frames, t-shirts, caps, dirt shirts, wine glasses, magnets, mugs, history and reference books, throws, postcards, monopoly, lions, and our NEW collectable ornament Texas books on travel, birding, trails, gardening, cowboys, cookbooks, and children’s books, Dublin Dr. Pepper products, wild berry jellies, hot sauce, dips, and candies, road kill candles, Texas wildflower books, soaps, and lotions. Harvey House and Fred Harvey books, t-shirts, and memorabilia
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Brownwood Juneteeth Celebration Coming June 18 & 19 Brownwood’s annual Juneteenth celebration will take place June 18th & 19th and will feature some great entertainment and new attractions. In addition to the annual Juneteenth Idol competition, the event will have the added attraction of the Thrills of America Carnival. The carnival will be set up on both days of the event at Cecil Holman Park. Thrills of America will offer an array of games, activities, rides, and treats. Some great entertainment is also lined up including soul singer Johnny Ray
Kimbrough, “SLICK” the DJ in the park, and Sweet Pea Comedy Hour with Anita Hendricks. Also don’t miss the kiddie korner, Juneteenth parade, car & motorcycle show, and much more. Check out all of the fun and excitement on June 18th & 19th at Cecil Holman Park at 1100 Hall Street and the Bennie Houston Community Center at 505 Cordell For more information and a complete schedule of events, see:
www.BrownwoodJuneteenth.com
June 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
AND THE WINNER IS… The Mid-Tex HRMA recently held a raffle for a mini netbook. 60 tickets were sold making chances of winning very good. We are happy to announce that the winner of the netbook was Mr. Brian Kight with TSTC. Shown in photo are Donnette Carmack and Ann Johnson presenting the prize to Brian Kight. Each affiliate chapter of SHRM is required to meet certain goals and initiatives in order to obtain different membership levels. The raffle was a fund raiser as part of one of the initiatives for the Mid-Tex HRMA chapter.
ea Brownwood Ar merce Chamber of Com
Coming Soon! 2010-2011 Chamber Membership Directory
ectory & Membership Dir e 2010-11 Community Guid
SUPPORT THESE LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERS. Davis Morris Funeral Home
McCoys Building Supply Center
PO Box 356 Brownwood, Texas 76804 325-646-5555
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Exciting News for Local SHRM Chapter Mid-Tex HRMA qualifies for Full Conference Registration to HRSouthwest Our thanks go to Donna Roueche, member of Mid-Tex HRMA, for serving as Ambassador for our Chapter. Her work allowed MTHRMA Chapter to receive a Complimentary Full Conference Registration to the HRSouthwest Conference held on October 10-13, 2010 in Ft. Worth, Texas. The HRSouthwest Conference is the largest regional human resources conference in the United States. The Conference offers world-renowned keynote speakers, over 100 concurrent educational sessions including three Mega Sessions, networking opportunities and exposure to the newest HR products, techniques and services. The HRSouthwest Conference is THE Conference that meets and exceeds your HR education needs! For more details, visit their website at hrsouthwest.com. The regular pricing and value of this complimentary registration varies from $735.00 for SHRM Affiliated Chapter members to $1145.00 for Non-Member pricing on-site. A drawing will be held for the complimentary registration at our July Chapter meeting. To qualify for putting your business card into the drawing, do one of the following: Be a current member of MTHRMA Chapter and bring a visitor who signs up to become a new member and pays dues prior to the drawing at the July meeting. (Member may register multiple times for multiple new members.) Sign up as a new member of MTHRMA Chapter with paid dues by the July meeting. Membership dues for the first member of each company are $25.00, additional members from same company pay only $15.00. Student membership dues are $15.00. (Complimentary Conference Registration does not include travel or hotel accommodations.) All employers and or their human resources department are encouraged to attend MTHRMA monthly meetings. This is a great way to network and stay abreast the ever changing hr laws including health care, workers comp, FMLA, COBRA, along with many other important topics. For additional information, please visit our website at www.mthrma.org or you may contact Ann Johnson at 325646-3598 ext. 749 or Donnette Carmack at 325-646-9535.
