The Washington County Chamber will co-host this event with the Giddings Chamber and the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 4, at the Fireman’s Train-ing Center in Brenham. Busi-ness and civic leaders from all three counties will attend this event.

The Governor’s Small Busi-ness Forums are held in several locations in the state each year. The Washington County Cham-ber is proud to have been select-

ed as a host site this year. The purpose of the Forum is to pro-vide local businesses with timely and valuable information to help them succeed in today’s econ-omy. Businesses will have the chance to network with others to exchange stories and ideas about how they have become success-ful, and the challenges they may have had to overcome to get where they are.

Approximately 300 people will be in attendance including small business owners and man-agers, representatives from state agencies, local elected officials, marketing partners and more. Exhibitor spaces and sponsor-ship opportunities are available.

(Please contact the Chamber of-fice for details.)

The agenda will feature speakers on topics such as an Oil & Gas Industry Update, the Af-fordable Care Act and its impact on small businesses, the latest news on the Bio Corridor, How to Convert Leads into Custom-ers, and more. State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst will give a special welcome to attendees, and Sena-tor Glenn Hegar has been invited to help present the “Business of the Year” award. (Nominations are now being sought.)

A major highlight of the event will be a keynote presentation by Dr. Rick Rigsby. Rigsby is a highly sought-after speaker na-

tionwide, formerly a business professor at Texas A&M Uni-versity, whose presentations are always high-impact and often life-changing. If you have never heard him before, you are in for a major treat. If you have, then you know to expect a truly amazing experience. Learn more about Dr. Rigsby at www.rickrigsby.com.

Tickets are only $25 for Cham-ber members, purchased in ad-vance. Reserved table sponsor-ships are available ($250 for a table of 6) and will offer good publicity for local businesses. Headline sponsors already con-firmed for the event are Scott & White Hospital and Bluebonnet Electric Coop.

You can make a reservation now by contacting the Chamber at (979) 836-3695 or email Shae Pauler, Business Programs Man-ager, at shae@brenhamtexas.com.

Business of the Year nominations sought

At the Governor’s Small Busi-ness Forum on June 4, all three counties will present awards to bring statewide recognition to great local businesses. Your help is needed to nominate a “Busi-ness of the Year” in Washington County.

Depending on how many nom-inations are received, there will be three categories for the award: businesses with 1-20 employees, 21-100 employees, and 100+ em-ployees.

Please consider nominating your own business. Nobody knows your business better than you!

If you are aware of another lo-cal business that you feel is de-serving, please nominate them. A form is available at the Chamber and online at www.BrenhamTex-as.com.

2014 Board of DirectorsChairman

LIZ HOPKINSStella Designs & Solutions

First Vice Chair

WESLEY BRINKMEYERBluebonnet Electric Cooperative

Second Vice Chairman

MICHAEL PITTMANScott & White Hospital

Treasurer

MICHAEL GROVESThe Artex Group

Secretary

DEBBIE HAVERSRR Donnelley

Immediate Past ChairKURT PODESZWA

Camp For All

SHARON BRASSKwik Kopy Business Center

RICKY BOEKERCity of Brenham-Fire Chief

CATHY COLE Heritage Texas

Country Properties

COY FONTENOTKruse Village

SUZY HANKINSAnt Street Inn

MICHAEL HAYWOODMission Brenham

JUDI HOUSTONBrazos Valley Schools

Credit Union

CHAD GERKEGerke Law Firm

BRICE MILLIORNEdward Jones Financial

RENEE MUELLERWashington County Attorney

MICHAEL WATTSBrenham ISD —

Brenham High School

DENNIS CROWSONBlinn College

ASH PATELBest Western Inn–Brenham

GRACIE SLATTERYBrenham Clinic

NATHAN WADE Lazy “D” Ranches

RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin Insurance

TIFFANY WINKLESBlue Bell Creameries

APRIL2014 ChamberWorks

washington county chamber of commerce brenham, texas

“Wake Up, Washington County!”Networking Breakfast

Hosted by

Brenham State Supported Living Center — Lillian Wilder Memorial Chapel

Thursday, May 15 at 7:45 a.m.4001 Highway 36 South, Brenham

Enjoy breakfast and a chance to network with other local businesses and organizations. It’s a great way to inform them about your products and services and learn what’s new in the community.

Everyone gets a chance to give a 30-second commercial about their business/organization. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and brochures for sharing.

Breakfast Sponsored By:

Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

Learn more about these event sponsors:www.brenhamvsc.com and www.bvscu.org.

Page 2 | Chamber Works | April 2014

GROUP BUYING POWERChamber 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 • will.watson@infintechllc.com

www.infintechllc.com

Ribbon Cuttings

New Member

Gazebo TerraceOwner: David & Tom Jarnagin1303 Hwy 290 Ewww.gazeboterracecare.com

New Member

Kulow’s WoodworksOwner: Curtis Kulow218 E Main St.

