Man and Woman of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

Asthenewyearapproaches,itistimetostartthinkingaboutwho deserves the honor ofbeingselected for the2010Man and Woman of theYear-LifetimeAchievementAward.

This is a longstandingtradition of the Chamber,recognizing the lifetimeachievementsoftwoextra-special individuals eachyear.Thetraditionincludesthe announcement of thewinnersattheAnnualBanquetoftheChamberofCommerce&

December 20102010 Board of Directors

ChairwomanJULIE RENKEN

WashingtonCountyAttorney

First Vice ChairCATHY BOEKER

BlinnCollege

Second Vice ChairBRICE MILLIORN

EdwardJonesInvestments

TreasurerTREY HARDY

GermaniaInsurance

SecretaryMIKE BAKER

MICGroup

Immediate Past ChairBARNEY LOESCH

ThriventFinancialforLutherans

CHRIS BREWSTERBrewsterLLC

MELINDA FAUBIONBooDogDesignGroup

LESLIE HARRELLBrenhamAbstract&TitleCo.

KAREN MORGANBrenhamClinicAssociation

LETE PHILLIPSLetePhillipsExerciseStudio

GLENWOOD PRENZLERRetiredEducator

ALEJANDRA RAYBeversKitchen

BARRY BRASSParcelPlus

LAVERNE KRUMREYHorseshoeJunction

FamilyFunPark

JOY NELSONBrenhamISD

KrauseElementary

LOWELL OGLECityofBrenham

CHRIS CANGELOSI WashingtonCountyAbstract

CONNIE HALL InglesideBed&Breakfast

MARK PATRANELLA BlueBellCreameries

KURT PODESZWA CampForAll

JARVIS VAN DYKE VanDykeRankin&Company

WENDY YATES MoormanTateLawFirm

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”

Hostedby:

Blue Bell Creameries1101SouthBlueBellRoad,Brenham

Thursday, Dec. 9 — 5-6:30 p.m.Enjoygreatnetworkingandrefreshments.

Bringplentyofbusinesscards,connectwitholdfriendsandmakesomenew!

FreeforChambermembersandallemployees.

Special beverages provided by: Mike Hopkins Distributing.

LearnmoreaboutBlueBellCreameriesatwww.bluebell.com

BrenhamClinicBluebonnetElectric

Scott&WhiteHospital-Brenham

Chamber Now Operating Two SitesThe new Washington County Visitor

Centerofficiallyopenedat10a.m.Decem-ber1.Ifyoudonotalreadyknowwhereitis,itislocatedat115W.MainStreetinsidetherestoredSimonTheaterinDowntownBrenham!

Hundreds of visitors from Texas, in-cluding Houston, Bastrop, Round Rock,GeorgetownandSanAntoniohavealreadystopped by. Out-of-state visitors from asfar away as South Dakota have enjoyedlearningaboutourareausingtheinterac-tiveaudiovisualscreen.WehaveevenhadvisitorsfromMadrid,Spain!

Visitor Center Hours will be 10 a.m.-5p.m.MondaythroughFridayand10a.m.-3p.m.onSaturday.Sundayhourswillresumeduring thepeakspringwildflower season.ThemainphonenumberfortheChamberisstill836-3695,butanewdirectnumberfortheVisitorCenteris836-3696.

While the new Visitor Center is filledwith display space for leisure and recre-ation activities in the county and region,the main building will now have morespacetofocusoninformationforresidents

Chamber Says Farewell to Retiring DirectorsFollowingcountlessmeetingsandhoursof

volunteering at events, the Chamber is sadto say farewell to several outstanding boardmembers.Theseretiringdirectorshavebeenclosely involved with the Chamber of Com-mercesinceJanuary2008,andtheyaregreat-lyresponsibleforthestridestheorganizationhastakeninthepastfewyears.

The outgoing directors include: ChrisBrewster, Brewster LLC; Melinda Faubion,Faubion Design;LeslieHarrell,Brenham Ab-stract & Title Company;KarenMorgan,Br-

enham Clinic Association;LetePhillips,Lete Phillips Exercise Studio;GlenwoodPrenzler,Retired Educator;andAlejandraRay,Bevers Kitchen.

All have been valuable members of com-mitteesandprojectsoverthepastthreeyears.Theywillbegreatlymissedfromtheboard’smonthlymeetings,butweknowtheywillal-waysremainstrongmembersoftheChamberandourlocalbusinesscommunity.

Please join us in thanking them for theiryearsofservicetotheChambermembership

thenexttimeyouseethem!Congratulationstothesesevennewlyelect-

ed board members who will be beginningtheirthree-yeartermonJanuary1,2011:JimBaker, Brenham Fitness; Jennifer Beaudet,Pure Elegance and Germania Insurance;Car-olBrooks,SeidelSchroeder&CompanyandB&CVictorianAntiques;RobertHam,Bren-ham State Supported Living Center; DebbieHavers,RR Donnelley;ShawnKhan,Central Texas Eye Institute;andJoelRomo,American Heart Association.

