Nacogdoches Star

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is gauging the interest for these unique stars. If you would be interested in buying, email your name and phone number to info@nactx.com, and we'll contact you soon. Est. price: $75.

Above: Watch out Vanna White! Denise McDonald with Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful does a great job showcasing the Nacogdoches Star.

SFA students and local businesses connect during 2006 Treasure Hunt

By Nicole Natinsky Chamber intern SFA students recently received prizes they won by participating in the Treasure Hunt, an event created by the SFA-Chamber Connection Committee. “I did the Treasure Hunt to get to know my way around Nacogdoches, have fun with friends and entertain ourselves. I love getting lost, having to stop and ask people questions” said SFA freshman, Jessica Ruminer, who participated with the SFA Treasure Hunt and won two complimentary tickets to any SFA College of Fine Arts event. Photo by Nicole Natinsky. SFA College of Fine Arts Interim Dean Dr. John Goodall presents Treasure Hunt prize-winner Jessica Ruminer with two complimentary tickets to an SFA Fine College of Fine Arts event. Other Treasure Hunt prize winners were announced during halftime at the SFA Homecoming game on October 21. To participate in the Treasure Hunt and compete for prizes and a scholarship, SFA students visited local businesses. Each sponsoring business was listed on the Treasure Hunt map. Eight thousand maps were distributed in students’ on-campus mail boxes and also handed to students taking the SFA101 classes When students visited the locations, the business representatives were given a chance to explain their products and services to the students and give them additional prizes such as flowers, cups, pens, chocolate and other goodies. Once a student visited the required number of business locations, he or she dropped off the map and entered a drawing for big prizes. “The Treasure Hunt helped me learn about some businesses that I did not know about,” said SFA student Brittany Trantham. The local sponsoring businesses for the 2006 Treasure Hunt were Austin Bank, Austin Finance, BancorpSouth, Banita Creek Management, Cellular One of East Texas, Citizens 1st Bank, Dream Makers Florist, Etech, Inc., Heartbeat Pregnancy Center, House of Versailles, Julia’s Hair Salon, Kelly Services, Pro Cuts, Pro Digital Photo, Satir & Satir M.D., Sears, SFA Alumni Association, SFA College of Fine Arts, Tatoo Productions, The Cottage, The Daily Sentinel and Unlimited Designs. Photo by Hardy Meredith. Treasure Hunt winners and sponsors pictured from left, Brent High of Gary, winner of an iPod; Kati Saldana with Etech Inc.; Jeff Davis with the SFA Alumni Association; Ashley Wilson of Dike, winner of $250 scholarship; Misty Snow with the Daily Sentinel and Buzz Magazine; and Philippa Scroggie of Houston, winner of a digital camera.

Don't miss these events

Chamber staff Sherry Lovell and Ennetta Dunn welcome those attending the Nacogdoches County Chamber's Fourth Friday Luncheon.

January 2007 Chamber events:

Ribbon Cuttings
Jan. 3 at 11:15 a.m.
Why Buy New at 2427 North St.
Owners: Mike and Dezzie Tieman

Jan. 12 at 1:15 p.m.
Dolphin Printing at 4201 North St.
Owner: Fred Groover

Operation THANK YOU
Jan. 16 from 7:15 to 9:15 a.m.
Kick-off breakfast at the Chamber offices. All members are invited! All board members and recruits can pick up the 2007 Official Guide & Chamber Directory and City & County Map to distribute with a hand shake and a smile to our valued members. Remember - the team that delivers the most packets will win a victory dinner!

Alive After Five
Cataract, Glaucoma & Retina Consultants of East Texas will host the Thursday, Jan. 18 event. Join Dr. Shannon L. Smith and her friendly staff at their office at 3000 N. University Drive., Ste. A. From 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. enjoy good food and drink and don't forget to register for some great door prizes! All Chamber members are entered in the $500 cash drawing, but you must be present to win.

