Members to hear from Texas A&M Chancellor John


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JANUARY 2016 Chairman of the Board Michael Pittman Scott & White Hospital-Brenham First Vice Chair Kurt Alfred Brenham National Bank Second Vice Chair Kyle Merten Blinn College Foundation Secretary James Pharaon Germania Insurance Treasurer Randy Wells Faith Mission and Help Center Immediate Past Chairman Wesley Brinkmeyer Bluebonnet Electric Eric Berg District Attorney’s Office Sharon Brass Kwik Kopy Business Center Cathy Cole Heritage Texas Country Properties Chad Gerke Gerke Law Firm Becky Hanath Rodney’s General Repair Suzy Hankins Ant Street Inn Walter Jackson Brenham ISD Superintendent Tammy Jaster City of Brenham– Blue Bell Aquatic Center Jeannie Kroll Brenham Clinic LaVerne Krumrey Brenham Monument Co. Cyndee Smith Oldham Goodwin Group Brad Stufflebeam Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten Jenny Van Dorf Blue Bell Creameries Nathan Wade Lazy “D” Ranches Randy Weidemann Van Dyke Rankin Insurance Kristie Wensel Brenham State Supported Living Center

ChamberWorks

brenham, texas

washington county chamber of commerce

Members to hear from Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp at Annual Banquet The Washington County Chamber is pleased to announce that John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, will be the featured speaker at the 2016 Annual Banquet. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 2, at Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham. The theme of the banquet is “Leadership: Sharing the Vision.” “We are very happy to have John Sharp as our banquet speaker. He is a respected leader of higher education in this state and a renowned public servant,” said Wesley Brinkmeyer, outgoing Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. John Sharp was appointed chancellor of The Texas A&M University System by the Board of Regents in September 2011. He leads the 19-member system with an annual budget of $4.2 billion. Enrollment at the System’s 11 universities and health science center has grown to more than 137,000, and externally funded research expenditures are in excess of $932 million. The system’s flagship, Texas A&M University, stands among the nation’s top research universities for total research expenditures and is the only Texas institution of higher education listed in the National Science Foundation’s top 20. Sharp brings with him more than three decades of public service. He came to the A&M System from Ryan & Company, where he was a principal with the largest state and local tax consulting firm of its kind in Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Texas A&M University in 1972, where he was a member of the Corps staff of the Corps of Cadets and was elected student body

JOHN SHARP president. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. He belongs to the American Legion. In 1976, Sharp received a master’s degree in public administration from Southwest Texas State University while working fulltime with the Legislative Budget Board in Austin. In 1978 he opened a one-man real estate firm in Victoria and became a successful small business owner. That same year he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and was named “Outstanding Freshman” by Texas Monthly. He won a seat in the Texas Senate in 1982, where he served on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, and was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 1986. In 1990, Sharp was elected State Comptroller and re-elected in 1994. He is married to Charlotte Han of Austin since 1978. They have a son, Spencer, and a daughter, Victoria. The Sharps are active members of their church and are

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Austin Street, Brenham H 836-3695 H www.brenhamtexas.com

involved in many community and humanitarian efforts. Brenham native Charles W. Schwartz from the Texas A&M Board of Regents will introduce John Sharp at the banquet. Senator Lois Kolkhorst will also be welcomed to the stage for a special presentation. Chad Gerke of The Gerke Law Firm and the Washington County Chamber board of directors will be the MC of the event. Headline sponsors of the banquet include Blinn College, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Brenham Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Brenham Clinic, Brenham National Bank, Germania Insurance, Scott & White Healthcare and Van Dyke Rankin Insurance. “We are very grateful to these sponsors,” said Page Michel, Chamber president, “because they will enable us to host a great event for the community, plus they join in applauding the efforts of the volunteer leaders and citizens who will be recognized.” Five Washington County Chamber board directors who ended their term of service in December will be recognized: Michael Groves of NOV Elmar Artex; Dennis Crowson from Blinn College; Brice Milliorn of