See VISITOR CENTER, Page 3

See NOMINATIONS, Page 3

Page2ChamberWorksDecember 2010

ribbon cuttings

Cannery Kitchen & Gift ShopExecutiveDirector:J.D.Young314EastAlamo,BrenhamPhone:979-830-0321

Coldwell Banker Commercial Southwest PartnersOwners:Diane&GeorgeAlexander850FM390East,BrenhamPhone:979-421-9996

Absolutely Fabulous Salon & SpaOwner:HeatherHuff807S.AustinStreet,BrenhamPhone:979-277-8609

Independence Coffee Co.Owners:Christi&RaganBond109WestMainStreet,DowntownBrenhamPhone:979-836-3322

Norman’s PharmacyOwner:BrenhamDrugPartners2105SouthDayStreet,BrenhamPhone:979-836-5264

ID Theft SolutionsOwner:DavidJezierski23726AyscoughLane,KatyPhone:713-454-3487

Schlotzsky’s & Cinnabon ExpressOwner:KimPham2606Hwy36South,BrenhamPhone:979-421-6340

Portable Buildings of BrenhamOwner:JohnLammers10050Hwy36North,BrenhamPhone:979-836-7225

Check Out the Hot Deals Online!Chamber members post “Hot Deals” on the Chamber website, with special offers on goods and services. You can print coupons right from the site. Check out the latest deals at www.BrenhamTexas.com. Click on “Chamber Information” on the home page, then look for the Hot Deals icon!

Chamber Works December 2010 Page 3

Tweet with us @ www.twitter.com/

VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo

Welcome New Chamber MembersBRENHAM TECHNICAL SERVICES, LLCOwners:TroySchroeder/CabinWarmkeP.O.Box2406Brenham,Texas77834Phone:979-836-7184troy@brenhamtechnical.comwww.brenhamtechnical.comAutomatic Gate Operators

CANNERY KITCHEN & GIFT SHOPExecutiveDirector:J.D.Young314EastAlamo(Physical)500EastAcademy(Mailing)Brenham,Texas77833Phone:979-830-0321mail@faithmission.uswww.faithmission.usRestaurant

COWBOY CHURCH OF BRENHAMPastor:SteveWestbrookMeetatSilverWingsBallroom4100Hwy105Brenham,Texas77833P.O.Box2516(Mailing)Brenham,Texas77834Phone:979-836-0123ccobinfo@gmail.comwww.cowboychurchofbrenham.orgChurches

THE GALLERY AT ROUND TOPOwners:Karen&KenMuenzenmayer203EastAustinStreet(Physical)POBox311(Mailing)RoundTop,Texas78954Phone:979-249-4119kvernonart@aol.comwww.thegalleryatroundtop.comArt Gallery

K’S MUTT HUTOwner:KathrynTurnbull6955HummingbirdRoadBrenham,Texas77833Phone:979-661-0840kmutthut@gmail.comwww.ksmutthut.comDog Boarding & Pet Sitting

SCHLOTZSKY’S & CINNABON EXPRESSOwner:KimPham2606HWY36South(Physical)Brenham,Texas77833Phone:979-421-6340bestbun2538@yahoo.comwww.schlotzskys.comRestaurants

Did You Know? Members,promoteyourevents

andbusinessforfreeinthe“HotDeals”sectionand“Calendar”

ontheChamberwebsite!

Contactnews@brenhamtexas.comformoredetails.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce314S.AustinStreet•Brenham,TX77833

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

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER BLUE BLAZER OF THE MONTH

November 2010Sue Muzzy

TheBlueBlazersareagroupof15volunteerswhoactasofficialgreetersandhostsofourcommunity.Theirobjectives includepromotingChamber programs andincreasing membership, and conducting ribbon cut-tingsandspecialceremoniesforlocalbusinesses.TheChamberthanksthesevolunteersfortheirserviceandhospitality,andalsotheiremployersforallowingthemthetimetodedicatetotheorganization.A“BlueBlazerof theMonth” is recognizedateachclubmeetingforthehighesttotalofachievementsthepriormonth.

Blue BlazersDOUGBAKERCity of Brenham

DR.HENRYBOEHMJR.AMA Home Care

and B&L Tire

JOYCEDICKSCHATBrenham National Bank

JOHANNAFATHEREERE/MAX Advantage

COYFONTENOTKruse Village

PAMGREENRE/MAX Advantage

EDDIEHARRISONIndividual Member

TAMMYJASTERCityofBrenham-

BlueBellAquaticCenter

FLORENCEJULIANBlue Bell Creameries

BRICEMILLIORNEdward Jones Investments

SUEMUZZYMike Hopkins Distributing Co.

