Friday, October 31, 2008

Nacogdoches Chamber Member Event "Chairmen Got Muscle"

More muscle for chamber member event
A kick-off breakfast meeting for the Nacogdoches County Chamber Member Event chairmen gave each the opportunity to show his or her “strong community spirit.” Pictured from left are Neal Slaten, Tipton Ford; Sandy Cox, Cox Contractors; Brad Fontenot, State Farm Insurance; Ruben Carmona, BancorpSouth; John Green, Joe Max Green/Insurance Concepts; Tim Hayward, Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital; and Jill Stil, SFA Foundation. (Photo by Lester Simmons.)


Scare on the Square event photos

Some cute and creative characters came out for the 2008 Scare on the Square event. Photos by Bruce R. Partain.






Winner named in Downtown Business Decorating Contest

Law Wars - photo courtesy of Laura Hayward.
The Nacogdoches Main Street Advisory Committee is pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Downtown Business Halloween Decorating Contest.

“Although the competition was fierce there was a clear cut winner this year,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien “we were so impressed with all of the store front’s but had to give the award to the one who most showed the Halloween spirit.”

Travis Clardy’s Law Office is this year’s winner. The Clardy Law Firm is currently located at 220 W. Hospital Street, however their entry was located at the home of their new business at 209 E. Main Street. The firm hopes to move in to the beautifully renovated historic building sometime after the first of the year. Their “Law War’s” theme was fantastic and proved to be ahead of the pack. If you haven’t had a chance to witness first hand the Law War’s going on at 209 E. Main Street, we highly recommend you go by there.

The winning business receives bragging rights for the year and a certificate to hang in their office/store front.

For more information on Nacogdoches Main Street and its programs call Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien at 936-559-2573 or send her an email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Workshop: Understanding and Managing Generations in the Workplace

1 to 4 p.m., Nacogdoches Rec Center, 1112 North Street
Presented by Greg Anderson
with Strategic Government Resources

Click for registration form.

Learn the secrets of successful organizations that accommodated employee differences, create workplace choices, operate from a sophisticated management style, and nourish retention to provide a positive and productive work environment for all generations.

Expected Outcomes
• Increased Job Satisfaction
• Enhanced Productivity
• Reduced Tension
• Improved Relationships

The workshop is a result of the City of Nacogdoches and the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce working together to offer training opportunities to the Nacogdoches community. Discounts available for Nacogdoches County Chamber members.Pictured above from left are Greg Anderson, Strategic Government Resources President; Elizabeth Sanchez, City of Nacogdoches Human Resources Specialist; Kim Luna Snyder, Chamber Immediate Past Chair; and Bruce Partain, Chamber President/CEO, at October's Fourth Friday Luncheon.

Anderson presented a portion of the workshop at the Chamber Fourth Friday Luncheon held Oct. 24.
Click to read The Daily Sentinel article by Michele Marcotte.
Click to view more event photos.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Ribbon Cutting - Cellular One of East Texas - 10-29-08



The Daily Sentinel recently attended a Nacogdoches County Chamber ribbon cutting for
Cellular One of East Texas, 303 North Street, (936) 462-7300.
Manager Amy Penn welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.



Monday, October 27, 2008

Nacogdoches County United Way - Ribbon Cutting

A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the
Nacogdoches County United Way at 2424 Pecan St., Ste. 101, (936)-679-6465,
was held Thursday, Oct. 23. Executive Director Sarah Hueber welcomed sponsors,
Chamber members and guests.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Eat mor chikin at Chick-fil-A grand opening

Ribbon cutting set for
new Chick-fil-A on North Street.

Thursday, Oct. 30 at 10:00 a.m.
2804 North Street in Nacogdoches

Join Luke Wilbanks, restaurant operator, as he opens the restaurant with the "First Bite" ceremony!

RSVP to amystevens42@hotmail.com.

FREE Chick-fil-A For A Year - click for information.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Junior League of Lufkin October Volunteer of the month

Karol Brown was recognized as The Junior League of Lufkin’s October Volunteer of the Month for her patience and mentorship to the youth of our community and genuine caring to the ladies within the League

Pictured above are Karol Brown (volunteer of month), left, and Jean Hester (JLL VP Membership).

