Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce BrownwoodChamber.org Monthly Newsletter—July 2014
Inside This Issue
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 es-
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sentials for back-to-school time. The Brownwood and Early Chambers of
*Fall Showcase
Commerce want to remind area resi-
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dents how important shopping at local retailers can be by launching a
*United Groundbreaking
shop local campaign for back-to-
*KTAB on the Road
school. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance in
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keeping local dollars local and how it affects public services, local business,
*New Members
jobs and community activities.
*Upcoming Events
“Each time you make a local pur-
Page 5 *Ribbon Cuttings
Page 6 *Renewing Members *Western Week Winners
Page 7 *Leadership Brownwood
Page 8 *Rodeo Parade Winners
chase, you support local jobs,” said Ray Tipton, Executive Director for the Brownwood Chamber. “During tougher times like these, spending those dollars at home makes an even greater impact on the local economy.” He said that sales tax 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.” Why Buying Local Benefits You: More money is put into our local economy; Jobs are created & saved; Local businesses support community activities; Better customer service & convenience; Tax dollars fund our local fire, police, & parks departments. The 2014 Shop Local campaign is sponsored by Kohler Company, Abilene Regional Airport, ServiceMaster, AT&T, West Central Wireless, Staples, Thrivent Financial, Wal-Mart, WeakleyWatson True Value Hardware, the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Early Chamber of Commerce.
For 20 years, the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce has provided a venue for local businesses to network with over 1,000 potential clients/customers in one location and ultimately grow their business and the local economy. The 20th Annual Business Showcase is set to be the biggest one yet with over 100 local businesses in various lines of trade from banking, insurance and energy to home health services and personal well being.
The show will open at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 4th at the Brownwood Coliseum and will feature well-known, established businesses as well as some of the newest in the Brownwood area. Admission is only $2 and complimentary passes are available for a limited time at the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce office. The first 500 visitors will receive a tote bag to hold all of the valuable information you will likely gather throughout your visit! All visitors to the show will have the opportunity to win booth prizes from each of the exhibitors. Those who participate in the “Bingo” game may enter to win one of the Grand Door Prizes! For the 8th year, the “Taste of Brownwood” – Presented by Sodexo - BRMC returns to offer the community an opportunity to sample favorite recipes from local restaurants, caterers and bakeries. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, showcase visitors can visit restaurant row and sample tasty treats from local restaurants. Each visitor will receive 4 FREE Taste of Brownwood tickets with the $2 admission fee. Those who choose to enter with a complimentary pass will need to purchase Taste of Brownwood tickets at the door the day of the show. Beginning at 4:00 PM visitors and vendors will be treated to a wine and beer reception celebrating 20 years of success!
Those interested in participating in this special showcase can contact Missi Malone, Director of Member Services for more information at (325) 646-9535. Spaces are going fast, so sign up today!
This successful event is made possible by the following sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor KTXS – TV Gold Sponsors Citizens National Bank
Songbird Lodge Taste of Brownwood Sponsor
Silver Sponsors BEDC
Awards Sponsor
Sodexo-BRMC
Wal-Mart Grand Prize Sponsor Brownwood Regional Medical Center
Tote Bag Sponsor Echo Wireless Thrivent Financial
Visit www.BrownwoodChamber.org for more info
Groundbreaking to be Held July 28th for United Supermarkets in Brownwood United Supermarkets will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 28th at 8:30 PM for their future location in Brownwood at 300 W. Commerce. Representatives from United Supermarkets will be on hand to discuss their brands, the scope of the project and their timeline for completion. Community leaders from the City of Brownwood, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will also speak during the event. The new supermarket will be over 40,000 sq. ft. once completed and will employ over 100 people. This will be the southernmost store owned by United Supermarkets in the state of Texas.
Upcoming Events
Welcome New Members
Casa De Paz – Fully furnished 2 bdrm. farmhouse, on paved county rd just one mile off of hwy.183, north of Lake Brownwood. Home is nestled peacefully in old large oaks. Your stay can be furnished with a country breakfast and experiences July including fishing, hiking, horse ride, and a refreshing quiet sit on a porch with your 14 KTAB “On The Road” - Depot favorite beverage. Extras have to be prearranged. This little quiet place can acPlaza commodate up to 6-7 individuals comfortably. For more information contact Kay 17 Christian Women’s Job Corp at (325) 642-5673. Bunco & Silent Auction—Central United Methodist Church 28 United Supermarket Ground Breaking
Jomio and Rueliete’s Cards and Comics – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Jomio and Rueliete’s Cards and Comics. Stop by today for your comic needs, 2101 CR 381 in Early or Call JC at (325) 998-5783 for more information.
August
Heartland Payment Systems – Whatever you do, wherever you work, Heartland has a range of innovative products and services to help your business prosper. They offer business solutions to help you save money, save time, increase profits, attract new customers, increase loyalty, and simplify your business operations. Heartland prides themselves with the most dedicated representatives in the busi15 Chamber Monthly Lunchness to help you navigate the complexities of payments processing, payroll and eon—Brownwood Country Club more. For more information on their products and services visit 21 Business After Hours—TBA www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com or call Tanya at (806) 241-9444. 8 NRA Fundraiser— Brownwood Coliseum 12 Young Leaders Monthly Social—TBA
September 4 20th Annual Business Showcase—Brownwood Coliseum 9 Young Leaders Monthly Social - TBA 19 Chamber Luncheon— Brownwood Country Club 19-21 Brownwood Reunion Celebration—Downtown Brownwood
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
Saint Mary’s ABC Academy - Established in 2014, ABC Academy provides preschool education for children ages 3 to 5. Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, for more information contact Amy at (325) 6467455.
Ribbon Cuttings Tiny Tot’s Trunk & Btween Celebrates New Location The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Tiny Tots Trunk on Friday, June 20th to welcome them to their new location in Brownwood. Now located at 1208 Looney Street near Wal-Mart, Tiny Tots Trunk is a family owned specialty boutique for infants and toddlers to size 2T for boys and size 6/7 for girls. They also carry tween clothing for girls up to size 14-16. Their new location offers expanded space for inventory through a variety of brands as well as custom-made items. For more information, visit their website at www.tinytotstrunk.com or call (325) 649-9699. Pictured are Tiny Tots Trunk staff and family members cutting the ribbon with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
Ribbon Cuttings Easyhome Joins the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Easyhome to kick off their Grand Opening celebration last weekend. Easyhome is the 3rd largest lease-to-own company in the nation and carries name brands such as Whirlpool, LG, Frigidaire, Maytag, Toshiba, Dell, HP, Ashley and much more. The new Brownwood location is locally owned and operated, and they are open Monday - Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Visit their new location at 1214 Looney Street in Brownwood or call them at 325-641 -2100 for more information. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 11th for their newest member, Revitalizing Our Community (ROC). Established in 2012, this civic group is made up of community leaders working in the best interest of progress for the Brownwood community and the youth of the area. ROC is involved in several community events including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade, National Night Out, Soul Food Lunch, Trunk or Treat at the Bennie Houston Center, and several others. They also help area youth get involved with civic and community development projects. For more information on getting involved with the group, call Draco Miller at 325646-0611. Pictured are the members of ROC cutting the ribbon with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Maurices on Friday, June 27th to welcome them to their new location in Brownwood. Now located at 519 C West Commerce in Commerce Square, Maurices gives customers a place to express their individuality and feel good about who they are. With styles that match the budget and the occasion – and sizes 1-24 – the fashions always fit. For more information, visit their website at www.maurices.com or call (325) 641-8245. Pictured are the Maurices staff cutting the ribbon with Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and Board Members.
Brownwood Regional Medical Center officials, community and civic leaders and former patients gathered on June 26 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Walker Cancer Center in Brownwood. The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the event and to display the newest upgrade of the Linear Accelerator. Walker Cancer Center is the only facility within an 80 mile radius that offers both Radiation & Medical Oncology services. After a recent upgrade to Linear Accelerator, IGRT or Image Guided Radiation Therapy is now offered. There are currently 18 staff members including Radiation Oncologist - Allan Cass, MD who has practiced at BRMC Walker Cancer Center since July 2001 and & Medical/Hematology Oncologist- Victor Hirsch, MD who has been practiced at BRMC since February of this year. Dr. Hirsch previously practiced at the Abilene Cancer Centers. Pictured are Walker Cancer Center staff cutting the ribbon with Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce ambassadors.
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! Kohler Abilene Regional Airport
Loadcraft Industries
Ben E. Keith
Main Street Car Wash
Big Brothers Big Sisters
MAK Images
Brown County Republican Party
McCluskey & Associates
Brownwood Art Association
North Texas Urology
CASA
Office Furniture Specialist
Demand Staff
Salvation Army
Diamond P Enterprises
Serendipity
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Sodexo – HPU
Flagship Inn
Tilson Homes
Hampton Inn
Trans Texas Tire
Harriss Insurance Agency
Wall Moulding Co.
Heart of Texas Friends of NRA
West Texas Rehabilitation Center
Hope for Tomorrow
Western Bank WT Harris Company
Western Week Winners Announced The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Western Week for the second year in a row to help promote the 51st annual Brown County Rodeo. This time honored tradition leading up to the Brown County Rodeo had slowly faded away until it was revived last year. Businesses around the community were encouraged to decorate their buildings and storefronts to show support for the Rodeo. First, second, and third places were awarded to the “best decorated” building that was registered in the contest. Winners received a trophy and will get media recognition, a spot in the parade, and will have their names announced during the rodeo. First place was awarded to Hamilton's (pictured above is Brenda, Cindy, Jessie, and Susan from Hamilton's receiving their award from Brownwood Chamber Tourism Director Sunni Modawell) Second Place was awarded to Brownwood City Hall ; Third Place was awarded to Heartland Mall
Leadership Brownwood Registration Begins, Schedule Announced The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is now taking applications for the 2014/2015 class of Leadership Brownwood. The program 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 eight months starting in September, Leadership Brownwood is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills. The beginning retreat focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques' and gives the participants and opportunity to get to know each other. Starting in October, the class then spends one day a month (typically 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. Leadership Brownwood participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community in which they live and work, while developing a valuable communications networks among civic, business and educational leaders. They also develop lasting friendships over the course of the year, and personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environment. Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Brownwood gain not only a knowledge of the inner workings of the city, but also personal skills that increase their effectiveness in their professional environment. In the opening session, Dick Hammond, director of "Leadership on the Move," will facilitate class discussion of the Five Characteristics of an Effective Leader (Based on the book: The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner). An interactive presentation based on the five characteristics of an effective leader: a. Challenge the Process: Search for opportunities, experiment, take risks. b. Inspire a Shared Vision: Envision the future, enlist others. c. Enable Others to Act: Foster collaboration, strengthen others. d. Model the Way: Set the example, plan small wins. e. Encourage the Heart: Recognize individual contribution, celebrate accomplishments. Dress for Leadership Brownwood is business casual but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as most sessions include facility tours. Some facilities have mandated dress codes or restrictions. Classes are limited to 20 participants and are first-come, first-serve. Deadline for application is August 31st. Tuition is $450 per person and must be paid in full by the opening session. Leadership Classes - Curriculum The order of session topics and content are tentative and may be rescheduled based upon presenter/facility availability) Sept 10, 2014 – OPENING RETREAT (Mandatory Attendance) Class members meet for the first time and begin their leadership adventure with an all-day retreat. Participants spend the day discovering their own leadership style and learning how to best utilize style differences. After lunch, members participate in activities involving team-building, problem-solving, trust and risk-taking. Oct 9, 2014 – SOCIAL SERVICES A community’s success is directly linked to its ability to meet the needs of its neediest citizens. The class will learn about the many social services available in the community and are encouraged to become personally involved through volunteerism. Facility tours will include Family Services Center, Salvation Army, Center for Life Resources and Good Samaritan. Nov 13, 2014 – EDUCATION Classroom visits and presentations by representatives from Brownwood, Early and other Brown County ISD’s, Howard Payne University, Ranger College and Texas State Technical College cover topics such as curriculum, career and technology, work force development, community partnerships and challengers facing educational institutes. Dec 11, 2014 – LOCAL GOVERNMENT The class gains insight into local government and explores the political process as elected and appointed officials address current issues and future challenges facing the city. Participants will tour city and county facilities. Jan 8, 2015 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This session provides an overview of programs and services provided by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation. Tours of local companies and discussion points will examine issues affecting small, medium and large businesses. Feb 12, 2015 – HEALTH SERVICES Presentations by local healthcare providers and facility tours offer insight into local services including Ranger College School of Nursing Training Facility, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Chamber and Brownwood Regional Medical Center. March 5, 2015 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE Participants will take part in tours of the TR Havins State Prison, Texas Juvenile Justice Department Ron Jackson Unit, Brown County Law Enforcement Center and Jail. Representatives provide an overview of public safety issues and the criminal justice system. March 26, 2015 – BAD WEATHER DAY A session will be cancelled only if Brownwood schools are cancelled. This is our make-up date. April 7, 2015 – TOURISM The Chamber’s Tourism Director, Sunni Modawell, will lead the participants on tours of museums and sights of interest such as Brown County Museum, Lyric Theatre, Lehnis Railroad Museum and Rufus Hardin Museum. The class will learn about local efforts to promote and encourage tourism to our area. April 9, 2015 – Annual Banquet – Leadership Class Graduation.
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2014-2015
Brown County Rodeo Parade Winners and a Big Thank You
Aaron Diaz—Chairman Staples Chip Camp—Past Chairman BRMC Kim Peterson Heartland Mall Jill Evans Family Services Center Tim Espinoza TexasBank 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 Clint Dempsey Howard Payne University Kim Bruton Runaway Train Cafe
Chamber Staff ————————————————————— Ray Tipton—Executive Director Sunni Modawell—Tourism Director Missi Malone—Membership Director Martha Faetche—Visitor Center & Brownwood Store Manager Dawn Norway—Office Manager
For 51 years the Brown County Rodeo Parade has been a tradition that young and old alike look forward to! Each year that tradition is carried on with the beautifully decorated entries, the Queens and their courts, Dignitaries in beautiful vehicles, the Riding Clubs proudly holding the flags, and all of the many spectators lining the streets of downtown Brownwood. The hard work pays off for those participating with the recognition from the judges and reaction of the crowds as they pass down the streets. Winners for the parade are also presented with a unique trophy and recognition at Saturday night’s rodeo. The 2014 winners were presented with the star trophy made by Loadcraft Industries. In-Town Floats 1st Place – Brookesmith 4H Club 2nd Place – Cross Classical Academy 3rd Place –Brownwood Regional Medical Center
Decorated Vehicles 1st Place – BHCS – Brady Health Care Systems Bwd 2nd Place – Clear Talk Wireless
Riding Clubs 1st Place – Brown County Riders
Out of Town Floats 1st Place – Gillespie Co. Fair & Festivals Assn. 2nd Place –DeLeon Peach & Melon Festival Queens
Antique Vehicles 1st – Hamrick’s Automotive Center
2nd – Don Foster Mayor’s Choice B rownwood Regional Medical Center (pictured)
We want to thank everyone who entered this year’s rodeo parade and hope to see you again next year. We also want to thank Pat Westerman and Loadcraft Industries for making the trophies, Bruner Auto Group and Big Country Ford, Lincoln, Mercury for allowing us to use vehicles for our dignitaries to ride in and to all of our drivers for chauffeuring! Thank you to John Guest, Rick Phelps, Jill Goodwin, and Steve Weckwerth for judging our entries and to Mayor Haynes for selecting the Mayor’s Choice. We say thank you to the guys with the City of Brownwood for setting up the barricades, the Sheriff’s Department and Brownwood Police Department for leading the parade, the Brownwood Fire Department, and Allegiance EMS for participating, the Brown County Riders for carrying the Colors, Miss Rodeo Texas, and the countless spectators that line our downtown streets. Last but certainly not least, Barbara Stewart for continuing to help after having put this parade on for many years. Thank you to those who have left us a heritage and those working to carry it on.