Boerne Business Monthly - July 2020

Celebrating

Volume 13, Issue 01: July 2020

BOERNE

years

business monthly

A Community Spot for Fun, Fellowship & Tasty Treats!

OUTPATIENT KNEE & HIP REPLACMENT

PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY’S WEALTH FOR GENERATIONS

LOCAL NEWS AND INFO

SMART businesses annually review their employees to analyze and improve performance.

SMARTER businesses annually review their technology for the same reason.

Keeping up with technology can be a full-time job.

Let GVTC’s technology experts evaluate your communication services to ensure you are staying competitive and using your technology dollars wisely. Our FREE Business Technology Evaluation includes: • Audit of all technology services • Assessment of Internet usage/speeds • Testing of connections, ports & routers • Recommendations for maximization

Maximize efficiency—and profits. Schedule a technology evaluation at

800.367.4882 or GVTC.COM

114 E. Highland Dr. Boerne, TX 78006 210.526.0057 | 1.888.511.1211

• Financial Planning • Investment Management • Tax Planning & Preparation

• Estate Planning • Charitable Giving • Family Office Services

COVENANTMFO.COM CREATINGRICHERLIVES.COM SAN ANTONIO | BOERNE | DALLAS | OKLAHOMA CITY boernebusinessmonthly.com

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publisher's note

July marks the beginning of Boerne Business Monthly’s thirteenth year! Wow!! In those years I have been able to meet countless local business people and share their stories with you. What a blessing that has been.

This month we feature Salty and Sweet, a local family owned and operated treat shop filled with all kinds of deliciousness! Stop in and try their homemade ice cream, pretzels, popcorn and grab some nostalgic candy. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

We also have filled this issue with tons of interesting content from local experts, some great ideas for summer fun at home and plenty of local news and info.

Thank you all for your support and readership throughout the years, I look forward to many more!

Lauren Stumberg Owner/Publisher

FOR MORE INFORMATION 210.219.6735 | LAUREN@DISTINCT-GRAPHICS.COM | WWW.BOERNEBUSINESSMONTHLY.COM

FOR SALE:

FOR LEASE:

818 JOHNS ROAD – BOERNE Corner of Johns Road and IH-10 in Booming Boerne, Texas, with 275 ft of frontage on Johns Road, Great Visibilty. The property includes 2 lots of 1.5 ac and 2.958 acres, with 1983 sf Home and 40ft x 80ft Pavillion/Event Center. City Utilities Nearby, City Services Nearby, Elec, Water, Sewer.

Annexed by City.

527 E. BANDERA RD. – $329,000 Located in the Boerne Hot Spot at Frey St. and Old San Antonio. Adjacent to the New Franklin memory Care Center and across from the Rainbow Sr. Ctr. and just blks from Main St. Boerne,With 30ft entrance off E. Bandera the 1.557 ac. site is perfect for a Garden Home development or Infield Development with City Approval/Zoning.

RIVER 9 OFFICE PARK

New Construction Professional Office space coming soon! 1,800 - 3,600 SF availability with larger spaces available based on client needs. Located along River Road (HWY 46), a few blocks east of Main Street and West of Herff Rd.

1221 SOUTH MAIN: 32826 IH-10 West-$1200 per month, Great for CPA, Real Estate, Pool Co, Home Builder office!

35 RUST LANE: 10,000 sf Office Warehouse-Build to Suit

13A-1 WANDA STREET $899,000 Location, Location, Location, this 1.242 acre Parcel is located in the Heart Of Boerne,

Texas off West Bandera Rd, Just blocks Off IH-10 West exit and within walking distance to HEB Store; Currently Zoned "O" by the City of Boerne, Texas. Lots of Opportunities here, Call for More Information. Lot highlighted in Green in Picture.

Armando Muzquiz Managing Partner 210-412-1607 Hablo Espanol

Tony Mangus, Managing Partner 210-413-8229

www.MangusRealty.com

140 E. Bandera Street | Boerne, Texas 78006 | At the Corner of Schweppe Street

SIDENTIAL-LAND-COMMERCIAL 4 B B M | July 2020 oerne

usiness

onthly

the Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne and IH-10 Corridor, our Goal is to Provide Impeccable Service, Excellent Communication and the Best Results for your Real Estate Needs!

T–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT-HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT-HOT OT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–H0T–HOT! HOT-HO to these local businesses and SPECIAL –HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOTOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! organizations HOT–H0T–HOT! who contributed to make HOT-HO THANKS T–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT-HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT-HOT OT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–H0T–HOT! HOT-HO –HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOT–HOT! HOT–HOTWith the COVID-19 national pandemic impacting the last two concerts of our 2020 season, special-special thanks to our sponsors this year for their support in getting us through these challenging times.

Their Boerne-Strong commitment enhances the quality of life in our community! Thank YOU!

Boerne Performing Arts’ Ninth Season A Success!

Sendero Assets LLC

Rukavina Photography

LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR

DECEMBER 10, 2020

JANUARY 30

FEBRUARY 26

MARCH 4

All performances at 7:30 pm at Boerne Champion Auditorium | BoernePerformingArts.com | 830.331.9079 Season Tickets Available Now ($50-$170) boernebusinessmonthly.com

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METABOLIC XTRA A powerful combination of nutrients that helps support insulin receptor function as well as healthy glucose metabolism.

July 2020

contents 08: planning

Preserving Your Family’s Wealth for Generations

by Kelsie Tabbert, CPA, Tax Senior | ADKF

11: mobility

Outpatient Knee and Hip Replacement

by Nicole Stuart, PA-C with Orthopedic Performance Institute

Get 10% off until July 31, 2020 Use promo code XTRA10 online.

