Chamber Weekly News August 15, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
MY TWO CENTS |
This morning on NPR I was listening to an excerpt of a speech made by a Google executive at a recent TED Conference and heard her use a quote I find perplexing - "What would you do if you could not fail?"
It's an adage I have heard used by many different people and in different contexts, including the now 85 year-old pastor, televangelist and author Reverend Robert H. Schuller, but I am unsure of its origin.
What would you do if you could not fail? The question is provocative, but it is the process of answering the question that is truly powerful.
In this morning's context, the Google executive was talking about the company's fierce creativity and obsession with being a pioneer, even in the face of a recent quarterly loss of a nearly a quarter of a billion dollars on its Motorola Mobility venture. There is no doubt the loss will cause its share of wound-licking, but it will not change Google's culture of unbridled innovation.
Many businesses never meet their potential because of self-imposed restrictions. The dark voices that whisper things like: What if we lose money? What if our employees don't embrace it? None of our competitors are doing that! That will never work, we should stick with what we know.
In actuality, failure is much more likely to occur because of our fear of it, than because we chose to act like we couldn't fail.
A man was once asked, "What is the worst thing that could happen to you?" to which he replied, "I could lose my job." The poser of the question continued to push, claiming that surely he could think of something worse than that! He pressed the man, again and again, until finally they agreed that the worst that could happen was the man lost his job, could not find another one, exhausted all his financial resources, became a social pariah among his friends and peers, lost his wife to a man who could provide for her, had his children taken by social services and slowly starved to death on the streets. The poser of the question then asked the man to assess the likelihood of this chain of events actually occurring and smiled when the man admitted the possibility was extremely remote.
Then he asked the man to declare the best thing that could happen, again pressing the man to think bigger and bigger after each statement. After this second round of questioning, the man said that he could get a promotion, sell others on the great ideas he had, leave the company to start his own venture, develop products that rivaled the competition, send his kids to the best schools, reward his wife for her love and loyalty, achieve great wealth and enjoy the community and family life of his dreams. When asked to assess the likelihood of this occurring, the man quickly understood that he was in the driver's seat and could make this scenario happen with the proper motivation and lack of fear.
This was a brilliant execution of the "what would you do if you could not fail?" thought process. By stripping ourselves of any acknowledgement of the outcomes of failure, we focus ourselves on only the positive possibilities.
Yes, there is always adversity. Bad things happen. Period. But they are more likely to pull a company under if the company views them as an unwelcome, but expected, guest to the party.
What would you do if you could not fail? I bet your answer is pretty darned amazing!
|
|
|
|
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Carol Feuge, owner of Decorator's Unlimited, Inc., located at 501 E. Highway Street, has been a member of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce for 24 years! The business opened in 1986 at a location a few blocks east of the current store and Carol says she still has the newspaper clipping of her Chamber ribbon cutting when she joined in 1988.
Prior to starting the business, she worked as a part-time bookkeeper. "When Negley Paint (now Coronado) became available, we thought it would be a good investment in our future," she says of their motivation to open the company. Her husband, Clinton, worked as a successful building contractor, a perfect match for the emerging business.
In addition to paint, Decorator's Unlimited sells all types of flooring, wall paper and a full line of window treatments, plus related supplies and materials. The company outsources and coordinates the installation of these products and also provides advice for consumers who wish to do it themselves. "The do-it-yourself part of our business is growing. Customers see HGTV and come up with creative ideas and we try to help them implement those ideas."
Carol says she and her staff of three full-time and one part-time employees have to constantly monitor trends to stay current for their customers. "In the paint line, we do a lots of computer matching now. Popular colors are always changing and we work to stay attuned to what is new." As home interior trends change, she works to change her product offering to meet new needs and expectations.
Her business philosophy is that the customer always comes first. "If you get the customer part right, the business operation piece will happen. You have to be able to really relate to your customer. We take the time to understand them and get them the information they need. If you help them right and are courteous, they will come back."
