nd Annual Bois d`Arc - Chamber of Commerce

BLKRT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 102
Commerce, Texas 75428
April 2016
A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMERCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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April 30
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Downtown on the square
Saturday, April 30,2016
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CHAMBER
P re s ide nt ’s L e tt er
Dear Chamber Members,
In an unexpected turn of events, I have the honor of becoming the Chamber's
President. For those of you who do not know me I'd like to tell you a little bit about
myself. I moved to Commerce, Texas, from Colebrook, New Hampshire, seven
years ago. I spent the majority of my life in the Burlington, Vermont, area. Yes, I
am a Yankee. In fact, some may say since I decided to stay that I'm a d--n Yankee.
Although I miss a lot of my friends and family from back up north, Commerce has
been a wonderful welcoming community and I consider it my home now. I have
made many great friends - some of whom I consider family.
Most everyone asks me, "Why Commerce, Texas?" Well, as near as I can tell,
that's where the powers that be led me. It all began on my normal hour and fifteen
minute ride to WalMart. I was unhappy with my job and the area I was living in at
the time, so a decision to move was made. I randomly chose Texas to start and did
a lot of research. Northeast Texas seemed like the best fit.
I was lucky enough to have been hired from a phone interview with Dick and
Brenda Latson of Latson's Print Services, Inc. I started there as an extra pre-press
person and am now their production manager. The next step was finding a home.
With the help of a great realtor I purchased a home, site unseen, only ten minutes
from work. I had never even stepped foot in Texas prior to moving here and I had
no idea what to expect. When I first arrived here it was a bit of a culture shock, but
with the help of a few quickly made friends, I adjusted easily. Moving here has
been one of the best decisions I've made. Some folks may say I'm a risk taker, I say
I follow the path less taken. It's not always the easiest path but as long as it feels
right I trust my intuition.
As Chamber President I will let that same intution and desire to blaze new paths
lead me while I work together with the Board of Directors and our great office staff,
helping make "Our Commerce" one of the best places to live, work, play, and do
business.
Happy Spring Everyone!
Best Regards,
April 2016
CHAMBER
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Shelly Gerard
Unfilled
Julie Gentle Joe Shipman Scott Ward
President
Vice President
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Permanent Board Members
David Collier, ONCOR
Blake Cooper, CISD
Bonnie Hunter, CEDC
Dr. Dan Jones, TAMU-C
Ned Muse, Interim City Manager
Elected Board Members
Sarj Agha
Teena Ayers
Holly Bauschka
Ken Bishop
Julie Gentle
Jeannie Harris
Marie Humphries
Darlene McKay
Gary Rusch
John Weatherford
Alicia Wittkopf
Executive Director
Office Administrator
Paul Voss
Sheryl Millar
1114 Main Street,
P.O.Box 290
Commerce, TX 75429
903.886.3950
f 903.886.8012
commerce-chamber.com
[email protected]
To place an ad in the CONNECTION feel free to contact us.
Shelly Gerard
President
Do you want to run an ad in the Connection?
Advertising in the Connection is a great way to increase your businesses visibility
beyond the Connection or Chamber website Directories
Display Ad (Horz. 5” w x 3” h or Vert. 3.25” w x 4.625” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30
Event Showcase (5” w x 6” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50
Back Cover Ad (10.25” w x 10.75” h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
Chamber Membership Levels
Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00
Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58.65
Clubs and Churches. . . . . . . . . . $58.65
Business Membership . . . . . . . $175.95
(1-10 full-time employees)
Business Membership . . . . . . . $234.60
(over 10 full-time employees)
Hotels, Motels & Apartments. . $234.60
Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $293.25
Manufacturers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $586.50
Utility Companies . . . . . . . . . . $586.50
2nd Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/2 price
Enhanced Online. . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Directory Listing
Call 903.886.3950 to join the Chamber today!
April 2016
CHAMBER
Page 3
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach at the Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center.. . . . . . . . . April 6
Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 9
A Bridge Event is hosted by NETXCM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 11
This event brings bridge players from throughout the area for an afternoon of cards, door prizes, and dessert.
Silent Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 25
It is a chance for the community to give to the museum while enjoying a large variety of auction items.
Free Pancake Breakfast for the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 30
from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Wesleyan Campus Ministry Building at 1504 Lee Street
Bois d’Arc Spring Car Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 30
Free Pancake Breakfast for the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 28
from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Wesleyan Campus Ministry Building at 1504 Lee Street
Griffith Chapel CME Church will host a 5K Walk for the American Cancer Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 28
4th of July Celebration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 2
Miss Bois d’Arc Pageant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 17
26th Annual Bash Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 23
31st Annual Bois d’Arc Bash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 23 & 24
Commerce Masonic Lodge #439 will host an open house for all citizens of Commerce
between 2:00 and 4:00pm, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 23
Community Thanksgiving Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 24
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Commerce
Small Business Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 26
Merry Marketplace & Lunch for Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 3
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Commerce
Bois d’Arc Christmas Celebration & Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 3
On Going Events
Family Nights at the Commerce Public Library. Every Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00pm.
If you would like to us to showcase your event or have it added to the
Calendar of Events please e-mail your event information to the
Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]
Commerce Chamber of
Commerce Mission Statement
The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the common business interests of merchants and citizens living and working in
the City of Commerce, Texas, and in the immediate area; promote the free
enterprise system; encourage the commercial, industrial and agricultural
development of the City of Commerce and the immediate area; assume a
role of active leadership in community improvement. The Chamber shall
stand for local harmony, cooperation, and progress and shall be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-sectional in its activities.
