Business Link

An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 7, Issue 4 • September 2018

BusinessLin

Inside: 120 businesses network at annual Business Expo Business Spotlight: Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center

Saddle up & ride to the Boots & Bling Gala

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

Chairman’s CORNER After a hot start to summer, we were blessed with a little cooler weather in August and even a few rain showers. As we leave summer behind and our kids go back to school, we know that, before long, we will be putting up our Christmas lights and getting ready to close out the year.

Here at the chamber, we are excited to be kicking off the 34th year of Leadership Kerr County this month. As always, we have a tremendous steering committee, and everyone is pumped about the quality of this year’s class. I know I have said this before, but this program has had a huge impact on our community. Year after year, LKC produces energized, smart, well-equipped new leaders who have an immediate impact on moving our community forward in a number of ways. Thank you to all of the businesses that encourage and enable their employees to take part in the program. It is a sacrifice of time and money to do so, but we are so thankful to those that do.

Thank you to all who participated in the Business Expo in August.

Every year, this event gets better and better, and this year was no exception. Thank you staff, exhibitors, volunteers and attendees, as well as our major event title sponsor Brookdale Guadalupe River Plaza. Here at the chamber, we do lots of events — some are mostly fundraisers, while others are mostly designed to benefit our members. The expo definitely is the latter.

As you can probably tell, I am very proud of our chamber and the good work we are doing. I am pretty sure I’m not the only one who thinks that, because we have experienced net membership increases every month for approximately 17 straight months. As I write this, we have 930 members. One of our primary objectives for 2018 is to reach 1,000 members. The board, staff, membership committee and volunteers will be working hard this month to get us over the top.

I would love to be able to announce that we have achieved this goal at our banquet on Oct. 25.

If you think the chamber is doing a good job, please help us spread the word and maybe hit up one of your friends who needs to be in the chamber but isn’t.

Gregg Appel

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, 2018

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

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

On the Cover From left, Walt and MG Koenig, Kathy LeStourgeon, Rachel London, Rachel Barringer, Gregg Appel and Janie Altgelt in front of the “Wind and Rain” sculpture by William Moyers at The Museum of Western Art. Photo by Michael Anglin

Coming in October Cover Story: Downtown Dining

2 BusinessLink • September 2018

Table of CONTENTS Membership

4 New and returning chamber members 6 Ribbon Cuttings: Fore Premier Properties, Rustic

Flower Shop, Amber Thomason of State Farm, Moore’s Home Furnishings, C.A.M.P., Exotic Wildlife Association, A+1 Transmission Specialists and Zach Riffett of Edward Jones

12 Business Expo

Get to Know People & Places

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Business Spotlight: Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center

Events

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18 Snapshots from the August After-Hours

Volunteer Spotlight: Jake Williamson of Hill Country Youth Event Center

Leadership & Education

Business Mixer and Wine Share at the Business Expo

16 Leadership Kerr County: Announcing members

of Class No. 34 and Upcoming fall CoffeeTalks

20 Preview the Chamber Choice Awards Banquet 22 September and October events calendar

Beautiful beginnings start here.

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Services and Amenities • Nurses certified in car seat safety and safe sleep • The latest security measures, including digital foot printing • Secure, high speed Wi-Fi • 24-hour room service and nutrition specialist • Hydrotherapy for relaxation and comfort • Family centered C-section births • Certified lactation educator • Childbirth education and infant CPR To view our birthing center, visit PetersonHealth.com/TheBabyPlace or call 830.258.7444 to schedule a tour.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 3

Membership

New and returning chamber members

Silver • American Red Cross Hill Country Chapter • Baehre Real Estate • Facets • Grimes Funeral Chapels • Hill Country Safety Training • Kerrville Professional Firefighters Association • Matkin Hoover Engineering & Surveying • Notre Dame Catholic School • North Park Subaru at Dominion • SolarPower Systems/ Rainwater Systems Inc. • Turtle Creek Villa • The Ultimate Gift of Life Foundation

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.”

Welcome, new members!

