Issuu

An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 6, Issue 10 â€˘ March 2018

BusinessLin

Inside: Volunteer Spotlight: Stephen Foley Business Spotlight: Rotary Club of Kerrville

The economic future looks bright

BusinessLin

KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028 PHONE: 830-896-1155 | FAX: 830-896-1175 | kerrvilletx.com

CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS Gregg Appel Chairman of the Board, Centennial Bank Lisa Winters Chairwoman-Elect, Peterson Health Kim Clarkson Immediate Past Chair of the Board, Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. Randy Evans Treasurer, Massey Itschner & Company, P.C. Tricia Byrom Secretary, Guadalupe National Bank

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neice Bell, The Kerrville Daily Times Pete Calderon, Alamo Hospice Brian Bowers, Centennial Bank Caitlin Hueber, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly Mike Wittler, Kerrville Public Utility Board Terry Massey, Ken Stoepel Ford-Lincoln Inc. Sue Tiemann, Brinkman Preferred Properties Kerry Sutton, Hill Country Telephone Co-Op Michael Anglin, ARTIFEX42 Stephen Schmerbeck, Garrett Insurance Agency Allison Bueche, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly

CHAMBER STAFF E. Walter “Walt” Koenig III President and CEO, walt@kerrvilletx.com Rachel London Vice President and COO, rachel@kerrvilletx.com Theresa Metcalf Director of Finance and Human Resource, theresa@kerrvilletx.com Angela North Membership Director, angie@kerrvilletx.com Jennifer Lord Receptionist, jennifer@kerrvilletx.com

BUSINESSLINK STAFF Neice Bell, Publisher Lisa Treiber-Walter, Managing Editor Chelsea M.K. Stack & Autumn Bernhard, Special Sections Editors Tom Holden & William R. Houghton, Photographers Jennifer McCullough, Advertising Director Advertising: John Doran, Jeff Herring, Luly Miller and Brandon Baldwin Composing: Manager Dean Heep and Johanna Rangel

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Chairman’s CORNER Over the years, I have talked with many business owners about joining the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Many see it as a civic responsibility and agree to join with no questions asked, while others are more difficult to sell and really need convincing about the value of chamber membership. I usually say something like, “It’s like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. But it’s a great way to network, take advantage of educational opportunities, plus the chamber advocates for the business community.” I could probably add that a strong chamber creates a healthy business climate that helps fill local restaurants and hotels. That’s all true and it’s all good, but how about some specifics? One of these specifics that I am very proud of is the Hill Country Economic Summit, which was held for the second year on Feb. 1. This was such a great event that built momentum from a terrific first year in 2017. The venue was moved to the Hill Country Youth Event Center to accommodate about 300 participants. In my opinion, it brought out the best principles of chamber life. First, it provided great networking opportunities before the event and during breaks — a real “who’s who” of Kerrville. Obviously, our members “voted with their feet” and came out to spend more than half of their day as a testament to the value of the forum. Next, it was a fabulous educational opportunity to hear from the best possible state and local experts on economic issues impacting our community and our region. It was interactive, and I was quite impressed by the quality of questions from the audience. It really helped clarify many of our key issues to successfully move our community forward. Finally, it showcased the leadership of our organization in pushing forward a pro-business and pro-quality of life agenda. It was clear that the chamber is playing a major role in contributing to and shaping the substance of the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan. We have a tremendous leader and advocate in Walt Koenig, our president and CEO. Walt is doing a phenomenal job, along with the strategic planning process with the city. To me, this one event summarizes so many of the important functions of our chamber. I am so proud of Brian Bowers for his leadership in conceiving and executing this event, along with his great committee and our amazing staff. Next time someone wants to know why they should join the chamber or continue to pay annual dues, invite them to the Economic Summit.

Gregg Appel Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, 2018

On the Cover Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, left, with Walt Koenig, chamber president and CEO, at the Hill Country Economic Summit. Photo by: Lisa Treiber-Walter

Coming in April Cover Story: Volunteer opportunities with diamond nonprofit members

2 BusinessLink • March 2018

Table of CONTENTS Membership

4 New and returning chamber members 6 Ribbon Cuttings: Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, 103.7

FM “The Buck,” Century 21 The Hills Realty Farm & Ranch, RiverHills Moving, River Trail Cottages and The Plant Haus 2

12 Cover Story

Get to Know People & Places

8 Business Spotlight: Rotary Club of Kerrville 10 Volunteer Spotlight: Stephen Foley

18 Snapshots from the February After Hours Business

Leadership & Education

20 23rd Annual Golf Classic preview, EasterFest

Events

Mixer at River Trail Cottages

reminder and a successful Shred Day in February 16 Leadership Kerr County: State government 17 February CoffeeTalk: Joe Herring Jr. on Kerrville’s history 22 March and April events calendar

uPPer guAdAluPe riVer Authority

Cash

Prizes

UGRA River Clean Up Art

Contest

All Kerr County students K-12th grAde Are eligible ENTRY DEADLINE IS MAY 4, 2018

Winning Design Printed on All River Clean Up T-shirts

entry Forms at www.ugra.org or Call (830) 896-5445 Join Us for the 15th Annual River Clean Up on July 28th! It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 3

Membership

New and returning chamber members The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the following businesses and organizations that recently joined or renewed memberships with the chamber. Learn more about them by visiting the chamber’s membership directory at business.kerrvilletx.com/list.

