Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

www.tylertexas.com

chambertalk FebuaryMarch

2015

It’s officially spring in East Texas. What a

great time to be a part of the Tyler Area

Chamber of Commerce. Committees

are making plans to complete their

programs of work, the Convention and

Visitors Bureau is feverishly working on

last minute plans for the Azalea Trail,

and the Governmental Affairs committee

just completed a trip to Austin for our

semi-annual trip to the legislature.

The East Texas Coalition group, which

consisted of 75 TACC members, plus

45 from Longview, 10 from Kilgore

and 5 from Tyler’s Metro Chamber,

met “en masse” at the Texas Capitol in

a show of solidarity to discuss various

business related issues with legislators

from the entire state. This year marks

the second session in a row that

Chambers of Commerce from the

CHARLES HILLChairman 2014 - 2015

Message Fromthe Chairman

Continued on next page.

EAST TEXAS COALITION DAYIN AUSTIN A BIG SUCCESS

Pictured above: Mayor MartinHeines and COO Henry Bell

Pictured below left:Judge Joel Baker andChairman Charles Hill

Pictured above: CEO Tomand Sharon Mullins

Pictured below right:Governor Greg Abbott

and Rep. David Simpson

entire region banded together to speak

about issues critical to the success of

business in East Texas. Thanks to the

Governmental Affairs Committee under

the capable leadership of Pat Stacey for

making this trip a huge success.

The newly formatted B2B Business to

Business Expo was held at Harvey Hall

January 29. The new emphasis on

learning sessions and a highly motivational

luncheon speaker gave B2B a new

format. Many exhibitors commented

positively on this years’ focus on

businesses networking to do more

business with other businesses. Thanks

to Holly McFarlin and her committee

for their great work.

644 attended the Economic Outlook

luncheon with Dr. Ray Perryman on

January 8 at the GABC Crosswalk

Center. As always, Dr. Perryman

informed and entertained with his

insight into the global economy as it

applies to East Texas.

Next up is the 56th annual Azalea Trail

which runs from March 20 through

April 5 in the Historic Azalea district near

downtown Tyler. This annual event draws

over 100,000 visitors to Tyler and gives

us a chance to once more show people

what a wonderful place Tyler is to visit…

and perhaps live and do business.

Isn’t it great to be a part of the

Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce?

I am glad you are!

Continued from previous page.

Our bloomers are showing, and weinvite everyone to take a peak!

Azaleas, tulip, dogwoods, oh my! Spring into Tyler thisseason with our blooming beauties that have gracedthe yards of so many homes in the Azalea District fordecades. Each spring visitors from far and wide travelto town to see the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail andenjoy the various community spring events.

This year marks the 56thtime Tyler has openedits doors and welcomedguests from all over tostroll our streets, join ourevents, and bask in thebeauty that is Tyler in theSpring. Last year theTrail brought more than100,000 tourists to Tylerand this year we areexpecting even more.

Tourism lends asignificant economicimpact and plays a bigrole in the well-being ofthe local economy.

Travel and tourism is oneof the most important“export-oriented”industries in Texas.Spending by visitorsgenerates jobs and taxrevenues for communitieswithin the state. (TheEconomic Impact of Travelon Texas, Dean Runyan andAssociates, 2012.)

The Convention & VisitorsBureau will also once again be hosting the BunnyHunt and Azalea Photo Contest. Travelers and localsalike are encouraged to try their hand at these twocontests during the Trail. Official rules for the eventcan be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce.Entry forms will also be available online atVisitTyler.com/azaleatrail and at the ribbon cuttingceremony on March 20.

The CVB encourages everyone to be a tourist in yourown backyard and take advantage of the natural beautyof the city in which we live. We are all so fortunate tolive in a city that literally comes alive in the spring!

The History of the TrailsWhile oil booms gave Tyler an economic head startin the 1930’s, azalea and rose blooms gave the cityits beauty. Azaleas were introduced to Tyler in 1929by Maurice Shamburger, one of the city’s earlynurserymen. Pleased with results of a test garden ofazaleas, Shamburger shipped the colorful plants hereby the boxcar loads from Georgia .After completinghis garden in 1929, Shamburger discussed the

beautification potential of azaleas with Mrs. Sara Butlerof the Tyler Courier Times Telegraph. Mrs. Butler notonly encouraged Shamburger to promote azaleaplantings in the city, but planted a number of bushesat her own home on Charnwood Street.That home site,along with several other gardens on Lindsey Lane, soonbecame springtime showplaces with their colorfulazalea blooms, and Tylerites began buying the plantsby the thousands. Some of the thick, towering azaleas

at older homes on the Traildate back to the ‘30’s and‘40’s. By 1960, the bloomingazaleas were attractingmuch attention, and that yearthe Chamber of Commerceestablished a marked route.The first Trail featured about60 homes on a five-mileroute. The Trail was aninstant success. Within twoyears it had expanded to75 homes and was attracting15,000 visitors. By 1964,25,000 people a year werecoming to see the azaleas.In 1986, it expanded to twomiles and as of 2009, theAzalea Trail stretches tenmiles and attracts more than100,000 visitors to Tyler.The homeowners makethe Trail the success it is.They regularly increase theirazalea plantings and spendcountless hours makingsure their yards are spotlessfor the annual visitors.TheTrail has been featured innumerous newspapersand magazines, includingSouthern Living and TexasHighways, drawing visitors from all over America.