Bronze • Ag-Pro | 830-216-6854 • Beldon | 210-341-3100 • Greater Texas Solar | 830-507-3884 • humblingBloom | 830-955-5577 • Kerr-Konnect | 830-315-5377 • MiMo Concrete LLC | 830-377-2265 • Pik-A-Lock | 956-534-4419 • Summit Landscape and Design | 830-426-8800 • The Botanical Shoppe | 210-233-8878 • Vintage Market Days | 281-832-1734 Gold • AAA Garcia Bail Bonds | 830-955-5540 • Hill Country Rehabilitation Inc. | 830-895-1939 Silver • Custom Construction LLC | 210-389-0226 • Hot Button Drones | 830-767-0550 Diamond • Robert Glossop Jr. | 830-928-9475

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SUPERIOR JANITORIAL Eighth Page COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICE

Superior 895-2162 Janitorial Offices •#Retail Banking • Medical & More AL

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Individual • Arthur Bell • Katie Milton of Freenew LLC • Nick Oprea • Ruth Marie Bauer

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Diamond • Adapting Online • Calvary Temple Church • Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly • Schreiner University • Security State Bank & Trust

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Platinum • Kerrville Vacation Rentals

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Gold • Carpenter Brand, • Kerrville First United Methodist Church • Lemon Tree Cleaners • Move It - Another Closet Kerrville • Ryan J. Veurink, MD, of Peterson Health • Sylvester G. Ramirez, MD, of Peterson Health

Interested in joining the chamber?

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Sunbelt Securities Take-It-Easy RV Resort TEU Services Inc. Texas Farm Credit VEI Consulting Engineers Wagoner Tire The Wilderness Young Life Kerr County

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Bronze • 1-Stop Advertising & Printing • A+1 Transmission Specialists • Advanced Dental Care and Lab • Alltex Landscaping • Amber Thomason of State Farm • Ark Veterinary Hospital • Arthur Schmidt Construction Company LLC • Aqua Texas • Capital Farm Credit • Champagne Builders • Church’s Chicken • CityWest Church • D. Clint Morris, MD • Dealers Electrical Supply • Dubl-C Guesthouse • Dyal Custom Homes • Ed Hamilton of Sherman & Company, Realtors • Especially Yours Flowers • Families & Literacy Inc. • Frontier Truck Gear • Great Events & Rentals • Hill Country Audiology Service • Hill Country Crisis Council • Hill Country Premium Beverages • Hill Country Distillers LLC • Joseph Hennigan of Arden Hills Realty • K’Star Inc. • Kerr County Hot Checks Department • Kustom Karpets • Lucy Burton of Century 21 The Hills Realty • Mega Storage • Neal Coldwell Taxidermist • Neil P. Collins, DDS • PlumbRite Services • R&T Truck • Ranch Radio Group • Ranch Enterprises LTD • Reno Realty Group • RGB Resources LLC • Robert R. Kelly of Kelly & Associates • Ronnie Bock’s Kerrville RV • Sprinkler Smart LLC

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.

CL

Thank you, returning members!

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4 BusinessLink • September 2018

Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors

Diamond Half Investors Page

• 103.7 The Buck & • Kerrville Public Utility Board • Martin Marietta Jam Broadcasting • Moore’s Home Furnishings • 94.3 The Rev FM & • Native Texas Properties, LLC Jam Broadcasting • Peterson Health • Adapting Online, LLC • Precision Dentistry and • Alamo Colleges Implants of Kerrville • Alara Strategic and Creative • Presbyterian Mo-Ranch • Ashley HOMeSTORe Conference Center • Bank of the Hills, • Ragsdale Family Camps a Division of Comerica • Randolph Brooks Federal • Brookdale Guadalupe Credit Union River Plaza • Rockoff Tree Solutions • Calvary Temple Church • Sam’s Club • Carlton Club Inn • Schreiner University • Centennial Bank • Security State Bank & Trust • Century 21 The Hills Realty • Community First National Bank • SRCWireless, LLC • Striegler’s Hoof Haven, Inc. • Frost Bank • Tango Homes, LLC • Ronnie Gesell Construction • Texas Lions Camp • Robert Glossop Jr. • United Hunting • H.e.B. Foods-Drug Store Heritage International • Hill Country MHDD Centers • UTSA Small Business • Inn of the Hills Resort & Development Center Conference Center • James Avery Craftsman, Inc. • Wal-Mart Store, Inc. #508 • Ken Stoepel Ford - Lincoln, Inc. • Wells Fargo Bank • Kerr County Federal Credit Union

Chamber Diamond & Platinum #8253

Platinum Investors

• 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating • Airtech A/C & Heating • All-Plastics • Ameriprise Financial Talarico and Associates • Anytime Fitness • AT&T • Atmos energy • Broken Stone Pizza Co. • Buckhorn Lake R. V. Resort • Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors – Kerrville & Fredericksburg • Double L Feed & Back 40 Trailers • Douville, Goldman & Allen, PLLC • Farmers Insurance - Renee Smith • Goodwill Industries • Guadalupe National Bank • Heart of the Cards • 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 • Precision Dermatology, PA Kerrville Dermatologist • Realty executives Jaylynn Perkins • State Farm Insurance Justin Hamilton • Texas Hill Country Bank - Kerrville • Tru-Skin Dermatology • Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital • Windstream Communications • Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center • Y.O. Ranch Headquarters 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

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Membership

Photos courtesy of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon cuttings

Fore Premier Properties

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Fore Premier Properties, 804 Water St., celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ribbon cutting on July 31.

