The Chamber
Transcription
The Chamber
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. September 2010 Welcome Our New Members: Member Spotlight… Tracy Stoudt – Pampered Chef Independent Consultant T racy Stoudt – Pampered Chef Independent Consultant started her home based business over 12 years ago as a way to supplement her family’s income. She has enjoyed meeting people and their friends in a home-based setting while preparing a meal for them. Tracy stated, “When you host a cooking show, your guests learn ways to feed their families conveniently and affordably, while making meals more fun and inviting. The Pampered Chef allows you to discover the chef in you.” The Mission Statement for The Pampered Chef states – We are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to develop their God-given talents and skills to their fullest potential See SPOTLIGHT page 2 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HUNTSVILLE TX PERMIT NO. 6 • Big Daddy’s Buildings • Learning RX • Mary Kay Cosmetics – Tiffany Watson/Kelbi Delaune • Motel 6 • Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. – Kay Douglas • TSR Exterior Cleaning See Page 6 for more info 550 members and growing! What’s Happening! September 23 — Business After Hours-Keller Williams Realty, 5:15pm September 30 — Grand Opening, SHSU James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center October 1 — Pre Fair on the Square Celebration Concert/Dance with Cody Johnson October 1 — Ribbon Cutting, Learning RX 11:30 a.m. October 2 — 36th Annual Fair on the Square October 14 — Small Business Breakfast-sponsored by Pine Tree Publishing @ Golden Corral, 7:30am October 26 — Sam Works @ Margarita’s November 18 — Annual Chamber Gala & Auction TEXAS pAGe 2 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., SepteMbeR 20, 2010 Thoughts from ECONOMIC INDICATORS Recently in this column I’ve written about our “M&M” campaign focused on “Marketing Members”. We do that in a variety of ways, including various events, ribbon cuttings and networking opportunities, just to name a few. Recently we hosted a wonderful event to market a group of businesses that relate particularly to the female gender. The first annual DIVA NIGHT, from all indications, was quite Carol Smith. a success. First and foremost, many businesses were highlighted for the evening, but also, well over 250 attendees were treated to an evening of shopping, glamour and fun at Magnolia Lake. Don’t miss the great over view of the event in our center spread of this issue. Thanks in large part to our many sponsoring businesses the event was quite a success for all involved, and we look forward to future opportunities to market our members. New teacher “Welcome” packets recently were distributed and contained information from many of our chamber members. When we put out a request for businesses to participate, almost thirty members responded. These packets were delivered to all new teachers in both public and private schools across Walker County, and included helpful items as teachers kicked off a new school year. In addition to that, several businesses joined forces to help the Chamber sponsor, in part, a “welcome back” breakfast for all teachers as they returned to their campuses. Education will always be a critical area of interest to the community and the Chamber, as students are our most prized possessions. Be sure to check out the photos in this edition, all from surrounding schools. for the benefit Continued from page 1 o f themselves, their families, our customers and the company. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of family life by providing kitchen products supported by service and information for our consultants and customers. Tracy is a graduate of the Huntsville Leadership Institute Class 28 and also was nominated by her peers to serve on the HLI board. Tracy stated, “I had a desire to become a more SPOTLIGHT CAROL’S CORNeR By now you should have received your shiny new copy of the “Welcome to Huntsville” Chamber Membership Directory. A great guide on our membership, both in and out of the area, it also contains articles highlighting various parts of Huntsville and Walker County. It is our hope that this is a useful tool to connect you to our members. Be sure to visit our web site www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us where you will find a wealth of information at your fingertips, and also you will find us on facebook. Class 29 of the Huntsville Leadership Institute has been inducted with an orientation and will be attending an overnight retreat by the time this reaches you. The class is comprised of 20 individuals from all walks of life across our community and will receive an in-depth look at many aspects of this area. During the nine-month institute, these individuals will hopefully develop new partnerships and make new friends that