The History of the BellesWith the success of The Trail escalating and moretourists coming to town the Chamber decided guestsneeded to be welcomed in true southern style. In 1964,the first Azalea Belles were introduced to the Azaleaand Spring Flower Trail. The first group of Belles wasmade up of two chamber secretaries. These ladiesmade their own costumes by hand and distributedbrochures to guests along the Trail.

Now the Belles are a much beloved and anticipatedpart of the three weekend event. Tourists are takenaback by the local hospitability and the extra flarethese young ladies add to the overall experience. TheseBelles are truly the ambassadors of the Trail. They arealways happy to visit with guests and pose for photosin any of the beautiful gardens along the Trail.

This year, 34 local sophomores and freshman willserve this role. Watch the Tyler Morning Telegraphin the weeks leading up to the Trail for photos andmore information on this year’s stewards.

This was our 3rd place winner in the photo contestby Stacy Williams.

56TH ANNUAL AZALEA AND SPRING FLOWER TRAIL SLATEDFOR MARCH 20 - APRIL 5

For a complete list of events go to VisitTyler.com/azaleatrailor pick up a brochure at the Chamber of Commerce.

For ticket information, visit www.leadershiptyler.org.

Andy StanleyLeadership Author andCommunicator

Seth GodinInnovative Thinker &Best-Selling Author

CMDR RorkeDenverNavy SEALCommander & Author

MalalaYousafzaiNobel Laureate; Founder,The Malala Fund

Rudy Giuliani107th Mayor of NewYork City (1993-2001)

Bill McDermottCEO of SAP AG

Ed CatmullPresident of Pixar &Disney AnimationStudios

Aja BrownMayor, City of Compton

Bill & GiulianaRancicAward-WinningPersonalities & Co-Hostsof Leadercast

ribboncuttings

89.5 KVNE7695 Old Jacksonville Highway • Tyler, TX 75703

903-508-6804

AUDIBEL HEARING AIDS6843 Old Jacksonville Highway • Tyler, TX 75703

903-561-9992

BASSETT FURNITURE530 WSW Loop 323 • Tyler, TX 75701

903-561-5719

DRESS BARN8942 S. Broadway • The Village at Cumberland

Tyler, TX 75702 • 903-561-7380

KILGORE NATIONAL BANK16921 FM 2493 • Flint, TX 75762

903-894-6055

LA QUINTA INN AND SUITES2552 SSE Loop 323 • Tyler, TX 75702

903-525-9677

LEARNING ENHANCEMENT2210 Three Lakes Parkway, Suite 125 • Tyler, TX 75703

903-597-7500

NORTHCREEK HEALTHCARE, LLC “THE MELROSE”1501 W. 29th Street • Tyler, TX 75702

903-592-8148

PICKERS MARKET10707 Highway 69 N • Tyler, TX 75707

903-600-5554

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT350 W. Heritage Drive • Tyler, TX 75703

903-787-5899

SMALLCAKES5875 Old Bullard Rd., #300 8 Tyler, TX 75702

903-561-8988

newmembertalkAMERICAN HOMES4550 State Hwy 31W.Tyler, Texas 75709

American Indian Cultural Society (AICS)3124 McDonald RoadTyler, TX 75701

Beauty Brands8942 South Broadway avenueSuite 162Tyler, Texas 75703

Bobaloompia3979 University BlvdTyler, Tx 75701

Camelback Odyssey Luxury Travel1982 Old Oak DrTyler, TX 75703Referred by: Brian Brandt

Cartridge World - Tyler1400 WSW Loop 323Tyler, TX 75701Referred by: Kurt Kitchings

Celina’s Staffing4615 Troup HwyTyler, TX 75703Referred by: Vel Williamson

CMB Music Productions7524 S. Broadway Avenue, Suite 115Tyler, TX 75703Referred by: BJ Hornbostel

Donna Cummings Photography7270 Old Jacksonville HighwayTyler, TX 75703Referred by: Henry Bell