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Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / June 2010
2010 Leadership Brownwood Graduating Class
LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, May 21st. The Chamber wants to thank all of the area law enforcement agencies who work hard to protect the citizens of Brown County. Thanks to the Brownwood Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, Lake Patrol, TSTC Police, Texas Department of
Public Safety, Probation officers, and the area judges who help protect our community. Thanks to our sponsors and local businesses supporting the event and buying lunch for the officers and judges at the event. Our law enforcement officers appreciate the support. The sponsors included: Heartland Mall, Home Depot, Re/Max Goldstar, Redstone Park, WT Harris Company, and Brownwood Apts.
The 2010 graduating class of Leadership Brownwood was recognized May 21 at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. Each graduate received a certificate of completion for participating in the program this past year. Leadership Brownwood is a program administered by the Chamber that educates local citizens to enable them to become better lead-
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Brown County Republican Women on Friday, May 14th during the club’s monthly luncheon at the Brownwood Country Club. The Brown County Republican Women's Club was organized in 1984 to foster and encourage loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its principles and candidates. In addition, the Club works to increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active participation. Meetings for the Brown County Republican Women are held the second Friday of every month at the Brownwood Country Club at 11:30am. For more information about joining, contact President Kristin Bain at (325) 642-7801.
ers in the community. It exposes the participants to the inner workings of local city and county government, law enforcement, community and economic development, and local business. Pictured above are the graduates from left to right: Hank Hunter, HWH Janitorial Inc.; Tim Espinoza, TexasBank; Laura Wise, Center for Life Resources; Lorie Greenrock,
TSTC; Andrew Castanuela, Center for Life Resources; Rhoda Hewitt, Citizens National Bank; Gina Jameson, Family Services Center; Don Bostic, Ranger College; Raquel Rios, TSTC; Steve Weckwerth, Subway; and Kyndall Ross, Center for Life Resources. Not pictured were Emily Frey, Sharon Hannah, Gary Iafrate, and Mark Young
R&S Industries, one of the Brownwood Area Chamber’s new members, celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 1st. R&S Industries is owned and operated by Van Stanford and Keith Ringler and have become a leading manufacturer of concrete batch plants and other specialty construction equipment. They also provide the parts and accessories for new and older plants. The small plant, with only 60 employees, provides equipment for construction projects locally, within the State of Texas, the United States and across the world. For more information about the products offered by R&S Industries contact them at 325-646-7581 or visit their website, www.randisinc.com.
June 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
NEW MEMBERS: R&S Industries – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome R&S Industries. R&S Industries is a manufacturer of concrete batch plants and other specialty construction equipment. They offer parts and accessories for new and older plants and with Industry leading technology and development, R & S Industries, Inc. mixes new technology with the success of history. For more information visit the plant located at 100 Ross Drive in Early, give them a call at 325-6467581 or visit their website at www.randsinc.com. Guardian EMS – Guardian EMS was established in 2000 and is a fully licensed Emergency Medical Services Provider in the State of Texas that operates as a division of Powell Professional Services, LLC. Guardian EMS has continually experienced growth since its inception and currently has over three hundred employees. They operate a fleet of seventy eight ambulances in nineteen different counties responding to over 50,000 requests for service annually. The company’s primary business goal is to focus on providing Emergency Medical Services to Rural Communities across the State of Texas. For more information contact the local Guardian EMS office at 325643-4841 or visit the website at www.guardian-ems.com. Sparks Insurance Agency– The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Kris Sparks and Sparks Insurance as one of its newest members. Kris has provided this area with quality, affordable insurance services since