Fore Premier Properties is a boutique full-service real estate firm, specializing in the marketing and sale of fine homes in Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, as well as selected commercial, farm and ranch properties.

For more information, call 830-257-4000 or visit forepremierproperties.com.

Rustic Flower Shop

Rustic Flower Shop, celebrated its new location, 3167 Junction Highway, Suite D in Ingram, with a ribbon cutting on July 30.

Rustic Flower Shop has fresh flowers, gifts, Whitetail Candle Company candles, crosses, fruit baskets, candy, plants, balloons, wreaths, homecoming mums, jewelry, purses and more.

For more information, visit rusticflowershopingram.com or call 830-367-2221.

Amber Thomason of State Farm

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Moore’s Home Furnishings

Moore’s Home Furnishings, 120 Harper Road, celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 7.

Moore’s Home Furnishings is a fourth-generation family-owned business that features a great selection of living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, entertainment, accent, quality furniture and mattresses, as well as assist with home design and decorating at a low price.

For more information, visit mooreshomefurnishings.com or call 830-895-5311.

6 BusinessLink • September 2018

»

Amber Thomason of State Farm celebrated its new location, 221 Thompson Drive, with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 8.

State Farm serves Kerrville, Bandera, Center Point and Comfort areas, focusing on small business, auto and home insurance, as well as offering life, health and financial services; customer relocation; and personal article policies for jewelry and more.

For more information, visit myagentamber.com or call 830-315-5433.

Exotic Wildlife Association

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The Exotic Wildlife Association celebrated the grand opening of its new location, 231 Thompson Drive, with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 14.

EWA’s purpose is to preserve the rights of exotic wildlife owners, and to promote the development and expansion of the exotic wildlife industry.

For more information, visit myewa.org, email info@myewa.org or call 830-315-7764.

C.A.M.P.

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential, 515 Skyline Drive in Center Point, celebrated the ground breaking of the second phase of construction on its arts and crafts building, health care center and camper cabin on Aug. 10.

The construction is set to be completed by the 2019 camp season.

C.A.M.P. has been providing recreational programming for children and adults with developmental, intellectual, medical, behavioral and physical disabilities.

For more information, visit campcamp.org, call 830-634-2267 or email campmail@campcamp.org.

Zach Riffett of Edward Jones

»

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Zach Riffett of Edward Jones celebrated the relocation of his office to 713 Sidney Baker and his five-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 17.

As an Edward Jones financial advisor, he uses an established process to understand the financial goals that are most important to his clients.

He has a passion for multi-generational financial strategies and being the long-term solution for long-term investors.

For more information, call 830-257-5311 or visit edwardjones.com.

A+1 Transmission Specialists A+1 Transmission Specialists, 117 Gasoline Alley, celebrated its 40th anniversary on Aug. 17 with a ribbon cutting.

Each automotive transmission repair technician at A+1 Transmission Specialists is highly qualified and ready to deliver their expert knowledge and skills for every automatic transmission repair need.

For more information, visit a1transmissionskerrville.com or call 830-367-2200.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 7

Get to Know Business Spotlight

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center

makes full service

look easy Story and photos by Nancy Foster Laura Russell has been general manager of the Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center for five years. Her passion for this Kerrville landmark is obvious, whether she’s praising her staff or the significance the hotel plays in the community. Being at the helm of a full-service resort requires expertise in many areas, and this energetic professional makes it all look easy.

The hotel sits a top 11 manicured acres on Junction Highway and features 163 spacious rooms, four suites, a 22,000-square-foot conference center, saloon-themed pub, full-service dining room and three pools.

“One thing many people don’t realize is that our guests can also enjoy use of our river pool, adjacent to the condominiums on Guadalupe Street,” Laura said. “We can even provide meal service at the pool.”

Inn of the Hills is one of 11 properties managed by 1859 Historic Hotels LTD, including the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center on Sidney Baker and two in San Antonio, The Historic Menger Hotel and The Crockett Hotel.