830-981-4774 AnniesRX.com 211 S. Saunders St. Boerne, TX 78006 “The Only Accredited Compounding Pharmacy in Kendall County!”

14: ribbon cuttings 15: employment

Texas Initial Unemployment Claims Increase at End of June

16: cover feature

SALTY AND SWEET: A Community Spot for Fun, Fellowship & Tasty Treats

by Lauren Stumberg

19: bisd news

Boerne ISD Lowers Property Tax Rate, Announces Salary Increases

21: finances

COWBOY SLEEPWEAR! Now Available!

Luxury Cloth Face Masks for $8.00 Each

Work to Achieve Your Financial Independence courtesy of Edward Jones

22: activities

Fun Summer Things To Do at Home

23: newsworthy

GVTC Announces New Board Members, Capital Credits Increase, and President’s Award Recipients in Lieu of 2020 Annual Meeting

24: giving back Locally Owned and Operated Cowboy Sleepwear for All Ages Vintage Western Premium Fabrics Domestic & International Shipping • Matching Sets • Original Pants • Low Rise Pants • Boxer Shorts • Nightshirts • T-shirts • Cow Kids Wear

Wheeler’s Western Outfitters Raises Donations for Hill Country Daily Bread

25: taxes

State Sales Tax Revenues Down

26: real estate

U.S. Pending Home Sales See Record Increase in May

27: city news

City of Boerne Welcomes New City Manager

28: investing

A New Type of Investing? Or Is It?

by Sam Dreibelbis, CPA | Associate Wealth Advisor – Covenant

30: health

DEFINE Boerne Offering By Donation Yoga Classes to Benefit Cibolo Nature Center

INFANTS, YOUTH & ADULT SIZES NEW PLUS SIZES! NOW AVAILABLE IN 2X & 3X!

www.cowboypajamas.com 6

B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

facebook.com/boernebusinessmonthly Boerne Business Monthly is published by Distinct Media, LLC, copyright 2020. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Boerne Business Monthly are those of the writers or sources and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute the endorsement of products or services herein. Although the information and recommendations in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Boerne Business Monthly makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information and recommendations.

Locally Owned and Operated • Experienced Team of Attorneys in Office • Full Service Title Company Residential | Commercial | Farm & Ranch • Here to Better Serve You as an Independent Title Company • Convenient Location @ I-10 & Hwy 46 • After Hour & Closings at Your Location • Free Courier Service CALL US FOR REALTOR RECOMMENDATIONS

INSIST ON LEGAL TITLE The Homeowners’ Choice!

Se habla español

12 Upper Balcones Road – Boerne

www.txlegaltitle.com (830) 357-5088

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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planning

PRESERVING

Your Family’s Wealth

M

F O R G E N E R AT I O N S

by Kelsie Tabbert, CPA, Tax Senior

Many individuals spend their lives working hard to accumulate wealth to provide for their family and pass on their wealth to future generations. Without careful and thorough estate planning, your accumulated wealth given to your heirs could be substantially reduced due to estate and gift tax. Active planning should be taken to ensure this wealth stays within your family for generations in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Under current tax law, individuals can die with $11.95 million ($23.9 million for a married couple) and not pay a dime of estate tax. This very generous lifetime exemption doubled in 2018 from $5.49 million ($10.98 million) and is set to drop back down again in 2026. If the value of your estate meets or exceeds the current lifetime exemption, estate and succession planning can maximize wealth preservation and minimize the tax your heirs must pay to Uncle Sam on your behalf. A multitude of estate planning tools are at your disposal and can work to accomplish a variety of needs.

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

Strategic gifting is one of the most effective methods used to transfer assets out of your estate to your beneficiaries, as well as shelter your assets from estate tax. Under current tax law, individuals can gift $15,000 annually to another individual, estate and gift tax free. For most high wealth individuals, gifting away assets using this annual exclusion threshold may not be enough to effectively transfer your wealth by the time you pass away. Consulting an estate attorney or CPA to assist you with these gifts, will help you transfer assets to your heirs efficiently and effectively.

Deciding which assets get transferred, when they get transferred, and in which method they are transferred, involves strategic and careful planning. Liquidity, asset growth potential, and ease of transferability, all play a role in strategic gifting.

If you expect to owe estate tax when you die, access to liquid assets becomes essential. If a substantial part of your estate is comprised of illiquid assets, the burden of obtaining sufficient liquidity to pay the estate tax is now on your

descendants. Prioritizing the gifting of illiquid assets such as real estate or business investments can ensure that liquid assets remain in your estate so that, when you pass away, your estate retains sufficient liquidity to pay the tax bill.

Another particularly important consideration in strategic gifting is an asset’s growth potential. Estimating how much and how quickly an asset is expected to increase in value helps identify and prioritize which assets should be gifted and sheltered out of the estate. If an asset has significant growth potential, such as prime real estate or an expanding business, it is often beneficial to gift those assets as soon as possible.

As stated earlier, individuals can leave $11.95 million to their descendants without being subject to estate tax.

Additionally, $11.95 million is also the value of assets you can gift away during your lifetime without being subject to gift tax. The gift and lifetime exclusion are one in the same in that, as you gift assets out of your estate, you use up and erode away the lifetime exemption.

If an asset is expected to increase in value, gifting the asset and getting it out of your estate before it significantly increases in value will allow you to use up less of your exemption than if you would have kept it in your estate and were forced to gift it away to your descendant’s at the value on your date of death.

Gifting the asset while it is still relatively low in value minimizes the amount of lifetime exemption you must use to make the gift and will allow the asset to grow in value in the hands of your beneficiaries. Now, you may be hesitant to gift away assets during your lifetime because your beneficiaries are too young or perhaps not mature enough yet to take on the responsibility of gaining access to high value assets.