will last a lifetime. Since the beginning of time, friendship has been the most import relationship that all creatures have experienced. According to a myth, ancient man would gather around a fire to celebrate peace and brotherhood among their tribes. So, as this cohort gathers “around their fire”, it is our wish that they get to know one another really well, form bonds of friendship as they get more involved with the community. So, as we continue to market our businesses, let’s all partner together to direct our efforts to a stronger community filled with respect for one another. And, as we move into the fall season let’s all continue to work as a TEAM; as is obvious, there is no “I” in that word. I look forward to seeing you soon, whether it’s at a meeting of local organizations, a football game, or at one of our upcoming events!! So, for now, its “happy trails”!! Best Regards, Carol Smith, YOUR President active member of my community and this class really showed me many ways in which to become involved.” She decided it was time to renew her chamber membership and to get to know more people in the community. For many years she and her husband have been very active in volunteering with the school district. To contact Tracy for a cooking show or her products call 936-661-8431, email at [email protected] or visit her website at www.pamperedchef.biz/tracystoudt. bUSINeSS SeMINARS First Step to Starting Your Own business Thursday, October 7, 6-8 p.m. – No Fee texas taxpayer Seminar Tuesday, October 12, 6-8 p.m. – No Fee Presenter: Michael Stegint, Texas Comptroller’s Office Great seminar for businesses that is less than one year old. Filing your sales tax reports (both long and short forms) Working with Quick books pro 2009 part I Thursday, October 28, 6-9 p.m. Presenter: Sherry Donaleski, QuickBooks Pro Advisor (Working with knowledge of Windows XP required) $50.00 for each session 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/ to register or call (936) 294-3737 for more information. Call for board Member Nominations As a member of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce you have the opportunity to help elect new directors for the chamber. Now is the time to suggest nominees for the upcoming election. The term will run 2011-2013. The nominees will be presented to the current board for approval. Ballots will then be presented to the membership. The nominating committee is chaired by the Immediate Past Chairman Todd Armstrong with a committee composed of several past chairmen. It also includes the current chairman of the board and chamber president as ex-officio members. Potential directors can be a designated representative of any business or organizational member, or any individual member; provided that the member is in good standing at the time of the nomination and election. The chamber makes a deliberate effort to attract dedicated citizens as officers and directors. Nominations are underway now for the board of directors. If you have a suggestion for a quality director, please call Carol Smith at 295-8113 or email her at [email protected] and she will share the nomination with the committee. Chamber V.O.I.C.E., SepteMbeR 20, 2010 — pAGe 3 SMALL BUSINESS Breakfast Thanks to The University of phoenix for sponsoring the Chamber Small Business Breakfast in August. Diane Dalton stated, “In Houston, we currently have over 10,000 students enrolled in our online degree programs, and over 5,000 students enrolled at 1 of our 6 campuses. Nationwide, we have over 450,000 students currently seeking their degree with the University of Phoenix. A student can choose to complete their degree online or at 1 of our 6 campuses. The Houston campuses are in Clear Lake, the Galleria Area, West Houston, Northwest Houston, the Woodlands, and Sugarland.” The University offers convenience of degree programs, students can focus on one class at a time with classes beginning every month so that students can balance their work and personal life. Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. For more information call 713-576-4024. Pictured are Diane Dalton and Greg Green, Corporate Education Liasions. Congratulations to Sam and Judy burris on the birth of their new grandson Sam truitt Fritsch! Sam was born on Tuesday, September 7 and weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. Sam is the Chief Executive Officer for First National Bank and Judy is a nurse at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Congratulations to Stan and penny Foley on the birth of their new granddaughter prentice Ashton Foley! Prentice was born on Thursday, September 9 and weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz and is 20 inches long. Stan is the Customer Service Manager for Entergy Texas and Penny is a secretary with Huntsville ISD. Ward Furniture, located at180 I-45 South, has been serving