About the Junior League of Lufkin: The Junior League of Lufkin is a member of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. Since its beginning in 1953, the Junior League of Lufkin has supported many local projects and has made a positive impact on countless lives in Lufkin. The vision of our organization’s members is to enhance the lives of children and women in our community. To date, the JLL has donated over $1.8 million dollars to Angelina County. The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, visit the website, www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Robby Lynn Of " Sunday's Kind Of Country" Wins Second ICMA Radio Personality Award!!!

Thursday night, Oct 16th 2008 Nationally syndicated radio host Robby Lynn won his second Inspirational Country Music Association/ Radio Personality of The Year award. Robby has been broadcasting Sunday's Kind Of Country since 1996, the program having been syndicated since 2002. Currently in 32 radio markets across the country, the program highlights the positive message, Christian based music of the country music genre. The one hour television video version of Sunday's Kind Of Country is scheduled to once again re-start production in March of 2009.

NathanBuysHouses.com - Ribbon Cutting

A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting
for NathanBuysHouses.com, 936-332-4777,
was held Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Owners Nathan and Tiffany Hunnicutt welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

BUY, SELL, AND INVEST with NathanBuysHouses.com!

"We love to make neighborhoods beautiful," Nathan said. "I really like a challenge. I can take houses in any condition and improve the property. I'll look at homes in different types of neighborhoods and land and timber and commercial properties, too."

Nathan also thanked those he has worked with on past projects including Kevin Horchem with USA Floors-N-More.

Coldwell Banker Ribbon Cutting - 10-21-08


A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Coldwell Banker at 2026 N.W. Stallings Dr., (936) 462-3397. Owners Pat and Bubba Dickey and Realtors Bobby Ray Bridwell and Betty Houchin welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Pat and Bubba Dickey

Chamber of Commerce Week Proclamations

Chamber of Commerce Week proclamations were read at the Nacogdoches County Commissioners meeting and City Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Texas Chamber of Commerce Week is Oct. 20 - 24. Attend a Nacogdoches County Chamber event! View Chamber event and community event calendar.

County Judge Joe English, Chamber Chair Donna Finley and Chamber President/CEO Bruce Partain.


Leadership Nacogdoches class members and Chair Donna Finley with Judge English.


Chamber board member Jan Dawley, Past Chair Kim Luna Snyder, Mayor Roger Van Horn, Chair Donna Finley and President/CEO Bruce Partain.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Disaster Contracting with Local Vendors



Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) & Angelina College Procurement Assistance Center Presents Disaster Contracting with Local Vendors Thursday, October 23, 2008. Two sessions will be held: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Angelina College Procurement Assistance Center 3500 South First St. Lufkin, TX 75902.


Learn how to: Register with Dun and Bradstreet for a contractor DUNS number, register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), get on the GSA schedule, interface with the SBA to obtain small business certifications, and successfully navigate Web sites that contain contracting opportunities for response efforts for Hurricane Ike.


This Event is free and open to the public. Attendance does not guarantee contract award.


Please RSVP at http://www.ptassist.com/services/register.php?=D288624768 or call 936.633.5432

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tipton Ford Inc. Ribbon Cutting

A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Tipton Ford Inc. Located at 1115 North Street
(936) 564-7337
Owner Neal Slaten welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Adair - new boutique on North Street

A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Adair Boutique at 623 North Street, Ste. 100, (936) 622-6512. Owner Ashley Sanders welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Adair Boutique offers hip clothing and more for men and women.

Inside Adair

Ashley tells guests all about her business.


Jason and Ashley Sanders

Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market to feature Belgian Blue Beef!


The Nacogdoches Farmers Market is pleased to announce that Belle Brook Farms will be joining us this weekend at the hitch-lot. The locally owned beef company features Belgian Blue Cattle and will have a wide variety of lean, natural beef products. You can check out http://www.bellebrookfarms.com/ for more information on the Nacogdoches Company.

Be sure to join us at the market this Saturday for a wide variety of fresh meats, breads, produce, flowers, ornamental grasses and a mixture of other homegrown and homemade products. This week we will have a variety of fall produce to stock up on. Buffalograss will be featuring live music to entertain you while you shop.

If you would like to sign up for the weekly Farmers’ Market email update, please send an email to mainstreet@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us. Buckley MacInerney will have a sign-up sheet at the Saturday market. You are also more than welcome to visit http://www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com/ for the weekly update.

The Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market, located at the “hitch lot” at the corner of West Main and Pearl Streets, is open from 8 a.m. until noon or later every Saturday. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot. For more information about the market or becoming a vendor, contact Sarah O’Brien, Main Street Manager, at 559-2573.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Christmas Parade Entry Forms

Come be a part of the Nine Flags Christmas Parade which is to be held on Saturday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. All parade entries need to be received by November 14. The cost is $30 for floats and trailers and $15 for all other entries. There will be a cash prize awarded to the top three entries. The judges will be looking for aesthetic quality, originality, creativity, use of animation and/or humor and use of illumination. To get an entry form you can go online to http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/ or go to the Convention and Visitors' Bureau located at 200 E. Main Street or call 936-564-7351 to have one mailed to you. For more information about the parade or the Nine Flags Festival call 936-564-7351 or e-mail info@visitnacogdoches.org.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Because you ... light up my .... downtown

Local businesses, organizations, churches and community volunteers are needed to help string more than 3 million Christmas lights in downtown Nacogdoches in preparation for the 12th annual Nine Flags Festival.

The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Nine Flags Festival are requesting teams of four to five people who can commit to working a two-hour shift between Oct. 13 and Nov. 14. Both weekday and Saturday time slots are available.
Teams can be made up of co-workers, family, friends, church members, club members or anyone else wishing to lend their support to the brightest festival in town. Individual volunteers are invited to participate, as well.

"The Nine Flags Festival wouldn’t surmount to anything without the famous switching on off the lights, we really depend on the community to lend a hand and help us light up downtown, we just couldn’t do it without their support" said Ashleigh Endicott, meeting and event coordinator for the Nacogdoches CVB.
"Over the years, our local businesses and volunteers have donated thousands of hours to this effort, and we want our 12th annual Nine Flags Festival lighting project to run just as smoothly as it has in the past."

Besides the satisfaction of helping transform downtown Nacogdoches into a winter wonderland, lighting volunteers will be rewarded with recognition on a sign in the lobby of the CVB, as well as on the festival website www.nineflagsfestival.com. Light refreshments will also be provided for the volunteers when they report for work.

Team organizers should call 936-564-7351 as soon as possible to be added to the lighting project schedule.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Nacogdoches Farmers' Market


If your ready for the fall, then come to the Nacogdoches Farmers' Market every Saturday at the "hitch lot" located at the corner of West Main and Pearl Streets. The Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon or later. If you can not find a place to park then there is more parking at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot. Produce that will be for sale include: sweet potatoes, turnip and mustard greens, okra, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, pumpkins and mums. If you would like to receive a weekly e-mail update on the Farmers' Market please send an e-mail to www.mainstreet@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us or just visit the Farmer's Market website at www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com. For more information about the market or becoming a vendor please call Sarah O'Brien, Main Street Manager, 936-559-2573.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Scare on the Scare Poster Contest Winner Announced


From left to right. Woden Art Teacher Diane Harrell, Winner Brittani Stone, and Main Street Volunteer Teresa Darby.

Organizers of Scare on the Square, an annual Halloween Carnival that brings ghosts, ghouls, and tons of fun to the historic brick streets of downtown Nacogdoches, are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Scare on the Square Poster Contest, Woden High School Senior, Brittani Stone.

Art classes from throughout the county are invited to participate in the annual competition. This year more than 110 entered from six-area high school and middle schools.

“It was a tough decision, we had so many great entries,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien. Woden Art teacher Diane Harrell was thrilled that Brittani won the competition. The winning poster will be used to promote the event all over town.

Also both Brittani and Woden High School received checks in the amount of $100.
Set for October 25th from 6 to 9 p.m., Scare on the Square 2008 will be back with all of the great events that families are accustomed to like the hay ride, haunted house, costume contest, and more candy than you know what to do with. Scare on the Square is a litter-free event sponsored by Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful.

Vendor applications are due this Friday, October 10th, 2008.

For questions about Scare on the Square please contact Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien at 936-559-2573 or send her an email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Nacogdoches County Democratic Party Ribbon Cutting




A Nacogdoches County Chamber ribbon cutting for Nacogdoches County Democratic Party, held Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the party's Nacogdoches headquarters - 833 E. Main St., (936) 462-1210.

Chairman Tim Garrigan welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Dining for Dollars - it's dee-lish!

Pictured are Shelley Brophy and her staff at the downtown business. Shelley's Bakery and Cafe is one of the Dining for Dollars participants along with The Barbecue House, Mr. Will's and Harlon's Barbeque.
Photo by Kayli Steger.

On Friday, Oct. 10th, four Nacogdoches restaurants are working to raise money for Nacogdoches County United Way!

The Barbecue House, Mr. Will's Restaurant, Shelley's Bakery and Cafe and Harlon's Barbeque at the Link will donate a percentage of their sales made this Friday.

The money raised from 'Dining For Dollars' will be put towards this year's campaign goal of $300,000. Please take anyone and everyone you know to one of the mentioned restaurants to eat on behalf of Nacogdoches County Untied Way!

Click to go to an online directory for contact information and locations of participating restaurants.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Now is the time to plant azaleas

Now is the best time to plant azaleas. The plants can take full advantage of cooler soil and frequent rains to grow strong roots, full buds, and healthy leaves. Choose azaleas with buds at the ends of the branches and healthy green leaves. Our local nurseries and garden centers can guide you through their selections. Here is how to make the most of fall planting.

Location. Before you buy your plants, walk around and assess your garden. Is there an area that gets at least six hours of sun (from the east or south) a day, or is it located under trees with high canopies? Azaleas need partial shade and no full western exposure.

Soil Tips. Can you stick your shovel—better yet, your fingers—into the soil easily? Azalea roots grow in the top 4-6 inches of soil rich in organic matter—that is, pine straw, oak leaves, or compost that has broken down to make a crumbly mix of small particles, larger than sand. If your soil is rock hard, you will need to dig in compost or build a raised bed. Test your soil to make sure it is acidic (pH of 5.0 to 6.5).

Watering. Can you water the area the first spring and summer? Azaleas cannot stand “wet feet,” so plant them “high” to make sure the water drains away from the central trunk. At the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden we planted on little “volcano hills” of half sand and half composted finely ground pine bark, spread the azalea roots over the hill, mulched the hill with more compost, and then placed a ring of pine straw around the hill. This automatically raised the plants above the ground level, making sure water did not stand around the azalea stem—which can cause fungus or root rot. Water deeply at least once a week May through October that first year.

Plant Spacing. This depends on the ultimate size of the azalea. Southern favorites like pink-lavender ‘George Lindley Tabor’, sparkling white ‘Mrs. G. G. Gerbing’, or bright pink ‘Formosa’ can take some sun and have big flowers on big (6’ tall by 6’ wide) shrubs. The optimum spacing for them is 5 feet apart. ‘Coral Bells’, a popular pink azalea, grows to 4 feet tall. For a pruned hedge, space these as close as 2 feet apart; otherwise, plant 3-4 feet apart. Deciduous azaleas get very tall—up to 12 feet—and can be 6-8 feet wide. Plant these behind low evergreens to hide their bare branches in winter.

Mulching. To reduce heat-stress the first summer, mulch right after the spring bloom and again in September. Pine needle straw is great, since it is slightly acidic, and compost is good, but avoid hardwood chips.

Pruning. Azaleas set buds in the summer for next year, so trim branches right after bloom is over, never in the fall.


Azaleas are some of the most beautiful and long-lived flowering shrubs we have. Beat the heat by planting them this fall to enjoy for years to come.

Barbara Stump is research associate for development of the SFA Mast Arboretum Garden and the project coordinator for the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, which sponsors two 2009 Nacogdoches Azalea Trail events–Azalea Symposium “Azaleas and More” (March 21) and Little Princess Tea Party (March 28). Contact: bstump@sfasu.edu. You can also visit www.nacogdochesazaleas.com for more information.
Photo of Ruby Mize Azalea Garden in Nacogdoches by Bruce R. Partain.

It feels like fall outside, and we have the produce to prove it!

Fall produce is starting to arrive at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market. If you are looking for items like sweet potatoes, turnip & mustard greens, okra, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers then we will see you Saturday mornings at the old hitch lot!