“Our parent company, 1859 Historic Hotels, continues to make improvements to our hotel and conference center,” Laura said. “Our restaurant, break-out meeting space and the majority of our guest rooms have been updated in

Top: Laura Russell is the general manger of Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center. Center: Sheila Harding, restaurant supervisor of Inn Café, talks with General Manger Laura Russell. Bottom: Daniel Portie, banquet manager of Inn of the Hills, sets up for an event.

8 BusinessLink • September 2018

the past six years. Other visual updates have been the roof, parking lot and marquee, while some behind the scenes updates include electrical, air-conditioning replacements, wireless internet and new laser projectors in the conference center.”

Although leisure travelers are a big part of its business, the group market also is important to the hotel, with meetings, conferences and special events making a big part of its revenue.

“Another thing many people don’t realize about our property is that we have a conference center that seats 500-plus people. Even the locals who come in to book a conference are shocked and say, ‘I never knew this was here in Kerrville,’” she said.

The hotel’s two-person sales team targets corporate groups, statewide associations, fraternal, military and meetings in lucrative source markets, including big-city groups from Houston and San Antonio.

“Groups who book in Kerrville are people who want to escape the big city. Guests have told us that time slows down as soon as they exit the freeway,” Laura said. “Our guests enjoy the options of visiting the bar, eating in the restaurant or calling room service — all the amenities a fullservice hotel can provide.”

Often, a spouse, partner or family will tag along to enjoy area sights, while the meeting is in progress. Once they’ve discovered the beauty of Kerrville, conference attendees frequently return as leisure visitors.

Area residents also are a mainstay of its business. The newly-named Inn Café continues to be a popular dining spot, and during the weekends, The Inn Pub brings in local and regional talent to entertain guests and locals who crave a bit of boot scootin’.

Inn of the Hills joined the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce in 1984 and currently holds diamond status.

Laura is proud to be active in the chamber.

“I highly recommend that business owners join the chamber. It provides a voice for our business, networking opportunities, social events and educational forums. Our chamber is definitely here for us in Kerrville,” she said.

Inn of the Hills also is committed to its hometown.

“We continually give back to this phenomenal community.

We enjoy being sponsors and donating to the many worthy charitable organizations in support of all they do to make Kerrville a wonderful place to live or visit,” she said.

Laura sits on the board of the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau and provides savvy expertise into ways to attract and retain tourism business to the area.

Charlie McIlvain, president/CEO of the KCVB, sees the hotel as “an important component of the Kerrville product mix. It is an economic generator for the community and provides fullservice accommodations for convention delegates and leisure visitors from outside the Kerrville area.”

The hotel employs anywhere between 65 to 90 staff, depending on the season.

“We have some employees who have been with us 30 years,” Laura said. “We are a family who shares the same passion: to make every guest experience an effortless, relaxing visit. Every one of us shared a sense of pride when Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center was awarded ‘Reader’s Choice for Best Hotel in Kerr County’ in 2018, our fourth win in a row.”

“

I highly recommend that business owners join the chamber. It provides a voice for our business, networking opportunities, social events and educational forums.

Our chamber is definitely here for us in Kerrville.

”

~ Laura Russell, general manager of the Inn

of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center

Quarter Page SSB&T #7704

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 9

Get to Know Volunteer Spotlight

His favorite quote:

“

It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it.

The hard … is what makes it great.

~

”

Photo by Tom Holden

Jimmy Dugan, A League of Their Own

10 BusinessLink • September 2018

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

The most challenging part for me is being able to help regularly outside of work.

A: As part of Leadership Kerr County Class No. 33, I served as co-chair Q: What inspired you to start volunteering? of our class project, EasterFest, which was on March 31.

A: I joined the U.S. Army directly out of high school, and naturally a big part of the military is serving others — both on and off duty. From Q: What other organizations do you volunteer with and for how long?

A: Due to my career, I get to help many nonprofit organizations plan and execute events. Although seldom am I available to help with other projects, I have been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Kerr County, The American Red Cross Hill Country Chapter and The Salvation Army in the past.

Q: How has volunteering impacted or changed your life?

A: Being in the service and hospitality industry for 15 years, I get

to see the value of passionate, hardworking people every day. How those individuals impact the community and their organizations is what has changed my life toward wanting to grow into one of those leaders, who help move a community forward as a whole, while also catering to those individuals in immediate need.

Q: How is volunteering both rewarding and challenging for you?

A: The most rewarding thing is just simply an honest “thank you.”

that experience, volunteering time and helping others in need just became part of who I am.

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

A: Moving to a new place always has stresses, but with the

leadership team at the chamber, and working with them on events, they have helped me find my way in a new place. Now that they have helped me, I have been able to start giving back and become more involved in this fantastic community.

Q: When not volunteering, where do you work or spend your time?

