your 2011 Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
your 2011 Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce
TEXAS PagE 8 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 your 2011 Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce 2011 Officers Paul Davidhizar, Chairman of the Board ..............................................Alpha Omega Academy George Miles, Immediate Past Chair/Nominating .......................................First National Bank Tommy Stewart, Treasurer, 2012 Chair Elect ...........................................Wells Fargo Advisors Toni Bruner, Vice Chair Tourism ...............................................................Bruner Angus Ranch Jim Hodges, Vice Chair Business Services...........................................................................HBI Frank Holmes, Vice Chair ED/Institutional Liaisons ........................................................SHSU Lezlie Parish, Vice Chair Community Affairs....................................Weatherford International Cindy Pierce, Vice Chair Membership/Communications ................................Heartfield Florist Carol Smith, President............................................................................Chamber of Commerce Directors Sherri Ballard, Networking Council .............................................Amedisys Home Health Care John Cole, Existing Business Council .......................................................John Cole Insurance Dee Dee Dretke, Membership Development Council ............................Keller Williams Realty Luke Gustafson, Community Growth Council ...........................................Brookshire Brothers Chris Holm, Tourism/Visitor Services Council ........................................Huntsville State Park Sherry Ingram, Communication Resources Council ................................KSTAR Country 99.7 Tyler Johns, Community Growth Council ........................................Edward Jones Investments Amy Lee, Business Training Council..........................................................The Huntsville Item Frankie McCaffety, Member Events Council ...............................................McCaffety Electric Tripp Montalbo, Leadership Council...........................................Huntsville Memorial Hospital David Moorman, Natural Resources/Ag Council ........................................Haney & Moorman Michelle Spencer, Education/Workforce Alliance...........Boys & Girls Club of Walker County Charlie Vienne, Community/Resources Council .......................Sam Houston State University Randell Vincent, Tourism/Visitor Services Council.....................................Bethy Creek Resort Weldon Wallace, Community Events Council .................................................The Carpet Store Kim Williams, Education/Workforce Council ...............................First Victoria National Bank Chamber Staff Carol Smith ...................................................................................................................President Laura Green.......................................................................Events & Communications Manager Shannon Higbie ..................................................................................................Office Manager Chris Schmitt ...........................................................................................Receptionist/Secretary OUR MISSION: The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce is a member and community service organization that develops and promotes businesses, leadership and tourism for the enrichment of our quality of life and the local economy. Contact Us The Chamber V.O.I.C.E. is the monthly newsletter of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce. For story ideas, calendar of events, advertising information or any other contributions to this publication, please contact the Chamber at 295-8113 or toll free 877-646-8068, by mail at PO Box 538-Huntsville, TX 77342, by fax at 295-0571 or The chamber web site can be viewed at by e-mail at [email protected]. http://www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us. The Chamber office, located at 1327 11th Street in Huntsville, is open from 9-5 weekdays. Switchboard from 8:30-5. Chamber Calendar JUly 18 19 21 21 21 25 26 26 27 28 28 28 28 Executive Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. @ Chamber Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Ribbon Cutting, 4:30 p.m. @ Edward Jones-Ty Willeford SHSU Parent Orientation, 5:00 p.m. @ LSC Ballroom Diva Night Meeting, 3:00 p.m. @ Chamber Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Ambassadors Meeting, 10:30 a.m. @ Various Locations Working Women’s Wednesday, 4 p.m. @ Margarita’s Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Lunch & Learn with SHSU Baseball Coach, David Pierce, 11:30 a.m. @ Huntsville Church of Christ Business After Hours, 5:15 p.m. @ Ward Furniture & Flooring SHSU Parent Orientation, 5:00 p.m. @ LSC Ballroom 2 4 10 11 16 16 18 18 19 23 25 25 29 30 Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Tourism Meeting, 8:30 a.m. @ Chamber Small Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. @ Golden Corral sponsored by SHSU Athletics Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Executive Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. @ Alpha Omega Academy Board Meeting, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ TBA HLI Applications due at the Chamber by 5:00 p.m. Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Business After Hours, 5:15 p.m. @ SHSU Athletic Department HLI Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. @ Chamber Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber aUgUSt Community Calendar of Events JUly Every Wednesday & Saturday – Farmers Market @ West Hill Mall Every Saturday – Huntsville Farmers Market @ Corner of 12th & Ave M 1-31 Griff Smith’s Texas: “A Retrospective through the Lens and Images from Texas Highways” Exhibit @ Walker Education Center 21 Open House and Ribbon Cutting @ Edward Jones-Ty Willeford, 253 Hwy 75 N 23 “Shake Rattle & Roll” All Female Doo-Wop Group @ Old Town Theatre 27 Working Women’s Wednesday @ Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant 28 Lunch & Learn with SHSU Baseball Coach, David Pierce @ Huntsville Church of Christ 28 Business After Hours @ Ward Furniture & Flooring 30 Vince King Legends Concert @ Old Town Theatre aUgUSt Every Wednesday & Saturday – Farmers Market @ West Hill Mall Every Saturday – Huntsville Farmers Market @ Corner of 12th & Ave M 1-31 Griff Smith’s Texas: “A Retrospective through the Lens and Images from Texas Highways” Exhibit @ Walker Education Center 5-6 Main Street Summer Film Festival @ Old Town Theatre 6 Downtown Trade Days on the Square 6 SHSU Graduation @ Johnson Coliseum 8-9 Auditions “Cheaper by the Dozen” @ Old Town Theatre 11 Small Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. @ Golden Corral sponsored by SHSU Athletics 15 Walker County Historical Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m. @ Gibbs Powell Home Museum 20 Outdoor Explorer – City of Huntsville @ Huntsville State Park The Chamber The HuntsvilleWalker County Chamber of Commerce is the Heart and Voice of Walker County Volunteers. Opportunities. Involvement. Community. Events. The Chamber V.O.I.C.E. is a monthly publication that highlights people who are the heart of the Chamber, recognizes the countless volunteers who dedicate their time and talents, gives insight to the endless opportunities to network and connect with others, promotes ideas for involvement from businesses and/or organizations that make up the membership, provides communication to the Huntsville-Walker County community, and keeps you abreast of the events within the chamber and our town. July 2011 What’s Happening! Member Spotlight… Magnolia Lake M agnolia lake is located on eleven picturesque acres just north of Fish Hatchery on 2001 Hwy 30 East. The grounds and buildings are perfect to host a small gathering of friends or a larger gathering of 250 or more. “We offer three closed in facilities and several outdoor ceremony sites which includes our newly cov- See SPOtlIgHt page 2 Diva Night… New and Exciting Changes ladies….thursday, September 1st , 2011….DIVa NIgHt is your opportunity to shop, eat and drink some of Huntsville tastiest treats, be pampered and win door prizes. The event is hosted by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Wiesner, Inc.-Huntsville and Pine Tree Publishing and will be held at Magnolia Lake, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m., and will feature several area boutiques as well as jewelry, purses, home décor, gifts and more! tickets are on sale now for $35 at the Chamber, lisa’s gift Box, Curves and Cole’s Insurance. A limited number will be sold, so don’t hesitate to get yours! NEW tHIS yEaR!! The Style Show, beverage bar and tables with seating will be moved this year to the pavilion to allow for more space in the ballroom for shopping and visiting with friends! A second beverage bar will also be available on the patio. Entertainment and fun will fill the pavilion as instructors from Curves of Huntsville demonstrate the newest Health craze, Zumba! Short demos will be provided on the stage during the evening. Remember the evening with a snap- See DIVa page 3 PRESORt StaNDaRD U.S. POStagE PaID HUNtSVIllE tX PERMIt NO. 6 July 28 - Lunch & Learn with SHSU Coach David Pierce July 28 – Business After