The Chamber Connection

by: Meredith Caddell

 

March 11, 2010

 

 

Your letters will help!!!

As you are aware, access to the internet has become essential to conducting business in today’s global economy.  With that being said, there are still many areas throughout our region that do not have access to broadband service which provides a higher speed of data transmission.   

 

The Ark-Tex Council of Governments is currently working in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments and Texas A&M to apply for a grant under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.  If funded, this grant will ensure that Northeast and East Texas rural areas have access to broadband capability. 

 

If funded the project will impact economic development, healthcare, education, emergency services, homeland security, residential consumers, and many other end users.  A project of this size cannot succeed without your help.

 

It is proven that grant applications receive greater consideration when letters of support are sent from the community.  So if you would like to help with this grant, you may write a letter of support and mail it to L.D. Williamson, Executive Director, Ark-Tex Council of Governments, P. O. Box 5307, Texarkana, TX  75503 no later than Monday, March 22nd.  If you would like to see a sample letter, please call Meredith at the Chamber!

 

 

 

Want to Make a Difference in a Young Person’s Life? 

Volunteer host families, with or without children, are needed to host international teens from over 12 different countries for the 2010/2011 school year.  They are in need of caring families to provide a bed, meals as well as friendship, understanding, and a genuine desire to share the American way of life with a young person from overseas. 

 

The students speak English, are covered by medical insurance and have spending money for their personal expenses!  The students are between the ages of 15 and 18 and will attend the high school closest to their host family’s home.  Families are able to review student applications and select the student they feel will best match their family.  If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Debbie Swingle at 903-316-9612 or visit flag-intl.org.

 

2010 Buyer’s Guides are IN!

If you did not pick up your new Chamber of Commerce Buyer’s Guide at the Banquet, please stop by the Chamber office and pick one up.  Not only does it have a listing of all Chamber of Commerce members in alphabetical order and by category, but it also is full of information about Hopkins County, including frequently used phone numbers, calendar of events for the year and info on all local attractions.  You do not have to be a member of the Chamber to have a Buyer’s Guide, so please stop by and pick one up!!!

 

March 25th-Business After Hours at Hopkins House at 6:30pm

Please make plans to join us for a Business After Hours at Hopkins House, Thursday, March 25th at 6:30pm.  This is a great opportunity to meet new folks, have great food and possibly win a door prize!  We look forward to seeing you!

 

March 30th at Noon, the Chamber will host a ribbon cutting for Phoenix Rising All Natural Skin Care

Please stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 300 Connally Street to welcome our newest member of the Chamber…Phoenix Rising All Natural Skin Care on Tuesday, March 30th at Noon!

 

21st Annual Golf Tournament Scheduled for Friday, April 9th at SS Country Club

Mark your calendars for the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.  It is always a great way to finish a week…with a relaxing morning or afternoon on the golf course!    We will have tee times at 8am and 1pm…so pull out your sticks and get ready for a GREAT day of golf!!!!

 

Don’t miss these opportunities

3/24-High School Leadership Ethics Class

3/25-Business After Hours at Hopkins House at 6:30pm

3/30-Phoenix Rising All Natural Skin Care Ribbon Cutting at the Chamber Office

4/9—Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

 

We would like to congratulate the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce

Business of the Week

Hulen Photography & Frames

903-885-1233

Owners: James & Pat Hulen

 

“Pictures are lasting memories of history!  We not only take quality pictures, but can also frame them, in order to preserve your favorite memories.”  James Hulen

 

That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!