A: I am the general manager at the Hill Country Youth Event Center, and spend most of my time working with our amazing and diverse group of clients. When I am able to break away, I love how much great history there is in Texas, and I work on exploring the quaint towns and vastness that abounds. I also am an avid baseball fan and continue to check stadiums off my bucket list.

Rooted in our community and Page committed to paying itHalf Forward.

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For one hundred years, Garrett Insurance Agency has been serving the insurance needs of the people of the Texas Hill Country. Without your patronage, loyalty and confidence in us, it would have not been possible to do so. We view our longevity in business as a sacred trust between our agency and the people we serve. We also view it as an opportunity to give back and Pay it Forward, so our agency personnel is deeply involved and committed to our community through the following channels of service. Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kerr County Crime Stoppers, Leadership Kerr County, Rotary Club of Kerrville, Peterson Health, Schreiner University, Kerr County 4-H, Relay for Life, Kerrville Triathalon, Kerrville Kiwanis Club, Hill Country Youth Soccer ,Salvation Army and several houses of worship. After a century, it’s the least we can do to acknowledge our gratitude by giving back.

Photo by Tom Holden

Insurance Excellence since 1918

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212 Sidney Baker South | Kerrville | 830.896.6600 | 800.280.9531 “Preserving and Enhancing the Legacy” It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 11

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Annual Business Expo,

Wine Share, Home & Garden Show

proves successful 120 businesses network at event Story by Jenna Carpenter | Photos by William Houghton A tiny house, helicopter and small model plane were among some of the attractions at this year’s Business Expo.

Hosted by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual event gives local companies a chance to show off their goods and network with one another.

The chamber, which has been a fixture in the Kerrville area

4 12 BusinessLink • September 2018

3 since 1922, now exceeds 900 members.

In total, 120 businesses were represented at the expo, which took place at the Hill Country Youth Event Center on Aug. 4.

It was an increase form last year, said Walt Koenig, president/CEO of the chamber of commerce.

NobiliTea, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Richard’s Floor Covering, New Hope Counseling Center, Apache Rifle Works, Schreiner University and The Museum of Western Art and more filled the floor of the center.

And, in the back, there was a Home and Garden Show, with representatives from Lowe’s, The Home Depot and others giving details about how to spruce up people’s spaces.

“This is a great way to outreach,” said Sherry Leeper, office manager of Precision Dentistry and Implants.

It was the first time the dentist office, which joined the chamber of commerce this year, participated in the business expo, she said.

“It’s a great way to get to know people,” she said. “It’s a

1. Robert Boyd and Bret Kahl of Air Evac Lifeteam 48 - Kerrville.

2. Todd, Andrew and Shari Snyder of Hill Country Tiny Houses.

3. Violet Garcia of Mooney.

4. Ted Whittier with Jon Dodson of Habitat for Humanity Kerr County.

5. Becky Todd talks with Pam Burgess of Garrett Insurance Agency.

5 It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 13

Cover story Business Expo great event.”

She said they wanted a booth at the business expo as a way to reach out to more people.

“We wanted to get out there,” Sherry said. “We’ve learned a lot.”

Throughout the afternoon, drawing giveaways were announced and food vendors were dishing out hot meals.

About noon, an Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter landed on the grounds.

Janet Baker, who owns the Kerrville branch of Merle Norman Cosmetics, wanted to use the expo as a way to let people know of the new location.

“There’s been a store here for 40 years, but that closed,” she said. “So we want to let people know we’re open.”

The new store opened in December.

During the expo, the Merle Norman Cosmetics booth was land with accessories, jewelry and other gifts.

“We’re hoping to tempt people,” Janet said. “I’ve been meeting a lot of people. It’s fun.”

6. Cassie Sallee and Betty Cloud of Five Star Rentals.

7. Cindy Garrison of HCTC and Jane Lehman of LegalShield.

8. Sarah Pruitt with Bill Ryan and Maria Duran of Lowe’s.

9. Jason Warrington and Joshua Anthony of Amazing Exteriors.

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“

This is a great way to outreach. …

It’s a great way to get to know people.

It’s a great event.

Half Page Emerald Cottages #

”

~ Sherry Leeper, office manager of Precision Dentistry and Implants Kerrville’s Premier Repair Facility For Foreign, Domestic, Gas, Diesel, Hybrid Cars, Trucks, Equipment & Recreational Vehicles.

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Leadership & education Leadership Kerr County & CoffeeTalks

Q: Where in the world was LKC in August?