Elavon Inc.5917 Hollytree DriveTyler, TX 75703Referred by Connie Schaefer

FASCLAMPITT Paper Store1625 W Front StTyler, TX 75702Craig Conser & Shawn Medlin 

Handyman Matters Tyler /Longview20179 County Road 442Lindale, Texas 75771Referred by: La’Keidra Lincoln

Hill Consulting5380 Old Bullard Rd. Suite 600-268Tyler, TX 75703Referred by: La’Keidra Lincoln

Hope Haven of East Texas713 WSW Loop 323, Suite H142Tyler, TX 75701Referred by: BJ Hornbostel

IPM, Inc.1101 ESE Loop 323Woodgate Bldg. 4, Suite 100Tyler, TX 75701

Jarvis Christian CollegeUS Highway 80 East, PR 7631Hawkins, Texas 75765

Jericho’s Tours of Tyler3124 McDonald RoadTyler, TX 75701Referred by: Cindy Smoak 

King’s Academy Christian School604 W. 4th StreetTyler, Texas 75701

La Quinta Inn & Suites2552 SSE Loop 323Tyler, TX 75701Referred by: La’Keidra Lincoln

Lentz Landscape Lighting5379 Shirley DriveTyler, Texas 75708

Little House in The Country5607 CR 1297Tyler, Texas 75704

On The Border4301 S Broadway AveTyler, TX 75703Referred by: Cindy Smoak 

Orion at the Cascades I & II4055 Hogan DriveTyler, Texas 75709

Power Laser Tag380 County Road 1816Jacksonville, Texas 75766Referred by: Kurt Kitchings

Pretty & Pampered Petites, LLC1428 WSW Loop 323Tyler, TX 75701Referred by: Myranda Diduch

Quality Care Services, Inc.1324 S Beckham Suite 205Tyler, TX 75710

R2 Restaurants, Inc. dba Taco Bell3146 Park Center DriveTyler, TX 75701Referred by Myranda Diduchand Leslie Watson

Smallcakes5875 Old Bullard Road #300Tyler, TX 75702Referred by Myranda Diduch

Smith’s Lone Star Event Center4036 FM 2767Tyler, TX 75705Referred by: Leslie Watson 

The Burger Grind15902 CR 165Tyler, TX 75703Referred by: Connie Schaeffer

TITUS Sports Marketing1036 S. Jupiter Road, Suite 200Garland, Texas 75042

Tuff Shed3922 Troup HwyTyler, TX 75703Referred by: Tony Raymond

Tyler Family Circle of Care928 N. GlenwoodTyler, TX 75702Referred by: BJ Hornbostel

Tyler Uplights7524 S. Broadway Avenue, Suite 115Tyler, TX 75703Referred by: BJ Hornbostel

Villa of Tyler3323 Garden Valley RdTyler, TX 75702Referred by: Tanya Redic

VIP Cleaners2631 University Blvd.Tyler, TX 75701

contactor talk

Holly McFarlin is past Chairman of the ContactClub and is currently serving as Member atLarge on the Chamber Board. She is thedirector of Public Relations for East TexasCommunities Foundation. She has been amember of the Contact Club for 6 years andhas earned 5 Production Awards as well asbeing named a Volunteer of the Quarter. Hollyis an active member of the Rotary Club of Tylerand serves as Vocational Chair-elect. Holly andhusband, Bryan, along with their three childrenare longtime residents of Bullard.

First year member of the Contact Club, Carmenis the Contactor of the Month for January. Shealso serves the Chamber as the Chairman ofthe Tyler Young Professionals Network. Carmenis Assistant Vice President for Texas Bank &Trust. She is involved in the community as aBoard member for Goodwill Industries ofEast Texas and a member of the Tyler RotaryClub. Carmen and her husband, Matt, have adaughter, Emma-Claire, and they are membersof Marvin United Methodist Church.

Holly McFarlinDecember

Carmen CarpenterJanuary

Tyler Area Chamber News (USPS 447-540) is published monthly by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75702.

(903)

2929 Crow Rd.

Chairman of the Board ....................................................Charles Hill

Chairman- Elect of the Board ..................................Bob Westbrook

Past Chairman of the Board ..................................Rosemary Jones

President / CEO ..............................................................Tom Mullins

Chief Operating Officer......................................................Henry Bell

Treasurer ........................................................................Roy Martinez

Convention & Visitors Bureau Chairman ......Rebecca McLaughlin

Area Development Council, Chairman................Howard Patterson

Business Development Council, Chairman ..................Claude Henry

Membership Services Council Chairman..................Vel Williamson

tacc officers2013-2014

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT

ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS

IN THIS NEWSLETTER,

CONTACT HENRY BELL:

HBELL@TYLERTEXAS.COM

OR 903-592-1018.Pat Stacey (right) accepts the Volunteer of the Quarter award

for the 1st Quarter from Charles Hill.

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER