1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. bed and breakfast

May 2013
2013 Board of Directors
Chairman
KURT PODESZWA
Camp For All
First Vice Chair
LIZ HOPKINS
Hopkins Distributing and
Stella Designs & Solutions
Second Vice Chairman
WESLEY BRINKMEYER
Bluebonnet Electric
Cooperative
Secretary
MICHAEL GROVES
The Artex Group
Treasurer
JIM BAKER
Brenham Fitness Centers
Immediate Past Chairman
BRICE MILLIORN
Edward Jones Investments
BARRY BRASS
Kwik Kopy Business Center
KERRI HAMILTON
First Baptist Church School
DEBBIE HAVERS
RR Donnelley
JOEL ROMO
American Heart Association
RICKY BOEKER
City of Brenham-Fire Chief
COY FONTENOT
Kruse Village
MICHAEL HAYWOOD
Mission Brenham
JUDI HOUSTON
Brazos Valley Schools
Credit Union
RENEE MUELLER
Washington County Attorney
How to Supervise People and Lead a Team
Managing in today’s business
world is complex, ever changing,
and wrought with serious consequences when you make even the
tiniest mistake. You can be sued
just for asking the wrong question
in an interview, firing an employee who deserved to be fired, or for
not hiring someone who wanted
the job, even though they weren’t
qualified to begin with. How does
a manager learn to avoid pitfalls
like these?
Attend a powerful and valuable
seminar in Brenham on June 18
with nationally-renowned presenter Glenn Shepard, hosted by
the Washington County Chamber.
There are dozens of seminars
for managers on interviewing,
team coaching, time management,
assertiveness skills, supervising,
managing multiple priorities, and
dealing with difficult people, but
who has time to spend a day on
each one?
In this half-day seminar, Glenn
Shepard will present the basic,
hands-on, real life principles in
all those areas with no fluff or
classroom theory. Whether you’re
a veteran manager or brand new
to your job, he guarantees you’ll
find this to be the most productive day you’ll spend this year. In
just one short session, you’ll learn
how to handle the unpleasant aspects of management including
supervising problem employees
and people with bad attitudes,
incompetent or lazy employees,
disciplining employees, firing
employees, and how to avoid legal pitfalls.
You’ll also learn how to hire
the right person for the job by
See Supervise, Page 3
“Wake Up, Washington County”
networking breakfast
Tuesday, May 14 at 7:45 a.m.
Hosted at
Ant Street Inn
MICHAEL WATTS
Brenham ISD —
Brenham High School
107 W. Commerce St., Downtown Brenham
DENNIS CROWSON
Blinn College
Breakfast Sponsor:
COREY HARMON
Chase Investment
Services Corp.
ASH PATEL
Best Western Inn–Brenham
GRACIE SLATTERY
Brenham Clinic
TIFFANY WINKLES
Blue Bell Creameries
Edward Jones Investments–Brice Milliorn
Free for Chamber members!
Small Business Saturday
May 11
Americans spend more than $2.6 billion
on flowers, $1.53 billion on gifts, and $68
million on greeting cards each year for
Mother’s Day. Wouldn’t it be great
if some of that money went straight
back in to our local economy?
Our local florists, boutiques and
restaurants all offer great gift selections for the special women in your
life. Plus there are many local options
for entertainment, pampering and relaxation. Make mom proud this Mother’s Day
See business, Page 3
“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”
washington county’s favorite networking event
sponsored by
Blinn College Foundation
902 College Ave., Brenham
Tuesday, May 28 from 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy breakfast and a chance to network with other local businesses and organizations. It’s a great way to inform others about
your products and services and learn about what’s new in the community. Everyone gets to give a 30-second commercial about their
business/organization. Bring plenty of business cards and brochures
for sharing.
Enjoy great networking and refreshments.
Bring plenty of business cards to share with other members.
Free for Chamber members and all employees.
Special beverages provided by Mike Hopkins Distributing.
RSVP to Jane at (979) 836-3695
or jane@brenhamtexas.com
Learn more about the Blinn College Foundation at
www.blinn.edu/foundation
Page 2 Chamber Works May 2013
Ribbon Cuttings
Bliss Candy Company
– New Member
The Cottage Home Decor
& Gifts – New member
Sammy & Cynthia Timpa - Owners
2307 S. Market St., Brenham
(281) 773-5191
blisscandycompany@att.net
Tammy Snoe - Owner
212 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham
(979) 830-1969
thecottageonsquare@yahoo.com
Brenham Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center
– New Ownership
Mary Sparks - Marketing Coordinator
400 E. Sayles Street, Brenham
(979) 836-9770
mmeier@rnct.com
Bogus Advertising
Alert Announced
Texas Health &
Human Services Offices
– New Location
Christy Yackel
2248 S. Market St., Brenham
(979) 836-7951
Texas Seafood & Steak
House – New Member
Rebecca Cook - Manager
2209 S. Market Street, Brenham
(979) 836-5412
browneyed_waitress@yahoo.com
The Washington County Chamber is a Proud Member of ...
• TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS
• TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES
• TEXAS ASSOC. OF CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS
• U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
We have heard from several members in the past
couple of weeks that an out-of-town printing company
has been calling around to get people to advertise on
a magnet that they said would be distributed by and/
or was endorsed by the Washington County Chamber.
That is false.
A few members called to inquire when they were
contacted, before making any decision. A few did not
and agreed to be on that magnet. The end product appears to be of low quality, not the type that the Chamber
produces and distributes. It is however a valid magnet.
Please note: the Chamber is currently working with
a company called Community Matters to produce the
full-color “Official Street Map of Brenham & Washington County” for 2013-14. All members have and will
continue to receive notification on Chamber letterhead
and via Chamber emails. Phone calls from Community
Matters may also be received, and are legitimate. Calls
from any other companies at this time are not affiliated
with the Chamber in any way.
If you ever have doubts about a marketing offer that
mentions the Chamber, please do not hesitate to call
us first to verify the project. For all projects, we recommend you always request the information be sent to
you in writing before you are asked to make a decision.
Ask to see a sample to review the quality. And if you
have time, contact others who have advertised previously on the product/publication.
GROUP BUYING POWER
Chamber 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
Chamber Works May 2013 Page 3
Supervise
Business
(Continued from Page 1)
improving your interviewing skills. You’ll discover
the power questions that will get the in-depth answers
to make the best hiring decision, red flags to look for
on resumes, how to assess personality quirks during
the interview, and even a checklist to make sure you’re
right.
You’ll learn how to inspire your employees to be their
best, what your personal leadership style is, and how to
maximize it to become the best coach, trainer, and team
leader you can be.
Plus, this seminar will cover specifics like how to constructively give criticism, deal with whiners and complainers, manage multiple priorities overcome negativity in the workplace, resolve conflict, motivate people,
develop and help employees live up to their maximum
potential, maximize your own time management skills,
and assert your authority.
Finally, one seminar that covers it all…and in under
four hours!
This seminar will be held on Tuesday, June 18, from
8 a.m. until noon. It will be held at Unity Theatre in
Downtown Brenham. Members will be sent more details by email.
The registration fee is $129 for Chamber members
($149 for non-members). There is a Group Discount:
when 3 or more enroll the 4th person attends for Free.
Seating is limited. Call the Chamber office today to
reserve your seat(s).
(Continued from Page 1)
by shopping for her gift at a locally-owned Small Business.
But, wait…there’s more! Think about all of your upcoming
Spring gift-giving needs. Birthdays, graduations, weddings!
There are wonderful, unique gifts you can find here in your
hometown, for your favorite graduates, newlyweds, etc.
On Saturday, May 11, choose to spend your dollars at a local
business that you would miss if it went away. Small businesses
are the backbone of our community. Let’s help make May 11
their biggest day of the year, while you enjoy the benefit of
shopping close to home.
To assist your gift-hunting, there will be “Hot Deals” posted
on www.BrenhamTexas.com. The 750+ members of the Washington County Chamber will be posting special discounts and
offers leading up to Small Business Saturday on May 11. Take a
look before you head out to shop.
Attn: Chamber Members
Post your best deals, special discounts and coupons on the
Chamber website for FREE during this promotion. Just for participating, you will receive a complimentary “Shop Small” door
mat to place in front of your door and remind everyone to shop
small, first! Take advantage of this opportunity and be included
while thousands of shoppers are looking online for great giftbuying deals.
Simply visit www.BrenhamTexas.com, log in with your username and password, then click the “Hot Deals” icon to complete
a form that will add your promotion. Forgot your username or
password? No worries! Give us a call and we will send you the
info you need (979-836-3695).
