Members to hear from Texas Comptroller Susan

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January 2011 2011 Board of Directors Chairwoman CATHY BOEKER Blinn College First Vice Chair BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments Second Vice Chair KURT PODESZWA Camp For All Treasurer TREY HARDY Germania Insurance Secretary MIKE BAKER MIC Group

Members to hear from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs at Banquet

Immediate Past Chair JULIE RENKEN Washington County Attorney 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 JIM BAKER Brenham Fitness

COMBS

“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS” Leftovers Antiques Home Mercantile Hosted by:

3900 U.S. 290 West, Brenham

JENNIFER BEAUDET Pure Elegance and Germania Insurance

Today! Thursday, Jan. 13 from 5-7 p.m.

CAROL BROOKS Seidel Schroeder & Co. and B&C Victorian Antiques ROBERT HAM Brenham State Supported Living Center DEBBIE HAVERS RR Donnelley DR. SHAWN KHAN Central Texas Eye Institute

The Chamber is pleased to announce that Susan Combs will be the featured speaker at the 2011 Annual Banquet. The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham. The theme of the banquet will be “Washington County: Leading the Vision for the Future.” “We are so pleased to have Susan Combs as our banquet speaker, because she is a true Texas leader who can teach us about leadership in difficult times,” said Lete Phillips, chair of the Chamber’s Annual Banquet committee. As Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Susan Combs is com-

Enjoy great networking, refreshments and live jazz music! Bring plenty of business cards. Free for Chamber members and all employees. Special beverages provided by: Mike Hopkins Distributing.

JOEL ROMO American Heart Association

Learn more about Leftovers Antiques at www.leftoverantiques.net

mitted to making state government work better for Texans. She brings a strong fiscal conservative philosophy to the Comptroller’s office, which serves as the state’s treasurer, check writer, tax collector and revenue estimator. Combs insists that taxpayer money be spent wisely and that both citizens and their elected officials have a true accounting of the state’s finances. Since being elected Texas Comptroller in 2006 and reelected in 2010, she has driven sweeping reforms in state purchasing and contracting, saving her agency more than $10 million and saving Texas taxpayers nearly $69 million more, as strategic sourcing initiatives continue to transform how Texas conducts its business. Through comprehensive reports on issues such as energy, water,

See Banquet, Page 3

“Wake Up, Washington County!” Networking Breakfast

Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 7:45 a.m. Hosted by

Verizon Wireless

270 U.S. 290 West, Brenham Free for Chamber members! Come enjoy breakfast and a chance to network with other local businesses and organizations. This is a great way to inform others about your products and services and to learn about what’s new in the community. Everyone gets a chance to give a 30-second commercial about their business/organization to the entire crowd! Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and brochures for sharing.

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

Bluebonnet Brenham Clinic Electric

health care and public education, Combs’ office provides insight into long-term solutions that can ensure continued economic vitality for Texas. She is deeply concerned about the impact of federal mandates and policy proposals on the state’s future, and has provided in-depth analyses of potential costs and their impact. Texans elected Combs from 1998-2002 to serve as the state’s Agriculture Commissioner. She re-engineered the Texas Dept. of Agriculture for greater efficiency and took on more responsibility to boost economic development. She also served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives where she introduced and passed government accountability reform and protected Texas land-

Scott & White Hospital - Brenham

Page 2 Chamber Works January 2011

Ribbon Cuttings

Buccaneer Food Store New Member & Grand Re-Opening Owner: Nathan Winkelmann 1309 Prairie Lea Street, Brenham Phone: 979-830-1619

BBVA Compass Bank - New Ownership Branch Manager: Wendy Frazier 2000 South Market Street, Brenham Phone: 979-836-6116

Nathan’s BBQ - Grand Opening Owner: Nathan Winkelmann 1307 Prairie Lea Street, Brenham Phone: 979-251-9900

Hot Deals Online!

Girling Health Care - New Location Branch Manager: Karen Clary 305 N. Park Street, Brenham Phone: 979-836-4714

Davita - Brenham Dialysis - New Location Administrator: Debbie Cunningham 2815 Hwy 36 S. (Dollar Tree Plaza), Brenham Phone: 979-836-6391

New Executive Officers for 2011 Announced The Board of Directors formally approved a new slate of executive officers for 2011, elected at the board meeting in December.  The following is the new Executive Committee:   Chairwoman – Cathy Boeker, Blinn College  First Vice Chairman – Brice Milliorn, Edward Jones Investments   Second Vice Chairman – Kurt Podeszwa, Camp For All

Treasurer – Trey Hardy, Germania Insurance Secretary – Mike Baker, MIC Group  Immediate Past Chair - Julie Renken, Washington County Attorney  The Chamber’s full board consists of 22 directors.  The complete list of current board members is included on the front page of this newsletter.

Planning an Event? Check the Calendar Attention: leaders of all Clubs and Organizations! The Chamber wants you to invite you, if you are planning an event in 2011, to post the information on the online “Calendar” at www. BrenhamTexas.com. This community calendar is available for everyone’s use,

and it’s a great reference tool for people planning events in our busy town. Many groups already place their events on here regularly. You can do it yourself online. When viewing the calendar you will see a link to “Submit New Event” on the lower right. It is free exposure!

Use the Calendar as a tool when you’re in the planning phase to see what other events may already be scheduled on the date you are considering. If you have any questions at any time about the online calendar, please call the Chamber office. We are here to help you!

Another great tool is the “Hot Deal” feature on the Chamber website. These are also designed to promote special offer provided by member businesses and organizations. The Hot Deal must promote something that is not available on a year-round basis, such as a sale or discount price on a product or service, an open house event, a free tour, free refreshments, etc. The offer may only be promoted for a limited time. Therefore, an expiration date must be included on the Hot Deal. The maximum length of time for a Hot Deal is 3 months (12 weeks).

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 S. Austin Street • Brenham, TX 77833 Phone: 979-836-3695 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 Debbie Schroeder, Communication Coordinator Marge Runge, Support Staff Lanette Pledger, Support Staff Judy Grimm, Support Staff

www.BrenhamTexas.com

Chamber Works January 2011 Page 3

Banquet

(Continued from Page 1) owners by authoring the state’s landmark private property rights legislation. After graduating from Vassar College, Combs worked in international advertising in New York, in the financial markets on Wall Street and for the federal government before returning to Texas to obtain her law degree from the Univ. of Texas School of Law. Combs served as an assistant D.A in Dallas. She was born in San Antonio and is a 4th generation Texan with a ranch in Brewster County owned by her great-grandfather more than a century ago. She lives in Austin with her husband and has three sons. Economic Development Foundation chairman William Krueger said, “We are looking forward to the banquet, because it will give us a chance to recognize our board members for their volunteer service and two directors who just ended their terms, Leon Toubin and Luther Hueske.” Paul Kruse also ended his term of service in 2010, but will remain on the board as Immediate Past Chairman. Washington County Chamber board members who ended their term of service in December will also be recognized: Chris Brewster, Melinda Faubion, Leslie Harrell, Karen Morgan, Lete Phillips, Glenwood Prenzler, and Alejandra Ray.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER BLUE BLAZER OF THE MONTH

Serving as Master of Ceremonies at the banquet will be Randy Weidemann of the Washington County Blue Blazers and Van Dyke Rankin Insurance. State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst will introduce Ms. Combs. Major sponsors of the 2011 Annual Banquet are: Blue Bell Creameries, Bluebonnet Electric, Brenham Clinic, Brenham Chrysler Jeep Dodge, and Van Dyke Rankin & Company. “We are very grateful to these sponsors,” said Page Michel, Chamber president, “because they enable us to host a very special event for our members and guests. There will

Welcome New Chamber Members BUCCANEER FOOD STORE Owner: Nathan Winkelmann 1309 Prairie Lea at U.S. 290 Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-830-1619 [email protected] Convenience Store

MIMI BELLA Owner: Delwin & Ginger Rettig 21 S. Bell Street Bellville, Texas 77418 Phone: 979-865-2121 [email protected] Clothing

CONNECTIVE REALTY, LLC Owner: Jody Keating 6004 Waldham Grove Ln (Physical) P.O. Box 4585 (Mailing) Bryan, Texas 77805 Phone: 979-731-1010 [email protected] www.ConnectiveRealty.com Real Estate

POWERSIGN Owner: Lynn Conklin Power 8128 Sun Oil Road Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 610-844-2934 [email protected] www.lynnpowersign.com Signage & Graphics

FAUBION ADVERTISING & DESIGN Owner: Melinda Faubion 107-B South St. Charles Street Downtown Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-5400 [email protected] Advertising & Design December 2010 Sue Muzzy The Blue Blazers are a group of 15 volunteers who act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their objectives include promoting Chamber programs and increasing membership, and conducting ribbon cuttings and special ceremonies for local businesses. The Chamber thanks these volunteers for their service and hospitality, and also their employers for allowing them the time to dedicate to the organization. A “Blue Blazer of the Month” is recognized at each club meeting for the highest total of achievements the prior month.

Blue Blazers DOUG BAKER City of Brenham DR. HENRY BOEHM JR. AMA Home Care and B&L Tire

Tammy Jaster City of BrenhamBlue Bell Aquatic Center FLORENCE JULIAN Blue Bell Creameries

JOYCE DICKSCHAT Brenham National Bank

BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments

JOHANNA FATHEREE RE/MAX Advantage

SUE MUZZY Mike Hopkins Distributing Co.

COY FONTENOT Kruse Village

Linda Pipes Individual Member

Pam Green RE/MAX Advantage

JULIE TIEMANN Thrivent Financial

EDDIE HARRISON Individual Member

RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin & Company DON WILHELM Individual Member

be complimentary drinks during the social hour, a delicious meal, a compelling speaker and wonderful awards presented. It’s going to be a great evening.” Another highlight of the event will be the announcement of the 2010 Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award winners, and also the Blue Blazer of the Year award. Tickets for the banquet are now on sale at the Chamber office. Individual tickets are $27 each and reserved (round) tables for 8 are $325. Tickets will be available until Jan. 26.

HONEST BUILDERS, LLC Owners: Robert A. (Bobby) Cook 603 Center St (Physical) Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-203-0759 [email protected] Contractors-Building HOUSE OF ATREUS Owner: Claudia & Tom Clay 8708 Captain Scott Rd. Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-830-8547 [email protected] www.atreushouse.com Bed and Breakfast MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS & SPA Owner: Gloria Rauch 2638 Hwy. 36 South Bluebonnet Shopping Ctr. Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-836-2663 [email protected] Cosmetics

RE/MAX ADVANTAGE — ROBIN LANDUA 110 East Alamo Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-203-1793 [email protected] www.RobinLandua.com Real Estate RE/MAX ADVANTAGE — APRIL SEYDEL 110 E. Alamo Street Brenham, Texas 77833 Phone: 979-451-5981 [email protected] www.AprilSeydel.com Real Estate TECHSOFT COMPUTER TRAINING CENTER Owner: Sam Verma 6430 Richmond Ave, Suite 465 Houston, Texas 77099 Phone: 281-933-4500 [email protected] www.techsofttraining.com Internet Technology

The Washington County Chamber is a Proud Member of ... • TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS • TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES • TEXAS ASSOC. OF CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS • U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo

Page 4 Chamber Works January 2011

Upcoming Events in Washington County Metzger Retirement Reception On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. We send Best Wishes to Tamy and Roger Metzger for their Retirement! Please join in thanking them for their years of service to this community at a reception on Friday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 p.m. at Brenham State Supported Living Center in the Lillian A. Wilder Memorial Chapel. Tamy served two separate terms on the Chamber board and as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors in 2001. We are grateful for her leadership and dedication to Washington County! ******

Notice to Residents of Washington County Precinct 4 Washington County will conduct a free one-time waste disposal event for residents of Precinct 4 beginning January 17. This event is for residential waste only, not commercial waste. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to remove trash, scrap, and debris from their property, and to dispose of it for free. Dumpsters with signs to identify they are for this event will be placed at the following locations: • Burton VFD, 1687 FM 1697 (2 Dumpsters) • Latium VFD, 12255 FM 389 (1 Dumpster) Once the dumpsters are full they will be removed and not brought back. These sites will be monitored. Please do not dispose of brush, tires, batteries, hazardous materials, liquid paint, or scrap metal in the dumpsters. Dried-out paint is OK, batteries and other recyclables may be taken to the Recycling Center for free disposal, and Precinct 4 residents may dispose of metal waste at the Collection Station for free from January 18-29.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

“Everything Weddings” Expo Pure Elegance, a local event planning company, is sponsoring the “Everything Weddings” Expo in Brenham on Sunday, January 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds Event Center. This bridal show will cater to the greater Washington County area showcasing vendors in one convenient location. Vendor categories are cakery, floral, photography/video, music, pampering, publications, décor, transportation, travel, hair and fashion, catering, parties, registry and venues… basically anything a bride needs to make her day unforgettable! Door prizes are valued over $75, and don’t miss the fashion show beginning at 2 p.m. Make sure you are at the venue before 3 p.m. for the Grand Prize drawing valued at over $300 or more. You must be present to win at 3:15 p.m. for the drawing. Then roll up your sleeves for the dive, Ladies! Admission is $2 per person. For more details, please check the calendar online at on www.BrenhamTexas.com. 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)

Your cooperation is appreciated, and helps make free events like this possible. Funded by the TCEQ through the BVCOG. Questions? Call Mark Marzahn, Washington County Environmental Director, at (979) 277-6290. ******

Boost Your Visibility 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. At the present time, the Chamber has two great networking events, “Business After Hours” and “Wake Up, Washington County”. Dates fill up fast for these opportunities so please give Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, a call as soon as you read this article if you are interested. Members who host “Business After Hours” have the event at the venue of their choice, make arrangements for refreshments and entertainment, and sponsor the invitation mailing fee of $400. This event is held monthly. Networking breakfasts are held quarterly and hosting the event at your site is free. Breakfast sponsors are needed to provide food and coffee. There can be up to two sponsors per event and the fee is $75 each. Sponsors receive valuable exposure on mailed invitations, in the Chamber newsletter, in emails, and at the event. The first “Wake Up, Washington County!” networking breakfast will be held on Tuesday, February 8, at Verizon Wireless. All members {primary representatives) will receive an invitation in the mail. Mark your calendar now and maybe this will be your New Year’s resolution…to 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 2011 great. ******

Get Noticed… The ChamberWorks newsletter is published inside the Banner-Press on the first Thursday of the month. Chamber members have the opportunity to advertise in this newsletter. Rates start at only $25 per month. If you are looking for a new opportunity to advertise, just give Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, a call at the Chamber: (979) 836-3695. Another great way to promote your organization is

Renewing Members (Dec. 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. B & L Tire & Auto — 13 years Denny’s Restaurant — 2 years Dr. Henry Boehm Jr., Family Physician — 14 years Eberly Ranch — 6 years Girling Home Health Care — 3 years Golden Years Homecare Specialists — 1 year Health For All — 1 year JC Penney Company — 25 years JAS - Distributing — 4 years JH Faske Company — 20 years Marburger Farm Antique Show/Marburger Farm Events — 1 year Original Round Top Antiques Fair — 5 years Volare Italian Restaurant — 12 years Woodforest National Bank — 3 years

through targeted emails. The Chamber will forward your “e-message” to all members, as long as it meets certain criteria. For non-profits, it should not have a strong-sell for sponsorships or donations. The message should be newsworthy, typically about an upcoming event. For regular businesses, it should also be about upcoming special events, as long as there is no purchase required for the reader to experience the event. E-messages are sent a maximum of once per quarter per member during each calendar year. ******

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.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Citizens Police Academy The Brenham Police Department Citizens Police Academy will begin Jan. 20, and spaces are still available. “The CPA is one of the programs the Police Department utilizes to build a partnership between the department and the community,” said Cpl. Chris Jackson, community relations officer. “This program has been a great way to educate people about the inner workings of the department. Several years ago, we set out to bridge the gap between the citizens of Brenham and the local law enforcement. From that, the Citizens Police Academy was born. It is an educational program which allows our community to see inside the world of law enforcement and what is involved with the officers’ daily duties,” Jackson said. “We use tours, lectures, demonstrations and hands-on experiences to give insight into the policies and procedures of the department. Citizens can ride with police officers during a normal patrol shift. The program also allows citizens to meet and intermingle with officers and lets them get to know each other as friends and neighbors. The resulting partnership furthers our efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community,” he added. Officers from the department provide instruction, with topics covering Patrol Procedures, Criminal Investigations, S.W.A.T. & Hostage Negotiation, Building Searches, Traffic Stops, Narcotics & Gang Enforcement, and D.W.I. Enforcement. The 12-week long classes are held at the Brenham P.D. and are open, free of charge, to anyone who lives in Washington County and is at least 17 years of age. Applications are available at the police department, 1800 Longwood Drive. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 14. Classes start on Jan. 20. To find out more, contact Cpl. Chris Jackson at (979) 337-7324 or online at www.cityofbrenham.org/ Police.cfm. 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)

Chamber Works January 2011 Page 5

Leadership Class Explores Economic Development The Economic Development Foundation of Brenham began in 1953 when prominent community leaders felt the need to re-energize the local business environment. At that time, the economies of many small American cities and towns were withering, as business leaders relocated their facilities to larger metropolitan areas and young people left small towns for the big city. To avoid a similar fate for this community, a committee of the Chamber worked to establish the Brenham Industrial Foundation, later renamed Economic Development Foundation of Brenham. The vision of those leaders over half a century ago has given this area a tremendous advantage during tough economic times. Today, Br-

enham and Washington County have three industrial parks and continue to attract new businesses with reduced lands costs, incentives and quality of place. On December 9, participants in Leadership Washington County toured several of the manufacturers in Brenham. Class members were given an in-depth look at local businesses and efforts to enhance the economy of our county. Facilitators for the day were Page Michel of the Washington County Chamber and EDF and Chris Callahan, Plant Manager for MIC Brenham East. Vance Hamilton of Bluebonnet Electric opened the day with a discussion of Globalization and the New Workforce. The group then traveled to Emerson/PI Components for the first tour of the day. This

Jeff Sadler of Del Sol Foods hands out samples of Brianna’s Dressing as Sherald Bell, Plant Manager, explains the manufacturing process of their award-winning specialty dressings.

Scot Sommerlatte of MIC East shares with fellow Leadership class members the production practices of this local manufacturer.

global manufacturer of diaphragm seals for pressure instruments moved to Brenham in 1993. HR manager Kim Shupak explained that the Brenham plant acquired by Emerson in 1995 employs 120 and received the 2010 Emerson Operational Excellence President’s Award. Ms. Shupak and Manufacturing Manager Gary Hamilton conducted a tour through the facility. The next stop was Advanced Data Storage (ADS) in the Brenham Business Center. The EDF worked closely with Brent Humes and John Baldwin to bring this new business to the area. ADS stores and retrieves seismic data for the oil and gas industry. This newest addition to Washington County industrial parks is a LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy & Envi-

ronmental Design) building. Anticipating opening in early 2011, ADS will exceed the original estimate of 12-15 jobs created. The class returned to MIC Brenham East for lunch, an afternoon tour of the plant, and a discussion of leadership qualities by MIC President Nelson Byman. Additional speakers included Matthew Wehring and John Tatum of the Small Business Development Center at Blinn, Sherald Bell of Del Sol Foods/Briannas, and Wesley Brinkmeyer and Doug Baker from the City of Brenham. The next Leadership session to be held in January will focus on Law Enforcement and include activities at the new Brenham Police Department and the Washington County Jail.

Brent Humes and John Baldwin discuss the seismic data stored at Advanced Data Storage with the 2011 Leadership Washington County class.

Safety First! James Pharaon, Jeanne Luedemann, Brenda Stelwagen, Elizabeth Price and Catherine Kenjura wear their safety glasses as classmate, Michele Ebner, leads the group on a tour of MIC East.

Nelson Byman, President and Chief Operating Officer of MIC Group, emphasizes the importance of vision for successful leadership.

Matthew Wehring of the Small Business Development Center at Blinn College, explains how he and John Tatum assist aspiring entrepreneurs in developing a business plan, securing capital, or even succession planning for the sale of an established businesses.

www.brenhamtexas.com

Page 6 Chamber Works January 2011

Tourism News

Texian Rally comes to the “Birthplace of Texas!” The Texas Independence Trail Region (TITR) will host its 11th Annual Texian Rally Heritage Tourism Workshop & Networking Event, “Celebrating 175 Years of Texas History in 2011,” January 25-26 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The workshop provides TITR partners an opportunity to gather, network, attend workshops related to heritage tourism and honor our past. This year, the Texian Rally will be held at the site where on March 2, 1836, delegates gathered to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. Highlights of the event include behind-the-scene tours of Washingtonon-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum; a visit to the new Brenham/Washington County Visitors Center located at the Simon Theater in historic downtown Brenham; updates from the Texas Historical Commission; three professional workshop sessions and a silent auction. The rally is for anyone interested in boosting attendance, and promoting and creating advocacy for their heritage tourism resources. County historical commissioners, chambers/convention and visitors bureau employees and board members, Main Street managers, travel industry organizers, local public officials, economic development representatives, museum directors, re-enactors, curators and volunteers should plan to attend. TITR is a member of the Texas Heritage Trails Program, part of a Texas Historical Commission regional tourism initiative, and is the region that personifies the struggle and epic events to gain freedom from Mexico. The program helps Texas communities encourage heritage tourism, revitalize local economies and foster community leadership through historic preservation. For more information on the 11th Annual Texian Rally or the TITR, contact Lee Towns at 281-239-9235 or email [email protected]. For Rally registration information, visit www.TexasIndependenceTrail.com.

This informative and exciting event will provide education, understanding and support for building the tourism industry in the Brenham/Washington County region. The Office of the Governor–Economic Development & Tourism division reports the financial impact of tourism dollars on Washington County for 2009 exceeded $72 million. The morning speaker will be Scott Joslove, President, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association. Scott is the foremost authority in the State of Texas in matters dealing with hotel occupancy taxes. Scott will discuss the purposes for use of the revenues collected by lodging properties. The luncheon speaker is Louri O’Leary, Texas Tourism Research Manager, in the Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism Division. Louri will talk about the financial impact of tourism in Texas and specifically for Washington and surrounding counties. Afternoon sessions for A) City/County Officials, B) TH&LA Membership and C) Hotel Occupancy Tax grant applicants. You can sit in on any of these sessions to hear more about this tax and how it is designed to bring visitors to our area. Finally, as an additional benefit for Washington County tourism businesses, one complementary ticket is available for each property. The ticket includes participation in the Forum and lunch. The forum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The deadline to reserve a seat is Monday, January 24. For tickets and information, call 979-836-3696 or email: [email protected].

The Texas Independence Trail Region board is planning to visit all major Texas Independence sites. The board met in Goliad at the Presidio La Bahia. Standing in the 1749 Our Lady of Loreto Chapel are board members (pictured from left) Julie Siggers of Alvin, Stacey Osborne from La Porte, Jodi Gidley-Wright of Galveston, Heidi Simmons from Matagorda County, Seneca McAdams-Washington County, David Stewart of Bexar County, Newton Warzecha of Goliad and Margaret Hall Spencer of Sugar Land. Services are still held weekly in this chapel.

Boosting Our Local Tourism Industry On January 27, the Brenham/Washington County Tourism Forum will be held at the Blinn College Student Center, Janis Sneed Banquet Room. The forum is sponsored by the Brenham/Washington County Hotel Occupancy Tax Board, Brenhamtrips.com Association, City of Brenham and Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Lu Hollander and Melinda Faubion of Faubion Design check the color accuracy of press sheets for the 2011 Visitor Guide with the printer.

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 website. 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 July — 1,370 August — 1,218 September — 940 October — 1,295 November — 1,163 December — 1,340

Website Unique Visitors 2010

January— 6,536 February — 6,850 March — 15,571 April — 18,397 May — 7,713 June — 7,940 July — 8,893 August — 7,390 September — 6,603 October — 6,384 November — 5,407 December — 4,787

Seneca McAdams represented the county at two travel shows in late 2010. The first was the Meeting Planners Showcase held in College Station in which 200 meeting planners checked out local meeting venues. The second was the Lackland Air Force Base travel show in San Antonio showcasing all the great places military and their families can visit. Over 400 visitor guides were distributed and several had seen the recently aired “Day Tripper” TV show featuring Brenham and Washington County.

Website Total Hits 2010

January— N/A February — N/A March — N/A April — N/A May — N/A June — N/A July — N/A August — 30,100 September — 25,749 October — 24,101 November — 20,364 December — 17,440

Stacks and stacks of 2011 Visitor Guide pages wait for the binding process. Completed Visitor Guides will be available today at the new Visitor Center at 115 W. Main Street.

Become a VIP at Simon!

Chamber Works January 2011 Page 7

Do you enjoy meeting interesting people? Are you familiar with the many treasures and attractions that Brenham and Washington County have to offer visitors? Consider joining VIPS: the Volunteer Initiative Program at the Simon. The Chamber-CVB staff at the new Brenham/Washington County Visitor Center in historic Downtown Brenham are now recruiting volunteers to help greet visitors during the peak Wildflower Season (mid-March through April), during special events, and at other times as needed. Spring is just around the corner and we anticipate another busy and beautiful season. Please contact Jeanne Luedemann at 979-836-3696, [email protected], or stop by at 115 W. Main Street (inside the restored Simon Theatre) if you are interested in meeting and greeting our many visitors. Training sessions will be scheduled and new volunteers will work alongside CVB staff. Become a VIP and share your passion for Washington County with others!

Calendar

A few February highlights… Feb 1 Artistic Originality: Lecture Series Series of lectures examines original works of visual art from Paleolithic to Post-Modernism, presented by Dr. Fernando Casas, 1-3pm, Small Business Development Center, Blinn College, mail $60 check to Lifetime Learning, P.O. Box 513, Brenham TX, 77834 (info@lifetimelearningbrenham. org). Chamber and EDF Annual Banquet Keynote speaker: Susan Combs, Fireman’s Training Center, Brenham, 5:30pm, tickets $27 per person (979-836-3695). Feb 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 Unity Theatre presents “Souvenir” The life of Florence Foster Jenkins, who had wealth, social standing, a burning desire to sing, and no talent, is told through the eyes of her accompanist, whose strange partnership caused him to revise his first impression of her and the very meaning of music itself. Performances Thurs 7:30pm, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm, call for tickets, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham (979-836-8358, www.unitybrenham.org). Feb 4–March 13 The Art in Fiber 2011 The popular Art in Fiber show returns with 22 juried fiber artists with the theme of “Interpretation”, free admission, Copper

(Continued from Page 8) Shade Tree, 206 E. Mill, Round Top (979- May, 6-9pm, Winedale Historic Complex, 249-4127, www.coppershadetree.com). 3738 FM 2714, Round Top (www.gideonlincecum.org). Feb 4 New Beginnings Life Ministries 2011 Feb 10 Celebration of Life 10th Annual Valentine’s Nationally acclaimed speaker Pam Stenzel Day Library Fundraiser Concert speaks at the NBLM banquet on “Free Love Music from the Romantic Cities of the has a Price Tag,” a must-hear for parents, World, Dick Smith and Friends, 2pm, grandparents and teens, 6pm, Fireman’s Round Top Festival-Institute, 248 Jaster Training Center, Brenham, call for tickets Rd. (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill. (979-836-0397, www.brenhampregnancy- org). support.com). Feb 11 Feb 5 President’s Day Gala Community CPR Class Honoring Richard Stadelmann, WashingLearn CPR from Washington County ton County Fairground Events Center, 6pm EMS, $25 per person, 8:30am-12pm, 1875 (979-836-7351, 979-830-8507). U.S. 290 West, Brenham, call ahead (979277-6267). Feb 14-27 Quilt Exhibit Feb 5-20 19th-20th century floral quilts from the Kimono, The Art Winedale Quilt Collection will be on exFine kimono and wearable art garments, hibit through Feb. 27, free admission, plus raku pieces, paintings, sculpture and Winedale Historical Complex, 3738 FM jewelry of Japanese influence, free admis- 2714, Round Top (www.cah.utexas.edu). sion, The Gallery at Round Top (979-2494119, www.thegalleryatroundtop.com). Feb 14 Valentine’s Dinner Feb 5-6, 12-13 Romantic Valentine’s dinner, by reservaWine and Chocolate Trail tion only, call for menu and details, 6:30Part of the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, 8pm, Funky Art Café, Downtown Brenham Saddlehorn Winery, 958 FM 1948, Burton (979-836-5220, www.funkyartcafe.com). (713-569-8114, info@saddlehornwinery. com). Feb 15 Preschool Story Time at Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 Star of the Republic Museum Texas Master Naturalists “Texas Tots” is a monthly story time on the Certification program, Mondays through 3rd Tuesday of the month for children ages

3-5, cost $3 per child, 10am-11:30am, reservations required, seating limited, Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site (936-8782461, www.starmuseum.org).

Feb 21 Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Food and music every 3rd Thursday of the month, food 6pm, show 7:30pm, $5 admission donated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979836-4347).

Feb 22 Washington County Day at the Capitol Hosted in Austin by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce (979-836-3695).

Feb 24-26 Annual Used Book Sale Thousands of used books, CDs and movies for sale to benefit the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library, 9am-5pm daily, $10 on Thursday, $1 Friday and Saturday, free parking, Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-3377201).

Feb 26-27 175th Texas Independence Day Celebration Celebrate 175 years of Texas Independence with historical re-enactors, period craft demonstrations, military encampments and Texas tunes, free admission, 10am-5pm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2214, www.birithplaceoftexas.com).

Page 8 Chamber Works January 2011

Jan 13, 20, 27 Dance Institute for Children Ballet and Jazz dance, 1st -12th grades, little or no previous training, 12 classes $120, Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Rd. (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Adult Ballet Exercise No previous training required, or experience classical ballet you studied as a child, $120 for 12 classes every Tuesday, Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Rd. ([email protected]). Jan 13 Business After Hours Networking Event Hosted at Leftovers Antiques Home Mercantile, 3900 U.S. 290 W, Brenham, 5-7 pm. Jan 14, 21, 18 Live Music at Pig and Whistle Gene Hackemack performs every Friday at Pig and Whistle of Burton, 12607 W. Washington (979-289-2319, www.pigandwhistleofburtontexas.com). Jan 15-16 Round Top Winter Antiques Show A wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and treasures galore in the Big Red Barn, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, admission $5 (512-237-4747, www.roundtoptexasantiques.com). Jan 15 Juried Art Show Brenham Fine Arts League will have a juried art show, 1:30-4pm, at the downtown gallery, 113 W. Alamo, Brenham (979-836-4278). Butchering and Curing Program Learn about butchering and curing livestock in the mid-19th century, butchering on Saturday and curing on Sunday, 10am4:30pm, Barrington Living History Farm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (979-878-2214 x246, www.birthplaceoftexas.com). Jan 15 Concealed Handgun Class Pistols provided for those who don’t have their own, 8am, Salem Fire Department (979-836-0986). Winter Soup & Wine and Winemaker Potluck Dinner Two events at Windy Winery, beginning with a free bowl of soup and purchase of a glass of wine, noon-4pm, or provide a covered dish and enjoy other amateur winemakers as they learn new techniques

What’s Happening in January for making wine, 4-6pm, Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-203-5500, www.windywinery.com). Texas A&M Singing Cadets The cadets close out their winter tour at the O’Donnell Center, 7pm, $10, Blinn College, Brenham (979-830-4024, gvierus@ blinn.edu). Jan 16 Brenham Maifest Serenade 2011 Maifest Royalty to be announced, 2pm, Blinn College Student Center (www. maifest.org). Jan 17, 24, 31 Adult Drawing Class Learn the basics of drawing including contour, texture, shading and composition, Mondays, 10am-12pm, $150 plus $20 supplies fee, Renew Art Studio, 707 S. Austin Street, Brenham (979-836-1620, www.renewartsudio.com). Jan 18, 25 Adult Jazz Exercise Adult jazz classes at the new Dance Institute, 12 classes $120, Round Top Festival Institute, 248 Jaster Rd. (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org). Adult Painting Class Six-week session (starts Jan. 11) from 10amnoon, $150+supplies, Renew Art Studio, 707 S. Austin Street, Brenham (979-8361620, www.renewartstudio.com). Artistic Originality: Lecture Series Series of lectures examines original works of visual art from Paleolithic to Post-Modernism, presented by Dr. Fernando Casas, 1-3pm, Small Business Development Center, Blinn College, mail $60 check to Lifetime Learning, P.O. Box 513, Brenham, TX, 77834 ([email protected]). Jan 18 Preschool Story Time at Star of the Republic Museum “Texas Tots” is a monthly story time on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for children ages 3-5, cost $3 per child, 10am-11:30am, reservations required, seating limited, Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site (936-8782461, www.starmuseum.org). First Step Luncheon by Hospice Brazos Valley A monthly support luncheon to learn

healthy grieving methods, bring a covered dish to share, beverages provided, 11am1pm, third Tuesday of every month, free, Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-277-9525, www.hospicebrazosvalley.com). Jan 20 Friends of Bluebonnet Opry Food and music every 3rd Thursday of the month, food 6pm, show 7:30pm, $5 admission donated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979836-4347). St. Peter’s 4th Annual Italian Dinner Fundraiser & Live Auction Ticket price includes fine Italian Dinner and chance to bid on silent auction items, $22 per person, 6pm-9pm, 2310 Airline Drive, Brenham (carol@stpetersbrenham. org). Jan 21 Ribbon Cutting: Bar B Boutique New Owners, Kim & Courtney Rocka, Barbara Morrish. 111 S. Baylor Street, Downtown Brenham, 1:30pm. Jan 21-22 “Willy Wonka” Musical Performed by Brenham High School students, based on the classic children’s book and movie, Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm and 7pm, Brenham High School, $10 adults, $5 students (979-277-3800 x4080, [email protected]). Jan 22 Beading Workshop Learn the basics of beaded jewelry in this hands-on workshop, 9-11:30am, $65 includes supplies, Renew Art Studio, 707 S. Austin Street, Brenham (979-836-1620, www.renewartstudio.com).

County area brides, including fashion show at 2pm, and hourly door prizes, 15pm, $2 per person, Washington County Fairgrounds Event Center (979-830-8479, www.pure-elegancedec.com).

Jan 25-26 11th Annual Texian Rally Heritage tourism workshop and networking event celebrating 175 years of Texas History, exhibitor booth space available, Tues 1-7:30pm, Weds 8:30am-3:15pm, $55 after Jan 15, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (281-239-9235, info@ texasindependencetrail.com).

Jan 26 Ribbon Cutting: The Sunday House New Member, Janet Schulze, owner, 3990 Bluebonnet Blvd (at entrance of Bluebonnet Hills on U.S. 290), 3pm.

Jan 27 Tourism Forum Presentations by experts in the tourism field, workshops, discussion about Hotel Occupancy Tax Dollars and the impact of tourism on the community, $20 includes lunch, 9am-2pm, Blinn College Student Center (979-836-3696, www.visitbrenhamtexas.com).

Jan 28-29 “Willy Wonka” Musical Performed by Brenham High School students, based on the classic children’s book and movie, Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Brenham High School, $10 adults, $5 students (979277-3800 x4080, jbyboth@brenhamisd. net).

James Dick Piano Recital 3pm at Festival Hill, $25 adults, $10 students (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill. org).

Jan 29-30 Making Every Stitch Count Learn sewing and stitching, enjoy handson activities and experience life in the early frontier at Barrington Living History Farm, 10am-4:30pm, $5 adults, $3 students, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (979-878-2214 x246, www. birthplaceoftexas.com).

An Evening for Education Ribeye steak & Shrimp Dinner, proceeds benefiting the Burton Educational Foundation. Burton Community Center, social hour 6-7pm, meal served at 7pm, $37.50 per person, tables of 8 also available (979289-3131).

Jan 31 Texas Master Naturalists Certification program, Mondays through May, 6pm-9pm, Winedale Historic Complex, 3738 FM 2714, Round Top (info@ gideonlincecum.org, www.gideonlincecum.org).

Jan 23 “Everything Weddings” Expo A bridal show for Greater Washington

See Calendar, Page 7

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