July 2010

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July 2010 2010 Board of Directors Chairwoman JULIE RENKEN Washington County Attorney First Vice Chair CATHY BOEKER Blinn College Second Vice Chair BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments Treasurer TREY HARDY Germania Insurance Secretary MIKE BAKER MIC Group Immediate Past Chair BARNEY LOESCH Thrivent Financial for Lutherans CHRIS BREWSTER Brewster LLC MELINDA FAUBION Boo Dog Design Group

Stay hip with new technology Microsoft Windows 7 and Office 2010 Workshop Learn how to integrate new technology at your business at a workshop hosted by the Washington County Chamber on Friday, July 16, from 11am-2pm, at the Blinn College Student Center in Brenham.  This workshop will focus on two new Microsoft products: Windows 7 – This new operating system is getting rave reviews. Watch an informative demonstration to help you become more comfortable and productive. Office 2010 – A new suite of Office applica-

LESLIE HARRELL Brenham Abstract & Title Co. KAREN MORGAN Brenham Clinic Association LETE PHILLIPS Lete Phillips Exercise Studio GLENWOOD PRENZLER Retired Educator ALEJANDRA RAY Bevers Kitchen BARRY BRASS Parcel Plus LAVERNE KRUMREY Horseshoe Junction Family Fun Park JOY NELSON Brenham ISD Krause Elementary LOWELL OGLE City of Brenham CHRIS CANGELOSI Washington County Abstract CONNIE HALL Ingleside Bed & Breakfast MARK PATRANELLA Blue Bell Creameries KURT PODESZWA Camp For All JARVIS VAN DYKE Van Dyke Rankin & Company WENDY YATES Moorman Tate Law Firm

tions is here. Come be among the first to learn about all the new features and tools. The cost to register is $5 per person for Chamber members, if registered by July 14.  For non-members, the cost is $10 per person. Lunch is included with the registration fee. The seminar will be led by Bryan Goss from Goss Communications in Brenham along with Kent Kirby from CTREC Hilton IT Academy. Goss Communications is a proud technology solution and service provider that pro-

vides Voice, Data, and IT Service Solutions. They partner with the world’s most resourceful and state-of-the-art Technology Manufacturers and Service Providers to provide clients with the most innovative and efficient solutions. HP and Microsoft reps will also be at the workshop and will have some great free giveaways for attendees. The deadline to register for this workshop is Wednesday, July 14, at 5pm. Please call the Chamber today to register 836-3695.

TAILGATE 2010

The countdown is on! TAILGATE 2010 will be held on Thursday, August 26. The Chamber will host this exciting event at the Fireman’s Training Center to kick off the Fall football season in style. Every team imaginable will be represented, and the spirit will be contagious. Get ready to enjoy all the food you can eat, plenty of foaming cold beverages, a fabulous auction, an amazing raffle, lots of mingling and networking, and live music and dancing with Off The Record. For the ticket price of $25 per person, you can enjoy all of this. You know the food will be delicious; it is being donated by Design II. Thank you, David Folschinsky! Every Chamber member and all employees are invited and encouraged to attend on August 26 to add to the revelry of the night. Members should have received complete details by now about how to get involved (mailed to primary rep’s attention). To receive the details directly in your email in-box, please send a message to Jane Hinze at the Chamber office ([email protected]). First: reserved seating tables are being sold now on a first-

come, first-served basis. Table sponsors will enjoy many EXTRA benefits and perks! Don’t miss this chance. Send in your completed form right away, before the July 15 deadline. Second: every member is invited to contribute an item for the Silent Auction. Having an item in the auction, you can help the event be a success and promote your company or organization at the same time. The silent auction is always a major highlight of the event. A huge round of applause goes to all of the generous sponsors

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

See Tailgate, Page 2

Learn more about Appel Ford Mercury at www.appelford.com

Hosted by:

Appel Ford Mercury 1820 Highway 290 West, Brenham

July 15 from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy great networking and refreshments! Bring plenty of business cards and enter for door prize drawings! Free for Chamber members and all employees! Beverages provided by: Mike Hopkins Distributing

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

Bluebonnet Brenham Clinic Electric

Scott & White Hospital - Brenham

Page 2 Chamber Works July 2010

Ribbon Cuttings

Big Daddy’s Barbecue – Restaurant Groundbreaking Owner: Nathan Winkelmann 1309 Prairie Lea Street, Brenham Phone: 830-1619