Don’t worry. Through the use of trusts you can accomplish strategic gifting and give away the assets on your own terms and conditions.

Trusts are a versatile and customizable estate planning tool used to designate who receives benefit from the trust (beneficiary), who has control of the trust (trustee), and the stipulations of which the trust assets can be used. Trusts can be simple or complex depending on your needs or desires and can allow you to leave assets to your heirs subject to your explicit instructions.

With strategic gifting, you can efficiently gift away your estate and minimize the impact of estate taxes, ultimately preserving your wealth for future generations. Call our office at 210-829-1300, to schedule a meeting to discuss your current estate plan and see how ADKF can service your estate and succession planning needs. BBM

During this challenging time, Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. is here to do more than file tax returns.

Our team continues to keep our clients up to date on new legislation regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are using this knowledge to identify tax saving opportunities for individuals and businesses. We can provide necessary guidance, no matter what stage your business is in, and we’re always available to assist you with all your tax planning needs.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

accounting for your success, we are here for you

WWW.ADKF.COM | (830) 387-4441 | 616 E. BLANCO, STE 300E – BOERNE

Kelsie Tabbert, CPA, obtained her BBA in Accounting, with a Minor in Finance, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, and completed the MACY Program to receive her Masters in Accountancy from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA,) in 2018. She started her accounting career with ADKF CPAs in 2015. She specializes in estate tax, and works closely with doctors, franchise owners, lawyers, and manufacturing clients. Kelsie is an avid animal lover and donates her time outside of ADKF as the Treasurer of AAPAW and fosters animals for SA ROCKS.

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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Serving the Community Since 1975

More Expertise. More Access.

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More Help. More Hope.

We take a team approach to diagnosing, managing and treating a variety of vascular related conditions.

• Leg Pain • Leg Circulation Problems • Blocked Arteries • Stroke • Wound Care

Seth Fritcher, MD

Mark Wengrovitz, MD

• Vein Disease • Amputation Prevention • Dialysis Access • Aneurysms • Prosthetic Care

In-office or Telemedicine Appointments Available

134 Menger Springs, Ste. 1100, Boerne, Texas 78006 | 210.614.7414 | PVAsatx.com Check out our Peripheral Vascular Associates Channel on YouTube

Life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be.

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Appointment booking available online at

barbiesinboerne.com

(210) 330-6676 | 725 N. Main Street – Boer ne

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

mobility

outpatient

K

Knee & hip replacement

by Nicole Stuart, PA-C with Orthopedic Performance Institute

Knee or hip joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, can be a valuable tool when traditional, non-surgical treatment options have failed to manage the pain from an arthritic hip or knee.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive, degenerative disease in which the cartilage of the knee or hip slowly wears away.

Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones of the joint, and when the cartilage of the joint wears away due to osteoarthritis, the resulting pain and inflammation can be debilitating.

Your chances of osteoarthritis of the weightbearing joints of the knee and hip increase with age; the condition most often affects middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis may first appear between the ages of 30 and 40, though symptoms may not be present in the early stages. Later in life, many Americans will experience joint pain due to arthritis that can make enjoying life very challenging.

Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Matthew Dwyer and Dr. Christopher Phelps, with the Orthopedic Performance Institute, are dedicated to combating the effects of osteoarthritis and are determined to guide patients back to an active, enjoyable lifestyle.

Historically, knee and hip replacement have been Performed as in-patient procedures, involving one or even two-night stays in the hospital. Since 2018, both Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Phelps have been performing joint replacements on an out-patient basis. This is accomplished through extensive patient education and preparation combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques, advanced pain management therapies and enhanced rehabilitative support.

Our outpatient total joint replacement program eliminates the need for overnight hospital stays and allows patients to return to an active, enjoyable life with minimal downtime. The surgery itself takes about one and a half hours, and patients spend about five to six hours total at the surgical center before being discharged to recover fully at home.

The success of outpatient joint replacement journey is dependent on several factors. One of the most imperative factors is appropriate patient selection which can be based on good general health, age, and at-home support, followed by preparation and education of the patient about: • at home rehabilitation and post-operative exercise, • wound care and pain management, and • recognition and avoidance of possible complications. Complications like infections or blood clots are associated with any surgery, and precautions are taken to minimize these concerns. BBM

Dr. Christopher Phelps, Dr. Matthew Dwyer and Dr. Alexandra Matthews

Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Phelps have a genuine commitment to patient health and have performed hundreds of successful joint replacement surgeries each year. For more information about knee and hip replacement surgery or any orthopedic condition, call (210) 545-7171 or visit www.orthopedicperformance.com. Dr. Alexandra Matthews, Sports Medicine Specialist, is in practice with Dr Dwyer and Dr. Phelps, and practices in Stone Oak. Get back your active life with the Orthopedic Performance Institute.

Boerne and Stone Oak Practices Available to Serve You Currently Offering Telemedicine Appointments Too Appointments with Dr. Dwyer in Boerne Clinic Available on Thursdays

ORTHOPEDICPERFORMANCE.COM

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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FOR SALE: NEW PRICE!

214 ENGLISH OAKS CIRCLE

One story 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in English Oaks! Entertaining area with built in grill! $368,000

NEW LISTING!

DURANGO RESERVE LOTS FOR SALE:

118 Chama Dr, Lot 16, 0.22 ac - $132,500.; 104 Ouray St., Lot 27, 0.54 ac - $142,750.

129 MUSTANG RUN THE TRAILS OF HERFF RANCH SUBDIVISION

Other Lots Available.

4 bed, 2.5 bath, approx. 2562 s.f. of living area. $285,000

Bluebonnet Realty Since 1989

JUDY FILINGERI ANGELA TURNER CAREY STEWART SUZANNE MCGINNIS BRETTE NICKELSON OWNER

(830) 816-2288

BROKER

(210) 912-8221

ASSOCIATE

(210) 551-2883

ASSOCIATE

(830) 377-5227

ASSOCIATE

(210) 213-8222

(830) 816-2288 | BoerneTexasHomes.com

FOR LEASE: NEW LISTING!

115 Timber Trail

4 BED, 2 BA, approx. 2016 s/f// Great Views!

1/2 ac. lot. $1700

LEASED!

129 Tapatio Drive E.

2 bed, 2 bath furnished townhome. $2500

LEASED! 217 E. Kronkosky Street

2 bed, 2.5 bath, garage fenced yard. $1800

104 TORRIE TRAIL

3 Bed, 2 bath home in Boerne Heights. $1575

LEASED!

250 English Oaks Circle

3 bed, 2.5 bath in English Oaks. $2600

217 E. Kronkosky Street

2 bed, 2.5 bath, garage fenced yard. $1800

LEASED!

119 Whisper Way

2 bed, 2 bath 1 car garage. $1200

ribbon cuttings

Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce June 2020 Ribbon Cuttings

KATHY BULLARD, INDEPENDENT SENIOR SALES DIRECTOR WITH MARY KAY We had a blast getting to celebrate Kathy Bullard, Independent Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay with a ribbon cutting! Kathy received her 13th brand new Pink Cadillac this week and we are so excited to celebrate her success! Kathy is celebrating 25 years as an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay. With Mary Kay she helps customers solve issues with their skin with amazing skin products, beautiful makeup, and fast delivery from your local representative. To learn more about her products visit www.marykay.com and be sure to list Kathy Bullard as your Sales Director.

Performance is Our Priority ~ Locally Owned ~ Nationally Recognized Stephen V. Vallone CEO, Escrow Officer steve@texasinvestorstitle.com Becky Edmiston, CESP President, Escrow Officer becky@texasinvestorstitle.com Office: (830) 816-5888 www.TexasInvestorsTitle.com Boerne Office: 116 W. Blanco Rd., Suite 101, Boerne, Texas 78006 Houston Branch: 10000 Memorial Dr. Suite 100-N Houston, Texas 77024 Representing Stewart Title Guaranty, First American Title Insurance and Chicago Title Insurance

COMMERCIAL ~ RANCHES ~ RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES 14

B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

employment

Texas initial unemployment claims increase at end of June

I

Initial unemployment claims in Texas increased the last week of June to almost 90,200 after decreasing the week prior.

From March 21 to June 27, nearly 2.7 million claims were filed in Texas, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). ​Continuing unemployment claims increased the week of June 20 to 1.26 million.​ “The increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Texas is affecting the re-opening of the state’s economy,” said Real Estate Center Research Economist Dr. Luis Torres. “This is generating concerns that some people may be furloughed again and postponing companies’ plans to re-open and bring people back to work.

“Although it’s only one week of data, increases in both initial and continuing unemployment claims is concerning if COVID-19 cases continue to increase.”

The number of initial unemployment claims increased in Texas’ major and border metros (with the exception of El Paso) the week of June 20 compared with the previous week.

Using data from the DOL and the Employment and Training Administration, the Center estimates that from March 21 to June 20, over 585,700 seasonally adjusted claims were filed in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land.

Houston registered the largest accumulated number of initial unemployment claims by any Texas​metro during that 14-week period.

Here are Center estimates for other metros during that timeline: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, 581,800 claims; San Antonio-New Braunfels, 181,500 claims; Austin-Round Rock, 162,500 claims; McAllenEdinburg-Mission, 65,500 claims; El Paso, 61,000 claims; Brownsville-Harlingen, 29,000 claims; and Laredo, 18,200 claims.

From March 21 to June 20, over 13,100 unemployment claims were filed in College Station-Bryan. The number of claims increased in the week of June 20 compared with the week prior.

Accommodation and food services, administrative/support/waste management/remediation services, and retail trade represented the sectors with the biggest unemployment claims.

Almost 48.7 million Americans filed initial unemployment claims in the past 15 weeks. Those weekly claims numbers have continued to decline.BBM Information courtesy of Real Estate Center Online News.

-Since 1900-

When the dust settles we’re still right here D RI V E T H RU H OU R S | M-F 8: 0 0 - 5 : 3 0 LO B BY H O U R S | M-F 9 : 0 0 - 5 : 0 0

O N LIN E B A N K IN G | S o no r aB an k. c o m B O E RN E E A S T 1 5 70 R i v e r R o ad | 8 3 0 - 3 3 1 - 8 3 0 0 B O E RN E W E S T 1 2 2 We s t B an d e r a | 8 3 0 - 3 3 1 - 9 1 1 8 B OER N E | BU LV ER D E | W I M BER L EY | S A N A N G ELO | SONORA

(830) 816-2288

Judy Filingeri Owner Angela Turner Broker Carey Stewart Realtor Suzanne McGinnis Realtor Brette Nickelson Realtor boernebusinessmonthly.com

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cover feature A Community Spot for Fun, Fellowship

F

& Tasty Treats!

by Lauren Stumberg | photos by Ron Pritchett

For Pat and Tina Cleary, along with their three daughters, Salty and Sweet is a dream come true. “Having spent a large portion of my life traveling for work, it was always a desire of mine to be able to start a business that we could run together as a family,” said Pat. “Tina and I had thought long and hard about what kind of business we wanted and once I retired

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

from my family’s business we were able to see that vision become a reality.”

That vision is that Salty and Sweet is a place that the whole community can come together for fun, fellowship and of course delicious treats!

As the Clearys began planning their new business venture they found the perfect location, an old gas station

popcorn is available in dozens of flavors. “Whether you prefer sweet or savory we have something you are sure to love,” said Pat. One of the biggest draws of Salty and Sweet is their unmatched selection of classic, nostalgic and truly unique candy. The store is filled to the brim with a wide array of everything from sour to sweet and everything in between!

Tina and Pat’s three daughters, Bridget, Grace and Faith are instrudirectly across from Boerne’s Main Plaza! After a major renovation they were able to open their doors in April of 2019. “We have filled Salty and Sweet with all kinds of deliciousness including a huge selection of nostalgic candy, homemade ice cream, gourmet popcorn, pretzels, fudge, and unique and hard to find sodas,” added Tina. “Our renovated building is right in the center of Boerne and we love that we get to be apart of all of the local events.”

To make sure that their products were extra special, Pat spent a year traveling and learning how to properly make and bake the items that they would sell. According to Pat, “I actually went to school to learn how to make ice cream and worked in an ice cream parlor in Florida. I went to Philadelphia to learn how to make the pretzels.”

When it comes to the flavors of the homemade ice cream that they sell at Salty and Sweet, Tina is the one in charge. “Our flavors are made and rotate daily and can include anything from your traditional chocolate and vanilla to our more unique flavors like lemon pie and avocado. We also have special seasonal flavors that we rotate in throughout the year,” said Tina. “Have them in a delicious waffle cone, a rich and creamy milkshake or a root beer float with your choice from our large root beer selection. You can also have it served up as an ice cream sandwich inside of our homemade cookies!”

The pretzels and popcorn are made fresh daily too. Choose from a whole pretzel or pretzel nuggets with your choice of dipping sauce. The

mental in running this family owned business. The girls help with everything from working behind the counter to social media. In addition to their daughters, the Clearys also hire members of our special needs community to work in the store and enable them to learn everyday life experience while giving them independence, responsibility and confidence. According to the Clearys, “Including everyone in the experience is the key mission here.” continued on page 18

Pat and Tina Cleary

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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continued from page 17

Service in the community and giving back is also important to the Clearys. They are regular volunteers with Hill Country Family Services, board members for the YMCA, supporters of the Boerne Community Coalition, Special Olympics, The Miracle League and the local schools.

Tina added, “We will even auction off our parking spaces during special events such as the Chocolate Walk or other local events where we know that parking will be in high demand to raise money for different charities!”

WHAT’S NEXT? The Cleary family couldn’t be more happy with the way Boerne has embraced Salty and Sweet. “Having been in business now for over a year and surviving Covid-19, we are ready to keep serving up our tasty treats for years to come,” said Pat. “We are also excited to announce that we have something new in the works too! A new restaurant named Blacksmith Grill.” The Clearys have taken over the former Soda Pops and Sugar Shack buildings that are next door to create an establishment that will feature American cuisine. According to Tina, “We are very excited for what is to come. Not only will the food be delicious, but we will have plenty of family fun events too!”

The Clearys love the local community and are thrilled to be able to provide family owned businesses to Main Street, Boerne. They invite you to come and enjoy something salty or sweet, sit at their picnic tables and enjoy all the charm that Boerne has to offer. BBM

www.SaltyandSweetBoerne.com 123 North Main Street – Boerne (830) 331-1330

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

bisd news

Ideal Health BOERNE

Located Inside of Boerne Family Medicine 112 Herff Rd - Ste 110 (830) 331-8585

traci@idealhealthboerne.com

ALL THE POWER YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT EXISTS INSIDE YOU. Book Your Appointment TODAY to begin your journey!

IDEALHEALTHBOERNE.COM

Ron Warden Financial Advisor

1580 S. Main Street, Ste. 104 Boerne, Texas 78006

830-249-8286

Allyson Munsell Financial Advisor

1011 S Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006

830-249-2748

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC IRT-1948I-A

BOERNE ISD LOWERS PROPERTY TAX RATE, ANNOUNCES SALARY INCREASES

T

The Boerne ISD Board of Trustees on Monday voted to adopt a budget that will lower the district's property tax rate for the second straight school year. The 2020-21 tax rate will decrease by three cents per $100 valuation, from $1.28 to $1.25. The district's tax rate has decreased a total of ten cents since 2019, from $1.35 to $1.25.

In addition, the budgeted tax rate for the 2020-21 general fund decreased by 3.4%.

On Monday the board also approved salary increases for the 2020-21 school year. Teachers, Nurses, Librarians and Counselors will receive an $840 raise (as part of the annual step), as well as 2.5% of pay grade midpoint increase for auxiliary and paraprofessional hourly employees, and 1.5% of pay grade midpoint for professional salaried employees.

Boerne ISD appreciates all of our hardworking employees across the district.BBM

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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Serving the Texas Hill Country Since 1916

103 N. Saunders St. – Boerne (830) 816.2131

Our goal at Kendall County Abstract Company is to be the premier title company in Kendall County. We provide real estate closing services and title insurance to both individuals and businesses. All work and research is done in-house at our office. When you have questions and are looking for high quality, we are ready to serve your needs.

Instant Estimates.

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From Title Quotes, to Seller Net Sheets and Buyer Estimates.

Visit KCAC.net to DOWNLOAD MOBILE APP

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PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE CO. We Care About the Properties We Manage!

• Single Family Homes • Condominiums

• Commercial Property • Community HOA’s

Quality Maintenance | Competitive Rates | Proven Track Record

Call for More Info:

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

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Over the past few months, just about everyone has felt the loss of some type of freedom, whether it’s being able to travel, engage in social gatherings or participate in other activities we previously took for granted. Still, as we observe Independence Day this month, it’s comforting to realize all the freedoms we still have in this country. And taking the right steps can also help you achieve your financial independence.

Here are some moves to consider: BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND. It’s a good idea to create an emergency fund consisting of three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money held in a liquid, low-risk account. With this fund in place, you can avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for short-term, unexpected costs.

KEEP YOUR DEBTS UNDER CONTROL. It’s not easy to do, but if you can consistently minimize your debt load, you can have more money to invest for the future and move closer toward achieving your financial liberty. One way to keep your debts down is to establish a budget and stick to it, so you can avoid unnecessary spending.

CONTRIBUTE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS. The more money you can save for retirement, the greater your feelings of financial independence. So it’s essential that you contribute as much as you can to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered, and every time your salary goes up, boost your annual contributions. Even if you participate in a 401(k), you’re probably also still eligible to contribute to an IRA, which can help you build even more funds for retirement. And because you can fund an IRA with virtually any type of investment, you can broaden your portfolio mix.

EXPLORE LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE. One day, your financial independence could be threatened by your need for some type of long-term care. It now costs, on average, over $100,000 for a private room in a nursing home and more than $50,000 for the services of a home health aide, according

finances

Work to Achieve Your Financial Independence

to Genworth, an insurance company. Most of these costs won’t be covered by Medicare, either, so, if you want to reduce the risk of seriously depleting all your financial resources – or burdening your adult children with these heavy expenses – you may want to consider some type of long-term care insurance. You could choose a traditional long-term care policy – which can cover a nursing home stay, home health care, or other services – or a hybrid policy, which provides longterm care coverage plus a death benefit.

MANAGE WITHDRAWALS CAREFULLY. Once you retire, your financial freedom will depend a great deal on how skillful you are in managing the money in your retirement accounts. Specifically, you need to be careful about how much you withdraw from these accounts each year. If you set a withdrawal rate that’s too high in your early years of retirement, you might eventually risk outliving your resources.

So, set a withdrawal rate that reflects your age, assets, retirement lifestyle and other factors. You may want to consult with a financial professional to establish an appropriate rate.

As you can see, working toward your financial independence is a lifelong activity – but it’s worth the effort. BBM

Allyson Munsell is a financial advisor for Edward Jones.

830.249.2748 | www.edwardjones.com 1011 S. Main Street, Boerne, Texas 78006

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. *Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

boernebusinessmonthly.com

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activities

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Summer is sure to look a lot different this year, but even though we can’t get out and about the way we are used to doing doesn’t mean you can’t still have lots of fun!

Check out this fun list of activities to do while you keep your social distance.

• HAVE A FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Cuddle up indoors or even better why not project a movie outside under the stars!

• CAMP OUT IN THE BACKYARD: Set up tents, roast some hotdogs and smores. This is a fun way to get out of the house without actually having to leave home.

• HAVE A PICNIC: Spice up lunch, dinner or even breakfast by dining picnic style for a change.

• TAKE IN NATURE: Make a point to watch the sunset or do a little stargazing.

• SET UP AN AT HOME WATERPARK: Pull out the sprinkers, kiddie pools, slip ‘n slides and water balloons for a fun way to cool off at home.

• EMBRACE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE: Create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece, paint some rocks, tie-dye some shirts… the sky is the limit!

• GET OUTSIDE: Fly a kite, go on a bike ride or just read a book under your favorite tree.

• MAKE SOME TASTY TREATS: Nothing says summer like homemade popsicles or ice cream! BBM

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

newsworthy

GVTC Announces New Board Members, Capital Credits Increase, and President’s Award Recipients in Lieu of 2020 Annual Meeting

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Despite postponing its 2020 Annual Meeting, GVTC continued its tradition of welcoming newly elected and returning members to its board of directors, honoring its 2020 President’s Award recipients, and announcing an increase in Capital Credits for GVTC members.

GIVE A WARM WELCOME On the ballot this year, there were four open positions on the GVTC Board, and from June 1 to June 23, active GVTC members were able to vote via direct mail or online.

The results are in: all four elected members to our GVTC Board of Directors are incumbents who have served GVTC faithfully for many years. Among them is George Steinke to serve as Director of District I, Position 1, Jameson (Jamey) Arnold of District II, Position 3, Clint Swindall of District II, Position 5, and Tony Spears of District V, Position 1.

We’re excited about the continued leadership they’ll be providing GVTC as we head into the tail-end of 2020 and beyond.

HIGHEST EMPLOYEE HONOR GVTC also recognized its 2020 President’s Award recipients this month. This honor is awarded annually to employees who have demonstrated leadership, made incredible contributions, or improved processes at GVTC that will carry on into the future. The 2020 recipients include Network Architect, Joey Wilson, and Telecommunications Technicians Supervisor, Daryl Furhmann.

Leading the effort to launch GVTC Premium WiFi and ensuring GVTC’s network remained robust and reliable amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Joey Wilson was instrumental to GVTC’s success.

And Daryl demonstrated his superior expertise and leadership amidst GVTC’s new cable locate service. He solved a problem without any direction and organized his team of technicians so well that GVTC never missed a beat throughout the process.

Both men’s initiative, ingenuity, and incredible pursuit of excellence have set a new standard at GVTC, and GVTC is beyond grateful to have team members like Joey and Daryl.

PROVIDING GREATER VALUE This month, GVTC distributed its largest Capital Credits in the history of the company totaling $7,250,000, an increase from its 2019 issuance of $7 million.