Carol was born in Fredericksburg, but grew up in Kerrville attending Tivy High School. Clinton is a fourth-generation native of Fredericksburg, whose ancestors landed in Indianola before making their way to the Texas Hill Country. The couple has three children, Bradley-43, Benjamin-37 and Brenden-35, and 5 grandchildren. When asked what she enjoys to do outside of the company, Carol replies, "Well, grandchildren naturally! We are lucky everyone is in Texas now."
This should be no surprise when you look at Carol's many years of volunteer work, which focused heavily on the support and development of youth. She served as a 4-H leader and won an award for her service, she served as the President and is a Lifetime Member of the PTA and worked on the PTA's famous Fredericksburg Cookbook.
She also served as President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women and was a member of the Zonta Club. Her family attends Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, where she currently serves as President of the Holy Ghost Lutheran Women of Faith and is active in one of the Church Circles. She has also served a term on the Holy Ghost Church Council.
Not many people can honestly say they add color to life, but in Carol's case, it's true. She was right, what a great investment in the future!
|
BOOTAPALOOZA! |
BOOTAPALOOZA!, The Fredericksburg Chamber Golf Classic, presented by Hernandez Honda and B2T Black Angus Ranch, will be held at Boot Ranch on October 22. Teams and hole sponsorships are filling quickly, so be sure to register early to guarantee your spot!
The earlier you register, the more opportunities you will have to win a pair of beautiful new boots donated by Lazy S Western Wear! Last year's tournament sold out, so don't delay!
Hole sponsorships, which include a team of four, sponsor recognition and an opportunity to place printed material or a promotional item in the player goodie bags, are available for $1,600.
Supporting sponsorships of $2,500 provide an opportunity to name a premium hole or event at the tournament, exhibit space, banner advertising on the Chamber's high-traffic website, plus all hole sponsor rights and benefits. We thank James Avery Craftsmen, Inc. as a 2012 supporting sponsor.
|
MEMBER NEWS |
Save the Date CHANGE
The Annual Member Appreciation Supper has been rescheduled from September 6 to October 29. The dinner will be held at St. Mary's Parish Holy Family Center. We apologize for any inconvenience the date change may have caused and hope to see all of our members there.
Is Your Membership Information Correct?
Has your business returned its Membership Update Form and selections from our new website category list? Have you submitted an updated description, not to exceed 100 words?
This information is very important as we launch our brand new website and Membership Directory.
If you have not done so, please take just a few moments today to return your paperwork! Your time and attention is greatly appreciated.
Please note that if we do not receive your update, your business will be listed in the most applicable categories and your description will be edited if necessary.
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa at melissa@fbgtxchamber.org or 997-6523.
Sales Have Begun for the Chamber Magazine & Directory
We are pleased to announce that sales have begun for the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce magazine and directory. Village Profile has been selected to produce the magazine and project manager Renee Fiscus will be visiting with members about advertising. For more information about placing your message in the the magazine, contact Renee at (262) 389-8846, or by email: rfiscus.vp@villageprofilemail.com.
Join Us on Facebook
The Chamber has set up a new Facebook fan page and is discontinuing its former friends page. Please "like" us for daily updates, photos and announcements of Chamber activities and programs.
Welcome New Members
Blue Ribbon Screenprinting & Embroidery
157 Industrial Loop
Fredericksburg
830-997-9926
helloblueribbon@gmail.com
Dalton House
908 N. Crockett
Fredericksburg
830-992-0696
randybooher@yahoo.com
www.fredericksburgtexaslimos.com/daltonhouse
Built in 1904, The Dalton House features the grace, charm and elegance of a bygone era. Located in the historical district, the 2-story Dalton House features 4 bedrooms (3 kings and 1 queen), 2 full baths, a custom pool/hot tub, and a fully appointed kitchen. Relax in the spacious poolside seating area or enjoy the quiet neighborhood while seated on the covered front porch or balcony. The Dalton House, named in honor of the owner's grandparents, is owned and operated by 12 year local residents, Pamela & Randy Booher. Their hospitality experience stems from their highly reputable business, Fredericksburg Limo & Wine Tours. Their commitment to character in the hospitality profession is assured to continue on in creating a memorable and pleasurable stay. A great place for a family reunion, girls' getaway, couples weekend or wedding party. All located on a quiet street just blocks from Fredericksburg's charming Main Street.