RECYCLE DAY
IN COMMERCE
The First Saturday of Every Month
• January 2
• February 6
• March 5
• April 2
• May 7
• June 4
• July 2
• August 6
• September 3
• October 1
• November 5
• December 3
between the hours of
9:00 am and 1:00 pm.
The City containers have been
relocated to the University
parking lot at Campbell and
Walnut in the same area as the
University recycle units.
Clip and Save
This Schedule
Hunt County Tax Office
Commerce Sub-Station Hours
at the Chamber of Commerce
Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for lunch.)
Offering full service to our taxpayers including motor vehicle registration and property tax collection services.
Online services available at www.hctax.info.
Forfurther information please call 903.408.4000 or by
email [email protected]
Page 4
CHAMBER
April 2016
Our Community
Ribbon Cutting at
Synergistic Healthcare
There is a new healthcare facility in town at 1930 Live Oak next to Pizza Hut. Dr. Scott Stegall,
PhD has opened this new facility to offer healthcare for citizens of Commerce from children to
seniors. The new facility has three new exam rooms and a lab and take appointments on line for your
convenience at www.synergistichealthcare.us. Dr. Stegall was formerly with Live Oak Professional
Center and left Commerce and has decided to return to our fair city to start a practice. They take
care of diabetes patients as well as hormone replacement therapy and do a lot of their own lab work
to save time for their patients. The clinic accepts TRICARE and have services that include a flat rate
schedule for those who do not have insurance. There were over 30 Chamber members and friends
here to welcome them to town as well as enjoy refreshments offered by Dr. Stegall and his staff. The
clinic can be reached on their website as well as by phone at 903 246 3305. Welcome Dr. Scott.
Get Happy
Make Us Your
Home
Oak Meadows Town Homes
150 Maple Street
Commerce, TX 75428
903.886.1555
M-F 8a.m.-5p.m.
Susan Oliver, Manager
April 2016
CHAMBER
Page 5
Our Community
The Texas Severe Storms Association Severe Weather Safety Tips
Written by Martin Lisius. Portions provided by the National Weather Service - Norman.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can produce winds greater than 300 mph, and can travel across the
ground at up to 60 mph. They can develop any time of day, any month of the
year, but are most common in the afternoon and evening, and in the spring and
fall. Tornadoes are most common across the Great Plains and Gulf States regions
of the US. More tornadoes occur in the United States than any other country in
the world, and more tornadoes occur in Texas than any other state.
Below-ground shelters, and reinforced "safe rooms" provide the best protection
against tornadic winds. Other options include:
In homes or small buildings, go to the northeast corner of a basement. If a
basement is not available, go to the smallest, most-interior room on the lowest
floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself to protect your body from
flying debris.
In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to the smallest, mostinterior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed
places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses.
Crouch down and cover your head.
In high rise buildings, go to the smallest, most-interior rooms or hallways. Stay
away from exterior walls and windows.
In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!! Cars and mobile homes
provide no protection from tornadic winds. If you are in either of those locations,
leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. Do not
attempt to seek shelter beneath an overpass or bridge. They provide little or no
shelter and have proved to be deadly options.
If caught in the open, lie flat in a culvert, ditch or depression and cover your
head.
BhC
BRIARCLIFF
HEALTH CENTER
Voted Best
Nursing Home
6 Years Running
Hunt County Readers
Choice Awards
of Greenville, Inc.
Locally owned and operated.
Serving the Rehabilitation and Long Term
Care needs of Hunt County for over 25 years.
903.455.8729
4400 Walnut - Greenville, TX
Briarcliffhealthcenter.com
Medical Directors
Dr. Richard Selvaggi
Dr. Thomas Selvaggi
Lightning
Lightning is a threat anywhere thunderstorms occur. If you hear thunder, it is
time to take shelter.
When inside:
- Avoid using the telephone, or other electrical appliances.
- Do not take a bath or shower, or stand near plumbing.
If caught outdoors:
- Seek shelter in a sturdy building. A hard-top automobile can also offer
protection.
- If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water and move to a safe
shelter on land.
- If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively
small trees.
- If you feel your hair standing on end, squat with your head between your
knees. Do not lie flat!
- Avoid isolated trees or other tall objects, water, fences, convertible cars,
tractors and motorcycles.
Flash Floods
Flash Floods develop quickly. They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks,
in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed. They can occur during any month
and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is
difficult to find an escape route. Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are
likely deeper and moving faster than you think.
When driving:
- Avoid low water crossings.
- Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas.
- Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters.
- Move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12 inches of water.
- Act quickly, rising waters make vehicle doors difficult to open.
If you are outside:
- Everyone, especially children, should stay away from flooded creeks, streams
or drainage ditches.
- Swiftly flowing water can quickly sweep away even the strongest swimmers.
- Soggy banks can collapse, dumping you into flood waters.
Page 6
CHAMBER
April 2016
Our Community
Lamar
Red
River
Fannin
Delta
Hopkins
Rains
Kaufman
Van
Zandt
Dallas
COMMERCE
101 Kings Plaza, Ste. H
Commerce, TX 75428
(903) 886-2666
Fax (903) 886-3773
$10 Off To Chamber Members
At Guaranty Bank & Trust, we believe in
growth. Not just for ourselves, but for the
people, businesses and communities we
serve. That growth comes from our
well-trained people, our
forward-thinking, long-term outlook and
a core belief that our success is just a
reflection of the success we help others
enjoy.
Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A.