Edward Jones; Gracie Slattery from Brenham Clinic/College Station Med; and Ash Patel of Best Western Inn of Brenham. Wesley Brinkmeyer from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will serve one more year on the board as Immediate Past Chairman. One Brenham Economic Development Foundation board member who ended nine years of service in December will also be recognized: David Yeager from the A.W. Hodde Jr. Technical Education Center at Blinn College. Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Last year’s recipients were Nita Hyatt and Donald Ray Ahrens, who will return to do the surprise introductions of the 2015 winners. The Blue Blazer of the Year Award will also be announced. Tickets for the banquet are on sale now at the Washington County Chamber office. Individual tickets are $35 per person and reserved tables (to seat 8) are $400. Tickets are on sale until January 26. There are a limited number of reserved tables. Please call or stop by to purchase tickets or get more information: 836-3695.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS mix , mingle , make connections!

hosted by:

Brenham Fitness Center 2106 S. Market St., Brenham

Thursday, Jan. 21 from 5-7 p.m. Start off the new year with this great networking event! Bring business cards to share and enjoy refreshments. Free for Chamber members and employees. Special beverages provided by Mike Hopkins Distributing Food catered by Mariachis Mexican Restaurant Learn more about Brenham Fitness Center at www.brenhamfitness.com.

Page 2 | Chamber Works | January 2016

Ribbon Cutting

New Business

Southern Charm Salon Megan Draehn - Owner/Stylist 1405 South Market Street, Brenham (979) 277-1100

Renewing Chamber Members December 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.

Calvary Baptist Church — 43 years MIC Group — 37 years Brookshire Bros. Grocery — 31 years Sun Pools — 31 years Radio Shack — 21 years Brenham Dental Center — 19 years Texas Ranch Life — 16 years Independence Coffee Co. — 11 years American Cancer Society — 10 years Brazos Bed & Breakfast — 10 years Christ Lutheran Church & Day School — 10 years Burton Heritage Society — 8 years J Hill Properties — 8 years Woodforest National Bank — 8 years

Linda Niehuus Heritage Texas Country Properties — 7 years Faubion Advertising & Design — 5 years Kay’s Cuisine For The Soul — 5 years Tammy Brauner Washington County District Clerk — 3 years Country Butler LLC — 3 years Arts for Rural Texas — 2 years Shelton, Pastor Ross — 2 years 291 IceHouse — 1 year The Lone Star Gallery — 1 year Oldham Goodwin Group — 1 year Sew Stitches Boutique — 1 year

New Chamber Members

BRENHAM CRAFTSMAN CHARMER Owner: Linda Aldama 1801 S. Day Street (Physical Address) 354 Stone Hill Drive (Mailing Address) Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-421-6300 [email protected] Luxury Vacation Rental FELDER’S BUY N BYE Owners: Tyson & Todd Felder 2111 S. Market Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-830-1494 [email protected] Convenience Store

Pictured is the 2016 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors who attended the planning retreat.

LAZY BEE HONEY CO. Owner: Nathan Wade PO Box 277 Burton, Texas 77835 Phone: 979-661-6504 www.LazyBeeHoneyCo.com Gourmet Foods

THE CHAMBER IS PROUD MEMBERS OF ... • TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS • TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES • TEXAS ASSOC. OF CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS • U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber Board held a planning retreat in December Michael Pittman gets sworn in as 2016 to create the Program of Work for 2016. Pictured is 2015 Chairman by outgoing Chairman Wesley Board Chairman Wesley Brinkmeyer speaking to the board members. Brinkmeyer.

GROUP BUYING POWER Chamber members can now get major savings on credit card payment processing. Learn about our new member benefit program.

Contact Will Watson at (979) 345-2988 • [email protected]

www.infintechllc.com

January 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 3

February Chamber Events “Wake Up, Washington County!” Networking Breakfast Tuesday, February 16 Hosted at Ant Street Inn 107 W. Commerce St., Downtown Brenham Sponsored by BBVA Compass Starts at 7:45 a.m. February Business After Hours Thursday, February 25 Brenham Heritage Museum 105 S. Market St., Downtown Brenham 5-7 p.m.

Listen and Learn for Business Success BETTY E. GARRETT, CMP Longtime talk show host Larry King has said, “I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” We could all benefit from that philosophy, but we’re usually so busy trying to make our own points or trying to sound like we have all the answers, that we don’t really understand the questions before us.

Having better listening skills will enable us to give better customer service, which leads to happier customers and repeat business, which leads to business success. Dr. Travis Bradberry, author of the bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and co-founder of TalentSmart, suggested using the following strategies to become an effective listener: • Focus intently on the person talking. Block out distractions.

• Make eye contact. This is one of the basic ingredients of communicating. • Be present in the moment. Give attention and pay attention. • Put your phone away. Do not be tempted by emails or texts. • Ask good questions. Probe deeply into the details. • Repeat what the client has stated, giving the client assurance you hear what he or she is saying.

Excerpted from an article included in Small Market Meetings newsletter January 2016

Be the next member in the ‘Spotlight!’ Chamber Members: Gain exposure through the Business Spotlight feature in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter. This is a valuable PR opportunity that is included in your annual membership dues. (No additional cost!) Here’s how: 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. (150-200 words maximum) The deadline for submission is

NEW PRESIDENTIAL MEMBER:

BBVA Compass

Welcome to the Chamber’s newest Presidential level member: BBVA Compass.  Pictured here receiving their Presidential Member plaque from Chamber President Page Michel (right) is Wendy Frazier, Branch Manager. The “Presidential Member” designation is given to those that invest $1650 or more in annual dues. Presidential level members make a major investment in our community and share the vision and desire to tackle the many issues facing the Washington County area and its business environment. The Chamber Board and staff applaud BBVA Compass’ dedication to this community. Learn more about them at www.BBVAcompass.com.

Boost your visibility by hosting breakfast Hosting a Chamber event can be a great way to expose your company, your products and/or services, and your staff to the greater Washington County business community. The “Wake Up, Washington County” networking breakfasts are held quarterly. We are looking for host site sponsorships for February, May, August and November. Sponsorships are available each quarter for $200. This

Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle members ...

Brenham National Bank

Brenham Clinic

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

OF BRENHAM Bluebonnet Electric

Metropolitan Water Company, L.P.

the last day of each month, for the following month’s newsletter issue. Members may submit up to 1 Business Spotlight per quarter each calendar year. When your Spotlight text is completed, simply email it to [email protected] by the last day of the month, for the following month’s newsletter issue. To see examples of other members’ Business Spotlights, visit the “Newsletter Archive” on www. BrenhamTexas.com. For more information, please call the Chamber at 836-3695.

BRENHAM

promotion is a great value and opportunity to bring 30-50 people through your doors! Breakfast sponsors are needed to cover the cost of food and coffee. Your business can be included as a food sponsor for $150. All sponsors receive valuable exposure on mailed invitations, in the Chamber newsletter, in emails, and at the event. Please contact Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, as

soon as you read this article if you are interested at836-3695 or [email protected]. Mark your calendar now and maybe this will be your New Year’s resolution ... wto become a great networking partner of the Chamber. You will be surprised at the things you will learn about this community and the connections you will make when you attend Chamber events. Together we can make 2016 great.

Page 4 | Chamber Works | January 2016

Leadership in Health Care

The December session of the Leadership Washington County program focused on Health Care and allowed the class to learn more about the industry first-hand. The day began at the Brenham Clinic with a welcome by Administrator Gracie Slattery, followed by presentations from Dr. William Loesch, Dr. Jeff Stoltenberg

and Dr. Eric Alford. After leaving the Brenham Clinic, the group was transported to the Texas A&M Health Science Center in College Station. The center is home to several Blinn College vocational programs. It is a multi-million dollar facility complete with simulated delivery rooms, simulated ambulance and

Dr. Eric Alford speaks to the group as Brenham Clinic Administrator Gracie Slattery and staff look on.

simulation mannequins. Each of the simulators is controlled through software guided by instructors and recorded so students can play back the recordings and view their progress. The classrooms and technology are highly impressive, offering Blinn students excellent instruction and experience. The session concluded with a tour of

Brenham’s Scott & White Hospital by Charlotte Carr, Director of Nursing. Leadership Washington County is a program of the Brenham/Washington County Chamber of Commerce designed to train and motivate current and future leaders of our community. The next class will form in July and begin in August.

Smiley Flores, Dean of Health Sciences at Blinn College, shows the class one of their state-of-the-art imaging machines.