A: Announcing members of Class No. 34

By Michael Anglin The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the new members selected for the Leadership Kerr County Class No. 34. Class members who were nominated by their businesses or organizations and approved by the 201819 LKC steering committee at the August meeting include: • Katie Milton of Freenew LLC • Susan Roig of Peterson Health • Jackie Dowdy of Kerr County • Tabor McMillan of Centennial Bank • Dana Cardwell of Texas Hills Psychotherapy • Andrea O’Neal of Century 21 The Hills Realty • Terri Carpenter of TEU Services Inc. • Teddy O’Dowd of Kerrville State Hospital • Robert Glossop Jr. of Glossop Oil and Gas LLC • Kerry Sutton of HCTC • Alyson Mitchell of Brookdale Senior Living • Benjamin Gardner of Ken Stoepel Ford

• Nathaniel Turner of Farmers Insurance • Rachel London of KACOC • Will Garcia of city of Kerrville • Drew Paxton of city of Kerrville • Morgan Neely of Vision Source • Breanna Larsen of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly • Chris Braaton of Guadalupe Bank • Marta Diffen of Schreiner University • Monica Zuniga of Alamo Hospice • Colleen Brinkman of Brinkman Preferred Properties • Trenton Schiek of The Club at Comanche Trace

The LKC steering committee consists of Michael Anglin, Tammye Riley, Carla Schuster, Lewis Scherer, Joseph Hennigan, Allison Bueche, Pete Calderon, Kayla Avirett and Caleb Schmerback.

LKC alumni from the last 34 years will welcome the class at a reception in their honor hosted by Security State Bank and Trust. All leadership alumni are invited and encouraged to attend from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 13.

The reception is the first time many of the new class members will meet each other and a wonderful time for alumni to congratulate the new leaders and share their LKC experiences with the new class. Seeing the new class meeting each other and knowing, from that moment on, many of them will be connected for life through this great program.

At the conclusion of the reception, the class will receive information on their kickoff retreat on Sept.

19-20 at Presbyterian MoRanch Assembly in Hunt.

Following the retreat, the class will begin their monthly sessions, meeting the third Tuesday of every month October through May. For more information on Leadership Kerr County, contact Angela North at 896-1155.

Save the Date for CoffeeTalks this fall

By Neice Bell

and talk about policies that every small business needs in today’s world on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Look for pictures from, and a summary about, the September CoffeeTalk with Austin Dickson in the next issue of BusinessLink.

CoffeeTalks are booked through November; there will not be a CoffeeTalk in December.

What’s Brewing Join the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Oct. 2 for a O’Neal CoffeeTalk with Kenneth O’Neal of Kroneal Coaching and Training, who will discuss effective communication in the workplace and home.

Denise LeMeilleur of LeMeilleur’s RV-Truck and Equipment Repair Co. will address the need for an employee handbook

16 BusinessLink • September 2018

LeMeilleur

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 angela@kerrvilletx.com.

Chamber Choice

BOOTS

Full Page Chamber Boots & Bling and #8254

Bling

October 18, 2018 Inn of the Hills - Grand Ball Room 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Put on Your Boots & Bling!

Thank you to our Major Sponsor

5:30 PM - Photo Booth & Cocktails 7:00 PM - Dinner, Awards and Raffle/Auction

Limited Seating Reserve your table NOW!

Events

Mixer snapshots Story by Rachel London | Photos by William Houghton The August After-Hours Business Mixer was in conjunction with the First Friday Wine Share. The event kicked off the 2018 Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Aug. 3 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. The event was sponsored by the First Friday Wine Share and Garrett Insurance Agency. More than 900 guests enjoyed networking opportunities at the mixer and wine share, sampling a wide variety of wines.

The $800 member jackpot drawing was not won this month, making the jackpot $900 for next month’s mixer. Thank you to the jackpot sponsors: Lemeilleur’s RV-Truck and Equipment Repair Co., Talarico and Associates of Ameriprise Financial, Peterson Health, Joseph Hennigan of Arden Hills Realty, Moore’s Home Furnishings, Crenweldge Automotive Group and Broadway Bank, as well as Douville, Goldman and Allen PLLC.

Taylor and Camber Alexander of Pitch Black Window Tinting

Next mixer Next months Chamber After Hours Mixer will be held on Thursday, Sept.

20 at Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway.

John Land of Leaf Filter

Thank you to the August mixer and First Friday Wine Share sponsor!

Brittany Perez, Sherry Leeper, Lisa Crispin and Olivia Centeno of Precision Dentistry and Implants

Jennifer Likin Slaughter and Meribeth Schwendeman of Peterson Health

18 BusinessLink • September 2018

Ellen Ludwig and Kris Johnson of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly

Half Page Chamber Major Events #

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.