BETHROTHERMELWashington County Clerk

JULIETIEMANNThrivent Financial

RANDYWEIDEMANNVan Dyke Rankin & Company

DONWILHELMIndividual Member

andnewcomers.ItwillbetitledtheWashington County Relocation Center,andcomingin2011willbeexpandeddisplays for real estate, professional services, builders,contractors,healthcareproviders,etc.

Thetwositeswilleachhavebasicinformationonbothleisure/recreation and residential services to share withwhomeverstopsby(VisitorGuidesandChamberMaga-zines).AndChamber-CVBstaffateachsitewillalwaysbereadytoanswerinquiriesonalltopicsandmakerefer-rals,butthesiteswillnowbeabletospecializeandoffermoretovisitorsandnewcomers.

PleasestopthenewVisitorCenterassoonasyoucan,andtheRelocationCenterafterthefirstoftheyear,sothatyou will be able to see first-hand the great informationcontained at each site. Then, tell all of your family andfriendstostopby,too.Ourgoalistohelpeveryonemakethemostoftheirstaywhenthey’reinWashingtonCounty,andplanfuturevisits!

Visitor Center(ContinuedfromPage1)

EconomicDevelopmentFoundation.The2009recipientswereSedoniaPowellandDavidFolschinsky.

The upcoming Annual Banquet will be held in earlyFebruary,2011.Priortothebanquet,theimmediatePastChairoftheChamberBoardwillselectacommittee(in-cludingpastaward recipients) to reviewallnominationsandvoteonthecandidatesforthecurrentyear.

If you know someone you would like to nominate,pleasepickup anominating form from theChamberofCommerce office. It includes judging criteria. You mayalso call to have a form faxedor emailed toyou.Com-pletednominationformsareduebackbynoononJan.11,2011

Winners are only selected from nominations received.Pleasenotethatnopriornominations(submissionsfrompri-oryears)willbeconsideredunlessresubmittedinJanuary.

Nominations(ContinuedfromPage1)

Marketing OurCommunity Across

the State of TexasThe Washington County CVB is a proud and active member of the

following state and regional tourism industry associations:

Texas Travel Industry AssociationTexas Assoc. of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

Texas Hotel & Lodging AssociationTexas Society of Association Executives

Texas Independence Trail RegionI-10 Corridor Association

Presidential TexasCentral Texas Bluebonnet Travel Council

American Bus AssociationSouth Central Motorcoach Association

Page4ChamberWorksDecember 2010

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTRenew Art Studio

RenewArtStudio is theworking studioof artistCindyKlahnaswellasanartgallerypromotingthecontemporary art and fine crafts of local and areaartists. The eclectic mix of paintings, photography,jewelry, furniture, pottery, andvintage findskeepsthegalleryfreshandwelcoming.RenewArtStudiooffersafriendlyandcomfortableenvironmentwhereoriginalartinallpricepointscanbefound.

In addition to the gallery, the studio offers artclasses,andcustominteriorpaintservices.Avarietyofclassesandworkshopsforadultsareavailabledur-ingthedayandevenings,andArtAfterSchoolforkidsandteensduringtheschoolyear.Custompaintservices include glazes, plasters, washes, and fauxfinishesforwalls,cabinetryandfurniture.

RenewArtStudioislocatedat707S.AustinStreetinBrenham,betweenTomGreenandAlamoStreets.HoursareMonday-Thursday1:00pm-5:30pmandSaturday11:00am-3:00pm.FridaybyappointmentandclosedonSunday.Phone:(979)836-1620.Web-site:www.RenewArtStudio.com

Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to info@brenhamtexas.com. 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)

AtoZPrinting&GraphicDesign—5yearsAdvancedUrethaneTechnologies—15yearsAlexanderOilCompany—14yearsAmericanLegionBuddyWrightPost48—1yearAtriumBuilding—5yearsB&RIndustries—5yearsBoyScoutsofAmerica—3yearsBrazosBed&Breakfast—5yearsBrenhamCleaners—7yearsBrenhamHealthFoodStore—4yearsChili’s—5yearsChristLutheranChurch&DaySchool—5yearsDocumationofEastTexas—5yearsExpressHomeFurnishings—1yearFreedomHill—3yearsHeritagePlace—6yearsHeritageTexasCountryProperties-JaneHill—3yearsHolidayInnExpressHotel&Suites—14yearsHome&RanchMortgageCompany—17yearsHorseshoeJunctionFamilyFunPark—5yearsIndependenceCoffeeCompany—6yearsInternationalDiscountMattressCompany—3years

