Leadership group study SFA

Leadership Nacogdoches class members give the “Ax ‘em, Jacks” spirit sign at Homer Bryce Stadium. The class toured more than 10 SFA campus locations during November’s Higher Education session.

Click to view more photos of the day's activities.
(Photo by Kelly Daniel)

Shop Nac First mini posters available for all local businesses

Pictured is Becky Cansler, manager of The Cottage, displaying the Shop Nac First mini poster in the storefront window.
(Photo by Kelly Daniel)

A Shop Nac First mini poster designed by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has arrived. The chamber board of directors and staff ask all Nacogdoches businesses to display the sign and continue to promote the recently-launched, shop local campaign.

"The Shop Nac First program is designed to encourage and enlist support from all of our local merchants, both downtown and city-wide,” said Sarah O’Brien, main street manager. “It is up to our local businesses to take this campaign, tailor it to suit their needs and run with it. Businesses have to join us in the effort to promote Shop Nac First for the campaign to truly be successful."

All Nacogdoches County Chamber members received the mini poster in the December Chamber News mail out package. More posters are available at the Nacogdoches County Chamber office at 2516 North St. Pick up a free poster, at the chamber during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“When we encourage consumers to shop Nacogdoches first, there’s also a challenge issued to local merchants,” said Bruce Partain, chamber president / CEO. “Our stores have to deliver on customer service, hours of operation, quality and selection. The good news is that many, many Nacogdoches merchants are up to that challenge.”

The Shop Nac First Web site URL, ShopNacFirst.com, is printed on the mini poster. The site serves as a cyber bridge that connects consumers and retailers, and includes information about products and services found here, opinion polls, comments from site visitors and links to other related sites.

Becky Cansler, manager of The Cottage, said, “I’m so excited about the new Web site, because it will be a great place to post items that we have in stock at our store, plus share special sales and other announcements for shoppers.

“There’s no reason for someone in Nacogdoches to drive out-of-town for items that can be bought here. People just need to know what’s available and where to find the things they want,” Cansler said.

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About Shop Nac First

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, partnering with the City of Nacogdoches and the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) created the Shop Nac First campaign.

The campaign’s goals are to:
- Inform the public of the convenient and satisfying shopping opportunities in Nacogdoches.
- Encourage business-to-business purchasing.
- Provide a new information sharing opportunity to local businesses with ShopNacFirst.com.
- Keep thousands of sales tax dollars in the community.

Scooters coming to Nac soon!

East Texas Scooters & ATVs is scheduled to open January 2009. The new business will be in Marketplace II, 4909 North St.

Q: Why should you zip around town on a scooter?

A:

Currently, the United States consumes more than 25 % of the world’s total supply of oil. If as Americans, we were to switch just 10% of our total mileage to scooters, we would save roughly 28 million on gas and consume 14 million gallons less fuel per day (based on $2.00 per gallon of gasoline).

Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced 324 million pounds per day by just switching 10 % of our total annual mileage to a scooter.

Not only can you reduce your carbon footprint by driving a scooter, you can also reduce your parking footprint. Up to seven scooters can be parked in an area reserved for automobile parking.

A scooter is the smart alternative transportation choice for taking short trips, commuting to school or work, running errands or making deliveries. We can reduce traffic congestion, reign in our need for foreign oil, cut back on air emissions, and maximize parking usage by using a scooter as an alternative transportation. And have fun doing it.

Lake Naconiche ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony

Local and state dignitaries listen Saturday morning at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lake Naconiche, near Appleby. County Attorney Jeff Davis, from left, emceed the event and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Donna Finley welcomed the crowd, while State Rep. Wayne Christian, U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, accompanied by her husband, Ray, third from right, and former Nacogdoches County Judge Sue Kennedy were guest speakers. (Photo by Christy Wooten.)

Click to read The Daily Sentinel article by Tyesha Boudreaux.

Wassail Fest…from Renaissance to Rock ‘n roll

Downtown merchants will once again be competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest, one of the highlights of the 12th annual Nine Flags Festival.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, when the wassail will be served at various shops, stores and restaurants within the historic downtown district. A list of participating merchants can be picked up at the Visitors' Center, located at 200 E. Main St.

Shoppers and other downtown visitors are invited to warm their bodies and spirits by sampling the various recipes, which will be judged on both taste and presentation. The competition is fierce, but the wassail is a warm and welcome respite for holiday shoppers.