Hours – Ward Furniture, 5:15 p.m. August 11 - Small Business Breakfast-sponsored by SHSU Athletics @ Golden Corral, 7:30am Diva Night, Thursday September 1 at Magnolia Lake Pre Fair on the Square Concert- Friday, September 30, 9-midnight Fair on the Square - Saturday, October 1st Sams Works - Tuesday, October 25 Chamber Gala - December 1 Welcome Our New Members: • Factory Connection, LLC • Misty Harrelson – Keller Williams Realty • Incredible Edible Fruit Bouquets • Triple “S” Soft Silky Sheets • Unique Tan See Page 3 for more info Over 500 members and growing! TEXAS PagE 2 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 CaROl’S CORNER It was a beautiful summer morning. A gorgeous shade of blue, the sky was cloudless and breathtaking. Downtown Huntsville was filled with a large group of friends, family and supporters who had gathered to pay a final tribute to a special friend, Richard Duncan. It was one of those mornings that would have been just about perfect for a June Saturday if you did not mind the heat. Carol Smith. But no one really paid much attention to the warmth, because they were focused on the loss of a dear friend and devoted comrade. Strands of the Marine’s Hymn still filled our minds as we gathered on the steps and lawn of the beautiful First Methodist Church. Looking out across the crowd, I was inspired by what lay before us. As if standing guard over Richard’s service were an array of fire trucks and emergency vehicles. Two ladder trucks, displaying “softly-waving” American flags, framed the intersection of 11th Street and Sam Houston Avenue. As the military brigade sounded off its 21 gun salute, special officers were reverently folding a U.S. flag and presenting it respectfully to Richard’s wife, Katy. Yes, it was a beautiful summer morning to honor our fallen soldier. Richard Duncan had a heart just about the size of the great state he had come to love. Even though he was born in Idaho and raised in Colorado and Wyoming, the beloved Marine found his way to Huntsville and quickly realized this was his home. Even though Richard and Katy had no children of their own, they felt all children of Walker County were theirs, and Richard worked endlessly to help and mentor them in any way possible. He had an uncanny way of making just about everyone feel special and spending time with his family and friends made Richard the happiest. He ered pavilion. We can host baby showers, wedding showers, luaus, barbecues, birthday parContinued from page 1 ties, or even a crawfish boil at the ice house. Magnolia Lake is also a great place to hold seminars and corporate meetings. And of course we are the perfect setting for weddings as we help the excited couple begin their life together. We consider ourselves a 5 star venue with customer service that goes beyond your expectations!” said Manager Irma Dowden. The staff at Magnolia Lake can help you plan your event from start to finish and they offer many different packages to help reduce the stress of planning your celebration. “Our mission is to make a positive impression on potential or current clients and to make their experience with Magnolia Lake memorable.” Irma stated, “We joined the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce to meet people and introduce them to Magnolia Lake and all that we offer. I never realized how positive it could be!” For more information on the facilities and packages offered by Magnolia Lake call 936-294-0991 or email at [email protected]. And remember Magnolia Lake is “a place to celebrate every occasion!” SPOTLIGHT Thoughts from never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. Thank you Richard for touching our lives in such a special way. You’ve left a lasting impact on all of Walker County and we are better for having known you!! On another note, when was the last time you visited our Huntsville State Park? It is a beautiful part of the state and we are so fortunate to have it here in Walker County. Recently we spent several days there camping with our four beautiful and energetic granddaughters. It was a perfect location for hiking, swimming, biking, fishing and enjoying fun-filled family time. Chris Holm and his staff do an outstanding job maintaining and enhancing this great state park. You may have seen an article recently naming this park as one of the top ten parks for summer vacationing. Our girls will forever have lasting memories of “MiMi Camp 2011” and can’t wait to see what lies in store for next summer. If you are looking for a “complete package” for family camping. Huntsville State Park is the ideal location. In closing, I hope you find ways to stay cool and yet enjoy the “dog days” of summer. I encourage you to get out, explore and enjoy some of the opportunities throughout