LeftoversAntiquesHomeMercantile—4yearsLegendsBilliardsandGrill—13yearsLifetimeLearning—3yearsCongressmanMichaelMcCaul,District10—5yearsMemorialOaksChapel—36yearsMobiusCoffeehouse—1yearMueller,ReneeAnn—16yearsNationalEquipmentCorporation—18yearsPadgettHearingCenter—1yearPleasantHillWinery—14yearsRodewayInn—18yearsSewardPlantation—11yearsShaklee-JuneRoss—1yearShepherdLawFirm—1yearSutherlandLumber—12yearsTodayAndYesterdayAntiques—1yearTown&CountryRealty&Mortgage—5yearsTripleTRefrigeration—7yearsTwoSRealty—5yearsUpchurchArchitects—12yearsWellsFargoBank—25yearsWrightDistributing—12years

renewing members(Nov.1-30)

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.

Did you know that each month, thousands of peopleusetheChamber’sOnlineBusinessDirectorytofindbusi-nessesinourarea?Statisticsindicatethatpeoplesearchingtheinternetareexperienced,educatedconsumerswhousethewebtohelpmakepurchasedecisions.Infact,74.1%ofUnitedStatescitizensnowusetheinternet.*Doyouknowiftheseonlinevisitorswereabletofindyou?

Wehavepartnered togetherwithChamberMaster, oursoftwaresystemprovider,andthismonthyouhaveafewkeyopportunitiestolearnmoreaboutyouronlinebenefits.

OurChamberMasterInternetMarketingConsultant,JillSchmoyer,will behere for personal appointmentsandagrouptrainingsessiontowalkyouthroughyouronlinebenefitsandsomeexclusiveupgradeopportuni-ties.AgroupsessionwillbeheldintheChamberCon-ference Room (at 314 S. Austin Street) on Thursday,Dec.16,fromnoonto1p.m.

Theagendaforthetrainingsessionsincludes:•Howconsumersfindyourbusinesslistingandhow

itlooks• Advertising opportunities to help promote your

business•UsingtheChamberMasterSoftwareprogramTake this opportunity to review your business list-

ing.Isitoutdated?Missingadescription?Areyouatthebottomofthepage?

Please contact Jill directly at jill.schmoyer@cham-bermaster.com or 800-825-1785 ext. 555 to RSVP forthegroupsession.Can’tmake itonDec.16?YoucanscheduleapersonalconsultationwithJillatyourconve-niencebetweennowandthen.

Your Online Membership Benefits Areyouacamerabuff?Haveyouthoughtaboutenter-

ingtheChamber’s“SliceofLifeinWashingtonCounty”photocontest?Pleasedo!ThedeadlineforentriesisDe-cember31,2010.Youstillhavetimetocapturesomeholi-dayeventsandscenes.

Toenter,simplytakeaphotoofanimagethatillustrateslifeinWashingtonCounty.Frombluebonnetstobaseballtobikingtobarbecues…andeverythinginbetween!

Stopby theChamberofCommerce topickupanen-try form or visit www.BrenhamTexas.com to print onefromtheChamberwebsite.(Clickon“VisitorInfo,”then“WildflowerWatch”andthen“PhotoContest.”)

Thewinningphotowillbepublishedinthenewspaperandonaglossysouvenirpostcard.OtherwinningentrieswillbeusedtopublicizeWashingtonCountyandmayap-pearinmagazinesorbrochures.

‘Slice of Life’ Photo Contest Deadline Nears

“This photo was entered by Murry Grigsby, a previous contest winner, of the historic Mrs. Sam Houston’s home in Independence.”

Chamber Works December 2010 Page 5

Bluebonnet Electric executives Vance Hamilton (left) and Johnny Sanders (right) visited with the Leadership class about the region’s assets for economic development and the util-ity provider’s state-of-the-art operations.

Exploring Natural Resources in CountyTheNovembersessionofLeadershipWashingtonCoun-

tytookthegrouptoBastroptolearnmoreaboutnaturalresources and where Washington County gets its powerfrom.ThedaywasplannedandfacilitatedbyVanceHam-iltonofBluebonnetElectric.

The day started off at Bluebonnet Electric’s beautifulheadquarters in Bastrop. Vance Hamilton and JohnnySanders gave a presentation on economic developmenttrendsintheregion.MattBentketalkedaboutthehistoryandbackgroundofBluebonnetElectricandalsohowitop-eratescomparedtootherutilityproviders.

Dr. Don Steinbach of the Department of Wildlife and

FisheriesScienceatTexasA&MUniversitygaveaninfor-mativepresentationonlanddevelopmenttrendsinWash-ingtonCountyandthroughouttheStateofTexas.

ThenextstopfortheLeadershipgroupwastheLCRA’spower plant at Lost Pines Park. The group learned howpowerisgeneratedandtheytookatourofthemassivefa-cility.

