BusinessLink October 2019

The Hill Country’s premier business publication

Vol. 7, Issue 10 • October 2019

BusinessLin H O U S I N G

&

R E A L

E S T A T E

Housing Shortage?

Leaders address affordable housing availability

E D I T I O N

Luxury living in the Hill Country Explore some of the area’s multimillion dollar properties

A publication of The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028 | 830-896-7000 | dailytimes.com

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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 Lisa Winters Chairwoman of the Board, Peterson Health Tim Rye Chairman-Elect, Peterson Medical Associates Mike Wittler First Vice Chairman, Kerrville Public Utility Board Gregg Appel Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, Centennial Bank Justin Foster Treasurer, Community First National Bank Tricia Byrom Secretary, Guadalupe Bank

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Anglin, ARTIFEX42 Brian Bowers, Centennial Bank Rose Bradshaw, So Fast Printing Allison Bueche, Kerrville Public Utility Board Shawna Fahrenthold, Alamo Colleges Clint Fiore, Texas Business Buyers LLC David Reast, Schreiner University Kerry Sutton, HCTC Sue Tiemann, Brinkman Preferred Properties

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, angela@kerrvilletx.com Jennifer Lord Receptionist, jennifer@kerrvilletx.com

BUSINESSLINK STAFF Carlina Villalpando, Publisher Louis Amestoy, Managing Editor Tom Holden & Valerie Tucker, Photographers John Doran, Advertising Director Advertising: Brandon Baldwin, Luly Bliss and Valerie Tucker Composing: Manager Dean Heep and Johanna Rangel

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

2 BusinessLink • October 2019

Chairman’s CORNER

In the doghouse (literally) Few people know the house I have lived in for the past 17 years was built for two dogs.

The exact day almost to the hour we were hunting for homes, driving block after block with our realtor throughout the Tom Daniels Elementary area (because we fell in love with the school and I wanted to walk Rowdy and Rayne everyday), a monk from the Benedictine Monks of Texas walked across an expansive yard and attempted to drive a “For Sale” sign in a lot full of rocks. (You can’t make these things up!) As we sat in his truck, kids in tow, and asked him to find out what was up with this huge and affordable house, I remember him calling the number on the sign, then pausing with great perplexion on the other end of the line. He kept saying, “What?

You’ve got to be kidding! Really?”

This house was a steal, albeit odd. But I was up for the challenge.

Houses aren’t easy to come by and rarely so affordable. So, of course I went to the dark place and wondered what maybe morbid thing had happened in this house and could I get over it to have the house of my soon-tobe dreams?

Our realtor was laughing before he could hang up. He shared that it was a bargain because it was left to two dogs. The couple who built the home never had children but they did built the biggest bedrooms and levels of exercise for their two beloved dogs. Sadly, the husband first passed away and then his wife, but in their will they left the house to the dogs, ultimately to their church, if the church cared for their dogs in the house until the last dog died. Their wishes were honored. And ironically, when we were combing the neighborhood for a house, the last dog had died and the house was on the market.

The odd huge house has been transformed multiple times because of belief and imagination. To this day, Rowdy and Rayne occupy two of the biggest bedrooms two kids should ever have, thanks to two big Golden Retrievers.

All this being said, in this issue dedicated to housing and real estate rock stars, your chamber knows what challenges we face in Kerr County when it comes to the housing market and the lack of affordable housing. It’s an ongoing challenge and one we don’t have all the answers for. But it’s on our radar!

As newcomers search for their home or established families seek larger homes to meet their growing needs, I encourage both to look beyond the aesthetics or footprint and find the hidden jewel. Something very attainable, if albeit odd. Affordable is key in Kerrville!

I certainly treasure my home of 119 (dog) years.

Lisa Winters

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman of the Board, 2019

Table of CONTENTS Membership

Get to Know People & Places Events Leadership & Education

It’s all right here 3

Table of contents 6 Ribbon cuttings at area businesses 10 Q&A on housing

8 Kerrville 2050 Plan looks to incentivize a diverse range of housing options

with Kerrville Mayor Bill Blackburn, Chamber CoffeeTalk will feature a representative from the U.S Department of Labor

14 Prepare a home for your golden years

16 Photos from the September mixer 12 Cover story: When it comes to luxury, Kerrville has options

19 Chamber supports city’s efforts to develop attainable/ affordable housing

20 Chamber banquet is coming up this month, don’t miss it

4 BusinessLink • October 2019

17 Last month’s chamber

mixer was held at Guadalupe Bank.

18 Leadership Kerr County kicks off its 35th class

21 October’s calendar of events

Welcome, new members!

Bronze

• Hill Country Gala – Ward Jones – 830-896-6714 • Kerr Crime Stoppers

877-491-2189 • Keely Herod, CPA 830-510-3535 • Libertarian Party of Kerr County

830-238-7949 • Singing Wind Apartments – Robert Schultz – 830-896-1828 • TC Fit – Terry Clayborne –

281-380-6324

Individual

• Scott Huffman

Thank you, returning members!

Bronze • A & A Tire Service, Inc. • Clint Orms Engravers & Silversmiths • Euro-Tex Design / Build • Families & Literacy, Inc. • Fedex Office • Gilbert Lawn & Irrigation • Guerra, Michael E., M.D.

• Hill Country Premium Beverages • Hill Country Veteran’s Council • Hillcrest Inn • Kerr Business Services • Kerrville Automatic Auto Repair Center • Kerrville Veterinary Clinic, Ltd.

• Masterson Insurance • Max Greiner, Jr. Designs • Meadows Apartments, The • Plumrite Services • Rockscapes, LLC • The Auto Spa • The Farm Country Club • The Six S Family LP • The Wilderness

• UniFirst Corporation • Wagoner Tire • Wildgoose Manufacturing & Gallery Store • Wilson & Sibert Chiropractic.

• Workforce Solutions Alamo

Silver • Comanche Trace • Essential Escape Massage • Facets-A Moore Supply Showroom • Hill Country Veterans Center • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites • Lone Star Properties - Chris Callan • Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio • The Lakehouse Restaurant • Town & Country Animal Hospital • Tri-County Roofing & Remodeling • Wally’s Party Factory Gold • Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc. • The Medicine Stop Platinum • 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating • Y.O. Ranch Headquarters Diamond • Adapting Online, LLC • James Avery Artisan Jewelry Individual • Bob Reeves

It’s all right here 5

Membership Ribbon cuttings

Camp Gladiator Camp Gladiator commemorated its anniversary with a ribbon cutting and community workout in Louise Hays Park. Camp Gladiator is dedicated to helping the community stay active and healthy through group workouts and exercises. Camp Gladiator prides itself in being more than just a gym but a community.

Its mission is to positively impact the physical fitness and ultimately the lives of as many people as possible. 210-5631775.

Peterson Health Peterson Health and the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce came together to celebrate its new Cardiopulmonary Rehab Clinic in the Cailloux Building.

The new rehabilitation facilities include top-of-the-line equipment and skilled staff who are ready to serve the needs of the local community. Peterson’s cardiology services are designed to help with preventive care in addition to rehabilitation. www.petersonhealth.com.

830-258-7608.

Texas Railway Systems Texas Railway Systems celebrated its 10-year anniversary and the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce assisted in the celebrations with a ribbon cutting. Texas Railway Systems is known for delivering architectural guardrails in contemporary designs, focusing on the slogan, “Save the View.” It provides residential and commercial railings in a variety of styles and materials. TexasRailingSystems.com. 830-8960096.

6 BusinessLink • October 2019

Wicks Studio Wicks Studio celebrated its new relocation to Water Street in Kerrville with the Chamber of Commerce. Wicks provides high-quality home and bath and body goods including candles, lotions, soaps, and fragrance oils. Its products are hand crafted and plant based and created with botanicals and essential oils. WicksStudio.com

Photos courtesy of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

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It’s all right here 7

Healthy growth Region Spotlight

Top ways Kerrville 2050 will impact homeowners, neighborhoods Story by Ariel Lutnesky

H

ousing, a hot topic in Kerrville due to a huge demand for affordable homes, has worked its way into the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan in ways that could change the scene for property owners.