Member FDIC
Franklin
Hunt
Rockwall
Wood
Titus
Collin
Camp
Upshur
Smith
SULPHUR SPRINGS
1091 Church Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
(903) 439-4757
Fax (903) 885-6278
Toll-Free (800) 216-0970
Toll-Free Fax (877) 214-6884
April 2016
CHAMBER
Page 7
Our Community
Commerce Isd R anked 22Nd In Teacher Support Statewide
Do you want your children to attend a school where teachers feel supported inside
and outside the classroom? Or, do you want to teach in a district where teachers
have the tools they need and support from administrators and instructional leaders?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, Commerce ISD is the place for
you.
Commerce ISD was recently notified by Teacher.org that it ranked 22nd out of 419
Texas school districts in its latest analysis of the level of support districts provide
teachers inside and outside the classroom.
To make the assessment, Teacher.org first defined the areas where teachers need
support. The first is class size. The lower the overall student-teacher ratio, the more
able a teacher is to focus on each student’s needs.
The second area is administrator and support staff availability to teachers for all
their classroom and teaching needs. The third and final area measures student
proficiency levels on state examinations, which provides insight on the overall
learning environment provided by the school district for students of the community.
Commerce was the only Hunt County district to make the top 50 in the rankings.
CISD Superintendent Blake Cooper attributes these findings to the quality of
teachers in the district and their work ethic.
“We are able to attract the best candidates because of our focus on using technology
to engage learners. We also provide the training necessary for teachers to use the
latest tools,” Cooper said.
This year the district put in place a Distinguished Professional Development Plan
that requires a minimum of six hours of professional development with three of
those hours in technology. This Bronze Level is the minimum requirement of
all professional staff. Teachers and instructional aides are encouraged to obtain
higher levels such as the Silver Level, which requires 12 hours with three hours of
technology and awards a $250 incentive bonus. The Gold Level, which includes 18
hours with three hours of technology, gives teachers and aides $500.
CONWAY COMPANY CPAs, PC
ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS
www.conwaycpas.com
Office 903-886-2123
Facsimile 903-886-6580
1021 Park Street
Commerce, TX 75428
Support for curriculum and technology has also increased during the last three
years. Assistant Superintendent Charlie Alderman is assisted by Cari Sturch,
the coordinator of elementary instruction. Heather Kilgore serves as the district
instructional technologist. The CISD Board of Trustees recently adopted a new teacher salary scale proposed
by the Texas Association of School Boards, which aims to make the district more
competitive with area districts. The salary for beginning teachers will increase
from $36,800 to $39,000 annually.
The district’s low student/teacher ratio was cited in the report. Although
kindergarten through fourth grade classes are allowed a 22:1 ratio, the average
student/teacher ratio throughout the district is 14:1. As the study says, smaller class
sizes means more individualized attention from the teacher.
For more information on school district rankings, visit the methodology page at
http://www.teacher.org/school-district-ranking-methodology/.
Page 8
CHAMBER
April 2016
Our Community
The Commerce Schools Education Enrichment Foundation will host its annual
Boots & BBQ Celebration and Fundraiser April 16 at Commerce High School. The
event showcases the results of grants awarded to Commerce ISD teachers which are
designed to enhance student academic performance. This year alone, the Foundation
awarded over $62,000 for 13 grants.
The doors open at 6 p.m. and guests are able to visit with teachers who are on
hand to discuss how their grants impacted instruction in their classroom.
The dinner will be catered by Murray's BBQ. Benefactors will be entertained
by the CHS Jazz Band during dinner.
Students play a major role in the Boots & BBQ program as they explain how
Foundation grants have added to their successful academic experiences. A special
treat will come from high school students who will share their grant experience
throughout their schooling, beginning with music programs at Commerce
Elementary School.
The Foundation has contributed approximately $500,000 during the last 10
years to Commerce ISD.
Guests can become Foundation Champions by donating $200. Champions
receive two tickets to the event. Any donation will be accepted. Individual tickets
are $25 each.
Tickets can be purchased at any school campus and the Central Administration
Building during business hours through April 12.
Member Spotlights
Need assistance with your taxes? Need help preparing for next
year? Contact these Chamber members:
Conway Company CPAs PC
Deborah Harris, CPA PC
H & R Block
Kenneth Foust, CPA, PC
903-886-2123
903-886-8727
903-886-1222
903-886-3106
April 2016
Our Community
Cleaner Greener Bois d’Arc
Capital (BIG EVENT)
ByPaul Voss
It’s that time of year when the Chamber and the City combine with volunteers
from the community and the university to offer a day of clean-up for Commerce.
On April 9, we will meet at the Farmers Market at 8 a.m. to come together as a
community to help clean up Commerce for a day. We encourage anyone who wants
to help to bring your pick-up and a trailer and meet to help with this worthwhile
endeavor. The City is providing us with some dump trucks and tractors to help
with large items and City Sanitation will be placing large dumpsters at the Farmers
Market for the trash. If you don’t have a truck you can still help by showing up and
following in convoy around town to help in the clean-up effort. Breakfast and lunch
will be provided for those who wish to help. Last year we had over 100 volunteers
and this year we are hoping for more. So put on your gloves and meet us at the
Farmers Market on Saturday, April 9th at 8 a.m. and spend a few hours helping
make our community a cleaner greener place!
City of Commerce Gener al
Elections - Make Your Vote
Count
Early voting will begin for the City of Commerce General Election on
April 25, 2016. Voters will elect 3 Council Members and vote on ten proposed
amendments to the City Charter.