Introduction of Specialty Center, New Physicians

Brenham ClinicAdministrator: Gracie SlatteryBrenham Clinic Lobby600 N. Park Streetwww.BrenhamClinic.com

Recognition of Tenured Physicians

Brenham ClinicAdministrator: Gracie SlatteryBrenham Clinic Lobby600 N. Park Streetwww.BrenhamClinic.com

Historical Marker Unveiling

Camptown CemeteryMount Rose Missionary Baptist Church204 Kerr St.

New Member

Here I Am Orphan MinistriesDirector: Debbie Fathauerwww.orphanministries.com

New Member

Brazos Valley Brewing CompanyOwners: Jeremy Bass, Joshua Bass, Todd Inmon & Nelson Pena201 West First St. Brenhamwww.brazosvalleybrewery.com

Business Spotlights

Washington CountyBlue Blazers

JOLENE CURTISTexas AgFinance

TIFFANY COMPTON-FALKHodde Real Estate Company

DARLENE DENMANHome Sweet Farm & Washington County Chamber Visitors Center

JOYCE DICKSCHATBrenham National Bank

WENDY FRAZIERBBVA Compass

PAM GREENRE/MAX Advantage

EDDIE HARRISON Individual Member

JARED HARTMANSeidel, Schroeder & Company

TAMMY JASTER City of Brenham-

Blue Bell Aquatic Center

FLORENCE JULIANBlue Bell Creameries

BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments

LINDA PIPESIndividual Member

CHRISTY SCHLOTTMANNExpress Employment

Professionals

RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin

& Company

BARBARA WILGANOWSKI Spherion Staffing

Welcome New Chamber Members291 ICEHOUSEOwner: Edward Smith III5075 Main Street Downtown Chappell HillPhone: 979-836-1668291icehouse@gmail.comBar/Wine Bar

BEYOND POWEROwner: Lanson B. JonesP O Box 70 Cat Spring, Texas 78933Phone: 832-559-0356donna@beyondpower.comwww.donna.beyondpower.meUtilities

BLAHUTA ADVERTISINGArea Rep: Terry HuebnerOwner: Beverly BlahutaP O Box 270 Halletsville, Texas 77964Phone: 979-277-4771 or 361-798-5372khermes@blahutaadvertising.comwww.blahutaadvertising.comAdvertising-Specialty/Promotional

BRAZOS VALLEY BREWING COMPANYOwners: Joshua Bass, Jeremy Bass, Todd Inmon, Nelson Pena201 W. 1st Street Downtown BrenhamPhone: 713-584-3804josh@brazosvalleybrewery.comwww.brazosvalleybrewery.comBar/Wine Bar

HANDY PEOPLEOwners: Joshua & Trisha Leaton14115 Bluff RoadBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-551-3658handypeopletx@gmail.comwww.handy-people.bizProperty Maintenance

MATTRESS FIRMManager: Chase Holliday101 Hwy 290 EastBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-830-9003Chase.holliday@mattressfirm.comwww.mattressfirm.comMattress Sales

ROCKY CREEK RV RENTALSOwner: Shannon Mitschke4570 FM 389Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-277-4086shannond@texasbb.comwww.rockycreekrvrentals.comCamping/RV/Retreats/Marina

THE CHAPPELL HILL CULTURAL HERITAGE GROUPManager: Madelyn O’Brien13280 SW Violet Ct. Beaverton, OR 97008Phone: 503-522-6863preservation@chappellhillheritage.orgwww.chchg.orgNon Profit Clubs & Organizations

Bluebonnet Electric “Celebrating 75 Years”

This year marks Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s 75th anniversary. The co-op was originally called the Lower Colorado River Electric Cooperative and has grown and changed a lot since 1939.

Visitors are invited to drop by the member service cen-ter in Brenham during the week of April 28-May 2 and enjoy refreshments, learn about Bluebonnet Electric’s history, enter a drawing for prizes, visit with staff, and learn about the new website that is getting ready to be launched.

You can also take the opportunity to update your ac-count information and sign up for paperless billing and you will receive a tree seedling, while supplies last. The member services lobby will be open from 8am-5pm daily. (www.BluebonnetElectric.coop.)

Mission Brenham “Celebrity Golf Tournament”

Mission Brenham will be holding a Celebrity Golf Tour-nament on Saturday, June 14, at the Brenham Country Club. Celebrity golfers include Robert Reid, former Hous-ton Rocket; Lemuel Stinson, former Chicago Bear; Sweet Lou Dunbar, former Harlem Globetrotter; and the Honor-able Lois Kolkhorst, State Representative. This tourna-ment is a 4-man scramble and is limited to 24 teams. There will be a celebrity player assigned to each team. 100% of the tournament proceeds support Mission Brenham’s pro-grams for children.