The market will also feature a variety of other items for sale. Look for Dr. Gregory’s return, he will feature a variety of fresh flowers and herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary. We also look to have a variety of handmade glassware items, made from recycled glass. If that isn’t enough to entice you out to the market then bring a shopping bag and stock up on home-baked delicacies such as pies, teacakes, and preserves, just to name a few of the items available.

If you would like to sign up for the weekly Farmers’ Market email update, please send an email to mainstreet@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us. Buckley MacInerney will have a sign-up sheet at the Saturday market. You are also more than welcome to visit www.farmermktnac.blogspot.com for the weekly update.

The Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market, located at the “hitch lot” at the corner of West Main and Pearl Streets, is open from 8 a.m. until noon or later every Saturday. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot. For more information about the market or becoming a vendor, contact Sarah O’Brien, Main Street Manager, at 559-2573.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Junior League of Lufkin


Since its beginning in 1953, the Junior League of Lufkin has supported many local projects and has made a positive impact on countless lives in Lufkin. The vision of our organization's members is to enhance the lives of children and women in our community. To date, the JLL has donated over $ 1.8 million dollars to Angelina County. The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, visit the website, www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org

Scare on the Square Vendor Form deadline fast approaching!


Vendors still needed for upcoming event…no late entries will be accepted!

Organizers of the upcoming 10th annual Scare on the Square are seeking food and non-food vendors, church groups, organizations, and businesses to fill available booths at the popular Halloween event. The family friendly fall festival attracted more than 8,500 people to the historic brick streets of downtown Nacogdoches last year.


Vendor applications are available at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us, by clicking on city departments and then Main Street. Forms are also available at the Main Street Office; located at 202 E. Pilar Street, room 117 in downtown Nacogdoches. A limited amount of booth space is available, so vendors are encouraged to make reservations early. The deadline to apply for space is October 10th, NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED, NO EXCEPTIONS. You can also call organizers at 936-559-2573 and have a form faxed to you.

Scare on the Square will be held from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, and will host a variety of activities and events, including two entertainment filled stages, a haunted hay ride, a costume contest, and the popular haunted house.

For more information or questions about Scare on the Square please contact the Nacogdoches Main Street Office at 936-559-2573 or via email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.




Photos by Bruce R. Partain

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Family fishing in Nacogdoches


Information and photo provided by Doug James (lakenacguide@yahoo.com).

With more and more families looking for things to do close to home, no one should forget the favorite for the young and young-at-heart - fishing.

There are two ponds within the city limits with 24-hour access and are kid-friendly.

Lake Side Park on Pearl Street is located on the north side of town and is stocked with catfish and rainbow trout annually. The trout are released from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. every winter in conjunction from support from the Nacogdoches Parks & Recreation Centers creation of a Kid Fish Event there. This project has been a great incentive for youths and other family members to share in the enjoyment of fishing.

In the upcoming months another pond locally will receive a fish stocking, the Ag Pond on the campus of S.F.A. The Ag Pond will be recognized as a state lake and all fishing regulations must be abided by as for length and legal limits.The goal is to put rainbow trout in this winter if enough money can be allocated from fund raising events. Catfish will be put in next fall in time for Homecoming.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Downtown Progressive Dinner - Thursday, Oct. 2

Everyone is invited to attend an exciting and scrumptious evening on the red brick streets of historic Downtown Nacogdoches. Join the Downtown Business Association on this Thursday, October 2, 2008 for the 14th annual Progressive Dinner.

The Mexican Fiesta themed evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails courtesy of Adams, Belanger, Atherton and Lostracco PC at 305 E. Main Street. Then join Bob Gruebel and Jo Carlson at the Old Shaw’s building, 115 E. Main Street for a delicious fajita dinner. The night will culminate at Tim James’s law office, located at 115 South Street, for a variety of deserts including sopapilla Cheesecake and Key Lime tarts to name a few.

“This year’s event is really going to top anything we’ve done in the past. Our merchants have done a phenomenal job planning the menu, décor, and ambiance,” said Sarah O’Brien Main Street Manager.

Tickets to the Progressive Dinner are $20 and available now at the CVB, time is running out, so stop by today and pick up your tickets. A limited amount of tickets will be available at the door. The event benefits the Nacogdoches Downtown Business Association, which uses the proceeds to purchase Christmas lights for the downtown area.