Renewing Members (May 1-31) Thanks to the following members for continuing your investment in the Chamber. You are long-term “partners” in our mission to promote and preserve this great community, and we appreciate your confidence in the Chamber’s ability to promote your business. Brenham Community Education — 22 years Capital One — 16 years DaVita - Brenham Dialysis — 1 year Dixie Street Storage — 23 years Heartland Country Inn & Retreat Center — 20 years Insite Printing & Graphic Services — 2 years Jersey Barnyard — 3 years LIVE Magazine — 4 years Pape Scapes — 4 years Precision Lawn Management — 6 years Pure Elegance — 3 years Ranch Antiques at Commerce Street — 6 years Starbucks Coffee Company — 5 years Suddenlink Communications — 31 years Webb Printing — 8 years Ann S. Wilson, — 1 year

who have already committed to making this night a success. We are pleased to report that a Champion Sponsor has been confirmed: Brenham ChryslerJeep-Dodge! Two Touchdown sponsors and seven field goal sponsors have already reserved spots. A complete list of all table sponsors will be published in the next E-News and ChamberWorks newsletter. Please join us in thanking them, and don’t be left off the list yourself!

Bluebonnet Cabs

Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant - Expansion

Owners: Joshua Black & Dina Leavings 9185 John Street, Chappell Hill Phone: 979-530-5462

Owner: Rene Benitez 201 Highway 290 Loop East, Brenham Phone: 979-836-3910

LEGISLATIVE ALERT

More IRS red tape, more cost to employers Now that the “Health Care Reform bill” has been passed, Americans are learning what is really contained in it. One alarming thing is a massive change to the reporting requirements for the IRS Form 1099-Misc. Businesses are currently required to file Form 1099’s for and to individuals and partnerships (not corporations) from whom they purchase services totaling $600 or more during the calendar year. This is being changed to require businesses to file a 1099-Misc for ANY individual, partnership or corporation from whom they purchase any goods or services totaling $600 or more during the calendar year. Currently the majority of busi-

Tailgate

There will be plenty of spirited rivalries going on at TAILGATE 2010 — between fans of the Aggies, Longhorns, Blinn Bucs, TCU Horned Frogs, UH Cougars, Texas Tech Raiders, Houston Texans, Burton Panthers, BCA Eagles and Brenham Cubs. Don’t see your team mentioned here? Come out in your colors and represent them! “It is so exciting to work on something like this when Brenham is such a big sports related

nesses file an average of 1 to 4 Form 1099’s annually. This change is expected to drive that number up to more than 100 per year! And the minimum for electronic reporting is 250 of any one type of 1099, increasing the probability of additional software of data processing costs of compliance. The most painful part of the process, however, is capturing the Tax ID number and legal address of every vendor with whom you do business regardless of the method of payment. Order parts online; you better get their TIN and address. The same requirements apply if you entertain for business. The IRS maintains that one of the

(Continued from Page 1) town, this Tailgate event fits right in!” said Brice Milliorn of Edwards Jones Investments, who is chairing this year’s event on behalf of the Chamber board of directors. Proceeds from this one annual fundraising event are used for Chamber programs and services, so that we can keep dues among the lowest level in the nation. For more information, stop by or call the Chamber at (979) 8363695.

justifications for the change is “simplification” that it is just too difficult to determine if a business should produce a Form 1099 for a vendor. The opportunity for honest mistakes and omissions with the new regulations seems massive. The Texas Association of Business predicts that this is going to be a nightmare for mid-size businesses and a disaster for small businesses. Details from the Government Accountability Office can be viewed at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/ d09238.pdf. If you disagree with this action, you are encouraged to contact U.S. See cost, Page 3

Chamber Works July 2010 Page 3

SEEKING BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS As a Chamber member, you are invited to join in the process to nominate future board members. The Chamber needs seven new board members each year to fill a three-year term. Suitable candidates will fit this description: - An active member of the local business community - Participates in Chamber events and programs - Dedicated to Washington County, Texas - A decision maker in his or her field - Interested in serving as a volunteer - A person with vision and leadership skills - Interest in participating in the Chamber’s annual Program of Work - Able to attend monthly board meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at noon Please give this some consideration, and help us find the right people to steer your Chamber of Commerce in the future. Submit nominations to the Chamber office in writing from now until July 31. Please send nominations in writing by mail, fax or email. Thank you!

