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TEXAS<br />
PaGe 8 — <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010<br />
your 2010 Huntsville-Walker County<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce<br />
2010 Officers<br />
George Miles, Chairman of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First National Bank<br />
Todd Armstrong, Immediate Past Chair/Nominating . . . .Community Service Credit Union<br />
Paul Davidhizar, Treasurer, 2011 Chair Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alpha Omega Academy<br />
Toni Bruner, Vice Chair Membership/Communications . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruner Angus Ranch<br />
Jim Hodges, Vice Chair Business Services . . . . . . . . . . .H.B.I./Double Dave’s Pizzaworks<br />
Frank Holmes, Vice Chair ED/Institutional Liaisons/Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SHSU<br />
Lezlie Parish, Vice Chair Community Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weatherford International<br />
Carol Smith, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce<br />
directors<br />
Sherri Ballard, Tourism/Visitor Service Council . . . . . . . . . . .Amedisys Home Health Care<br />
Pat Camfield, Communications/Resources Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hwy 19 Diesel Repair<br />
Tom Freeman, Networking Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scotsman Storage<br />
Bill Gulley, Member Events Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pine Tree Publishing<br />
Chris Holm, Tourism/Visitor Services Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville State Park<br />
Morris Johnson, Education/Workforce Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Retired, HISD<br />
Conrad Liles, Community Events Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liles Lawn Service<br />
Rex Maynor, Governmental Affairs Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Item<br />
Cindy Pierce, Membership Development Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heartfield Florist<br />
Tommy Stewart, Existing Business Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward Jones Investment<br />
Weldon Wallace, Leadership Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<strong>The</strong> Carpet Store<br />
Community associates<br />
Judge Danny Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walker County<br />
Mayor J Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City of Huntsville<br />
Bob Barragan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Small Business Development Center<br />
Doris Gimpel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Liaison<br />
Steve Fisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Leadership Institute<br />
Dr. Richard Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsville Independent School District<br />
Sally Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Health Care<br />
David Stephens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Texas Department of Transportation<br />
Dr. Clay Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Waverly Independent School District<br />
Jerry McGinty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Texas Department of Criminal Justice<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> Staff<br />
Carol Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President<br />
Laura Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Events & Communications Manager<br />
Shannon Higbie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Office Manager<br />
Chris Schmitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Receptionist/Secretary<br />
OUR MISSION:<br />
<strong>The</strong> Huntsville-Walker County <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce<br />
is a member and community service organization<br />
that develops and promotes<br />
businesses, leadership and tourism<br />
for the enrichment of our quality of life<br />
and the local economy.<br />
Contact Us<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E. is the monthly newsletter of the Huntsville-Walker County <strong>Chamber</strong> of<br />
Commerce. For story ideas, calendar of events, advertising information or any other contributions to<br />
this publication, please contact the <strong>Chamber</strong> at 295-8113 or toll free 877-646-8068, by mail at PO Box<br />
538-Huntsville, TX 77342, by fax at 295-0571 or by e-mail at chamber@chamber.huntsville.tx.us. <strong>The</strong><br />
chamber web site can be viewed at http://www.chamber.huntsville.tx.us. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> office, located<br />
at 1327 11th Street in Huntsville, is open from 9-5 weekdays. Switchboard from 8:30-5.<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> Calendar<br />
deCeMbeR<br />
24 CLOSED – Christmas Holiday<br />
31 CLOSED – New Year’s Holiday<br />
jaNUaRy<br />
4 Preferred Partners, 8:00 a.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
6 Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
13 Small Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. @ Golden Corral<br />
17 <strong>Chamber</strong> CLOSED – Martin Luther King Day<br />
17 Preferred Partners 8:00 a.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
18 HLI Class – Education @ Various Locations<br />
18 Executive Board Meeting 11:30 a.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
20 Board Meeting @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