A simulated ambulance in the Blinn facility gives students real-world experi- Charlotte Carr, Director of Nursing at Scott & White Hospital-Brenham, led ence performing duties inside a closed, tight space. a tour of the hospital for the group.

www.BrenhamTexas.com VISIT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

January 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 5

Leadership Lessons in Emergency Management The January session of the Leadership Washington County program started off as a “disaster” at the Brenham Fire Department! The class met in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where firefighter Brian Scheffer gave a detailed overview of the operations of this city department that interfaces with every local agency to protect the community. Capt. Scheffer discussed plans for disaster situations and how they prepare for conditions such as tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, etc.

After a briefing on emergency preparedness, the group participated in a mock disaster drill. Everyone was informed that an “emergency” had occurred in Brenham. Separated into two groups, they had to work together during the drill to figure out how to solve the problems that arose. The group experienced what it might be like to be in a real-life situation and observed the importance of working together as a team to “save lives.” The Brenham Fire Department has been operating since 1867 and is looking for-

Chief Ricky Boeker explains the steps taken during an emergency situation that affects the community.

Susie Johnson is geared up in a firefighter uniform.

ward to celebrating 150 years of service in 2017. After an action-packed morning, the group headed out to the Washington County EMS station on Hwy. 290. The class was greeted by EMS Director Kevin Deramus. He explained what the EMS does, its history, and how they transport and care for patients. Paramedic Josh Cooley brought out a Lund Hospital Cardiac Arrest System (LUCAS) and demonstrated on a mannequin how the device works. The class was given

Josh Sebastian demonstrates the Jaws of Life.

Richard Parker goes atop Brenham Rescue 2 to check out the truck’s equipment.

“First Responders” gather at the EOC to work on the mock disaster drill.

Shane DeLos Santos and Diana Hofstetter explain the MHMR Authority’s role in the Brazos Valley.

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, four landscaping companies from our community have volunteered to oversee their maintenance.

a tour of the “down-time” room, kitchen, dorms, weight room, the ambulances and the water rescue raft. The State Government session will be held next, to include a trip to the Capitol in Austin and meetings with elected officials. Leadership Washington County is one of the key programs of the Washington County Chamber, designed to train and motivate leaders for this community. The next class will form in July. For more details or to view the application form, visit the “Leadership” page on www.BrenhamTexas.com.

LUCAS CPR Demonstration by Washington County EMS Paramedic Josh Cooley.

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

Tourism News

Heart of Texas Barbershop Harmony Enjoy the Heart of Texas Chorus on January 23 at 3 p.m. in the Festival Concert Hall at Round Top Festival Institute. Three unique groups will perform in this exciting 2-hour program. Tickets are available online or at the door. Lunch by reservation. For more information, visit www. festivalhill.org or call 979-249-3129.

Uptown Swirl in Downtown Brenham Set aside time on Saturday, January 16, from 3pm to 7pm to relax and taste wines from all over the world in Downtown Brenham. A commemorative glass is your ticket for tasting. Glasses are $40 and can be purchased online, at participating downtown merchants or in the Visitor Center. For more information, visit www.BrenhamUptownSwirl.com or call 979-337-7384.

2016 Garden Party Quilt Show February 5-6, join the Friendship Quilt Guild at their biennial quilt show at Fireman’s Training Center. Times are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Enjoy beautiful examples of quilt handwork and participate in the drawing for this Garden Party Quilt.

2016 Visitor Guides are here

Living History Saturday Also on Saturday, January 16, staff and volunteers at Washington on the Brazos dressed in period clothing will bring to life the people and events of Old Washington, providing a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of life surrounding the birth of the Republic of Texas. For more information, contact Jon Failor at 936-8782214, ext. 224.

Working for YOU! As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month.

WALK-INS Visitor Center HQ Building

Dec. 2015 — 692

Dec. 2015 — 530

WEBSITE www.BrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

Dec. 2015 — 5,957

Dec. 2015 — 16,588

WEBSITE www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com Total Pages Unique Visitors

Dec. 2015 — 7,822

Dec. 2015 — 17,733

The 2016 Visitor Guides are now available at the Chamber office and Visitor Center locations. Chamber-CVB staff will be making deliveries as time allows; however, supplies may be picked up during regular weekday business hours from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays at the Visitor Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Please be sure to begin handing out the 2016 Guides ASAP to your customers and guests. And please recycle any of the 2015 Guides you may still have on hand.