Nathana’s is located in beautiful Downtown Brownwood and offers tanning in beds as well as the spray on tan, and a full service hair and nail salon. They also carry the widely popular Reef and Yellow Box brand sandals as well as a variety of lotion and hair products. Nathana’s is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Courtyard Antiques – Courtyard Antiques Stop by their location at 106 S. Broadway, is owned and operated by Paula Stephens visit their website www.nathanas.com or and carries the finest antiques and col- call 325-641-2145 for more information. lectibles in the Brownwood area. Paula has many years experience dealing in antiques McDonald’s – McDonald’s has offered the and will buy and sell only true antiques to Brownwood area great food and family fun ensure the highest quality for her cus- for over 30 years and are now receiving a tomers. Stop by today at the new location new look! McDonald’s will host a Grand 304 W. Commerce or call Paula at 325- Opening Celebration to show off the new restaurant on Thursday, June 17th from 643-3203 for more information. 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 204 E. Commerce Tom Jones Tire and Alignment — Street, so be sure to stop by and see Previously Kennedy Tire, Tom Jones Tire McDonald’s new look! They are open and Alignment is now owned and operated Sunday through Thursdays 5:00 AM to by its namesake, Tom Jones. Tom has over 12:00 AM and Friday and Saturdays 5:00 20 years experience in the sales and service AM to 1:00 AM. For more information of tires and vehicles. Tom Jones Tire and contact Eric Wilson at (325) 944-3135. Alignment is open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday’s 7:30 Office Furniture Specialist – The AM to 12:00 Noon in order to meet all your Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce tire and auto servicing needs. For more would like to welcome its newest member information stop by 415 Early Blvd in Office Furniture Specialist and owner/operEarly or give Tom a call at 325-641-0535. ator Jack Smith! Jack has over 50 years experience in the office supply industry and Nathana’s Tanning and Hair Studio – continues to work today to provide the The Brownwood Area Chamber of highest quality office furniture at the most Office Furniture Commerce would like to welcome new affordable price! member Nathana’s Tanning and Hair Specialist serves the Brownwood area and Studio! Nathana’s has been in operation everyone within a 50 mile radius. For more since 1990 and was purchased by Bill and information contact Jack Smith today at Tonya Lindeman in March of 2008. 325-641-2345. 2008. Sparks Insurance Agency can provide coverage for your home, automobile, motorcycle, farm or ranch, as well as weekend home insurance. Kris is available to meet all your insurance needs Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Give Kris a call today at 325-6412600 or stop by 414 Early Blvd. in Early.
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / June 2010
Brownwood Recognized in State Publication UPCOMING Brownwood is the focus of a feature cover story in a publication produced by the Texas State Comptroller's office. The May/June issue of Texas Rising features Brownwood’s manufacturing based industries as an example of how some areas of the Texas economy remain strong. This newsletter style publication is produced bi-monthly by the Comptroller’s office and is one way that the office communicates with taxpayers. The publication is available online and in print form. The article states in part: Away from the bright glow of metro lights, Brownwood’s manufacturers keep rolling out products for sale around the world. Despite a weakened economy, there’s no slowing down in this northern Hill Country community of 20,000 situated about 130 miles southwest of Fort Worth. “Our manufacturers here have done very well during this economic downturn,” says James Campbell, executive director of the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Visit www.TexasAhead.org/ for the complete article.