The next session of Leadership Washington CountywillfocusentirelyonEconomicDevelopment.ItisbeingcoordinatedbyChrisCallahan(LWCClassof2010)andPageMichel(LWCClassof2006).Watchforphotosnextmonth.

InJanuary,theclasswill traveltoAustinfortheStateGovernment session.Thisyear’svisitwill coincidewiththe legislaturebeing insession.Alsocomingup in2011willbeWashingtonCountyDayattheCapitol.ItwillbeheldaroundtheendofFebruary(datenotyetfinalized).

Leadership Washington County is a program of theWashington County Chamber of Commerce aimed ateducatingandmotivatingcurrentandfutureleaders.Thenextclasswillforminthesummerof2011.Butanyoneseeking more information at any time should contactPageMichelorJaneHinzeattheChamberofficeat(979)836-3695.

The Leadership class participants, along with Dr. Steinbach, enjoyed learning about the technology and equipment in the Bluebonnet Electric control room.

Jeffrey Sadler, Monte Shields, Chris Jackson, Brian Fathauer, Don Steinbach and Marian Balke listen attentively to all the information about the operations of Bluebonnet Electric.

Michelle Ebner, Lea Bartay, Pam Green, Catherine Kenjura and Elizabeth Price model a new free hair style. Simply stand under the huge blower at the LCRA Power Plant!

www.brenhamtexas.com

Music Abounds for the HolidaysHoliday kick-off at Saddlehorn Winery lands on Dec

11.Enjoylivemusicfrom2-5p.m.withtheRankinTwinsfromAustinaswellasSantaforthekids.Fordetails,call289-3858orvisitwww.SaddlehornWinery.com.

Don’tmisstheGermanoopmahmusicofGeneHacke-mackperformedonFridaynightsattheEnglish-stylepub,PigandWhistleinBurton.Call(979)289-2319tofindoutmoreabouttheperformanceorspecialsfortheweekend.

Red wine, White wine & Blues music by Mike Gallodescribes the music and the wine at Windy Winery. SitbackandenjoyacarefreeeveningwithfriendsonSatur-daynightsinDecember.SeemoreaboutthislovelywinerymadefromallTexasgrapes,call836-3252orvisitwww.WindyWinery.com.

JointhegangforthemonthlyFriendsoftheBluebonnetOpry on Thursday, Dec. 16. If you miss this one, markyourcalendar for the3rdThursdayseachmonth in2011andheadovertoSilverWingsBallroom.Fordetails,call836-4347orvisitwww.SilverWingsBallroom.com.

“TheNorthPoleMusical”andchoralconcertfeaturingtheBrenhamChildren’sChorus,Singenspiel,andKarus-sellKidswillbeperformedattheBlinnCollegeO’DonnellCenterat2p.m.onDec.18.Foradvancedtickets,adultsare$8andchildrenare$5.Ticketsatthedoorare$10foradultsand$5forchildren.Formoreinformation,call277-6540orvisitwww.BrenhamChildrensChorus.org.

Chappell Hill Holiday Home Tour and Teddy Bear Parade

Countryhomesbeautifullydecorated for theholidays,a nostalgic Teddy Bear parade,andavisit fromSantaandMrs.ClauswillputyouintheChrist-masspiritwhenyouvisithistoricChappell Hill for the HolidayHomeTour andTeddy BearPa-radeonDec.11and12.

At3p.m.onSaturday,childrenare invited to bring their favor-iteteddybear,dressedinfestiveholidayclothesordecorations,tomarchintheTeddyBearParade.Rudolph hands out prizes andMrs. Claus presents story-timebeforeSanta’sarrival.

Stopbytourheadquartersat theRockStoreinDown-townChappellHilltopurchaseticketsandamapforthetour.Advancedticketsare$15andforthedayofthetouris$18.Call836-6033orseethewebsite,www.ChappellHill-Museum.orgfordetails.

Christmas at WinedaleTake the family to enjoyanineteenth-centuryholiday

celebrationonSaturday,Dec.11.EnjoythegreatactivitiesthroughouttheWinedaleHistoricalComplex.Thiseventisfreeandwillbeopennoonto4p.m.Foradditionalde-tailstothisevent,call(979)278-3530orvisitwww.Wine-dale.org.

Breakfast with SantaJointhejollyoldelf,otherwiseknownasSantaClaus,

forbreakfastatFunkyArtCafeonSaturday,Dec.11from8:30-10a.m.Thisincludesapersonalvisitandphotoop-portunitywithSantaandasmallChristmasgiveaway.

Reservationsonlyand limited seatingmeanscallnowforyourspecialmorningwithSaintNick!Checkoutwww.FunkyArtCafe.comorcall836-5220.