Protection1 Security Services
634 W.Sunset Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-838-2920
waynebell@protection1.com
www.protection1.com
Commercial Security Services: We're committed to providing our business customers with the most effective and advanced security services and products. Our state-of-the-art business alarm, video surveillance, redundant monitoring, wireless security camera systems and web integration business security systems keep our commercial customers on the cutting edge of security technology, affordably.
Residential Security: Each home has its own unique set of security needs, that's why we individually evaluate your family's lifestyle as well as your house before recommending the right home security products and services. Protection 1's state-of-the-art home security systems use advanced technology to deliver quick and reliable security service. We understand the need for home security, and that's why we evaluate each house on an individual basis.
Special thanks to Maggie Gillespie Designs for a membership upgrade from Bronze to Silver.
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber invites our members to join our Ambassadors, Directors and staff as we honor and celebrate members with a Ribbon Cutting. An excellent way to tour a new business, or learn about a new organization.
Saturday, August 18, 11:00 a.m. Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters celebrates their 1st anniversary with a great sale and a ribbon cutting ceremony. 3245 East US Highway 290.
"2012 Great Taste Award" Given to Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods Inc.
Congratulations to Fischer & Wieser's The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce�, awarded with a one-star Gold Great Taste Award by the Guild of Fine Food. The company's flagship product has also won National Association for the Specialty Food Trade prestigious award for Outstanding New Best Seller in 1997. For over 30 years, Fischer & Wieser has been family-owned and operated, available throughout the United States and internationally, and is now the number one specialty food company in Texas. Check out their entire product line at www.jelly.com or visit them here in Fredericksburg at Fischer & Wieser on Main, 315 East Main Street or at Fischer & Wieser's das Peach Haus, 1406 Highway 87 South.
Special Call Military Blood Drive
Blood supplies are low, and the Fredericksburg Community has been asked for a for a special call blood drive. Tuesday, Aug 28th, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug 29th, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the National Guard Armory, 598 Armory Drive (Go west on Main Street, take 290 west toward Harper and follow the signs).
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the community is once again asked to Support Our Troops with The Ultimate Care Package, life saving blood. Walk-ins are welcomed but scheduling is available at www.militarydonor.com, by logging in and searching by zip code 78624. Homemade cookies are served and all donors receive a great military blood donor T-shirt. You must be at least 17 with parental consent, or older, SSN required with photo ID.
For more information, contact Bob Sagebiel at bsagebiel@austin.rr.com, 830-990-6986 or cell 713-504-7385. All blood donations go to support Wounded Warriors and families at Fort Sam Houston, BAMC, and San Antonio, Texas.
Gillespie County Crime Stoppers Announce Pat's Hall Fundraiser with Thomas Michael Riley
Saturday, September 8 promises another great dance around the historic oak tree at the newly re-opened Pat's Hall. Featuring Hill Country favorite Thomas Michael Riley and benefitting Gillespie County Crime Stoppers. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the dance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 and available online or at Hill Country State Bank, 710 South Adams Street.
The Gillespie County Crime Stoppers is a non-profit volunteer citizen directed organization founded on the principle that someone other than the criminal has information about a crime. Our goal is to generate anonymous tips from the community and empower the public by showing them that they can make a difference. We provide a 24-hour tip line 997-TIP (8477) to the public with guaranteed anonymity. Tipsters are eligible for cash rewards if they provide information about a crime that leads to an arrest. The Board of Directors meets monthly and is responsible for the management of the program which includes: fundraising, processing eligible rewards, acting as trustee of monies and maintaining liaisons with the public, media, and law enforcement. Our program is certified by the Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council, Office of the Governor and was established in 1989. Learn more about Gillespie County Crime Stoppers at http://www.gillespiecounty.org/default.aspx?name=GCSO_CrimestoppersPage or contact them at gillespiecountycrimestoppers@gmail.com.