Fourth Friday Luncheon
Jan. 26 at noon at The Fredonia
State Forester and Director of the Texas Forest Service James Hull will present "Texas Wildfire Protection Plan: The promise of a safer future for Texans." RSVP by Jan. 25 and save $2!

Fourth Friday Luncheon winner!

Pictured above Gloria Montes, SFA 101, collects her $50 prize from Jerry Simmons, First Bank & Trust East Texas.

Every one that attended December's Fourth Friday Luncheon received an inspirational presentation addressing personal leadership qualities from Tim Clipson, SFA College of Business professor.

Gloria Montes received something in addition to lessons in leadership. Her name was drawn during the event for the cash prize given at every Fourth Friday Luncheon. The drawing is sponsored by First Bank East Texas, and Jimmy Simmons presented the prize.

The Fourth Friday Luncheon serves as the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce's monthly membership meeting. The information presented is vital for all local businesses, and the Chamber encourages all members to attend and bring guests.

January's luncheon will be held January 26th at the Fredonia. State Forester and Director of the Texas Forest Service James Hull will present "Texas Protection Plan: The promise of a safer future for Texans."

RSVP for the lunch by calling the Chamber at 936-560-5533. Lunch is $15 at the door, or save $2 by paying in advance.

Tis the season for cutting red ribbons

Thursday, Dec. 14. De Leon Neurological Clinic, 1023 N. Mound St., Ste.I, (936) 552-7400. Dr. Maria De Leon, husband Dr. Allen Grisson and their daughter Victoria welcomed Chamber members and guests.



Tuesday, Dec. 12. Nacogdoches Dragon Athletic Club, N.H.S Field House on N.H.S. campus, (936)560-8183. Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Bill Harper explained The Dragon Vision which includes renovating the football field house, also known as the Dragon’s Lair.


Wednesday, Dec. 6. Custom Colors, 2717 N.W. Stallings Dr., (936)569-7968. Owner Larry Nabours proudly announced that Custom Colors celebrates 20 years in business.



Wednesday, Dec. 6. Farm Bureau agents Steve Williams and Daniel Reid, 2302 N.W. Stallings Dr., (936)564-7374. As new Chamber members, Agents Williams and Reid welcomed guests.



Monday, Dec. 4. CASA of Deep East Texas, 119 North St., Ste. F., (936)560-4711. CASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteers who represent the interests of children involved in child welfare cases. Leading the organization is Executive Director Rebecca Carlton.

Chamber promotes Nacogdoches County in Tyler airport

Catching travelers before and after their air flights can be a bit tricky. But local community promoters did just that this past week.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce volunteers and staff attended “Chamber Day,” an event sponsored by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

As air travelers passed through the facility, they picked up the Chamber’s Official Guide to Nacogdoches and its City/County map, along with brochures provided by the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau and Pineywoods Economic Partnership. Many travelers entered a drawing for a night on the town in historic Nacogdoches with a night’s stay at the Haden Edwards Inn and dinner for two at the Fredonia Café. The contest entry form also asked the travelers if they were interested in visitor information, retiree information, Stephen F. Austin State University or business relocation.

“We appreciate our counterparts in Tyler allowing us to promote and introduce Nacogdoches to travelers using the Pounds Regional Airport. Some of them may spend a weekend in our city with their families, maybe attend an event or festival, and some may look at our area as their retirement location,” said Bruce Partain, President/CEO of the Nacogdoches County Chamber. “We also found people interested in attending SFA and in talking about relocating a business to Nacogdoches.”

The event was one of the first opportunities to publicly announce that Nacogdoches County is a Certified Retirement Community.

The day ended with a reception for attendees and guests.



Varron McLemore, chamber volunteer, explains the benefits of visiting and living in Nacogdoches County to Bullard, Texas resident Beverly Thompson at “Chamber Day.” Others helping promote Nacogdoches and Texas Forest Country were PEP Executive Director Trent Ashby and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bruce Partain. Photo by Bruce Partain.