EVENTS June 10-12 Brown County Rodeo, Earl Q. Wilson Arena 12 Brown County Rodeo Parade & Dance, Brownwood Coliseum 11-13 American Ex POW’s of WWII Conference, LaQuinta Inn & Suites/Depot 18 Chamber Monthly Luncheon, Brownwood Country Club 18-19 Juneteenth Celebration, Bennie Houston Center/ Cecil Holman Park 19 Event @ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brown County 23-27 Texas Cushman’s Association, Brownwood Coliseum 24-27 Lyric Performing Arts Company presents “Harvey,” Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center 26 Old Tyme Country Fair & Stick Horse Rodeo, Riverside Park
July 4
Fireworks Display Lake Brownwood 15-18 Community Musical “Annie,” Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center 16 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club 19-23 Family Camp, Lake Brownwood 19-23 Bits, Bytes and Bots Camp, Texas 4H Center 22-25 Community Musical “Annie,” Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center
August 14 20 28
Learn to Love for Life, Family Services Center Chamber Monthly Luncheon, Brownwood Country Club Cow Pasture Xtreme Golf & Sporting Clays, Wilson Ranches
First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day at the Lehnis Railroad Museum
June 2010 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
HEARTLAND ROD RUN A BIG SUCCESS Over 300 vehicles were on display in the annual Heartland Rod Run at Riverside Park on Saturday June 5th bringing out a large crowd of car enthusiasts and people just looking for some fun. The event, hosted by local car club the Heartland Cruisers, featured a line-up of fun events to go along with the show including a panty dash, a burnout contest, a car cruise, and several other kid and adult games. The burnout contest drew an especially large crowd attracted to the loud engines and burnout smoke. The Heartland Cruisers gave out numerous awards for the most popular cars, trucks, and tractors along with the best cars in the show by category. This year’s overall Best of Show trophy went to Ronnie Anderson of Albany for this 1957 Chevy Nomad. The event brought in many participants and spectators from around the state giving a great weekend boost to the local economy. Special thanks go to the Heartland Cruisers and their sponsors for coordinating and hosting such a great event.
Community Partners for Progress www.brownwoodbulletin.com • 325-646-2541
Page 8 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / June 2010
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2010-2011 Gregg Rice, Chairman 3M Company
Stephen Haynes, Past Chairman
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Haynes Law Firm. P.C.
Stan Crawford Remax
Becky Jones Jones Carpet
Steve Weckwerth Subway
Michelle Thomas Aldersgate Enrichment Center
Dr. Don Bostic Ranger College
Steven McCrane Centex Billing & Professional Services
Dr. Bill Ellis Howard Payne University
Jan Cate Girl Scouts
Ray Garza TexasBank
Jill Locke Cross Country Health Care
Chance Barr Individual
Ken Harriss Oncor
Michael Richardson
Summer has just begun, but the Chamber is looking forward to fall! The date has been set for the 16th Annual Business Showcase and this October will mark the return of the Chamber Cook-Off. In September, the Brownwood Chamber will host the 16th Annual Business Showcase at the Brownwood Coliseum. The theme of the show is “Your Road to Success” and will open at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 9th. This exhibitor style show offers visitors the
opportunity to network with over 70 local businesses. There will be chances throughout the day to win grand door prizes, booth prizes and sample tasty recipes from local restaurants at “The Taste of Brownwood” until 6:00 PM that evening. Vendors should register soon to ensure a prime location at this sell out show! Early registration ends August 25th, but spaces are filling up fast! But, don’t stop there….go ahead and reserve your spot for the return of
the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce Member Cook-Off! Fire up your grill or cooker, dig out those secret BBQ, side dish and dessert recipes and get ready for some food, fun and fellowship! On Tuesday, October 5th the Brownwood Chamber will host Chamber Members in the Depot Plaza for an all day Cook-Off. Participants may enter in one or all five categories that include brisket, other meat, side dish, beans and desserts to be judged at the end of the day. Winners in each category will be awarded plaque and the overall winner will not only take home bragging rights but infamous traveling trophy to display at their business! This event is a fun, relaxed networking opportunity for Chamber members. Participants are encouraged to come up with fun themes for their spaces and will be judged and awarded for creativity. At the end of the day, the cook-off will be open to the public with live entertainment for adults and children alike! Don’t miss out on either one of these fun-filled events! Contact Missi Malone, Director of Member Services by phone at 325-646-9535 or by email at membership@brownwoodchamber.org for more information.
Farmers Insurance
Brownwood Country Club
Priscilla Monson West Central Texas Valuation Services
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
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Runnels Shackleford Stephens Rural Taylor
Public Transit: 1-800-710-2277