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
March 9, 2012 Volume 7, Issue 3
Your March` 2012 Monthly Chamber Newsletter
InsIde ThIs Issue Page 2 • Chamber Banquet • Chamber Board Page 3 • Total Resource Campaign • Wild Flowers Page 4 • New Members Page 5 • NeW Downtown • Ribbon Cutting Page 6 • Spring Business Showcase Page 7 • Spring Business Showcase 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
Chamber Hosts State Senator Troy Fraser Sponsored by Bruner Auto Group
The Chamber’s Monthly Luncheon will be Friday, March 16 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 the “Aces Wild” Cash Drawing— which features a guaranteed winner each month. The featured speaker will be State Senator Troy Fraser. He will present a legislative briefing to the Chamber members and guests. Troy Fraser was elected in 1996 to serve Senate District 24, a 21-county region that includes the cities of Abilene, Brownwood, Belton, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Marble Falls and Temple. It also contains two major military installations, Fort Hood near Killeen, and Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. Senator Fraser serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. He also sits on the following standing Senate committees: Economic Development, State Affairs, Nominations, and International Relations &
of the state. Prior to his election to the Texas Senate in 1996, Senator Fraser served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, from 1988 to 1992. He is a longtime business, civic and Republican Party leader. He has served as a chamber of commerce president and as Chairman of Trade. the Economic Development Since his election in Council. He has also been a 1996, Senator Fraser has Little League coach, Rotary been consistently ranked president, and was chosen by leading organizations as Lions Club Man of the Year. one of the most conservative Born in Abilene, Fraser was members of the Texas Senraised in the small West Texas ate for his voting record on town of Coahoma. He atfiscal and social issues. For tended Angelo State Universihis pro-business, pro-Texas voting record during the 2007 ty and the University of Texas at Arlington. He and his wife legislative session, he was Linda have three children and named a “Champion of Free four grandchildren. Enterprise” by the Texas As The Presenting Sponsor of sociation of Business. Elected by his fellow Sena- this luncheon is Bruner Auto Group and the door prize tors, Senator Fraser served sponsor is Spa on the Creek. as President Pro Tem of the Texas Senate from June 2009 The cost of the luncheon is to January 2011. As President $12 per person to be paid at Pro-Tempore, Fraser was third the door. Anyone interested in line for the Governor’s seat in attending the luncheon is and was given the responsibil- urged to RSVP to the Chamity to serve in that capacity in ber by calling 325-646-9535. the event that Governor Rick You can also register online on the Chamber’s website: Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst were out www.brownwoodchamber.org.
Page 2 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / March 2012
Building Partnerships for a better Community Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 219 Early Blvd. Early, TX 76802 (325) 646-8023 Accu Screen 2201 Coggin Avenue Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 646-7828 www.accuscreen.net Blaylock Funeral Home 1914 Indian Creek Road Brownwood, TX 769801 (325) 203-4027 Brownwood Bulletin 700 Carnegie Brownwood (325) 646-2541
www.brownwoodtx.com www.brownwoodbulletin.com
Camelot Apartments 2001 Slayden Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 643-4591 Depot Liquor 1001 Vine Brownwood, TX 76801 646-3500 Southside Village 2801 4th St. Brownwood, TX 76801 (325) 646-1749 www.southsidevillage.net
Annual Chamber Banquet Every member of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraged to attend the Annual Banquet on Tuesday, April 10.
According to Chamber CEO Laura Terhune, “The Outgoing Chairman of the Board (Dr. Don Bostic) and I want every Chamber member
Annual Banquet sponsorships are currently being sold through the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign. As of this date, the Gold Sponsor of the 2012 Annual Banquet is Citizens National Bank and VIP Corporate Sponsors include: • Big Country Ford Lincoln Mercury • Bruner Auto Group • Davis-Morris Funeral Home • Haynes Law Firm • Oncor • Wendlee Broadcasting • Brownwood Regional Medical Center • Stanley Dodge/Brownwood • Ranger College • TexasBank • Brownwood Industrial Foundation • Loadcraft Industries • Texas State Technical College West Texas • Brown County Broadcasting, KBWD/KOXE • Mills County State Bank • Howard Payne University • Brownwood Economic Development Corporation • Brownwood ISD • City of Brownwood • Painter & Johnson Financial • Aldersgate Enrichment Center • Center For Life Resources
to attend the annual celebration at the Coliseum.” Terhune continued, “The Banquet will be very similar to last year’s successful
event: a Reception at 6:30 followed by the Banquet at 7:00 and concluding with Awards Presentations which will begin around 7:30.”
AWARD SPONSORS: • Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor Jones Carpets • Medium Business of the Year Award Sponsor – Ag-Mart/Nelson Wholesale • Large Business of the Year Award Sponsor – TexasBank • Ambassador of the Year Award Sponsor Kyle Kirkland, DDS • Man of the Year Award Sponsor – BrownwoodNews.com • Woman of the Year Award Sponsor Auto Glass Magic • Groner Pitts Award Sponsor Dr. Robert Goodwin • Good Neighbor: Jennifer Newton Broker Associate Coldwell Banker – Realtor • Good Neighbor: Insurance Specialist • Good Neighbor: Brownwood Reunion Celebration • Good Neighbor: West Central Wireless
For more information about sponsoring the Annual Banquet or to reserve a corporate VIP table for eight, see a Team Member of the Total Resource Campaign. Individual ticket prices will be $34 per person and can be purchased at the Chamber starting March 12.
Chamber Announces New Board Members Chair-Elect Eric McNeese and the current board members of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the election of the following members to serve a three year term on the Board of Directors, starting April 1: Chip Camp (Brownwood Regional Medical Center) Aaron Diaz (Staples) Jill Evans (Family Services Center) David Robnett (Robnett Integra Insurance Services) Richard Russells (Wal-Mart) McNeese stated, “We are very excited to welcome
these individuals to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.” He continued, “From major employers to trusted service providers, they represent our membership as well as our community—and will bring valuable perspective to the decision-making that happens at the board level.” The Chamber Board of Directors currently meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 4 PM and chamber members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the Chamber CEO, Laura Terhune at 325-646-9535
March 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 3
Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign Continues
Pictured are several TRC top producers including Ray Garza (TexasBank), Priscilla Monson (West/Central Texas Valuation Services) and Bryce Harris (WT Harris Co.)
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is at the halfway point and still offering plenty of sponsorship opportunities to benefit local businesses. During the TRC, volunteers, working in teams, sell sponsorship opportunities to local businesses for events and promotions offered through the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers selling these sponsorships can earn cash and other prizes including a trip to New
Orleans. The TRC is designed to give Chamber members an array of opportunities to become more involved with the organization through greater public awareness of Chamber programs, projects, and events. The TRC only has a few weeks left for those interested in purchasing sponsorships for Chamber projects and activities. For more information about the campaign, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
Spring 2012 Wildflower Season Benefits from Recent Rains Timely rains last fall and this winter have benefited early spring
wildflowers, which will likely put on a good show in much of
Texas despite last year’s drought, according to the senior botanist at
The University of Texas at Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
Center. “The seeds left behind by annual wildflowers such as bluebonnets don’t care if it’s the worst drought in recorded history, as long as they get bouts of rain at the right time for germination and growth,” said Damon Waitt, who also is the center’s senior director. The bumper crop of wildflowers in 2010 also helped add to the seed stockpile in Texas soils that can be revived by recent rains. Rain showers should provide decent viewings in regions of North, Central and East Texas. However, it is possible that the Panhandle, South and West Texas won’t fare as well.
The outlook may not be great for many tree species, such as Mexican plum and Texas redbud in Central Texas, though. “Trees had such a tough year in 2011. They may not have the energy resources to put on a significant flowering display this year,” Waitt said, adding that perennial wildflowers may share that predicament. For public sightings, go to: http://lnstar.com/ wildflowers/index.html or contact the Texas Department of Transportation at 1-800-452-9292. The public is encouraged to post wildflower photos on the Brownwood, Texas Facebook Page as well.
Page 4 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / March 2012
Welcome New Members Stephen Young – Coldwell Banker/ Mark Campbell & Associates – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome one of the newest realtors in the area as a new member. Contact Stephen for all of your real estate needs 325-647-2418.
Black Plumbing – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Black Plumbing as a one of its new members! Black Plumbing is a family owned and operated business located right here in the Big Country for more than 18 years. Darrin and his staff can handle all of your plumbing needs from Cen-Tex Soccer Association – large to small with top quality customer The Brownwood Area Chamber of service. They specialize in locating and Commerce is excited to welcome repairing slab leaks, as well as leak Cen-Tex Soccer Association as detection and video inspection. Black one of its newest members! This Plumbing is a full service company association specializes in offering eager to meet all of your plumbing quality recreational soccer programs for needs. For more information visit www. children in Central Texas. Contact Mike blackplumbing.com or give them a call Smith at (325) 998-0296 or visit their at (325) 675-8391 24 hours a day/7 days website; http://centexsoccer.org for more a week! information. Main Street Car Wash – The Fitness Evolution – The Brownwood Brownwood Area Chamber of Area Chamber of Commerce is Commerce is pleased to welcome back excited to welcome Fitness Evolution! Main Street Car Wash! Established Established in 2009, Fitness Evolution in 1997, Main Street Car Wash offers offers various levels of training boot quality car wash and detail of vehicles camps and fitness classes that include; as well as gift items and greeting cards. Les Mills Body Combat, Body Pump, Stop by today at 410 N. Main and ask TurboKick, Yoga, Zumba, Spin, Jaci and her staff how they can make StrikeF.I.T, and Evolution F.I.T. The your vehicle look like new! For more EvolutionF.I.T. Training center is located information call (325) 643-5001. at Fitness Evolution and is resultsdriven and tailored to challenge superior Lee Health Care – The Brownwood athletes and help those on the road to Area Chamber of Commerce is excited recovery using vintage dumbbells and to welcome its newest member, Lee barbells as the foundation of improving HealthCare! Lee HealthCare offers your lifestyle. Minerva and her staff personalized home care, a large selection provide nutritional advice to all members of home medical supplies and equipment as well as professional guidance in as well as respiratory products. For building strength, gaining flexibility more information visit their website – and improving performance. For more www.leehealthcare.com or call (325) information visit the gym located at 210 646-7670 today! W. Anderson or call Minerva at (325) 513-6040.
A Special THANK YOU to the following businesses that renewed their Membership in the month of February. We greatly appreciate your continued support of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Community. 377 Villas of Brownwood Apartments Apollo Computers Bill Blagg Brown County Animal Clinic Burl Lowery, CPA Camelot Apartments Carnes Camp Central Texas Communications Concho Valley Foundation Repair DanHil Containers Dr. McLean, DDS Dr. Robert Goodwin, DDS Dr. Robert Johnson, DDS Dr. Stephen Kelly Ehrke Chiropractic English Business Forms F&M Bank Flowers by Phyllis Haynes Law Firm Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers Heartland Funeral Home Hoffpauier Outdoor Superstore Hope for Tomorrow Insurance Specialist Joel Kelton Julia Taylor, CPA Keg 1 O’Neal KTXS Line-X Bed Liners Market Place Apartments McCoy’s Mid-Tex Cellular Mid-Tex Human Resource Prima Pasta Roberson Rent-All Southwest Appliance Staples Steven Beal Stewart Street Storage Tarleton State University – Small Business Development Taylors Mini Mall Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Texas State Technical College Tilson Homes Tootie Kelly Real Estate Union Presbyterian Church Waldrop Construction Wal-Mart
March 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 5
New Welcome Banners for Downtown Brownwood New welcome banners are on their way to Downtown Brownwood soon thanks to the efforts of Downtown Brownwood, Inc. and the Brownwood Convention and Visitors Bureau. The banners, which feature the Brownwood Feels Like Home logo, will replace older fading banners on the light poles along Center Street. The new banners will be a part of an effort to brighten up Downtown Brownwood and make residents and visitors feel welcome to the area.
Ribbon cutting
Joins the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, February 15th for their newest member Fitness Evolution. Established in 2009, Fitness Evolution offers various levels of training boot camps and fitness classes that include; Les Mills Body Combat, Body Pump, TurboKick,Yoga, Zumba, StrikeF.I.T, Evolution F.I.T and Spin. Minerva and her staff provide nutritional advice to all members as well as professional guidance in building strength, gaining flexibility and improving performance. Visit their location in Downtown Brownwood at 210 W. Anderson or call Minerva at 325-513-6040 for more information about their classes and programs.
Page 6 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / March 2012
upCoMiNg eveNTS March
Ribbon Cutting: Common Grounds Coffeehouse & Deli 16 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club 16-18 Lonestar Expo and Rattlesnake Roundup Brownwood Coliseum 22 Business After Hours Heartland Chiropractic 23 Canines, Cats, and Cabernet Depot Civic and Cultural Center 23 Woodland Heights Elementary Event Woodland Heights Elementary 24 Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser Brownwood High Gymnasium 24-25 Silver Spur Gun and Blade Show Brownwood Coliseum 29 Empty Bowls Brownwood Coliseum 12
Spring Business Showcase Expanded For 2012
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 5th Annual Spring Business Showcase on Saturday, April 14th from 10am to 4pm at the Brownwood Coliseum with an expanded offering of vendors, exhibitors, demonstrations, and fun. In the past, the spring business show focused mostly on seasonal activities such as outdoor recreation, gardening, and home improvements, but in 2012 the Spring Business Showcase will feature all businesses types to allow better exposure for all participants.
“This year’s spring show will be set up similar to our very successful fall business showcase,” said Missi Malone, Director of Member Services for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want to showcase all local businesses this year and help these businesses tap into new potential customers in the area.” The theme for 2012 will be “business is blooming” and the show will have several new components added to this year’s lineup. In addition to exhibitors and vendors, a series of “how-to” demonstrations will be featured on a variety of subjects. An
ROSS TMembers IMBERS Support these local C Chamber Davis-Morris Funeral Home PO Box 356 Brownwood, Texas 76804 325-646-5555
HEALTH EALTH
McCoys Building CLINIC LINIC Supply Center Dr. Dr. Garner, Garner, D.O. D.O. ~~ Shanna Shanna Perkins, Perkins, F.N.P. F.N.P. Tony Hill Wednesday Wednesday Henry-F.N.P Henry-F.N.P~~ Bud Bud Isbell, Isbell, P.A. P.A. 3605 HwyAccepted 377 S Any Any Insurance Insurance Accepted Accept Accept Medicaid Medicaid and and Medicare Medicare Brownwood, Texas Sliding Sliding Fee Fee Scale Scale ••Tuesday Tuesday Night Night Late Late Clinic Clinic 76801 For For appointments, appointments, call call Mon-Fri Mon-Fri 88 a.m.-5 a.m.-5 p.m. p.m. 325-643-2658 3804 3804 Hwy Hwy 377, 377, Brownwood Brownwood (325)643-5167 (325)643-5167
all new “Taste of Spring” component will be added where food samples will be offered to attendees. Vendor spaces are still available as well as sponsorship opportunities for the showcase. “The Spring Business Showcase will have something for everyone, and we are really looking forward to a great show, “Malone said. “It will be one of the best shopping and networking experiences around.” For more information about the show, visit the Chamber’s website at www.brownwoodchamber.org or call 325-646-9535.
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Brownwood Country Club A A great great place place to to golf, golf, swim, swim, relax relax and and socialize. socialize. Whether Whether it’s it’s making making new new friends friends or or maybe maybe all all you you want want is is aa great great meal meal in in aa beautiful beautiful setting setting then then come come to to the the Brownwood Brownwood Country Country Club Club and and enjoy enjoy some some of of the the finest finest food food and and fellowship fellowship that that aa private private club club has has to to offer. offer. Call Call today today for for information information on on membership. membership.
325/643-1023 325/643-1023
April
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Brownwood Coliseum 14 Spring Business Showcase Brownwood Coliseum 19 Business After Hours Davis-Morris Funeral Home 20 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club 21 Keep Brownwood Beautiful Citywide cleanup Under Austin Ave. Overpass 21 Bunny Run 5K Gordon Wood Stadium 25 Wake Up Wednesday Chamber Boardroom 26 BALOS presents: Take Me Home: The music of John Denver Victory Life Church 27 Economic Summit HPU Mabee Center 28 Gordon Wood Hall of Champions Fun Run & Induction Banquet Coggin Ave. Baptist Church 28-29 Heart of Texas Quilt Show Brownwood Coliseum 10
AUTO GLASS May MAGIC
BALOS presents Sweet Adelines Victory Life Church 5 Boys and Girls Club Barn Dance WINDSHIELDS WINDSHIELDS Sorrell Canyon Ranch 18 Chamber Monthly Luncheon 4
646-9789
First Saturday of Every Month is Museum
100 100 North NorthMain Main Brownwood Family Day••Brownwood Lehnis Railroad
March 2012 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / Page 7
Page 8 / Brownwood Chamber of Commerce / March 2012
Come browse through our great selection of Texas Books …perfect for Spring break or a summer outing!
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
Bro Uniqu e wnw o & So od It e uve nir ms s
e Car s & e kag ifts c a P er G k a Spe
the brownwood store
Travel Guides: Backroads Specializes of Texas • Scenic Driving in gifts for:in Texas Fun With the Family-day trips with the kids • The Texan moved away Haunted Texasa travelwho guidehas • Bikers Guide to Texas Weird Texaslocal legends and best kept secrets • The “new Texan” Paddling the Guadalupe • Courthouses of Texas • The visitor to Texas Why Stop?-guide to Texas historical markers • The wan-a-bebirds, Texan Pocket guides to wildflowers, trees, snakes, fishes, stars, cattle, and animal tracks Just Good Readin’ : BROWNWOOD Huge selection of t-shirts, caps, dirt shirts, handpainted Lonestar- our favorite book on Texas history • Texas in Her Own Words wineRoad glasses, mugs, history reference books, throws, to Dr magnets, Pepper Texas (Dublin ) • and Texas Rattlesnake Roundups postcards, Monopoly, lions and collectable coffees Texas IliadHistory of the Texas Revolutionornaments • Outlaw & Tales of Texas Elmer Kelton’s Shotgun, Goodbye to a River, Other Men’s Horses Spooky Texas, several books of ghostbirding, stories trails, • Texas Indian Trails TEXAS books onand history, Indians, travel, gardening, Indians of Texas • 9 Years Among the Indians cowboys,Cowboy cookbooks, and children’s books. Dublin Dr Pepper products, Values: Recapturing what America once stood for wild berry jellies, hot sauce, dips, candles, road kill candles, Texas the 6 books by Harry Marlin wildflower books, soaps, and crosses Captureda true story lotions of abduction by Indians on the Texas frontier And many more… For Children: HARVEY HOUSE and Fred Harvey books, t-shirts and memorabilia Larry Gets Lost in Texas • Bubba the Cowboy Prince Cindy Ellen-a wild western Cinderella • The Legend of the Bluebonnet Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse • L is for Lonestar Stop inThings today for a and Texas experience! Cowboy to Make Do Friendly • Texas Coloring Book RoundUp- a Texas number Book • Texas Stampede Daddy’s • Hank the Cowdog series Hours areShoulders 8-5 Monday-Thursday • 8-4 Fridays Texas trivia and word searches
TheBrownwood BrownwoodStore Store & Visitors The and Visitors Center Center 600 East Depot historic inside the Chamber ofdepot Commerce at the Mon.-Thurs. 8am-5pm Fri. 8am-4pm 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