Thursday, December 31, 2009

Important numbers for Nac - Census will define county for next decade

Click to read full story.

Volunteer James Montoya, left, visits with Jesus Sauceda, center, and County Commissioner Jim Elder about maximizing the participation of the Hispanic community in the upcoming 2010 Census.




City Planner Larissa Philpot, left, and City Council member Shelley Brophy are key leaders in the local committee working to provide information about the upcoming Census 2010.

(Photos: Bruce R. Partain)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Chamber Connection - January 2010

Click here to read the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Chamber eNews. Happy New Year!

Just a peek

... at the new Chamber design for the 2010
* Official Nacogdoches County Guide & Chamber Directory
* City/County Street Map
* Web site - www.nacogdoches.org


Interested in advertising through the Chamber Web site and printed publications? Contact Point A Media, phone 936-568-9200.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Nine Flags Festival Winners

Lots of winners this year for the Nine Flags Festival contests. Thanks to all for coming out and supporting our 13th annual Nine Flags Festival and for participating in our many contests.

Pictured left, Gracen Packard of Nacogdoches placed first in the ages 6 and under division of the Little Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest held on Saturday, December 5.

Carol Davis & Deanna Joss won the adult division of the Gingerbread Homes for the Holiday Contest.



Wassail Fest
1st Place: Lyric’s
2nd Place: Morning Glory Yoga Studios
3rd Place: Glass Castles

iPod Touch Raffle
Jerri Turner

The Best Christmas Gift Basket Ever

Charlotte Willis

Giant Boulder Mountain Bike
Andrea DeJean

Wells Fargo Stagecoach Cookie Jar Winner

Hall Shatwell

Little Cowboy/Cowgirl Contest
Ages 6 and under
1st Place: Gracen Packard
2nd Place: Taylor Durham
3rd Place: Sawyer Durham
Ages 7-12
1st Place: Lane Watson

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest

Child Division: Flora & Jackson Oliver & Kathryn & Erin Patton
Adult Division: Carol Davis & Deanna Joss

Parade
Non-Float Category
1st Place: Shriners Hot Rod Unit
2nd Place: Toterhome; James Sanders
3rd Place: Appleby Fire Department

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Gingerbread Homes and Festival of Trees

Gingerbread Homes for the Holiday Contest
Adult and Children's Categories. Come view the best Gingerbread homes in Nacogdoches! These delicious works of art will be on display at the Visitor's Center, 200 E. Main.

Festival of Trees
Enjoy a display of trees decorated to reflect the themes of the nine flags that have flown over Nacogdoches. Open through December 30th in the Visitor's Center, 200 E. Main.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

G.O.D.T.E.L. cuts ribbon on first of three buildings

Click to read full story by Keith Lansdale, The Daily Sentinel.

Click to read story and view video by Donna McCollum, KTRE.

G.O.D.T.E.L. Ministries celebrated the completion and opening of the new facility with a Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. The new building is located, at 620 Jordan St. Directors June and Nancy Gentry and Missions Director Royce Oliver welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

For more information: ph 936-569-7914, www.godtel.org.

Click to view more Ribbon Cutting photos.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Nacogdoches Waterworks

Learn more at the January 22 Nacogdoches County Chamber Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon at the Hotel Fredonia. Call 936-560-5533 to RSVP. http://www.nacwaterworks.com/index.php / http://www.youtube.com/user/NacWaterworks

Fundraising for Nacogdoches Water Works aquatic complex underway
By: Paige Hayter, The Pine Log

Next June, Erin Bailey hopes that fundraising plans will be completed, $5.2 million will have been raised and building will begin for the Nacogdoches Water Works aquatic complex.

Bailey, as spokesperson for the water complex committee, gave a presentation at the Rotary Luncheon recently that included fundraising ideas as well as artist renderings of what the complex will include.

The water complex committee is made up of private citizens. Among other ideas presented, the committee is expecting to receive funds through bake sales, penny drives, grants and private contributions.

According to the Water Works Web site (www.nacwaterworks.com), a fifth of the initial budget has already been gathered.

Bailey said she expects for the water complex to bring in 66 jobs and more than $500,000 in income for Nacogdoches. She said she expects the complex to be self sufficient.

"We really want to raise the money ourselves, if we can, and have the grants as a back up," Bailey said. "We're hitting every avenue right now. We're starting with the online groups, and there will be letters going home with kids from school. We should be seeing advertising all over town pretty soon. The marketing campaign is just now gearing up."

The city of Nacogdoches is expected to make a $25,000 contribution to help with media campaigns. Once the complex is built it will be owned by the city.

The complex will include two water slides, a lazy river, a four-lane lap pool and a 10,000-foot community beach area for families. There will also be multiple tables covered by large umbrellas, a children's play station with spray stations and diving boards.

The complex will be located between Lanana Creek and University Drive.

"Really, Nacogdoches doesn't have something for families to do in the summer. We've got putt-putt, and we've got the parks, but this is a little something different," Bailey said. "It's going to bring people in from all over."

There has been some controversy over whether the new complex will infringe on the current pools' audiences. So far local club owners show confidence in their ability to keep customers.

"Honestly, if the water reach is deeper than three-and-a-half feet and they don't charge more than $10, then I will be happier with it than with SFA's recreation center," Devin Bohmer, Spring freshman, said.

Fundraising and building progress can be monitored on the Nacogdoches Water Works Web site or on the Facebook page.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Local Authors Team up for Holiday Book Signing

Hastings Books, Music and Video will host a book signing for local authors Mable Cannings and Norman Johnson on Friday, Dec. 19 at the store's 4501 North Street location in Nacogdoches. The event is scheduled from 4-8 p.m.



Norman Johnson - known as “The World's First Elvis Impersonator” - will promote his new book, The Kid and the King. He will offer a new Elvis lighter with purchase of the book, which covers not only Johnson's relationship with Elvis Presley but also hundreds of other country artists and politicians.

Ms. Cannings' debut book, The Heart and Soul of Business: One Woman’s Journey (paperback, ISBN:978-1-60647-345-0) was released earlier this year by Xulon Press. The 248-page nonfiction book makes a compelling case for young entrepreneurs to pursue their passion without selling their soul.



Apex Reviews wrote, “The Heart and Soul of Business is a highly-recommended offering that belongs on the bookshelf of every leader and entrepreneur worldwide.” This book was selected for several bestseller listings in the Christian Book sector this past summer. Dr. Tony Evans, national media personality and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and president of the Urban Alternative in Dallas, endorsed the book. Evans said, “If you want to be successful and stay successful in business, this is required reading, as it challenges you to dig deeper to get to the heart and soul of business”. Everyone who purchases a book from Ms. Cannings will receive a free passcode to participate in her preview teleseminar on “Playing Big in 2010”.

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Christmas toy donations

Celebrate the season of giving by donating a new toy to the Nine Flags
Festival to ensure every child in Nacogdoches County has a magical Christmas. Donated toys will be distributed through the Nacogdoches County Children's Charities. Drop off your unwrapped toy before Friday at the CVB, 200 E. Main St.

For more information:
Sarah E. O'Brien, Main Street Manager
City of Nacogdoches
(936) 559-2573

Monday, December 07, 2009

Moscow Ballet to present ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ at SFA

Every Christmas audiences around the world watch ballet troupes bring to life a young girl's Christmas Eve dream in which a nutcracker defeats the Rat King, turns into a handsome prince, and takes her to a far-off land where dancers from Spain, China, France, Russia and Arabia entertain them.

"And this year, East Texans can experience this beloved holiday tradition as the Moscow Ballet presents ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 18, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University," said Sylvia Bierschenk, director of Arts Information at SFA.

The ballet is an Encore Event to the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series.

"We are excited once again to have the renowned Moscow Ballet troupe in Nacogdoches to share the beautiful story and dance set to Pytor Tchaikovsky's music," said John W. Goodall, associate dean of the college.

Acclaimed for exquisite dancing and spectacular sets and costumes, critics rave that "Great Russian Nutcracker" is "flawless," "breathtaking" and "dazzling," Goodall continued. "It will be delightful experience for the entire family."

The world-renowned troupe of dancers features top graduates of Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic Choreographic and Kiev schools and is directed by ballet master Anatoli Emelianov. Please visit www.nutcracker.com for more information on the troupe.

"When Moscow Ballet was last here in 2005, we sold out both performances," said Diane Flynn, Box Office manager. "We anticipate the same situation this year, and so I encourage patrons to purchase their tickets as soon as possible."

Prior to the Thursday night performance, Gene H. Moon, director of orchestral activities at SFA, will give an informative talk about the music at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from Turner Auditorium.

"Great Russian Nutcracker" is sponsored in part by Lehman Eye Center.

W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr. on the SFA campus. Tickets to the concert range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

4th Annual East Texas Geospatial Conference

The Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, SFA and the East Texas GIS & GPS Users Group (ETUG) and South Central Arc GIS Users Group (SCAUG) are pleased to announce the 4th Annual East Texas Geospatial Conferencein Nacogdoches, Texas.

This conference is designed to bring together GIS professionals, addressing coordinators, 9-1-1 and emergency response specialists, Forestry and Natural Resource professionals, and any other GIS specific parties for networking, learning, and training opportunities.

Charles Ashton
Geospatial Trainer I
Education and Training
Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center
936.468.6114
cashton@crgsc.org

Christmas Tour of Homes

The Tour of Homes will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec.12.

Tickets are $10 and available in advance at the Visitor Center, 200 E. Main St., as well as at each home the day of the tour.

The Tour of Homes is sponsored by Citizens 1st Bank and proceeds from the tour benefit Friends of Historic Nacogdoches projects.

"We have a wide variety of sites on tour this year—homes ranging from early Texas to the newest of style and architecture. This year we are excited to announce that we are featuring a special Christmas collection that everyone will enjoy,” said Lois Fitch, chair of the Tour of Homes committee. "We are looking forward to a large turnout to see these lovely decorations and anticipate that this tour will add to the festive spirit of the approaching holidays."

The featured homes are:
1. The Old Nacogdoches University Building, 515 N. Mound

2. The Sterne Hoya House Museum and Library, 211 S. Lanana (pictured)


3. Johnny and Barbara Sloane, 1323 North Fredonia

4. Linda Sisk, 333 Deerfield Drive

5. Mike and Wendy Buchanan, 4207 Mystic Lane

6. The Christmas Collection of Dorothy Warren: New Zion Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1122 North East Stallings.

For more information about the Christmas Tour of Homes or other Nine Flags Festival events, contact the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 936-564-7351 or visit www.nineflagsfestival.com

Friday, December 04, 2009

Grand ribbon cuttings this week

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held two ribbon cuttings during the first week of December.

Chamber Ambassadors and Directors celebrated with new business Hospice of East Texas and at the new branch location for Doches Credit Union.

Click to view more Chamber Ribbon Cutting photos.

Hospice of East Texas
(936) 560-9277, www.hospiceofeasttexas.org.
Contact - Director, Community Relations Deep East Texas Jessica Henderson.


Doches Credit Union

920 N.W. Stallings Dr.
Nacogdoches Texas 75964
(936) 569-7700, www.dochescu.com.
President James Muse

Barker wins cash at chamber luncheon


Above - SFA associate professor Chris Barker, left, wins the $50 cash drawing during the Nacogdoches County Chamber Fourth Friday Luncheon, Dec. 4 at Hotel Fredonia. Corey Ashley presents the prize sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas.


Click to view more photos from the luncheon.



Bruce Partain, Paul Smith, Angela Wiederhold, Dennis Cooley and Michael Lee.






Dennis Cooley, Michael Lee and Morgan Prince.









Barbara Holl, Paul Smith and Bruce Partain.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Wells Fargo Stagecoach coming to Nacogdoches December 5

Step back into frontier days as the Wells Fargo Stagecoach comes rolling into town during the Nine Flags Festival on Saturday, December 5. This living piece of history will not only make the crowd reminisce of times past, but the red Concord Coach will be on display and available for families to take pictures with during the parade festivities.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC of Nacogdoches will provide a photographer to capture free snapshots of visitors posed by the stagecoach to take home with them for their holiday cards. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC will also raffle off a ceramic Wells Fargo stagecoach cookie jar to collect donations for the Nine Flags Festival.

“We are so excited to have the legendary Wells Fargo Stagecoach come to Nacogdoches during the Nine Flags Festival,” said Anderson Dolton, meeting and event coordinator of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “By having this symbol of the American West here during our festival where we are honoring the Texas flag puts the icing on the cake. A special thanks goes to the Wells Fargo Advisors for getting the Stagecoach to Nacogdoches for our festival.”

Public invited to luncheon honoring Sen. Robert Nichols

Texans for Lawsuit Reform will host a luncheon in Lufkin honoring Senator Robert Nichols, recipient of the TLR Civil Justice Leadership Award.

The event is noon, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009
Crown Colony Country Club

900 Crown Colony Drive, Lufkin, TX 75901

TLR is offering a complimentary lunch.
To RSVP, call 512-478-0200

or email: rsvp@tortreform.com

Chamber Connection - December e-news

Click to read Chamber Connection for December - the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce e-newsletter.