Walker County. For ideas on places to go and things to do, go to the Chamber website (www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us) for a thorough community calendar. The chamber is involved in many “community collaborations” intended to strengthen all of Huntsville and Walker County. Won’t you join us and get involved in building a solid, healthy community. I hope to see you soon!! Happy Trails, Carol Smith, YOUR President New Bearkat Baseball Head Coach David Pierce Guest Speaker at Chamber Luncheon The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce invites the Huntsville community to attend our next Chamber Lunch and Learn Series scheduled for Thursday, July 28, featuring Sam Houston State University’s new Head Baseball Coach David Pierce. The luncheon will be held at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Huntsville Church of Christ located on 3737 Hwy 30. The luncheon will provide an opportunity for Athletic Director Bobby Williams to introduce Coach Pierce to the Huntsville community. The 2011 Bearkat baseball team finished fifth in the Southland Conference and ranked in the top three in the Southland Conference this past season in hitting, pitching and fielding. Coach Pierce stated that he is excited and thankful to work with a team that is in such a good position. Coach Pierce will share his plans and goals for the Bearkat baseball department and he will also be available to answer questions. Early seating will begin at 11:30. Tickets are $15.00 and reservations and payment are required by Friday, July 22 and can be made by calling the Chamber at 936-295-8113. The luncheon is open to the public; you do not have to be a chamber member to attend but registration is required and seating is limited. theft in Small Business Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. – No Fee Presenter: Blane Rodgers, HPD Community Service & K-9 Officer Are you running your business to keep employee thefts down or are your employees running your business down by committing thefts? This presentation is designed for business owners to learn how to control the most common employee thefts. Billions of dollars are lost each year to businesses nationwide due to employee theft and fraud. To register for a seminar or for more information visit our website at: http://samhoustonstateuniversity.sbdcnetwork.net SBa Notice: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available lowinterest federal disaster loans to Texas residents and businesses affected by the Dyer Mills fire that occurred June 19-26. This disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Grimes County and the neighboring counties of Brazos, Madison, Montgomery, Walker, Waller and Washington. For more information, contact the SHSU SBDC at 936-294-3737. All seminars are open to the public and held at the SHSU SBDC Computer Learning Center at 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX unless otherwise noted. Please visit our website at http://sbdc.shsu.edu/ Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 — PagE 7 12 9 3 BUSINESS After Hours 6 The Member Events & Networking Council of the Chamber sponsors the New Member Showcase once each year to allow our newest members an opportunity to be put in the spotlight and showcase their business or organization. This year’s event was held on June 23 and the following new members were highlighted: Aberdeen Designs, AgriLand Farm Credit, Ark Laser Engraving, Big Daddy’s Buildings, Cole Insurance, Crazy Dazy Bokayz, Daisy’s Diner & Bakery, Edward Jones Investments-Ty Willeford, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Home Health Care of Huntsville/Thee Hospice, January’s Herbs & Wellness, Learning RX, Protocol Construction, StartRight, Thoreau Woods Unitarian Universalist Church, Unique Tan, and Wally’s Party Factory. Daisy’s Diner & Bakery and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop provided the refreshments and appetizers for the evening! TEXAS NUPLISTEN UPLISTE Congratulations to Buckner’s Jewelry for celebrating 40 years in business. Ann McDuffie and all the staff were surprised when several chamber ambassadors, board members and staff presented them with a cake and balloons for the celebration on June 28th! Buckner’s is located at 1329 University Suite C. Congratulations to Joe and Eileen Boaz on the birth of their new granddaughter. Annabelle Fay Boaz was born on Monday, July 11. She weighed 7 lbs and 14 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Joe is the Executive Vice President & Regional Manager at First Victoria National Bank and a member of the chamber. Parents are Deborah and Carlton Boaz. Huntsville leadership Institute…now is the time to apply to be in Class #30! thursday, December 1 2011 Chamber gala & auction It is not too early to make your plans…. the Silent and live auctions at the gala provide an excellent opportunity to market your business in addition to supporting the Mary Frances Park Scholarship Fund. If your business would like to make a donation to this cause please give the Chamber a call today. thanks to our sponsors: Wiesner, Inc.-Huntsville at&t Weatherford International Wells Fargo advisors-tommy Stewart Pictured are: Clint McLaren, Melissa Mikes, Matt Springfield, Luciana Zuniga, Trent Shotwell, Vinessa Mundorff, Krystal Pierce, Betty Channing, Calli Dretke, Erica Minor, Karen Denman, John Davidhizar, Amanda Wallace, Michael Clements, Jackie Pace-Hampton, Charlie Vienne. Not pictured are: Marilyn Scheffe, Rene McKelvey, Travis Pittock. ECONOMIC INDICATORS Mark Your Calendars…. The Huntsville Leadership Institute Class 29 held a graduation ceremony on May 31 at the Huntsville State Park to celebrate a year that focused on strengthening leadership skills while providing an opportunity to bring more awareness about the community and what it has to offer. President Carol Smith stated at the ceremony, “There has never been a doubt that the real source of power in Huntsville is its people, and HLI strives to provide a well rounded curriculum so that leaders will be in touch with the issues, systems and forces that drive the community and its changes has been part of our goal with this program…the connectivity to current leaders and to one another is an integral part of everything we do in HLI. Many entities all across Walker County open their doors and welcome tours with HLI; also, our speakers all volunteer their time and they are truly priceless. They are leaders in their own area of expertise or influence and they graciously share their talents and experiences with the institute each and every year. For all this we are very, very grateful.” Applications for Class 30 are now available at the Chamber. Deadline to submit an application is August 19. For more information contact Laura at 936-295-8113. TEXAS PagE 6 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 Cha ri er B mb RECENT MEMBER RENEWALS Prize Patrol Makes Stops in Huntsville Hat’s off to the following members who recently renewed their Chamber membership. Marketing, advertising and networking are just a few of the benefits of Chamber membership. We encourage everyone to shop with Chamber members. Air- Handlers Jack Choate Clausen Technology Group Dee Dee Dretke – Keller Williams Realty Events Plus Giddy Up Glamour Gulf Coast Center for Neurological Disorders Huntsville Memorial Hospital Huntsville Memorial Hospital Home Care Inscriptions of the Heart Imperial Garden Joe Davis School of Nursing Keller Williams Realty Lisa’s Gift Box John McManners Diana McRae Millenium Oncology New Life Resale Shop Pampered Chef – Shelley Petkovsek Plus Care Shred-All Texas 1 2 3 4 Spirit Exposition Services Team Dodge Chrysler Jeep Turn Key Event Rental Weatherford International Wish Wash Car Wash SMALL BUSINESS Breakfast Thanks to Huntsville Health Care Center for sponsoring the July Chamber Small Busness Breakfast. Administrator Anthony Ughetti stated, “Huntsville Health Care Center is proud to be the only 5-Star (Much Above Average) rated Nursing Facility in Walker or Trinity Counties. Our dedicated staff provides shortterm rehabilitation services following illness or surgery, long-term care, and respite care. Our specially-trained therapy staff utilizes the latest technologies and equipment to facilitate healing and return our customers to their highest level of independence. Our facility partners with many physicians, hospitals, home health agencies, and Hospice companies to ensure our residents receive a holistic array of services.” Huntsville Health Care accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and many HMO and private insurances including Texas HealthSpring and Humana. Tours are available daily and interested parties should contact Diana Sprott, Admissions Coordinator, or Anthony Ughetti, Administrator, to learn more. They are located at 2628 Milam Street in Huntsville and may also be reached at 936-2938062. Pictured are: Anthony Ughetti, Administrator, Marjorie Archie, RN, BSN, Director of Nurses, Deborah Wynne-Hester, LVN, Assistant Director of Nurses, and Diana Sprott, Director of Admissions and Marketing 5 The Chamber Ambassador “Prize Patrol” continues to be very busy celebrating with many business members. The Ambassadors make “suprize” visits, complete with balloons and cookies to show appreciation to Chamber business members. Shown here are June 28th visits made to (1) the lexington Center (2) Randall Reed’s Hillcrest Ford lincoln Mercury Hyundai (3) KSaM-FM 101.7/KHVl-aM 1490 (4) Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant and(5) Buckner’s Jewelry, Inc who was treated with a cake to celebrate their 40th Anniversary in business. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a group of excited individuals entering your business soon with balloons and goodies to share. This is another way the Chamber is helping to highlight and market our members. Vendor Registration for the 37th annual Fair On the Square Has Begun Sponsored by Stevenson Distributing & atkinson toyota Registration for vendors is underway and less than 100 booths are available. The Fair on the Square is always the first Saturday in October and this year falls on October 1st. A 10 x 10 space is only $150 for a craft booth but Chamber members can take advantage of the discounted price of $105. All food booths are currently sold out. The Chamber would like to thank our Corporate Sponsors Stevenson Distributing and Atkinson Toyota. We would also like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their support: Alpha Omega Academy, Amedisys Home Health Care, Bearkat Books, Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, The Carpet Store, City of Huntsville, Classic Fare Catering by Aramark, Conroe Coca-Cola, Creation Studios, Dr. Tim Deahl, Entergy, First National Bank, First Victoria National Bank, Forest Glen Christian Camp, Learning Rx, Liles Lawn Service, McCaffety Electric, Moak & Moak Attorneys at Law, Nestle Nesquick, Pine Tree Publishing, Vista Academy, Wally’s Party Factory, Wiesner-Huntsville, and YMCA Huntsville. Call for more information 936-295-8113. Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 — PagE 3 Ribbon Cuttings Big Daddy’s Buildings TEXAS shot at the NEW pink Cadillac photo booth…. so bring your friends to share in the fun! alSO NEW this year…Wiesner, Inc. will be providing a shuttle service Continued from page 1 from the west parking lot at Huntsville High School (lot closest to administration building). Ladies may park their vehicles at HHS and then be delivered right to the front door of the event. Golf carts will also help transport ladies from the parking lot at Magnolia Lake to the front door. Vendor spaces are SOLD OUT, but there are still opportunities to promote your businesses through sponsorships! For only $50 you can participate as a goodie bag sponsor and place a promotional item of your choice into a goodie bag that will be given to every lady that purchases a ticket for the event. Or for $100 the driveway sponsorships will allow businesses the opportunity to have their name on 2 signs that will placed at the event as guests enter and exit. For more information on these opportunities call Laura at the chamber at 936-295-8113. Children under age 12 are not permitted as this is intended for ladies only. Strollers are not permitted as well. Your $35 ticket will provide access to the event, goodie bag, boa, beverages and appetizers. Pampered stations will be drawn from tickets at the door. The chamber would also like to thank all our sponsors which include, Wiesner, Inc, Pine Tree Publishing, Curves, Lisa’s Gift Box, Modello Footwear and Accessories, Cole Insurance and Faust Distributing. For more information, contact 936-295-8113. DIVA Sponsors: On June 24th the Chamber Ambassadors & staff visited Big Daddy’s Buildings to host a red ribbon cutting ceremony. Shown here cutting the ribbon is Wesley Coleman, the owner. They are located at 2970 Highway 19 and may be reached by calling 832-878-1500 or email [email protected] . The website is www.bigdaddybuildings.com and the fax is 936-294-9733. NEW CHaMBER MEMBERS as of July 12, 2011 The following businesses recently joined the Chamber and we extend A WaRM CHaMBER WElCOME. The information printed was gained from membership applications. For any additions and/or corrections, contact the Chamber as complete membership information is vital to your records with us. Our most recent new members we welcome: Unique tan is located at 1523 Normal Park, Suite I. By partnering with the chamber, Ashley Moreau, owner, hopes to gain an education on marketing her business and experience within the business community. The salon is open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm. She can be reached by calling 936-294-9955 or email [email protected]. Walmart Friday, July 1st was a “red letter” day for Walmart as they held a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration for their newly remodeled store. Chamber Ambassadors, staff and employees of Walmart are shown here as Ronnie Werner, store manager, cuts the ribbon. Be sure to stop in and see the store’s new look located at 141 I-45 South. For information call 936-293-1066. Kimberly Johnson, owner of triple “S” Soft Silky Sheets sells bed sheet sets, blankets and pillowcases. She joined the chamber to get her name out to the public and to keep informed of upcoming events. To order your next bedding items call Kimberly at 936-714-9311 or email [email protected]. To get more information on the products she sells visit the website at www.triplessheets.com. Factory Connection, llC is a retail clothing store that carries mens, juniors, misses and plus sizes at 20-50% off department store prices. They are open MondaySaturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 12-6pm. The store is located at 2 Financial Plaza, Suite 110 inside West Hill Mall. Donna Schoenewolf is the store manager and can be reached at 936-294-0037, fax 936-294-0037 or email [email protected]. Misty Harrelson is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty located at 49 Highway 75 N. She can be reached by calling 936-577-1065/936-291-1900 or by email at [email protected]. For any of your real estate needs call Misty or visit the website at www.teampugh.com. Incredible Edible Fruit Bouquets is operated by Scarlett Heidecker-President, Rhonda Bryn-Food Manager & Safety Officer and Kathy Humphrey, accountant. They are located at 3761 Highway 19 and are open Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm. They have joined the chamber for the networking opportunities. To place your order call 936-355-8590, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.incredibleediblefruitbouquets.com. Be Part of Walker County History!! agriland Farm Credit On Tuesday, July 12th the Chamber Ambassadors and staff visited AgriLand Farm Credit during their Open House to showcase their newly remodeled office and to host a red ribbon cutting ceremony. Shown here is Michael Biesiada, Regional President Region 4 and his staff. Their office is located at 125 SH 150 W. Ste. B in New Waverly TX 77358. They can be contacted by calling 936-3449400/Fax 888-746-7734 or visiting their website at www.agriland.com. A beautiful book is being produced on the history of Walker County, and you will surely want to be part of it. The “coffee table” style book will tell through word and picture the role the area played in the Texas Republic, how Texas’ first president, Sam Houston, came to reside in Huntsville and how the Trinity River added to the regional economy through steamboat transportation of cotton and logs. HISTORIC WALKER COUNTY: The Story of Huntsville & Walker County is a large-format, heavily illustrated volume that is being authored by Dr. Jeffrey Littlejohn who is an eminent historian and educator and a member of the SHSU History Department Faculty. This lovely edition will consist of a lively narrative describing the people and events that shaped our region, along with over 100 period photographs, maps and paintings. TEXAS PagE 4 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 Sammy with Frank Holmes. The Bearkat Spirit teams perform during the Kick-Off Rally last year. Sam Houston President Gibson with George Miles at in the introduction reception at Magnolia Lake. Chairman Paul Davidhizar speaks to future students and parents at a Bearkat Orientation. George Miles mingling with parents at SHSU Orientation. Chamber V.O.I.C.E., JUly 18, 2011 — PagE 5 TEXAS Show your Orange Pride!! Be a PROUD BEaRKat!!! Help us paint this community BEaRKat ORaNgE…this is BEaRKat KOUNtRy!! So, get ready for SHSU Welcome Week, especially August 20, the first official day for Bearkats to move back into the dorms. Sam Houston Avenue will feature bright orange flags lining the street, and lots of orange all over town. SHSU Athletics are rolling out all the schedule and ticket information in their campaign, “This is Bearkat Kountry”!! Huntsville is so proud of this grand ‘ole university and loves the vibrancy it brings to our community. We encourage local businesses to do everything possible to “paint the town orange”. Many have already informed us they plan to join in on this Bearkat support project, by decorating and showing support for the university, and we hope you will too. Be sure to mark your calendars. We expect this to remain at a maximum level throughout SHSU Homecoming, October 15th at SHSU. Events like Homecoming and Family Weekend draw enormous crowds of visitors into Huntsville and we welcome these guests with open arms. Family Weekend is focused around Saturday, September 17. We look forward to joining you in “BEARKAT KOUNTRY”! Local merchant Diana Barnes shows her Bearkat Pride with her window art. The Chamber staff with Charlie Vienne and the SHSU Alumni Relations staff at a recent Sams Works. Sammy at FireFest 2010. Bearkat alumni Mark your Calendars: Sams Works is tuesday, October 25 Details to follow soon. Bearkats enjoying a picnic with a special guest, Sammy.