Welcome New Chamber Members
BRENHAM EYE ASSOCIATES
Owner: Robert Haws, OD
604 Hwy. 290 W., Suite 202
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone: 979-836-2733
Time in Business: 1 year
idrvslj@swbell.net
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
Eye Care
NAILS CREEK STATE PARK
— TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE
Manager: Heather Heatherly
6280 FM 180
Ledbetter, Texas 78946
Phone: 979-289-2392
heather.heatherly@tpwd.state.tx.us
State Parks
STONE HOLLOW APARTMENTS
Manager: Val Ofori
2400 Stone Hollow Drive
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone: 979-836-0676
stonehollow@BHManagement.com
www.BHManagement.com
Apartments
DAN’S MEAT MARKET
Owners: Luis & Lionel Salgado
1003 South Austin Street
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone: 979-836-2212
Time in Business: 30 years
Meat Markets/Processing
TEXAS SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE
Manager: Rebecca Cook
2209 S. Market Street
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone: 979-836-5412
browneyed_waitress@yahoo.com
Restaurants
THE GARDEN MARKET & BAKERY
Owners: Haley & Kyle Ogle
601 N. Blue Bell Road (Physical Address)
1713 Lauraine Street (Mailing Address)
Brenham, Texas 77833
Phone: 979-830-5535
info@thegardenmarketandbakery.com
www.thegardenmarketandbakery.com
Bakery
Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle members ...
Brenham
National
Bank
Brenham
Clinic
Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...
of Brenham
Bluebonnet
Electric
Metropolitan
Water
Company, L.P.
Brenham
— Brenham
Page 4 Chamber Works May 2013
Renewing Chamber Members
April 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.
Aesthetic & Acupuncture Clinic of Texas — 5 years
Annie’s House — 1 year
Arts At The Lake — 1 year
Bar B Boutique — 4 years
Bevers Real Estate — 18 years
Blinn College - Presidential Member — 5 years
Bluebonnet Petroleum — 20 years
Bluffview Villas — 6 years
Brazos Valley Cancer Clinic — 6 years
Brenham Children’s Chorus — 9 years
Brenham Home Rental — 4 years
Brenham ISD- Director of Curriculum — 8 years
Brenham Monument Company — 26 years
Buddy’s Appliance — 23 years
Cargile Photography — 7 years
CASA for Kids — 5 years
Chappell Hill Sausage Co. — 20 years
Chase - Presidential Member — 28 years
Coldwell Banker Properties Unlimited — 25 years
Comfort Inn & Suites-Navasota — 3 years
Comfort Suites - Brenham — 11 years
Copper Shade Tree — 6 years
Creatively Yours — 4 years
Creekside Veterinary Service — 27 years
Cubs Den — 4 years
Cutright & Allen, Inc. - Architects — 4 years
Deans Consulting — 12 years
Dixie Street Storage — 26 years
Melvin Ehlert, Jr. & Associates — 29 years
Entec Pest Management — 14 years
Faith Mission/Higgins Branch — 11 years
Family Resource Center — 23 years
First Baptist Church & School — 14 years
First Christian Church of Brenham — 6 years
G & L Services — 4 years
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum — 9 years
The Gerke Law Firm, PLLC — 1 year
Giddings Stone Mansion — 4 years
Grace Lutheran School — 4 years
The Growth Coach — 2 years
Harvey’s Water Wells — 34 years
Hempstead Country Inn & Suites — 2 years
Hodde & Hodde Land Surveying — 15 years
Honest Builders LLC — 2 years
Hueske Properties — 2 years
Independence Historical Society — 12 years
Jerry Olson Design — 6 years
John Brieden State Farm Insurance — 32 years
Anne and Don Kinney — 6 years
Kolkhorst Petroleum Co. — 16 years
KTTX 106.1/KWHI 1280345.0028 years
La Quinta Inn and Suites — 6 years
LaRoche Chevrolet-Cadillac-GMC-Buick — 28 years
LeRoy Schroeder Contractor — 10 years
Liberty Dialysis - Brenham — 4 years
Odell & Willie Mae Lueckemeyer — 11 years
Joseph H. ‘’Hal’’ Machat — 7 years
Max Mini Storage — 1 year
Medical Arts Drug Company — 28 years
Metropolitan Water Company
- Presidential Member — 4 years
Moore Supply Company/The Bath & Kitchen Shop
— 21 years
Must Be Heaven — 26 years
Nancy’s Antiques — 16 years
Nature by Design — 2 years
Neal Financial Group — 7 years
Newman Printing Company — 32 years
Pape Scapes — 7 years
Pecan Tree Apartments — 9 years
Peter Emerson Silversmith — 15 years
Philips Veterinary Hospital — 3 years
Janet & Verde Pomykal — 14 years
Prime Properties - Mary Bonner Ragland — 22 years
Quality Glass-Brenham — 2 years
Quizno’s Brenham — 12 years
R & S Leasing — 31 years
RAM Optical — 1 year
RE/MAX Advantage
- Presidential Member — 4 years
Redeemer Church — 4 years
Member Decals
Chamber Members… Have you updated your 2013
Member Decals?
You should have received your 2013 decals with the
mailing of the 2013 Chamber Magazine. If you have not
received your new decals, just give us a call and we can
bring one over or drop one in the mail!
We also have a member logo for you to place on your
website or Facebook page. Just let us know if you are
interested and we can send you the .JPEG file!
Julie Renken, District Attorney — 13 years
Republican Club of Washington County — 3 years
Rodeway Inn — 21 years
Salem Lutheran Church — 12 years
Sealand Seafood & Steak — 5 years
Select Furnishings — 3 years
Silver Wings Ballroom — 36 years
St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill — 6 years
St. Mary’s Catholic Church — 4 years
Stanpac USA — 3 years
Star Nails — 1 year
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #28476 — 8 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #36462 — 7 years
SuddenLink Cable — 34 years
Super 8 Brenham Inn — 2 years
Milton Tate — 20 years
Texas AgFinance — 30 years
Texas Cotton Gin Museum — 16 years
Keith Twiggs — 21 years
Washington County Childcare Association — 4 years
Washington County Real Estate — 13 years
Webb Printing/Mailing Services Etc. — 11 years
Westbrook Storage — 1 year
Westwood Gifts — 29 years
Whataburger Restaurant #628 — 18 years
Wendy Yates - Moorman, Tate, Urquhart, Haley,
Upchurch & Yates — 6 years
Blue Blazers Club
Seeking New Member
This local service club has over 40 years of tradition. Members support the mission of the Washington
County Chamber, acting as official greeters and hosts
of our community. Activities include monthly meetings,
greeting at Chamber functions, recruiting new Chamber members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand
openings. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to
contact Jane Hinze at the Chamber office. Phone (979)
836-3695 or stop by during business hours at 314 S. Austin Street, Brenham. Details can also be sent via email
upon request to jane@brenhamtexas.com.
BLUE BLAZER Spotlight – Jared Hartman
Blue Blazers
Jared is a Principal in Seidel, Schroeder & Company’s tax practice. He is a
CPA, a graduate of Texas A&M University, and an active member in the AICPA and the Brazos Valley Chapter Texas
Society of CPAs.
He and his wife Sara have a two yearold daughter, Mackenzie. When not
spending time tailgating at Aggie games
and traveling with his family, he enjoys
hunting with friends.
Jared is currently participating in the
Leadership Washington County program. As a newcomer, he highly recommends the program to those who
want to gain a greater understanding of
Washington County’s civic resources
and volunteer organizations.
Jared is one of the newest Blue Blazers and is excited about the opportunities to serve the community and help
local businesses flourish.
Jolene Curtis
Texas AgFinance
Jared Hartman
Seidel, Schroeder & Company
Tiffany Compton-Falk
Hodde Real Estate Company
Tammy Jaster
City of BrenhamBlue Bell Aquatic Center
JOYCE DICKSCHAT
Brenham National Bank
JOHANNA FATHEREE
RE/MAX Advantage
Wendy Frazier
BBVA Compass
Pam Green
RE/MAX Advantage
EDDIE HARRISON
Individual Member
FLORENCE JULIAN
Blue Bell Creameries
BRICE MILLIORN
Edward Jones Investments
Linda Pipes
Individual Member
Christy Schlottmann
Express Employment Professionals
RANDY WEIDEMANN
Van Dyke Rankin & Company
Chamber Works May 2013 Page 5
Leadership Class Adventure
The April session of Leadership was a new
experience for the group, a class adventure.
The group started their day at the Brenham
Fire Department. Firefighter Brian Scheffer
introduced the class to the staff, including
Fire Chief Ricky Boeker and Emergency
Management Coordinator Robert Smith. The
class received a detailed overview of the operations of the department. Brian discussed
the plan for disaster situations and how they
prepare for conditions such as tornadoes,
hurricanes and fires.
After a briefing on emergency preparedness, the class participated in a mock disaster drill. The class was informed that
an “emergency” had occurred in Brenham.
Separated into two groups, they had to work
together during the drill to figure out how to
solve the problem. The group experienced
what it might feel like to be in that type of
emergency situation, and felt the importance of working together as a team to “save
lives.” After an action-packed morning, the
class headed out to Miracle Farm for lunch
and an in-depth tour.
Miracle Farm is a residential boys’ ranch
ministry based on Western heritage and
traditional values that offers teenage boys
a “Chance of a Lifetime” to reflect, renew
and rebuild. The boys at Miracle Farm learn
self-confidence, discipline, respect for authority, and communication skills. Besides
regular schoolwork through an accredited
on-campus program, the boys also engage in daily Bible studies and devotionals
through their local church and farm family,
learn valuable skills such as welding and
carpentry, and bond with their own horse
while learning how to ride and rope. The
class enjoyed lunch prepared by Miracle
Farm kitchen staff, eating in the boys’ dining room and talking with them about their
lives on and off the farm. After lunch, one
of the older boys shared with the class his
appreciation for all that they teach at Miracle Farm and the impact Miracle Farm has
had on his life.
The class also received a tour of the entire property: housing, horse arena, welding and construction shops, and the retreat
center. The day ended with another opportunity to hear from a second student about
the importance of the horse program in his
life. The boys practiced riding and roping in
the background as he shared with the class
about the program and how it changed his
life. After he spoke, he joined the rest of the
students to show off his roping skills which
was a great end to the day.
Our thanks go to all of the individuals
and businesses who have spoken to, inspired, and motivated the Leadership Class
of 2013 over the past several months. The
program is a great success because of all the
community support that is received. Graduation will be held on May 14.
Plans are underway for the next class to
form this summer, and all alumni in the community are invited to get involved and help
plan and coordinate sessions. Please contact
Page Michel or Jane Hinze if you are interested in being a session facilitator for 2013-14.
Jarett, the first boy to reach “Level 3,” shares the importance of the horse program at Miracle Farm.
The class watches as Miracle Farm students practice
their riding and roping skills.
Cindy Davis, Director of Development, shares more
insight about the mission of Miracle Farm during the
property tour.
Enjoying lunch with Miracle Farm residents.
Group A comes up with strategies to save lives during the
disaster drill.
Group B figures out what resources they need in order to
get the disaster under control.
Troy shares about how much he’s grown while at Miracle
Farm.
Getting the logistics about emergency preparedness from
Brian Scheffer.
Page 6 Chamber Works May 2013
Maifest Fun Snaps
Tourism News
On May 4, a great crowd gathered for the annual Maifest
parade. The hour-long event brought marching bands and
lots of colorful floats filled with the children and young
adults who participated in the Junior and Senior Maifest
coronations.
Always a crowd-pleaser, the Shriners and their
crazy miniature cars perform circles and figure-8’s
to the delight of parade watchers on Alamo Street.
Along with all-you-can-eat Blue Bell ice cream,
dads and their kids enjoy a ride on the antique carousel at Fireman’s Park. Activities also included
craft booths along with lots of food and German
soda water.
Under the pavilion’s shade, dancers young and
older enjoy music by the Dujka Brothers.
Colorful inflatable play stations attract parents and
their children. The weather both days of Maifest
was simply spectacular – Chamber of Commerce
weather, we’d say.
Tourism Tuesday
The next Tourism Tuesday will be held on May 21 at
10 a.m. in the Chamber conference room. Attend to learn
about an exciting new tourism promotion that will enhance
visitation in the Washington County area. Then share your
news with everyone. See you then!
Travel & Tourism Week
The week of May 6-11 is recognized as Travel & Tourism Week in the U.S. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel and tourism generated $2 trillion in economic output for the U. S. economy in 2012. Spending on
leisure travel generated $89 billion in tax revenues. Travel
supports 14.6 million jobs across the nation, including 540
here in Washington County.
Top leisure travel activities for U.S. domestic travelers
include visiting relatives, shopping, visiting friends, fine
dining and beaches. Travel is among the top 10 industries
in 48 states and the District of Columbia in terms of employment. One out of eight U. S. jobs depends on travel
and tourism.
The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Texas travel industry was $24.9 billion in 2011. This is similar to other
export-oriented industries such as microelectronics and agriculture/food production. Only oil and gas production and
related manufacturing has a significantly greater GDP.
Travel spending in Washington County for 2011 was
$95.2 million, an increase of 12.9 percent over 2010.
The Value of Tourism
Excerpt from the May 2013 issue of Tourism Tidbits by
Dr. Peter E. Tarlow: “Although it is true that all politics is
local, local politicians like to be part of worldwide movements. The World Tourism Organization reports that at
least one billion tourists travelled the world in 2012, marking a new record for international tourism, a sector that
accounts for one in every 12 jobs and 30 percent of the
world’s services.
“International tourism alone produces revenues in the
trillions of dollars. These figures do not take into account
national or domestic tourism. Were these figures to be included the numbers would be much higher.
“Without tourism could your local attractions survive?
How many restaurants would go under if locals lost their
jobs and had to pay higher taxes to replace lost tourism
revenues? Would there be sufficient tax revenue to maintain local parks and other essential city services? Despite
all of these positives, many people still do not recognize
the value of tourism.”
Here in Washington County we celebrate what a valuable,
clean industry Tourism is and the wealth that it brings to our
community. Plus, it helps to preserve our historic sites and
instill an appreciation for history in new generations.
At the Giddings Stone Mansion, Heritage Society
president Cynthia Hamrick discusses some of the
Giddings family history with a group from the
Junior Forum of Houston. Terry Mansfield with
CollectiveTravelRadio.com brought the group to
the Washington County area for the day.
In April, Chamber-CVB staff members Lu
Hollander and Judy Hyman (in back row) attended the Texas Travel Industry Association Travel
Fair in Lubbock, part of the annual conference
for TxDOT Travel Information Center operators. The group with Lu and Judy are from the
Harlingen Travel Information Center.
Working for YOU!
As a Chamber member, your promotional information
is seen by thousands of people every month.
WALK-INS
Visitor Center
HQ Building
April 2013 — 1,053
April 2013 — 798
WEBSITE
www.BrenhamTexas.com
Unique Visitors
Total Pages
April 2013 — 9,139
April 2013 — 17,573
WEBSITE
www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com
Unique Visitors
Total Pages
April 2013 — 16,566
April 2013 — 41,844
Chamber Works May 2013 Page 7
What’s Happening in May
May 10, 17
2-Day Basic QuickBooks Course
A hands-on workshop with a Certified
QuickBooks Advisor. Covers setting up
your company; your chart of accounts;
customers & vendors; accounts payable & receivable; reconciliation; budgeting; and financial reports. Seating is
limited and pre-registration is required.
Save $20 by registering online. 9am-4pm
both days, $140, Blinn College-Bob Bullock Building, College Avenue, Brenham
(www.blinn.edu/sbdc, 979-830-4137).
Brazos Valley featuring fresh produce, cutflowers, artisan cheese, fresh eggs, grassfed beef, pastured poultry, candles, honey
and other local artisan products. 306 S.
Baylor St., Downtown Brenham, Sundays
11am- 4pm and Wednesdays 11am -6pm
(www.homesweetfarm.com, 979-530-7994).
May 14 “Wake Up, Washington County!”
Networking Breakfast
Hosted at Ant Street Inn, 107 W. Commerce St., Downtown Brenham. 7:45am.
dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew’s life is no longer his own. Barrymore,
fortified by champagne and ego, presses Andrew to accept the part and fulfill his actor’s
destiny. The action becomes more hilarious
with the entrance of Andrew’s deal-making
friend from LA, spouting the laid-back hype
of the Coast and offering Andrew a fabulous new TV deal worth millions of dollars.
Thursdays 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays
8:00 pm, Sundays 4:00 pm, Unity Theatre 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham
(www.unitybrenham.org, 979-830-1460).
May 10, 17, 24, 31
Grief Support Series
Hospice Brazos Valley’s 6-week educational grief support series for adults who
have experienced the death of a loved one.
Share experiences and develop coping
skills. Bellville United Methodist Church,
234 Masonic St., 9am-10:30am, free
(www.HospiceBrazosValley.org, 979-2779525).
May 15 Ribbon Cutting:
Brenham Market H-E-B
Grand opening of store expansion, 2508 S.
Day St., Brenham, 10:00am.
May 17
Ribbon Cutting:
Heaven’s Door
New member, 206 E. Alamo St., Downtown Brenham, 10:30am.
May 16, 23, 30
Farmer’s Cafe
Stop by every Thursday for coffee, pastries
and good company, 7am – 9am, free, Brenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 400
E. Sayles St., Brenham (979-836-9770).
May 18 Winemaker’s Birthday Dinner
Jeff Meyer will be providing a BBQ
meal and Mike Gallo will provide music. Come out for a fun evening! $10
per person, not including wine, 3-6pm,
Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd, Brenham
(www.WindyWinery.com, 979-203-5500).