"Wassail Fest is a festive event that the downtown merchants and their customers look forward to each and every year," said Melissa Sanford, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is a great day to come downtown, do a little Christmas shopping, have lunch, drink some delicious warm wassail and just enjoy the season.”

Wassail is a hot drink that is made with wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served from a large bowl, especially at Christmastime. Wassail Fest participants put their own twists on the recipes, which are heavily guarded secrets among the cooks. The beverages served at Wassail Fest are alcohol-free. This year participating merchants will all take part in the Renaissance to Rock ‘n Roll theme.

For more information about Wassail Fest or other Nine Flags Festival events, call the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN or log onto www.nineflagsfestival.com.

2nd Annual Tour de Nac Bike Ride

The annual bike ride will include both a 7.8-mile and 53.3-mile route beginning and ending in historic downtown Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. The view from the riders' bicycle seats will include historic landmarks, scenic residential areas and the beautiful rolling hills and towering pines of the East Texas countryside.

The bike ride is set to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in downtown Nacogdoches. Designated stops along both routes will provide riders with needed rest and refreshments.

Forms can be picked up at the Visitors' Center, 200 E. Main St., or downloaded at http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/. Race-day registration will be from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Visitors' Center.

For more information about the Tour de Nac or other Nine Flags Festival events, call 888-OLDEST-TOWN or long onto http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/.

Let the Good Times Roll!!!

It's time to honor the 12th Annual Nine Flags Festival by kicking if off right! Dress in your holiday best. We will be honoring the Mexican Flag, with an evening of Mexican food, cocktails and entertainment. This year's event is sponsored by Lehman Eye Center.

The Nov. 21 party is one of several 2008 festival events honoring the Mexican Flag, one of nine that have flown over Nacogdoches throughout its rich history. It will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Victorian Tea Room, 522 E. Main St. in historic downtown Nacogdoches.

Tickets to "Let the Good Times Roll!" are $15 each. For more information about the Nine Flags Festival, call 936-564-7351 or visit http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/.

Lighting Ceremony to Kick Off Festival

The local holiday season will get a high-voltage jump-start when more than 3 million lights are set aglow with the flip of a switch Nov. 22, as you join us in downtown Nacogdoches.

The Lighting & Opening Ceremony kicks off the 12th Annual Nine Flags Festival and marks the official start of the holiday in Texas' oldest town. The fun gets under way at 5 p.m. with entertainment, vendor booths, and carriage rides.

Make sure to make your list and check it twice, as Santa will also be present for photographs. Old fashioned games will delight all of the children and keep them captivated whether doing the cakewalk or participating in the ring toss. Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets for the brand new digital camera that festival organizers are raffling off.

The Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Libary will host "'Tis the Season." An exclusive chance to visit the museum decked out in the century Christmas decor. The lights are set to come on just before 8 p.m., and the evening will culminate in an exciting fireworks display. The free event is sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas.

The Annual Nine Flags Festival honors the cultures represented by the nine flags that have flown over Nacogdoches throughout its rich history and pays special homage to the Mexican Flag this year.

The Festival continues through Dec. 13. For more information about the Nine Flags Festival, call 936-564-7351 or visit http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/.

Ribbon Cutting- Dragonfly Nursery and Garden, LLC

The Daily Sentinel recently attended a Nacogdoches County Chamber ribbon cutting for Dragonfly Nursery and Garden, LLC, (936) 558-7200

www.dragonflynursery.net at 134 N. Mound Nacogdoches, TX 75691.

Owners, Kimberly and Richard Wright, welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests

Ribbon Cutting- Vista Pines Apartment Homes

The Daily Sentinel recently attended a Nacogdoches County Chamber ribbon cutting for Vista Pines Apartment Homes, (936) 564-6600, at 1602 Park Street Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

Property Manager, Lois Shaffer, welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Great American Smokeout

Smokers come swap your cigarettes for a "Smokeout Survival Kit"

The Survival Kit will include:

• The first 50 quitters will receive coupons for free: Chick-fil-A breakfast, Quiznos sandwich and Marble Slab ice cream
• Morning coffee provided by Java Jack's
• Piggy bank (for your smoke-free savings)
• Quitting information
• Other goodies
  

For going "cold turkey,"quitters will be eligible to win one of four smoked turkeys from Harlon's BBQ.

Thursday, November 20, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Nacogdoches Recreation Center/Library

1112 North Street

For more information call:

Kinnie Parker at (936) 569-4691 or

Debbie Stevens at (936) 568-3164

Nacogdoches Medical Center earns excellence award

Community Partners:
Nacogdoches Medical Center would like to invite you to attend a special award presentation. HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings company will present the Nacogdoches Medical Center team with the prestigious HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award for 2009. The Nacogdoches Medical Team has been recognized for the following:
· Top 10% in the nation for Cardiac Surgery
· Ranked among the Top 5 Hospitals in Texas for Cardiac Surgery
· Five-Star Rated for Coronary Bypass Surgery
· #1 in the Nacogdoches-Lufkin-Longview-Tyler Region for Cardiac Surgery

The award will be presented on November 19th at 3:00 pm in the lobby of the Nacogdoches Women’s Center at Nacogdoches Medical Center. A HealthGrades representative will be present for the presentation and answer any questions you may have, along with members of the Nacogdoches Medical Center Team. We hope you can be present to share in our celebration.
For more information, please contact:
Debbie Stevens at (936)568-3164
Marketing Services Manager

Power in Pink

Pink is just one of the nine team colors chosen by event chairs for the 2008 Chamber Membership Event, Dec. 9 - 11.

City Manager Jim Jeffers chose pink for his team.
Other team chairs and team colors are:
Ruben Carmona, BancorpSouth - color: green
Sandy Cox, Cox Contractors - color: red
Brad Fontenot, State Farm Insurance - color: orange
Tim Hayward, Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital - color: blue
Gary LaFour and John Green, Joe Max Green/Insurance Concepts - color: lime green
Neal Slaten, Tipton Ford - color: camo
Jill Still, Stephen F. Austin State University - color: purple
Gary Stokes, Nacogdoches Medical Center - color: black

The Nacogdoches County Chamber Board of Directors and staff would like to thank Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Fuddruckers and Regions Bank for a successful - and fun! - Captains lunch meeting.

"The Kid and the King" debut

Ribbon Cutting for new business A Lill Nacogdoches Company
P.O. Box 635078, Nacogdoches, TX 75963, phone: (936) 569-0316,
and "The Kid and the King" an autobiography by Norman Johnson.
Click for more information about the company and the book.


The event was held Saturday at Hastings. Guests were welcomed by Lill and Norman Johnson and enjoyed visiting with the author and an afternoon of entertainment.

Genetically superior bass stocked into lakes Austin and Nacogdoches

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department this week stocked 32,000 six-inch largemouth bass with trophy genes into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches.

Lake Nacogdoches, a 2,212-acre lake near the city of the same name, will be stocked with about 20,000 fish. "Since our management goal for this lake is to maximize the production of trophy fish, it seems like a good fit for the OWR fish," said Todd Driscoll, the TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of the lake. "Current vegetative coverage is over 40 percent, so there is ample habitat to ensure stocking survival."

Effective September 1, 2008, only largemouth bass 16 inches or less in length may be harvested by anglers on Lake Nacogdoches. Any bass weighing 13 pounds or more may be donated to the Budweiser ShareLunker program. Otherwise, it must be immediately released back into Lake Nacogdoches. These regulations are designed to protect bigger fish and should maximize the impact of the OWR fish on the quality of fishing in Lake Nacogdoches.

Click here for full story.

Ribbon Cutting- M&S Pharmacy

The Daily Sentinel recently attended a Nacogdoches County Chamber ribbon cutting for M&S Pharmacy, 917 E. Austin Street, (936) 564-7373. Pharmacists David Bradley, Sandra Collier and Bill Jobe welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Genetically Superior Bass Stocked into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches

ATHENS, Texas-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department this week stocked 32,000 six-inch largemouth bass with trophy genes into Lakes Austin and Nacogdoches.
The fish were produced at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens for use in Operation World Record, an on-going research project to determine if fish descended from 13-pound or bigger bass will grow faster and/or bigger than "wild" fish naturally occurring in a reservoir.
Because hatchery production was exceptionally successful, about 33,000 six-inch bass are available in addition to the 27,000 needed for the research project.
"Lake Austin was chosen as one of the sites to stock the excess fish because of its history of producing trophy largemouth bass," said Steve Magnelia, the TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of the lake. "Seven Budweiser ShareLunkers have come from Lake Austin, and the lake record is 14.35 pounds. Habitat is good on the upper end of the reservoir."
Lake Austin will receive nearly 13,000 fish.
Lake Nacogdoches, a 2,212-acre lake near the city of the same name, will be stocked with about 20,000 fish. "Since our management goal for this lake is to maximize the production of trophy fish, it seems like a good fit for the OWR fish," said Todd Driscoll, the TPWD Inland Fisheries biologist in charge of the lake. "Current vegetative coverage is over 40 percent, so there is ample habitat to ensure stocking survival."
Effective September 1, 2008, only largemouth bass 16 inches or less in length may be harvested by anglers on Lake Nacogdoches. Any bass weighing 13 pounds or more may be donated to the Budweiser ShareLunker program. Otherwise, it must be immediately released back into Lake Nacogdoches. These regulations are designed to protect bigger fish and should maximize the impact of the OWR fish on the quality of fishing in Lake Nacogdoches.

Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

Nacogdoches Medical Center

Community Partners:Nacogdoches Medical Center would like to invite you to attend a special award presentation. HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings company will present the Nacogdoches Medical Center team with the prestigious HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award for 2009. The Nacogdoches Medical Team has been recognized for the following:· Top 10% in the nation for Cardiac Surgery· Ranked among the Top 5 Hospitals in Texas for Cardiac Surgery· Five-Star Rated for Coronary Bypass Surgery· #1 in the Nacogdoches-Lufkin-Longview-Tyler Region for Cardiac Surgery.

The award will be presented on November 19th at 3:00 pm in the lobby of the Nacogdoches Women’s Center at Nacogdoches Medical Center. A HealthGrades representative will be present for the presentation and answer any questions you may have, along with members of the Nacogdoches Medical Center Team. We hope you can be present to share in our celebration. For further information, please contact: Debbie Stevens at (936) 568-3164Marketing Services Manager

Book release for "The Heart and Soul of Business: One Woman's Journey"

A new book, "The Heart and Soul of Business: One Woman’s Journey" by Mable Cannings sends a wake up call to aspiring entrepreneurs that the old play book for business success won't work. The debut non-fiction book reveals a candid look into the business life of one woman and offers compelling, powerful and practical truths and strategies to help entrepreneurs cut their learning curve, find their true purpose and reposition for success.

“Mable Cannings helps you to understand and explore your own potential and how to ignite your entrepreneurial passion juxtapose to the Word of God. Mable constantly reminds you to do a soul checkup, ensuring God is the ruler of your spiritual, business and spiritual life. If you want to be successful and stay successful in your business, this is required reading as it challenges you to dig deeper to get to the heart and soul of business." - Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. President, The Urban Alternative. Dallas, Texas.

Now available at:
Hastings Books Music and Video (Nacogdoches, Longview and Tyler Texas) and amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

Mable Cannings
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur

National recognition for Nacogdoches Main Street

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently recognized Nacogdoches as one of the 52 National Main Street Cities in Texas.

"A lot of hard work goes into achieving this recognition. Main Street communities exemplify the Texas mystique and this recognition honors the many people, including Main Street managers and volunteers, who put in countless hours to make their Main Street programs work. The result is an active and successful downtown revitalization effort that benefits not only the Main Street district, but also the entire community,” said Debra Farst, state coordinator of the Texas Main Street Program.

The cities were honored at the recent Texas Downtown Association/Texas Main Street Conference in Temple. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center will honor these cities at the 2009 National Main Streets Conference to be held in Chicago in March.

Cities chosen as National Main Street Cities must show above average performance in 10 categories. The selection criteria focus on planning, staff and volunteers, preservation ethic, training and program assessment. For additional information, visit the National Main Street web site at www.mainstreet.org and the National Trust for Historic Preservation web site at www.nationaltrust.org.

Click for more information on the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street program.

The THC’s Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. It is based on a four-point approach — organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring, all within the context of historic preservation. Implemented in 1981, the program has assisted more than 140 communities throughout the state. For more information, contact Debra Farst at 512/463-5758.

For more information or questions about Nacogdoches Main Street Program’s revitalization efforts please contact the Nacogdoches Main Street Office at 936-559-2573 or via email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.Downtown Nacogdoches during the Texas Blueberry Festival. Photo taken by Bruce R. Partain.

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT DAY

Smokers come swap your cigarettes for a "Smokeout Survival Kit"

The Survival Kit will include:

• The first 50 Quitters will receive coupons for free: Chick-fil-A breakfast, Quiznos sandwhich and Marble Slab ice cream
• Morning coffee provided by Java Jack's
• Piggy bank ( for your Smoke Free savings)
• Quitting information
• Other goodies

For going "cold turkey," quitters will be eligible to win one of four smoked turkeys from Harlon's BBQ.

Thursday, November 20, 7:00-9:00 AM

Nacogdoches Recreation Center/Library

1112 North Street

For more information call:

Kinnie Parker at (936) 569-4691 or

Debbie Stevens at (936) 568-3164

The "Kid and the King" takes readers on a musical journey

By MICHELE MARCOTTE, The Daily Sentinel
Saturday, November 08, 2008

Norman Johnson can describe his first encounter with Elvis Presley to a 'T.'

It was a Wednesday afternoon in 1955, and Elvis, a little "scruffy and awkward," stood near an "old beat up Buick" with his two band members Scotty Moore and Bill Black at the Gladewater venue, Mint Club. As the three young men unloaded the equipment they planned to use later that night at their show, Johnson, then 14, offered to assist.

Norman Johnson poses with an Elvis Presley cutout as he describes the first time he met 'The King.'

Norman Johnson poses with an Elvis Presley cutout as he describes the first time he met 'The King.'
Norman Johnson's autobiography 'The Kid and the King.' It is currently available at Hastings for $30. Contributed Photo

"(Elvis) said, 'Kid, grab that box right there in the trunk,'" Johnson said Thursday from his Elvis-memorabilia-clad home.

When he asked Elvis what the box contained, Johnson got a welcome surprise, as it was filled with the trio's first batch of promotional photographs.

Johnson immediately asked Elvis if he could have one, but still being a struggling musician on the road, Elvis replied, "I really hate to have to charge you, but I have to pay for the picture."

Johnson said he understood and paid Elvis 25 cents for the black and white glossy that he believes was the first promotional photograph Elvis signed. He still has the photo, and keeps a framed copy above his desk at home.

While Johnson, a performer himself, was unable to attend that evening's performance — being too young to get into the Mint Club — he went on to see Elvis many more times in venues across East Texas and western Louisiana, many of which are documented in his recent autobiography "The Kid and the King."

"The Kid and the King" takes readers on a journey through East Texas' musical history, and documents the early careers of some of country music's most illustrious performers of the 1940s, '50s and '60s, as well as, the performance career of the "kid" — the name the King of Rock 'n' Roll gave Johnson on their first encounter.

The kid performed across the Ark-La-Tex region, often mirroring the moves and styles he witnessed Elvis do.

"When I found out girls liked Elvis so much, (I thought) well, what if I tried to do Elvis," he said. "So, I (did covers) of a couple songs and the girls just loved it."

Johnson coins himself as the first Elvis impersonator, and at a special book signing on Nov. 15, he will do his impersonation for the first time in 54 years.

The book signing, scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. at Hastings, will be different than any other signing Nacogdoches has experienced, Johnson said.

The event will include a handful of special guests, including Casey Monahan, director of the Texas Music Office for the Office of the Governor, Elvis impersonator Asa Landrey and a surprise visitor who was mentioned in the book. There will also be a Q & A session with Johnson, an Elvis trivia quiz for prizes and the official chamber of commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Johnson's company, A Lill Nacogdoches Company.

"The Kid and the King" is currently available at Hastings for $30, and includes a 78-minute oral history with Johnson and Danny Merrell, an East Texas radio host.

Click or more information on the book signing or Johnson's autobiography.

Shop Late till Eight this Friday - downtown

Shop downtown Nacogdoches this Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. First Friday Nights continues this month, with great late night shopping and dining; a variety of downtown business will stay open late till eight for your shopping pleasure. You can also grab a bite to eat at Shelley’s Bakery & Café, located at 112 N. Church Street; reservations can be made by calling 936-564-4100. Sponsored by the Nacogdoches Main Street Program and the Downtown Business Association there is plenty to do in downtown this First Friday Night.

Visit Lyric's LaTeeDas & OohLaLas new location at 409 E. Main St.
So join us downtown and put a dent on that Holiday shopping list this Friday. For more information on First Friday Nights, contact the Nacogdoches Main Street office at 936-559-2573.

Don’t miss your ride at the 2nd Annual Tour de Nac…

The annual bike ride will include both a 7.8-mile and 53.3-mile route beginning and ending in historic downtown Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. The view from the riders’ bicycle seats will include historic landmarks, scenic residential areas and the beautiful rolling hills and towering pines of the East Texas countryside.

“The Tour de Nac will be a fantastic, family-oriented event offering something for everyone from the serious cyclist to the casual rider,” said Ashleigh Endicott, meeting and event coordinator for the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The bike ride is set to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in downtown Nacogdoches. Designated stops along both routes will provide riders with needed rest and refreshments.
The early registration deadline is Nov. 3 with regular registration being accepted through the day of the race. Fees are $25 for early registration and $30 for regular registration. Only early registrants are guaranteed to receive a Tour de Nac T-shirt. Checks should be made payable to the Nine Flags Festival.

Forms can be picked up at the Visitors’ Center, 200 E. Main St., or downloaded at www.nineflagsfestival.com. You may also call 888-OLDEST-TOWN to request a form be mailed to you. Race-day registration will be from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Visitors’ Center.
For more information about the Tour de Nac or other Nine Flags Festival events, call 888-OLDEST-TOWN or log onto www.nineflagsfestival.com.

Office Of Public Utility Counsel

The Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPC) is holding a public meeting in Nacogdoches, TX on Friday November 21, 2008. Don Ballard, the Public Counsel, will be available to help answer questions you may have regarding the Texas electricity market, what it means to you as a customer, and how the agency can be of help to you and your family.

Friday, November 21, 2008, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

City Hall, City Commission Chamber
202 E. Pilar (Corner of E. Pilar & S. Pecan)
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

Located in the Downtown Square, 1st Floor

All interested persons are invited to attend and provide input to assist OPC in developing a plan of priorities and in receiving comment on OPC’s functions and effectiveness.

Contact Carin Nersesian, P.O. Box 12397, Austin, TX 78711-2397 or (512) 936-7500 for further information.

Southwest Scooter to open distribution center, dealership

Southwest Scooter Co. has announced that it will open a regional assembly and distribution center in Nacogdoches, Texas, for motor scooters and all terrain vehicles. The facility will supply dealers in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

The company also announced its intention to open a retail dealership in Nacogdoches in January 2009 that will offer 50-250cc scooters in the $1,895 to $3,995 price range, as well as ATVs that range in price from $3,995 to $6,995. Southwest Scooter recently opened its first dealership in Rusk, Texas.

“As the home of Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches is a natural fit for the scooter market,” said Greg James, president and CEO of Southwest Scooter Co. “Scooters are a great transportation alternative ideally suited for a college town with speed limits less that 40 MPH. Scooters are inexpensive to purchase and operate, as well as being easier to park.”

According to James, Southwest Scooter will hire 14 employees within the next 90 days, and expects to grow to 36 employees within three years.

“We recognized early on that the match up with the community’s demographics presented us with an opportunity to place a progressive growing business in Nacogdoches,” said James. “By recruiting SFASU graduates and students as employees, the Southwest Scooter Company hopes to provide meaningful employment as a means of staying in Nacogdoches.”

Southwest Scooter has been working closely with the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) and the City of Nacogdoches for the past several months to launch this new company. The Small Business Development Center at Angelina College was instrumental in helping Southwest Scooter develop its business plan.

“Southwest Scooter Company is based in Nacogdoches because of the support provided by the community’s leadership,” said James. “Nacogdoches has been very supportive in bringing a new industry and jobs to town.”

The Nacogdoches City Commission approved an $180,000 low interest loan to Southwest Scooter from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund, a public sector financial tool established to stimulate economic growth in the community. RLF funds are awarded for the purpose of creating new permanent jobs, or permanently retaining existing jobs, primarily for low and moderate-income persons.

Call 936-858-3800 for more information.

About Southwest Scooter:
Southwest Scooter Company is a licensed U.S. distributor for TNG, a growing motor sports distributor based in Seattle, Wash. Southwest Scooter has exclusive rights to supply dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and Missouri. The company is headquartered in Nacogdoches, Texas.

TIme for Fall

Everyone can see that the seasons are changing before our eyes and we want you to take the time and enjoy some of the most gorgeous scenic areas in Nacogdoches County. Some of these areas in the Piney Woods region are U.S. Hwy. 59, State Hwy. 21 and State Hwy. 7. This fall foliage is breath taking and well worth a drive down these highways to see this beautiful scenery. There is only one time a year for this changing to the fall colors; so go take a drive and see this glorious site. For maps that show where the Fall Foliage Trails are please visit the Nacogdoches Visitors’ Center, located at 200 E. Main Street or call the Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN.

Nine Flags Festival Announces Honory Chair

The 12th Annual Nine Flags Festival organizers have announced Brad Maule as the honory chair of the festival. Maule was Dr. Tony Jones on General Hospital while doing many other things. He is a resident of Nacogdoches and is active within the community. He teaches some acting classes at SFA and is an advisor for the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. Maule will be doing many activities at the festival which include: signing autographs, riding in the parade, and many other events. The Nine Flags Festival will be held from November 22 - December 13. For more information about this event; please call 936-564-7351 or visit www.nineflagsfestival.com.