Step into the Past “Step into the Past” Brenham Historic Tours are offered every Saturday, beginning with the 22-minute movie entitled “The Dawn of Washington County” that is shown once every hour (between 10am and 4pm) in the Barnhill Center Ballroom of the Simon Theatre. Admission to the movie is $3 for adults, $1 for children. Tickets for the movie and two other venues with admission fees may be purchased at the Visitor Center in the Simon building or at the Brenham Heritage Museum. Four additional tour stops in the downtown area include Toubin Park, Brenham Heritage Museum, Brenham Fire Museum and Glissmann’s Drug Store Museum, all walkable destinations from the Visitor Center. The Giddings-Wilkin House and Giddings Stone Mansion bring the total tour stops to seven. Admission for both houses is $15 for adults, $5 for children. The historic homes are open from 1pm to 4pm. Learn more about your local history by stepping into the past!

Marketing Resolutions for the New Year This workshop will cover low-cost and no-cost marketing strategies, plus other ideas to promote your business or events. Get detailed information that will help you plan a successful year! Some topics to be covered at this workshop: • How to make sure you’re found online • Learn about outbound AND inbound marketing • Optimize your Chamber promotional opportunities • Hear helpful social media tips, plus the basics

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 3-5 p.m. Blinn College Student Center Conference Room Workshop Registration Fee—$12 per person Bring a laptop or tablet, if desired—not required. Register by Tuesday, Jan. 26. Call 979-836-3695 or email [email protected]

Did You Know? With the expanding focus on our local history, let’s see how much you know about Washington County: 1. What is the name of the road through Washington County that was first traveled in 1685 by the French explorer La Salle? 2. In what year was the Giddings-Wilkin House built of hand-hewn cypress wood by J.D. Giddings? 3. What was the original name of the settlement that later became the city of Brenham? Answers: 1. “La Bahia Road” now FM 390 2. 1843 3. Hickory Grove

Page 6 | Chamber Works | January 2016

January 2016 | Chamber Works | Page 7

What’s Happening in January Jan 15 High Rollers Happy Hour At Brenham Country Club, Charlie Bartlett from L’Auberge Casino on site, prizes include a weekend getaway. Gumbo and rice meal by reservation, 6-8pm, call for price (979-836-1733, www.brenhamcc.com). Jan 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 Art Show - Cousins: Westerns, Watercolors and Words Back Lot Gallery’s new show combines the artwork of three cousins, Mary Ross Buchholz, Renee Chastant and Joyce McCown, for a stunning combination of family talent Gallery Hours: Fri noon-7pm, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-4; free, 308 S. Park Street (behind Ant Street Inn), Downtown Brenham. Jan 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 Live Music in the Biergarten Largest selection of craft beer in Washington County, wine, local food and live music, Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, 6-11pm, live music starts at 8pm, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www. HomeSweetFarm.com). Jan 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 Brewery Patio Open Enjoy craft beer with friends, Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 1-6pm, Brazos Valley Brewery, 201 W. First St., Downtown Brenham (www.BrazosValleyBrewery.com). Jan 16 Uptown Swirl Swirl and shop through Downtown Brenham. Over 40 different wines and take home a commemorative glass, 3-7pm, $40 (www.DowntownBrenham.com/swirl). Jan 16 Living History Saturday Travel back in time to 1836, 10am-3pm, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site (www.WhereTexasBecameTexas.org). Jan 16 Monarch WorkshopTexas Master Naturalists Hear experts in the field, $15 online or pay at door, Winedale Historical Complex-Meadows Conference Building, 3738 FM 2714, Round Top (936-827-7973, www. texasprairies.org).