May 10, 17, 24, 31
Wine Down at Pleasant Hill
Wind down on the deck & watch the sun
set, enjoy wine by the glass or share a bottle with friends from 3pm till sunset,
1441 Salem Rd., Brenham (979-830-VINE,
www.pleasanthillwinery.com).
May 10, 18 Live Music at Buffalo Creek Bellville
Enjoy music, fresh air, food and wine,
4pm-11pm, 10827 Hwy 36 South, Bellville
(www.BuffaloCreekBellville.com,
979865-0702).
May 10 Ribbon Cutting:
Glasco & Company Landscaping
Business expansion, 501 N. Blue Bell Rd.,
Brenham, 4:30pm.
Ribbon Cutting:
The Garden Market & Bakery
New business (at Glasco’s), 601 N. Blue
Bell Rd., Brenham, 4:45pm.
May 11 Free Recycling Weekend
At Washington-on-the-Brazos, the second
weekend of each month, in cooperation
with City of Brenham and Washington
County, ten-bin recycling trailer available for area residents, arrives on Fridays
and picked up early Monday mornings
(Jessica.Guidry@tpwd.state.tx.us).
May 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Home Sweet Farm Market
A farmer run, 100% local and organic
farmers market offering the best from the
May 16 Ribbon Cutting:
Valmont Industries
Weld Training School
Business expansion, 2551 Valmont Dr., Brenham, 10:00am.
Style Show
Presented by Washington County Ladies
Lion Club, proceeds benefit local community projects, purchase tickets in advance,
available at KWHI and Parts & More,
5:30pm, $15, Blinn Student Center, Brenham (979-203-6527).
Friends of Bluebonnet Opry
New
entertainment
each
month,
5:30-10pm,
$5
admission,
Silver
Wings
Ballroom,
Brenham
(www.friendsofbluebonnetopry.org, 979836-4347).
May 16-June 2
Unity Theatre presents “I Hate Hamlet”
Andrew Rally seems to have it all: celebrity
and acclaim from his starring role in the
hit TV series LA Medical; a rich, beautiful
girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the
perfect gothic New York apartment; and the
chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. However, Andrew’s series has been canceled;
his girlfriend is clinging to her chastity with
unyielding conviction; and he hates Hamlet!
When his agent visits him, she reminisces
about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew’s apartment. This prompts a séance to summon his
ghost. From the moment Barrymore returns,
Sportsman’s Celebration 2013
Hunters and landowners from around the
state will be recognized for their contributions to wildlife conservation at this regional Sportsman’s Celebration, hosted by
Texas Big Game Awards program, 3-8pm,
Fireman’s Training Center, 1101 Hwy.
290, Brenham (texasbiggameawards.org/
awardsBanquets.php, 800-TEX-WILD).
May 21 First Step Luncheon
by Hospice Brazos Valley
A free monthly grief support luncheon
to learn healthy grieving method. Bring
a covered dish to share; beverages are
provided. 11am-1pm, Hospice Brazos
Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd, Brenham
(www.HospiceBrazosValley.org,
979277-9525).
Ribbon Cutting:
Brenham Counseling Services
New location, 1608 N. Park St., Brenham,
4pm.
May 23 YPO Happy Hour
Held at The American Man Cave in
downtown Brenham, a new store with
cool merchandise and memorabilia.
Beer and small appetizers provided. Attend and help support local small businesses! 214 E. Alamo Street, 5:30-7:30pm
(kristinkrenek@gmail.com).
May 28 Business After Hours
Hosted by Blinn College Foundation, 902
College Avenue, Brenham, 5-7pm.
May 30 Basil Bonanza
Presentation by Henry Flowers, box
lunch included, advance registration required, $25, 11am, Antique Rose Emporium 10000 FM 50, Independence
(www.weAREroses.com, 979-836-5548).
Floats-N-Flicks
New this summer, “Movie in the Park” will
be at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, free,
7pm, 1800 E. Tom Green, Brenham (979337-7250).
May 30-June 2 American Red Cross
Water Safety Instructor Class
Learn how to teach water safety, including basic Water Rescue course, or Learn
to Swim and Parent & Child Aquatics,
$250, Blue Bell Aquatic Center, 1800
E. Tom Green, Brenham (www.cityof
bren ha m.org /pa rk s / bbac-i ndex.cf m,
tjaster@cityof brenham.org).
A few June
highlights …
June 1-Aug. 31 Toy Time at Star of
the Republic Museum
Life-size action Folk Toys will be inside
the Discovery Center from June 1 to August 31. The toys, provided by Toy Time,
focus on history, culture, and science. Step
back in time when you didn’t need batteries or electricity to have fun! Public
admission fees required. $3-5, Star of the
Republic Museum (www.starmuseum.org,
amcgaugh@blinn.edu).