The 2050 Plan is a roadmap that guides the growth and development of the city over the next 30 years. The plan is based on resident input and was developed and adopted in 2018. In it, there are guidelines for everything from economic development to what residents want the physical environment to be like.

Here are a few things in the 2050 Plan that could have a notable effect on property owners in Kerrville, based on the goals the plan lays out: “Provide a diverse range of housing options to meet the needs and desires of all age groups, income levels and lifestyles.”

While the city won’t build housing, it can incentivize developers to build more structures that can cater to a wider range of incomes. Namely, the city is looking to add duplexes, town homes, apartments and the like, said Mayor Bill Blackburn.

That means property owners could see more neighbors.

Workers need a place to live, and with more options, more workers could come to the area, said Gil Salinas, the chief operating officer of the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation.

“Looking at it from the lens of economic development, homeownership is a vital component to attractive and retaining workforce,” Salinas said.

But there’s still a long way to go. According to the U.S. Census, the average median income from 2013 to 2017 was $44,113. Texas A&M University reports that homes sold for an average of $379,000 in the month of July.

“Enhance Kerrville’s unique quality of life attributes and the natural, healthy environment that attracts people to live here.”

The city is making an effort to encourage homeowners to take care of their homes in way that makes for a healthy environment, Blackburn said.

“I think that really is an encouragement for people,” Blackburn said. “For instance, take care of the trees

8 BusinessLink • October 2019

that exist, plant more trees, do things in regards to the landscape that is positive for the environment.”

Thus, homeowners may see an increase in quality in their neighborhoods, Blackburn said.

Salinas said nicer quality neighborhoods is another way newcomers could come to town.

“The 2050 Plan ... creates a roadmap for our community and specifically how we’re going to build a quality of place,” Salinas said. “In turn, it’s that quality of place which attracts talent to a city.”

“Balance the City’s tax base, shifting the burden from residential property owners.”

If all goes according to the 2050 Plan, homeowners could collectively see less of a tax burden. Right now, the town relies more on residences for tax revenue than businesses. It should be more balanced between the two, Blackburn said.

“Does that mean just shifting the burden to the businesses?

No,” Blackburn said. “But we can add businesses, including some manufacturing and other businesses so that it is a fair balance.”

The KEDC is working on attracting businesses, and often the key to that is attracting workers for those businesses, which goes back to maintaining a good quality of environment and housing options, Salinas said.

“In economic development, it’s that talent which attracts forward thinking companies which is a sector we’re actively recruiting at the KEDC,” Salinas said.

“Continue to leverage Kerrville as a great place for retirement living.”

If Kerrville is to be a good place for retirees to live, that means more home buyers, Blackburn said.

“There will continue to be retired persons who are coming into town who are looking for homes,” Blackburn said. “It gives you some more folks who might have an interest in purchasing your home.”

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In the Know City Hall Spotlight

Q&A

with Mayor Bill Blackburn about Kerrville housing

Q: How do rate unaffordability

is still land, however, that a quality builder (hopefully local) could build smaller homes, possibly manufactured homes (homes with foundations poured and the walls are trucked in), and possibly apartments.

when it comes to Kerrville’s future?

A: I believe workforce housing is the number one problem we are facing as a City. The Texas A&M Real Estate Center rates Kerr County as last in the cities/ areas they survey in affordable housing.

If we do not have housing for workers, then we cannot expect workers to come here nor stay here. We cannot attract new businesses if the housing is not here for the workers. There of course the need for affordable housing for persons other than workers including low income retired persons. I hope the project we are working on regarding workforce housing will lead to solutions to affordable housing for others.

Q: You’ve advocated for smaller

lot sizes, how do you think this will help?

A: The idea for smaller lots is simple. With the cost of lots in Kerrville

I firmly believe we can accomplish the goal of workforce housing in a way that protects the value of existing homes in Kerrville. being high, a smaller lot means savings.

A great example is in Dripping Springs where a developer has done town homes on lots that are 34 ½ feet wide.

Q: Do you envision large housing

developments coming to Kerrville?

A: Once you start looking around,

you realize there are a lot of lots in Kerrville where you could build smaller homes, town homes, duplexes, etc.

I hope we don’t have one of the big builders of low quality homes come in here and do a large housing tract. There

Q: When you talk to new residents what’s the No. 1 reason they choose to move here?

A: Quality of life.

Q: What’s the purpose of the

Mayor’s Housing Task Force?

A: To develop a strategy plan for workforce housing that is done in a way that enhances the quality of life in this community and helps to ensure economic development for years to come.

CoffeeTalks

The ins and outs of labor laws of Texas

By Allison Bueché The Nov. 5 Chamber CoffeeTalk, “How to avoid problems with child labor laws” will be presented by Erica Holder, assistant director with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Representatives from the wage and hour division in San Antonio will present an overview of child labor laws that will provide the tools you need to ensure that when young people work at your

10 BusinessLink • October 2019

business, the work is safe and does not jeopardize their health, wellbeing or educational opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Labor connects employers with the information they need to better understand their responsibilities and obligations under the law.

Employers will learn about how to avoid problems with labor laws.

Business owners, human resources and/or payroll staff, managers

and supervisors could all find this information useful.

Chamber Coffee Talks are a free educational series that are open to chamber members as well as nonmembers and are hosted generally on the first Tuesday of every month, from 8 to 9 a.m.

Are you a chamber member with a topic to share? Contact Angela North at 830.896.1155 or angela@ kerrvilletx.com.

Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors

Diamond Investors • Jam Broadcasting 94.3 • Mo-Ranch • Adapting Online, LLC • Moore’s Home Furnishings • Alamo Colleges • Nationwide Insurance • Alara Strategic and Creative Joe Cook & Associates, Inc. • Ashley HOMESTORE • Palate Thyme • Brookdale Senior Living • Peterson Health • Calvary Temple Church • Precision Dentistry and • Centennial Bank Implants of Kerrville • Century 21 The Hills Realty • Ragsdale Family Camps • Comerica Bank • Randolph Brooks Federal • Community First National Bank Credit Union • Frost Bank • Sam’s Club • Ronnie Gesell Construction • Schreiner University • Robert Glossop Jr. • Security State Bank & Trust • HCTC • Tango Homes, LLC • H.E.B. Foods-Drug Store • Texas Lions Camp • Hill Country MHDD Centers • Texas State Optical • Inn of the Hills Resort & • United Hunting Conference Center Heritage International • James Avery Artisan Jewelry • UTSA Small Business • Ken Stoepel Ford - Lincoln, Inc. Development Center • Kerr County Federal Credit Union • Wal-Mart Store, Inc. #508 • Wells Fargo Bank • Kerrville Public Utility Board • Wine-O-Bout It • Lotus Recovery Foundation • Martin Marietta

Platinum Investors • 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating • Airtech A/C & Heating • All-Plastics • Atmos Energy • Broken Stone Pizza Co. • Douville, Goldman & Associates, PLLC • Farmers Insurance - Renee Smith • Guadalupe Bank • Heart of the Cards • Hilco Federal Credit Union • Hill Country Memorial • Hill Country Youth Event Center • Home Simple Goods • Kerr County Abstract & Title Company • Laity Lodge Youth Camp H E Butt Family Foundation • LeMeilleur’s RV, Truck & Equipment Repair Co. • Precision Dermatology, PA Kerrville Dermatologist

• Prime Capital Investment Advisors • Safeguard Business Systems • San Carlos Ranch • State Farm Insurance Justin Hamilton • Superior Services Tree Care • Talarico and Associates, A Wealth Management Firm • Texas Hill Country Bank - Kerrville • Turtle Creek Olive GroveVacation Rental • Turtle Creek Olive & Vines • 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

It’s all right here 11

Cover story Luxury living

This home in nearby Comfort is listed at more than $3 million and is one of several multi-million dollar mansions in the Hill County region.

When it comes to luxury, Kerrville has options Story by Louis Amestoy When it comes to luxury living, it’s not hard to find it in Kerrville.

The market has roughly 12% of its inventory valued at $900,000 or more.

If you’ve got an extra million dollars (or two) laying around, you can find a truly spectacular home. In fact, you can find 41 to be exact.