Jan 16, 23, 30 Wood Fired Pizza at Saddlehorn Winery Pair newly added wood fired pizzas with award winning wines on Saturdays from 11am-5pm, weather permitting, while supplies last (www.saddlehornwinery.com). Jan 16, 23, 30 Step Into the Past Tours Multiple historic sites open Saturdays 10am-5pm, full details online (www.Visit BrenhamTexas.com/step-into-the-past). Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8 After-school Sewing Class Fun weekly meetings filled with creative projects, practical techniques, and sharing together in the joy of sewing, bring your own sewing machine, class size limited to six students, $85 per month, four classes, includes materials, Mondays 4-5:30pm, Brenham Church of Christ, 2800 Victory Ln., Brenham (979-551-0970, sewfunsewing.weebly.com). Jan 19 Ribbon Cutting - Berkeley Eye Center Please join in welcoming Berkeley Eye Center, 635 Medical Parkway, Brenham, 4pm (www.berkeleyeye.com). Jan 19, 21, 26, 28 Play in the Clay One night make your own pieces then return a second night to decorate/glaze, $80 per person for 2 classes, includes clay, decorating/glazes and two firings. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-9pm at Bluebonnet Pottery, 12341 LBJ Dr. (www.Bluebonnet Pottery.com, 979-289-3765). Jan 20 Musical Theatre Dance Classes With Libby Lovejoy, Broadway style jazz and tap, 2nd - 4th grade, 4-5pm, 5th grade and up 5-6pm, registration forms online and at Unity theatre (www.Unity Brenham.org). Jan 20, 27 Wine Down Enjoy wine & artisan cheese and $1 off house wine, 5-8pm, Home Sweet Farm Market and Biergarten, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www.Home SweetFarm.com).

Jan 20, 27 Dance Exercise at Unity Theatre Get a great workout and have fun, no dance experience required, class is half tap and half musical theatre dance, 6-7pm, $120 adults 18 and over, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. (www.UnityBrenham.org). Jan 21, 28 Homeschool Sewing Club Fun weekly meetings filled with creative projects, practical techniques, and sharing together in the joy of sewing, bring your own sewing machine, class size limited to six students, $85 per month, four classes, includes materials, Thursdays 1-2:30pm, Brenham Church of Christ, 2800 Victory Ln., Brenham (979-551-0970, sewfunsewing.weebly.com). Jan 21 Business After Hours Brenham Fitness Center (S. Market Street Location) Enjoy networking, food and refreshments, free for Chamber members and employees, 2106 S. Market St., 5-7pm (www.Brenham Fitness.com). Jan 21 Bluebonnet Opry Friends of the Bluebonnet Opry fall polka show, presenting Sean Orr, Sister Sue, Paul Pape, and the Bluebonnet Opry House Band. Doors open at 5:30pm, food served from 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy. 105, Brenham (www.friendsofbluebonnetopry.org). Jan 21, 28 Craft Beer Night Craft beer and pint specials, Home Sweet Farm Market & Biergarten, 5-8pm, 307 S. Park St., Downtown Brenham (www. HomeSweetFarm.com). Jan 21 Friendship Quilt Guild Meeting Brenham Church of Christ, 2800 Victory Ln., 7-9pm, $25 per year membership fee, visitors welcom (979-830-1950, www. friendshipquiltguild.weebly.com

Jan 22 Advanced QuickBooks Workshop All-day advanced-level course for people who have taken the Basic QuickBooks course or have equivalent experience, must be familiar with Windows using a PC, 9am-5pm, Blinn Collge Bullock Building, Room 121, 1000College Ave., Brenham, register by Jan. 21, $100 (www.blinn college.sbdcnetwork.net).

Jan 22 YPO Happy Hour YPO Happy Hour Networking event, Ninety Six West, Downtown Brenham, 5-7pm.

Jan 23 Lone Star Gallery Trade Days Featuring vintage, antique, repurposed, shabby and more, free admission, free parking, indoor shopping, onsite concessions, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am5pm, 4212 S. State Hwy 237, Warrenton (512-797-9815, www.TheLoneStarGallery. com).

Jan 23 Heart of Texas Chorus A select group of “barbershoppers” under the direction of Grant Goulding, a lively and exciting 2-hour “Barbershop Harmony” program, 3-5pm, Round Top Festival Institute, $25 (www.festivalhill.org). Jan 23 Fashion and Music at Buffalo Creek Mike Ryan Band and Fashion Show with Southern Trends, 6-11pm, Buffalo Creek, 10827 Hwy 36 S, Bellville (www.Buffalo CreekEvents.com).

Jan 24 Traditional Sunday Luncheon At Brenham Country Club, provided by Design II, 11am-1pm, members $29, non-members/guests $33, 4107 Hwy 105 East (979836-1733, www.BrenhamCC.com).

Jan 27 Marketing Resolutions for the New Year Workshop for Chamber members, $12, 3-5pm, Blinn College Student Center Conference Room (979-836-3695 or shae@ BrenhamTexas.com).