Huntsville for 66 years…since 1944!!! MJ Payne, an employee of Ward Furniture, stated, “It is an awesome place to work as evidenced by all the long time employees, 3 of which have been here for 17+ years. In addition it’s also a great place to shop if you want to be treated like a long time friend or family member.” Stop by their location, give them a call at 936295-2514, or visit the website www.wardfurniture.com. Congratulations to the SHSU Small business Development Center who recently announced its accreditation by the Association of Small Business Development centers in Washington D.C. Successful accreditation is based on a strict set of guidelines and involves examinations on a variety of office operations and procedures. Small Business Development Centers are required to be re-accredited every four years and this was the fourth successful round of accreditation for the SHSU Small Business Development Center located at 2424 Sam Houston Avenue. Workforce Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer located at 901 Normal Park, Ste 7. Phone: (936) 291-3336. Classes are held weekly relating to job search skills. tuesday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Interviewing techniques thursday, September 23, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Resume Workshop tuesday, September 28, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Resume Workshop thursday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Job Applications The schedule for the 20102011 class promises to be a rewarding and eye opening experience for all. Class participants began their experience with an orientation on Tuesday, September 14 preparing them for the two day retreat September 20-21 at Camp Allen in Navasota. The class will continue to meet one full day each month through May where they will be given the opportunity to learn more about our community, economics, government, education and more! R. G. Miller engineers, Inc. is excited to introduce Fred Bauhof, P.E. as the new Executive Vice President and Manager of the Public Infrastructure Group. He will be responsible for managing client service and project delivery in the Public Infrastructure Group. Bauhof has more than 30 years of professional civil engineering experience and has an extensive background in project and program management of complex civil and environmental engineering projects such as water/wastewater treatment facilities and transmission pipelines, hazardous waste remediation programs, roads, and marine port and airport facilities. R. G. Miller Engineers is headquartered in Houston and an active member in the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce. They can be contacted at 713-461-9600. ri er B mb Krystal Pierce, Heartfield Florist Travis Pittock, Faith Lutheran Church Marilyn Scheffe, Huntsville Memorial Hospital Trent Shotwell, Texas Prison Museum Matt Springfield, Huntsville Church of Christ Charlie Vienne, SHSU Alumni Relations Amanda Wallace, The Carpet Store Luciana Zuniga, Stardust Room Restaurant & Bar The Pineywoods Cattle Baron's Gala will be held on October 9th at the Winston 8 Ranch on Highway 59 N Lufkin. There will be a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, midway games and a performance by Chris Cagle. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society which serves the Walker County area. For more information please check out the website www.pineywoodscattlebaronsgala.org or phone 936634-2940. Cha Betty Channing, The Legacy Group Michael Clements, The Exchange at Huntsville John Davidhizar, Forest Glen Christian Camp Karen Denman, Community Service Credit Union Calli Dretke, Huntsville Memorial Hospital Ninfa Fuentes, Walker County A. Rene McKelvey, SHSU Student Government Clint McLaren, Wiesner, Inc – Huntsville Melissa Mikes, Walker County Erica Minor, Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Vinessa Mundorff, SHSU Career Services Jackie Pace, Boys & Girls Club of Walker County NUPLISTEN UPLISTE the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and Sam Houston State University Alumni Association are partnering together to host “Sam Works” on tuesday, October 26 at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event will help build the Bearkat network while showing SHSU spirit! Door prizes will be given as well as a complimentary first beverage. For more information contact the Chamber at 936-295-8113 or the SHSU Alumni Office at 936-294-1111. HLI Board Announces the 2010-2011 HLI Class The Huntsville Leadership Institute Board of Directors is very pleased to announce the next class of the institute. The class represents a good diversity of the community, both in occupations, age, gender and interests. Participants of class #29 include the following: TEXAS RECENT MEMBER RENEWALS 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. 