Registration is $100 per individual. The deadline to register is June 1. For more information, contact Michael Haywood at 281-989-3488, mike@missionbrenhamtx.org; or Lynn Nolte at 903-654-8675, llnolte@gmail.com. There are sponsorship opportunities available.

Westwood Gifts“Spring into Savings” - Benefitting Adam’s Angels Ministry

It’s time to Spring into Savings at Westwood Gifts. From now until Easter, you can bring in this Business Spotlight article to receive 20% off your entire purchase. An amount equal to 10% of each sale will be donated to Adam’s An-gel’s Ministry. What’s “in store” at Westwood Gifts? Items like candles, specialty jewelry, wind chimes, framed art, greeting cards, clocks, home décor and much more.

Westwood Gifts is located at 2160 Hwy 290 West in Brenham. You can visit them online at www.westwood-gifts.com or call 979-830-0830.

Renewing Chamber Members

March 1-31Thanks 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.

ODIAMONDLIMO.COM — 14 yearsThe Allcorn House — 13 yearsAT&T Retail Store — 13 yearsBrenham ISD- Director of Instructional Services — 8 yearsCollier Construction — 24 yearsCopper Shade Tree — 7 yearsfancy that! — 11 yearsHeritage Texas Country Properties — 11 yearsKohring Monument Company — 30 yearsRR Donnelley — 41 yearsUniques — 13 yearsUPS Store — 16 yearsWal-Mart — Presidential Member — 34 yearsWashington County Peace Officers Assoc. — 14 yearsWindy Winery — 12 years

www.brenhamtexas.com

Why I Buy Local ...“Home Sweet Farm is dedicated to supporting local farmers and artisans. We provide the

50 mile harvest by buying from local small family farms in the Brazos Valley and by hosting a unique culinary experience with our Farm to Market dinners. Being small farmers ourselves, we understand the importance of supporting your local economy. We hope to challenge what folks consider local by offering the best of the Brazos Valley and by raising awareness with our city cousins, offering great food that celebrates our agricultural heritage from the Birthplace of Texas.” — Brad Stufflebeam — Home Sweet Farm — www.homesweetfarm.com

We would like to include your Buy Local testimony in the next ChamberWorks Newsletter.Let us know how you and your business BUY LOCAL! Email: Shae@BrenhamTexas.com

April 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 3

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

Bluebonnet Electric

Metropolitan Water

Company, L.P.

OF BRENHAM

— BrenhamBrenham

Clinic

Brenham National

Bank

BRENHAM

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

Ribbon Cuttings

Ground Breaking

PPE/IDEX Sealing SolutionsNew Industrial Plant in Brenham Business Center3201 S. Blue Bell Road, Brenham

Invasion of GeocachersOn March 22, several

hundred geocachers ran around Bastrop, Smith-ville and the immediate area to search for nearly 150 temporarily hidden containers. Why? It was the 12th Annual Texas Geocaching Challenge! The Challenge is held each year in a different part of Texas, created by a regional team and hosted by the Texas Geocaching Association. This year’s Challenge was created by the Central Texas team.

For four hours, hundreds of geocachers were on a mad hunt to find as many cach-es as possible. At 2pm all cachers turned in their score cards to be tallied, then scattered to go eat, shop, stroll downtown Bastrop, and continue geocaching for the personal smilies. Around 6pm everyone gathered to-gether again at Mayfest Park for the reveal of the winner…North Texas regional team!

The four-hour challenge isn’t all cachers went to do. Besides sightseeing in the area, they gathered Friday and Saturday nights for trading items, swapping stories, purchasing geocaching items and overall fun. On Sun-day geocachers participated in a “Cache In/Trash Out” event, an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geo-caching community, at the Colorado River Refuge and the Lost Pines Nature Trail.

Bastrop welcomed these folks with open arms. Their Visitor Center created a mini challenge for them that incorporated ten downtown shops. Questions were given as part of a handout and people had to go to each shop to find the multiple choice an-swers posted. Ten prizes were given out of

various kinds to all those who completed the chal-lenge correctly.

Katie Barker, a repre-sentative from Geocach-ing.com headquarters located in Seattle, Wash., came down to repre-sent at the Mega event. Chamber-CVB Website & Social Media Manag-er Jenny Mills and her mom, Oma, got a chance to meet Katie at the Chal-

lenge to talk about all things geocaching. There were big raves from Katie and many cachers regarding the Birthplace of Texas GeoTour that our CVB launched in Decem-ber. Katie wrote an email to Jenny saying, “I was overwhelmed with joy from all the positive feedback geocachers were giving regarding your GeoTour.”