Cost

(Continued from Page 2) Senators Hutchison and Cornyn and U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul. Let them know if you feel that the requirement to force small business owners to generate new 1099s for all goods and services purchased aggregating $600 or more in a year will have a crippling effect. Encourage your senators and representative to vote YES on H.R. 5141, the “Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act,” a critical measure to ensure the continued existence and growth of the job creation engine of the American economy-small business. The TAB projects this requirement will mean millions more in paperwork and electronic filings into the IRS with little, if any, return on investment. And there’s no information provided about whether the IRS has the capacity, staff and budget to handle the flood of 1099s that will begin to hit their inboxes in 2012 with this requirement. To read more about the TAB’s legislative priorities: www.TXbiz. org.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Brenham High School Workers CO-OP Program Brenham ISD is looking for local businesses who can employ a high school student this year. Students are available after 1 p.m. each day. They are seeking positions that will involve at least 15 hours per week, and a few students are particularly interested in office/admin/clerical positions. Some students are available to start this summer. Please contact Karla Antkowiak at Brenham High School for more information: [email protected] or 277-3800. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Congratulations to John Simms, CEO, and all our friends at Trinity Medical Center on the announcement of the new partnership to become Scott & White Hospital-Brenham.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Brookshire Brothers Welcomes New Pharmacist Matt Barker Matt Baker, Pharm.D. is a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M University and recently received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. His 11-year relationship with Brookshire Brothers began at the age of 16 when he worked as a sacker in his hometown of Lufkin. Matt began working in the pharmacy in 2005 in Bryan and is now Pharmacy Manager here in Brenham. Baker is certified to give immunizations and enjoys spending time counseling patients to make sure they receive the greatest benefit from their medication. Matt and his wife, Katie, are proud parents of a 5-month-old daughter, Natalie. They are new to Brenham but are fast immersing themselves in the richness of the community. Stop by the pharmacy today to ask about Brookshire Brothers $4 and $10 Generic Script Saver Program or with any questions you may have. Matt and his pharmacy team are eager to serve you. Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call them at 8362567. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Attention, Tourism Partners: Check your Visitor’s Guide Supply! The cover of the current Washington County Visitor’s Guide is shown here. Please check your supply to be sure you are providing visitors with the correct guide. If you have old guides still on hand, please call us at (979) 8363695 and we’ll pick up the old (to recycle) and bring you a supply of new ones. Thanks for helping us keep our visitors supplied with 2010 information!

Tweet with us @ www.twitter.com/

Welcome New Members to the Chamber BLUEBONNET CABS Owner: Joshua Black & Dina Leavings (Mailing address) 800 Doe Run Unit 4 Caldwell, Texas 77836 Phone: 979-530-5462 [email protected] www.bluebonnetcabs.com Taxi/Cabs GROUP CONCEPTS MERCHANT SERVICES Owner: Todd Wellmann 707 Peachtree Drive Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-6724 [email protected] www.groupconceptsllc.com Merchant Services K&W DOZER SERVICE Owner: Mark Wellmann 4276 Pitchers Lane Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-7781 [email protected] Dozer Service LADCO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. Owner: Gary Ladewig 3851 Wonder Hill Road Chappell Hill, Texas 77426 Phone: 979-830-0734 www.ladcoconstruction.com Construction Contractors MURDER by CHOCOLATE Owner: Wes Adair 2506 Encino Avenue League City, Texas 77573 Phone: 281-992-1888 [email protected] www.murderbychocolate.com Live Theater VICTOR’S LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE Owner: Victor Avalos P O Box 131 Brenham, Texas 77834 Phone: 979-251-0640 [email protected] Tree Service

YONDER WAY FARM Owner: Debra McNair & Jason Kramer 5500 HWY 105 Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-530-4444 [email protected] www.YonderWayFarm.com Meats-Locally Raised

VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo

Page 4 Chamber Works July 2010

EDF Taking Business Owners Survey The Economic Development Foundation (EDF) of Brenham is currently coordinating an “Existing Business Survey” as part of its ongoing Business Retention & Expansion Program. For the next few months, the EDF is seeking feedback from all existing businesses in the community via an online survey on its website: www. brenhamtexas-edf.com. With studies continuing to show that 80% of new job growth in a community will come from existing firms and their suppliers, the EDF has made its top priority the retention and expansion of local businesses. “Local businesses are the backbone of the community, and their vitality will be key to the community’s future success,” said EDF Chair Paul Kruse. The Business Retention and Expansion Program is a multiple-step process. Steps include personal visits and surveys of local businesses to better understand business and workforce conditions, expansion needs and any barriers to growth. The results are put in a database and summarized (confidentially). With that information, the EDF will develop plans to address the opportunities and any problems identified. “The Business Retention & Expansion Program is a cost-effective community-driven process,” said Page Michel, EDF president. “The results will be used to assess local economic capacity and develop action plans

