C
hamber onnection
Mark your calendar • 7
Volume 4, No. 11
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What’s Been Happening • 5 New members, renewals • 6
November, 2017
87TH ANNUAL KILGORE
CHRISTMAS PARADE “Stories of Christmas”
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 • Downtown Kilgore LEARN MORE:
Talking Tourism • 3
Ribbon Cuttings • 4
Kilgore Chamber of Commerce info@kilgorechamber.com info@kilgorecham mber.com or 903-984-5022 903-9884-55022 or
$25 entry fee payable upon submission of entry* AAPPLICATION DEADLINE:
Wednesday, Nov. 22 W e by 12 Noon Entry Ent application and pparade arad route available at KKilgoreChamber.com/Events ilgore
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www.kilgorechamber.com
Vendor booths still available at ‘A Very Derrick Christmas’ Join the community fun and showcase your business/ organization or conduct a fundraiser at the upcoming “A Very Derrick Christmas” on Thursday, November 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. This community event grew to be one of the largest attended events in Kilgore this past year. It is a great family event with entertainment, derrick lighting ceremony, vendors, food concessions, children activities and of course, Santa Clause will be making an appearance. The cost for a vendor booth is only $25. Don’t pass up the chance to showcase your business or organization. Deadline for vendor registration is November 10. Pick up an application – 813 N. Kilgore Street Request an application via Email – info@kilgorechamber.com Call for more information – 903-984-5022 A VERY DERRICK CHRISTMAS IS HOSTED BY KILGORE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
IIn n case of inclement weather, parade will w i be rescheduled to 66:30 p.m. Dec. 4 Morning Brew • 7
Star Gala Awards • 8
Includes 3 Awards in 6 Categories: Best Decorated Float VW WKUX UG %XVLQHVV &LYLF 1RQ 3URILW Best Use of Theme VW WKUX UG %XVLQHVV &LYLF 1RQ 3URILW Best Overall
E4 Leadership program • See Page 2
PAGE 2
CHAMBER CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2017
Chamber’s E4 Leadership program debuts October was an exciting month at the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce with the implementation of the new E4 Leadership program. The reformatted program (formerly Leadership Kilgore) is designed to provide more in-depth corporate leadership training; motivate and encourage community leadership; build confidence in self while building new business and personal relationships; and develop personal leadership characteristics and skills within the individual. Our objective is to embark the participant on an exciting journey to be enlightened through education, empowered through experiences and building or relationships, and to ultimately become engaged as a stronger leader at their business and in the community. The program began on October 10 with an Orientation & Reception at the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. Class members participated in a Leadership Trait testing to prepare for the Leadership Retreat that was held the following week. The Leadership Retreat began with a journey to
Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Texas, where the class members participated in Leadership Trait session led by Dr. Brenda Kays, President of Kilgore College. The rest of the overnight retreat included various team building exercises and activities led by the staff of Camp Gilmont. Overall, the E4 Leadership class members developed strong bonds with other class members, learned the importance of building collaborative relationships, and strengthened personal confidence. In November, the Leadership class will embark on the journey of “Serving the Community.” Numerous non-profit/civic organizations will be participating in the session. The organizations will be involved in a Speed Networking event to meet each class member one-onone and share their organizations message. In addition, Danette Heffner, Executive Vice President/HR Director of Citizens National Bank, will serve as an instructor of “Leadership Skills – Personnel Management”. The next session will be held on November 14.
E4 Leadership Class I - Back Row (L to R): Greg Holmes (Mobbs Real Estate), Ronda Lee (Kilgore College), Kimberly Wright (KEDC), Monika Sanders (Edward Jones-Reece Nichols), Noweka Harvey (ETCOG), Ryan Polk (Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau), Emily Arp (Edward Jones-Emily Arp), Alan Clark (Citizens National Bank), and Richard Nash (KISD); Front Row (L to R): Mat Kronner (City of Kilgore), Desirae Sanchez (Republic Services), Jessica Holmes (Mobbs Real Estate), Kim Krantz (Phillips, Watson & Gilchrist LLP), Chip Hale (Overton Films) and Stacey Cole (Kilgore Public Library)
NOVEMBER 2017
CHAMBER CONNECTION
PAGE 3
Talking Tourism The Holidays are coming! This time of year is truly exciting. The holidays are a magical time in Kilgore with many memorable traditions, and festive events to enjoy around the city. From the lighting of the derricks to a warm performance radio play version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” by the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Christmas really does come alive in Kilgore. Below is a sampling of what’s ahead. Ryan Polk The holiday season will kick off ofTourism Mgr. ficially Nov. 17 with Kilgore Historic Preservation Foundation’s Lighting of the Derricks celebration with the theme of “A Very Derrick Christmas” this year. The annual event will include vendors, kid activities, and onstage entertainment before the stars are lit above Downtown Kilgore. Downtown Kilgore will again be an epicenter of holiday events. Mingle and Jingle returns to downtown Kilgore Nov.