20 Thursday Leads Exchange, 8:00 a.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
24 HLI Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. @ <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
27 Business After Hours, 5:15 p.m. @ Inscriptions of the Heart<br />
Community Calendar of events<br />
deCeMbeR<br />
21 Belle Chanson Women’s Choir @ 1st Presbyterian Church<br />
29 Neil Diamond Revue from Branson Missouri @ Old Town <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
jaNUaRy<br />
8 Spinning & Weaving Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum<br />
11-31 HISD Western Art Show Exhibit @ Walker Education Center<br />
13 “Stroke Education” by Council for Health Education and Development @ Wesley<br />
Memorial<br />
United Methodist Church<br />
13 Wounded Warriors Banquet @ Walker County Fairgrounds<br />
15 Cherokee Indian Culture & Crafts @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum<br />
22 Kick Wheel Pottery Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum<br />
25 HISD Western Art Show Reception @ Walker Education Center<br />
29 Blacksmithing & Woodworking Demonstration @ Sam Houston Memorial Museum<br />
31 Harlem Globtrotters @ Johnson Coliseum<br />
Week of 10th Community <strong>The</strong>atre Auditions for “Hate Mail”<br />
Week of 17th Community <strong>The</strong>atre Auditions for “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”<br />
<strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> Huntsville-<br />
Walker County<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> of<br />
Commerce is the<br />
Heart and Voice of<br />
Walker County<br />
Volunteers. Opportunities. Involvement. Community. Events.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E. is a monthly publication that highlights people who are the heart of the <strong>Chamber</strong>, recognizes the countless volunteers who dedicate their time<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong><br />
and talents, gives insight to the endless opportunities to network and connect with others, promotes ideas for involvement from businesses and/or organizations that make<br />
up the membership, provides communication to the Huntsville-Walker County community, and keeps you abreast of the events within the chamber and our town.<br />
Mance Park Lifetime<br />
Achievement Award<br />
Because of his lifetime commitment to all<br />
facets of this community, the <strong>Chamber</strong> of<br />
Commerce established the Mance Park Lifetime<br />
Achievement Award<br />
in 1977 to honor the<br />
legacy of this fine<br />
gentleman. Mr. Park<br />
had a long and distinguished<br />
career in<br />
public school administration.<br />
He was recognized<br />
as a<br />
D i s t i n g u i s h e d<br />
Alumnus of SHSU and<br />
the Letterman’s<br />
Association for his<br />
dedication and service<br />
to athletics.<br />
Award winner Jane Monday,<br />
right, with <strong>Chamber</strong> president<br />
Carol Smith and George Miles.<br />
Mance was the Chairman of the <strong>Chamber</strong> board<br />
in 1960 and returned to serve on the Executive<br />
Committee from 1981 until 1983. He and Mary<br />
Frances were very active in the First United<br />
Methodist Church of Huntsville and for many<br />
years Mance was a<br />
director of First National<br />
See AWARD page 7<br />
Member Spotlight…<br />
Brian Smith<br />
Brian B. Smith, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner<br />
licensee who has practiced in Huntsville and surrounding<br />
areas since 1987, and has been in business since 1986, coming<br />
up on a 25th anniversary in this industry in 2011. He holds a<br />
membership in the Financial Planning Association, and has served<br />
as a guest speaker at numerous industry and consumer meetings<br />
in the area of financial planning and investments.<br />
Brian stated, “We believe that tax<br />
and investment planning, retirement<br />
planning, and estate conservation<br />
should be top priorities for individuals,<br />
families, and businesses interested<br />
in building and maintaining<br />
wealth. This defines "Wealth<br />
Management and Wealth Transfer".<br />
Many people see financial planning<br />
as complex and confusing. What`s the<br />
result? Millions will never capitalize<br />
on timely opportunities, all within<br />
their reach. Many more take<br />
unnecessary risks and fail to ade-<br />
See SPOTLIGHT page 2<br />
PRESORT STANDARD<br />
U.S. POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
HUNTSVILLE TX<br />
PERMIT NO. 6<br />
December 2010<br />
Happy<br />
Holidays<br />
Welcome Our New Members:<br />
• Bang It Services, Inc.<br />
See Page 6 for more info<br />
531 members and growing!<br />
What’s Happening!<br />
January 4 – Reception for Danny Vance of<br />
Trinity River Authority-details tba<br />
January 13- Small Business Breakfast-sponsored<br />
by Office Depot @ Golden Corral, 7:30am<br />
January 27 –Business After Hours –<br />
Inscriptions of the Heart, 5:15 p.m.<br />
Thursday, March 3- Trade Expo, 4-8 at the<br />
Walker County Fairgrounds<br />
Friday, May 20 - 8th Annual Shot in the Dark<br />
Golf Tournament & Helicopter Drop
TEXAS<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong><br />
PaGe 2 — <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010<br />
Thoughts from<br />
CaROL’S CORNeR<br />
MeRRy CHRISTMaS FROM yOUR<br />
CHaMbeR OFCOMMeRCe:<br />
2010 has been a challenging, yet amazing<br />