The Birthplace of Texas GeoTour was launched on December 18 and has brought over a hundred people to the Brenham/Washington County area to cache, eat, sleep and shop. Close to 60 Passports have been turned in and over $3,000 has been spent within the county by those cachers.

Next year the event will be held in Lub-bock, but in 2016 we are vying to host it here in Brenham. Mega events like this draw a large crowd of folks from all over Texas, the States and even abroad. Having this event here would be a huge boost to our community. We are currently working with the Southeast Texas regional team to make it happen and we are very optimistic.

For more information about geocaching, please go to VisitBrenhamTexas.com or Geocaching.com. And then take the chal-lenge yourself!

Pictured from left are, Oma, Jenny and Katie.

On March 22, several hundred geocachers ran around Bastrop, Smithville and the immediate area to search for nearly 150 temporarily hidden containers for the 12th annual Texas Geocaching Challenge.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce

314 S. Austin Street, Brenham H 979-836-3695 H www.brenhamtexas.com

Page Michel, President & CEOJane Hinze, Member Services Mgr.

Shae Pauler, Business Programs Mgr.Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Mgr.

Jenny Mills, Visitor Center Mgr.Judy Hyman, Visitor Center & Group Contact Mgr.

Debby Welch, Visitor Center AssistantLori Wegner, ReceptionistCheryl Sevin, Bookkeeper

Support Staff: Marge Runge, Jeanine Presswood,

Nelda Snow and Darlene Denman.

Page 4 | Chamber Works | April 2014

March 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 5

Leadership Explores Agri-BusinessThe March session of leader-

ship was all about Agriculture and Agri-Business. The day started with a tour of Kieke Egg Farm located near Burton among the beautiful rolling hills of Washington County. Owners Ricky Kieke and Angie Fritsch took the class on a tour of the facilities and chicken houses and answered many questions about their family-owned egg farm.

Four generations of the Kieke fam-ily were on-site that day. This amaz-ing operation is completely automated with each egg moving from chicken to carton without being touched by hu-man hands. A worker’s only contact with the egg happens after they have all been cleaned, sorted, and placed in the cartons. Kieke farm fresh eggs are available at Brenham’s H-E-B and Brookshire Brothers grocery stores.

Next, the group traveled to Mira-cle Farm where PJ Ellison Kalil (LWC

Class of 1995), formerly of Ellison’s Greenhouses, spoke to the class. PJ talked about how leadership, especial-ly in agriculture, is a 24/7 job. She also emphasized how leaders often have to lobby for what is right, even if other don’t see things the same way. After PJ’s speech, Miracle Farm then provid-ed lunch for the class. During lunch, several of the boys who are residents at Miracle Farm sat with class members, talked about their lives, and asked about the adults’ lives.

Alex Hamilton, Executive Director of Miracle Farm, spoke to the group giving an overview of the organiza-tion. Caty Paben, principal and lead teacher of Premiere High School (the charter school at Miracle Farm), spoke to the group about the unique-ness of the school. After some ques-tion and answer time, the group was led on a tour of the property, led by fellow class member Cheri Baker. At

the horse arena, ranch manager Mike Galloway talked to the group about the importance of the horse program at Miracle Farm. The tour conclud-ed at the arena where several boys demonstrated what they have learned about horsemanship and team roping while at Miracle Farm.

Big thanks go to all of the individ-uals and businesses who have spoken to, inspired, and motivated the Lead-ership class members over the past several months. The program is a great success because of all the com-munity support that is received.

Plans are underway for the next class to form this summer, and all alumni in the community are invit-ed to get involved and help plan and coordinate sessions. Please contact Page Michel or Jane Hinze if you are interested in being a session facilita-tor for the September 2014–May 2015 program.

Class member Dave Eldridge shows off his skills at roping.

Ricky Kieke shows off the hen house.

Class member Mari Hinostroza-Perry making a new friend.

PJ Ellison speaks to the group about traits of a good leader.

Watching a team roping demonstration at Miracle Farm.

The egg sorting process.

Listening to Alex Hamilton at Miracle Farm.

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.

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

Recent CVB ActivitiesRemember Spring Break? Just ask the Blue Bell Visitor

Center staff if they do! This year it lasted two weeks long, although during the second week when Houston ISD and Cy-Fair ISD students were out, it was not as hectic as the first week.

During this two-week time frame, Chamber-CVB staff members helped at Blue Bell by staffing an information table. Since it was too early to ask the often-repeated ques-tion, “Where are the best bluebonnets?”, other questions consisted of “What else can we do today?” and “Where is a good place to eat?” The staff was ready with rack cards listing all the venues open, as well as Dining Guides listing restaurants by food type, hours of operation and location. Visitors were pleased to get such detailed information to plan their time in town.

Spring Break visitors at the Blue Bell Visitor Center waiting patiently for their tour time.

Geiger PR Spring Press TourDuring March 16-19, the Geiger PR firm brought 15

travel writers to Washington County for a jam-packed schedule of visits to area attractions, lodging properties and dining options. The writers visited the area’s top three attractions: Blue Bell Creameries, Washington on the Bra-zos and Antique Rose Emporium. In addition, they select-ed from a menu of other attractions and activities during their stay, depending on the type of publications for which they write.

Since that week, a half dozen stories have already ap-peared, including a feature in the Austin American-States-man, several blogs, and there is much more to come.

This type of professional feature writing is extremely valuable when it comes to promoting Brenham and Wash-ington County to prospective visitors, and supports and enhances the paid advertising that is run in various outlets for the same purpose. Articles are viewed as much more credible than ads, and they motivate people deeper to plan visits.

Several writers take notes and photographs while Jeanne Cottle discusses one of Pleasant Hill Winery’s wines during a reception on the veranda at Ant Street Inn.

Some of the travel writers opted to take a wildflow-er photo tour of the area and found Old Baylor Park well suited to their skills with a camera.

Photo Contest ReminderWith the beautiful wildflowers brightening roads and

pastures around the county, now is the time to think about entering one of your photos in the 2014 “A Slice of Life in Washington County” Photo Contest. The top three win-ners receive cash prizes and the possibility of their photo being published as a souvenir postcard for visitors to pur-chase and/or in the annual Washington County magazine.

The contest runs all year long and there are many oppor-tunities to enter. For an application, go to www.visitbren-hamtexas.com or pick one up at the Chamber office, 314 S. Austin Street, or the Visitor Center at 115 W. Main Street, in Brenham.

Tourism Tuesday ReminderMark your calendars: The next Tourism Tuesday meet-

ing is scheduled for May 13th at 10 a.m. in the Chamber Conference room. Learn about the activities the CVB has been working on and catch up with your partners in the tourism industry here in Washington County. The meet-ings are free and open to all members who are interested in knowing more about promotions to visitors.

Washington-on-the-Brazos“The Scottish in Early Texas”

On April 12, take a special look at the Scottish heritage of Texas with a focus on the Revolutionary and Repub-lic periods. Presentations will be given at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. For additional details, call 936-878-2214 ext. 228, ask for Adam or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com. Hide and Tallow-Leather in the 1850’s

Before the Civil War, cattle were more valued for their hides and tallow than they were for their beef. Experience the sights and sounds of leatherworking in mid19th centu-ry Texas on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at Bar-rington Living History Farm. For additional details visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com or call 936-878-2214 ext. 246, ask for Ben.Weather Wisdom: Forecasting in the 19th Century

The Star of the Republic Museum’s new exhibit runs now through February, 2015. Daily museum hours are 10am to 5pm. For more information, call 936-878-2461 or visit www.starmuseum.org. National Holidays in the Republic

We celebrate numerous holidays today, but what holi-days did Texians celebrate? On April 19, explore the holi-days and causes for celebration in Republic Era Texas. For additional details, call the visitors’ center at 936-878-2214 ext. 224, ask for Scott.

Burton Farmers and Artisans Market

Enjoy fresh produce on the grounds of the historic Bur-ton Railroad Depot at 507 N. Railroad Street, Saturday, May 3rd 9 a.m. till noon. Event is free. For more informa-tion, visit their website at www.burtontexas.org.

124th Brenham MaifestBring the entire family May 2-4 to enjoy one of the old-

est German festivals in Texas! The Maifest parade is held Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Brenham with all day festivities till 10 p.m. at Fireman’s Park located at 901 North Park Street. Admission to the Maifest is free and shuttles are available on Saturday. For more information visit their website at www.maifest.org.

Bluebonnet Wine & Cheese Trail

The Spring Bluebonnet Wine and Cheese Trail is a won-derful way to enjoy the beauty of native Texas wildflowers and enjoy the blooming viticulture at some of Texas best wineries. Blaze your own trail and pick where you want to start and where you want to end. The final weekend of the Wine Trail runs April 12-13. Hours on Saturday are 11am to 6pm and Sunday noon to 5pm. All wineries are open during the official trail hours. For ticket info, call 979-289-3858 or visit www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com.

Bluebonnet Farm to Market Dinner

This dinner prepared by Chef Brian and Amanda Light of Ronin will be cooking meats and veggies sourced with-in 50 miles. The meal will be Saturday, April 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Home Sweet Farm Market, 306 S. Baylor, Downtown Brenham. Seating is limited. For ticket infor-mation, visit www.homesweetfarm.com or call 979-251-9922.

Easter Egg Hunt & BrunchSit back, relax and enjoy an Easter Champagne Brunch

with an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt on the lawn, for more than 1000 eggs! Sunday, April 20 from 11:30am to 3pm at The Citadel, 3401 Highway 290 West. For reserva-tion information, call 979-836-9463 or visit www.TheCit-adelTexas.com.

Page 6 | Chamber Works | March 2014

Working for YOU!As a Chamber member, your promotional information

is seen by thousands of people every month.

WALK-INS

WEBSITEwww.BrenhamTexas.com

Unique VisitorsMarch 2014 — 6,331

Total PagesMarch 2014 — 12,065

Visitor CenterMarch 2014 — 1,047

HQ BuildingMarch 2014 — 670

WEBSITEwww.VisitBrenhamTexas.com

Unique VisitorsMarch 2014 — 13,733

Total PagesMarch 2014 — 28,365

Tourism News

See TOURISM, Page 8

March 2014 | Chamber Works | Page 7

What’s Happening in April

See CALENDAR, Page 8

April 10-12Annual Spring Collection DaysCounty Residents Only, Citizens Collection Station, 2009 Old Chappell Hill Rd. in Brenham, Thursday & Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, Saturday 8am-3:30pm (979-337-7455).

April 10Business After Hours Hosted by Brenham National Bank and Boys & Girls Club, 2211 S. Day Street, 5-7pm. April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, May 2, 3Live Music at The Stone Cellar Live bands, pizza and drinks. Black Cat Choir, Tubie & The Touchtones, Tres Dux, Jack the Sax, Aaron Gross, Eugene Eugene, and more. 204 East Mill Street in Bybee Square, Round Top (www.stonecellarwines.com).

April 11, 18, 25, May 1, 8 Wine Down Fridays “Wine Down” on the deck at Pleasant Hill Winery and watch the sunset with wines and cheese, every Friday in March, April and May starting at 3pm. Last call is at sunset. Cheeseboards available, gift shop open. RSVP not necessary, no admission fee, 1441 Salem Road, Brenham (www.pleasanthillwinery.com). April 11-13 Poetry at Round TopBest kept secret on the American poetry scene. 9am-noon, Festival Hill, 248 Jaster Road, Round Top (http://festivalhill.org, 979-249-3129). April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 8Live Music at Nathan’s BBQEntertainment varies, check website or Facebook. 6-9pm, Cajun specials, 1307 Prairie Lea, Brenham (www.nathanbbq.com).

April 11, 18, 25, May 3Live music at Buffalo Creek Bellville Live entertainment, food and drinks. 8-11pm, 10827 Hwy 36 S. Bellville (www.buffalocreekbellville.com, 979-865-5827).

April 11, 12, 19, 25, 26Live Music at The Kenney Store Go early for dinner and stay late for live music and danc-ing. Most nights are free, but occasional cover charges, 811 Loop 497 South (www.TheKenneyStore.com).

April 12Blue Bell Fun Run Brenham High School, FM 2935 off of Loop 577 on north side of town. The Trestle Trail guides runners through Brenham’s beautiful countryside. Paved, winding roads will take you past rolling hills covered in Bluebonnets. It won’t take runners long to understand why the cows think Brenham is Heaven. Registration available in person, Fri-day, April 11, 4-8pm and Saturday, April 12, 6:15-7:30am in the Brenham High School Cafeteria.

Bluebonnet Farm to Market DinnerMeal prepared by Chef Brian and Amanda Light of Ro-nin Cooking, meats and veggies sourced within 50 miles, tickets $65 per person, seating limited, Home Sweet Farm, 306 S. Baylor St, Downtown Brenham (www.homesweetfarm.com). April 12-13 Water Safety Instructor Training American Red Cross will train instructor candidates to teach water safety, including the basic Water Rescue course, six levels or the Learn to Swim and Parent and

Child Aquatics, $250, Blue Bell Aquatic Center (www.cityofbrenham.org/parks/bbac-index.cfm).

Official Bluebonnet Festival Texas Highways’ # 7 most popular festival, 300+ booths, food, live music, and fun. Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm, downtown Chappell Hill. April 13A Sacred Cantata: Dubois’ “The Seven Last Words of Christ” Ecumenical concert combining choirs from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and First Methodist Church will perform “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore Dubois. Featured soloist Annamarie Zmolek, soprano. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 2310 Air-line Dr., 7-8pm (Carol Muegge, 979-251-1525).

April 17Bluebonnet Opry Friends of the Bluebonnet Opry featuring Ed (Boogie Allen) Peyer, Weimar; Minnie & Ella Jordan, Elgin; and Amber Peevler, Industry. Plus the Bluebonnet Opry House Band. Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Doors open 5:30pm, show starts 7:30pm, $5. (www.friendsofbluebonnetopry.org).

April 17Easter Egg-stravaganza Fifth annual city wide Easter Egg Hunt, more than 10,000 eggs, for children ages 2-9. Participants divided into three age divisions, (2-3, 4-6 and 7-9) with each division given separate field to hunt on. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time to sign in. Enjoy face painting, carousel rides and pictures with the Easter Bunny. 6-7:30pm, Fireman’s Park (www.cityofbrenham.org/parks).

April 18-19Easter Eggs, Ladybugs & Ice CreamBring the kids for a fast and furious egg hunt. The hunt be-gins at 11am and is over quickly so come early. A ladybug release will be held at noon and afterward Blue Bell ice cream will be enjoyed by all. Free, Antique Rose Empo-rium, FM 50 in Independence (www.WeAreRoses.com).

April 19Redneck Run Redneck Run 5k adventure run with farm and natural ob-stacles. Run the trails, carry feed sacks, load hay bales and more. A portion of the proceeds will help hungry, home-less children. 8:30am-noon at Miracle Farm, 10802 Inde-pendence Way (www.redneckrun.org). Easter Egg HuntEaster Egg Hunt at Appel Ford, 10-11am. There will be prizes and Peter Cotton Tail will be appearing. 1820 Hwy 290 West, Brenham (www.appelfordsales.com, 979-836-3659).

April 20Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch 1000+ Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch by Design II, mini pies by Love Pies, and champagne provided by 291 Ice House. 11:30am-3pm, The Citadel, 3401 Hwy 290 W. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for kids. (www.TheCitadelTexas.com, 979-836-9463).

April 21, 28Wedding or Prom Day Dance class Learn how to dance for that special day. Brenham Com-munity Education, 7-8:30pm, $25. (brenhamcommuni-tyed.com, 979-277-3895).

April 23Design SeminarHermann Furniture, Noon-1pm, box lunch by Funky Art (hermannfurniture.com, 888-836-7237).

Ribbon Cutting – Kruse Village Gary Elmer Memorial Park Kruse Village, 1700 E. Stone St., 2pm (www.krusevillage.org).

April 24Ribbon Cutting-Bluebird Off The SquareDowntown Brenham, 11am, 201 S. Market St. (www.blue-birdoffthesquare.com).

Camp For All Spring Wine Event Spring wine event for Camp Friends group. Find out more about Camp For All and the Friends group. 5:30-7:30pm, location TBD (Belinda Munsell, bmunsell@campforall.org).

Crawfish Boil 20th Annual CCA Banquet Fundraiser and Crawfish Boil, 5:30-10pm, Silver Wings Ballroom, $50 individual tick-et, $800 table sponsor. (Dennis Crowson 979-451-2472; Wesley Maurer 979-203-1472; Trey Scherer 977-251-4175; Ellen Ohmstede 800-626-4222). April 25-26Shakespeare’s Macbeth At the Winedale Theatre Barn, 7pm. Tickets are $10; $5 for UT ID-holders and students. Tickets available online or by calling (512- 471-4726, www.shakespeare-winedale.org).

April 26Holocaust March of Remembrance Come and hear first-hand testimony of Holocaust sur-vivor. Music, check in & registration 1-2pm; Memori-al service with survivors 2-3:15pm, The March 3:15-4pm; closing ceremony with food , fellowship and music 4-5pm, Cannery Kitchen, 314 Alamo St., free admission, (info.marchofremembrancehouston@gmail.com).

Twin Oaks Household Hazardous Waste Annual household hazardous waste & computer collection event. Open to residents of Washington County. No com-mercial business generated wastes. 7am-2pm, Texas A&M University Services Complex Parking Lot (979-761-3809).

Brenham Children’s Business FairChildren will invent and sell products, learning how to negotiate, sell and become entrepreneurs. Brenham Chris-tian Academy, Kindergarten-8th grade, 9-11am (brenham-childrensfair.org). Child Abuse Awareness Walk, Balloon Release 2nd Annual Walk & Balloon Release, 9am, Brenham Courthouse, free. For more information call 979-277-0088 or email Julie Overstreet at joverstreet@wespeak-4kids.org (www.wespeak4kids.org , www.facebook.com/casaforkids).

April 27Kenney Crawfish Festival All you can eat Crawfish and a concert by Waylon Thibe-deaux, $30 adults, $10 for children under the age of 13. All tickets sold in advance only. Contact the Kenney Store for more information, 979-865-2404 (www.thekenneystore.com).

Page 8 | Chamber Works | March 2014

CalendarContinued from Page 7

TourismContinued from Page 6

Art of the American West - Why Western Art?

The annual national exhibition and competition of the AAW Associates will be held at The Gallery at Round Top, 203 E. Austin St., now through April 13. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit www.thegalleryatroundtop.com. or call 979-249-4119.

Poetry at Round TopThe best kept secret on the American poetry scene hap-

pens at Festival Hill, 248 Jaster Road, from April 11-13. For workshop registration, session times, dinner and ticket in-formation, visit www.festivalhill.org or call 979-249-3129.

Celebrating NatureMelanie Fain’s passion for nature is clearly reflected in

her subtle yet powerful works of art. Melanie’s exhibit will be at Copper Shade Tree, 101 N. Live Oak in Round Top, from now through April 19. For more information, call 979-249-4127 or visit www.coppershadetree.com.

Shakespeare at WinedaleSpring Class performs “Macbeth” Friday, April 25 and

Saturday, April 26 at 7pm at the Winedale Theatre Barn located at 3738 FM 2714, Round Top. For more informa-tion, contact Liz Fisher at 512-471-4726 or lfisher@austin.utexas.edu or visit www.shakespeare-winedale.org.

Festival of PlayYoung Shakespeareans ages 8 to 15 will take the stage

at the Winedale Theater Barn located at 3738 FM 2714 in Round Top on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. as part of the annual spring Festival of Play. This is a free event, but seating is limited and visitors are advised to bring a folding chair or a picnic blanket. For more informa-tion, contact Liz Fisher at 512-471-4726 or email lfisher@austin.utexas.edu or visit www.shakespeare-winedale.org.

April 29Ribbon Cutting – Mattress Firm Welcome new member Mattress Firm, 11am, 101 Hwy. 290 E. (www.mattressfirm.com

A few May highlights…May 3Farmers & Artisans Market Downtown Burton, first Saturday of each month, 9am to noon. Hosted by the Burton Chamber of Commerce and held on the grounds of the historic Burton Railroad Depot, 507 N. Railroad St. (www.burtontexas.org). Community CPR ClassContact the Washington County EMS Station prior to at-tending, $25 per student, 8:30am-noon, 1875 Hwy. 290 West in Brenham (979-277-6267).

Classes of the 40’s of Brenham High School Classes of the 40’s come together, 11am-6pm, Sons of Her-man Lodge, 304 E. Germania St. Contact Donna Eldred 979-277-9060.

May 6 Day by Day with Diabetes Free monthly support group, host of local presenters. Top-ics include meal planning, medications, exercise, research, low and high blood sugar, preventing complications, and resources available, 5:30-6:30pm, Cannery Kitchen, Bren-ham, contact Janet (979-251-0646, janet.crane@att.net).

May 7 Arts at the Lake Monthly Meeting Meeting the first Wednesday of each month at Somerville Se-nior Center at 6pm. Local Artists invited to attend and find out what is going on in Washington and Burleson County to support local art. Center located at Hwy. 36 at 6th Street. May 8Square Dancing Modern Western Square Dancing, Community Education, 1301 S. Market St, Brenham, $40, 7-9pm

Choose Healthy Living Zyto scan and free health seminar, 2nd Thursday afternoon of each month focusing on different aspects of healthy

living and taking control of your health “naturally”. Vari-ous guest speakers. 11:30am-1:30pm, at Must Be Heaven, Downtown Brenham.

Ladies Night at South Texas Tack All Ladies are invited, bring a friend. Live entertainment, Margaritas and Mexican Food. Giveaways: 5 pair of Cow-boy Boots. Must register that night, must be present to win, 6-8pm, call Carolyn for details, 979-421-8880 (www.southtexastack.com).

May 10100 Years of Broadway The Brenham Children’s Chorus annual spring concert, 2-3:30pm, Blinn College O’Donnell Center, advance tick-ets $8, children 12 and under $5, adult tickets at the door $10 (www.brenhamchildrenschorus.com).

May 15Networking Breakfast “Wake Up, Washington County!” Chamber Networking Breakfast, 7:45am, Brenham State Supported Living Cen-ter-Lillian Wilder Chapel.

Springtime brings tour groups to our area for the day. This group of 50-plus Houston seniors are greeted by a Giddings Stone Mansion docent prior to their tour of the historic home. Their list of stops also included downtown Brenham and Festival Hill.

Chamber News & Notes

Did You Know?That the Chamber provides hundreds of “Relocation

Info” packages every year to individuals and business-es 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 nomi-nal annual fee ($75). Contact the Chamber office to be included.

Get Noticed…The ChamberWorks newsletter is published inside The

Banner-Press on the first Thursday of the month. Cham-ber 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 call Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager, at 836-3695.

Another great way to promote your organization is 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 reg-ular businesses, it should also be about upcoming special events, as long as there is no purchase required for the read-er to experience the event.

E-messages are sent a maximum of once per quarter per member during each calendar year.