Led by the GVTC Board of Directors, GVTC has released more than $50 million over the last decade. GVTC’s CEO & President, Ritchie Sorrells says, "GVTC's ability to issue annual Capital Credits this size is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated employees and the visionary leadership of our Board of Directors.”

In addition, active GVTC members saw their Capital Credits distributed a little differently this year - receiving a credit applied to their June 2020 statements.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE While there is much left of 2020 to be seen, GVTC is optimistic about the future of the communities it serves. GVTC’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of the company by providing the best value in communication services and enhancing the quality of life overall, and its board of directors, leadership team, and 220+ employees continue to fulfill this mission daily. BBM

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giving back

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Wheeler’s Western Outfitters Continues to Provide Community Support

by Raising Donations for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries

During June, Wheeler’s Western Outfitters partnered with Hill Country Daily Bread Ministires (HCDB) to collect donation items and dollars. Customers were encouraged to donate monetarily through a web link, or to contribute by donating items HCDB needed like diapers and wipes, canned goods, peanut butter and other items that can be found on the website. Wheeler’s rewarded customers by giving them 15% off their next purchase when they brought in proof of donation.

HCDB provides essential relief efforts to families in our community and provides other resources as well.

Wheeler’s, a store that is locally owned and operated is known for being community minded and so it was no surprise that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Wheeler’s placed an emphasis on increasing awareness to those who might be in need.

One day, the Wheeler’s team heard that HCDB had unprecedented

requests for assistance, “so, when we heard the statistics from HCDB about how many people in our own backyard were in need of assistance, we knew we needed to help,” said Garner.

Through their promotion, Wheeler’s was able to communicate that HCDB could buy 25,000 pounds of food (valued at $75,000) with $3,000 in donations. They also provided a complete list of the most needed items.

A statement from HCDB said, “We came together to bring hope and help in the name of Christ. This was a unique opportunity to shine the light of the love of Christ. We do not do this work alone. Their faithful support allowed us to meet this extraordinary challenge facing our eight county service area as we give food, diapers, clothing and hope to those in poverty during this crisis.”

If you would like to give to HCDB please contact them at (830) 755-5200 or at hillcountrydailybread.com.BBM

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

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taxes

State sales tax revenue down 13.2 percent YOY

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According to the Texas Comptroller, state sales tax revenue totaled $2.61 billion last month, 13.2 percent less than in May 2019.

That's the steepest year-over-year decline since January 2010.

The majority of May sales tax revenue is based on sales made in April and remitted to the agency in May. Widespread social distancing requirements were in place across much of the state throughout April.

Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 57 percent of all tax collections, but the effects of the economic slowdown and low oil prices were evident in​other sources of revenue in May 2020.

Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes: motor vehicle sales and rental taxes, ​ $265 million, down 38 percent year over year (YOY); motor fuel taxes, $221 million, down 30 percent YOY and the steepest drop since 1989; natural gas production tax, $31 million, down 76 percent YOY; oil production tax, $90 million, down 75 percent YOY, the steepest drop since March 1988, and the lowest monthly amount since July 2010;​ hotel occupancy tax, $8 million, down 86 percent YOY and the steepest drop on record in data going back to 1982; and alcoholic beverage taxes, $28 million, down 76 percent YOY and the steepest drop on record in data going back to 1980.

The comptroller extended the due date for franchise tax payments this year from May 15 to July 15, meaning that comparisons to May 2019 collections are uninformative. BBM Information courtesy of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and Real Estate Center Online News

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25

real estate

U.S. pending home sales see record increase in May

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National pending home sales increased 44.3 percent in May—a new record, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

After two previous months of declines, pending home sales are showing a market rebound, with every major region recording a month-over-month increase.

According to NAR, the Pending Home Sales Index increased to 99.6 in May—the highest monthly growth since NAR began the series in January 2001. Since the same time last year, pending home sales have fallen 5.1 percent.

In the South—the region including Texas—pending sales increased 43.3 percent over the month and 1.9 percent over the year.

Real Estate Center Research Data Scientist Gerald Klassen said Texas also saw a surge in pending home sales in May and June.

"It looks like prospective buyers were able to continue virtual shopping during the lockdown and find homes they wanted to purchase," said Klassen.

"When the lockdown ended, they were ready to physically visit and sign contracts. It appears that the pent-up demand is exhausting itself as the flow of pending​sales falls back to last year's levels.

"It will be interesting to see in the next few weeks if the weekly flow falls below last year. We are late in the selling season so the recent burst of pending listings is likely not sustainable."

NAR expects existing-home sales to reach 4.93 million units in 2020, with new-home sales potentially hitting 690,000.

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"Tighter credit for low-priced and high-priced homes is a headwind that we didn’t have last year," said Klassen. "Lower mortgage rates for GSE-eligible mortgages is a tailwind. Soon we will see which factors have a greater influence on the market."​ In 2021, NAR expects sales to rise to 5.35 million units for existing homes and 800,000 for new homes. BBM Information courtesy of the National Association of Realtors and Real Estate Center Online News

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

Longtime City Manager, Ron Bowman, retired this June after 40 years of working for the city. While Bowman will be greatly missed, the City is happy to welcome Ben Thatcher as the new City Manager for the City of Boerne.

A coach at heart, Thatcher loves a good strategy that allows players to make game-winning plays and drives the whole team to succeed. By setting and meeting goals, Ben strongly believes in the capabilities of local government to impact the quality of life of communities.

Mr. Thatcher began his career in public service in 2002 in North Texas. He quickly moved up in his professional career and became the Assistant City Manager in Southlake in 2007 -- a position he held before coming to Boerne. In 1995, the citizens of Boerne voted to become a Home Rule City and in 2020 Mr. Thatcher became its second City Manager.

During his career, he has remained active in multiple professional and volunteer groups, including International City/County Manager’s Association, Texas City Management Association, and Boy Scouts of America just to name a few.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Utah and a Master of Public Administration from

orthopedic performance

city news

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city of boerne welcomes new city Manager

the University of North Texas.

Mr. Thatcher grew up in a household that values the importance of public service with a father in city management, a brother who serves as a city attorney and former local city councilman, and three other brothers who work for local municipalities in North Texas. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

Boerne is chartered as a home rule city and operates under the council-manager form of government. The City Council appoints a professional manager to administer city operations and to serve as the chief executive officer of the city. The City Council is responsible for city legislation and policy-making. In general, the job of the city manager is to see that all laws, ordinances, and policy directives of the City Council are carried out.

Boerne’s city manager is responsible for the appointment of all city employees, with the exception of the City Attorney. The manager makes budget and other recommendations to the City Council and advises the council of the city’s current conditions and future needs.

If you see Ben out and about give him a warm welcome as he continues to learn more about our wonderful community. BBM

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27

investing

A New Type of Investing?

Or Is It?

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by Sam Dreibelbis, CPA | Associate Wealth Advisor – Covenant

When researching stocks, every investor should use several criteria. Typically, items such as sales, earnings, debt, and market value are some of the key drivers to determining whether that stock is worth an investment. But, what about other factors such as the Environment, Social issues, and Governance? It’s called ESG investing. While ESG factors don’t necessarily affect the bottom line directly, more investors are using these types of criteria in their research before they commit to investing in a company.

Should you?

What is ESG investing?

ESG is an investment-related decision-making process that accounts for some type of environmental, social, or governance consideration. Some investors use this method to invest in companies that fit within the ESG framework. ESG focused investors often think a performance advantage can be garnered from this. “Putting money where your values are.” Below are a few questions to consider when looking at companies through an ESG lens.

Environmental: Does the company have specific policies around how they impact the environment and goals to improve this over time? Do they even measure their impact?

Social: How does the company promote health, safety, and fairness in the workplace? Do they address the needs of their employees and have high retention of employees?

Governance: If you’ve heard someone talk about ESG, it may put pictures of environmentalists and activists in your mind and not people looking to grow their assets for the long-term. But, there’s more most investors need to learn about this type of investing. In fact, COVID-19 in 2020 taught investors to look at the “G”, governance.

How does company management align with the interest of other stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders etc.)? Are they giving back to society, charities, etc.? That’s governance, and it’s taken center stage.

ESG investing may be thought of as a fad for millennials, environmentalists, etc., but the industry may be moving in that direction and the recent data suggests that it may be wise to diversify in this direction and get on board. The reason ESG is considered to be a fad is because most observers think ESG investing is new. But, it’s not. ESG has actually been around since the 1970s. Two Methodist ministers started Pax World to avoid investing church dollars in companies that supported the Vietnam war. However, the actual term “ESG” was coined in 2004. ESG investing has grown to more than $30 trillion dollars as of 2018 and is expected to reach $50 trillion over the next two decades according to CNBC. Three of the companies that most would recognize that are implementing ESG characteristics are Nike, Accenture, and Intuit (the maker of Turbo Tax and Quicken).

Some question the performance of an ESG strategy, thinking it would be sub-par. That hasn’t been the case. In fact, many ESG specific strategies have outperformed other non-ESG strategies and investors can still build a very diversified portfolio using stocks that meet the ESG characteristics.

Ways To Invest In An ESG Focused Portfolio

There are plenty of mutual funds and exchange traded funds that focus on ESG. But, investors need

The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. It is not an exhaustive list and is not intended to provide any legal or tax advice. Please consult your respective legal, tax and financial advisor before taking any action.

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

to focus on their goals. For example, if the goal is to own no company that profits from fossil fuels, then this would be an exclusionary method that may cost some near-term and possibly long-term performance, but if it helps make an investor feel more comfortable, it may be a good option. If the goal is to maximize returns, the thought may be to include or overweight companies that have positive characteristics that are drivers for company success over time. For example, if a management team whose compensation is tied to long-term company success as opposed to short-term stock prices, it may be wise to incorporate that company into a portfolio.

Just like most portfolios and investment decisions, it may be wise to elicit the help of an advisor or investment professional to articulate the reasons for a desire to invest this way in order to carefully identify specific strategies. Covenant has had specific ESG strategies since 2018.

ESG investing may not be a new phenomenon, but it is growing and some companies and investment providers are responding faster to it than others. It’s already happening and will only continue to grow.

It allows investors a way to feel as though they’re having an impact in the world, while still potentially capturing long-term positive returns.

Like all investing, it’s important to have a plan and stick to it to increase the odds of long-term success. BBM Sam Dreibelbis, CPA is an associate wealth advisor at Covenant. Sam graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Accounting as well as a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University. Sam is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

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health

DEFINE Boerne Offering By Donation Yoga Classes to Benefit Cibolo Nature Center

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B oerne B usiness M onthly | July 2020

Let’s Work together to tell boerne about your business!

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finances

Enjoy an outdoor yoga class with DEFINE Boerne at Herff Farm. The class is offered at 9:30am to 10:30am each Saturday and open to all levels. If you’d like to participate, register online to reserve your spot and bring your mat, water and a $15 donation. All the proceeds will benefit the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm.

DEFINE Boerne offers a holistic lifestyle approach so members can reach their physical and inner strength goals, as defined by them. Located at 1022 River Road in Boerne, DEFINE offers barre, yoga and spin classes for all levels. BBM

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