19*45 Public Storage American Civil Engineering Services, LP Angee Andrus – HISD Arbonne Independent Consultant – Simeon Pruski Caroline Crimm Dee Dee Dretke Freeway Liquor Fresh Donuts Higher One Huntsville Lions Club Thomas Leeper The Mom & Tot Shop The Pool Geek Northshore RV Resort Oakview Manor Bed & Breakfast SHSU Career Services Wendy’s Restaurant Edward Jones – Tyler Johns JZ Services TEXAS PAGE 4 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., sEPTEmbEr 20, 2010 Chamber V.O.I.C.E., sEPTEmbEr 20, 2010 — PAGE 5 DIVA NIGHT 2010 “Where Girls Just Want to Have Fun” TEXAS TEXAS pAGe 6 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., SepteMbeR 20, 2010 Prize Patrol Makes Stops in Huntsville 2 1 NeW CHAMbeR MeMbeRS as of August 31, 2010 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: 3 4 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 August 26 visits made to (1) Edward Jones/Tyler Johns (2) SHSU Small Business Development Center/ Bob Barragan, (3) H.E.B. Pantry Foods/ Butch Persad and (4) Murski’s/ Kerry Murray. 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. Chamber Ambassadors Meet in the Community In an effort to support and market local businesses, Ambassador meetings have been moved to community locations. On Thursday, July 29, the Ambassadors meeting was held at Murski’s. The primary purpose of Ambassador meetings is to continue planning for member contacts, ribbon cuttings, and “Prize Patrol” events. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this month’s meeting to be held on September 30 at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Several “Prize Patrol” visits will be made that day as well. We would love to have you join us as we support our local business members. If this fits into your schedule, meet at the Chamber at 10:15 on September 30 & travel with us to these “member focused” visits. Leads exchange Over ten years ago the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce initiated its first Leads Exchange group, which brings together groups of 20 –25 non-competing local business people to discuss and exchange leads and referrals. Today the chamber hosts two such groups: Preferred Partners which meets on Tuesday and Thursday Leads Exchange. Both groups have limited openings for new members. A new group could be created if interest is high. This program originated at the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce in Northern Illinois. It became a great success and grew into four groups that tracked well over a million dollars in business. Its success was due in no small part to the volunteers who maintained it as well as the dedicated members of each group. A Leads Exchange group is not for that person who is worried strictly about his success, but is about building relationships with fellow non-competing businesses that can be beneficial to both members. Leads Exchange can help a small business to grow and achieve a higher overall sales figure or even allow the seasoned veteran to be exposed to a new portion of the public that he or she has not been able to tap into. The objective of our Leads Exchange Programs, as stated in the Policies and Procedures, is: The Huntsville-Walker County Leads Exchange is a proactive member group of, and sponsored by, the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, whose objective is to provide a weekly networking agenda, for the purpose of generating new business through fellow member leads and referrals. This is accomplished by: Fellowship • Communication • Commitment • Education What is a Lead you ask? *A lead is a point in the right direction... real help. *A lead can be a prospect given to you by someone who you can mention his or her name to begin the sales cycle. *A lead is potential for new business development, *A lead is business development as recognized and referred by a specific person. *A personal lead generates a business opportunity for a fellow associate based on an existing relationship. *A lead is a way of providing another professional with the opportunity to promote his or her business services & products by extending the courtesy of naming him in advance. The initial registration/application fee is $50.00. Each year after that there is a renewal fee of $30.00. A monthly maintenance fee of $10.00 helps offset the costs of the meetings, covers entry into the Small Business Breakfast, and helps the group market themselves. We encourage those who are interested in fostering new relationships with other local businesses and increasing their own client base visit a meeting. Please direct any questions in reference to this program to Chris Schmitt or Shannon Higbie at the Chamber (936) 295-8113. TSR Exterior Cleaning is owned and operated by Taylor Radabaugh from Cleveland TX. He can be contacted at 281-507-679, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.tsr-exteriorcleaning.com. His