From the Chamber

Transcription

From the Chamber

NOVEMBER
2008
BUSINESS
Official Publication of the Alice Chamber of Commerce
business
tradition
Christmas Parade
applications available
at Chamber
The Holiday Season is upon us and
with that the 27th Annual Christmas Parade is set for Tuesday, December 2,
2008.
Downtown Alice
The Alice Chamber of Commerce/
Application
on Page 7
Convention
and
Visitors Bureau and
the City of Alice is proud to announce this
year’s theme as “Christmas Carols” and is
the highlight of the “ALICE – A WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS” Christmas
Celebration.
“We want to make this year’s parade a
celebration for all ages,” Parade Chairperson Juan Navejar said. “Over the past couple of years, the parade has grown with
more than 65 entries last year. I think we
can top that this year.”
The priority is to make “Christmas Carols Parade” as pleasurable as possible to
the participants and the spectators. Every
effort should be made to make your parade
entry the very best it can be.
In order to avoid confusing children that
will be watching the parade, no parade
entry will be allowed to have a living
Santa Claus or Mrs. Santa Claus, as a part
of its theme or decorations. “Alice-A
Wonderland of Lights” will sponsor the
only live Santa Claus in the parade. To be
considered an official parade entrant and
service
community
agriculture
oil & gas
growth
Skeet Shoot successful for Chamber
27th Annual
Christmas
Parade
6 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 2nd
See PARADE, Page 7
Winners of the first ever Alice Chamber Skeet Shoot was Team Arcadian - Gary Jenkins,
Joe Cody Wright, Jerome Karesek and Hank Henry. Also pictured is Yvette Johnson
Board President and Agapito Alaniz Chamber President Elect.
Ready, aim, fire – the first ever Alice
Chamber of Commerce Skeet Shoot was
a huge success.
Eleven teams competed in the shoot
held on Saturday, October 11th at the Jim
Wells County Fairgrounds.
“For being the first time we have held
a shoot, I think it was very successful,”
event chairperson Virginia Garcia said.
“We want to thank everyone who came
out and supported the Chamber.”
Competing for wooden engraved
plaques sponsored by First Community
Bank, the four-person teams were given
30-rounds of clay to hit from different
angles.
“We had a good turnout and everyone
had a great time,” Chamber board president Yvette Johnson said. “This is the
type of events that bring out people.”
Winning the competition was team
Arcadian – Gary Jenkins, Joe Cody
Wright, Jerome Karesek and Hank
Henry. The State Farm 1 Team placed
second – Robert Molina, Morris Molina,
See SHOOT, Page 9
2008
Chamber Leadership
Executive Committee
Yvette Johnson
President
Individual Member
Gap Alaniz
Treasurer/President Elect
First Community Bank
Nena Pitts
V.P. - Membership
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
Virginia Garcia
V.P. AJWC-EDC
WorkSource Solutions
Velma Starr
V.P. - Civic
Right of Way Services
Marisa Gallegos
V.P. - CVB
Platinum Slickline Services
Board of Directors
Mark Alaniz
From the Chamber
Effective November 1, 2008, there will be changes regarding the office personnel at the Alice Chamber of Commerce. In an effort to efficiently serve our community and business members we have had to restructure the office personnel and go back to the basics.
The basics being: having the office maintained by one (1) full-time
employee at this time. It is with much regret that I have to inform you
that Mike Smith, our Executive Director will no longer be employed
with the Alice Chamber of Commerce. Due to the economy it was
agreed that we would take a pro active approach and cut expenses as we
would see fit, however, not cut services. The services available to our members will not
be affected in any way, as we have a very strong and active board of directors and finance accountant. Juan Navejar will remain as our full-time employee. Mike Smith will
always be a welcomed face at the office and we will continue to support him in his future endeavors.
Moving forward, we the Chamber of Commerce board of directors along with the
Alice Ambassadors will be promoting a “Fall Clean-up, Getting ready for the Holidays”
event on Sunday, November 9th. We challenge all local businesses to engage in an afternoon clean-up of their business. We will be working on the Chamber Building both
inside and out in an effort to spruce it up for the holidays and hope each of you will
share that pride in appearance and host your own business clean up. What better time to
get everyone together for a “Fun Day of Cleaning” right before the stress of the holidays.
Our skeet shoot was such a great success that we have had calls inquiring as to when
we will be hosting our next skeet shoot. We hope to have another skeet shoot in conjunction with the Alice Rifle club turkey shoot mid November. The plans are in its preliminary stages and we will keep you informed as we decide on a definite date.
As always, Thank you for your continued support.
Yvette Johnson, Chamber Board President
Love Chrysler Jeep of Alice
Albert Gonzales
Andrews Distributors
SKEET SHOOT
J.R. Gonzalez
Wells Fargo Bank
Robert Molina
State Farm Insurance - Robert Molina
Mirka Pena
Dixie Iron Works/MSI
Rito Silva
Coastal Bend College
Ex-Officio
Hector Hinojosa
City of Alice
Staff
Juan A. Navejar Jr.
Marketing/Sales
Joey Valadez with Right of Way Services was the winner of the Skeet Shoot shotgun
sponsored by Love Chrysler Jeep of Alice. Pictured with Valadez is Mark Alaniz with
Love Chrysler.
Page 2
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Mother’s Club holds Cancer Awareness Walk
The Alice Mother’s Club held its first
ever Heel-ing Walk for Breast Cancer
Awareness on Wednesday, October 29,
2008 at the Jim Wells County Courthouse grounds.
Mother’s Club president Nena CastilloPitts welcomed everyone to the event.
“In one way or anther we have all been
affected by someone who has fought,
survived or sacrificed with breast cancer,” Pitts said. “
Alice Mayor Pro-Tem Dorella
Elizondo read a proclamation from the
City of Alice and dedicated her walk to
her best friend, Mayuri Chhotu-McCaul,
who past away from cancer this year.
The following is a copy of her dedication called “Part of Being a Woman”.
I remember images of a woman in a pink
dress in a casket. I ask my mother who
that is and she says, “that is my grandmother.” I ask why she is going away to
heaven and she tells me she had fought a
battle; bitter and unfair with breast cancer and that sometimes that is “just part
of being a woman.” I remember finding
lumps in my breasts at 25 and feeling my
heart sink. I remember my first mammogram at such a young age and feeling
vulnerable. I still had babies, I had
breast fed them, and still wanted more.
Waiting for results to tell me I had lumpy
breasts, checked them often, mammograms every five years. Is this just another part of being a woman?
I remember knowing older women
with breast cancer and praying for them.
I remember the day I found out my best
friend in high school had breast cancer.
She was 30 years old and just beginning
to enter the world of womanhood.
This was unfair – this did not happen to
women my age! On the other hand,
maybe that is just part of being a
woman. I remember walks for pink ribbons, relays for cancer and fundraisers,
all of this done to raise funds for women
to have life-saving mammograms.
My friend is in remission but the
chemo took part of her away. She had
her breasts removed. She would never be
able to have children. She lost her hair. I
cannot even imagine what else was lost
with that battle that won a war. Is this
just part of being a woman?
I was part of her wedding. She had
short hair. We had it styled with beauti-
The Alice Mother’s Club held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate Breast Cancer
Awareness. A first ever Heel-ing Walk was held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the Jim
Wells County Courthouse grounds.
ful curls. She was beautiful in her Sari and
she was a beautiful bride. She had plans for
the future, husband, adoption, a house with
a backyard and two dogs. At this point, I felt
this is what it is to be a woman. To be part
of a sisterhood, a friendship, miles and
years could not keep us apart. There are
times when we feel invincible and I think
that is what is also makes us part of being a
woman.
The dreaded news that day would steal
my breath and leave me in denial. She had
cancer again, this time in her bones. There
is no winning this battle. There are no
words that can be said to console or to help
understand. Letter unread, emails unopened. I am alone and she is alone. We
were two islands in the middle of an ocean.
I thinks she wanted me to remember her
as she was when she was young – vibrant full of life. She was loud and I was
quiet. She had so many goals and I just
was not sure what I wanted. She never
wavered or hesitated. She never blinked.
She was a woman in every single cell in
her body and she was life lived. That is
what it is to be part of being a woman.
Today we walk for those we love, for
those we lost, for those who fight. We
are women, strong sisters united in a
cause to undo a terrible and unfair war.
This cancer does not discriminate, it
takes us at all ages, at all walks of life, it
truly does not care. Therefore, we must
care and that is what makes us be part of
being a woman.
Your First Step to Success
Customized Training Available for the South Texas Workforce
Alice Center
704 Coyote Trail - Alice, Texas 78332
(361) 664-2981 - Toll Free 1-866-891-2981 - www.coastalbend.edu
Page 3
Alice Ambassadors
RIBBON CUTTING
Melva Alegria
Dee Dee Arismendez
Nettie Cornelius
Michael De Leon
Manuel Galindo (Life Member)
Albert Gonzales
Cynthia Hinojosa
Melissa Jaramillo
Bruce Menking
Tem Miller
Rachel Munoz
Dene Murphey
Delma Palacios
Nena Pitts (Life Member)
Prodigy Child Academy held a grand opening ceremony on Friday, October 3, 2008.
The new child care facility is located on Woodlawn Street.
David Silva
Margaret Smith (Life Member)
Ellen Startz
Jack Walker
Happy Thanksgiving
Emeritus
from the Alice Ambassadors
Joe Ash
Ralph Gomez
Pedro Jasso
Johnny Rivera
Did you know the
Chamber/CVB has…Maps,
brochures, phone books, info
on attractions and other cities.
Page 4
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P r o d u c tio n T e s tin g
O f f s h o r e S e r v ic e s
B r a id e d a n d S lic k lin e S e r v ic e s
F r a c F lo w b a c k s
H y d r a u lic C h o k e M a n ifo ld s
F r a c V a lv e s
P ip e lin e “ P ig g in g ” S e p a r a to r s
C a p illa r y T u b in g S e r v ic e s
P - V - T L a b o r a to r y
P - V - T S im u la t io n s
H y d r o c a r b o n L a b o r a to r y
R e s e r v o ir F lu id S a m p lin g
P r e s s u r e T r a n s ie n t A n a ly s e s
C o r p o r a te H e a d q u a r te r s
1000 FE S C O Avenue
A lic e , T e x a s 7 8 3 3 2
3 6 1 -6 6 4 -3 4 7 9
w w w .fe s c o in c .c o m
JIM WELLS COUNTY FAIR
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FAIR WINNERS!
300 W. First Alice
361-668-8311
Border Title Group
“Excellence in Title Insurance”
1708 E. Main Street
Alice, Texas 78332
Phone: (361) 668-6024
Fax:
(361) 668-0086
www.bordertitle.com
Manufacturing
Sales
Engineering
Service
Technical Support
Training
Repacking
Rental
www.endyn.com
Cornerstone Member 2004
Page 5
How to determine when a trend is really a trend
The official definition of a trend is
quite broad: any change that happens
over time. Right now, the sun is gradually dying and in several billion years
may cease to sustain life on Earth.
That’s a trend, though one so slow
you will probably not need to warn anybody about it at the next board meeting.
Another trend is that health care costs
in America have been outpacing wage
growth by several percentage points each
year for the last eight years, and the
growth shows so sign of abating – that’s
no trend that is causing some heart palpitations.
You know from our discussion about
thinking systematically that a tremendous amount is changing in the world,
often even in areas we think are stable.
As a result, 50 percent of the time involved in futures analysis is spent picking apart trends.
You will be looking at articles, reports, books and anywhere else you can
get good information. Once you learn
what is really changing, you can se the
future with greater clarity.
The world is on the move. Your goal
is to figure out exactly how in order to
determine how it will affect your business, what you can do to take advantage
of the opportunities change might offer,
and how you can protect yourself against
potential threats.
Excerpt from Future, Inc. by Eric
Garlnd, Small Business Marketing IdeaLetter.
Excerpt from Leadership on the Line by
Ed Rehkopf Clarity Publications, Small
Business Marketing Idea-Letter.
Fear based management
Fear-based management is rooted in the
insecurities of the supervisor. While most
people have insecurities, in this instance,
the immature, inexperienced and untrusting attitude of the supervisor dominates
the workplace. Some symptoms of fearbased management are:
• Employees covering their backsides.
• Unwillingness to take a risk.
• Lack of initiative and acceptance
of the status quo.
• Employees afraid to express
opinions or answer questions.
• Lack of trust.
• Defensiveness and blame placing.
• Lack of communication or only
top-down communication.
• Poor motivation and morale.
• Lack of cheerfulness, friendliness and smiles.
Fear-based management impedes organizational teamwork and effectiveness but
can but can but can be overcome by a
leader with an open, trusting attitude and
a willingness to grow both as a person
and a leader. Because of its detrimental
impact on employees, customers and the
bottom line, fear-based management
should not be tolerated in any company.
A thought on advertising
The most important thing to remember
when advertising is to test, test, test.
Don’t put all your quarters in one slot
machine if it’s not paying off. Selecting
the correct media, testing and monitoring
the response will make your ad dollars go
the furthest in producing results.
Don’t be afraid to cancel and ad or
change directions early if the expected
returns aren’t happening.
Don’t let media sales people talk you
into something that isn’t working. It’s
your business and your advertising
money, so spend it wisely, you make the
decisions.
Advertising can and will work if you
put in the necessary time to investigate all
the media that is relevant to your business.
Stay with the media that works and drop
the ones that don’t work as so as you can.
Once you advertise, their sales reps will
be constantly calling for reruns and renewals.
Don’t be talked into continuing with a
media that’s not working and will not
help your business grow.
Excerpt from Brain Tattoos by Karen
Post, Small Business Idea-Letter
Byron W. Blair, P.C.
R
R
Certified Public Accountant
1315 E. Main, Suite 101
P. O. Box 211
Alice, Texas 78332
Office 664-6541
Fax 664-6544
Residence 664-4685
1200 E. Main
Alice
664-5446
361-661-1580 (24-Hour Fast Line
Free, Secure Internet Banking
www.prosperitybanktx.com
Page 6
Page 4
PARADE, From Page 1
eligible for an award, all parade registration forms must be delivered by Noon,
Monday, December 1st to the Chamber
of Commerce.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. from
the City West Ball Park on North Cameron Street and travel south to Main
Street before heading west to Dixie Iron
Works.
Awards will be presented for the best
entries in Civic, Commercial, Church
Youth and Most Unique Divisions as
well as best performing bands/units.
For more information or applications
contact the Alice Chamber of Commerce
at 361-664-3454.
Alice-A Wonderland of Lights
“Christmas Carols Parade”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 6 p.m.
REGISTRATION FORM
TITLE OF ENTRY_______________________________________________________________________________
NAME OF PARTICIPANT (I.E., INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION) ___________________________________
Contact Person________________________________________________
Phone_________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
City___________________________State__________ Zip Code_____ Fax: _____________
Category (i.e. Civic, Youth, Commercial, bands, Twirlers)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Type of Entry (e.g. float, car, marching group, etc.)
Dimensions: Width______ft. Length ________ft.
(Including towing vehicle)
Description of Entry:______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Return Form to:
Alice Chamber of Commerce
612 E. Main/P.O. Box 1609
Alice, TX 78333
Fax: (361) 664-2291
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF ENTRY FORM AND WAVIER:
Noon, Monday
December 1, 2008
For additional information please call Juan Navejar at (361) 664-3454.
Page 7
The Chamber would like to thank
all its Skeet Shoot sponsors:
State Farm Insurance Raul Ramirez
FESCO
State Farm Insurance Robert Molina
Love Chrysler Jeep of Alice, Wells
Fargo Bank
Double 0 Electric
CAM Trucking
Century 21 Hallmark
Lawrence Cornelius & Bruce Menking
Rushing & Gonzalez
Freer Iron Works/Duval Lease Service
Key Energy
Platinum Slickline Services
Newell Atkinson
Alice Newspapers
Andrews Distributing
Jim Wells County Sheriff Department
H-E-B Food Store
JWC Commissioner Ventura Garcia
Outdoor Country
Superior Auto Trim
McCoys
Wal-Mart Super Center
TxDot
South Texas Gun & Bow Club
We thank our Silent Auction donors:
Jolene Merle Norman
Bruce Menking and Virginia Garcia
Alice Sears Store
Albert and Yvette Johnson
Nena Pitts
Alice JWC EDC
Rito Silva
Flowers Galore and More
Alamo Concrete
Alice Tractor Supply
Bob Hays Western Store
Congratulations and thanks to all who won and competed in the Skeet Shoot.
Our Mission
The mission of the
Alice Chamber of
Commerce is to promote
the economic and
community development
in Alice, Jim Wells County
and the surrounding
trade area.
Page 8
WELLS
FARGO
Wells Fargo is a proud
Cornerstone Member of the
Alice Main
Alice Medical
601 E. Main Street
361-668-2400
1910 E. Main Street
361-668-1000
wellsfargo.com
FDIC Member
SHOOT, From Page 9
JJ Johnson and Valentin Rodriguez.
Taking third place the Love Chrysler
Jeep of Alice team – Clarissa Bartfield, Rick Ortega, Jonathan Pena and
Bobby Benavides.
The shot gun sponsored by Love
Chrysler Jeep of Alice was won in a
drawing by Joey Valadez.
“Our event could not have been
possible without all our sponsors,”
Garcia said. “The Chamber is grateful
to all those who donated funds to underwrite the shoot, items for the silent
auction and tents, for this event.”
The Chamber would like to thank
all its Skeet Shoot sponsors, FESCO,
State Farm Insurance Raul Ramirez,
State Farm Insurance Robert Molina,
Love Chrysler Jeep of Alice, Wells
Fargo Bank, Double 0 Electric, CAM
Trucking, Century 21 Hallmark, Lawrence Cornelius & Bruce Menking,
Rushing & Gonzalez, Key Energy,
Freer Iron Works/Duval Lease Service, Platinum Slickline Services,
Newell Atkinson, Alice Newspapers,
Andrews Distributing, H-E-B Food
Store, Jim Wells County Sheriff Department, Outdoor Country, JWC
Commissioner Ventura Garcia, Superior Auto Trim, McCoys, Wal-Mart
Super Center, TxDot and the South
Texas Gun & Bow Club.
Silent Auction donors were First
Community Bank, Jolen Merle Norman, Alice Sears Store, Bruce
Menking and Virginia Garcia, Albert
and Yvette Johnson, Alice Jim Wells
County Economic Development Corporation, Nena Pitts, Rito Silva, Flowers Galore and More, Alamo Concrete,
Alice Tractor Supply and Bob Hays
Western Store.
“We are all ready planning another
shoot possibly for November,” Garcia
said. “While it may not be as elaborate, we are planning a scaled down
shoot at the request of the Gun Club.”
Second place winners of the first ever Alice Chamber Skeet Shoot was Robert Molina State
Farm Insurance - Robert Molina, Morris Molina, JJ Johnson and Valentin Rodriguez.
Also pictured is Yvette Johnson Board President and Agapito Alaniz Chamber President
Elect.
Third place winners of the first ever Alice Chamber Skeet Shoot was Love Chrysler Jeep of
Alice - Clarissa Bartfield, Rick Ortega, Jonathan Pena and Bobby Benavides. Also pictured
is Mark Alaniz Board Member and Agapito Alaniz Chamber President Elect.
Your company celebrating an anniversary,
change of ownership or Relocation?
Contact the Chamber for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Page
Page119
Social Security
to give pay
raises in January
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for
more than 55 million Americans will
increase 5.8 percent in 2009, the Social
Security Administration announced today. The 5.8 percent increase is the largest since 1982.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in
the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer
Price Index for Urban Wage Earners
and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), from the
third quarter of the prior year to the corresponding period of the current year.
This year's increase in the CPI-W was
5.8 percent.
The 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that over 50 million Social Security
beneficiaries receive in January 2009.
Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Security Income
beneficiaries will begin on December 31.
The cost-of-living increase will boost
the average check by $63 a month. The
average retired couple will see an increase of $103 a month.
The increase comes as many retirees
are struggling with higher prices for
health care, low interest rates on their
bank savings accounts and a sharp de-
GRAND OPENING
Curves held a ribbon cutting ceremony change of ownership with Gail Shepler taking
over the business. The women’s fitness center is located at the Sagewood Mall.
cline in the value of their investments.
Some other changes that take effect in
January of each year are based on the
increase in average wages. Based on that
increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax
(taxable maximum) will increase to
Auto
2701 E. Main
(361) 668-0441
Home
$106,800 from $102,000. Of the estimated
164 million workers who will pay Social
Security taxes in 2009, about 11 million
will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for
2009 can be found at www.medicare.gov.
Business
Life Health
1810 E. Main Alice
361-664-4348
1-888-664-4349
www.carlisleins.com
Page 10
In order to accommodate entrepreneurs busy schedules the Del Mar College SBDC operates
a satellite office at Coastal Bend College - Alice. The Alice office services Jim Wells, Duval,
Brooks, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen and Kenedy counties. This office run by senior counselor Larry Ellis offers business counseling, training and procurement technical assistance to
the residents and businesses of South Texas. For more information on the Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Assistance, contact Larry Ellis at 661-1119 or check out
our website http://www.delmar.edu/sbdc
Five ways to make
an impact and grow your
business
Do you have a hard time remembering
the name of someone you just met?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. People
forget who you are too.
And when you’re trying to grow your
business, being forgotten can be bad
news. So, what can you do to be more
memorable and make a big impact on
others?
Sure, you could dress unusually or
give yourself a funny nick name – that
might work, at least initially. But, for
long-term success, you’ll be much more
memorable if you simply make positive
impressions on others and add value to
their lives.
Here are five techniques you can use
to make an impact on your customers,
acquaintances and business partners:
Mail them a handwritten note
We seldom receive handwritten mailings anymore – this is what makes them
so special. The next time you mail something to someone you know, send it in a
hand addressed envelope with a handwritten note. Your envelope will be the
first one they open and the most memorable piece of mail they receive all week
(or month).
newspaper, think about who you know.
Chances are, someone on your contact
list would be interested in reading that
article too. Clip it and send it - along
with a handwritten message. You can
also email web articles, send suggestions
on a great book you’ve just read, or give
them a heads up about an upcoming networking event. You’re not selling a
thing - just offering value.
Talk about what interests them
A big part of being memorable is being
likable. It’s hard to like someone who
only talks about themselves or their services. It’s like listening to an infomercial - boring!
Figure out what your customers like to
do when they’re not at work. Do they
like to cook, love the Washington Redskins, fly fish, or have 17 grandchildren?
These things are important to them. If
you encourage them to talk about their
interests, you will be VERY memorable.
Buy them a Cup of Coffee
It can be hard to build connections
during short phone calls or emails. If you
want to get to know someone better invite them out for a cup of coffee.
You’ll have some extra time to get to
know them, and they won’t feel like
they’re giving up hours of their time.
Think about some subjects you can
talk about prior to your meeting. Keep
the conversation light, but make the most
of your time.
Don’t just sit there, sipping away
those precious minutes together.
Introduce them
to someone you Know
I’ll bet that many of the people you
know could benefit from meeting each
other. Maybe a friend of yours writes a
blog or is President of an organization
that could help one of your contacts. Or,
maybe they’re both looking for an early
morning running partner. Think about
your network of friends and associates
and find creative ways to help them to
connect. You'll help build their network
and yours as well.
Making a big impact isn’t easy and it
doesn't happen overnight. It takes time
and persistence. But, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? So, starting today, think about what you can do
to be more memorable. If you do it right,
I guarantee you won't be forgotten.
Send Them Some Useful News
and Information
Next time you read a magazine or
SHOP ALICE!
The Holidays
are right around
the corner!
1600 E. Main Alice
Cornerstone Member
Page 11
CONVENTION
AND VISITORS
BUREAU
We are in the
final quarter of
the year and
with that comes
proposing a new
budget for the
Convention
CVB in 2009.
& Visitors Bureau
We will meet
1-877-992-5423 this month to
discuss funding
for the coming year. We will do two promotion shows in McAllen and in Rockport in January and possibly another in
Houston or Austin in late Spring. The
promotion of Alice is one way to attract
our city to not only Winter Texans but to
others who drive down to the Rio
Grande Valley. Also in the budget will
be funding for all our events that bring
folks from out of town and into our hotels.
With the passing of a higher motel/
hotel tax, we look forward to getting
closer to establishing a convention center
for our city. We are working closely
with the City Council and other prominent individuals on this project.
The two wall-mounted marquee signs
have been have been shipped and will be
up by mid November. We are very excited to bring this new look to the city
that will assist in promoting all our
events.
Our hats off to the Jim Wells County
Fair Association on its annual fair in October. We saw many folks around the
fairgrounds. A great job was done on
the new merchants building.
Our new CVB webpage is in the final stages of completion and will have
several new things from hotels, restaurant and church listings as well as schedules of Bingos in town, RV Parks and a
Calendar of events. The completed webpage is almost complete.. As pages are
completed they will be added and put
into service. You can find the webpage
at www.alicetx.org.
Each month we tabulate the number
of sessions received on the pages and
you would be amazed as how many and
Page 12
GRAND OPENING
Silver Star Food Stores held a ribbon cutting ceremony and Open House on Saturday,
October 18, 2008. The new food store is located at 909 S. Cameron and is owned by
Silvestre Rodriguez.
where the hits are coming from. We
have change Internet Service Provides
who tabulates the number of hits, formerly sessions, on our web page www.
alicetx.org.
In October the number of hits to our
webpage were 18,501 sessions to the site
indicating a big jump from up north from
our Winter Texans. Among the targeted
webpages was general information about
Alice, accommodations and sites.
People walking through our doors are
asking for information on Alice, the area
or asked for phone books and maps of
Alice and Texas.
Relocation/information packets were
numerous with 175 being sent out in October.
In hard financial times, is your nest egg a solution?
Today’s challenging economic environment can create a
cash crunch, as some
people may face huge
expenses, such as unanticipated medical
costs or the possibilPAUL RYCROFT ity of a home forecloon Finance
sure.
In many cases,
credit card debt limits have been reached,
and with declining home values, home
equity loans may not be an option to provide quick cash. When situations like this
occur, many are tempted to rely on what
may appear to be the most readily available source of money – their 401(k) plan.
Hardship withdrawals from workplace
retirement plans are drawing more interest from investors.
While 401(k) dollars can be tapped for
emergency purposes, the assets are not as
liquid as you might expect. Taxes and
penalties may apply if you withdraw
funds early, and there is little flexibility
to avoid it. For instance, if you are in the
25 percent tax bracket, a withdrawal of
$10,000 from your 401(k) will net you
$6,500 in available cash after you pay
taxes and a 10 percent penalty.
Because of that, and due to the fact
that you should be doing all you can to
preserve your retirement portfolio, it may
be best to avoid early withdrawals from
your 401(k). After all, once retirement
comes, you may not have opportunities
to add more to your nest egg. Early withdrawals today could increase the risk that
you may outlive your savings in retirement.
27th Annual
Christmas Parade
Tues., Dec. 2nd
6 p.m.
Downtown
Timing not the best
If your portfolio is performing somewhat in line with the stock market, selling
during a market downturn is not typically
recommended. For most investors, this
has been a challenging period where the
value of their 401(k)s has been declining
due to the difficult market environment.
It is also important to note that withdrawals can only occur under specific circumstances. According to the IRS, an early
withdrawal from a 401(k) qualifies as a
hardship withdrawal if you are:
♦ Paying unreimbursed medical expenses
♦ Purchasing a principal residence
♦ Paying college tuition costs for certain family members
♦ Making payments to avoid a home
foreclosure or paying for home repairs
♦ Covering costs of a funeral
Even if you meet these conditions, you
will not avoid paying tax and penalty on
your withdrawals.
Find other options
In order to preserve the integrity of
your retirement plan and avoid the impact
of taxes and penalties, you should consider alternatives to hardship 401(k) withdrawals in order to meet short-term financial needs. One option is to take a loan
from your 401(k) plan. Check with your
plan sponsor (your employer) to see if
loans are an option within your plan. At
the same time, use caution. When you
borrow from your 401(k), you repay the
loan at interest rates that are often tied to
the current prime rate, but the amount
you took out of the account is no longer
generating returns from your investment
portfolio. In addition, an important caution is to pay back the loan as quickly as
possible. If your employment should be
terminated, the unpaid portion of the loan
is treated as a distribution, subject to
taxes and possible penalties for early
withdrawals.
Your best bet to meet current cash
needs is to try to discover another alternative that allows you to keep your 401
(k) intact for its primary purpose – funding your retirement.
This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be
suitable for every situation and should
not be relied on without the advice of
your tax, legal and/or financial advisors.
Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and legal
advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared by
Ameriprise Financial.
Financial planning services and investments offered through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA &
SIPC.
© 2008 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All
rights reserved.
Editor’s Note: Paul Rycroft, CPA is a
financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services in Alice, 604 E. Second
St.668-1212 or email at paul.f.
rycroft@ampf.com
“Your Only Locally Owned & Operated Bank In Alice, Texas”
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Auto/Boat
Checking
Safe Deposit Boxes
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664-8789 - 668-8831(24-Hour Customer)
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Page 13
LEADERSHIP JIM WELLS COUNTY
Class meets for
ROPES Course
Mr. Potato Head may never look the
same for members of this year’s Leadership Jim Wells County Class.
Riding in a stretch limousine sponsored by Star Light Limo Service to their
first session in Rockport, the class met
alone for first time this year. An hour
ride gave the class time to bond before
attempting the ROPES Challenge Course
at Camp Aranzazu.
“We wanted to try something different
this year. We found a new location for
the course that made the start of a new
year looking at different goals this year,”
LJWC Steering Committee Chairperson
Juan Navejar said. “This new course
gave us a different view for the year. It
set precedence for a bold new year with
different ideas presented from last year’s
class.”
The class of seven along with three
facilitators jumped right in the get to
know each other, ice breaker session, of
the course.
With much laughter and excitement,
the morning session gave them an overview of what being a team player is all
about. Five different exercises were
played out with each one allowing the
class to lead, follow, listen and communicate with each other.
“I learned quite a bit from this,” class
member Hilda Montemayor said. “You
learn to listen to each other and go from
there.”
Perhaps the breakout scenario had the
class divided into two groups. The first
group was blindfolded while the other
viewed in silenced. While blindfolded,
the four class members sat on the floor
unknowing what was inside a box – an
unassembled Mr. Potato Head. Their
goal was to determine what was inside
the box and then assemble it.
“I knew it a Mr. Potato Head just by
feeling it,” class member Robin Garza
said. “The next part was to determine
where the parts went when I handed it
the next person.”
What may have been a simple feat
was handicapped by the blindfolds. In
Page 14
TOP: The Class of 2009 gets ready to depart to Rockport for their first session. BOTTOM : The class participates in various exercises during their session.
the end both groups managed to assemble Mr. Potato Head with the lips on
backwards, a hands where the ears were
suppose to be and somewhat in fair condition in the end.
“We learned that something so simple
is not as easy as it looks to others who
may be seeing you from the outside,”
class member Ruben Ramirez said. “You
can easily take this back into the workplace and associate with day to day
things.”
This was one of five scenarios the
team completed together. After lunch
was a different situation as the class
members tackled personal challenges on
the high course.
Climbing up the wall looked easy but
for class members, it was a personal
challenge of fear of heights. One class
member and one facilitator managed to
scale the wall with everyone giving it a
fair shot. On the other side of the straight
vertical wall the challenge was made a
bit easier with an inclined wall to scale.
In the end, all who made it to the top one
way or another had to jump down the
guide wire to get back on the ground.
“This is something really worthwhile.
We all have personal challenges and this
one was one that helped me out,” class
member Yolanda Samayoa said.
The first session is one that will be
remembered for team building, personal
challenges, sore arms and legs, a couple
of blisters but fond memories for all. The
class will reconvene on Thursday, November 13th for History and Economics.
Thank You 2008 Alice Chamber of Commerce Members
A Rainbow Beginning
A&B Hearing & Audiology
AT&T
A&W Investments Sunset
Terrace
A-1 Quality Fence
Acetylene Oxygen Company
Adcock Pipe & Supply
AEP Texas
Alamo Lumber Company
Alamosa Animal Hospital
Alice Autoplex, Inc.
Alice Board of Realtors
Alice Body & Paint
Alicecalendar.com
Alice Cash & Carry
Alice Counseling Center
Alice Country Club
Alice Echo-News Journal
Alice Family Eye Center
Alice Fire Fighters Asso.
Alice Feeder Supply, Inc.
Alice Heart Center
Alice Housing Authority
Alice Mini Storage
Alice Motor Inn
Alice Optimist Club
Alice Paint & Decorating
Alice Pest Control, Inc.
Alice Police Officers Asso.
Alice Radiator & Muffler
Shop
Alice Shoe Shop
*AMBIT Energy
*Amerigroup Community
Care
Ameriprise Financial
*Amy & Me
Andrews Distributors
*Angel Care Ambulance
Astromatic Car/Truck Wash
Atkinson - Wonders
*Avon Products
B&J Air & Pump
Baker Auto Sales
Ball-Montez Electric Company
Barker, Paulette
Bedgood, R.E. & Sons
Best Western Executive Inn
Betty Allison Realtors. Inc.
Bob Hays Western Store
Bordeaux Apartments
Bowden Ford
BriteStar
Bruce Seidel, CPA
Brush Country Bank
Brush Country Casa
Brush Country Claims
Buckhorn Mini Storage
Byron W. Blair, P.C.
C.A. Jackson, Inc.
C.A.W. Company Inc.
Cameron Village Apts.
Carlisle Insurance Agency
Century 21 Hallmark
Chiles Sales & Service
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
Church’s Fried Chicken
Claro Communications
CNI Communications
Coastal Bend Blood Center
Coastal Community & Teachers
Coastal Community & Teachers
Credit Union
Coastal Plains MHMR Center
Community Action Corporation
Copy Center
Cornelius, Nettie
*Cornerstone Baptist Church
Covance Research Products
Cowley Supply Company
Coym, Rehmet & Gutierrez Engs.
CVS
Dairy Burger
Dan’s Processing Center, Inc.
Day, Michael & Melanae
Days Inn
Dean, Homer
Dee Dee C. Arismendez, Ind.
Contractor Home Interiors
DeLaune Drilling Service
*Devon Energy
Dixie Iron Works MSI, Ltd.
Dr. Alejandro Lopez
Dr. Bandeira Teixeira
Dr. Gary T. Cloud, O.D.
Dr. Roel Garza & Assoc. Family
Dentistry
Dr. William Nisimblat, M.D.
Edwards Furniture
EnDyn OMS, Inc.
Eye Care Optical
*FBG Financial Broker Group
FESCO, Inc.
First State Bank of San Diego
*First United Methodist Church
Fleet Pride S.W. Region
Flournoy Production Company
Flowers Machine & Welding Co.
Frank’s Services & Equipment
Garza, Joe Frank
Richard J. Garza, P.C.
Gilbert’s Fine Jewelry
*Goodwill of South Texas
GreyWolf Drilling
Guaranty Title & Abstract
Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union
H&S Constructors, Inc.
*Hacienda Restaurant
Half Hour Photo - Jackson
Enterprises
Halliburton Services
*Heart to Heart Homecare
Hispanic Heritage Committee
*H.D. Machine & Welding
Holiday Inn Express
*Homecare Dimensions
Hospitality House
Humpal Physical Therapy &
Sports Medicine
Hunter Petroleum
Hunter-Ash Oil Co.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
International Bank
of Commerce
Island Glow
Jasso Insurance
Jigger
JWC Fair Association
Joe’s Plumbing
Johnny’s Blooming Shop
Johnson, Yvette
Jolene’s Merle Norman Cosmatics
K.C. Hall
K&S Thread Services
Keetch & Associates
*LHR Services & Equipment
L&F Distributors
La Copita Ranch
La Hacienda Pharmacy
Lack’s Furniture Store
Larry Clack’s Furniture
Lawrence B. Cornelius & Co.
Lemon & Gonzalez-Lemon
Loomis International
Lopez Finance
Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep
*Maurices
*Manpower
McCoys
McDonalds
McNinch, Leon CPA
*Mi Familia Adult Day Care
Model Key Shop
Murdoch Welding
*NSCL
N&S Air Conditioning
Neff’s Plumbing Service
*Nevill Business Machines
*New York Life Insurance
New Sound Hearing Aid
Nortex Bakery & Fast Foods
North Point Computers
Page Water Well Drilling
Paladium Bowl
Panda Chinese Restaurant
*Perez, Marisela
*Phoinix Global LLC
Picture Perfect Sanitizing
Platinum Slickline Service
Plaza Four
Popeye’s
Port of Corpus Christi
*PrimeAmerica Financial Srvs
Prosperity Bank
Raul Ramirez - State Farm
Insurance
Ray Vess Jewelers
Richardson’s Water Well Drilling
Right of Way Service Inc.
Rios, Margot
Robert Molina - State Farm
Insurance
Robstown Meat Market &
Catering
Rush Truck Center, Alice
Rushing & Gonzalez
Saldivar Coastal Services, Inc.
Sandoval, Ruben
Scott Bearing Company
Scottish Inn
*Schlumberger
Sears Authorized Dealer Store
SERCO of Texas, Inc.
Sherwin-Williams
Silva, David
Small Business Development
Center
SNBL USA, Ltd.
*South Texas Blood & Tissue
Center
South Texas Museum
South Texas Screening - Driving
School
Stewart Title Company
St. Elizabeth Catholic School
St. Joseph Catholic School
*Star Light Limo Service
State Rep Yvonne GonzalezToureilles
State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Steamatic of Alice
Steve Costley Advertising
Tasco Tool Service, Inc.
Texas Champion Bank
Texas Star
*The Happy Booker
*The Tint Shop
Third Coast Squadron
Tractor Supply Company
Truckers Equipment
Tutti Frutti Delight
Tyrone City Barber Shop
*United Medical Services
V.F.W. Post 8621
*VillageProfile.com
Walker, Jack
Wal-Mart, Inc.
Weiben Chiropractic Clinic
Wells Fargo Bank
Whataburger of Alice
WorkSorce Network Inc.
*Indicates new 2008 new member
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Alice, Texas
Permit No. 41
PRST STD
Membership Benefits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two FREE classified listings in the Chamber website: www.alicetx.org
FREE Subscription to Alice Business Today, the official Chamber monthly newsletter
Annual Membership Directory/Buyer’s Guide listing all members, including a classified directory for
member businesses
Advertising opportunities in Chamber publications
to promote your business
Membership Services which include FREE Business Announcement/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies,
Conference Room Rentals and Mailing Lists
Networking Opportunities through Chamber activities to make valuable contacts and promote your
business
Opportunities to get involved in the Chamber’s volunteer working committees to help build a stronger
economy and bright future for our community
Access to economic and statistical information
through the Chamber office
Support of a professional staff that works fulltime
for you and your fellow members
612 East Main
P.O. Box 1609
Alice, Texas 78332
Objectives
The following objectives have been established by the Alice Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors:
To identify and assist in obtaining funding to accomplish the objectives of the Chamber of Commerce.
•
To increase our membership and provide quality service for our
members.
•
To serve as liaison with all government, civic and educational
entities, and law enforcement agencies in Alice and Jim Wells
County.
•
To provide all proper assistance to any new firms, professional or
individuals seeking to locate in the Alice area.
•
To encourage and advance the growth of existing industries and
businesses.
•
For more information on how to get involved and benefit as a member
of the Chamber of Commerce, call (361) 664-3454, or stop by the office located at 612 E. Main, Alice, Texas.

From the Chamber

Transcription

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