26, the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The downtown merchants and restaurants will be decorated and ready for Christmas that evening as there will be pop-up shops and carolers. The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce’s 86th annual lighted Christmas parade is Tuesday evening, Nov. 29. The theme for this year’s parade will be “Candy Land” and begins at 6:30 p.m. at Lawrence and Main Street and ends at Kilgore Street. The Kilgore Public Library will have its annual Christmas open house on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The evening will include holiday music, decorations and refreshments and a special appearance from Santa Claus. Santa will also make an appearance at the East Texas Oil Museum for its Christmas with Santa event Dec. 3. The evening will include story tellers, a tour of the museum and photo opportunities with Santa. Tickets cost $10 for children and $8 for adults and will go on sale Nov. 1. It is going to be another Rette, White and Blue Christmas as the Rangerettes host their annual Christmas Show on Dec. 4 in the Dodson Auditorium with show times at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets to this performance, which features all the current line members, will be $15 and will go on sale sometime in November. The Texas Shakespeare Festival will also usher the holiday spirit as they present their Christmas radio play “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the airwaves. All four performances – Dec. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 11 at 2 p.m. – will take place in the renovated UpStairs Space on
the second floor of the TSF Festival Center at 815 Houston Street. Each of the five actors will use a microphone to record the performance. Tickets to the TSF “It’s A Wonderful Life are $20 and are available at www.texasshakespeare.com. “Jingle All The Way”, a favorite event for many during the holiday season, will be on Dec. 17th this year and will include a petting zoo, children activities, holiday characters and food. This and other new events will once again capture the holiday feeling that downtown Kilgore brings. For more information on happenings and events in Kilgore, visit our website www.visitkilgore.com, and stay up-to-date on current events by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
Reel East Texas Film Festival set Nov. 16-18 We are super-excited about the new Reel East Texas Film Festival that is set for November 16-18 in Downtown Kilgore! Chip Hale, a Kilgore filmmaker, is leading the way for an outstanding event to be added to the full Fall season in Kilgore. The international film festival kicks off their first year with 55 film screenings to be held in the Texan Theatre at 224 S. Kilgore Street, including short films, feature-length movies, documentaries and student projects. The festival and screenings are open to the public. Tickets are on sale at ReelEastTexas.com including All-Access Passes, Day Passes and single tickets. The festival planners have crafted a variety of events – brunches, mixers, roundtable discussions and a bus tour – to give their filmmaker-guests a full introduction to the community. “Reel East Texas Film Festival organizers are working with the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau to coordinate a tour of potential filming sites for the filmmakers while they are here for the film event,” said Cindy Morris. “Our hope is to attract filmmakers to Kilgore and use our beautiful city as a backdrop for movies. Filming a movie in Kilgore
would have substantial economic impact for us,” said Morris. A nonprofit event, Reel East Texas Film Festival is powered by Citizens National Bank, the Zwick Foundation, Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin, Trey & Wendy Crim, SWEPCO, Kilgore News Herald, Longview-Kilgore Cable TV, De Rigueur and Comfort Suites with support from the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, Visit Kilgore, Kilgore Historic Preservation Foundation and the City of Kilgore, spearheaded by Overton Films. For more information, schedule and ticket purchase, log on to reeleasttexas.com. You may also email info@reeleasttexas.com or call Hale at 818915-2713 for additional information.
IN SUPPORT OF THE CHAMBER AND BUYING LOCAL
Corporate Office 120 Marvin A Smith Road Kilgore, TX 75662
903-834-7007
Midland Field Office 1508 W. Montgomery Ave. Midland, TX 79701
PAGE 4
CHAMBER CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2017
Ribbon Cutting
2017-18 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD
James Murphy, Chairman (Republic Services) Dr. Chris Gratton, Chair Elect (Gratton Chiropractic) John Ben Blackburn, Vice Chair (Martin Resource Management Corp.) Billie Mims, Treasurer (Austin Bank) Reece Nichols, Immediate Past Chair (Edward Jones)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Capps, Gabriel/Jordan GMC Buick Pam DeCeault, Citizens National Bank Bobbie Hurley-Guinn, Arpco Valves & Controls Dennis McFadin, Past Chair (D&D Industrial Welding Supply) Joe Stephens, Brookshire’s James Wright, Halliburton
EX-OFFICIO
Cara Cooke, KISD Dr. Brenda Kays, Kilgore College Amanda Nobles, KEDC Josh Selleck, City of Kilgore The Kilgore Chamber Ambassadors, Board Members and staff celebrated the opening of Hope’s Closet Retail & Donation Center’s new location at 1610 N. Hwy 259 Business, Ste 1 in Kilgore. Hope’s Closet is a non-profit thrift store that benefits the Women’s Center of East Texas with locations in Kilgore, Marshall & Longview. Hope’s Closet is open Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm. Check out their Facebook page at HopesClosetKilgore. Or call 903-983-0002 to find out more about making a donation.
Dr. Jadie Roberts &XUUHQW &KDPEHU %RDUG 0HPEHU
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: z Examination of the Eye z Treatment of Eye Disease z Cataract and Laser Surgery
Dr. J.T. Roberts &KDPEHU President - Board
STAFF
Cindy Morris, President Lisa Morgan, Member Services Manager Ryan Polk, Tourism Manager
Dr. Shiloh Roberts
LARGE SELECTION OF EYEWEAR: z Frames - Designer z Fashion z Budget z ,Q 2I¿FH 2SWLFDO /DE )RU +RXU 6HUYLFH In most cases
CONTACT LENSES: z :H 3UHVFULEH $OO 7\SHV z 6DPH GD\ 'HOLYHU\ In Most Cases
NOVEMBER 2017
CHAMBER CONNECTION
PAGE 5
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
We wanted to recognize one of our newest Board of Directors for her company’s community involvement. Bobbie Guinn, co-owner of Arpco Valves & Controls, got into the spirit of both the Halloween theme and the East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cookoff competition as the Vampire Queen in October. Arpco Valves & Controls wins the Chamber’s vote for the best decorated booth at the East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cookoff. Bobbie, kudos to you and your employees!
Morning Brew, one of the Chamber’s business connection events, was sponsored by and held at Mr. D’s Driving Center. Thank you, Roy Dudley, owner/instructor of Mr. D’s Driving Center, for hosting an excellent event. Mr. D’s Driving Center, located at 507 E. Kay Street in Kilgore, was established to provide a high quality driver’s education and training service. Give Mr. D’s a call to enroll in a class or take your driving test at 903-984-3843. Or go online at mrdsdrivingcenter.com to find out test and training schedules. BELOW: Making business connections is one of the top benefits for our Chamber Investors! The STAR Gala brought together new businesses, long-term member investors, legislators and dignitaries. There was a lot of excitement in the air this year – the Chamber year was more impactful for our member investors, the economy has begun to improve and everyone is working together to make Kilgore the best place to live, work and play.
Chamber Member Since 2001 Full Service Equal Housing Lender
410 N. Kilgore St. | 903-986-2265 | www.kilgorenb.com
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CHAMBER CONNECTION
Welcome New Members! Welcome to our newest Chamber Member Investor! Please join us in welcoming them by patronizing their business for your personal and professional needs.
NOVEMBER 2017
Kilgore College Martin Luther King, Jr. Dual Credit Scholarship Breakfast Providing Access to Post-Secondary Education for All!
Friday, January 12, 2018 7:30a.m. to 9 a.m.
1604 E. Broadway, Gladewater, TX 76547 www.otandi.com 903-845-2444
Devall Ballroom Devall Student Center Kilgore College Campus 1301 N. Kilgore St., Kilgore, TX 75662 Facebook: Oil Exchange – Kilgore 903-984-0069
Interested in finding out how the Chamber works for business? We welcome the opportunity to visit with you and share the many reasons your company would benefit as a member investor. Contact us at 903-984-5022, email us at info@kilgorechamber.com, or check out member investor information at www.KilgoreChamber.com.
Table Sponsorships:: x x x x
$1,000 commitment Table for 8 for the event Signage at the event and recognition in program Acknowledgement in all press releases and social media
Allp proceeds will benefit scho olarships designed to transition high school dual--credit students to full-time students at Kilgore College..
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of education. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Member Investor
RENEWALS Thank you to our member investors for their continual belief and support of the important work of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. We recognize and thank each member for their investment commitment made in October, 2017
American Cancer Society Anderson, T. H. Pump Co., Inc. Berith Equipment, Inc. BTH Bank NA D & D Industrial Welding Supply, Inc. Edward Jones - Nichols, Reece Gabriel Jordan Pontiac Buick GMC Gratton Chiropractic Gratton Wellness/Young Living
Hayes, David M., CPA ImageNet Consulting LLC Jen’s Kids Boutique Kilgore Cable TV Company Made-Rite Co. Matex Wire Rope Co., Inc. Shallow Creek RV Resort Stoudt, Judge Bill
Find a Chamber Member in the Business Directory at www.KilgoreChamber.com.
Kilgore Chamber of Commerce 813 N. Kilgore St. 903-984-5022 info@kilgorechamber.com
We would like to Thank the Chamber, our Community and our Customers for the Growth they have helped us experience in Kilgore. Proud to be growing along with the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and our Community.
Proud to be a part of the Kilgore Community
1201 Stone St.
903-983-1494
NOVEMBER 2017
CHAMBER CONNECTION
PAGE 7
NOVEMBER 8 - DECEMBER 10
Coffee + Conversation = Connections Thursday, November 16, 2017 ~ 8:00—9:00 A.M.
Chamber Meetings & Events 120 Marvin A. Smith Rd. Kilgore, TX Attending Morning Brew is a great WAY to make business connections! Join us and take advantage of meeting potential customers, share your promotional message with other businesses, make a business announcement, and learn more about the host business. Door prizes and breakfast refreshments top off the morning. What’s not to like about making new business friends? A Member Program of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce
[BECOME A CHAMBER AMBASSADOR] The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors act asthe official goodwill greeters and volunteer liaisons between the Chamber and its current and prospective members. Joining this team is a great option members can exercise to increase their commitment to the Chamber while gaining additional exposure for themselves and their business…and have fun doing it! Chamber Ambassadors work to exhibit the goals and ideals of the Chamber while promoting their business mission within the arena of Chamber events. Ambassadors make member goodwill visitsthroughout the year, welcome new businesses and new members, recruit new members to the Chamber,assist the Chamber staff at chamber/ community functions and serve as personal representatives of the Chamber throughout the community. INTERESTED? Contact the Chamber to find out more at info@kilgorechamber.com or 903-9845022.
CONGRATULATIONS
Nov 08 Nov 09 Nov 14 Nov 14 Nov 14 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 24 Nov 28
11:30 am 12 Noon 8:15 – 4:15 10:00 am 12 Noon 8:00 am 12 Noon Office Closed Office Closed 6:30 pm
Chamber Office Chamber Office Helping Hands/KEDC Chamber Office Chamber Office Arpco Valves & Controls Chamber Office Downtown Kilgore
Community Events - November Nov 11 Nov 16 Nov 16-18 Nov 23 Nov 25 Nov 16-18 Dec 1 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 7 Dec 8-10 Dec 9
HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Relationship Climate Committee Executive Committee E4 Leadership – Session II Christmas Parade Committee Ambassador Meeting Morning Brew Board of Directors Meeting Thanksgiving Holiday Thanksgiving Holiday Christmas Parade
Veterans Day A Very Derrick Christmas 5:00 pm Real East Texas Film Festival 5:00 pm Thanksgiving Day City Offices Closed Mingle & Jingle 6:00 pm Christmas Parade 5:00 pm Taco Salad & Bake Sale 11:00 am Deck the Halls 11:00 am Christmas Activities Rangerettes Christmas Show 2:00/5:00 pm Christmas Open House 6:00 pm with Santa Texas Shakespeare Festival Various presents “It’s A Wonderful Life” Live Radio Play Christmas Cookies with Santa 11:00 am
Downtown Kilgore Downtown Kilgore Downtown Kilgore Downtown Kilgore St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Downtown Kilgore Dodson Auditorium Kilgore Public Library 815 Houston Street Downtown Kilgore
Go to KilgoreChamber.com or VisitKilgore.com for more event information. If you have a community event you wish to have listed on the Kilgore Calendar please send your information via email to info@kilgorechamber.com, drop it by the Chamber office at 813 N. Kilgore Street. We will be happy to share your event information on the community calendar and via Facebook at KilgoreChamber and VisitKilgore.
Proud Chamber Member for Over 25 Years SERVICES, INC.
2611 N Hwy. 42 Kilgore 2815 N Hwy. 42 Kilgore
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CHAMBER CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2017
STAR GALA
Skeeter Products - Industry of the Year
K ILGORE CHAMBER OF C OMMERCE
BizConnect Luncheon SAVE THE DATE!! Tuesday, December 5, 2017 11:30—1:00 P.M. MEADOWBROOK EVENT CENTER 1306 Houston Street JOIN US FOR A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION featuring TEXAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Christmas Carols from the Live Radio Play “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Downtown DLites Small Business of the Year
Brookshires - Large Business of the Year
REGISTRATION $20 per Member $25 per Non-Member RESERVATON DEADLINE: November 29 For more info or to make reservations online, go to KilgoreChamber.com/click Calendar and December 5. Or call 903-984-5022 or email info@kilgorechamber.com to make your reservation(s). HOSTED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
Reece Nichols, Financial Advisor
Carrie Jackson and Julie Beck Citizens of the Year
Melissa Azzam Ambassador of the Year