Sugar & Smoke Announces New Sunday Brunch Hours
Beginning last Sunday, award-winning Chef Nicole Davenport is offering Sunday Brunch from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required. Check out their breakfast items at www.sugarandsmoke.com.
Thank you to our Coffee Bar Sponsor
The Chamber wishes to thank our Gold member and Coffee Bar Sponsor, G�stehaus Schmidt. Located at 231 West Main Street and on the web at www.fbglodging.com. G�stehaus Schmidt can be reached at(830) 997-5612 and (866) 427-8374.
G�stehaus Schmidt offers free reservation services for Texas Hill Country lodging, bed and breakfasts, and country inns. Choose from a variety of lodging options in several local towns, including Fredericksburg, Mason, Comfort, Kerrville, and Hunt, TX. All of our properties are researched and hand-picked to bring you only the best accommodations in the area. Our bed and breakfasts in Fredericksburg, TX are typically run by an in-house owner and provide a full, sit-down breakfast, usually served around a communal dining table or hand delivered to your room. Our guest homes and Texas Hill Country rentals are usually a bit more private - the owner generally lives elsewhere and you'll ordinarily have the place to yourself. However, you'll be on your own for meals and clean-up. So whether you prefer a charming inn with exceptional service or your own home away from home, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in our array of properties, including our Fredericksburg pet friendly lodging!
|
RIBBON CUTTING AT TUSCAN SUN ITALIAN CUISINE | Chamber Ambassadors and Directors enjoyed an opportunity to celebrate the success of Tuscan Sun Italian Cuisine, 1311 South Adams Street. Chef/Owner Asa Thornton, his wife Paulette and daughter Jennifer have been open for a little over a month, offering excellent Italian food every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
LEADERSHIP GILLESPIE COUNTY |
Chamber Invites Alumni to Annual Mixer Invitations have been sent to all graduates of Leadership Gillespie County. As is the tradition, the Alumni will gather to meet and welcome the new Class of 2013 on Wednesday, August 29. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the H-E-B Community Center at Hill Country University Center, 2818 East US Highway 290. |
JOB BANK |
For a list of this week's job opportunities among Chamber membership, please click here.
If your business would like to submit a listing, please send to melissa@fbgtxchamber.org.
|
BUSINESS INSIGHTS |
Can Your Desk Make You Dumber?
Research indicates that too much desk time can shrink your mental capacity while widening your waist. Learn more here.
The Pack Thickens For Digital Wallets
While the number of customers currently using mobile-phone based payment apps, it is widely expected that "digital wallets" will become the next way consumers will seek to make transactions. This WSJ article outlines how retailers are lining up to take advantage of the anticipated trend.
Phone Free Meetings
Cell phones can be a major distraction in meetings. This article offers suggestions on how to lay out phone-free meeting rules.
|
CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU |
Invite Your Customers and Guests Back
By Ernie Loeffler, Director, Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau
I know it is a little difficult to think about fall festivals and cooler temperatures in the middle of August, but now is the time for local hospitality partners to be initiating marketing programs to invite your customers and guests back. As soon as school is back in session, potential travelers will be planning their fall and holiday getaways. So we need to keep Fredericksburg and Gillespie County top of mind.
With great events like the Boys & Girls Club Shopping Tournament, The Admiral Nimitz Foundation Symposium, Professional Bull Riding, Oktoberfest, the Texas Mesquite Art Festival, the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest and the whole holiday season on the horizon, contact your former customers and invite them back.
The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau will begin distribution of some 30,000 Fredericksburg Christmas and Holiday Guides in the next week or two. The guide lists over 40 events from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve. The way the calendar falls this year, many folks will be taking four day weekends at both Christmas and New Year's, which should be good for the visitor industry as a whole.
How will you be inviting your customers back to Fredericksburg and Gillespie County this fall and holiday season? An email blast? A special page on your website? Posts on your Facebook page? A direct mail piece? Now is the time to plan your strategy, and then implement it after the school bells begin ringing.
|
GOVERNMENT |
City to Consider Hospital Authority
Hill Country Memorial CEO Dr. Michael Williams and legal counsel Kevin Reed made a presentation at the August 6 Fredericksburg City Council meeting to request the formation of a hospital authority. The creation of a hospital authority, which is not a taxing entity, would allow HCM to take advantage of insurance savings and the new 1115 Medicaid waiver created by the Affordable Care Act. If approved, HCM would be able to channel money through the authority to the federal government's Medicaid program to be fully matched and returned to HCM.
Dr Williams expects this measure to help the hospital offset nearly $2 million in anticipated annual lost revenue due to changes in the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. Earlier this year, HCM was disqualified as a "sole community hospital" by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services because the hospital is one-half mile too close to Kerrville's Sid Peterson Regional Medical Center. The disqualification reduces reimbursements to the hospital for Medicare and Medicaid services by the federal government.
|
HEALTHCARE |
HCM Offers Good Health School Tomorrow
Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center will offer an upcoming Good Health School on fruit and vegetable juicing, the latest healthy lifestyle craze.
"Fruit and vegetable juicing is finding its place as a part of a healthy eating plan. Research suggests it may be helpful in preventing cancer, lowering your cholesterol, reducing your blood pressure, creating weight loss and de-toxing your body," Kim Thornton, a registered and licensed dietitian at the HCM Wellness Center, said. "Come hear the facts about how to juice and how juicing can be a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Thornton will discuss how to use juicing to achieve specific nutritional goals such as weight loss or blood pressure reduction. Recipes will be shared. How long to juice, and the health benefits of juicing will be discussed.. Several people who have successfully incorporated juicing into their lifestyle will share their stories and tips for a successful experience during the Good Health School Thursday, Aug. 16, from noon to 1p.m. at the HCM Wellness Center.
"What we eat and what we put into our bodies can change the way we feel each day and promote a great sense of well-being for those who practice healthy living," Thornton said.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are requested for planning purposes. For more information or to enroll, call the HCM Wellness Center at 997-1355.
|
EDUCATION |
Texas Tech Alumni - Hill Country Chapter Announces Fundraiser
Wine & Feast Event
A time to celebrate Texas wines and fellowship with Texas Tech Hill Country Alumni and friends. This fund-raising event will benefit local scholarship recipients that will attend Texas Tech in Lubbock, Junction or Hill Country University Center.
Saturday, September 22, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at 4.0 Cellars, 10354 East US Highway 290. The cost is $75.00 per couple or $37.50 for individual. Tickets include 6 wine samples, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and live music. Wine cases may be purchased during the event at a 10% discount.
Reservations must be made by September 10 by contacting Sam & Patti Sagebiel at 361-550-0519, 830-669-2237 or mesquitesage@yahoo.com.
Schreiner offers class opportunity to local seniors
Henry Ford once commented, "Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Although Schreiner University can't claim to have the Fountain of Youth tucked away on campus, it does provide opportunities for the area's older citizens to keep young and learning. Each semester, the University offer a number of college-level classes that are open to auditors 55 years old and older.
Among the classes expected to be available for the fall 2012 semester are Introduction to Film, Literary Criticism, American Literature to the Civil War, British Literature through the Renaissance, Shakespeare, Mythology, Advanced Creative Writing, Philosophy of Law, Christian Theology and Environmental Psychology.
Classes are open first to regularly enrolled Schreiner students, then to senior auditors on a space-available basis. Class size is restricted to maintain Schreiner's student-teacher ratio and auditors do not get class credit.
The application fee is $25 (nonrefundable) and courses are $50 per credit hour. To apply to audit Schreiner classes, go to www.schreiner.edu/admission/apply.html and look under Non-Degree Admission at the bottom of the page, or call the Office of Admission at 830-792-7217.
Those who plan to audit fall courses must apply by Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. Course registration for senior auditors will be 8-11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, upstairs in the Tom Murray Building on the SU campus.
For more information about Schreiner and its programs, including those open to the public, visit the website at www.schreiner.edu.
|
Our Tiered Members
|
|
Bronze
4.0 Cellars
|
Comanche Trace
|
Laughlin Homes & Restoration, Inc.
|
ACI Recycling & Disposal
|
Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse
|
Morning Star Memory Care of Fredericksburg
|
Admiral Nimitz Foundation
|
Edelweiss Podiatry, PLLC
|
Motel 6
|
Alamo Springs Country Cabins
|
European Day Spa of Fredericksburg
|
Opa's Smoked Meats
|
Allen Keller Company
|
eWay Furniture
|
Peach Tree Inn & Suites
|
Amish Market
|
Fredericksburg Clinic, PA
|
Press Corps Printing & Graphics
|
Arrowhead Bank
| Fredericksburg Digital Video
|
Sage Premium Texas Real Estate
|
Atmos Energy
|
Fredericksburg RV Park
|
Signal Fredericksburg
|
August E's
| Friedhelms Bavarian Inn
|
Texas Pecans & Gifts/Lydell's Store
|
Ava Haus
|
Hardison Chiropractic Wellness
|
Texas State Optical
|
BBVA Compass Bank
|
HCSB, A State Banking Association
|
Texas Tech Solutions
|
Ben E. Keith Beers
|
Hill Country Express Tours
|
Texas Wine Tours
|
Broadway National Bank
|
Hill Country Film Festival
|
The Lazy T B and B
|
Buffalo Creek Ranch Cottages
|
Hill Country Gardens, LLC
|
Tuscan Sun Italian Cuisine
|
Central Texas Electric Coop., Inc.
| Hogan Consulting
|
URBANherbal
|
Champe Jennings Jewelry
|
Hondo's on Main
| West End Pizza Co.
| Clear River Pecan Company, Inc.
| Keller Williams Realty
|
| Coldwell Banker, Heart of the Hills
| Larry Jackson Antiques & Estate Svcs
|
|
|
Board of Directors
|
Officers
Bobby Watson Matt Seidenberger Mark Peterson
Chair 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair
Miller & Associates Arrowhead Bank Hill Country Memorial
bobby@millerequip.com matts@arrowheadbanktexas.com mpeterson@hillcountrymemorial.org
Richard Laughlin Todd Willingham Champe Carter
3rd Vice Chair Secretary/Treasurer Immediate Past Chair
Laughlin Homes & Restoration Bierschwale-Rees Insurance Champe Jennings Jewelry
rl@hillcountrybuilder.com todd@b-rinsurance.com champe@champejennings.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Directors
Dawn Bourgeois Gesena Houy Jim Jarreau
HCMH Wellness Center Security State Bank & Trust Clear River Pecan Company
dbourgeois@hillcountrymemorial.org ghouy@ssbtexas.com Merit Inspections
askjim@meritinspections.com
Trae' Ottmers Jill Elliot Edward Stroeher
Capital Farm Credit Haberdashery Boutique Stroeher & Son, Inc./Stroeher & Olfers, Inc.
trae.ottmers@capitalfarmcredit.com jill@haberdasheryboutique.com edwardstroeher@hotmail.com
Stephen Harris Ann Hoch
HCSB, A State Banking Assn. Memorial Presbyterian Church
stephen.harris@hcsb.com aihoch@hotmail.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Staff
Penny C. Reeh Christie Bourquin Melissa Hughes
President/CEO Executive Vice President Administrative Assistant
penny@fbgtxchamber.org christie@fbgtxchamber.org melissa@fbgtxchamber.org
|
|
|
Contact Us |
Submission Deadline for the Weekly News is Monday at 5p.m.
Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce
302 E. Austin Street
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
830-997-6523 Ofc
830-997-8588 Fax
|
|
The information contained in the Chamber Weekly News is offered to keep our members abreast of issues that may impact businesses and our community. It is not intended to imply endorsement or a call to action, but rather to provide unbiased information in a timely fashion. |
|
|