Jane Lehman and Gary Pair of LegalShield

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.

96TH ANNUAL CHAMBER CHOICE AWARDS BANQUET Thursday, October 18, 2018

INN OF THE HILLS

Roxanne Peralta and Stephanie Casarez of Directv.

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

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

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

Chelsea Cheney, Tina Wilkerson, Lily Cantu, Ava Jones and Crystal Garcia of Security State Bank and Trust

RIVERHILL COUNTRY CLUB

2018 SUMMERTIME BBQ FUNDRAISER & RAFFLE Saturday, June 2, 2018

APACHE RIFLEWORKS

Erin Jordan of Honor Veterans Now

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

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

BROOKDALE

Juan Morales and Lyle Miller of Custom Construction LLC

GUADALUPE RIVER PLAZA 1700 Sidney Baker St.,Suite 100 • Kerrville SENIOR LIVING SOLUTIONS (830) 896-1155 • www.kerrvilletx.com

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 19

Events

Chamber events Story by Chelsea M.K. Stack Photo by Michael Anglin

Saddle up and ride to the Boots and Bling Gala Cowgirls and cowboys should grab their boots and add some bling to their favorite western wear for the 96th Annual Chamber Choice Awards Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 18.

“This is our year-end celebration for the chamber to look back on the past year to review successes and different things for the year,” said Rachel London, chamber vice president and chief operating officer.

20 BusinessLink • September 2018

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Boots and Bling Gala from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center’s grand ballroom, 1001 Junction Highway. The banquet will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., then dinner, awards and a drawing, as well as live and silent auctions at 7 p.m. Valet parking will be available and western chic attire is encouraged, but not

required.

During cocktails, there will again be a photo booth for attendees to enjoy, which will include a keepsake photo strip for them to take home. The menu will include grilled chef’s cut chicken breast with peach salsa and topped with Gulf shrimp skewers, roasted fingerling potatoes, haricot vert and triple delight cake for dessert.

Guests are encouraged to bring $20 for a chance to win a luxury table with a private server. If their table is drawn, and they’ve paid the $20, table guests will move to a premium table, where everyone will be served Texas raised filet mignon with Gulf shrimp skewers, roasted fingerling potatoes and haricot vert.

Last year’s banquet, the Haunted Halloween Ball, proved successful with approximately 360 attendees. This year’s planning committee — which includes Rachel, chamber Ambassador President Janie Altgelt and Ambassador Kathy LeStourgeon of Advanced Insurance Group — is hard at work to make the Boots and Bling Gala an even bigger hit.

There will be classic western-themed decorations, including whiskey barrels, saddles and hopefully a stagecoach or covered wagon. Also, the Rustic Flower Shop will create flower arrangements to fit the theme, serving as centerpieces for the major sponsor and auctioned luxury tables.

“We wanted to do something laid back this year, that fit in with the Texas style,” Rachel said. “We changed the location to Inn of the Hills this year to give all our members a chance to host our events. We’ll have more room and the layout will be better this year.”

The chamber will present the following awards: Business Person of the Year, the Mary C. Williams Memorial Volunteer of the Year and Ambassador of the Year, as well as recognize businesses that have achieved 25 or 50 years of continuous chamber membership.

The Kerr County Women’s Chamber will present the Woman of the Year, and The Kerrville Daily Times will present its Bill Dozier Citizen of the Year award.

“I think it’s going to be a nice way to end and look back at a very successful year for the chamber,” Rachel said. “It’s a way for the chamber to honor volunteers, members and businesses of the chamber and the community.”

Although Centennial Bank will be the major sponsor of the banquet, there are still other sponsorship opportunities available. The Lone Star and Silver Spur sponsorships both include a table for 10; sponsor recognition in BusinessLink, on the chamber’s website, in the newsletter and banquet’s program; and their logo on the screen during the Year in Review portion of the evening. The Lone Star is $1,500, which also includes a premium table with sponsor table signage and two bottles of premium wine, along with 20 free drink tickets.

The Silver Spur is $1,000, which also includes a second-tier table with sponsor table signage and two bottles of refined wine, along with 10 free drink tickets.

Individual tickets, or the Brass Buckle, are $75. The chamber encourages attendees to register early, as seating is limited. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 896-1155 or email rachel@kerrvilletx.com.

Hurry...October Issue Deadlines on September 14, 2018

Half Page KDT Programs #8255

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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From left, Chairman of the Board Gregg Appel, Chamber Ambassador Kathy LeStourgeon of Advanced Insurance Group, Chamber Intern and Schreiner University Student Rachel Barringer, Chamber Vice President and COO Rachel London, Chamber President and CEO Walt Koenig, Museum of Western Art Volunteer MG Koenig and Chamber Ambassador President Janie Altgelt with the Concord stagecoach on display at the MOWA.

Call your Advertising Representative at the Kerrville Daily Times to Reserve Your Spot!

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brandon.baldwin@dailytimes.com jeff.herring@dailytimes.com

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 21

Events Calendar

September EVENTS

15

Saturday The Party: 35th Annual Art Exhibition & Sale

Sunday 2018 HCAF Visual Arts Fundraiser: Mad Hatter Tea Party & Happy Hour

20

Hill Country Arts Foundation’s Visual Arts Center, 120 Point Theater Road, Ingram | 830-3675120 | hcaf.com

5-11 p.m.

Tuesday

Tuesday

Sunday

7

8–9 a.m.

Arts and Crafts Fair 29-30 Texas 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road, Ingram | 830-367-5120 or wgcash@hcaf.com | txartsandcraftsfair.com

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 | whitshenderson@yahoo.com or 832-493-2868

Kerr County 4-H Wild Game Dinner

18

13

Gardens at the Ridge/The Ridge Marketplace, 13439 S. Ranch Road 783 | firstfridaywineshare.com

Saturday Swap Meet & Market Days

25

8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Chamber members can post an event in BusinessLink by emailing angela@kerrvilletx.com.

Chamber Choice Awards Banquet: Boots & Bling Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center’s grand ballroom, 1001 Junction Highway | 8961155 or rachel@kerrvilletx.com | kerrvilletx.com

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

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

Want to add an event?

Thursday 5–9 p.m.

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27 | 257-6568 | kerr.agrilife.org

6–7:30 p.m.

22 BusinessLink • September 2018

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

Saturday-Sunday

5–10 p.m.

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

1st Friday Wine Share

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

HCYR Healing Hearts Fiesta 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday

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

29 Family Free Day

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Highway 27 | fundraiser@hcdjls.org | hcdjls.org

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway | 896-1155 or info@kerrvilletx. com | kerrvilletx.com

CoffeeTalk with Kenneth O’Neal

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday

Hill Country University Center, 2818 Texas 290, Fredericksburg | 830-8968811 or jayne@communityfoundation.net | communityfoundation.net/summit-2018

5:15–6:30 p.m.

October EVENTS

35th Annual HCDJLS Fundraiser: Denim & Diamonds

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

After-Hours Business Mixer

5

with local military veterans

2018: The 25 Summit Game Plan

Thursday

2

5-8 p.m.

D-BAT, 111 Home Run Drive | 257-2447 or zvandyke@bigmentor.org | bigmentor.org

The Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway | 895-2553 | museumofwesternart.com/party

4-6 p.m.

Thursday

22 2018 Home Run Derby 27 Brown bag lunch meeting

6-9 p.m.

16

Saturday

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

27

Saturday Family Free Day 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

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

Weekly EVENTS Tuesdays

Quarter Page MG Building #6977

Thursdays

Kerrville Host Lions Club Kerrville Morning Rotary Noon–1 p.m.

6:45–8 a.m.

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | 844-253-4539 | e-clubhouse.org/ sites/kerrvillehosttx

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | 895-7650 | kerrvillemorningrotary.org

Wednesdays

Kiwanis Club of Kerrville 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Rotary Club of Kerrville 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive | kiwanisclubofkerrville@gmail.com | facebook.com/kerrvillekiwanis

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway | kerrvillerotary@ gmail.com | kerrvillerotary.org

Fridays

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Prayer Chaplain Tour Guides 2–4:30 p.m.

1–3 p.m. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 505 Water St. | 895-0592 or fobhml@gmail.com

Labors of love aren’t restricted to the 1st Monday of September.

Hope you built smoking hot memories Labor Day, 2018.

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

Kerrville Farmers Market

4–7 p.m. every Friday April-Oct. and 3 p.m.-dark the first Friday Nov.-March A.C. Schreiner Home, 529 Water St. | 928-4261 or kerrvillefm@gmail.com | kerrvillefarmersmarket.com

SHOP WHERE THE PROS BUY! 2202 Memorial Blvd • Kerrville, TX 78028 830-257-2300 • www.mgbuildingmaterials.com

UPPER GUADALUPE RIVER AUTHORITY Half Page UGRA #6644

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Located Just off Sidney Baker South, at 125 Lehmann Drive, Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028 It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 23 Surface Water

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