CALENDER continued on page 8

Washington County Blue Blazers The Blue Blazers is a club with 15 members and 40 years of tradition. They support the mission of the Washington County Chamber. The volunteers in the club act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their activities include monthly meetings, greeting at Chamber functions, recruiting new Chamber members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand openings.

Darlene Denman

Washington County Chamber

Joyce Dickschat

Brenham National Bank

Wendy Frazier

BBVA Compass Bank

Eddie Harrison

Retired-Brenham Municipal Judge

Chris Jackson

Michelle Panko

Randy Weidemann

City of Brenham Police Department

Barking Ranch Pet Resort

Van Dyke Rankin & Company)

City of Brenham-Blue Bell Aquatic Center

Retired-School Teacher

Linda Pipes

Barbara Wilganowski

Kathy Randermann

Kristie Wensel

Tammy Jaster

Florence Julian

New Sound Hearing Aid Center

KTTX 106.1/KWHI 1280

Brice Milliorn

Christy Schlottmann

Edward Jones Investments

Allstate Insurance

Spherion Staffing)

Brenham State Supported Living Center

Page 8 | Chamber Works | January 2016

Spotlight on Barcelona

Marketing Our Community Across the State of Texas The Washington County CVB is a proud and active member of the following state and regional tourism industry associations:

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Spain?  The Washington County Chamber is pleased to be hosting a group travel tour of Barcelona next February! Thanks to professional tour company, Collette Vacations, and Chamber member Cricket Cruise & Travel, we are able to offer a one-week tour of Barcelona for an amazing price. The tour takes place February 4-11, 2017. 

Highlights of the tour are the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria open-air market, Parc Guell, Salvador Dali Museum, Girona, Penedes Wine Region and much more. Everyone in the community is invited!  Chamber members will enjoy a reduced tour price, but your friends, relatives and also non-members are welcome and encouraged to join this once-in-a-lifetime trip.  You may have

friends and family from across the U.S. who would like to join you on this trip. Space is limited, and the price is amazing, so this will sell out quickly. Find complete details on www. BrenhamTexas.com under “Chamber Happenings.” Plan to attend a special travel presentation on Thursday, April 7, at Ninety Six West in Downtown Brenham at 5:45pm. There is an early booking discount of $100!

Texas Travel Industry Association Texas Assoc. of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Texas Society of Association Executives Texas Independence Trail Region I-10 Corridor Association Presidential Texas Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council American Bus Association South Central Motorcoach Association

Did You Know? That the Chamber provides hundreds of “Relocation Info” packages every year to individuals and businesses who are considering moving to this community. As a member, you are eligible to include your promotional material and reach this targeted audience for a nominal annual fee ($75). Contact the Chamber office to be included.

Calendar Continued from page 7

Jan 29 Lifetime Learning Lecture and luncheon with Zack Shelton, retired FBI Special Agent discussing “Conspiracy Theory-JFK Assassination”, 11:30am-1pm, Blinn College Janis Sneed Banquet Room, Brenham, $22 (www. LifetimeLearningBrenham.org). Jan 31 Bridal Show Buffalo Creek, 10827 Hwy 36 S, Bellville, 1-5pm (www.BuffaloCreekEvents.com).

February highlights… Feb 2 Chamber/EDF Annual Banquet Opens at 5:30pm, Fireman’s Training Center, Brenham, call for ticket info (979-8363695).

Feb 5-6 Quilt Show 2016 “Garden Party” Quilt Show and Boutique, Fireman’s Training Center, Brenham, Texas, 10am-5pm, $5 admission (www.FriendshipQuiltGuild.weebly.com).

Feb 6-7, 13-14 Wine and Chocolate Trail Texas Bluebonnet Wine and Chocolate Trail, $35 per person or $56 for two, must be purchased online (www.Local WineEvents.com).

Feb 6 Chappell Hill Mardi Gras Chappell Hill Chamber annual banquet and fundraiser, 6pm, Lillian Farms Event Center (www.ChappellHillTx.com).

Feb 9 Total You Wellness Health Series Workshop series on physical health, nutritional health, mental health, technology and more. Noon-1pm, Brenham Clinic, 600 N. Park St. Contact Mary Sanders 979-2776212 or Jeannie Kroll 979-830-0508.

www.twitter.com/VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo