The Week Ahead:

Monday:

6:00 pm – City Council

Tuesday:

7:30 am – Executive Committee

4:45 pm – Blue Coat Mixer

Wednesday:

7:45 am – TLC Arrangements Committee

12:30pm – 1:00 pm - "Inside the Chamber" Radio Show

4:30 pm – New Member Reception

Thursday:

8:15 am – NB Business University Seminar

4:30 pm – Ribbon Cutting at Flowers by Jeni

5:00 pm – Herald-Zeitung Citizen of the Year

JERGINS SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Ernesto Jergins of Ernesto’s Jewelry Factory has been named the Small Business Person of 2010.  Jergins was surprised by Chamber, friends and staff last Wednesday with the announcement at this business.  A reception will be held in Jergins honor in May sponsored by Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union and coincide with Small Business Week to be observed in New Braunfels the week of May 16 through 22.  Ernesto’s Jewelry began with four employees in 1982 and last year employed nineteen.  Jergins credits his success via hiring and keeping the right employees willing to work as a team and treating customers with respect and courtesy.  Congratulations, Ernie!

NEW CHAMBER DIRECTORY UNDERWAY

The 2011 edition of the “Official Guide to New Braunfels” is being readied for a fall unveiling.  The magazine serves as the Chamber’s membership directory, relocation guide and visitors guide.  All Chamber members were mailed advertising information March 26.  Chamber members will be listed in the directory alphabetically by business name, alphabetically by personal representative’s name, and in a classified “yellow pages” format buyers guide.  Contact Ginger Doherty for advertising in this award-winning publication at 210-861-7148 or gingerdoherty@mail.com .

COALITION HIGHLIGHTED AT STATE CONFERENCE

The Texas Greenbelt Coalition was the topic of a session at last week’s Texas Economic Development Council spring conference in Arlington.  Chamber Economic Development Director Rusty Brockman moderated the panel that included representatives from GVEC and Bluebonnet Electric.  The standing room only crowd heard about how Brockman was the catalyst for the organization and how similar ones could be created across Texas.  The group promotes the use of alternative energy and locally, the City and County, NBU and the Comal ISD are working together on possible compressed natural gas fueling for their fleets.  Check out their website at www.thetexasgreenbelt.com .

NEW MEMBERS FETED WEDNESDAY

New Chamber members will be welcomed at a reception in their honor this Wednesday from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at the Landmark Lofts.  Joining the new members will be the Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, Blue Coats and Chamber staff.  New members from January through April will have the opportunity to learn about programs the Chamber offers and how to best utilize these programs to benefit their memberships.  The new member reception is sponsored by Detex Corporation, Natural Bridge Caverns, TXI Hunter Cement and ValMark Chevrolet.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY

Early voting for the May 8 elections in New Braunfels and Comal County will begin today with a new early voting location.  Registered voters can cast their ballots at 373 Landa Street, the Landa Plaza Shopping Center between April 26 and May 4.  Voters will decide whether or not the county can issue $36 million in certificates of obligation for financing the cost of the new county Justice Center as well as seats on the New Braunfels and Comal ISD School Boards and City Council District 2.  Political action committees have been formed in favor of and against the proposed Justice Center.  For information from those PACS you can go to www.comalcountyjusticecenter.org for the pro side and to www.comalcountyjusticecenterplanb.com for those against the proposal.  Election Day is Saturday, May 8 for those unable to vote early.