year at the Huntsville-Walker County<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce. Our membership has<br />
continued to increase, our events have been<br />
awesome, and our networking contacts<br />
reached to almost 50,000 with visits, calls,<br />
contact, etc. As we move into this holiday season,<br />
our thoughts turn gratefully to those who<br />
Carol Smith. have made this progress possible. With that<br />
said, it is most appropriate to pause a moment<br />
and express our heart felt gratitude for so many committed friends and<br />
members, all rolled together, make up the Huntsville-Walker County<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce. This wonderful community that we all know<br />
as “home” has so many great qualities, and it’s at times like these that<br />
we slow down a bit and “reflect” just how very fortunate we are to<br />
reside here. No matter what brought you to this historical area, most<br />
would agree it is a great place to live, do business and raise families.<br />
Truly, our committed membership is the heart and soul of our<br />
chamber of commerce. Without your support and involvement, the<br />
services we provide and events we execute would simply not be possible.<br />
You are the reason we exist. Your continued dedication to the<br />
community and economic well-being of Huntsville and Walker County<br />
is unsurpassed and truly makes our area an amazing place to call home.<br />
We are reminded that the year-end brings no greater pleasure than the<br />
opportunity to express to our membership season’s greetings and good<br />
wishes.<br />
We have celebrated our 76th anniversary this year, and our<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> continues to be blessed with dedicated, committed sponsors.<br />
As member businesses that continually step up and offer financial support<br />
or in-kind services, you are truly to be commended. <strong>The</strong> pride and<br />
personal commitment you take in this community is reflected in your<br />
selflessness and willingness to help. You are the profile of an ultimate<br />
team player and we are sincerely appreciative of your generosity, and<br />
look forward to working with you on future events.<br />
ECONOMIC INDICATORS<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Continued from page 1<br />
As we reflect back over this past year, we are sincerely grateful for<br />
all our blessings. <strong>The</strong> Trade Expo, Shot-in-the- Dark Golf Tournament,<br />
Huntsville Leadership Institute, Fair on the Square and certainly the<br />
Gala continue to be outstanding events for our members and friends<br />
alike. And this year we added an awesome event to market our business<br />
members in a unique venue…DIVA NIGHT! <strong>The</strong>se would not be<br />
possible without the committed volunteers…you are a key element to<br />
our program of work as we strive to offer only the best to everyone.<br />
You are depended upon during many events, and it is your assistance<br />
that often helps put the finishing touches on special events and activities.<br />
We are appreciative of your commitment to this community and<br />
your desire to be part of making it the great place we know. For your<br />
commitment, kindness, generosity and loyalty we are truly thankful.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> Board will hold a planning retreat on January 12, led<br />
by incoming Board Chair Paul Davidhizar. Many exciting details will<br />
be shared beginning with 2011. With this new year about to dawn, we<br />
are also grateful to George Miles and his leadership, along with the<br />
entire <strong>Chamber</strong> board this past year. <strong>The</strong>y are all committed to helping<br />
direct the organization in the most positive and effective way possible.<br />
Thanks to all of you!<br />
And last, but certainly not least, the committed staff at the<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> is the best to be found anywhere!! <strong>The</strong>y are constantly working<br />
for the continued betterment of this organization. So, to Shannon,<br />
Chris and Laura…you all are the best and the <strong>Chamber</strong> is so fortunate<br />
to have each of you…GO TEAM!!<br />
In closing, we say thank you and extend our warmest wishes for the<br />
holiday season. May your holidays and the coming year be filled with<br />
happiness and prosperity. Working together make the holidays even<br />
brighter!! And, we can’t say thank you enough to the membership for<br />
joining us and sharing from their hearts their appreciation over this past<br />
year… and support for the <strong>Chamber</strong>’s 76 years of serving Huntsville<br />
and Walker County...the <strong>Chamber</strong> is truly the “heartbeat” of Huntsville<br />
and Walker County! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!<br />
Hugs to All,<br />
Carol Smith<br />
quately manage their assets. At Global Financial<br />
Partners we take the mystery out of investing, managing<br />
risk, preparing for retirement and other financial<br />
goals, and preserving your wealth. By establishing true and trusted relationships<br />
you will acquire the information you need to pursue your financial objectives. No<br />
mystery, it`s that simple!”<br />
Retirement planning is often a focus for their clients, but Brian mentioned other<br />
needs that surface as well. “Estate taxation and wealth transfer has become even<br />
more prevalent recently, with the “Bush Tax Cuts” scheduled to “sunset” January<br />
1, 2011. However, income needs, seem to be more and more important these days<br />
with CD and other savings vehicle interest rates so low. <strong>The</strong>re are many options to<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> ambassadors<br />
Meet in the Community<br />
To better support and market local businesses, Ambassador<br />
meetings are now held in community locations. On Tuesday,<br />
November 30, the Ambassadors meeting was held at <strong>The</strong> Potato<br />
Shack. <strong>The</strong> primary purpose of Ambassador meetings is to continue<br />
planning for member contacts, ribbon cuttings, and “Suprize<br />
Patrol” events.<br />
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the January 25 meeting<br />
at Carbonero’s Restaurant. Several “prize patrol” visits will be<br />
made that day as well. We would love to have you join us as we<br />
support our local business members. YOU are needed to help<br />
with tourism and economic development efforts as we continue<br />
with these “member focused” visits.<br />
Working with Quick books Pro 2009 -$50.00 for each session<br />
• Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 6-9 p.m. – Part I<br />
Presenter: Sherry Donaleski, QuickBooks Pro Advisor (Working with knowledge<br />
of Windows XP required)<br />
• Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 6-9 p.m. Part II<br />
Presenter: Sherry Donaleski, QuickBooks Pro Advisor (Working with knowledge<br />
of Windows XP required)<br />
• Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 6-9 p.m. Part III<br />
Presenter: Sherry Donaleski, QuickBooks Pro Advisor (Working with knowledge<br />
of Windows XP required)<br />
All seminars are open to the public and held at the SHSU SBDC Computer Learning<br />
Center at 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX unless otherwise noted. Please<br />
visit our website at http://sbdc.shsu.edu/<br />
combat these low rates, often still FDIC protected, and many times with tax free<br />
earnings.”<br />
Brian is an alumnus of SHSU, earning a BBA in Business in 1979. After graduation,<br />
he was employed by a fortune 500 energy services company both domestically<br />
and internationally for seven years, before deciding to build his own practice and<br />
raise children in Walker County. He’s been active in his church, and many other<br />
community activities over the years including the HISD Board of Trustees, WCFA,<br />
and Huntsville Walker Co. <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce. He and Linda have been married<br />
for 27+ years, son Riley is a member of SHSU’s football team, and son Murphy is a<br />
freshman at A&M. Brian & Linda both reflect that “…Walker County has been a<br />
good place to build a life.”<br />
SMALL BUSINESS<br />
Breakfast<br />
Thanks to avalon Place Trinity for hosting the <strong>Chamber</strong> Small<br />
Business Breakfast in December. Avalon Place, located at 808 South<br />
Robb in Trinity Texas, offers 24 hour skilled nursing-rehabilitation and<br />
respite or vacation programs. <strong>The</strong> trained professional staff is committed<br />
to providing each individual with quality care to meet their challenging<br />
health care needs. This team of professionals includes a medical director,<br />
consultant pharmacist and consultant dietician and is led by a licensed<br />
administrator. For more information, please contact the admissions director<br />
at 936-594-7521. You may also visit them on the web at<br />
www.swltc.com.<br />
Pictured is Admission Director Stacey Wesney<br />
and Administrator Susan Kottenbrook.<br />
agriLand Farm Credit<br />
On Tuesday, November 16th the <strong>Chamber</strong> Ambassadors and staff<br />
visited the new AgriLand Farm Credit location to host a red ribbon cutting.<br />
Shown here is Roger Brist, CEO, Michael Biesiada, Regional<br />
President, and Reba Van Dorn, Loan Officer. <strong>The</strong> new office is located at<br />
125 SH 150 W. Ste. B in New Waverly TX 77358. <strong>The</strong>y can be contacted<br />
by calling 936-344-9400/Fax 888-746-7734 or visiting their website at<br />
www.agriland.com.<br />
9<br />
12<br />
6<br />
3<br />
BUSINESS<br />
After Hours<br />
V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010 — PaGe 7<br />
TEXAS<br />
Thanks to First Victoria National bank for sponsoring the December <strong>Chamber</strong> Business After Hours. Today,<br />
First Victoria has in excess of $1.7 billion in total assets. Proud of its heritage as the oldest independent bank in<br />
Texas, First Victoria is a full-service commercial bank currently serving over 70,000 customers in the Texas Gulf<br />
Coast, the I-45 corridor north of Houston, the Brazos Valley and Fort Bend County with 28 Banking Centers and<br />
35 ATMs. <strong>The</strong> location in Huntsville offers customers many banking services including mortgage and real estate<br />
loans, commercial loans, checking and savings accounts, trusts and investment accounts, CDs, IRAs and much<br />
more. <strong>The</strong>y are located at 2033 11th Street and may be reached at 936-291-3232 or on the web at www.firstvictoria.com<br />
Pictured are front row: Teller Gail Felts and Teller Service Manager Debbie Byrd. Back row: Teller Nicole<br />
Garrett, Teller Jorge Gonzalez, PrimeVest Investment Executive Brad Muchow, Assistant Vice President &<br />
