Chamber member wins cash

Bill Teague, right, wins $50 at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon held Aug. 28. Also pictured is Corey Ashley left, and Emily Stanaland with First Bank & Trust East Texas. All luncheon attendees are eligible to win the $50 drawing, sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas.

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Legacy Leadership presented at Chamber luncheon

Community leaders learn about leaving their mark
Read full story by TRENT JACOBS, The Daily Sentinel

"People don't remember us for what we do for ourselves, they remember us for what we do for them."

That's what Dr. Randy Garner, a professor at the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University, said he hoped those gathered at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon would take away from his motivational speech on something known as "legacy leadership."

"If you think about the people who have had the most impact in your life, it's not about what they did for themselves, it's about how they helped you — about the influence they had on you," Garner said. "That's what we need to be thinking about as we are looking to leave that legacy for others."

Attending the Friday luncheon were many of Nacogdoches' business, civic and public leaders. They came to not just eat fried catfish and sip on iced tea, but rather to listen to Garner, who has authored books on leadership and practiced it as a chief of police in Pearland during the 1980s, speak about what it truly means to be a leader and why good leaders become so. The simple answer, according to Garner, is that great leaders strengthen others around them by employing the model of servant-leadership.

Photos - click images to view larger. Top from left, Chamber President/CEO Bruce Partain, Director Bill Teague, Chair Donna Finley and Dr. Garner.

Bottom, Chamber Chair Finley stands with officers of the Nacogdoches City Police Dept.
Photos by Kelly Daniel

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Send Central Heights HS Theatre to Scotland

Scotland? YES!!!
The Central Heights High School Theatre Department has been selected to perform in the world's largest and most prestigious arts festival as part of the American High School Theatre Festival.

CentralHeightsHS to Scotland Brochure

Contact Melissa McMillian-Cunningham at 936-552-3420 or email ms.c@centralhts.org to find out all the ways you can join in this venture.

Stoney LaRue's Party In The Pines | Nacogdoches, TX - Sat. 8.29.09

Stoney LaRue's Party In The Pines | Nacogdoches, TX - Sat. 8.29.09

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Alive After Five - America's Self Storage, Aug. 27, 2009

“Storing up” plenty of after-hours-mixer enjoyment at Alive After Five on Thursday, Aug. 27, at America's Self Storage & Mail Center. Manager Blanca Giner and staff really showed off all of the services the business offers.

Contact America's Self Storage at (936) 560-3728, 2903 South St. in Nacogdoches.

Click to view more photos from the event.

Back Lot Bash for SFA freshmen

Photo: SFA students roam Back Lot Bash, looking for more information and "what's to do in Nacogdoches."

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and Stephen F. Austin State University will welcome the SFA Class of 2013 at the annual “Back Lot Bash” Thursday, Sept. 3, behind the William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The event follows SFA Freshman Convocation, which begins at 5 p.m. in the coliseum, and provides an opportunity for local businesses and university and community organizations to share information with the students, many of whom are recent arrivals to Nacogdoches.

“Just as in years past, we will have lots of food, prizes, goody bags and other giveaways to welcome the freshman class to our city and introduce them to the various local businesses and organizations,” said Jonathan Elder, coordinator of student organizations and Greek life at SFA.

“All six of SFA’s colleges will be on hand to share information about their academic programs, and various other university departments and student organizations will be represented, as well. It is a great opportunity for the students and the community to get to know each other and a great event to kick off the new academic year at SFA.”

Up to 3,000 incoming freshmen and about 150 businesses and student organizations are expected to participate in the event.

Businesses and organizations wishing to participate in the Back Lot Bash must submit a registration form no later than Sept. 1. The form can be found online at www.nacogdoches.org. There is no charge to participate, but space is limited. Tables and chairs will be provided. For more information, call (936) 468-3703.

SFA events - what you want to know

'Click to find out what's happening at Stephen F. Austin.
The fall 2009 semester begins August 31, and that means lots of Lumberjack activity for Nacogdoches.