Candidates in the election are as follows:
Mayor:
Wyman Williams
John R. Sands
Place 2:
Beckey Thompson
Place 4:
Movie in the Park
David McKenna
The City of Commerce and Churchill at Commerce, along with Blankettop
Theater, will present “Movie in the Park” on Saturday, April 9, 2016. “The Minions
Movie”, will be shown on a big screen at City Park and the event is FREE to the
public. The movie is scheduled to begin at dark.
The Minions have lived to serve the most despicable of masters since the
dawn of time. The movie joins protective leader Kevin, teenage rebel Stuart and
lovable little Bob on a global road trip where they earn a shot to work for a new
boss-the world's first female super-villain.
Bring a cooler, blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE event. To
ensure the total movie experience, popcorn will be provided. In the event of rain,
the movie will be postponed until April 16. For more information, call the Parks
and Recreation Office at 903-886-1150.
Gene Lockhart
Teresa A. Miller
Emma Martin
Early voting takes place in the City Secretary’s Office at City Hall from 8:15
until 4:45, Monday through Friday. Extended hours will occur, April 26, April 28,
May 2 and May 3, where voting will end May 3. Every registered voter in the City
of Commerce should receive a copy of the proposed Charter Amendments in the
mail. The current City Charter can be found in the Code of Ordinances link at
www.commercetx.org.
Betty Brown
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CHAMBER
Page 9
Residential Services Coordinator
Commerce Housing Authority
500 Tarter
Commerce, Texas 75428
903-886-2946
www.commercehousing-tx.com
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2203 Culver Street Commerce, TX 75428
l o n e s t a r e a t e r y. c o m | f a c e b o o k
903.886.2121
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Page 10
CHAMBER
April 2016
Our Community
A&M-Commerce And Area Community Colleges Partner To
Allow Seamless Tr ansition Of Mathematics courses
By Julia Gessner
DALLAS, TX— As a part of the innovative New Mathways Project, Texas
A&M University-Commerce is pleased to sign a Mathways Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with Brookhaven College, Cedar Valley College, Collin
College, Eastfield College, El Centro College, Kilgore College, Mountain View
College, Navarro College, North Lake College, Richland College and Texarkana
College, and Tyler Junior College for an initiative that provides students with the
opportunity to satisfy core mathematics requirements with courses applicable to
their majors prior to transferring.
“The New Mathways Project is an innovative, research-based approach to
increasing the graduation rate of transfer students in earning their baccalaureate
degrees,” said A&M-Commerce President Dan R. Jones, PhD. “It ensures that
students are taking the math courses they need for the degrees to which they aspire
and that they enter into university study fully prepared to succeed.”
The Mathways Project is a collaborative effort by the Charles A. Dana Center
at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Association of Community
Colleges to encourage student success in community colleges by providing students
with three options for core mathematics course requirements including statistics;
quantitative literacy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In
2012, all 50 community college districts in Texas agreed to participate in the
project.
degree programs in a specific majors offered by Texas A&M University-Commerce,”
said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Adolfo Benavides, PhD.
The process to begin preparing for the MOU began in spring 2013 when
Professor and Department of Mathematics Head Dr. Tingxiu Wang, Director of
Developmental Mathematics and the Math Skills Center and Lecturer Dr. Pam
Webster and Mathematics Instructor Mrs. Lymeda Singleton attended a New
Mathways Project workshop. The Department of Mathematics then began the
process of creating a new course, Math 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods. In
the spring of 2015, Wang collaborated with the academic department heads to
explain the New Mathways Project and to share a draft of the MOU. Department
heads provided Wang with feedback and suggestions in order to ensure that courses
would properly prepare students for four year degrees.
“The success of signing the MOU with fourteen community colleges is a
great team effort,” said Wang. “We will continue working with community colleges
to build Math Pathways and welcome more students from community colleges to
transfer to A&M-Commerce.”
Inaugural partners with A&M-Commerce include Paris Junior College and
Trinity Valley Community College. The new signing took place on Feb. 19 at the
Universities Center at Dallas.
“Through the New Mathways Project, the Dana Center has been working
with Texas’ fifty community colleges to implement multiple Math Pathways for
many years,” said Strategic Policy Lead for Higher Education at The Charles A.
Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Jenna Cullinane “College
algebra is no longer the default course for all students. Colleges—and their transfer
universities—are offering more courses in statistics and quantitative reasoning
and aligning their mathematics requirements with the needs of students’ majors.
We know that when math content is more relevant for students, they are more
successful.”
The Mathways MOU that A&M-Commerce signed allows students to
seamlessly transfer these college mathematics courses from the signing community
colleges.
“The Math Pathways agreements represent an important step in the ongoing
collaborative efforts between two and four year institutions of higher education to
enhance student success by further streamlining the transfer into bachelor degree
programs through the identification of specific mathematics courses to be taken
at two year colleges with the assurance that such courses will satisfy the general
education/core curriculum requirements and also apply directly to baccalaureate
Representatives from the community colleges, the Dana Center, and A&M-Commerce met
for the MOU signing at the university’s downtown Dallas location.
April 2016
Page 11
Political science student receives fellowship to tr avel to
Qatar
By Julia Gessner
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations recently selected Texas A&M
University-Commerce political science and Honors College student Kaylin Taylor
as one of ten students from across the U.S. to receive the Qatar Exchange Fellowship.
The fellowship allowed Taylor to travel to Qatar with the other fellowship recipients
and five faculty members who received the Malone Fellowship.
“Kaylin’s receipt of the Qatar Exchange/Malone Fellowship is a testament
to her hard work and ambition. Only 15 people are selected each year for this
prestigious program,” said Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Raymond Green. “As
an ambassador of our university she is demonstrating that great students can do
great things at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I couldn’t be more proud of
her.”
“This trip furthered my aspiration to become a global citizen, and I am
proud to have represented Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Middle East,"
said Taylor.
The group stayed in Qatar from November 27 to December 4, 2015. Students
eligible for the fellowship must participate in their campus’s Model Arab League
(MAL). MAL allows students to debate as diplomats and discuss real issues
according to the actual agenda set by the Arab League. Taylor has been involved
in MAL at A&M-Commerce since her sophomore year. She currently holds the
highest student position, the Secretary General, for the MAL Conference. This
year, the MAL Conference will take place from March 31 to April 2.
One goal of the fellowship is to increase awareness about the positive
relationship between the U.S. and Qatar. The group stayed in the capital, Doha, and
visited Qatari government ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.
"The Qatar Exchange Fellowship gave me the opportunity to experience
a region that many Americans will never have the chance to visit,” said Taylor.
“After meeting with various Qatari officials on topics like government, foreign
policy, business and education, I acquired a better understanding of Qatar and its
role in international relations.”
According to Taylor, Qatar is committed to its national development strategy,
Qatar National Vision 2030. The vision rests on four pillars including economic,
human, social and environmental development. An important part of the National
Vision is encouraging education in Qatar. During the visit, Taylor was able to visit
Education City and Qatar University. Education City is a co-educational campus
where students can study certain degrees at some of the most prestigious American
universities including Texas A&M University, Weill Cornell’s medical college,
Carnegie Melon, Georgetown University, Virginia Commonwealth University and
Northwestern University.
In addition to learning about the education in Qatar, fellows visited Al
Jazeera, the National Human Rights Committee, the Museum of Islamic Art and
the Ras Laffan Industrial City and Ooredoo, a telecommunication provider in
Qatar. The group also met the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the
committee responsible for preparing and ensuring that the 2022 FIFA World Cup
in Qatar aligns with the National Vision 2030.
Texas A&M University-Commerce political science and Honors College student Kaylin
Taylor in Qatar.
Page 12
April 2016
Professors work to advance
digital signage through Deep
Learning
Dr. Sakoglu awarded with U.S.
Air Force Research Lab
Summer Faculty Fellowship
By Julia Gessner
By Sara Wray
COMMERCE, TX—Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor
of Computer Science, Dr. Mingon Kang, began a project to revolutionize digital
signage with co-principal investigator Professor and Department Head of the
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, Dr. Sang Suh.
COMMERCE, TX— Dr. Unal “Zak” Sakoglu of the Computer Science
Department was awarded with a U.S. Air Force Research Lab (ARFL) Summer
Faculty Fellowship award for the summer of 2016.
“Digital signage is facing a new era of intelligent systems. While digital
signage solutions traditionally provide one-way communication for advertisement,
intelligent systems as a next generation of the digital signage support multiple types
of communication methods,” said Kang.
The interactive intelligent systems will collect statistic information about
people viewing the digital signs, which will allow the sign to adjust according to
the approximate age and gender of the viewers through Deep Learning, a branch of
machine learning related to creating artificial intelligence within the device.
With this advanced interactive signage, advertisers will be able to tailor
messages to more specific audiences. The digital signage devices may be able to track
the movements of viewers then predict the consumer’s behavior and communicate
that prediction with another digital signage device. The predictive systems required
for the digital signs may work through machine learning techniques including
recommendation algorithms, a social network of digital devices and collective
intelligent systems.
In addition, data sets too large for commonplace processing applications, big
data, will be collected from the digital signage devices and analyzed to provide
meaningful data that describes other data, metadata. The metadata developed
from big data will help the signs function properly and provide valuable scientific
information for further research in economics and business.
“The ultimate goal of the project is to involve students in cutting-edge research
so that the students can develop research careers,” said Kang. “Furthermore, I aim
to make close relationships between Texas A&M University-Commerce and upand-coming startup companies.”
Along with helping develop recognition methods for age and gender based
on Deep Learning, analyze big data for consumer patterns and research related to
economics and business, a seed fund has allowed computer science master’s student
Dhiraj Gharana to work as a research assistant on the project.
April
14th
National
Pecan
Day!
Sakoglu won the award for his research proposal on “Applications of Infrared
Sensor Technology.” He will be spending most of his summer at the Kirtland Air
Force Base ARFL in Albuquerque, New Mexico, conducting applied research on
infrared pupil imagers.
"This is a prestigious award which is usually given to faculty at top-tier
research universities,” said Sakoglu. “Awarding it a second time shows AFRL's
continued interest in my research work. It will also give me the opportunity to
explore, apply and obtain research grants from the AFRL, AFOSR and the DoD.”
This is not the first time Sakoglu has won this award. In 2015, he received the
same award for his proposal, “Application of IR Sensor Technology: Nonuniformity
Correction Algorithms for IR Pupil Imager.” He spent 12 weeks at the AFRL in
Albuquerque, then presented and published his research with his collaborators at
the Proceedings of SPIE Optics+Photonics Conference Volume Infrared Sensors,
Devices, and Applications in San Diego, California. His research this summer will
be along the same line of research as this past summer.
“Last summer in 2015, I applied general non-uniformity correction
algorithms to an infrared pupil imager and modeled the behavior of a pupil imager
under different flux conditions,” said Sakoglu. “This summer, I will develop nonuniformity algorithms specifically tailored for pupil imagers, which have unique
properties other than regular infrared imagers.”
The award can also support a United States citizen graduate student during
the summer to help with research. Sakoglu is currently looking for domestic
graduate students who are interested in assisting him on infrared imaging research.
If interested, Sakoglu can be reached at [email protected] or 903-886-5242.
April 2016
CHAMBER
Page 13
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INWOOD
NATIONAL BANK
1312 Washington Street - Commerce, Texas 75428
903 / 886-2126 - Fax 903 / 886-4552
Metro 972 / 226-0969
www.inwoodbank.com
Member FDIC
Texas A&M University-Commerce
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER
“A 4-Star, Nationally Accredited Learning Program”
2601 State Highway 50-Commerce, TX 75429
903-886-5769
www.tamuc.edu/clc
Page 14
COMMERCE
April 2016
Business Directory
A C C O U N T I N G – C PA’s
Conway Company CPAs, PC
903-886-2123
Deborah Harris CPA, PC
903-886-8727
Kenneth Foust CPA,PC
903-886-3106
ADVERTISING | SPECIALITIES
B&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Giggles & Grins 903-450-4746
Hoss Outdoor Adv. | Billboards I-30
469-432-3870
A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G | H E AT I N G
Ken Parker Service, Inc 903-886-6990
New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882
Progressive Air and Heat 903-366-8197
A M U S E M E N T | E N T E R TA I N M E N T
NE TX Children’s Museum 903-886-6055
Planetarium
903-468-8652
A N I M A L W E L FA R E
Commerce Humane Assn
903-496-2412
ANTIQUES STORE
Fine Finds 903-886-0881
Silver Hammer Auctions 903-468-2363
A PA R T M E N T S | P R O P E R T Y M G M T
American Eagle Properties 903-886-4430
Bradford Place Apts. 903-886-8855
Charlinda Villages 903-886-8807
Churchill at Commerce Apts. (Culver)
903-886-4444
Gant Apartments 903-886-6863
Landmark Properties
903-886-7038
Lion’s Den 903-246-3174
Maple Place Apartments
903-886-4050
Oak Meadows Townhomes 903-886-1555
Sparks Enterprises 817-460-3347
Triple D Properties
903-366-1883
Valentine Properties
903-886-8881
Village Creek Apartments 903-246-3120
ART/GALLERIES/STUDIO
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050
ASSISTED LIVING/RETIREMENT
Colonial Lodge Retirement Inn
903-454-6636
Country Homes Estates
903-886-7754
AT T O R N E Y S
Curtis, Alexander/McCampbell & Morris 903-455-8113
Edgar J. Garrett 903-886-3146
AUCTIONS
Silver Hammer Auctions 903-468-2363
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
Commerce Chevrolet/Buick 903-886-2188
Meador Auto Group
903-886-2660
A U T O M O B I L E S E R V I C E S / PA R T S
D & E Auto Supply
903-886-8040
Hoover’s Automotive
903-886-7781
J J’s Quick Lube 903-886-8775
BAKERIES
Braum’s 903-886-6242
Brookshire’s
903-886-3252
Good Donuts 903-886-1011
Sweeties Donut Shoppe
903-886-6111
BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS
Alliance Bank
903-886-3244
Cypress Bank
903-886-7425
Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank
903-886-7774
Guaranty Bank & Trust
903-886-2274
Heritage Land Bank
903-455-2835
Inwood National Bank
903-886-2126
BOOKSTORES
East Texas Book Store
903-886-3248
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING
Center for Applied Leadership
903-461-1823
Commerce EDC 903-886-1121
C A R P E T C L E A N I N G & R E S T O R AT I O N
Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning & Restoration 903-885-1320
C AT E R I N G / M E E T I N G FA C I L I T I E S
Best Western Plus Monica Royale, Greenville 903-454-3700
Peninsula Ranch & Lodge 903-461-9924
Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455
Sodexo 903-468-4886
The Billboard House 903-513-9234
CHECK CASHING/LOANS
Chaney’s Check Cashing Express
903-886-8080
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
A&M-Commerce Children’s Learning Ctr
903-886-5769
Jane Jane’s Day Care 903-886-8605
SonShine Center 903-886-0303
CHURCHES
Bread of Life Church of Nazarene
903-886-1515
First Assembly of God Commerce 903-886-0303
Commerce Church of Christ 903-886-6136
Commerce Community Church
903-886-2376
Cross Trails Cowboy Church 903-886-9114
Disciples of Faith Bible Fellowship
903-886-3644
First Baptist Church
903-886-3189
First Christian Church 903-886-2542
First Presbyterian Church 903-886-3783
First United Methodist Church
903-886-3220
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship
903-886-8585
Out of This World Ministries 214-476-3016
Ridgecrest Baptist Church 903-886-6034
St. Joseph Catholic Church 903-886-7135
CLEANERS
Country Cleaners 903-886-1609
CLOTHING/GIFTS
The Bargain Box 903-886-8306
Two Eleven Boutique 903-886-3020
My Sister’s Closet 903-886-1224
Sister Babyz 903-886-3020
West Girls in TX 903-422-2900
COMPUTER SERVICES/FORENSICS
Wolf Security Analysts
903-366-6721
COPIERS
Advantage Copy Systems 903-885-3375
CONCRETE
B & A Concrete 903-886-6845
Brummett Concrete
903-461-2200
D. L. Lennon, Inc. 903-886-3174
Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332
CONVENIENCE STORES
Flying L Fast Mart 903-886-8091
COUNSELING
Lakes Regional MHMR
903-455-5770
COUNTRY CLUBS
Sand Hills Golf/Country Club
903-886-4455
DENTISTS
Commerce Family Dental 903-886-3081
Longbranch Dental 903-455-4161
Mary/Marc McDaniel, DDS 903-886-6945
DISTRIBUTORS
Ben E. Keith Company
903-886-2158
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
214-388-6052
Dr. Pepper
214-402-2248
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Commerce Economic Dev. Corporation
903-886-1121
E D U C AT I O N
Texas A&M University.-Commerce 903-886-5081
Commerce ISD
903-886-3755
Paris Junior College 903-782-0330
EMBROIDERY/PRNTG/PROMO
PRODUCTS
Adventures In Printing 972-547-4304
B&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Greenville Trophies & Awards 903-455-5441
Personalized Printing 903-886-7173
E M E R G E N C Y M E D I C A L E VA C U A T I O N S
Air-Evac Lifestream
254-218-0930
ENERGY PROVIDERS
Atmos Energy
888-286-6700
FEC Electric
903-455-1715
Oncor Electric Delivery
888-313-6862
ENGINEERS
Hayter Engineering, Inc.
903-785-0303
E S TAT E S A L E S
Silver Hammer Auctions & Estate Sales 903-468-2363
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Luckett Crane Service LTD 903-886-3407
FARM/RANCH
Aaron Ranch 903-886-8836
FA R M S U P P L I E S / F E E D
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
903-886-7917
Hunt County Farm Supply 903-862-2273
Price Liquid Feed 903-513-4006
Twin Oaks Farm 903-886-5358
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Active Wealth Management 903-455-6956
AIS Financial Services
903-886-8050
Edward Jones & Company 903-886-3333
Dixie Turman/State Farm Bank
903-886-7774
FITNESS CENTERS
Anytime Fitness 903-886-8811
FLORISTS
April Showers 903-886-3104
FOOD-STORES/MARKETS/TRUCKS
Brookshires
903-886-3252
Kathy’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream 469-223-4774
Kona Ice Rocks 469-500-6500
Twin Oaks Farms 903-886-5358
FUNDRAISERS
Kona Ice Rocks 469-500-6500
FURNITURE
Affordable Furniture & Etc. 903-886-6096
F U N E R A L H O M E S / C R E M AT I O N
SERVICES
Commerce Funeral Home & Cremation Services 903-886-8600
GOVERNMENT
City of Commerce 903-886-1100
State Representative Dan Flynn
903-455-0971
HAIR/BEAUTY/NAIL SALON
Aracely’s Hair Salon
903-366-9256
Hair on the Square by Kristie 903-886-0191
The Mane Salon & Spa 903-886-0717
T&M Commerce Nails
214-692-1241
H A R D WA R E
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
903-886-7917
HOME BUILDERS
Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332
Crescent Estates Custom Homes
214-957-8549
H O M E H E A LT H
1st Choice
903-886-2666
Home Health Associates 903-886-0612
Visiting Angels 903-784-3902
HOME INSPECTION
JK’s Professional Inspections 903-886-3069
H O M E R E PA I R / M A I N T E N A N C E /
REMODELING
American Eagle Home Maint/Remodeling
903-886-4430
Mas-Con Builders 903-246-1565
Under Construction
903-468-2683
HOSPICE
Gentiva Hospice 903-454-1107
HOSPITALS
Hunt Reg. Emergency Medical Ctr at Commerce 903-886-3161
Hunt Regional Medical Center-Greenville
903-408-5000
April 2016
COMMERCE
Page 15
Business Directory
HOTEL/MOTELS/B&B’s
Best Western Plus Monica Royale, Greenville 903-454-3700
Holiday Inn Express, Sulphur Springs
903-885-6851
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Greenville
903-454-8680
Magnuson Hotel Commerce 903-886-4777
HOUSING
Commerce Housing Authority
903-886-2946
HUNTING
10-2-4 Ranch 254-485-3080
INSURANCE
Cornerstone Senior Services 903-456-3514
Diversified Insurance
903-886-6943
Duncan Insurance 903-886-2183
Dyer Insurance
903-886-2131
Farm Bureau Insurance
903-455-6782
State Farm Insurance
903-886-7774
I N T E R N E T / C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
CenturyLink
800-788-3500
JEWELRY & REPAIR
Drake Jewelers 903-454-1671
LIBRARIES
Commerce Public Library 903-886-6858
LONG-TERM AND CORPORATE LODGING
Lion’s Den 903-246-3174
M A N U FA C T U R E D H O U S I N G
Henly Land & Homes, Inc. 903-886-0112
MANUFACT URING
Hydro Aluminum Metal Products
903-468-5012
Polara Enterprises 903-366-0300
Zurn/Pex Hydronics
903-886-2580
MASSAG E / NUT RIT I ON
Fire & Ice Massage by Velvete
903-886-0304
Mane Salon & Spa 903-886-0717
METAL BUILDINGS
Rafter P Construction 903-454-8332
MED ICAL SE RVICE S
Dr. David Liao Orthopedics
903-454-9900
Hulsey Therapy Services
903-886-7669
Live Oak Professional Ctr. 903-886-8818
Raffa Clinic
877-707-2332
Air-Evac Lifeteam 903-390-7022
MEN TAL H E ALT H
Lakes Regional MHMR 903 455-5770
MUSIC PRODUCTION STUDIO
Brad Davis Audio Production
903-886-6027
NEWSPAP E RS
The Commerce Journal
903-455-4220
The Commerce Connection 903-886-3950
NURSING H O M E S/LON G TE R M C A R E
Briarcliff Health Center
903-455-8729
Oak Manor Nursing Home 903-886-2510
OFFICE E Q UIP M E N T
Advantage Copy Systems 903-885-3375
OFFICE SUP P L IE S/P R I N TI N G
Latson’s Office Solutions
903-885-1553
Latson’s Print Services
903-886-2710
Personalized Printing
903-886-7173
OPTICAL CENTERS
Texas Optical Center 903-455-0294
ORGANIZ AT IO NS
A&M-Commerce Alumni Chapter
903-886-6175
A&M-Commerce Athletics 903-468-3033
Aglaia Club
903-886-1968
American Legion Post No. 1 903-886-8479
Boys & Girls Club of NE Texas
903-455-9233
Celebrate The Children, Inc. 903-886-8365
Commerce Classroom Teachers Assn. 903-886-3758
Commerce Humane Society 903-496-2412
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050
Commerce Parks Foundation 903-886-7697
Coterie Culture Club
IOOF Lodge Commerce
903-348-9874
Kiwanis Club
903-886-4733
Ladonia Chamber of Commerce
972-757-8920
Lions Club
903-886-4034
Louise Drake Garden Club 903-886-6263
Masonic Lodge
903-886-3549
N. Hunt Co. Retired Teachers Assn. 903-886-7695
North Hunt SUD 903-886-3458
Pi Sigma Alpha 903-886-5317
Psychology Club 903-886-6078
Republic of Texas Parrot Head Club 903-366-2737
Rotary Club
903-886-7047
Silver Leos Writing Club 903-468-7391
Thalian Culture Club
903-886-6209
United Way of Hunt County 903-455-7414
PAWN SHOPS
B6UP Pawn and Gun 903-246-3030
United Pawn & Bargain 903-886-7874
PECANS
Campbell Pecans 903-366-1141
PET SUPPLIES/GROOMING/BOARDING
Pet Degrees Mobile Grooming
903-886-8469
PHARMACIES
CVS Pharmacy 903-886-0718
Total Care Pharmacy
903-886-8888
PHOTOGRAPHY
Luminous Productions
903-851-3183
PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS & GRAPHICS
B & D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Latson’s Print Services
903-886-2710
Personalized Printing 903-886-7173
P R O PA N E
Commerce Automatic Gas 903-886-3045
PLUMBERS
Ashley Plumbing 903-886-2355
New Covenant Plumbing/Heat/A/C 903-886-8882
Powers Plumbing 903-886-3300
R A D I O S TAT I O N S
E TX Broadcasting, Inc. (95.9)
903-885-1546
Hunt County Radio 903-455-1400
KETR 88.9
903-886-5848
Thunder Country 107.1 903-885-7639
RAILROADS
Blacklands Railroad
903-438-1324
R E A L E S TAT E
Century 21 First Group
903-886-1200
Freedom Realty
903-348-5826
Chapin Real Estate
903-886-6373
RESALE SHOP
Goodwill Industries of NE TX 903-886-3600
My Sister’s Closet (WIN) 903-886-1224
The Bargain Box 903-886-8306
R E S TA U R A N T S | C L U B S
Braum’s 903-886-6149
Chicken Express 903-886-7777
Dickey’s BBQ 903-886-8808
Domino’s Pizza 903-886-2116
Dos Laredos
903-886-1234
Good Donuts 903-886-1011
Lone Star Eatery, Grill and Bar
903-886-2121
Los Mochis Mexican
903-886-8200
Luigi’s Italian Cafe
903-886-2000
Lulu’s Burgers
903-886-3888
McDonalds # 10645
903-886-7771
McKay’s Country Kitchen & BBQ 903-886-6080
Omega’s Biscuits & Eggs 903-246-3002
Panda Chinese
903-886-4008
Pizza Hut
903-886-9600
Sonic Drive-In
903-886-7166
Spot Brewery 903-886-6969
R E TA I L
Two Eleven Boutique 903-886-3020
Wal-Mart 903-886-3108
ROOFING
RBS Roofing 903-440-4148
Under Construction
903-468-2683
SELF- STO RAG E FACILITIES
All-American Self Storage 903-886-7575
The Guard House Self-Storage
903-886-6040
SIG NS/ BANNERS
B&D Signs of Texas 903-513-9463
Latson’s Print Services 903-886-2710
Personalized Printing 903-886-7173 T I T L E C O M PA N Y
North Texas Title of Hunt County
903-454-3364
T O B A C C O / VA P E S T A T I O N S
Chaney’s Tobacco Station 903-886-8080
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N / T R U C K I N G
BL II Logistics L.L.C .
903-886-2900
TRASH HAULING-COMMERCIAL
City Sanitation
903-886-2314
TREE SERVICE
Shaffer Tree Service 903-582-9160
T R O P H I E S / AWA R D S
Greenville Trophies & Awards 903-455-5441
VETERINARIANS
Bright Star Equine 903-886-0104
Commerce Vet Clinic
903-886-7941
Hunt County Animal Hospital
903-886-3911
V I N TA G E S T O R E S
Fine Finds 940-231-1362 WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Luminous Productions 903-851-3183
WEDDINGS
Luminous Productions 903-851-3183
The Billboard House 903-513-9234
Sand Hills Country Club 903-886-4455
Sodexo 903-468-4890
WOMEN'S CLOTHING
Two Eleven Boutique 903-886-3020
WRECKER SERVICES
Benson Bros. 903-886-2765
WINERY/DISTILLERY
Landon Winery 903-454-7878