Banking Center Manager Viola Hollis, Senior Vice President & Retail Area Manager Donna Patterson and<br />
Executive Vice President & Regional Manager Joe C. Boaz. Not pictured are Assistant Vice President &<br />
Lending Officer Rodney Cooksey, Personal Banker Nancy Costilow and Administrative Lending Assistant<br />
Pam Jalowy.<br />
Ribbon Cuttings<br />
Modello Footwear & accessories<br />
Friday, December 10 was a special day for Modello Footwear &<br />
Accessories as they cut the ribbon at their new location at 1201<br />
University Ave. Members of the <strong>Chamber</strong> board, ambassadors and staff,<br />
joined Owners Javier & Sonia Zamudio, and Store Manager Eric Ramos<br />
in celebrating this special day. Stop by their spacious new store or call<br />
936-291-0448 or email modelloinc_huntsville@yahoo.com for all your<br />
shoe and accessory needs.<br />
AWARD<br />
Continued from page 1<br />
Bank. In addition to being a committed<br />
Rotarian, Mance was a rancher, a realtor<br />
and a tremendous family man.<br />
This award is presented only to RARE and WONDERFUL people<br />
in our community, whose lifetime of achievements would be<br />
the kind to make the late Mance Park proud. Jane Monday, like<br />
Mance Park is committed to this community and is the 14th recipient<br />
to receive this award.<br />
For most of her life, Jane Clements Monday has nutured a positive,<br />
driving vision for our community, and has committed herself<br />
to that vision even today. A graduate of Huntsville High School<br />
and then University of Texas, Jane has accomplished extraordinary<br />
things for this community and has given more than generously<br />
of her time and energies to the citizens of Huntsville. She<br />
served on the City Planning Commission, on City Council, the<br />
Rotary Club, the Walker County Fair just to name a few. She<br />
served on the Texas State University System Board of Regents, as<br />
our City Mayor and other projects such as the city library and<br />
local park beautification. Jane served on the <strong>Chamber</strong> Board and<br />
worked tirelessly on the Convention/Visitors Bureau.<br />
Jane Monday was selected as an “Outstanding Senior Woman”<br />
at the University of Texas, is married to the love of her life Dr.<br />
Charles Monday and together they have 3 grown daughters and 8<br />
grandchildren. Jane and Charles attend First United Methodist<br />
Church. We sincerely thank Jane for her years of dedicated service<br />
to Huntsville and Walker County as well as the great state of<br />
Texas and for her unselfish attitude and to “keep on keeping on”<br />
to accomplish so many great things for this community.<br />
Congratulations!!
TEXAS<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong><br />
PaGe 6 — <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010<br />
2010 Christmas<br />
Open House<br />
<strong>The</strong> staff and Board of<br />
Directors hosted a Christmas<br />
Open House on Thursday,<br />
December 9th in the chamber<br />
board room. To celebrate the<br />
season members and guests<br />
were treated to food, beverages<br />
and door prizes. A special<br />
thank you to<br />
Aramark Classic<br />
Fare Catering from<br />
the campus of SHSU for providing the refreshments for our<br />
holiday event. Several door prizes were given during the<br />
event as well, our lucky winners were Sherri Ballard, Dale<br />
Wright, Buddy Aber, Lonnie Smith and Ce Cowart-Schlicher.<br />
Reception for<br />
DR. DANA GIBSON, President<br />
Sam Houston State University<br />
<strong>The</strong> Huntsville-Walker County <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce hosted a community wide reception to welcome<br />
the new incoming president of Sam Houston State University on Tuesday, November 30 at<br />
Magnolia Lake. <strong>The</strong> event was underwritten by<br />
Scotsman Storage, <strong>The</strong> Carpet Store, Reliable Auto<br />
Parts, Edward Jones/Tommy Stewart, Mike & Rosanne<br />
Keathley, Kim Stewart and Ben Bius.<br />
Kudos!<br />
Madilene Loosier, owner of Madilene’s Piano Tuning & Repair has been<br />
recognized by <strong>The</strong> National Association of Professional Women as<br />
Woman of the Year 2010/2011. She received this award for demonstrating<br />
excellence and dedication within her profession. Madilene is a<br />
Certified Piano Technician and began her business in 2004 and provides<br />
professional piano services for all makes and models wherever the<br />
piano is located. She can be contacted at 936-581-0094 or on the web<br />
at www.MadilenesPianoService.com.<br />
Mark Your Calendars!<br />
TRADE EXPO AND<br />
TASTE OF HUNTSVILLE 2011<br />
THURSDAY, MARCH 3<br />
4-8 P.M.<br />
WALKER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS<br />
Showcase your business and sample Huntsville’s finest cuisine at the premier<br />
business event of the year, sponsored by the <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce.<br />
Information and reservations will be available in January. Contact Shannon<br />
Higbie at 295-8113 or shigbie@chamber.huntsville.tx.us for information.<br />
Farewell Letter from<br />
George Miles<br />
Dear Fellow <strong>Chamber</strong> Members and Community Friends:<br />
<strong>The</strong> year 2010 has been a year filled with<br />
many challenges, but one that nevertheless presented<br />
opportunities for extensive accomplishments<br />