Rope the SMU Ponies tailgate party

Hey, Lumberjack fans!

You are invited to join the SFA Alumni Association, the Dallas Alumni Chapter and the SFA Department of Athletics for a "Rope the SMU Ponies" tailgate party prior to the Sept. 5 SFA vs. SMU football game in Dallas.

Free food & beverages for the first 500 tailgaters! Tailgate begins at 4 p.m.; game time is 7 p.m.

For game tickets, parking maps and event info, visit http://www.sfaalumni.com/event/smu

See you in Dallas on Sept. 5. Axe 'em 'Jacks!

Chamber luncheon offers leadership insight

Dr. Randy Garner, professor of behavioral sciences and former associate dean in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University, will present “Legacy Leadership - The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead” at Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Aug. 28, at Hotel Fredonia.

Pictured is Dr. Randy Garner.

"I attended Dr. Garner's presentation on Legacy Leadership several months ago, and you will find his comments motivational and uplifting," said City Manager Jim Jeffers.

During the luncheon, guests will also hear a brief energy update from Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams prior to Garner’s presentation.

“Great leadership is really focused on what you contribute, not what you take,” Garner said. “This session examines some of the characteristics of leaders who were able to leave a lasting and positive legacy. Removing some of the mystique from the leadership hype, this session focuses on realizing that the best leaders are those who serve and sacrifice for the followers with whom they work. Leadership is not some amorphous goal; it is personal, involving and focused on helping others. This course has provided life-changing moments for many participants.”

Garner has authored books and professional publications with particular emphasis in the areas of social influence, persuasion and leadership including Criticism Management: How to More Effectively Give, Receive, and Seek Criticism in Our Lives.

Prior to moving to academia, Garner began his 30 years of law enforcement service in 1976 and has worked in all divisions and levels of command. He was appointed as the Chief of Police for a Houston-area agency in the mid 1980s where he was active in a variety of national, state and local law enforcement organizations. Garner has taught with or is a graduate of all of the major police command colleges in the country, including the F.B.I. National Academy, the Graduate Management Institute, the Leadership and Command College (LEMIT), the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville.

Luncheon reservations are required. RSVP by contacting the chamber, 936-560-5533, or download, complete and return a registration form. Lunch is $16, and the deadline for reservations is Aug. 27. All attendees will be entered in a $50 cash drawing, and every Chamber member is entered in a $250 drawing, but you must be present to win. Both drawings are sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas.

Kay Bailey Hutchison in Nacogdoches

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison stood on the steps of the Old University Building in Nacogdoches today and announced her intentions to run for the Republican nomination for Governor of Texas.

Hutchison, whose mother and grandmother were from Nacogdoches, made the announcement from the same location where legend has it Sam Houston made his announcement some 15 decades ago.

Houston is the only Texan who was elected a U.S. Senator then Texas Governor. Hutchison said she planned to be the next. (Photos: Bruce R. Partain)

click on photos for larger view

Back to school supplies for teachers, students - plus more!

August 2009 Terrific Teachers by Megan Mottwiler

Kay Bailey Hutchison announcement

Tuesday - Aug. 18

Attendees can gather as early as 7:30 a.m.; Senator Hutchison is expected to speak between 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.

Location: Old University Building (OUB)
515 Mound Street (just north of Thomas J. Rusk Elementary School)
7:30 a.m. (attendees may gather)
8:00 a.m (target for program to begin)
Announcement on steps of Old University Building.
Refreshments inside OUB afterward.
There is no public lunch, dinner or barbecue in Nacogdoches.

Eagle Aerial Resources flying high at ribbon cutting

Click to view more photos from the event.



Brian and Kindle Crews, owners of Eagle Aerial Recources welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new business. The ceremony was held Tuesday, July 21 at the Mangham, Jr. Regional Airport.

At the ceremony, the Eagle Aerial crew entertained with a live demonstration of picking-up, pulling and dropping an aerial banner.

Eagle Aerial Resources offers aircraft towed letter and logo banners. They also offer aerial photography and video. Eagle Aerial Resources has a special way to thank our Armed Forces, too.

“If a family member is returning from the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, Eagle Aerial Resources will pull a ‘Welcome Home (member’s name)’ banner in their honor,” said Brian. “The banner will be towed behind our aircraft for approximately 1 hour around the member home town at no charge within a fifty mile radius of Nacogdoches, Texas. Outside this radius up to one hundred miles the price will be for the cost of fuel and pilot fees.”

For more information please contact Brian or Kindle Crews at (936) 366-3013 or (936) 632-3668. Additional information can also be found at Nacogdoches.org or by calling (936) 560-5533.

42 Tournament

Open to the public.
Location: C.L. Simon Recreation Center, 1112 North St. in Nacogdoches.
Pre-registration is strongly suggested! For more information, contact Patti Penney 936-462-0578 or 936-326-4726.

Cash prizes will be awarded according to the number of participants.

42 Tourney at CLSimon

Naturally Family Outdoor Adventures Kick Off Day

Photo from the Pineywoods Native Plant Center web site.

Everyone is invited to attend the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center's new weekend program: Nacogdoches Naturally Family Outdoor Adventure's Kick-Off Day, August 29, 2009, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center 2900 Raguet St.

Bring your family and come experience fun outdoor activities like: bird watching, fishing, outdoor games, geo-caching, water fun, gardening and more! For more information call Kerry Lemon (936) 468-1832 or e-mail: sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

Fill the Bus! school supplies needed for Nac kids

Saturday, Aug. 15

Walmart parking lot - North Street
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donate school supplies for disadvantaged children in Nacogdoches County - your donations stay here!


Donations also accepted at GETCAP, 114 W. Hospital. Call 936-564-2491 for more information. School counselors should be contacted locally for assistance.

Fill the Bus is a part of Project SOS, Supply Our Schools. This is the 13th year for the event and your help is needed to purchase school supplies for needy children in Nacogdoches County. The need appears to be particulary great judging from the calls received in our office and requests being made early to the local schools to needy children. This is a project of Community Action, local county schools and the Nacogdoches Junior Forum and the goal is to provide basic school supplies to every needy child in our county. -

Karen Swenson,Executive Director, GETCAP

Telephone: (936) 564-2491

Attn: Nacogdoches County Chamber Members -

Introduce you business to new-to-Nacogdoches and new-to-SFA faculty.
'Click to find out more!'

Convention & Visitors Bureau earns marketing award from TFEA

Pictured is Ashleigh Endicott, meeting and event coordinator of the Nacogdoches CVB, accepting the best t-shirt design award at the 2009 Texas Festivals and Events Association Conference and Trade Show.

The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau recently received a first-place plaque during the marketing award ceremonies at the annual Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA) Conference and Trade Show in Fort Worth.

The plaque received was for best t-shirt design.

The TFEA Marketing Awards program recognizes excellence in festival promotional campaigns and is open to all members of the organization. Festivals and events compete against others in the same budget category. A panel of event management, marketing, advertising, and public relations professionals judged the contest.

As an affiliate of the International Festivals and Events Association, TFEA members receive benefits that include educational programs, newsletters and publications, internet resources at the TFEA website, insurance discounts, and the annual conference featuring a trade show and talent showcase.

August news from the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

'Click here for the Nacogdoches County Chamber's e-newsletter, Chamber Connection, for August.'

Celebrate National Farmer's Market Week because fresh is always best

Join us this Saturday at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market to celebrate National Farmer’s Market Week. When it comes to buying produce, fresh is always best. Fresh produce is more flavorful than any other variety, and only frozen produce comes close in nutrition. Nothing could be fresher than foods straight from the producer, and Nacogdoches’ Farmer’s market brings them to you week after week year round. National Farmers' Market Week, which runs through Aug. 8, is the ideal time to discover the advantages of buying farm fresh foods. If you can’t make it on Saturday, be sure to join us on Wednesday mornings.

Pictured is Louis Duffield and his home-grown produce at the Nacogoches Farmers' Market.

The Market will also feature blueberries, canteloupe, carrots, cucumbers (regular and lemon), eggplants, figs, garlic, green beans, okra, onions (New Red Candy Apple & Ten Fifteen Sweet), peaches, pears, peas (pintos, purple hull & cream), peppers (banana, Bell, jalapenos & cayenne), potatoes (new), radishes, squash (yellow, zuchinni & patty pan), tomatoes (cherry,green & regular), watermelons (red, sugar babies & yellow) fresh cut flowers, home made artesian cheeses, starter plants, chow-chow, fresh free range eggs, a variety of fresh baked breads, bouquets, pound cakes, local raw honey, fresh salsa, freshly ground corn meal and grits, and a variety of home made crafts.
Entertainment for this weekend will be provided by singer/songwriter Cindy Grayson.

If you would like to sign up for the weekly Farmers’ Market email update, please send an email to mainstreet@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us 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 and Wednesdays through the Summer. If the market parking lot is full, additional parking is available in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex parking lot.

Stand out from the crowd - advertise in the Chamber's 2010 publications

2010pricesheet_StandOutFromTheCrowd

Blueberry brief: This year's festival by the numbers

A little more than a month after the Texas Blueberry Festival crowded the downtown streets with a spectacle of food and motorcycles and blue animals and, yes, blueberries, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has finished the business of crunching numbers on the event's economic impact on the area.

In a presentation before the city commission Tuesday, festival Chairwoman Michelle Smith cited figures that underscore the event's reputation not only as a fun attraction but also as a serious money maker for the city and local businesses.

Attendance at the 2009 festival beat last year's by 10 percent, bringing 17,600 people downtown, Smith said. Many of them were hungry for blueberries.

"We sold a record amount of blueberries from the Hayter farm," Smith said, putting the figure at 17,000 pounds of the miniature fruit. "I don't even know what that looks like."

According to calculations by The Daily Sentinel based on the chamber's figures, 17,000 pounds of blueberries is equivalent to the weight of a full-sized school bus. Lining up that number of blueberries — about 5.1 million individual berries — would make a line that stretches 33 miles, the distance from Nacogdoches to San Augustine.

This year, festival-goers were asked to fill out a small survey card that asked for a ZIP code, among other things. Using that data, the chamber partnered with the Columbia Geospacial Center to map out the hometowns of the festival's visitors. According to the resulting map, visitors came from more than 40 Texas counties, with almost half traveling more than 100 miles to attend.

"The significance of that is that they're bringing their credit cards and their cash and their checks," chamber President and CEO Bruce Partain said. "We end fairly early in the day, about 4 p.m. We unleash them on all the stores, merchants here in town, and they keep buying."

The chamber polled several local businesses that attested to increased traffic on the day of the festival. Gerry Larabee, owner of Heart of Texas, said the 2009 festival was "the best day we have had in years, if not the best day ever," according to the chamber.

According to hotel/motel statistics, out-of-town visitors spent $72,461 on hotel rooms. The chamber used a formula to estimate a total economic impact of $1.7 million generated by the festival.

Beyond the numbers, however, the festival also represents an intangible sort of East Texas fun, Smith said.

"I firmly believe that the blueberry festival really epitomizes what Nacogdoches is about, because it's a good wholesome, family opportunity to share a day downtown," Smith said. "It might be a little warm — I'll admit to that. But we're always bringing more new and more wonderful items to the blueberry festival to keep it exciting for those who live here."

Story Written by Matthew Stoff with the Daily Sentinel.
Friday, July 24, 2009
www.dailysentinel.com