June 1
CPR Class
Community CPR Class, $25, 8:30amNoon, EMS Station, 1875 Highway 290 W.,
Brenham (979-277-6267).
Farmers and Artisans Market
Held on the grounds of historic Burton
Railroad
Depot,
9am-Noon
(www.burtontexas.org).
See Calendar, Page 8
Follow us on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/
VisitBrenham or ChamberWashCo
Page 8 Chamber Works May 2013
Trip to Ireland – Feb. 2014
The Washington County Chamber is hosting a group travel tour of
Ireland next February. If traveling
to one of the most beautiful coastlines and countries in Europe is on
your bucket list, this is the trip for
you!
Thanks to professional tour
company Collette Vacations and
Chamber member Cricket Cruise
& Travel LLC, we are able to offer an eight-day tour of Ireland for
an amazing price. The tour begins
on Feb. 11, 2014. It features stops
in Dublin, Killarney, and Ashford
Castle.
Everyone in the community is
invited! Chamber members will
enjoy a reduced tour price, but your
friends, relatives and non-members
are also welcome and encouraged
to join this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
It departs from the Houston airport.
You may have friends and family
from across the U.S. who would
like to join you on this trip.
Space is limited, and the price is
amazing, so this will sell out quickly.
Find complete details on www.BrenhamTexas.com under “Chamber
Happenings.”
“Irish Splendor”
Thursday, May 30 at 6 p.m. @ Chamber Conference Room
There is an early booking discount of $250 per person!
Ashford Castle
Calendar
(Continued from Page 7)
June 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Home Sweet Farm Market
A farmer run, 100% local and organic farmers market offering the best from the Brazos Valley featuring
fresh produce, cut-flowers, artisan cheese, fresh eggs,
grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, candles, honey and
other local artisan products. 306 S. Baylor St., Downtown Brenham, Sundays 11am- 4pm and Wednesdays
11am-6pm (www.homesweetfarm.com, 979-530-7994).
June 4 Loss of a Child Seminar
Learn more about the unique difficulties parents face; meet
other grieving parents; develop healthy coping skills and
receive much needed support. 6:30-8pm, Hospice Brazos
Valley 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham
(www.HospiceBrazosValley.org,
dmackey@hospicebrazosvalley.org).
June 6, 13, 20, 27
Farmer’s Cafe
Stop by for coffee, pastries and good company, 7am – 9am,
free, Brenham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 400 E.
Sayles St., Brenham (979-836-9770).
June 13 Business After Hours
Hosted at South Texas Tack, 4765 Hwy 290 East, Brenham, 5-7pm.
June 14
Concert in the Park
Annual Juneteenth concert, Raa Raa and Zydeco All Stars
will perform. 7-11p, Fireman’s Park, 910 N. Park St., Brenham (979-587-1036)
June 15
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration
Parade at 10:30a in Downtown Brenham, celebration to follow at Fireman’s Park, 910 N.Park St., 12-4p (979-587-1036)
June 18 “Motivating Others & Leading a Team”
Seminar with Glenn Shepherd, 8am- noon, $129 for
Chamber members/$149 for non-members (article on
front page).
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Valmont Announces
New Training Program
for Welders
The Brenham Economic Development Foundation
is pleased to announce that Valmont Industries has recently launched a new training program at its plant in
Brenham to prepare current and prospective employees to become welders. According to Valmont’s human
resource manager, Gregg Morrison, “the new on-site
Weld Training Center will help Valmont meet our customers’ expectations for quality. This investment also
allows us to meet several other deliverables such as recruiting efforts and retention of current talent.”
Brenham Economic Development Foundation project manager Clint Kolby said that this new program
is a welcomed addition to the local community. “Valmont’s efforts to train people how to become welders
will have a positive impact on Brenham’s economy
by giving people a strong skill-set in a career that is
in high-demand.”
Valmont will have a ribbon-cutting on Thursday,
May 16, at 10 a.m. at its facility located at 2551 Valmont Drive in Brenham to unveil the new program to
the public. Morrison and general manager Ed Eusery
will be present to go over details about the Weld Training Center. People interested in becoming a welder at
Valmont are encouraged to attend the ribbon-cutting or
contact Wyatt Matthies at wyatt.matthies@valmont.
com for more information about the program.
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)
“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