Interested in joining the chamber? The KACOC is a resource for everything related to growing your business and networking with other professionals in the Kerrville area. The KACOC is the front door of Kerrville, and the door is always open. For more information, visit kerrvilletx.com and select “Membership Information,” then “Join the Chamber.”

Thank you, returning members! Bronze • 1011 Bistro • A3 Studio • Any Baby Can • Arrow Z Ranch • Audio Video Technologies • B.C. Collision Center • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Hill Country • Bill’s Bar-B-Que • Books to Share • Browning Warehouse Self Storage • Clima Storage at the West Kerr Center • Craig Wolcott PLLC, Attorney at Law • Custom Glass & Mirror • Dairy Queen – River Oaks • Davis Bonding Company • DLWRE LLC • Earnest Roofing • Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company • Gregory R. Seibert, CPA • Hill Country Café • Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show • Hill Country Stone Inc. • IHR Systems • JCGraphix • JM Lowe & Company • Kairos The Celebration Barn • Kerr Emergency 9-1-1 Network • Kerrville Board of Realtors • Lone Star Mini Storage • Medical Arts Imaging

4 BusinessLink • March 2018

• Residential Finance Corporation • River Hills Mall • The Salt Group • San Antonio Kennel Club • Chartwells at Schreiner University • Texas Tree Service • Zach Riffett of Edward Jones Silver • Davidson Freedle Espenhover & Overby PC • Days Inn Kerrville • First Baptist Church • The Museum of Western Art • OutBack Patio Furnishings • Richard B. Johnson Jr., MD • Vista Verde Builders LLC Gold • Huser Construction Company Inc. • University Health System Platinum • Atmos Energy • Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. • Kerrville State Hospital Diamond • Centennial Bank • Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center • Ken Stoepel Ford-Lincoln • Moore’s Home Furnishings Individual • Bonnie White • David J. Samuel

Hill Country Christian Counseling Center, Inc.

1/4 New Hope 1858

• Dedicated therapists serving the Hill Country over 25 years • Renewing hope and emotional wellness for all ages: individuals, couples, families • English and Spanish • A resource for those most in need of our support 1127 E. Main, Ste 100 • Kerrville • 830-257-3009

www.newhopecounselingtx.org

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It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 5

Membership Ribbon cuttings

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio celebrated the grand opening of its new location, 1225 Bandera Highway, Suite 1, on Feb. 8 with a ribbon cutting. Merle Norman started her company in 1931. This location offers complimentary beauty services, such as express facial services or mini-steam facials, skin assessments, makeup try-ons, a selection of fashion accessories and jewelry, as well as “try before you buy.”

For more information, call 315-1122 or visit merlenorman.com.

103.7 FM ‘The Buck’

103.7 FM “The Buck” celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at Blue Sage Hall, 3044 Junction Highway in Ingram, on Feb. 9. 103.7 FM “The Buck” is Kerrville’s and the Texas Hill Country’s newest radio station, playing today’s best country music from artists you’ll know and love. It is bringing Texas music back to the Kerrville area and around the world.

Century 21 The Hills Realty Farm & Ranch Century 21 The Hills Realty Farm and Ranch celebrated the grand opening of its new location, 1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 320, on Feb. 13. Century 21 The Hills Realty Farm and Ranch real estate agents are a different breed. They are as comfortable in boots as they are in the boardroom. They have specialized knowledge of the land, not to mention the visibility, tools and support of a worldwide network of independent offices and agents. For more information, call 895-1801, email info@c21thehills.com or visit c21texasranches.com.

6 BusinessLink • March 2018

Stop by its office at 100 E. Fairway, call 254-955-9301, listen online at 1037thebuck.com or tune the radio to 103.7.

Photos courtesy of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

RiverHills Moving celebrated its new membership with the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 14 hosted by Texas Business Buyers. RiverHills Moving offers a choice of high-quality packing and moving services, handling any job with the care it requires. It packs apartments, homes or entire offices with care and diligence, saving time and reducing potential damages to possessions, making moves safe, relaxed and easy.

For more information, visit riverhillmoving.com, email riverhillsmoving@gmail.com, or call 257-4949 or 329-7272.

RiverHills Moving

River Trail Cottages

River Trail Cottages celebrated its grand opening at 1709 Water St. with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 15. With more than 500 feet of riverfront to enjoy, as well as easy access to the Kerrville River Trail and Louise Hays Park, River Trail Cottages is perfect for families and groups looking for a comfortable departure from a typical hotel. Guests can enjoy a quiet evening with s’mores on the waterfront and complimentary in-room WiFi and HD satellite TV.

The Plant Haus 2 The Plant Haus 2 celebrated one year at its new location, 604 Jefferson St., with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 15. Serving the Texas Hill Country for more than 29 years, The Plant Haus 2 of Kerrville is the area’s largest greenhouse with a wide selection of plants, garden supplies and more. Whether looking for a beautiful shade tree for the backyard, a tropical plant for the home or a unique gift for the green thumb, it has all the supplies needed to satisfy a love for nature and gardening.

For more information, visit rivertrailcottages.rentals or call 928-9002.

For more information, call 792-4444 or find them on Facebook.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 7

Get to Know Business Spotlight

Rotary Club of Kerrville changes lives By Donna Gable Hatch Rotary Club of Kerrville is one of those often unheralded organizations that work quietly behind the scenes to facilitate change in the lives of others. Its motto, “Service Above Self,” is what drives the 170-member club — the largest service club in Kerr County — to action.

the community through its Literacy and Water Safety education program called “Josh the Otter,” which is focused on reading with third and fourth graders in local elementary schools. Each school receives 30 books and a Rotarian reads to students in their classrooms.

One of its major projects is the Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event and community food drive, which was March 3. Teaming up with the Kerrville Morning Rotary Club, Interact Club, Kerrville Host Lions and Kiwanis Club of Kerrville, the organizations packaged 20,000 meals at the event to fill local food bank shelves with non-perishable items.

“In April, we plan to offer education to local fifth and sixth graders, and middle school and high school students about human trafficking. We hope to partner with Schreiner University in this effort,” Vandenberg said.

In addition, the club will work in March and April to fulfill its commitment of planting one tree for every Rotarian in the club. They’ve planted 140 trees so far and plan to plant another 30 to 40 this spring, according to Kristy Vandenberg, president of The Rotary Club of Kerrville.

In May, the club will award $25,000 in scholarship funds to local high school students for their college education or technical training, as well as to those already in college to assist with their expenses in the next year. In June, the club will award Citizenship Awards to local fifth graders who displayed leadership characteristics, and an individual who made a difference in their classroom.

The club honors the community’s first responders by hosting celebratory events that laud their efforts. On April 12, the club’s new member committee will host a free breakfast at the Kerr County Veterans Service Office to honor local military.

“We will again partner with Schreiner University to host this luncheon with all those chosen (to receive) an amazing scholarship to attend Schreiner University if this is their future path,” she said.

The club also reaches out to the younger members of

All of the aforementioned projects are made possible

Rotary Club of Kerrville officers: back row from left, Tammy Prout, Charlie McIlvain, Crystal Dockery and David Jones. Front row from left, President Kristy Vandenberg, Cynthia McNeely and President-Elect Robin Meiars. Photo by John Sniffen

8 BusinessLink • March 2018

Flat Rock Park • 3840 Riverside Dr. • Kerrville, TX

• Car Show • Easter Egg Hunt • Chili & BBQ Cookoff • Games & Rides for All Ages • Live Music • Vendors & Much More

Kerrville Police Department Chief of Police David Knight captivates not only Rotary Club of Kerrville President Kristy Vandenberg, left, but also an entire room at the Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center, as he talks about the feats accomplished in a short amount of time by his honoree, KPD Officer of the Year Austin Beal. Photo by Lisa Treiber-Walter

thanks to its annual Super Ball Tailgating Extravaganza, which was Feb. 3 and netted approximately $48,000. “The Super Ball event is a success because of the number of individuals who attend the event and participate in fundraising activities at the event,” said Vandenberg, adding that community support is appreciated and encouraged. “I encourage leaders throughout Kerr County to consider joining the Rotary Club of Kerrville or other service clubs to make a difference in their own community through projects and programs that give back to our neighbors.”

, rday Satu 31st h Marc 018 2 -5pm 10am

F the un fo FamEntirr ily! e

The community can learn more about the Rotary Club of Kerrville at the upcoming Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership/Networking Luncheon, sponsored by the club. The event is from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Schreiner University’s Cailloux Student Campus Activity Center, 2100 Memorial Blvd. “The chamber is tracking and sponsoring local events, information on Texas legislative and national government activity, and is heavily involved in the creation of a new city plan through 2050, where all leaders in this community should appreciate having a voice and gaining information,” Vandenberg said, adding most members of the Rotary Club of Kerrville also are members of the chamber and take advantage of the chamber’s training opportunities, networking events and community projects. “The value of a chamber membership is in the information and training shared with other leaders in our community. Through a network of companies and individuals in Kerr County, we can maximize resources, share information and come together as a community,” she said. “We must make informed and excellent choices for growth and sustainability, in addition to supporting existing business owners and all residents.”

Proceeds Benefit Local Charitable Organizations and Projects of Leadership Kerr County

m w.Kerrv illeEasterfest.co

For more information about the Rotary Club of Kerrville, visit kerrvillerotary.org, email kerrvillerotary@gmail.com or call 512-787-7964.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 9

Get to Know Volunteer Spotlight

Q&A with Stephen Foley Q: What is your volunteer role with the chamber and how long have you served in that role?

A: I have been a member of the chamber for just short of

three years and an ambassador for about two years now.

Q: What other organizations do you volunteer with and for how long? A: I have been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Kerrville

in town since March 2016. I volunteer with Freedom Loans, which is a nonprofit group that helps families and individuals get out of the vicious cycle of consumer debt through counseling and assistance from some of the local banks. I am a graduate of the Kerrville Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and have just started volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Hill Country. On occasion, I’ll go out to the American Legion Family Post 208 and help with their afternoon bingo games.

Q: How has volunteering impacted or changed your life? A: There are many organizations in town that could not provide

services to others without volunteers to help out their mission, whatever endeavor it might be. Being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to meet many business owners in town. I like to help out and give a helping hand or encouragement to those who need it.

Q: How is volunteering both rewarding and challenging for you? A: I really like meeting new people, encouraging their work and

making new friends. Also, I’ve always had a soft spot for small business owners, who are entrepreneurial and put it all on the line to create a better life for their family. Obviously, there is a time commitment and there are scheduling conflicts, but I guess, as much as anything, I just like to help out where and when I can.

Q: What inspired you to start volunteering? A: I have been so blessed in my life and it’s really all

about doing the Lord’s will and giving back.

Q: In what ways has the chamber been a resource for you as a volunteer or getting involved in community service?

A: Without the chamber’s involvement in the community, it would be much harder to know what’s going on in town and what organizations are out there that either need help or are promoting causes that I would like to be involved with and contribute my time to. Q: When not volunteering, where do you work or spend your time? A: I am lucky in that I love what I do for a living. As the owner of

Guadalupe Investments and Insurance Services, I get to educate people on how best to plan for retirement, protect and grow their assets, as well as help businesses set up 401(k) plans. Since I am independent, I have quite a bit of flexibility, giving me time to volunteer.

My wife and I like to travel when we can. If not traveling, we like to explore the area, enjoying everything it has to offer or just hang out together. In the summer, we enjoy our favorite swimming hole, and I like to fish and play softball — although softball comes with many pulled muscles.

10 BusinessLink • March 2018

His favorite quote:

“

The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good.

”

Alphonsus Liguori

Please join us in extending a word of “Thanks!” to these businesses for sponsoring the major events held in 2018 by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Because of their generosity and support, we were able to continue to educate and serve our membership and community about shared opportunities, issues and challenges.

23RD ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC Monday, April 16, 2018

EMERALD COTTAGES

Senior Independent Living

Newest Senior Living Community

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RIVERHILL COUNTRY CLUB

THE NEW 30 GUN DRAW EVENT Saturday, June 2, 2018

APACHE RIFLEWORKS

BUSINESS EXPO WITH FRIDAY NIGHT WINE SHARE August 3-4, 2018

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

96TH ANNUAL CHAMBER CHOICE AWARDS BANQUET

Thursday, October 25, 2018 ROOKDALE

Experience Kerrville’s Premier Residential Style Senior Living Community!

GUADALUPE RIVER PLAZA

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2ND ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ECONOMIC SUMMIT Thursday, February 1, 2018

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

Hurry in to reserve your cottage... Limited availability! 1501 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville | P: (830) 370-6682

1700 Sidney Baker St.,Suite 100 • Kerrville (830) 896-1155 • www.kerrvilletx.com

emeraldcottages.com It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 11

The

economic

future looks bright

2nd annual Hill Country Economic Summit speakers present positive outlook Story and photos by Lisa Walter Kerrville and Kerr County, along with Texas, face a bright economic future, according to experts speaking at the 2nd annual Hill Country Economic Summit. The half-day summit, hosted by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, drew a record crowd of nearly 300 attendees — double last year’s attendance — to the Hill Country Youth Event Center. Highlights of the economic summit included talks by Tom Houdeshell of All-Plastics and Nathan Fox of Fox Tank Company, who provided insights into their business operations; as well as Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and the keynote speaker, Dr. Jim Gaines, who is the chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

Walt Koenig, chamber president and CEO, was one of a five-person panel, which included President and CEO of the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau Charlie McIlvain, Executive Director of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation Brian O’Connor, City Manager of Kerrville Mark McDaniel and Kerrville Independent School District Superintendent Mark Foust.

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce “As 2018 emerges, I’ve got to say that — and I’m hearing it today — there’s a great deal of optimism in the business community, and we, the chamber, want to continue to tap into that optimism and move it into positive results for our members and their businesses,” Koenig said. He informed the crowd that the chamber had great events and activities throughout the last year and its business expo set attendance and participation records. He said its financial position is strong and membership grew by more than 20 percent in 2017. “For the past 10 consecutive months, we’ve added net membership to the chamber’s rolls,” Koenig said.

3 1. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar presents on the state’s treasury operations, tax collections and the current economic state. 2. Tom Houdeshell of All-Plastics presents on his business operation. 3. Nathan Fox of Fox Tank Company provides insight into his business operation.

12 BusinessLink • March 2018

A main focus for the chamber this year is to help complete the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan, see that it is ratified and help kick off its implementation. “We’re also going to work with all stakeholders to establish Kerrville as being one of the most business-friendly places in the Hill Country,” Koenig said. “Kerrville’s got some work to do there, but we, at the chamber, want to lead an effort to establish Kerrville as a place to do business and a place that’s easy to do business with. We’re going to continue to launch new programs that reach every single member.”

Additionally, a big focus of the chamber in the coming months will be to continue to drive initiatives to promote growth in the craft ag business, which Koenig said is seen as a strategic objective to put a good amount of effort into. In closing, he said the chamber’s going to become more proactive in leading the economic development efforts for Kerr County — not only in terms of attracting new businesses, but also in terms of working with existing businesses to retain and expand their operations. “And we’re going to pay special attention to the fostering of entrepreneurship and start-up businesses. We see this as an important part of the economic development strategy going forward,” Koenig said.

Texas Comptroller

Hegar, Texas Comptroller, provided some insight into the state’s treasury operations, tax collections and Texas’ current economic state. “Texas has been outpacing the national average in growth for the past couple of decades,” he said. Before the “downturn” in the oil/gas industry in 2014, Texas was the 12th largest economy in the world — not the nation, but the world. The Texas economy, as a state, was larger than the economies of Spain, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Russia and others. “If you look at Texas in the last 10 years, Texas has grown about 2 million jobs as a state,” Hegar said, adding that we grew a little more than 6 percent and 4 percent during the first and second quarters last year respectively, and about 5 percent in the third quarter. “There’s only one other state that outgrew Texas,” but, as Hegar explained, it is hard to compare states, because the economies vary in size and “moving the needle is a lot easier in a small economy,” which was the case with Delaware. “And that state has fewer people in it that each one of you has in your state senate districts,” he said.

Texas grew more than 300,000 jobs in the last year, he said, which ranks the Lone Star State as No. 5 in the nation with 2.5 percent growth rate and the top was about 2.8 percent. “If you look at Texas, the future is pretty bright,” Hegar said. “As an overall of the state, we’re going back to significant growth. We’re going back to those growth rates that we had for the last 20 years.” One significant event this past year that will impact the state’s economy was Hurricane Harvey. While the storm caused extensive devastation on the human element side of things, as far as the state’s economy, it will serve as a boon when residents buy lumber and other materials to begin rebuilding. Another big impact on the economy is coming from Texas’ oil and natural gas production. “In North America, you know where roughly half of all the rigs are running? In Texas,” Hegar said. “(While) only God knows the price of oil in the future, Texas is producing more oil than we’ve ever produced.” Areas of concern, Hegar said are the fact that we haven’t had a recession now for 10 years. “You know that there will be another recession, you just don’t know when that’s going to be. That could be in

6 4. Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, served as the keynote speaker. 5. The Hill Country Economic Summit panel from left, Mark Foust, Mark McDaniel, Brian O’Connor, Charlie McIlvain and Walt Koenig. 6. McIlvain speaks for the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 13

Cover story Economic Summit

The 2nd annual Hill Country Economic Summit drew a record crowd of nearly 300 attendees to the Hill Country Youth Event Center. another five years, it could be in five months,” he said. “Texas will undoubtedly, in my opinion, come out of that downturn quicker than the other 49 states, just like we did in the last recession.”

working person in the United States will probably get a tax break. However, what will affect the majority of Texans is the $10,000 limit on property taxes, because we have relatively higher property taxes compared to other states, he said.

When asked if he was concerned about the renegotiating of North American Free Trade Agreement, Hegar said he was very concerned since Texas is the No. 1 international trading state and it trades around the world with roughly $150 billion of exports and imports — Mexico being its No. 1 trading partner and Canada being the second largest.

When it comes to mortgage rates, Gaines joked that he would give the audience his standard prediction, “they’ll change. But I’m only 50 percent sure of that.”

“I think (with) any business trade agreement, such as this, it needs to be renegotiated, and it needs to be reevaluated, because things change over time. But to take it, tear it up and throw it in the trash, I can promise you it would impact every county in this state significantly. I would be very concerned if that were the case. It would be hard to imagine that actually occurring, but you never know. I think, at the end of the day, a trade agreement of some kind will continue,” Hegar said.

Chief economist “The rest of the world is doing a whole lot better this year and going into the rest of 2018 than it has been doing the last three to four years,” Gaines said. “One of the best things that could happen to America is for Mexico and Canada to do well.” Recognizing the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Gaines said that the impact, from a general standpoint, is that the average

“

Actually, he said, the interest rate is about the same as it was a year ago, around the 4 percent level. The Federal Reserve has raised the rates and promise they will do it at least three more times this year, with the expectations that those hikes will come in March, June and December, Gaines said. As far as production, the U.S. is producing more than its ever produced before, but the problem is that it’s using fewer people to do it, he said; however, jobs aren’t being lost to overseas workforces, but rather to automation. “Anybody who performs a task or service or manufacturing that gets paid $40,000 a year that is a repetitive task, (their) job is endangered and, in the next 20 years, it will disappear. That’s tough,” Gaines said. He said he was interested to hear that KISD said it was bringing back the building trades program after a 10-year hiatus and also focusing on health care, auto tech, culinary and other trades programs, because the U.S. “has a world of hurt coming on us right now. We don’t have enough electricians, plumbers, carpenters, brick masons, auto

As 2018 emerges … there’s a great deal of optimism in the business community, and we, the chamber, want to continue to tap into that optimism and move it into positive results for our members and their businesses. ~ Walt Koenig, Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO 14 BusinessLink • March 2018

mechanics, diesel mechanics, etc.” “The average plumber is 55 years old, and he’s tired and his knees are giving out. I know I’m making it kind of humorous, but it is right, and it is what we’re dealing with,” Gaines said. He also agreed with Hegar in that Hurricane Harvey is, economically speaking, good for the state’s business. “The recovery from (Hurricane) Harvey is going to add to (gross domestic product), at least a half a point with all the investment and spending and with everything that is associated up and down the coast,” Gaines said. Overall, 2017 was a good year for Texas. “2018 is potentially — probably — going to be a much better year. We’re in good shape. The momentum is going in that forward direction,” he said. But, he also reinforced that Kerrville is doing the right thing in planning a strategic plan decades out. “I applaud the effort,” Gaines said. “The most severe problem hampering both our public sector and our private sector‚ corporate America, business America, Main Street and the political — they just won’t make a 5-year decision, because everybody’s nervous about what will happen in the next year or the year after that.” “Much of what we decide to do today will have longterm implications and is affected on the long-term, so … I applaud you for having the foresight to look at a 2050 strategic plan,” he said.

23RD ANNUAL KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GOLF CLASSIC

2018

Riverhill Country Club Check In • 10-11:00 AM Putting Contest • 10:30 AM Lunch Provided • 11:00 AM Shotgun Start • 12 Noon Social and Awards Ceremony Immediately Following Play

Major Sponsor

OTHER SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

Call 830-896-1155 for more information It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 15

Leadership & education Leadership Kerr County

Q: Where in the world was LKC in February? A: Moved by nonprofit needs and experiences

By Lisa G. Winters

Photos by Michael Anglin of ARTIFEX42

The Leadership Kerr County Class No. 33 met Feb. 20 to learn, understand and experience first hand the needs in Kerr County. During this Nonprofit/Social Services Day, the class learned that Kerr County is home to more than 280 nonprofits from keynote speaker Bill Blackburn.

Prior to Blackburn’s presentation, the class had the opportunity to meet with 17 organizations that set up booths in Schreiner University’s Cailloux Student Campus Activity Center. These organizations included Kerr United Way, The Dietert Center, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Any Baby Can, Ultimate Gift of Life, Christian Women’s Job Corp, BCFS Health and Human Services, Families and Literacy, New Hope Counseling, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Art2Heart, Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital, Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show Association, Kerrville Rotary Club and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Each organization had representatives on hand to share its specific mission, outreach and volunteer opportunities. Following a two-hour poverty simulation facilitated by

16 BusinessLink • March 2018

Ambra Starr of Peterson Health and Pam Peter of Ingram Independent School District, the class traveled to the Christian Assistance Ministry food bank to donate several car loads of perishable goods and spent time volunteering.

Nonprofit/Social Services Day has always been extremely impactful. The one-on-one time participating nonprofits spend with the LKC class is invaluable and inspires them. Historically, it is after this particular class day that so many of our students are moved to serve or volunteer with the nonprofits they meet during the session. The class is currently completing the last phase of their class project, EasterFest 2018, which is planned for Saturday, March 31.

About LKC The Leadership Kerr County program is offered through the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. LKC class members grow as leaders and learn what Kerr County is really all about during their monthly classes on the third Tuesday. For more information, visit kerrvilletx.com or call chamber membership director Angela North at 896-1155.

Leadership & education

CoffeeTalks & Seminar Series

February CoffeeTalk in review By Neice Bell More than 25 people attended February’s CoffeeTalk featuring Joe Herring Jr. His presentation focused on Kerrville’s rich history and how it became the town it is today.

What’s Brewing Join the chamber for its next CoffeeTalk on April 3, where the Welcome Lady, Kristin Mudry, of Kerr County Greeters, will give a CoffeeTalk on demographic trends in Kerrville.

Courtesy photo

Mudry

McCormick

On May 8, Charlie McCormick, president of Schreiner University will give an update of what’s happening at the university. CoffeeTalk will take a break from June through August, but will reconvene in September. As the committee continues to book speakers for the remaining months of

the year, details will be in future issues of BusinessLink.

About CoffeeTalks CoffeeTalks are generally on the first Tuesday of every month, excluding the summer, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the chamber office. Are you a chamber member with a topic to share? Contact Angela North at 896-1155 or angie@kerrvilletx.com.

Bringing great healthcare home. There’s something special about the Texas Hill Country — something that makes us care so completely for the people around us. Around here, we look out for our own. And at Peterson Health, we’re looking out for you, by bringing world-class healthcare right to your door. Your best choice for your best health is right here, with the care that has earned us recognition as a nation’s Top 20 Rural Community Hospital — the only hospital in Texas to bring this honor home. To you.

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It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 17

Events

Mixer snapshots Story by Rachel London | Photos by William R. Houghton The February After Hours Business Mixer, which was sponsored by River Trail Cottages, had a huge turnout of local business owners and chamber members. Larry Howard, the general partner of the cottage’s ownership group, welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out to tour the cottages. Attendees were able to peek behind the scenes of the renovated train depot and tour the cottages.

Linda Garrett of Steven Rich Investments with Sheila Ruland and Debbie Clay of Bank of the Hills

The jackpot at the March mixer will be $1,100, since there wasn’t a winner this time. Thank you to the jackpot sponsors, including MG Building Materials; Jeff Talarico and Associates of Ameriprise Financial; Precision Dermatology; T-N-J Engraving Company; Kerr County Abstract and Title Co.; Douville, Goldman and Allen PLLC; The Medicine Stop Inc.; LeMeilleur’s RV-Truck, and Equipment Repair Co.; 103.7 “The Buck” Radio Station; and Taylor Marketing Works. If you would like to be a jackpot sponsor — which is a great advertising opportunity for only $100 — contact Angela North at 896-1155.

Next mixer

Gary Cochrane of ReMax, Larry Howard of River Trail Cottages, Kerwin Overby of Davidson, Freedle, Espenhover and Overby

The next mixer is a membership/networking luncheon from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15 at Schreiner University’s Cailloux Student Campus Activity Center, 2100 Memorial Blvd. It will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Kerrville.

Thank you to the February mixer host and beverage sponsors!

Congressional Liason to Congressman Smith Anne Overby with Barbara and Eldon Sheffer, who retired from Schreiner University

Chelsea Cheney of Security State Bank and Trust with Bella Shearheart of Hill Country Charity Ball Association

18 BusinessLink • March 2018

Tito Olvera of T-N-J Engraving, Tony Montoya of Pioneer Moving and Albert Vasquez of Brookdale Kerrville

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Events

Chamber events

23rd Annual Golf Classic provides networking opportunities & more By Jonathan Toye and Chelsea M.K. Stack Along with raising funds for chamber programs to assist area businesses, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic presents other opportunities for Hill Country residents. “It’s a chance to have a good time outdoors, enjoying one of our great golf courses here in Kerrville,” said Walt Koenig, president and CEO of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great time to see old friends and meet new people and compete in a friendly golf classic competition.” The chamber will host its 23rd Annual Golf Classic on Monday, April 16 at the Riverhill Country Club, 100 Riverhill Club Lane in Kerrville. The schedule is as follows: check-in from 10 to 11 a.m., a putting contest at 10:30 a.m., lunch will be provided at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is at noon. There also will be a social and awards ceremony immediately following play. The previous 22 Golf Classics have been rousing successes and the chamber will look to sustain that level of excellence. “It’s one of the more popular events in town,” Koenig said. “It’s one of the more established events, and it’s something the chamber is always really happy to do. … We are looking forward to seeing everyone turn out.” The price for an individual is $150, and a team of four is

Photo by Brandy McCoy

$550 — which includes one lunch, one mulligan and two drink tickets for each player. Although Ken Stoepel Ford-Lincoln has taken the title sponsorship, there are many sponsorship opportunities available, including beverage cart and lunch sponsors for $1,500; merchandise sponsors for $900; gold sponsor for $800; closest to pin hole sponsor for $250; putting contest sponsor for $350; “wine’rs” cup for a bottle of wine; and $125 for one golf hole sponsorship or $200 for two. For more information or to sign up for sponsorship, contact Rachel London at 896-1155 or rachel@kerrvilletx.com.

Community Shred Day eliminates 7,800 pounds of paper

At right: from left, Angela Krause, Miranda Bran and Tanner Wilbanks pour papers into the garbage on Shred Day.

Story by Angela North | Photos by Jacob Karre The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Shred Day on Feb. 2 was a huge success, eliminating 7,800 pounds of paper. Thanks to the sponsor, 103.7 FM “The Buck,” as well as the ambassadors for helping the chamber staff with the event. At left: from left, Laura Kiker, Angela North and Angela Krause pose in front of the Shred Day sponsor’s truck.

20 BusinessLink • March 2018

Stephen Mabry and Rob Weller at last year’s Golf Classic.

Due to the success and from the request of the community, the chamber will have three more shred days this year from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, May 4 and Nov. 2 in the River Hills Mall parking lot, and on Saturday, Aug. 4 in the Hill Country Youth Event Center parking lot during the Business Expo. For more information, contact Angela North at 896-1155 or angie@kerrvilletx.com.

EasterFest is just a few weeks away By Chelsea M.K. Stack EasterFest 2018 will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Flat Rock Park, 3840 Riverside Drive. This free event, which is organized by the Leadership Kerr County class, will raise proceeds from beer, wine and other activities to be donated to a local nonprofit. The event schedule is as follows: car show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., showmanship competition from noon to 1 p.m., Easter egg hunt at 1:30 p.m., chili and barbecue cook-off from 2 to 4 p.m. and awards presentation at 5 p.m. The car show entry fee is $25 and sign-in is from 7 to 9 a.m. on the day of the show. The deadline to enter as a commercial vendor is Monday, March 12 and the application can be found on the chamber’s website under “chamber events” and “EasterFestival.” Call Edie Moore at 257-5151 for sponsorship opportunities or Jake Williamson at 896-9044 for more information on the event.

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830-895-7755 It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 21

Events Calendar

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Prayer Chaplain Tour Guides

Rotary Club of Kerrville

Kerrville Morning Rotary

The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens, 520 Benson Drive | 928-7774 or office@thecomingkingfoundation.org | thecomingkingfoundation.org

Inn of the Hills, 1001 Junction Highway | 512-787-7964 or kerrvillerotary@gmail.com | kerrvillerotary.org

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | 370-0034 or jmhunter@hot.rr.com | kerrvillemorningrotary.org

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Kiwanis Club of Kerrville

Kerrville Host Lions Club

Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 505 Water St. | 895-0592 or friendskerrville@ gmail.com

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | 343-7327 or kiwanisclubofkerrville@gmail.com

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | 512-779-4166 | e-clubhouse.org/sites/kerrvillehosttx

Kerr County Farmers Market

March EVENTS Weekly EVENTS

Fridays 2–4:30 p.m.

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Tuesdays

1–3 p.m.

Noon–1 p.m.

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Want to add an event?

3–7 p.m.

River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Drive | 456-5942 | kerrcofm.org

Friday–Sunday

9-11 San Antonio Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Shows

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 | Tresa Bellmon at 210-215-9758 or tbellmon@satx.rr.com, or Jan Gallagher at 210-289-4783 or janstoreylnd@att.net

Saturday

Posing Paws Yoga 10–11:30 a.m.

Dietert Center, 451 Guadalupe St. | waverlyjones@dietertcenter.org | dietertcenter.org

6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday & Sunday

Thursday

Saturday EasterFest

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Flat Rock Park, 3840 Riverside Drive | elantz@hctc.coop or 896-9044

Family Free Day

Thursday

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Brown bag lunch meeting with local military veterans 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Networking Luncheon

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway | 896-2553 or gsimon@mowatx.com | museumofwesternart.com

Union Church, 101 Travis St. | 792-2203 or mbaker@co.kerr.tx.us

11:15 a.m.–1 p.m.

Schreiner University’s Cailloux Student Campus Activity Center, 2100 Memorial Blvd. | 896-1155 or info@kerrvilletx.com

April EVENTS

6:45–8 a.m.

Tuesday

CoffeeTalk with Kristin Mudry

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 | 895-7524, 370-3614 or 459-6198 | kerrmarketdays.org

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, 1700 Sidney Baker | 896-1155 or angie@ kerrvilletx.com

1st Friday Wine Share 6–7:30 p.m.

The Heights of Kerrville, 279 Heights Trail | info@firstfridaywineshare. com | firstfridaywineshare.com

Kerrville Farmers Market 3–7 p.m.

805 Water St. | 928-4261 or kerrvillefm@ gmail.com | kerrvillefarmersmarket.com

22 BusinessLink • March 2018

Swap Meet & Market Days

Monday

After Hours Business Mixer 5:15–6:30 p.m.

Thursday

26 Brown bag lunch meeting with local military veterans 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

23rd Annual Chamber Golf Classic 10-11 a.m. check-in, 10:30 a.m. putting contest, 11 a.m. lunch and noon shotgun start

Thursday St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s Tucker Hall, 320 St. Peter St. | 896-1155 or info@kerrvilletx.com

8 a.m.–3 p.m.

8–9 a.m.

Friday

Saturday

Union Church, 101 Travis St. | 792-2203 or mbaker@co.kerr.tx.us

Saturday

28 Family Free Day

Riverhill Country Club, 100 Riverhill Club Lane | 896-1155 or achel@kerrvilletx.com | kerrvilletx.com

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway | 896-2553 or gsimon@mowatx. com | museumofwesternart.com

Hurry...April Issue Deadlines on March 16, 2018.

BusinessLin

An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

As a Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce member, we invite you to promote your business in our monthly magazine. It’s an effective way to inform our community about what’s happening at your organization when our community is looking for Chamber news!

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Call your Advertising Representative at the Kerrville Daily Times to Reserve Your Spot! John Doran - 257-0310

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Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors

Diamond Investors

• Native Texas • Adapting Online, LLC Properties, LLC • Alamo Colleges • Alara Strategic and Creative • Peterson Health • Precision Dentistry and • Ashley HOmeSTOre Implants of Kerrville • Bank of the Hills, • Presbyterian mo-ranch a Division of Comerica Conference Center • Brookdale Guadalupe • ragsdale Family Camps river Plaza • randolph Brooks Federal • Calvary Temple Church Credit Union • Carlton Club Inn • rockoff Tree Solutions • Centennial Bank • Community First National Bank • Sam’s Club • Schreiner University • Frost Bank • Security State Bank & Trust • ronnie Gesell Construction • H.e.B. Foods-Drug Store • Striegler’s Hoof Haven, Inc. • Hill Country mHDD Centers • Tango Homes, LLC • Inn of the Hills resort & • Texas Lions Camp Conference Center • United Hunting • James Avery Craftsman, Inc. Heritage International • Ken Stoepel Ford - Lincoln, Inc. • UTSA Small Business • Kerr County Federal Credit Union Development Center • Wal-mart Store, Inc. #508 • Kerrville Public Utility Board • Wells Fargo Bank • martin marietta • 103.7 The Buck • moore’s Home Furnishings

1/2 V

Chamber Diamond Platinum Investors

• Airtech A/C & Heating • All-Plastics • Ameriprise Financial Talarico and Associates • Anytime Fitness • AT&T • Atmos energy • Buckhorn Lake r. V. resort • Century 21 - The Hills realty • Children’s Association for maximum Potential (CAmP) • Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper realtors – Kerrville & Fredericksburg • Double L Feed & Back 40 Trailers • Douville, Goldman & Allen, PLLC • Goodwill Industries • Guadalupe National Bank • Hilco Federal Credit Union • Hill Country memorial • Hill Country Youth event Center • rob Kelly

• Kerr County Abstract & Title Company • Kerr County Crime Stoppers • Laity Lodge Youth Camp H e Butt Family Foundation • Legal Shield • Lemeilleur’s rV, Truck & equipment repair Co. • Nurturing Touch massage • Pioneer Bank • State Farm Insurance Justin Hamilton • SWBC Insurance Services • Texas Hill Country Bank - Kerrville • Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital • Y.O. ranch resort Hotel and Conference Center • Young People in recovery • Y.O. ranch Headquarters • 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating

1327

Your Membership Is An Investment In Your Business The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100 • Kerrville, TX 78028 Phone 830-896-1155 / Fax 830-896-1175

www.kerrvilletx.com

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 23

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