by our <strong>Chamber</strong>. Blessed with the hard<br />
work of an outstanding <strong>Chamber</strong> staff and dedicated<br />
volunteers, you, the members, joined with<br />
us to make 2010 the absolute best year yet in<br />
ways we only imagined at the beginning of the<br />
year.<br />
George Miles.<br />
First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for<br />
your support in so many ways. I had the opportunity to get out in<br />
the community and personally visit with many of you throughout the<br />
year, and that was a personal highlight for me. Getting to know our<br />
members and understanding your concerns and hearing your ideas<br />
for a better <strong>Chamber</strong> was a rewarding personal adventure for which<br />
I remain deeply grateful.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Huntsville/Walker County <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce and its<br />
members can definitely look back with pride on what was accomplished<br />
this year: (1) Every fundraising and “friend-raising” event<br />
(Fair on the Square, Trade Expo, Diva Night, Shot in the Dark Golf<br />
Tournament, and the Annual Gala) turned out to be the biggest and<br />
best, in terms of participant response, visitor response, and money<br />
raised; (2) membership rose to 531, an increase of 68 new members<br />
over the previous year; and, (3) the <strong>Chamber</strong> Ambassador program<br />
was reinvigorated and reached out to members with several<br />
“Surprise Patrol” visits to various members each month, bearing<br />
cookies, balloons, and good will.<br />
Additionally, the <strong>Chamber</strong>’s Huntsville Leadership Institute classes<br />
continue to attract the community’s brightest and best, and are a<br />
vital link in connecting Huntsville to its people and its businesses in<br />
positive and informative ways. Building leaders for the community<br />
is and should always be a top priority within any <strong>Chamber</strong> of<br />
Commerce.<br />
I don’t have adequate words to properly thank all of you who have<br />
made my year as Chairman of the <strong>Chamber</strong> Board such a rewarding<br />
one. However, I want you to know I will always treasure the friendships<br />
that have grown in sometimes trying and difficult circumstances,<br />
and also want to say how much I truly appreciate all of you<br />
– staff, members, volunteers, and everyone who contributed your<br />
time and hard work to make the <strong>Chamber</strong> a success in 2010. You<br />
succeeded in every way – congratulations!<br />
I know you will support 2011 Chairman Paul Davidhizar in the<br />
same outstanding manner. I wish Paul the greatest year ever, and<br />
look forward to serving with him my final year on the board and to<br />
working with all of you. Thank you again.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
George D. Miles, Jr.<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> Bri<br />
Amedisys Home Health Care<br />
John Amick<br />
A Space Place<br />
CASA of Walker County<br />
Education Service Center Region VI<br />
Entergy<br />
V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010 — PaGe 3<br />
TEXAS<br />
NeW CHaMbeR<br />
MeMbeRS<br />
as of dec. 10, 2010<br />
<strong>The</strong> following businesses recently joined the <strong>Chamber</strong> and we extend A WARM CHAMBER WELCOME. <strong>The</strong><br />
information printed was gained from membership applications. For any additions and/or corrections, contact<br />
the <strong>Chamber</strong> as complete membership information is vital to your records with us. Our most recent new members<br />
we welcome:<br />
Bang It Services, Inc. is a company that specializes in roofing, siding, fencing, painting and remodeling. Mike<br />
Villacis is the president and can be reached Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by calling 936-291-<br />
2264/Fax 832-747-1777 or email bangitservices@yahoo.com. He joined the chamber to expose his business<br />
to other businesses and hopes to gain new business relationships. Visit the website at www.bangitservices.net<br />
for more information.<br />
RECENT MEMBER<br />
RENEWALS<br />
Hat’s off to the following members who recently renewed their <strong>Chamber</strong> membership. Marketing, advertising and networking are<br />
just a few of the benefits of <strong>Chamber</strong> membership. We encourage everyone to shop with <strong>Chamber</strong> members.<br />
Express Employment Professionals<br />
Joe G. Davis School of Vocational Nursing<br />
Dr. Nabeel A. Khan, M.D.<br />
McGee, Miller & Co.<br />
Schlotzsky’s<br />
Prize Patrol Makes Stops in Huntsville<br />
1 2 3<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> Ambassador<br />
“Prize Patrol” continues to be<br />
very busy celebrating with many<br />
business members. <strong>The</strong><br />
Ambassadors make “suprize”<br />
visits, complete with balloons<br />
and cookies to show appreciation<br />
to <strong>Chamber</strong> business members.<br />
Shown here are November<br />
30 visits made to (1) <strong>The</strong> Carpet<br />
Store (2) Potato Shack (3) Mom<br />
4 5<br />
& Tot Shop (4) Farmers Insurance-Ashley Doughtie-Butler (5) BearKat Books. Don’t be alarmed<br />
if you notice a group of excited individuals entering your business soon with balloons and goodies to<br />
share. This is another way the <strong>Chamber</strong> is helping to highlight and market our members.