Define luxury

That’s right, Kerrville, and the surrounding area, has 41 high-end homes and properties on the market, including the $6.5 million Song Bird Ranch, just south of Kerrville.

For a cool $3.8 million, you could own the 13,901-square foot mansion of L.D. Brinkman, one of the original investors of Home Depot. While the mansion was the home of his business empire, Brinkman didn’t build the home. The estate was once the home of Louis Schreiner, who constructed the Renaissance Revival home in 1920. The home sits on 14 acres.

For many in the business and real estate community, the explosion of high-end homes and valuable property is not surprising, especially in the wake of interest in the region from inside Texas and from out of it.

12 BusinessLink • October 2019

Real Estate Broker Laura Fore, who is a co-owner of Fore Premier Properties, said that she considers anything over $500,000 to be a luxury property, because of the region’s relative affordability compared to other parts of the country.

Based on that metric, there are at least 107 properties listed on websites Zillow or Realtor.com.

Fore said the region’s appeal to retirees and those looking for something different is helping drive the luxury market.

“People want to enjoy the lifestyle here in Kerrville and the Hill Country,” Fore said.

If you run through the real estate sites, the numbers may vary, but There are more than 80 properties — homes or acreage — listed at $600,000 or more. Half of those are listing worth $1

million to $6.9 million Real estate agent Somer Tinsley said even at the $350,000 level, it’s easy to find luxurious amenities, but she’s seeing plenty of interest in the market.

“I think Kerrville is a retirement place, and they can enjoy the lifestyle here,” Tinsley said.

Not a surprise “It’s a phenomenal place to live,” Fore said of living here — a town she grew up in. “Kerrville keeps getting better.”

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Walt Koening is the first to agree with Fore’s assessment, and also point to the rise in upper income retirees for some of the prices that are being seen.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Koening said. “We’ve got such a large migration of retirees from other states coming here.”

Koening said the region’s desirability has attracted many people to the area, and that families and those looking to relocate are increasing on a regular basis.

What does $6 million buy?

The Song Bird property is on 81 acres and has Lamb Creek — with a waterfall — running past the 5,600-square foot home.

Fore said the property features 100 differing types of flora

and fauna, but it’s the class Hill Country terrain that sets this place apart.

Fore said it’s a thrill to be able to market the high-end properties because of the beauty of the property and the homes.

How about $1 million?

For $995,000, a buyer can connect with a hilltop home on San Juan Street with four bedrooms and three-and-one-half bathrooms on 5.6 acres. The Mediterranean-style home has a multi-level pool that features a commanding view of the Hill Country.

The downside While he’s grateful for the high-end properties, Koening is concerned about the affordability issues facing the community, and he wants to ensure that the area remains attractive for young families and professionals.

“We want people who work here to be able to live in Kerrville,” Koening said.

If you’re looking at the housing in the region, there are about 200 homes or parcels of land on the market valued under $300,000, but above that there are another 200 properties, including more than 70 listed over $700,000.

Koening said the city of Kerrville, along with others, are working to address some of the affordability issues.

It’s all right here 13

Cover story Aging in Place

Adapting a home for aging family members Story by Sandra Lane As Kerrville and the Hill Country have become favorite places for people from all over the country to retire, the population here is continually aging. This means that frequently adjustments must be made in living arrangements to accommodate the needs of elders who are living with reduced mobility and an increased need for care.

Those who can afford it may decide to move into assisted living, but the cost of that is expensive. One older Kerrville resident had to move recently into an assisted living residence in town that costs $45,600 per year. To do that, she had to sell her home. Others unable to do that may decide to make some adjustments to their homes.

Depending on what changes homeowners decide to make to their home, the cost can run from $5,000 to $40,000, according to Jerry Best of C&R Design, Kerrville. Best has been providing remodeling and new construction services in Kerrville for the past 18 years.

“Most people prefer to stay at home, particularly if both husband and wife are still living,” Best said. “If one spouse goes to an assisted living facility, what happens to the other? Particularly in that sort of arrangement, the choice is made to remodel.” Although tvhe cost of remodeling is not inexpensive, Best said it’s still much cheaper than going to a nursing home.

The first room that is usually remodeled is the bathroom.

Best said that he and his crew tear out the existing fixtures and sometimes even re-position the walls to make the room larger. A walk-in shower is built that is large enough for someone to roll up in a wheelchair, hold onto the bars installed in the wall, and lift themselves onto a seat installed in the shower. The cost of this, Best said, is usually from $5,000 to $8,000.

There are also bathtubs that can be installed that have a door opening to it, and when someone sits down on the interior seat, they can turn on the water and fill up the tub.

14 BusinessLink • October 2019

Showers can easily be modified to reduce the risk of falling.

However, Best said he has only installed one of these. “The cost is prohibitive,” he said. “It’s about $12,000. The shower is the most economical thing to do.”

The next item to be replaced is the toilet, which must be high enough for a person to sit down without falling. Bars are installed on each side of the toilet so that the person can hold onto them.

Best said that he also installs new lavatories that are open in front so that people in wheelchairs can get up to them.

“We’ve also done a lot of the pedestal sinks which are easy for people to access,” he said. Another requirement is that the new sink must be low enough to use without people having to stand up.

In modifying a home for use by elders and the handicapped, doorways must be widened so that a wheelchair can pass through. And if there are steps on the front or back entrance to the home, a ramp is installed to

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Improvements can be made to bathrooms to reduce the likelihood of falls and allow for safer movement.

accommodate the passage of wheelchairs. It also makes it easier for someone to exit the home if they walk with a cane or on crutches.

Best said he has also modified closets in the home. “Most of the doorways are too small and must be widened,” he said. “We have to tear out the walls and rebuild them so that people in wheelchairs can get into their closets.”

Last, but not least is the kitchen. Walk-in pantries must be built and Best said he takes great care in positioning shelving so that handicapped residents can have access to the contents of the panty.

“We also can lower kitchen counters or replace them,” Best said. “Frequently, we install new countertops and new cabinetry that will be accessible to residents with limited abilities.”

Although the cost of remodeling a home to accommodate changing needs of family members is not inexpensive, Best says the one-time cost of up to $40,000 is still less than the cost of living in an assisted living facility for several years.

Although the cost of remodeling for elders is formidable, there are some financial assistance programs available for elders. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants and loans to elderly or disabled low-income people.

Residents of Kerr County are eligible for these loans.

“Based on income, elders can apply for 1% loans, or if they cannot qualify, we can offer them a grant up to $10,000,” said Deann Dowdy at the USDA office in Fredericksburg. For more information, she can be contacted at 1-830-997-8902 ext. 4.

Veterans may be eligible for a Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant whether their disability is service-connected or not. To learn more, call the local VA office, or read: https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/ home-modifications/veterans-sah-sha-hisa-grants.

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APPLAUSE Ad Program Celebrating a business anniversary?

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It’s all right here 15

Events

Mixer snapshots

Mingling at the Mixer Photos by Valerie Tucker Last month’s After Hours Chamber Mixer was held at Guadalupe Bank.

Clockwise from top right: Kathy Bullard & Tamara Urbach; Candace Rutherford & Sharon Locke; Amber Kinsel & Lea Jimenez; Corey Schulse & Callisto Griffith; and Janie Altgelt & Teresa White.

16 BusinessLink • October 2019

Top left: Eddie Byrom and Tony Roberts Top right: Samantha Robinett, Dawn Collum & Zoe Van Dyke Above: Tito Olvera & Ben Forrester Above right: Michael Anglin, Jesse Olvera, and David Geisweidt Right: Toni Caldwell, Sydney Blain & Jon Martin

It’s all right here 17

Leadership Kerr County continues Photos by Valerie Tucker The Leadership Kerr County program welcomed Class No. 35 at a recent reception.

18 BusinessLink • October 2019

Chamber supports the city’s efforts to develop affordable/attainable housing If one works in Kerrville, one should be able to live in Kerrville. This simple principle is one of the core values of our community and one that make us unique. Addressing the affordable/attainable housing issue is key to making this vision a reality.

The Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan addresses the affordable/attainable housing issue directly. As a community priority, developing work force housing ranks number four in the list of community priorities with 89% of respondents identifying this issue as being “important” or “somewhat important”. The housing issue was judged to be sufficiently important warrant the inclusion of a specific section in the comprehensive plan that addresses this issue. The suggested actions within the plan include the development of a citywide strategic housing plan with an emphasis on affordable and workforce housing, and the research of potential funding mechanisms for the development of workforce housing options.

Since the adoption of the comprehensive plan, we have seen progress in addressing the priority of providing an increased inventory of affordable work force housing options starting with a top to bottom review and revision of the city codes.

This massive and unprecedented undertaking is addressing the facilitation of affordable housing projects through a variety of mechanisms including the reduction of minimum lot sizes in some areas, the encouragement of higher density housing development options and others.

The mayor has also established a housing task force to address this critical issue. This task force has brought together high-level leaders from multiple disciplines to work together to develop specific plans to increase the availability of affordable housing options. These recommendations have been completed and will be forwarded to City Council for deliberation within the month of October.

On the economic development front, we have been working to promote Kerrville as a great place to do business and a great place to develop affordable housing projects. We have been working with the real estate community to define potential project sites and in conjunction with the city, we have been actively seeking interest from the development community to implement work force housing projects in our community.

To further encourage the development of housing for our growing workforce we are working to, on a targeted basis, incentivize specific projects so that new, high quality housing will be available at specific price points. Our objective is to work with all concerned entities to gradually build the inventory of residential real estate for both rental and purchase.

Progress is being made at an unprecedented rate and pace.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue to be supporting the efforts of the city and private industry to make sure our growing work force has ever increasing housing options in Kerrville.

The chamber frequently engages with students in our ISD, Alamo Colleges and Schreiner University. Many of our graduates will choose to leave our community to seek opportunity elsewhere but we don’t want to have any of our graduates

“... we are working to, on a targeted basis, incentivize specific projects so that new, high-quality housing will be available at specific price points.”

— Walt Koenig CEO and President, Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

leave our community because they don’t see a viable future here. Good jobs are part of what will keep our graduates engaged in our community but affordable housing is equally important. The chamber is encouraged by both the effort and the progress that is being made to provide not only our graduates but our entire workforce options to not only work in but to be a true part of our wonderful community.

It’s all right here 19

Events

Chamber events

Don’t miss the awards banquet Staff report

The 97th annual Chamber Choice Awards Banquet is on for this month, with a masquerade ball theme.

Attendees are encouraged to incorporate masks, glitter, and even lights into their outfits.

The event will include live music at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner with awards and a drawing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Schreiner University’s event center, 2100 Memorial Boulevard, in Kerrville.

Seating for the banquet will be limited so reserve tables now by contacting Chamber Vice President Rachel London at 830-896-1155.

Centennial Bank will be the major sponsor of the event.

The late David LeMeilleur will be honored during the Chamber Choice Awards Banquet on Oct. 24.

The awards banquet is a chance for the Kerrville-area community to show their appreciation to the folks who make the area such a great place to live, work and play.

Year award. Nominations for that award are closed.

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for several awards that will be presented.

They include the Business Person of the Year Award and the Mary C. Williams Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award.

Last year’s winner was longtime business owner Phyllis Ricks, who was honored for service to numerous

The Kerrville Daily Times also will present The Kerrville Daily Times’ 2019 Bill Dozier Citizen of the

The Bill Dozier award seeks to identify individuals who have made positive and lasting effects in Kerr County.

nonprofit boards and community organizations.Since the award’s inception, more than 40 worthy recipients have been honored and hundreds more have been nominated.

A key learning opportunity about business scams The chamber will host a lunch and learn on Thursday, Nov. 7, on “The top 10 scams affecting business & you,” presented by Jason Meza, regional director of San Antonio for Better Business Bureau.

The session will cover the latest investigations the Better Business Bureau has encountered and what is being done to stall scammers.

The event is free to attend, and RSVP is not required. The lunch and learn will be hosted in the chamber conference room. Brown bag lunch is optional.

20 BusinessLink • October 2019

Courtesy photo The chamber will host a lunch and learn on Nov. 7 featuring Jason Meza, regional director of San Antonio for Better Business Bureau.

Wednesdays

Prayer Chaplain Tour Guides

Rotary Club of Kerrville

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

Weekly EVENTS

Fridays 2–4:30 p.m.

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

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

Fridays

1–3 p.m.

Kerrville Host Lions Club

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

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

Thursdays

Noon–1 p.m.

Kerrville Farmers Market 4–7 p.m.

529 Water St. | 928-4261 or http://www. kerrvillefarmersmarket.com | https://www.facebook. com/pg/kerrvillefarmersmarket

Kerrville Morning Rotary 6:45–8 a.m.

4

Oct. EVENTS

Kiwanis Club of Kerrville

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Tuesdays

Friday Wine share 6-7:30 p.m.

17

Gardens at the Ridge, 13439 S Ranch Road 783, Kerrville | http://www.firstfridaywineshare.com

9

Wednesday Homeschool day at the Science Mill 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Science Mill 101 S. Lady Bird Lane Johnson City | info@sciencemill.org

15

Tuesday

18

4

Thursday Hill Country Pitch Day Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville | 896-2553 or nfoster11@yahoo.com or visit museumofwesternart.com

Shred Day

24 Thursday

5:30- 8 p.m.

Chamber conference room, 1700 Sidney Baker St. | free, no RSVP needed. More info: angela@kerrvilletx.com.

12:30-6:30 p.m., Riverhill Country Club, 100 Riverhill Club Ln E | 830-895-0501

Schreiner University events center, 2100 Memorial Boulevard | 830-896-1155

Republican Women lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Chamber conference room, 1700 Sidney Baker St. | free, no RSVP needed. More info: angela@ kerrvilletx.com.

Lunch and learn: Scams

Tournament

5:30-9 p.m.

Chamber Coffee Talk

Thursday

28 Wednesday Annual Hawk Classic Golf

97th Annual Chamber Choice Awards Banquet

Monday

Noon

15

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Friday River Hills Mall 200 Sidney Baker St. | 830896-1155 or http://www.kerrvilletx.com

Fall into Fashion

Friday

Family Free Day at the Museum of Western Art

6-9 p.m.

8-9 a.m.

7

26 Saturday

8-9 a.m.

Live Oak Plaza, 444 Sidney Baker | 830-890-5391 or http://www.shopciaobella.org

Nov. EVENTS

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

21

Inn of the Hills, 1001 Junction Highway | reservations: rwkcreservations@gmail. com | 830-955-5433

Thursday LWV Hill Country 5:30-7:30 p.m.

TBA | maggiemegee@icloud.com

30

Weekends “It’s a wonderful Life” (play) 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 22-23, 29-30

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Rd. S.| 830367-5121 or http://www.hcaf. com

mixer 23-30 Chamber 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Texas Hill Country Bank, 998 Sidney Baker St.

It’s all right here 21

Thank you, first responders.

We pledge our support to you.

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

22 BusinessLink • October 2019

AIR CONDITIONING State Aire 2472 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 367-4131

APARTMENTS

AUTO REPAIR AND SERVICE LeMeilleur’s RV Center 620 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-4366

BOUTIQUE SHOPS

The Creek Boutique 3272 Junction Hwy. Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-3281

CAMPS

Texas Lions Camp 4100 San Antonio Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-8500

INSURANCE

Farmers Insurance Rolando Lopez 1214 Bandera Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-7272

Farmers Insurance Renee Smith 1016D Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 869-4100

JEWELERS

Taj Mahal Jewelers 200 Sidney Baker St., Suite #8 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-0335

LIGHTING FIXTURES & SUPPLIES TEU Services 228 Washington St. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 496-4090

TITLE ENTERPRISES Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. 712 Earl Garrett Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-5151

CHAMBER BUSINESS GUIDE

Wilson Asset Management, Inc. 231 Earl Garrett, Ste. 300 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 792-4200

Farmers Insurance Nathaniel Turner 260 Thompson Dr. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 869-4100

WINDOW COVERINGS Kerrville Window Fashions 507 Junction Highway Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 733-0041 kerrvillewindowfashions.com Want to see your business featured here?

Contact Valerie Tucker at The Kerrville Daily Times 830-257-0333

It’s all right here 23

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