Michael Martin Murphey ConcertBlinnCollegewelcomesbackalongtimecowboyfriend

when singer-song-writer Michael MartinMurphey returns tothe Brenham campusforacampfire-friendlyevening of Christmasmusic, cowboy style.Murphey, who playedinBrenhamin2005,isbacktoperformhishis-toric “Cowboy Christ-mas” concert Dec. 13at 7:30 p.m. in Blinn’sO’Donnell PerformingArtsCenter.

MurpheyandhisRioGrande Band promiseto once again deliverhistoric Texas holidaymagic to Blinn’s Br-enhamcampus.Calledthe “singing cowboypoet,” the Grammy-nominated performeris the number one,best-sellingsinger-songwriterofAmericancowboymusicandoneoftheworld’smostrespectedsinger-songwritersinthepopandcountry-westernfield.

Generaladmissionticketsare$25,studentticketsare$15andforgroupsof10ormoreis$20each.Formoreinforma-tion,call830-4024orvisitwww.Blinn.edu/odonnell.

City Manager Terry Roberts welcomes attendees to the rib-bon cutting of the new Visitor Center on behalf of the City of Brenham. The new center is located on the main floor of the restored Simon Theater building on West Main Street.

Historically accurate light fixtures are reflected in the super-graphic images on the west wall of the new Visitor Center. The blue terrazzo floor features a map of the county with major points of interest highlighted with inset medallions.

Long distance visitors are already arriving at the new Visitor Center. Raquel Prieto, right, from Madrid, Spain, is touring western and central Texas with Ralston Dorn from Carrolton; they stopped by to check on accommodations options in Brenham.

Page6ChamberWorksDecember 2010

Tourism News

Working for YOU!AsaChambermember,yourpromotionalinformationisseenbythousandsofpeopleeverymonth...bothondisplayintheVisitorCenterandalsoontheChamberwebsite.Herearetotalsfromtwowayswetracktheexposure:

Walk-InVisitors2010

January—1,056February—1,025March—1,856April—2,694May—1,218June—1,215July—1,370August—1,218September—940October—1,295November—1,163

WebsiteUniqueVisitors2010

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

WebsiteTotalHits2010

January—N/AFebruary—N/AMarch—N/AApril—N/AMay—N/AJune—N/AJuly—N/AAugust—30,100September—25,749October—24,101November—20,364

Michael Martin Murphey, also known as the “singing cowboy poet,” returns to the stage at Blinn on Dec. 13.

Chamber Works December 2010 Page 7

Chief Rex Phelps of Brenham PD explains what he looks for in a leader, as Madison Bridges and Sara Siemsglusz listen intently.

Junior Leadership – Fall 2010Thirteen high school juniors from across Washington

County participated in the Chamber’s highly acclaimedJuniorLeadershipprogramthissemester.

Theprogramisdesignedtoeducate,trainandmotivatehighschooljuniorstobecomeleaderswithintheirschoolsand this community. A graduation reception was heldthis week, and PJ Ellison of Ellison’s Greenhouses wasthekeynotespeaker.TheeventwashostedinthebanquetroomattheHolidayInnExpressinBrenham.

Thefollowingarethestudentswhograduatedfromthisyear’sJuniorLeadershipprogram:

McKenzie BenderMadison Bridges

Casie ClayKatherine FaulkRyan Gaskamp

Keith HirschLandon KohringCaitlin Lindsey

Emily NeuendorffMahogonie PhillipsJordan Siemsglusz

Sara SiemsgluszChristian Wahrmund

Thisprogramismadepossiblebydonationsfromlocalbusinesses.JuniorLeadershipFall2010Sponsorsinclude:Brenham Clinic, Brenham National Bank, Home & Ranch Mortgage Company, MIC Group and Seidel Schroeder & Company.

The last session of the program focused on Law En-forcement,andtheclassenjoyedseveralactivitiesat thenewBrenhamPoliceStation.(seebelow)

Innextmonth’snewsletter,therewillbeaphotoofthegraduating class. For more information about this pro-gram, contact Jane Hinze at (979) 836-3695. The nextclasswillformintheFallof2011.

Chamber partnerswith Constant Contact to Help You Grow Your Business with Email Marketing

TheWashingtonCountyChambernowof-fersallmembersaspecialopportunitytojoinConstantContactforemailmarketing,tobringyouagreatwaytostayintouchwithyourmostimportant audience: your customers. WithConstantContact,emailmarketingiseasy,af-fordable,andeffective.

WithConstantContact,injustminutes,youcan:

•Sendgreat-lookingemailnewsletters,pro-motionsandannouncements

•Buildandmanageyouremailaddresses• Communicate consistently with your cus-

tomersandprospects• Track which customers are opening your

emailsandwhatlinkstheyareclickingon.BecauseyouareamemberoftheWashing-

tonCountyChamberofCommerce,youqual-ifyforaspecialdiscount.Ifyouprepayforsixmonths,youwillreceivea20%discount.Pre-payforayearandsave25%.There’snobettertimetotryemailmarketing.

If you haven’t opened an account yet, youcanstartwitha60-dayfreetrial.Tobeginyourfreetrial,sendanemailtonews@brenhamtex-as.comandyouwillbesentalink.

IfyoualreadyhaveaConstantContactac-count and would like to receive this discountasaChambermember,pleasesendanemailtochambermembers@constantcontact.com withyourusernametellingthemyouareamemberof the Washington County Chamber of Com-merce.Theywilltakecareofitforyou!

Sara Siemsglusz participated in a role-play exercise where she was the police officer. Looks like this might be her calling!

Jordan Siemsglusz played the part of a police officer performing a routine traffic stop.

Christian Wahrmund gives the “thumbs up” sign after his “Shoot – Don’t Shoot” exercise.

Be the next member

in the “Spotlight!”

Sendsubmissionstonews@brenhamtexas.com

Your “Spotlight” can be about a recentaward, event, business expansion or newemployee, or simply a couple paragraphs toincrease community awareness about yourproducts/services.(150wordsmaximum)

Now-Dec 31The Web We WeaveWoven pieces of art from 18 Texas art-ists,includingweavingsfromreed,textile,glass,copperandwood,Wed.noon-4pm,Thurs-Sun11am-5pm,CopperShadeTree,206 E. Mill, Round Top (979-249-4127,www.coppershadetree.com).

Dec 9Business After Hours Networking EventHosted at Blue Bell Creameries, 5:00–6:30pm.

It’s a Dickens of a ChristmasBrenham Christian Academy 7th and 8thgraderssinganddance theirwayinto theChristmasseasonwithatwistonthetell-ing of classic story, 7pm, free admission,Community Education Auditorium, 1301S.MarketStreet,Brenham(csmith@bren-hamchristian.org).

Dec 10, 17, 24, 31Live Music at Pig and WhistleGene Hackemack performs every Fridaynight,12607W.Washington,Burton(979-289-2319, www.pigandwhistleofburton-texas.com).

Dec 11-12Chappell Hill Holiday Home TourEight beautiful homes, churches and his-toricsitesdecoratedfortheholidays,enjoylunch at the Rock Store, Sat 10am-5pm,Sunnoon-5pm,tickets$18(979-836-6033,www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

Dec 11, 18Music at the Windy WineryEnjoy an evening with friends with redwine,whitewineandbluesmusicbyMikeGallo,4-6pm,WindyWinery,4232CloverRd.,Brenham(www.windywinery.com).

Dec 11Breakfast with SantaBreakfastincludesapersonalvisitandpho-towithSanta,byreservationonly,limitedseating, 8:30am, $9.99 per guest, FunkyArt Café, 202 W. Commerce, DowntownBrenham(979-836-5220).

Christmas in Washington/The Heart of Christmas is HomeCarolsintheVisitorCenter,shopforspe-cialgifts,thenstrolltoIndependenceHall,hearstoriesofthepastandlearnhowresi-dentofearlyTexascelebratedtheholidayseason,11am,1pm,3pm,thencelebrateatthehomeofDr.&Mrs.AnsonJoneswithanold-fashionedfeastofsausageandbis-

cuits from the chuck wagon, hot coffee,spicedciderandChristmasgoodies,allatWashington-on-the-Brazos State HistoricSite (936-878-2214, www.birthplaceoftex-as.com).

Winter Holiday Kick-offLive music from with the Rankin Twins,plus Santa visits with the kids, free, 12-5pm, Saddlehorn Winery, 958 FM 1948,Burton(www.saddlehornwinery.com).

Chappell Hill Teddy Bear ParadeChildren bring their favorite teddy beardressed in holiday clothes and decorationtomarchintheparade,Rudolphhandsoutprizes,andMrs.Claushasstorytimewhilewaiting Santa’s arrival, 3pm, downtownChappell Hill (www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

Gay Men’s Chorus of HoustonAnnualholidayshowatFestivalHill,3pm,$20adults,$10students,FestivalInstitute,248JasterRd.,RoundTop(979-249-3129,www.festivalhill.org).

Christmas at WinedaleStagecoachandwagonrides,toursofhis-torichomesdecoratedfortheseason,dem-onstrationsofblacksmithing,quilt-making,weaving,andspinning,plusold-fashionedcrafts,games,andhands-onchoresforthekids,entertainmentincludesGermansing-ers, anoompahband,dulcimers,fiddlers,BarbershopQuartetandmore,freeadmis-sion, 12-4pm, Winedale Historical Com-plex, 4 miles northeast of Round Top at3738FM2714,offFM1457(Winedale@austin.utexas/edu,www.cah.utexas.edu).

Dec 12Holiday Brass and Organ SpectacularFeaturestheBrazosValleySymphonyOr-chestra Brass, Organist James Faith, theUnitedMethodistChurchSanctuaryChoirand the Brenham Children’s Chorus, 5-7pm,$20,ChristUnitedMethodistChurch,CollegeStation(979-696-6100).

Dec 13Cowboy Christmas ConcertWith Michael Martin Murphey, singingcowboy poet, respected singer/songwriterand lifetimeTexas resident, 7:30pm,$25,$15students,O’DonnellCenter,BlinnCol-lege(979-830-4024,gvierus@blinn.edu).

Dec 14Tourism TuesdayMeetingformembersinthetourismindus-try,9am,ChamberConferenceRoom.

Ribbon Cutting: BBVA Compass BankNew Owner/Manager, 2000 S. MarketStreet,Brenham,10am.

Dec 16Ribbon Cutting: Nathan’s Barbecue and Buccaneer Food StoreExpansion & New Member, 1309 PrairieLea(FM389atU.S.290),Brenham,10am.

Dec 16-18, 20-23Holiday Happy Hour at Renew Art StudioPottery demonstration with Doug Peck onThurs and Wed, Silversmithing demonstra-tionsonFri,MonandWed,andPearlKnot-tingdemonstrationsonSatandTues.Shopfororiginal gifts, refreshments, 5-7pm, RenewArt studio, 707 S. Austin Street, Brenham(979-836-1620,www.renewartstudio.com).

Dec 16Friends of Bluebonnet OpryFoodandmusicevery3rdThursdayofthemonth,foodat6pm,showstartsat7:30pm,$5 admission donated to Hospice, SilverWingsBallroom,4100Hwy105,Brenham(979-836-4347).

Dec 18TheHeartofChristmasConcert“TheNorthPoleMusical”andchoralcon-cert featuring the Brenham Children’sChorus, Singenspiel and the KarussellKids,2-4pm,advancetickets$8adults/$5children,$10atthedoor,O’DonnellCen-teratBlinnCollege(979-277-6540,www.brenhamchildrenschorus.org).

Dec 19-20Live Nativity in IndependenceCaroling,hotchocolate,cookiesandahay-ridewithsixareachurchesparticipatinginthisLiveNativityinIndependence,6-8pm,freeparkingatIndependenceTownSquareonFM390(979-836-4211).

Dec 19 Live Nativity at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay HillDrive thru live nativity, with hot choco-late, hot cider and cookies, 6-9pm, free,St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill,8201OldGayHillRd.,Brenham(979-836-2003).

Dec 21Preschool Story Time at Star of the Republic Museum“TexasTots”isamonthlystorytimeonthe3rdTuesdayofthemonthforchildrenages3-5,cost$3perchild,10am-11:30am,res-ervationsrequired,seatinglimited,Starof

the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (936-878-2461,www.starmuseum.org).

First Step Luncheon by Hospice Brazos ValleyAmonthlysupportluncheontolearnhealthygrieving methods, provide comfort andhope,bringacovereddishtoshare,bever-agesprovided,11am-1pm,thirdTuesdayofeverymonth, free,HospiceBrazosValley,302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-277-9525,www.hospicebrazosvalley.com).

Dec 31New Year’s Eve GalaThepartybeginswithappetizersandbev-erages in the Menke House parlors thenenjoyabuffetdinnerandcelebratethear-rival of 2011 with dancing to The BlackCatChoir, champagneatmidnight, reser-vationsrequiredbyDec19,$120perper-son,7:30pm,RoundTopFestivalInstitute,248JasterRd.,RoundTop(979-249-3129,www.festivalhill.org).

January highlights…Jan 8-9 Brenham Winter Antiques ShowWith 50-plus antique dealers, furniture,glassware, English & American pottery& porcelains, jewelry, collectibles, vin-tagequilts, eclecticmemorabilia,western& cowboy items, Texana, plus a FarmersMarket,andcountry-stylemeals&snacks,$5,Sat9am-5pm,Sun10am-4pm,KnightsofColumbusHall,FM577,Brenham(979-865-5618,www.ruraltexasantiques.com).

Jan 15-16Winter Antiques ShowA wide variety of antiques, collectibles,andtreasuresgaloreintheBigRedBarn,Round Top, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pmSun,$5,(512-237-4747,www.roundtoptex-asantiques.com).

Jan 22James Dick Piano Recital3pmatFestivalHill,$25adults,$10students(979-249-3129,www.festivalhill.org).

Jan 29-30Making Every Stitch CountLearn sewing and stitching, enjoy hands-on activities and experience life in theearly frontier at Barrington Living His-tory Farm, 10am-4:30pm, $5 adults, $3students,Washington-on-the-BrazosStateHistoric Site (979-878-2214 x246, www.birthplaceoftexas.com).

Page8ChamberWorksDecember 2010

What’s Happening in December

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