TEXAS<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong><br />
PaGe 4 — <strong>Chamber</strong> V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010<br />
2010 Gala Auction Donors<br />
Adams Furniture<br />
AdVantage Specialties<br />
All 4 Paws<br />
Alpha Omega Academy<br />
Altom Consulting and Marketing<br />
Aramark Campus Dining & Catering<br />
AT&T “<strong>The</strong> Real Yellow Pages”<br />
Audie’s Boutique<br />
Backwoods Candle Company - Amanda Wallace<br />
Bandera Grill<br />
Baskin’s Department Store<br />
Bearkat Books<br />
Bennie J’s Smoke Pit<br />
Blue Cats Seafood & Steak<br />
<strong>The</strong> Carpet Store<br />
Catering By Brenda<br />
Cavender’s Boot City<br />
Cinestar Cinema-Huntsville<br />
Comet Cleaners<br />
Creation Studios<br />
Curves-Huntsville<br />
Double Dave’s Pizza<br />
Dream Makers Limousine Service<br />
Eagle Graphics<br />
2010 <strong>Chamber</strong> Gala<br />
From top left, 1. Dr. Dana Gibson hosted a reception for the past chairman of the board; 2. Retiring Directors, Bill Gulley, Todd<br />
Armstrong, Morris Johnson, and Conrad Liles; 3. Warm Welcome Award winner, Wendy Norman; 4. Ambassador of the Year,<br />
Carol Sullivan; 5. Volunteer of the Year, Doris Gimpel; 6. <strong>Chamber</strong> CEO Carol Smith with new Chair Paul Davidhizar and outgoing<br />
chair George Miles; 7. <strong>Chamber</strong> staff with outgoing chair George Miles; 8. Community Service Award, Delta Tau Delta<br />
Fraternity @ Sam Houston State; 9. Key Member Award, Bill and Carol Gulley; 10. Director of the Year, Tommy Stewart; 11. <strong>The</strong><br />
2010 <strong>Chamber</strong> Gala packed the LSC Ballroom with a sold-out crowd.<br />
Thank you to all who sponsored, donated<br />
and attended the<br />
2010 <strong>Chamber</strong> Gala and auction.<br />
Elkins Lake Golf<br />
Envoy Mortgage, Ltd.<br />
Angila Ervin-Lawton Publications<br />
Expert Nails<br />
Facemaker Spa & Salon - Julie Kotalik<br />
Faith Lutheran School<br />
Farmhouse Café<br />
Faust Distributing<br />
Forest Glen Christian Camp<br />
Fort Worth Zoological<br />
Frameworks & Gallery<br />
Casey R. Frazier, D.D.S.<br />
Fresh Donuts<br />
Gatti’s Pizza<br />
Giddy Up Glamour<br />
Golden Corral<br />
Grand Station Entertainment<br />
Gullo Yamaha<br />
Haute Boutique<br />
Heartfield Florist<br />
Hodges Business Interiors<br />
Johnny & Suzanne Holland<br />
Houston Aeros Charities & Houston Aeros Hockey Club<br />
Houston Astros<br />
Houston Golf Association<br />
Houston Museum of Natural Science<br />
Houston Texans<br />
Huntsville Community <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
Huntsville Item<br />
Huntsville Memorial Hospital<br />
Huntsville Pet Clinic - Drs. Phillip & Courtney DuVall<br />
Huntsville Rental Center/Discount Moonwalks<br />
Huntsville Self Storage<br />
Inkslingers<br />
Joint & Spine Center - Dr. Jeffrey Pruski<br />
JuJuBelle Independent Consultant - Laura Green<br />
Kampus Korner Bookstore<br />
State Representative Lois W. Kolkhorst<br />
KSAM-FM/KHVL-AM<br />
Lawton Publications<br />
Learning RX<br />
Liles Lawn Service<br />
Lisa’s Gift Box<br />
Scott A. Logan, DDS<br />
Betsy Milligan Maloney<br />
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant<br />
Pam Markham<br />
Mary Kay Cosmetics Independent Sales Director- Carol Martin<br />
Corporate Sponsor<br />
Dinner Sponsors<br />
Gala 2010 Committee Chairs<br />
Jim Hodges, Vice Chair...............................HBI/Double Dave’s<br />
Bill Gulley, Director.................................Pine Tree Publishing<br />
Lorri Lehman, Committee Chair...............First National Bank<br />
Carol Gulley, Decorations........................Pine Tree Publishing<br />
Donna Story/DeeDee Dretke, Amanda Wallace, Auction .........<br />
.............................Keller Williams Realty/<strong>The</strong> Carpet Store<br />
Brandon Cooper, Hospitality ...........................................SHSU<br />
Special Thanks<br />
McCoy’s Building Supply<br />
Messina Hof<br />
Miche Bags of College Station<br />
Mitcham Industries, Inc.<br />
Moak & Moak , P.C. Attorneys at Law<br />
Mom & Tot Shop<br />
Murski’s<br />
Mystic Rays<br />
Nautilus Health Center<br />
Office Depot<br />
Senator Stephen E. Ogden<br />
Pampered Chef Independent Consultant - Tracy Stoudt<br />
Perfect Nails<br />
Pine Tree Publishing-Your Home Town Phonebook<br />
Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning<br />
Raven Nest Golf Club<br />
Reid Office Supply<br />
Roche Family Dentistry, P.A., Wm. C. Roche II, D.D.S.<br />
Sam Houston Cancer Center<br />
Sam Houston State University – Dr. Dana Gibson<br />
Sam Houston State University Department of <strong>The</strong>atre & Dance<br />
Scentsy Independent Consultant - Jodi Lawson<br />
Schlotzsky’s<br />
Sherwin-Williams Paint Co.<br />
HUNTSVILLE<br />
Auction<br />
Sponsor<br />
Gerald Kohers, Greg Smith, Huntsville Item, KSAM-FM/KHVL-<br />
AM, Huntsville Rental Center, Frameworks & Gallery,<br />
Heartfield Florist, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Tau Omega, Delta<br />
Tau Delta, Tracy Stoudt, Jodi Lawson, Nancy Davidhizar,<br />
Jason Gulley, Ryan Dretke, and Auction Donors<br />
Simeon Pruski-Arbonne International Independent Consultant<br />
Dr. Debra Sims, DDS<br />
Stephen Sims, M.D.<br />
Six Flags of Texas<br />
Stevenson Distributing<br />
Stewart’s Garden Center<br />
Tan Ya<br />
Team Synergy<br />
Texas Prison Museum<br />
Texas Rangers Baseball Club<br />
Texas State Railroad<br />
Totally Toned Fitness Spa<br />
Town N Country Cleaners<br />
Triple “S” Soft Silky Sheets - Kimberly Johnson<br />
Trophy Case<br />
Walker County Fair & Rodeo Committee<br />
Walker County LP Gas<br />
Wal-Mart in Huntsville<br />
Ward Furniture & Flooring<br />
Whistler Bed & Breakfast<br />
Willow House Independent Consultant - Dee Dee Dretke<br />
V.O.I.C.E., deCeMbeR 20, 2010 — PaGe 5<br />
TEXAS<br />
Edwin G. Sandhop, Jr. Award<br />
Huntsville lost a wonderful citizen this past July in the passing of Ed Sandhop. So the <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
chose to establish a new award this year that will become an annual recognition of Edwin G.<br />
Sandhop, Jr. Ed played a key role for many, many years in this community, retiring from Gibbs<br />
Bros. after 57 years. He graduated from SHSU in 1949 with a business degree and also served in<br />
the military. Ed was involved with just about everything in this community…from Huntsville<br />
Memorial Hospital, to the university, to the chamber and tourism board, just to name a few. If you<br />
were involved at all over the past 50 years in Huntsville, you encountered Ed Sandhop. He was<br />
described as one of the most compassionate men of this community and was a great inspiration to<br />
everyone he met. We were so pleased his wife, Genevieve was present at the Gala this year to share<br />
in this special celebration. We thank her for sharing Ed with us in so many ways over the past fifty<br />
years.<br />
To honor his caring spirit and service to this community, we have chosen to establish the Edwin<br />
G. Sandhop, Jr. Spirit of Huntsville Award to recognize annually an individual that would be a true<br />
reflection of Ed Sandhop. This year’s recipient, much like Ed has been involved in many facets of<br />
service to this community. This person is a graduate of Huntsville High School and is a 6th generation<br />
native of Walker County. <strong>The</strong>y have been extensively involved with city government, the Rotary<br />
Club, the Josey Scout Lodge, and the <strong>Chamber</strong> of Commerce just to name a few.<br />
Dan Davis truly reflects “the spirit of Huntsville” in every way. Congratulations, Dan!. We thank<br />
you for your years of dedicated<br />
service to Huntsville and Walker<br />
County. As the first recipient of<br />
this award, we are absolutely<br />
convinced this would make the<br />
late Ed Sandhop very pleased.<br />
We congratulate you!!<br />
<strong>The</strong> Edwin G. Sandho, Jr. Award winner Dan Davis, second from right, stands<br />
with George Miles, Genevieve Sandhop, and <strong>Chamber</strong> president Carol Smith.<br />
2010 Gala Table Sponsors<br />
Alpha Omega Academy<br />
American Bank<br />
AT&T<br />
City Of Huntsville<br />
Community Service Credit Union<br />
Edward Jones - Tommy Stewart<br />
First National Bank<br />
Forest Glen Christian Camp<br />
Global Financial Partners<br />
William Green<br />
Heartfield Florist<br />
Hodges Business Interiors<br />
Huntsville Item<br />
Huntsville Memorial Hospital<br />
Keller Williams Realty<br />
KSTAR Radio<br />
Morris Johnson<br />
Liles Lawn Service/<strong>The</strong> Carpet Store<br />
McCann Financial<br />
Park & Durham Attorneys at Law<br />
Randy White, CPA<br />
Sam Houston Cancer Center<br />
Scotsman Storage-Tom Freeman<br />
SHSU University Advancement<br />
Small Business Development Center<br />
Walker County Fair Association<br />
Walker County Special Utility District