Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce BrownwoodChamber.org Monthly Newsletter—January 2015
Inside This Issue Brownwood Chamber Getting Set for 2015 Total Resource Campaign The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is getting set to begin their fifth annual Total Resource Campaign. Throughout the United States, Total Resource Campaigns (TRC’s) are gaining support and popularity among progressive chambers of commerce and have been embraced by Chamber Members, board leadership and staff because of the beneficial nature of the campaign.
Page 2 *Luncheon *Legislative Day
Page 3 *Bridal Fair
Page 4 *New Memebers *Upcoming Events
Page 5 *New Members
Page 6 *Ribbon Cutting
Page 7 *Christmas Festival and parade “Thank You”
Page 8 *Brownwood Store
The TRC is designed to give Chamber members numerous opportunities to become more involved with the Chamber on various levels through greater public awareness of Chamber programs, projects and events. In addition, the TRC makes it easier for businesses to budget for the coming year and helps improve the efficiency of Chamber-sponsored events.
The SMARTChoice!
The Total Resource Campaign reviews and evaluates current Chamber programs and develops a menu of sponsorship opportunities tailored to fit any budget, big or small. Over a six-week period, beginning January 27th, 6 local volunteers will work with Chamber members to design an ideal sponsorship plan for the entire year. The TRC is designed to be fun and exciting for team members with rewards available throughout the campaign. The theme for this year's campaign is "2015 Total Resource Campaign….The SMART Choice!" For more information about the campaign or sponsorship opportunities are asked to contact Missi Malone, Director of Member Services by calling 325 -646-9535 or email membership@brownwoodchamber.org.
Mayor Stephen Haynes to Give State of the City Address January 16th Sponsored by Oncor Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes will give his annual Start of the City address at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday, January 16th. The luncheon will take place at the Coggin Avenue Baptist Church Connection Center from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. Mayor Haynes will recap the city happenings for 2014 and will talk about upcoming projects for the new year. The luncheon is open to the general public. Reservations are required and payment can be made in advance at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce or at the door. Register by calling the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 or go online at BrownwoodChamber.org. This luncheon is sponsored by Oncor. Table sponsors include Ranger College and Robnett Integra Insurance Services Door Prizes Provided by KYOX 94.3 "The OX," The Rage-Salon and Day Spa and IntegraCare Home Health.
Brownwood Legislative Day 2015 Business and community leaders will travel to Austin to meet with elected officials, commissioners and lawmakers during Brownwood's Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 3rd. The day will include recognition of the Brownwood Delegation by the House of Representatives, a group photo on the Capitol steps, legislative briefings and a VIP reception at the Austin Club. Bus transportation from Brownwood and Austin and back will be provided. Tentative Schedule will include: 8 AM: Load bus (Depot/Chamber parking lot) 10:45 AM: Group Photo on Capitol Steps 11 AM: Tour Capitol and Lunch on your Own 2 PM : Legislative Briefings in Supreme Courtroom 4:30 PM to 7 PM: Reception at Austin Club Ballroom 7 PM: Depart Austin, return to Brownwood Call the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 for details. Registration cost for the full trip is $99 per person, $70 without bus transportation. Sponsors for the 2015 Brownwood Legislative Day include: Presenting Sponsor Texas Bank Legislative Partners Brownwood Regional Medical Center Texas State Optical Brown County Abstract Company VIP Reception Sponsor Brownwood Economic Development Corporation
3rd Annual Brownwood Area Bridal Fair January 24th The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will host their 3rd annual Brownwood Area Bridal Fair on Saturday, January 24th at the Depot Civic & Cultural Center in Brownwood. The fair will host a variety of vendors and will be a resource for soon-to-be brides in planning their special day. Vendors will showcase their products and services and will be available with tips, techniques, and ideas for the perfect wedding. Photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, party rental, and venues as well as other businesses are just a few of the types of vendors that will be on hand during the event. Beginning at 12:30 PM, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by local wineries and The Turtle Enoteca. There will even be something for the grooms to sample as well! The bridal fair provides an opportunity for future brides to meet with businesses, all in one location, to help assist in planning the big day. Door prize drawings will be taking place throughout the day as well, including a grand prize drawing. The Brownwood Area Bridal Fair will take place from 10 AM - 2 PM on Saturday, January 24th at the Depot Civic & Cultural Center (600 E. Depot Street). Admission to the show is free and wine tasting tickets are $1. The Bridal Fair is sponsored by Green Acres—iRent and the Hideout Golf Club. Goodie bags are sponsored by C.R. Catering.
Upcoming Events JANUARY 15 Ft. Worth Symphony Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center 16 Chamber Monthly Luncheon – State of the City Coggin Connection Center 17 Free Self Defense Class Heartland Mall 19
MLK Memorial Parade
Bennie Houston Center 24 Depot
Brownwood Area Bridal Fair
28 Ribbon Cutting American Power & Light 28 BCCA presents Bronn Journey Victory Life Auditorium
FEBRUARY 3
Brownwood Legislative Day
Austin, Texas 12 Business After Hours Doc’s Drugstore – Brownwood 12 Romancing the Stars Dinner and Dance TBA 20 Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
MARCH 4-7 NJCAA Region V Basketball Tournament Brownwood Coliseum 5 BCCA presents Craig Toungate Victory Life Auditorium 5 Everyone Deserves a Birthday Coggin Connection Center 14 Heart Association Gala Brownwood Country Club 20
Chamber Monthly Luncheon
Brownwood Country Club 20 Canines, Cats, & Cabernet Depot Civic & Cultural Center Art Classes every Tuesday evening at The Brownwood Art Center Farmer’s Market Every Saturday behind the courthouse square on Fisk Ave. First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day Lehnis Railroad Museum
WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! American Light & Power – With headquarters in Houston, Texas, American Light & Power is proud to be the electric supplier of choice to residential and commercial customers across this great state since 2007. With the freedom to choose, American Light & Power wants to be your electricity provider. They offer a wide range of plans from short term to long term to meet your low cost electricity needs, from competitive electricity rates and plan options, to reliable and easy to understand electricity bills, to friendly customer service. For more information visit their local office at 1015 N. Fisk Ave, call (855)485-4258x7027 or visit them online at www.americanlp.com. ServPro of Brownwood – SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide fire and water damage restoration services. SERVPRO of Marble Falls, Lampasas & Brownwood proudly serves Copperas Cove, Brownwood, Lampasas, Burnet, Marble Falls, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure caused by Water Damage, Fire Damage, Disaster, storm and flood damage and Mold Damage. For more information visit them online at www.servpromarblefallslampasasbrownwood.com or call them at (325) 646-1645. Blue Sky Entertainmnet Group, Inc. – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Blue Sky Entertainment as a new member. For more information on their services contact Tracy at (213) 9445441. TSTC Foundation - The TSTC Foundation is a non-profit organization created to assist the colleges of the Texas State Technical College System and their students. The Foundation assists TSTC with student scholarships, discretionary dollars, capital needs, and other projects determined by the TSTC Board of Regents. The TSTC Foundation was established to function as a self-contained private corporation benefiting Texas State Technical Colleges and their students. Although The Foundation is separate from the college, it is integrated into the programs and objectives of the TSTC system. The Foundation's main objective is to complement the state's support of the colleges by providing financial support for new and ongoing projects and activities in areas of research, education and community service. For more information visit www.tstc.edu/westtexasabout/foundation.
WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! Heart of Texas Flooring - Under new ownership in 2014, Heart of Texas Flooring offers a fresh alternative to Residential and Commercial floor covering. Their mission, since day one, is to provide a unique buying experience that you will enjoy for many years. They offer a unique shopping experience that allows you the opportunity to pick out your dream floors from the same person who will be at your home or business to install it for you. Heart of Texas Flooring reputation lets you know that we care about our customers and that we stand behind our products. For more information on their product and services contact new owner, Johnny Storey at (325) 646-4928 or visit them online at www.heartoftexasflooring.com. Chick-fil-A - Mr. Truett Cathy founded Chick-fil-A, Inc. in the early 1960s and pioneered the establishment of restaurants in shopping malls with the opening of the first Chick-fil-A Restaurant at a mall in suburban Atlanta in 1967. Since then, Chick-fil-A has steadily grown to become the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States. Locally, Chick-fil-A is located inside Heartland Mall and recently welcomed new owner, Brent Gooch! Stop by today and enjoy a tasty meal and welcome Brent to the Brownwood/Early area! Brian G. Kight – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Brian Kight as an individual member. Brian was previously with TSTC and served on the Board of the Directors for the Chamber and contributed greatly to the success of Chamber programs and events. Independent Damsel in Defense Mentor - Damsel in Defense is about equipping women with the tools to not only keep them safe but also to give them the confidence to know that they have a way out if they ever feel threatened. We are very excited about our affordable and adorable line of products. Whether you are at home or traveling, running or celebrating downtown with the girls, Damsel in Defense has the products and fact-based education that can and does save lives. For more information contact Melissa Gauny at (325) 642-9736 or visit http://www.mydamselpro.net/PRO6504. Safe Charters/VIP Sports Getaway - Vip Sports Getaway got started by investing in luxury entertainer motorcoaches for transportation, and securing reserved seating and season tickets at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. They then secured investors and set up a board of directors with in-depth knowledge and experience in business organization. Then, they planned out the logistics of getting everyone to the metroplex safely and secured partnerships with select, upscale hotels close to the stadium. Since then, we’ve grown into a premier full-service travel and event agency. For more information visit vipsportsgetaway.com. Batts Communications - Batts Communications, LP is a locally owned & operated telecommunications company. They service the great city of Abilene, Texas and surrounding 120 mile Radius. Established July 1, 1989 by Ron Batts, they operate with a staff of 4 technicians and 3 customer service and sales representatives that have a combined 152 years of telecom experience. Batts is an authorized dealer for NEC Corporation of America, they provide digital and VOIP Business Telephone Systems with Unified Voicemail Systems. For more information on their products and services, visit www.battscom.com or call Yvonne at (325) 690-1222 today!
Ribbon Cuttings Chick-fil-A has new owner and joins Early and Brownwood Chambers! The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Early Chamber of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting on Friday, January 2nd to welcome Chick-fil-A and its new owner as a new member to both chambers. New owner Brent Gooch recently moved to the area with his family to operate the restaurant. He said that he fell in love with Chick-fil-A's business model and ethics and their focus on customer service and community involvement. He worked for Chick-fil-A at local restaurants and for corporate for seven years before being selected to operate Chick-fil-A in Brown County. Chick-fil-A is located in Heartland Mall located at 306 Early Blvd. For more information, visit their location or call 325 -643-3910. Pictured is Brent Gooch and his family cutting the ribbons with Brownwood and Early Chamber of Commerce board members and ambassadors.
Ribbon Cutting for Damsel in Defense The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, January 13th for its newest member, Damsel in Defense. They offer a line of self defense products including stun guns, pepper spray, home and car security products. Damsel in Defense and Callaway Self Defense are partnering for a free self defense class at Heartland Mall on Saturday, January 17th from 1 - 3 PM in the former Bealls location. Their mission is to teach men, women and kids the importance of self defense and protecting themselves. Door prizes will be given away during the event. For more information about Damsel in Defense, call Melissa Gauny at 325-642-9736.
2014 Christmas Season * SUCCESSES: Ice Skating Rink – check Lighted Christmas Parade – check Christmas Under the Stars Festival – check Awesome group of sponsors and volunteers – check In our book, the 2014 Christmas season was a huge success! We will be the first to tell you that this festival is successful only because of our sponsors and volunteers. It takes a collaboration of those sponsors and volunteers, along with the vendors and city officials to make these events so great. To everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to help us out – Thank You!!! It is such a simple phrase, but is genuine and heartfelt. If you know someone who works for one of our sponsors, or if you do business with one of our sponsors, please let them know how much you appreciate them. The sponsors make our events possible and contribute to the quality of life in our community.
2014 Sponsors
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2014-2015
Brownwood Store SALE!!!
Chip Camp —President BRMC Tim Espinoza—President-Elect TexasBank Kim Peterson Heartland Mall Jill Evans Family Services Center James Simmons Loadcraft Priscilla Monson West Central Texas Valuation Services Daniel Hutson Council Finance Marisha Stidom Superior Essex David Robnett Robnett Insurance Paul Underwood Underwoods Cafeteria Donna Wilhelm Auto Glass Magic Jodie Armstrong Care Nursing and Rehab Kim Bruton Runaway Train Cafe
Chamber Staff
25% off storewide 50% off selected items
Through Jan.
————————————————————— Ray Tipton—Executive Director Sunni Modawell—Tourism Director Missi Malone—Membership Director Martha Faetche—Visitor Center & Brownwood Store Manager Dawn Norway—Office Manager Brandi Lancaster—Events Coordinator
Call Martha at the Brownwood Store at 325-646-9535 for more info or visit us inside the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce (600 E. Depot St. )