Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce BrownwoodChamber.org Monthly Newsletter—June 2014
Inside This Issue 51st Annual Brown County Rodeo Parade Page 2 *Fall Showcase
Page 3 *Reunion Concerts *Chamber Luncheon
Page 4 *New Members *Upcoming Events
Page 5 *Ribbon Cuttings
Page 6 *Aquatic Center Hours *Juneteenth *Business After Hours
Page 7 *Brown County Rodeo *Young Leaders Mixer *Centennial Club
Page 8 *Brownwood Store
Set for Saturday, June 14 The 51st annual Brown County Rodeo is in full swing and the community is in store for a great lineup of events and activities including the rodeo parade. As a major component to the rodeo each year, the Brown County Rodeo Parade will travel through Downtown Brownwood and feature a wide assortment of entries on Saturday, June 14th at 10 AM. The Putter Jarvis family have been named the grand marshals of this year's parade. Participants in the parade should begin lining up at 8:30 AM for award judging at the Brownwood Coliseum. Awards will be presented for best in-town float, best out of town float, riding club awards, best decorated vehicles, best antique vehicles, best horse drawn vehicles, and best bikes/unicycle. Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes will also select one entry for the Mayor’s Choice Award. The 51st annual Brown County Rodeo will take place June 12, 13 and 14 at the Earl Q. Wilson Arena. For more information, call the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
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
Concert Headliners Announced for 2014 Brownwood Reunion Celebration Concert headliners were announced Thursday for the 2014 Brownwood Reunion Celebration that will be held September 19-21. The classic rock band Survivor, known best for their 1980's hit song "Eye of the Tiger," will headline the first night of concerts on Friday, September 19th. The country band Restless Heart will headline the concerts on Saturday, September 20th. They are best known for their number one song "Bluest Eyes in Texas." Tickets sales and prices for the concerts will be announced at a later date. The Brownwood Reunion Celebration is a community-wide festival held each year in Brownwood, Texas featuring a variety of competitions, events, attractions, music, and food in addition to the main concerts. This year's festival marks the 14th year of the event. For more information, visit CelebrateBrownwood.com
June Luncheon Topic - "Summer at Lake Brownwood" Sponsored by Bruner Auto Group School is out, vacations have started and activity at Lake Brownwood is picking up for the summer. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will feature "Summer at Lake Brownwood" as their June luncheon topic which will outline the fun side of the lake from several different groups in the area. The presentation will highlight the recreational opportunities available at Lake Brownwood. Presentations will feature the Lake Brownwood State Park, the Heart of Texas Baptist Camp & Conference Center and the Texas 4-H Conference Center. The luncheon will be held Friday, June 20th at the Brownwood Country Club. The buffet opens at 11:30 AM and the program will begin at noon. Cost is $12 per person payable at the door for the lunch. The Chamber will also present the "Ace's Wild" CASH DRAWING Sponsored by Brownwood Regional Medical Center which will guarantee "A Winner at EVERY LUNCHEON." This month's luncheon is sponsored by the Bruner Auto Group. Table sponsors include AFLAC and McCoy's Building Supply. Door prizes will be provided by Brookshires IntegraCare Home Health and Trees Forever Nursery.
Upcoming Events June 12-14
14
Brown County Rodeo Brown County Fair Grounds
Welcome New Members Easyhome – Easyhome is the 3rd largest lease to own company in the nation and carries name brands such as Whirpool, LG, Frigidare, Maytag,Toshiba, Dell, HP, Ashley and much more! Locally owned and operated by Matt Holman, Easyhome is located at 1214 Looney Street and open convenient hours to meet your needs! Stop by Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or visit them online at www.easyhome.us.
Brown County Rodeo Parade Downtown Brownwood
14
Brown County Rodeo Dance Brown County Fair Grounds Lamb Barn 19
Business After Hours Brownwood Country Club
20
Chamber Monthly Luncheon Brownwood Country Club
20-21
Juneteenth Celebration Cecil Holman Park
21
Fisk Dedication Greenleaf Cemetery
21-22 The Ark “Shot in the Dark Golf” Tournament Coleman Country Club
A Special THANK YOU to the following businesses that renewed their Membership in the month of May. We greatly appreciate your continued support of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Community! Aldersgate Enrichment Center Brady Music
Oakwood Apartments
Brownwood Medical Associates
Paul Burns
CARE Nursing and Rehab
Prestige Hardwood
Caring Family Network
Service Master
Brownwood Coliseum
Cullen’s Hometown Market
Smile Crafters
July
Day Stone
Stanley Dodge
First Central Credit Union
Starr Sales
Gary Twiford, Realtor
Stephen Young, Realtor
Good2CU Texting
Sue’s Backyard
Heartland Mall
Superior Essex
Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore
Taco Bell
James Campbell
The Vicksburg
Leach Brothers Mfg. Company
Walgreens
Leland’s Portable Buildings
Western Bank
26
Young Leaders Annual Mixer Brownwood Country Club
28-29 Show
Silver Spur Gun and Blade
4
Chamber offices closed
11
Young Leaders Monthly Social Wild Duck Marina
14
KTAB “On The Road” Depot Plaza
17 Christian Women’s Job Corp Bunco & Silent Auction Central United Methodist Church Farmer’s Market Every Saturday behind the courthouse square on Fisk Ave. First Saturday of Every Month is Family Day Lehnis Railroad Museum
Lemons Bar B Q
Ribbon Cuttings Tunnell Construction Joins the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on May 22 for Tunnell Construction and Roofing to welcome them as the newest members of the Chamber. Tunnell Construction and Roofing is a locally owned and operated business that offers a wide range of services. They work on residential and commercial projects and offer a full line of construction, roofing and restoration services. They also have experience in dealing with all major insurance agencies and mortgage companies and can walk customers through the insurance claim process. They offer free estimates and will work with customers on the financial aspect of the project. They serve Brownwood, Comanche, Blanket, Early, Goldthwaite, Coleman, Mullin, Bangs, and other surrounding areas For more information, contact Tunnell Construction and Roofing at 325-748-3090 or visit their website at tunnellconstruction.com.
Brownwood Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting for Heart of Texas Pavilion The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 14th to announce the opening of the new recreation pavilion at the Heart of Texas Camp. The new recreation pavilion is located at the camp at 8025 North FM 2125 near Lake Brownwood. Since a huge part of their ministry at Heart of Texas Camp is to children and youth, they strive to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and accommodating to a variety of groups for a variety of activities. They have built this new recreation pavilion on their campus as a multi-use facility that includes three basketball courts, which can be converted into two volleyball courts. It will provide shade for recreation of all kinds during the hot summer and shelter from adverse weather any time of the year. The newly completed recreation pavilion may also be used for church or company picnics, family reunions, and other gatherings.
Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center Now Open The Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center is now open for the 2014 summer season and will be offering two daily swim sessions and will also have extended hours on Tuesdays & Thursdays until 8:00 p.m. for family swim time. Wiggins Pool is also open and hours will be Tuesday thru Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The hours of the Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center are as follows for the new season: Mondays – CLOSED Tuesdays - Session I - 10:15 am to 1:45 pm - Session II - 2:15 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday – Session I - 10:15 am to 1:45 pm - Session II - 2:15 pm to 5:45 pm Thursdays - Session I - 10:15 am to 1:45pm - Session II - 2:15 pm to 8:00 pm Friday – Session I - 10:15 am to 1:45 pm - Session II - 2:15 pm to 5:45 pm Saturday – Session I - 10:15 am to 1:45pm - Session II - 2:15 pm to 5:45pm Sunday - 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Admission Fees $2.00 ages 12 & under $3.00 ages 13 & up $1.75 for Day Cares & Senior Citizens Pool Punch cards are available. (12 visits for the cost of 10 visits) Lane Swimming will be offered Tues thru Friday from 7:00 a.m. till 8:30 a.m. starting June 3rd.
Join us for the June Business After Hours hosted by Brownwood Country Club Thursday, June 19th 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Come enjoy the hors d’ oeuvres and wine in the new cabana!
The Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center is located at 3201 Milam Drive, across from Gordon Wood Stadium. For questions about the Aquatic Center hours, call the City of Brownwood Parks and Recreation Department at (325) 646-0146.
Brownwood Juneteenth Celebration Set for June 20-21 Juneteenth Celebration will be taking place June 20-21 this year. Juneteenth is a celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. It is a holiday which allows Brown County Residents to celebrate with former Brown County residents an occasion of joy & freedom. Juneteenth is the opportunity to bring the whole community together in a harmonious and spirit filled setting while we promote, cultivate and appreciate African American history and culture. On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and freed southern states in rebellion against the United States during the Civil War. However, news of the signing didn’t reach Galveston, Texas until June 19, 1865. On June 19 th (now Juneteenth), slaves flooded the streets, rejoicing in their newly discovered freedom. Barbecue smoke filled the air, dancing feet pounded the ground and voices sung out!! So now, to this day, Juneteenth will forever commemorate African American freedom! The community as a whole has adopted Juneteenth as an occasion to celebrate African American culture and traditions, and as an opportunity to acknowledge contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of America. Cultural events like Juneteenth, celebrate diversity, and unify our nation when we all can reflect and celebrate together! Come out to Cecil Holman Park in Brownwood on June 20-21 where there will be food, fellowship, and fun!
Brownwood Chamber Launches Harvey House Centennial Club The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of Harvey House in Brownwood. The building currently houses the offices of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions Museum, but this historical location next to the Depot was originally a restaurant offering a fine dining experience. Opened by the Fred Harvey Company in 1914, this Harvey House was an hub of activity through World War II. The beautiful 2-story structure was renovated in the 1990's and donated to the city of Brownwood. To commemorate the 100th anniversary, the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be unveiling a plaque on December 15 of this year bearing the names of supporters through the Centennial Club. To join the Harvey House Centennial Club and have a name inscribed on the plaque costs $100 and is limited to the first 100 participants. All funds raised will be put back into the preservation of the interior of the Harvey House. Tours of the Harvey House are also available. For information on joining the Harvey House Centennial Club, call the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
Young Leaders of Brown County – 2nd Annual Summer Mixer The YOUNG LEADERS OF BROWN COUNTY will host their 2nd Annual Summer Mixer on Thursday, June 26th at the new resort style pool and cabana at the Brownwood Country Club from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Anyone living in the area between the ages of 22-35 are welcome to come and enjoy refreshments, a game of horseshoes, music by DJ Ben Cox and the beautiful pool! The first 20 to register will receive a complimentary beverage and a chance to win one of several great door prizes! This special event is presented by TexasBank, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation and The Brownwood Country Club. The purpose of the YOUNG LEADERS OF BROWN COUNTY is to provide young adults ages 22 – 35 living in the area, opportunities to network with other young leaders, establish relationships to build a career and an enjoyable lifestyle. Throughout the year the group will host special events to facilitate the development of leadership skills and partnerships with business and community leaders, necessary to grow as a YOUNG LEADER in the community. If you have any questions or would like information about supporting the group contact Missi Malone, Director of Member Services for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.
Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2014-2015
Come browse through our great selection of Texas Books! Travel Guides: Backroads of Texas Scenic Driving in Texas
Aaron Diaz—Chairman Staples Chip Camp—Past Chairman BRMC
Haunted Texas- a travel guide Texas: a historical Atlas Lonely Planet Texas Texas Backcountry Hangouts
Kim Peterson Heartland Mall Jill Evans Family Services Center
Unexpected Texas:Your Guide to Offbeat Places Weird Texas- local legends and best kept secrets Paddling the Guadalupe
Tim Espinoza TexasBank
Courthouses of Texas
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
Why Stop?-guide to Texas historical markers Several books on Geocaching Pocket guides of wildflowers, birds, trees, snakes, fishes, stars, cattle, and animal tracks
Just Good Readin’ : Lonestar- our favorite book on Texas history Road to Dr. Pepper Texas (Dublin ) Texas Iliad- History of the Texas Revolution Outlaw Tales of Texas Elmer Kelton’s Shotgun, Goodbye to a River, Other Men’s Horses Spooky Texas, The Big Book of Texas Ghost Stories, and several books of Texas’ hauntings Texas Indian Trails; Indians of Texas; 9 Years Among the Indians Cowboy Values: Recapturing what America once stood for the 6 books by Harry Marlin Captured- a true story of abduction by Indians on the Texas frontier