March 2009

FROM THE CHAIR-MARIAN BENSON

This year's Texas Legislative Conference was the best ever.  A BIG congratulations to the Chamber staff for this success.  We had the largest crowd since David Robinson to see T. Boone Pickens receive the Texan of the Award from Governor Rick Perry on Thursday evening.  Mr. Pickens is a very cordial, accommodating and delightful gentleman.  He patiently allowed his photo to be taken with everyone who wanted to be seen with him.  He genuinely appreciated the awards and accolades given that evening even though he must have received hundreds by now.  His remarks were timely and a call to action for all Americans.  On Friday, John Sharp and Speaker Joe Straus presented remarks to another  large crowd and were enthusiastically received.  The panels were interesting, provoking and one in particular, very humorous.  If you were there, you know all this, if not—shame on you!  It was great. 

There is a lot of work going on “behind the scenes” as Spring arrives in New Braunfels.  The lower water opportunity has our CVB enthusiastically promoting family adventures throughout our community and if Spring Break was any example, the crowds keep coming.  We have had tubers, spelunkers, wild life viewers, diners and shoppers galore.  Our museum and art attractions have exhibits that attract visitors and home folks alike, as was evidenced by the successful historic home tour last Saturday.  The weather has been so beautiful, I hope you have been outside and enjoyed some of our community’s beauty as well.

All our task forces and committees are hard a work; however, it is not too late to join in.  Just call the Chamber office and volunteer.  You will get to be on the forefront of the action, network with potential clients and have some fun to boot.  I look forward to seeing you.  Don't forget the Mixer coming up and bring your new membership card for admittance.

Marian Benson

Chair of the Board

HANDELSKAMMER E-NEWS DEBUTED

The Chambers first handelskammer e-NEWS was emailed to the membership on February 23^rd.    The e-NEWS will continue monthly and feature Public Policy, Member Services and Outreach, Community Betterment and Economic Development.   We have already received positive input from the membership and look forward to communicating in new and evolving ways. To view past issues of the Handelskammer eNews visit www.nbcham.org and goto chamber information and select newsletter.

 

LOOK FOR YOUR NEXT HANDELSKAMMER IN THE HERALD-ZEITUNG

The next Handelskammer full page display will be published in the Herald-Zeitung on Friday, March 27.  Be sure to get your copy and find out the latest in Chamber news.   These displays will continue to be published on the last Friday of each month.  Sponsorships are available and for more information contact Ginger Doherty at 210-861-7148. To view past issues of the Handelskammer eNews visit www.nbcham.org and goto chamber information and select newsletter.

 

MEMBERS TO RECEIVE MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Chamber members will soon receive a 2009 Membership Card to show proof of their investment in the Chamber. This card will serve as a ticket to get in to the Business After Hours Membership Mixers as well as identification to use at business establishments participating in the Member-to-Member Discount Program.  The cards have arrived and were mailed last week. Included in the mailing was a list of "mixer" sponsors and dates for 2009. To view the list of "Mixers" for 2009 click here. Also to get the list of businesses participating for the Member to Member Discount Program click here.

     

DIRECTORY NOW ONLINE

 

The Chamber’s top-rated membership directory is now online for the benefit of members and your customers.  Placing the directory online is one of the many membership improvement goals from the board task force in charge of membership development in 2009.  To view the PDF format of the Chamber Directory click here.

 

 

 

 

RADIO SHOW FEATURED ON WEBSITE

Another goal that the membership development task force was given was to feature the “Inside the Chamber” radio show on the Chamber’s website.  With the help from KGNB 1420 this is a reality.  “Inside the Chamber” airs each Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:00pm on KGNB AM 1420.  KGNB news Director David Ferguson hosts the program as he interviews Chamber President Michael Meek on the week’s activities.  Tune in to “Inside the Chamber” each Wednesday afternoon.  Can’t listen live?  Now you will be able to listen from your computer anytime anywhere. You will also be able to subscribe to the podcast; making "Inside the Chamber." Click Here to access the website.

 

 

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Hill Country Alternative Therapy 1435 N. Walnut Ave 830-632-5906 Nutrition Therapy	Quick Access Family Healthcare Clinic 280 N. Business 35, Ste. 300 830-629-2273 Physicians & Surgeons - Family Practice
Tooth Time Family Dentistry 206 Stone Gate 830-625-6410 Dentists/Dental Care	La Sierra Apartment Homes 520 FM 306 830-625-4950 Apartments
Copper Ridge 5737 Highway 46 830-885-6951 Real Estate- Developers	Tony's Taxi 1119 N. Walnut Ave. 830-627-8294 Taxi/Shuttle Service
Hillside Village 141 Rueckle Road 830-625-1919 Retirement Communities	JCPenney 215 Creekside Way 830-632-2113 Retail Stores