BLUE BLAZERS CLUB SEEKING NEW MEMBER This local service club has 40 years of tradition in the community. They support the mission of the Chamber year-round, acting as official greeters and hosts of our community. Activities include monthly meetings, greeting at Chamber functions, recruiting new members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand openings. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to call Jane Hinze at the Chamber office or stop by the Chamber during business hours to pick up an application. Details can also be sent via email upon request. If you’re interested, or know someone who is, and would like to join right away, please contact the Chamber before noon on July 12. That is when the next club meeting will be held.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Dona Lynn’s Unique Gifts If you are looking for that unique, perfect gift stop by Dona Lynn’s Unique Gifts in downtown Brenham. Dona Lynn’s carries everything from Handbags to Jewelry, Candles to Bath Items, and Housewares to Home Decor. They are certain you will find something unique! This store is Opening Soon. Watch your mail for their Grand Opening Flyers and Special Discounts. Store location: 212 E. Alamo Street, Downtown Brenham. Phone: 979-830-7222. Visit online: www. donalynns.com. Call their knowledgeable staff at (979) 421-9191. Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

for the coming years.” The BREP Team consists of EDF staff and board members. Team members will be calling on local major employers to set up one-on-one survey visits. “We are interested to see the responses of our local businesses and compare the data with the survey done in 2008,” said BRE program chair Brett Smith. “Participation from the business community is vital.” “We are entering stage two of the BREP with the survey process,” explained Clint Kolby, EDF project manager and BREP team coordinator. “Stage one was the training and planning, and after the surveys there will also be analysis, implementation and ongoing review.” ****** Goals of the survey process include identifying the following: • local business needs and concerns • gauging the local economic business climate • factors that may be preventing expansion of local businesses • any business considering relocation outside the community and why • opportunities for match-making local businesses/ suppliers • current and future workforce needs • constructive ideas business owners may have for improving the local economy and • Brenham’s business environment ****** All business owners in Brenham are encouraged to visit the site and give their input. Those who participate in the online survey will be able to view the confidential summary report that will be generated. All information provided by businesses in the BREP surveys will be kept strictly confidential. The results will be summarized and reported in aggregate form only. Find survey link at: www.BrenhamTexas-EDF. com

Leadership Alumni Association Quarterly Meeting Friday, July 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Horseshoe Junction Alumni Association chair LaVerne Krumrey says, “Hey leaders, kick back on your lunch break and plan to have some summer fun ... indoors!” For $6 per person, alumni will be treated to Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, pizza and drinks. RSVP by Tuesday, July 27, if you plan to attend at 979-836-3695 or [email protected]

Community ‘Read’ Event Lifetime Learning has proposed the 2nd annual community “Read” event for Washington County. Other sponsors include Brenham ISD, The Banner-Press, Texas Live magazine, the Chamber and Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library. This year’s book is Twelve Mighty Orphans by Jim Dent. This has been called “The greatest sports book ever written.” Author Jim Dent will speak to the community at a free reception on Nov. 4 at Blinn College. Dent is an award-winning journalist who DENT covered the Dallas Cowboys for 11 years in Dallas/Fort Worth and has written six books, including New York Times bestseller and ESPN movie favorite, “The Junction Boys.” View more details about our selected book at: www.12mightyorphans.com. Help put a copy of this book into a student’s hands. Students who receive a book will participate in reading and discussions. Students will also have their book signed by the author when he visits Brenham. Your company or organization can help by making a donation for the purchase of books for students to: Lifetime Learning, P.O. Box 513, Brenham, Texas 77834. Books cost $11 each, and the goal is to donate 150 books to students. Donors will be listed in printed and online advertising for contributions received by July 31. www.lifetimelearningbrenham.org.

Washington County “Adopt-A-Sign” Partners To ensure the long-term care of the Welcome Sign monuments at the five entry points to Washington County, three landscaping companies from our community have volunteered to oversee their maintenance.

Designing Landscapes — U.S. 290 East Sign Glasco & Company Landscaping — Hwy. 36 North and South Signs Wise Landscaping — Hwy. 105 Sign

Chamber Works July 2010 Page 5

Leadership Program now accepting applications Leadership Washington County is the renowned local program designed to seek out current and future leaders from all segments of our community. This program is for those interested in: • Learning more about the key issues & challenges facing our community. • Developing relationships with other leaders in Washington County. • Making a difference in the future of our community. Leadership participants attend sessions covering various aspects of the community and region. The sessions create

an awareness of the resources of Washington County and put the class in contact with local experts in various fields. Program participants also gain valuable experience from interacting with each other and forming lasting relationships with other professionals. Employers who send key personnel through the class benefit by having an employee who is educated about the resources of the county and has learned new leadership skills. The program involves a time commitment of one day a month for 10 months. The program begins on August 11 with a 4pm orientation meeting, followed by a full-day

Team-Building Retreat at Camp For All on August 24. Day-long sessions are then held once a month through May 2010. Any business interested in sponsoring an employee, or who would like more information, should please contact Page Michel or Jane Hinze at the Chamber at (979) 836-3695. Applications for the Class of 2011 are now available at the Chamber office and on the website www.BrenhamTexas.com. Click on “Chamber Information” on the home page, then “Leadership Program.” The deadline for applications to be turned in is July 20.

Each year culminates with a Graduation Banquet in May. Pictured here is the Class of 2010.

The class starts with a Team Building retreat with a range of exercises to boost relation- Speakers from all sectors of the community meet with Leadership participants to educate ship-building. and inspire them.

Page 6 Chamber Works July 2010

“Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Concert Series

Tourism News Shakespeare at Winedale Turns 40 Enjoy the 40th anniversary of Shakespeare at Winedale. This summer, students from University of Texas will perform Twelfth Night, Macbeth and Henry VI, Part 1. Performances will take place July 14 through August 8 at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. under the direction of James Loehlin. Tickets are $10 per person, or $5 for students and valid UT ID. Shakespeare at Winedale is a University of Texas program dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to life through performance. Visit their website for complete details at www.shakespeare-winedale.org.

July B&B Owners Meeting

Celebrate summer under the stars with “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes.” Enjoy cool tunes on these hot summer nights with live concerts around the square in historic downtown Brenham every Saturday in July. Park benches and lush grass (or your own blankets or chairs) provide curbside seating for the audience, and the sale of beverages and food helps to support this great series of musical events. Each concert begins at 7 p.m., and admission and parking are free. Here is the line-up of remaining concerts in July: July 10 — Suede — 80’s rock band July 17 — Memphis Train Revue — sounds of Motown July 24 — Fab 5 — one of the best Beatles tribute bands around July 31 — Radiostar — Austin band performs hits from the 80s

Purple Feet

Pleasant Hill Winery offers its annual “Crush for Fun” celebration and your chance to stomp grapes, get purple feet, a T-shirt and a photo on July 31-Aug. 1, Aug 7-8, and Aug. 14-15. The winery is located at 1441 Salem Rd. in Brenham. Hours are Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.pleasanthillwinery.com. The Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery takes place over four weekends: July 24-25, July 31-August 1, August 7-8 and August 14-15. There is fun for adults and children alike as you partake in traditional stomping of the grapes and celebrate the harvest at Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd. in Brenham. Visit the website for more details at www. windywinery.com.

Mark your calendars for July 14 and the next B&B familiarization tour. We’ll be visiting Lonesome Dove B&B to see its new rustic cabin, as well as A Journey’s End B&B. Lunch will follow at Southern Flyer Café at the Brenham Airport. A short meeting will include updates on upcoming events and tourism promotion opportunities.

Broadcast Advertising Update Check the website www.wbap.com (Dallas metro radio station) and you’ll find a Brenham/Washington County icon on the “Trips on a Tankful” topic box. The week of June 14, commercials for Brenham/Washington County ran daily during morning drive time. The link from their website to the Chamber’s will remain live for 15 weeks during the summer and move visitors to the www.BrenhamTexas.com home page. In addition, we are participating in a promotion with Channel 2 TV in Houston for four months, June-September. Go to www.Click2Houston.com/Lifestyles, then “Travel Locally” to reach the link to the www.BrenhamTexas.com/Getaways page. For the month of June, we recorded 515 unique visitors to that page. Thanks to all partners who made this effort possible.

A tip from … … Destination Marketer Jon Schallert: Look at your competition and the existing business model in which your business and their businesses participate, and shake it up! From her book, Inc. magazine contributing writer Donna Fenn writes: “A healthy disrespect for the status quo keeps Upstarts constantly questioning how things are done and why, and this restlessness often leads to the kind of experimentation that breathes new life into tired industries.” There’s no reason that can’t apply to your small business.

College Days in San Marcos June 13-18, staff member Jeanne Luedemann attended the inaugural class of the TTIA College of Travel and Tourism at Texas State University in San Marcos. The week was filled with informative classes to assist more than 60 participants involved in the travel and tourism industries. Tourism is serious business. It is the second largest industry in Texas and expected to continue to grow, especially with the aging “Baby Boomers.” Every day 11,000 people turn 50 years old and this will continue for the next 5 years. “Boomers” may be aging; however they resist “growing old.” They are not looking for “a destination” but rather “an experience”. Two popular areas of tourism for “Boomers” are Culinary Tourism and Cultural/Heritage Tourism. Both are well represented in Washington County. Visitors to lodging partners pay the Hotel Occupancy Tax which is used to promote tourism, and also add to local sales tax revenues by purchasing gas, meals, entertainment, sporting equipment, clothing, etc. Each taxpayer in Washington County would pay an additional $960 dollars in taxes to support local infrastructure if tourists did not

visit the area. Imagine visiting your favorite grocery store and filling 4 large shopping carts full to overflowing. That is approximately the individual tax savings the tourists to Washington County provide. Tourism professionals have long referred to the Hotel Occupancy Tax as the “Heads on Beds” tax. They also recognize the importance of the “Dollars in Drawers” spent in a community by tourists. These dollar-filled cash drawers of local merchants stimulate the local economy. Tourism can be seen as the “Front Door” to the economic development of an area. Anyone thinking of relocating a business, opening a manufacturing facility, or moving their family, comes first as a visitor. Spring of 2010 brought large numbers of visitors to this county. Our hospitable tourism partners, helpful merchants and friendly residents provide an experience they will long remember and share with others. Thank you Brenham/Washington County for being such gracious hosts to our guests. Their dollars benefit us all, and one day they may return as our new friends and neighbors.

Tourism Tuesday – August 3

Please join us for Tourism Tuesday a week earlier than normal next month. We will meet on August 3 at 9 a.m. in the Chamber Conference Room. ALL tourism partners are invited to hear about the activities the Chamber-CVB has planned, and this is the opportunity to tell us what is happening at your venue. Mark your calendar and join us. We meet every other month on the second Tuesday at 9 a.m. Please call (979) 836-3695 if you have any questions.

Working for YOU! As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month…both on display in the Visitor Center and also on the Chamber Web site. Here are totals from two ways we track the exposure:

Walk-In Visitors 2010

January— 1,056 February — 1,025 March — 1,856 April — 2,694 May — 1,218 June — 1,215

Web Site Hits 2010

January— 6,536 February — 6,850 March — 15,571 April — 18,397 May — 7,713 June — 7,940

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Austin Street • Brenham, TX 77833 Phone: 979-836-3695 www.brenhamtexas.com Page Michel, President & CEO Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Manager Seneca McAdams, CVB Mktg. & Sales Mgr. Jeanne Luedemann, Visitor Center Manager Marge Runge, Support Staff Lanette Pledger, Support Staff Judy Grimm, Support Staff

Chamber Works July 2010 Page 7

Celebrating Long-Term Members!

Medical Arts Pharmacy ~ 25 years of membership Chamber Board member Cathy Boeker of Blinn College with Medical Arts owner Gary Sonnenburg.

Brenham Tire and Auto ~ 10 years of membership Dodie and Shannon Mehr, owners, with Chamber Board member Mark Patranella of Blue Bell Creameries.

Calendar

(Continued from Page 8) July 24-25, July 31-Aug 1 Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery Stomp grapes and celebrate the end of planting, growing and harvesting at Windy Winery’s second annual Harvest Grape Stomp, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 15pm, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, [email protected]). July 26-30 Creative Arts Camp For children ages 9-12, classes include art, drama, music and dance, $65/week, 9am-12pm, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Dr., Brenham (979-8367248, www.stpetersbrenham. org). July 31 “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Outdoor Concert Have a cool time in downtown Brenham and enjoy the sounds of live music Austin favorite “Radiostar,” playing hits from the 80s, 7pm, free admission, free parking.

A few August highlights… July 31-Aug 1, Aug 7-8, Aug 14-15 Crush for Fun at Pleasant Hill Winery Get purple feet, a t-shirt (“I picked, I stomped, I made some wine”) and a picture, food available. Tours, tastings and activities have fees. Saturday 11am-6pm; Sunday noon-5pm, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham (979-830-8463, www.pleasanthillwinery.com).

Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery Stomp grapes and celebrate the end of planting, growing and harvesting at Windy Winery’s second annual Harvest Grape Stomp, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 15pm, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, [email protected]). Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 Live Music at Rendez-vous Gene Hackemack performs every Thursday evening at Rendezvous, 106 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham (979-337-9200). Aug 5-11 The Bison: American Icon Exhibit This new exhibit at The Star of the Republic Museum explores the significance of this iconic creature from the Plains Indian culture of the 1800s through the commercial and national symbol of today. Exhibition is free with $5 museum admission, 10am5pm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2461, www.starmuseum.org). Aug 5-8 Lammers Clay Lammers Clay spotlights new work by LeBeth Lammers, plus her collectible frog pieces, free, Copper Shade Tree, 206 E. Mill St., Round Top (979-249-4127, www.coppershadetree.com). Shakespeare at Winedale Summer Season Four weekends of performances of Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Henry VI Part 1, at 7:30pm

Thu-Sun, and matinees Sat-Sun at 2pm, $10, Winedale Theatre Barn, Round Top (512-471-4726, www.shakespeare-winedale.org).

reau, Brenham Fire Station, $9 at the door, Fireman’s Training Center, Hwy 290W, Brenham (979337-7300).

Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 Live Music at Pig and Whistle Gene Hackemack performs every Friday evening at the Pig and Whistle in Downtown Burton, 12607 W. Washington, Burton (979-289-2319, www.pigandwhistleofburtontexas.com).

Cotton Pickin’ Time Celebrate the beginning of cotton season as we begin the first cotton harvest through picking, ginning, carding and spinning cotton, 10am-4:30pm, $5 adults, $3 students, Barrington Living History Farm at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-8782214, www.birthplaceoftexas. com).

Aug 6, 20 Carousel Rides The antique Carousel at Fireman’s Park will be open for rides, from the Arts Council of Washington County, 6:30-8pm, free admission. Aug 7, 14, 21, 28 Brenham Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, home-canned foods, plants, trees, crafts, locally made birdhouses. Eat-in and visit with friends or takeaway breakfast burritos, tamales, cakes, pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and fresh-brewed coffee! Every Saturday, just off the square in Downtown Brenham, 307 S. Park, free (vendors call 979-836-9466). Gay Hill Farmers Market Locally grown produce from area farmers, 9am-noon, 10050 Hwy 36 N, Brenham, (979-836-7225, [email protected]). Aug 7-8 Brenham Fireman’s Fiesta All-You-Can-Eat Sirloin Steak Noon Meal with live auction, 11am, tickets $8 advance at Robert’s Service Station, Farm Bu-

Aug 12 Business After Hours Hosted by Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library, Brenham, 57pm. Aug 14, 21, 28 Music in the Vineyard Relax by the vineyard and enjoy the light rock blues of Mike Gallo, bring your own lawn chair and enjoy wine, cheese and soft drinks available for purchase, $5 cover, 5-7pm, Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, www.windywinery.com). Aug 14 Chappell Hill Lavender Fest Countryside neighborhood festival “Tour de Lavender” will lead visitors on a tour to various venues in Chappell Hill as they make their way to the lavender farm, 9am-3pm, free admission, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, 2250 Dillard Rd, Chappell Hill. (979251-8114, www.chappellhilllavender.com).

Buccaneer Alumni Letterman Assoc. Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament, 18-hole 4-person modified scramble, banquet dinner following, 1pm shotgun start, $400/four member team, Brenham Country Club, 4107 Hwy 105, Brenham (979836-0200, www.blinn.edu/buccaneer/athletics/alumni).

Aug 15 Burton Lions’ Club Fish Fry Dine in or Drive Thru. 11am-1pm Auction to follow meal. Burton American Legion Hall. $8 advance ticket from any Lion $10 at the door.

Aug 19 Movie in the Park Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy “The Blind Side“ from the City of Brenham Recreation Department, Bluebonnet Electric, Germania Insurance, and TFE Company, Concessions open, Hohlt Park in Brenham, 10 minutes after sunset, free admission.

Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Music food and entertainment every 3rd Thursday of the month, food served at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission donated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979836-4347).

Aug 26 TAILGATE 2010 Make plans now to support your team during Tailgate 2010! Hosted by the Washington County Chamber, 6pm, Fireman’s Training Center, Brenham (979-8363695, [email protected]).

Page 8 Chamber Works July 2010

Now – Aug 11 The Bison: American Icon Exhibit This new exhibit at the Star of the Republic Museum explores the significance of this iconic creature from the Plains Indian culture of the 1800s through the commercial and national symbol of today. Exhibition is free with $5 museum admission, 10am-5pm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2461, www.starmuseum.org). July 8, 15, 22, 29 Live Music at Rendez-vous Gene Hackemack performs every Thursday at Rendez-vous, 106 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham (979-337-9200). July 8 40th Annual International Festival-Institute Chamber Music with Young Artists, 7:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). July 9, 16, 23, 30 Live Music at Pig and Whistle Gene Hackemack performs every Friday evening at the Pig and Whistle in Downtown Burton, 12607 W. Washington, Burton (979-289-2319, www.pigandwhistleofburtontexas.com). July 9, 23 Carousel Rides The antique Carousel at Fireman’s Park in Brenham will be open for rides, from the Arts Council of Washington County, 6:308pm, free admission. July 10-Aug 8 Lammers Clay Lammers Clay spotlights new work by LeBeth Lammers, plus her collectible frog pieces, free, Copper Shade Tree, 206 E. Mill St. in Round Top (979-249-4127, www.coppershadetree.com). July 10, 17, 24, 31 Brenham Farmers Market Vegetables, eggs, home-canned foods, plants, trees, crafts, locally made birdhouses. Eat-in and visit with friends or takeaway breakfast burritos, tamales, cakes, pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and fresh-brewed coffee! Every Saturday, just off the square in Downtown Brenham, 307 S. Park, free (vendors call 979-836-9466). Gay Hill Farmers Market Locally grown produce from area farmers, 9am-noon, 10050 Hwy 36 N, Brenham, (979-836-7225, [email protected]).

What’s Happening in July Music in the Vineyard Relax by the vineyard and enjoy the light rock blues of Mike Gallo, bring your own lawn chair and enjoy wine, cheese and soft drinks available for purchase, $5 cover, 57pm, Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, www.windywinery. com). July 10-11 Wine & Food Pairing Pleasant Hill Winery introduces their new 2008 Fume Blanc, a perfect companion for seafood dishes, paired with a fresh green salad topped with Scampi-style shrimp, $12, Sat 11-6pm, Sun Noon-5pm, Pleasant Hill winery, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham (979830-8463, www.pleasanthillwinery.com). July 10 40th Annual International Festival-Institute Piano Galore with Young Artists, 1:30pm, Orchestral Program with Texas Festival Orchestra, 3:30pm, and Chamber Music Program, 8pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Outdoor Concert Have a cool time in downtown Brenham and enjoy the sounds of live music featuring “Suede” with songs from the 70s-90s and current hits, 7pm, free admission, free parking. July 10-11, 17-81, 14-15, 31 Visitor Center of Historic Independence The restored “Adobe House” Visitor Center is now open weekends in July. Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm, T.S. Saul Street, Independence. July 11 Summer Young Artists’ Concert Series “Duo-Flutists: North, East, South and West”, featuring John Lockett and Florida Jaimes on flute and Linda Patterson on piano, 2-3pm, free, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Airline Dr., Brenham ([email protected]). July 12-16, 19-24 Summer Drama Camp – Unity Theatre Students write, design, and stage original scenes that can be incorporated into a larger play, grades 2-6 10am-12pm, grades 7-8 12:30-3pm, grades 9-12 3:30-6pm, rehearsals July 26-28, performances July 30-31, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham (979-830-1460, www.unitybrenham.org).

July 12 Blue Blazers Club Meeting Chamber Conference room, 12 noon. July 13 40th Annual International Festival-Institute Master Class with Håkan Rosengren, clarinet,1:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). July 14-Aug 8 Shakespeare at Winedale Summer Season Four weekends of performances of Twelfth Night, Macbeth, and Henry VI Part 1, at 7:30pm Thu-Sun, and matinees Sat-Sun at 2pm, $10, Winedale Theatre Barn, Round Top (512-471-4726, www.shakespearewinedale.org).

July 16 MS Windows 7 & Office 2010 Workshop The Washington County Chamber presents another “Stay Hip” workshop on Windows 7 & Office 2010, 11am-2pm, Blinn College Student Center (979-836-3695).

40th Annual International Festival-Institute The best of 2010 Chamber Music ProgramYoung Artists, 1:30 & 7pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-2493129, www.festivalhill.org).

July 17 “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Outdoor Concert Have a cool time in downtown Brenham and enjoy the sounds of live music with the “Memphis Train Revue,” 7pm, free admission, free parking.

July 14 40th Annual International Festival-Institute Master Class with Jorja Fleezanis, violin,1:30pm, Chamber Music with Young Artists, 7pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

40th Annual International Festival-Institute 2010 Percussion Section Showcase-Young Artists 1:30pm, Closing Chamber Music Program 3:30pm, and Closing Orchestral Program-Texas Festival Orchestra, 8pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

Younger Widows by Hospice Brazos Valley A monthly grief support group to encourage, comfort and give hope with others who have lost a spouse, bring a covered dish, beverages are provided, free, 6-8pm on the 2nd Weds of the month (979-2779525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.com).

July 20 First Step Luncheon by Hospice Brazos Valley A monthly grief support luncheon to learn healthy grieving methods encouraging comfort and hope, bring a covered dish to share, beverages provided, 11am-1pm, third Tuesday of every month, free, Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979277-9525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.com).

July 15 Business After Hours Hosted by Appel Ford, 1820 Hwy. 290 W., Brenham, 5-7pm. Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Lexi Stavinoha, Brendon Fang, and Robert Herridge. Music food and entertainment every 3rd Thursday of the month, food served at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission donated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979-836-4347). Movie in the Park Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy “Little Rascals“ from the City of Brenham Recreation Department, Bluebonnet Electric, Germania Insurance and TFE Company. Concessions open, Hohlt Park in Brenham, 10 minutes after sunset, free admission.

July 24 “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Outdoor Concert Have a cool time in downtown Brenham and enjoy the sounds of live music featuring “Fab 5” known as one of the best Beatle tribute groups in the country, 7pm, free admission, free parking.

July 24-25, July 31-Aug 1 Crush for Fun at Pleasant Hill Winery Get purple feet, a t-shirt (“I picked, I stomped, I made some wine”) and a picture, food available. Tours, tastings and activities have fees. Saturday 11am-6pm; Sunday noon-5pm, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham (979-830-8463, www.pleasanthillwinery.com). See Calendar, Page 7

Chamber Members are Invited to Advertise in this Space Call or e-mail us for more details! (979) 836-3695 • [email protected]