business provides cleaning for the exterior of houses and commercial businesses, windows, gutters, driveways and parking lots. Taylor joined the chamber “to be recognized and help to support Huntsville”. His office hours are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Kay Douglas is an independent associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Kay explains that her business “provides affordable access to quality legal services for families and small businesses. We are to legal fees what medical insurance is to doctor’s fees”. She can be reached by calling 936-293-1424, email at [email protected] or by visiting her website at www.prepaidlegal.com/go/gkdouglas. Kay joined the chamber “to partner with other small business owners for networking and support”. Leaning RX provides cognitive brain therapy helping people to think faster, smarter and more efficiently. The office is located at 1423 A Brazos Drive with hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lisa Branch, co-owner, can be reached by calling 936-295-4579, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.learningrx.com/huntsville. Lisa joined the chamber “to network with local businesses resulting in improved business relations and better hometown opportunities for the citizens of Walker County”. General Manager, J. Craig Barrach of Motel 6, located at 122 I-45 South joined the chamber “to get involved in the city functions” and expects to gain business for both Motel 6 and the city. To contact Craig or make a reservation call 936-291-6927/Fax 936-291-8963 or by email at [email protected]. More information can be found on their website at www.motel6.com. Tiffany Watson & Kelbi Delaune are independent beauty consultants for Mary Kay Cosmetics. They describe their business as being “#1 in skin care and cosmetics in the world with a 100% product guarantee. We offer great gift-giving ideas for both men and women. Host a party and earn free products…try before you buy. Mary Kay just earned Good Housekeepings seal of approval. Enriching women’s lives!” Contact Tiffany or Kelbi by calling 936-662-2722, email at [email protected] or visit the website at www.karykay.com/tmw026 . Big Daddy’s Buildings is owned and operated by Wesley Coleman. His business offers portable buildings with a rent to own program, quality carports, kid playhouses along with professional headlight restoration. The office is located at 2970 Hwy 19 and the hours are Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday by appointment only. Wesley joined the chamber “to be more involved with the community and be recognized as a reputable company to do business with. Contact him at 832-878-1500/Fax 936-294-9733, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.bigdaddysbuildings.com. Chamber V.O.I.C.E., SepteMbeR 20, 2010 — pAGe 7 Who’s Who in the Chamber 12 9 The H untsville-W alker C ounty C ham ber of C om m erce w ould like to highlight the 2010 board of directors over the next severalm onths. W e w illintroduce tw o board m em bers each m onth in an effort to fam iliarize our m em bers and the com m unity w ith the individuals that devote countless hours and trem endous talent. Pat Camfield Communications/ Resources Council Camfield’s Car Lot/ Highway 19 Auto & Diesel Repair Cindy Pierce Membership Development Council Heartfield Florist Pat Camfield. Cindy Pierce. Pat Camfield began his term on the HuntsvilleWalker County Chamber of Commerce board in 2008, has been a member of the executive board and is currently the director over the Communications/Resources Council. He attended the Huntsville Leadership Institute and is an alumnus of Class #26. Pat has been in the retail automotive business for 16 years and previously served as General Manager for Wiesner-Huntsville and Hillcrest Ford, Lincoln Mercury, Hyundai. Pat recently opened his own business and is now the owner of Camfield’s Car Lot and Highway 19 Auto & Diesel Repair located at 2303 Highway 19. Specializing in all diesel repairs, transmissions, and general auto repairs, Pat encourages you to stop by his new location or give him a call at 936-435-9990. Besides being active in the chamber, Pat is also very active within the community. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Huntsville Rotary Club, he is a YMCA board member, and a board member on the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans building committee. In his “spare” time Pat is a commercial pilot and an Air Traffic Controller FAA license holder. Pat and his wife Ashley are the proud parents of three children, Mary, Emily and Connor that range in age from 10 to 4. They live in a log home in Canyon Ranch that they had built in 2006. Their house was rebuilt in 2010 after damage from a Thanksgiving day fire. Cindy Pierce began her term on the HuntsvilleWalker County Chamber of Commerce board in January 2010 and is currently serving as the director of the Membership Development Council. Cindy is also a Huntsville Leadership Institute alumnus, graduating class #20. In 1979 she began working at Heartfield Florist, a family owned business, which has been a chamber member since 1957. They are located on Sam Houston Avenue and have been serving the Huntsville community for many years with their number one priority providing excellent service to their customers. Cindy is very active in the community with many clubs and organizations in our area. She is Past President of Junior Service League, Past President of Walker County Fair Association, and currently serving as Vice President of the Walker County Special Utility District Board. She has helped with the Pregnancy Care Center Banquet for several years and is a member of First Christian Church. Cindy has been married to Walker County Judge, Danny Pierce since 1981 and they have three grown daughters who are now a crucial part of their business. 3 TEXAS BUSINESS After Hours 6 Thanks to Weldon and Amanda Wallace, President and Owners of the Carpet Store for sponsoring the Chamber Business After Hours in August. Weldon and Amanda have been in business for over 10 years, opening The Carpet Store in 1999. The Carpet Store provides many flooring products including carpet, tile, laminate, wood, vinyl, and vinyl tiles. They also carry Hunter Douglas Blinds, Benjamin Moore Paints, Coronado Paints, and painting supplies. The Carpet Store is located at 2801 South Sam Houston Avenue. They are open M-F 8:00 – 5:00 and Saturday 9:00 – 2:00. Stop by, call 936-2919930 or visit them on the web at www.thecarpetstoretexas.com. Pictured are Installation Supervisor Jason Gearhart, Amanda and Weldon Wallace and Store Manager Ashley Hillsten. 2010-11 School Year Kicks Off The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce sends our very best wishes to all the schools throughout Huntsville and Walker County for a successful and productive school year. Area schools include: TOMORROW’S PROMISE • Phone: 435-0303 ◆ ALPHA OMEGA ACADEMY • Phone: 438-8833 ◆ FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL • Phone: 2911706 ◆ NEW WAVERLY ISD • Phone: 344-6751 ◆ VISTA ACADEMIES • Phone: 291-0203 ◆ HUNTSVILLE ISD • Phone: 295-3421 ◆ SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY • Phone: 2941013. TEXAS pAGe 8 — Chamber V.O.I.C.E., SepteMbeR 20, 2010 Your 2010 Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Officers George Miles, Chairman of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First National Bank Todd Armstrong, Immediate Past Chair/Nominating . . . .Community Service Credit Union Paul Davidhizar, Treasurer, 2011 Chair Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alpha Omega Academy Toni Bruner, Vice Chair Membership/Communications . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruner Angus Ranch Jim Hodges, Vice Chair Business Services . . . . . . . . . . .H.B.I./Double Dave’s Pizzaworks Frank Holmes, Vice Chair ED/Institutional Liaisons/Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SHSU Lezlie Parish, Vice Chair Community Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weatherford International Carol Smith, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chamber of Commerce Directors Sherri Ballard, Tourism/Visitor Service Council . . . . . . . . . . .Amedisys Home Health Care Pat Camfield, Communications/Resources Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hwy 19 Diesel Repair Tom Freeman, Networking Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scotsman Storage Bill Gulley, Member Events Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pine Tree Publishing Chris Holm, Tourism/Visitor Services Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville State Park Morris Johnson, Education/Workforce Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Retired, HISD Conrad Liles, Community Events Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liles Lawn Service Rex Maynor, Governmental Affairs Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Item Cindy Pierce, Membership Development Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heartfield Florist Tommy Stewart, Existing Business Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward Jones Investment Weldon Wallace, Leadership Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Carpet Store Community Associates Judge Danny Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walker County Mayor J Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City of Huntsville Bob Barragan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Small Business Development Center Doris Gimpel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Liaison Steve Fisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Leadership Institute Dr. Richard Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Independent School District Sally Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Health Care David Stephens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Texas Department of Transportation Dr. Clay Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Waverly Independent School District Jerry McGinty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Texas Department of Criminal Justice 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 by e-mail at [email protected]. The chamber web site can be viewed at 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 SepteMbeR 20-21 21 23 23 24 27 27 28 28 30 30 HLI Retreat @ Camp Allen Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Business After Hours, 5:15 p.m. @ Keller Williams Realty Gala Meeting, 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber HLI Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. @ Chamber Fair on the Square TABC Meeting, 5:15 p.m. @ Chamber Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Fair on the Square Volunteer Meeting, 5:15 p.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Ambassador Meeting, 11:30 a.m. @ HMH Cafeteria 1 1 2 5 7 14 18 19 19 21 21 25 26 28 28 28 Ribbon Cutting, 11:30 a.m. @ Learning RX Fair on the Square Concert/Dance, 6:00 p.m. @ 14th St. & University FAIR ON tHe SQUARe, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Small Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. @ Golden Corral Executive Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. @ Chamber Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber HLI Class – Ropes Course Board Meeting, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ TBA HLI Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. @Chamber Sam Works, 5:00 p.m. @ Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber Ambassador Meeting, 11:30 a.m. @ Bennie J’s Smoke Pit Business After Hours, 5:15 p.m. @ Debra Sims D.D.S. OCtObeR Community Calendar of events 20 22 23 23 24 24-25 24-26 24-26 25 25 25 25 25 25 30 30 SepteMbeR Walker County Fair “Kick Off Jamboree” @ Walker County Fairgrounds “Who Let the Dogs Out?...of School Early” R.E.A.D. program @ Public Library “All About Me” Story Hour @ Public Library Senior Center Banquet @ Walker County Fairgrounds HHS vs Summer Creek @ Bowers Stadium “School for Reenactors” @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum Bearkat Family Weekend “Batik Fabric Dyeing Workshop” @ Wynne Home Arts Center Blacksmithing & Woodworking Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum Mobile Veterans Office on Wheels @ H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum 5th Annual Raven Ride begins @ Target Parking Lot Butterfly Festival @ Walker County Master Gardener Center SHSU “Carry Their Load” 5-Mile Ruck March begins at West Hill Mall SHSU vs Gardner-Webb Football Game @ Bowers Stadium “Airplanes” Story Hour @ Public Library Grand Opening of the Sam Houston State University James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center Week of Sept 20 – Auditions for Huntsville Community Theatre “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” @ Old Town Theatre OCtObeR 1 R.I.F. Book Distribution @ Huntsville Public Library 1 Fair on the Square Concert/Dance – Cody Johnson Band 2 FAIR ON THE SQUARE 2 CASA Speak Up 4 Kids 5 K Run @ Bowers Stadium 2 Spinning & Weaving Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 2 SHSU Women’s Basketball 3rd Annual Golf Scramble @ Raven Nest Golf Club 5-11/26 “Rock Art Perspectives” exhibit @ Walker Education Center 6-9 “Nine” @ SHSU Erica Starr Theatre 7 HHS Homecoming Parade 8 HHS Homecoming vs New Caney Porter @ Bowers Stadium 8-10 “To Kill A Mockingbird” Huntsville Community Theatre @ Old Town Theatre 9 Arts & Crafts Show @ New Waverly Publilc Library 9 Cherokee Indian Culture & Crafts @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 9 “Texas Revolution Living History Camp” @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 9 Pineywoods Cattle Baron’s Gala benefit Walker County American Cancer Society @ Winston 8 Ranch in Lufkin 9 “No Foolin String Band” Jam Session @ Wynne Home Arts Center 14 SHSU Homecoming Parade 15 Archaeology Day @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 15-17 “To Kill A Mockingbird” Huntsville Community Theatre @ Old Town Theatre 16 Kick Wheel Pottery Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 16 HOMECOMING - SHSU vs Southeastern Louisiana @ Bowers Stadium 16-17 Dave Boyd Huntsville Classic Mountain Bike Race @ Huntsville State Park 18 Early Voting Begins @ Walker County Annex 23 Blacksmithing Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum 23 SHSU vs Stephen F. Austin @ Reliant Stadium in Houston 23 Huntsville ½ Marathon & 5K Run/Walk @ SHSU Kinesiology Center 26 SHSU Sam Works @ Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant