Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Thank you! - Membership Renewals April – JuneGSM Insurors – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR., Aransas Area Bay Fishing, Linden Oaks Apts/Rockport Retirement Ltd., Robert C. Wither Life Insurance, Inc., L.J. Duplichan, At Waters Edge Boat & RV Storage, Symphonic Financial Advisors, St. Peters Episcopal Church, Sacred Heart Church/School, Skid-O-Kan, Grunwald Printing Company, Ledbetter’s Floors, Windows, & Walls C-Side Decorating, Inc., Drifters Resort RV Park, San Jacinto Title Services of Texas, Minit Man, Pat's Cleaning Service, Hidden Oaks RV Resort, Piecemakers By The Bay Quilt Guild, Watson Advisors, Helen Thompson Media, Inc., Rockport Guides & Charters, The Sugar Shack, GLOW – Seafood Kitchen, Helen Hough – Realtor Broker Associate, Leslie A. Ratliff C.PA., RV Haven, Lamar Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc., Edward Jones - Libby Gonzalez, Coastal Views Vacation Rentals, Motel 6, Happy Trails RV Repair, Designs by Madill Builders, Family Heritage, PranaTree Massage, Mammoth Training Center, Rehak Massage Technique, A-Z Fence & Concrete Co., Country Villa RVPark, LLC, Happy Camper Mobile RV Wash, LLC, Mercer Emergency Center, Ancient Oaks RV Park, Prosperity Bank, Wharf Cat, CVS Pharmacy, Rockport Country Club, Scotty’s Lock & Key, Rockport Coastal Care Center, Richard Dias Construction Co – PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR, Belaire Environmental, Inc., Ron Hoover RV & Marine Centers – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Morgan Stanley The Rockport Group – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Gulf Pointe Village, Dairy Queen, Sears, Taylor Oaks RV Park, David L Colmer Realtor GRI, Broker Remax Security Real Estate, AIM Hospice, Pelican Bay Resort, Inc, Dry Dock & TLC Storage, Doonan Photography, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Coastal Select Realty, Dr Jeremy Mills DDS, Inc, Kathy Tullis - Realtor – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Lulu's Flowers, Piecemakers By The Bay Quilt Guild, Rockport Web Sites, The Reserve at St. Charles Bay -– SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR, First United Methodist Church, 4 Star Construction, LLC, Tom Callan, Carla Rinche – Realtor, Live Oak Golf Country Club Inc., Rockport Fulton Market Days, Rockport Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Coastal Crewboats, Inc., DJD Creative Consulting, Ernest McAlister Construction – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Sandollar RV Resort, Chulas Auto Detail – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, TWFG - Melanie Head – Silver Level Sponsor, Isagenix Independent Associates, Legends Saloon, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, MJ Olsen, Realtor – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Cornerstone Home Health, Maynard Green, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Walgreens #9205, La Familia Salsa Co, 1st Community Bank – SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR, Eling Coastal Real Estate – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Sandy Oaks Kennels, Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Lonestar Landscape Co., Capt. Joes Flounder Ventures, Bella Ia Rue Boutique, Cheniere Energy – SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR, Spears & Co. Real Estate, ServiceMaster Restoration by Synergy, Norma Jean Hunter, Dewitt Poth & Son, United Connections Counseling, Inc., Coastal Palms RV Sites, Coastal Remodeling & Repair, NorthShore Country Club, Altus Hospice, Southern Roots Hair Salon, Happy Camper RV & Resort, Fulton Pointe Professional Suites, The June Project, The Disciple Ship Nautical Decor Store, Resurgence Media, Big Tree Realty, Wells Fargo Bank – GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Robert J Hewitt Oil & Gas Operations, Rockport Center for the Arts, Stewart Title Rockport Division, Blue Wave Inn, Camper Clinic, Inc., Woody Acres RV Resort, Rockport Yacht Club, Rockport Bakery, Aransas Bay Waterfront Beach House, TG’s Beachware & Gifts, Turquoise Eagle Trading Co., A-Plumbing Service & Repair Specialists, Diane Loyd Photography Studio & Gallery, Cheryl’s by the Bay, The Cart Store, LLC, The Tortuga Club, Poor Man's Country Club, Roundtable Designs by Mary Ware, B & R Electric Company, Inc., Precision Pest Control, Stevie Lew’s BBQ Kitchen, Rockport Coffee Co., William & Bobbi Mills, Coastal Innovations, T.O.W.N. Rockport, Angler’s RV Retreat, Horizon Sound, Shempy’s Grill, WaterMark Graphics – Tempe Parisette, Lynn Blumenfeld, Lamar Oil & Gas, Inc., Texas Market Guide, Magnum Websites, Odyssey After School, Redfish Willies Waterfront Grill, La Quinta Inns & Suites – Rockport-Fulton, Dock Express, Inc, Crystal Clear Pools, Friends of the History Center for Aransas County, Linda Garcia, Frontera Metal Roofing & Mfg., Allen Air Conditioning, P & D Trucking & Grading, First Presbyterian Church, Phyllis Kline – Realtor, Margaret Sue Rust Foundation, Pamela Fuicher Photography, Brown Water Marine Transportation Service, Evenin' Star Boot Co., Prost Marketing, Rockport WiFi, Avis/Coastal Bend Rent A Car Inc., Our Family Kitchen Inc., South Texas Money Management, On The Map, VCS Security Systems – SILVER SPONSOR, Anderson/Roberts PLLC, Lauren Rios, 7-B Construction, LLC, Texas State Aquarium, Texas South Wind Vineyard & Winery, Robert B. James, Mary Kay Cosmetics - LeeAnn Wright, Mermaid Ranch Coastal Decor, Jessica M. Hernandez, L.M.T., A.T.M.A.T Massage Therapy, Studio 102 Salon and Barber Shop, The Lawn Guys, Emma’s Nail & Spa
New Members .............2Businesses of Month ...3Harvey We Won!Grand Reopenings ......7Renewals .....................8
Volume 34, Issue 1 319 Broadway, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-6445 July – September 2018
18
BusinessAfter HoursThursday, July 26
5-6:30pmKeller Williams
- Rockport 1005 Highway 35 N
Rockport
Thursday August 305-6:30pm
Legends Saloon 3720 Highway 35 N
Fulton
Thursday, September 275-6:30pm
Mac's LandingRV Park
1201 HardeeRockport
President/CEO's Message.................by Diane Probst
The 2018-19 Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen met for a board retreat to plan the years goals, strategies and tactics. Those goals and the accompanying action plan is explained in Jatin Bhakta‘s message on this page.
We began the year with a Board of Directors and Committee Chairs half day retreat several weeks ago. We used this opportunity to determine a pathway forward as we continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey. It became apparent early on in the retreat that economic development department needs to be formalized by the Chamber
Board.The four main focus areas determined at the retreat
for the coming year are as follows:Goal #1: Research and Determine Regional Partners
Team Members: Shana Brader, Taylor Place, Ramona LeBlanc, Nancy Bolting, Diana Pardue, Chad Lee and Blake McDavid
a. Research/Review Kemah, College Station, Galveston, Wimberly, Houston, San Antonio, Bastrop via conference call over the next couple of months
b. Research/Review Partnerships with Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, Port of Corpus Christi, San Pat EDC / McAllen EDC - attend meetings to determine Best path forward.
c. Research Education Training Facility or what we could do with Regional Partners for satellite office to build our workforce Goal #2: Research the Governance Structure and Define Type of Entity
Team Members: Betty Hattman, James Creekmore, Donna Townsend, Lauren Rios, Melanie Head, and Cindy Duck.
a. Contact Texas Municipal League for further information on establishing a corporation
b. Contact Texas Association of Counties for further information
c. Contact the Texas Department of Economic Development for Assistance
d. Determine implications of each and evaluate all choices
e. Research bylaws and board of director options
It’s been a full active quarter at the Chamber. Here is a rundown of the activities. Let’s use a high-level approach and use the acronym PLANE.
P for Promotion - The revitalization of tourism has been a major focus. With the recording of George Strait’s voice, the design of the TV and radio commercials, billboards, digital ads, public relations,
and media buys, we are grateful for everyone’s help and support in the development of this campaign. It’s working as Venue Tax numbers (2% on every overnight stay) are showing good resiliency at $26,000 for May or 32% shy of what they would generate Pre-Harvey. The message for public relations has been we are “open for business.” At this point we have more than 941 businesses open; 218 closed (including some permanently closed as well as others scheduled or planning to reopen) and more than 800 hotel, condo, cottages, bed and breakfast rooms available. A new brochure, website updates and a new Chamber magazine, have been influential pieces in
Chairman's Message.....................by Jatin Bhakta
Board retreat successful
Full, active quarter
Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6
Gulf Pointe Village900 Enterprise • Rockport
Hidden Treasures207 S. Austin • Rockport
Pelican Bay Resort4206 Highway 35 N. • Fulton
Heritage Place Venue412 N. Live Oak
Memorial Park Dog Park1600 FM 2165 • Rockport
Rockport Daily Grind302 S. Austin • Rockport
Great Clips2311 Highway 35 N • Rockport
Copano Bay RV Resort3101 FM 1781 • Rockport
Camp Aranzazu5420 FM 1781 • Rockport
Tropical Smoothie Café2355 Highway 35 N. • Rockport
Drift Away Day Spa1004 E. Main St., Suite B • Rockport
Native Dave's450 Banty Lane • Aransas Pass
Texas Maritime Museum1202 Navigation Circle • Rockport
"Harvey We Won" Grand ReopeningsChildren's Coaliton of Aransas County(210) [email protected] O Box 1454Fulton, TX 78358Bay Blazer: Fernando Lopez
VFW Post 3904(361) [email protected] O Box 183Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Candy Fletcher
CLW Contracting LLC(512) [email protected] Gregory stTaft, TX 78390Bay Blazer: Dawn Walker
The Dollar Floor Store (361) 729-1305kmoney@dollarfloorstorecom1106 SH 35 BypassRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Robert Mitchell
ALC Construction Services(512) [email protected] Brandi LaneRound Rock, TX 78681 Bay Blazer: Elizabeth Martin
Fulton Beach Marina(361) [email protected] O Box 922Fulton, TX 78358Bay Blazer: Candy FletcherAE Development Co.(832) [email protected] Spotted Lily WayMagnolia, TX 77354Bay Blazer Nanci KoskiCCC(Coastal Compound Cottages)(832) [email protected] Ivymount DriveSugarland TX 77498Bay Blazer: Donna Wilson
Pink Octopus Cafe(361) [email protected], TX 78382Bay Blazer: Robert MitchellJanae Evans, Commercial Real Estate Broker(361) [email protected] Carol LaneRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle LewisHart's Desire(713) [email protected]#30 12th StreetRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Andrea HattmanCoastal Breeze RV Resort (361) [email protected] Loop 1781Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Taylor Place
Cruise Planners(361) [email protected] Box 369Fulton, TX 78358Bay Blazer: Jessee Pilgrim
Bella la Brew(361) [email protected], TX 78382Bay Blazer: Robert Mitchell
Drift Away Day Spa(361) [email protected], TX 78382
Rockport Therapy Clinic(361) [email protected] E Main Street Suite DRockport, TX 78382
Fitzsimmons Construction & Roofing(361) [email protected] E. First Street Bldg 1ARockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Nanci Koski
Debbie, Maxwell(361) [email protected] E Market StreetRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Diana Pardue
Guild Mortgage(361) [email protected] Red Oak LnRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Fernando Lopez
Perfect Dreamer Sleep Shop & Furniture Mattress Store(361) [email protected] W Wheeler Ave Unit BAransas Pass, TX 78336Bay Blazer: Elizabeth Martin
Sapphire Construction(361) 463-3786philip@sapphireconstruc;ontx.com6438 Randolph Blvd.San Antonio, TX 78233 Bay Blazer: Tempe Parisette
Big Bear CoastalContracting LLC(210) 649-5337 [email protected] Glass AveRockport, Tx 78382Bay Blazer: Candy Fletcher
Proud Mary (Vacation Rental)(512) [email protected] S MagnoliaRockport, TX 78382 Bay Blazer: Donna Wilson
Sarah Solis - Realtor(361) [email protected] Dream OakRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle Lewis
Denni Brouhard-Wine Shop at Home(515) [email protected], TX 78382Bay Blazer: Diana Pardue
McGee Building &Remodeling, LLC(361) [email protected]. Box 714Fulton, TX 78358Bay Blazer: Andrea Hattman
Edward Jones - Sara Janak(361) [email protected] S. Fulton Beach Road Ste. 180Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Jessee Pilgrim
Nave's Sawmill & Woodworks (361) [email protected] 11 W. General Cavazos Blvd Kingsville, TX 78363 Bay Blazer: Debbie Williams
Popeye's Chicken(361) [email protected] Highway 35 North Rockport, TX 78382 Bay Blazer: Taylor Place
Discount Drywall Service (361) [email protected] 4326 Carlton StCorpus Christi, TX 78415 Bay Blazer: Donna Wilson
ACE Cash Express(210) [email protected] 2009 Hwy. 35Rockport, Texas 78382 Bay Blazer: Jessee Pilgrim
Koenig, Linda (361) [email protected] Bay Blazer: Michelle Lewis
Siloe Home Health (361) [email protected] O Box 2553Rockport, TX 78381Bay Blazer Candy Fletcher
Life on the Key Magazine • Key Allegro
Ribbon Cutting!
Taqueria Puerto Vallarta receives April Business of Month
Rockport-F u l t o n Chamber of Commerce B o a r d M e m b e r s , B u s i n e s s B u i l d e r s , Bay Blazers, and staff were joined
by guests on Thursday, April 5 celebrating recognition of Taqueria Puerto Vallarta as The Business of the Month for April. This honor was bestowed upon this establishment for their resiliency in opening so quickly after Hurricane Harvey.
Founded in 2003 this simple Mexican restaurant continues serving up its TexMex menu while giving fast and efficient service. Their staff of 20, dedicated individuals strive to provide friendly service while continuing to serve up value pricing and decent portions. Customers can dine in or grab a quick bite from the drive-up window while getting an authentic Mexican meal. The versatility of accommodating the customer keeps Taqueria Puerto Vallarta as one of the favorite eateries for the locals and tourists alike.
Owners Jose and Maria Serna proudly say they have attained the American Dream. Be sure to stop by at Taqueria Puerto Vallarta located at 3002 Highway 35 N. in Rockport and offer your congratulations for this great achievement.
For more information about Taqueria Puerto Vallarta you can find them online http://rockportvallarta.260mb.net/ or call them at 361-790-7221.
Rockport-F u l t o n Chamber of C o m m e r c e B o a r d M e m b e r s , B u s i n e s s B u i l d e r s , Bay Blazers, and staff were joined by guests on T h u r s d a y , June 7 ce lebra t ing recognit ion of Mac’s Pit Barbeque & Catering as the Business of the Month for June. This honor was bestowed upon this establishment for their years of service while striving to provide the best customer service in the community before and after Hurricane Harvey.
Alby's Seafood receives MayBusiness of Month
R o c k p o r t -Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Business Builders, Bay Blazers, and staff were joined by guests on Tuesday, May 15 celebrating recognition of Alby’s Seafood Market & Po Boys as the Business of the Month for May. This honor was bestowed upon this establishment for striving to continue their family’s legacy in the industry even after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.
Family owned and operated, Alby’s Seafood Market and PoBoys was founded in 1983. Their claim to fame is selling the freshest seafood available in the Rockport-Fulton area as well as being known for their oyster/shrimp PoBoys. Located only blocks away from Fulton Harbor, they joke about their fish still flopping when it arrives to their processing facility from the short trip from the dock. Alby’s is owned by Anthony Godinich and the family is actively involved in daily operations.
Be sure to stop by at Alby’s Seafood Market & PoBoys located at 3402 Highway 35 N. in Fulton and offer your congratulations for this great achievement.
For more information about Alby’s Seafood Market & Po Boys you can find them online at http://albysseafood.com, find them on Facebook or call them at 361-729-1521.
Family owned and operated by Domingo Hernandez Jr., Mac’s Pit Barbecue & Catering has been in business for 26 years. They take great pride in the 10 -16 hours their briskets are smoked until they are tender and juicy while their barbecue is cooked using seasoned mesquite wood. They offer the opportunity to dine-in, carry out, drive thru, or even have an event catered. No meal is too big or too small for them to handle. They simply look forward to the opportunity of serving their customers and trying to make them feel at home while serving delicious, fulfilling meals.
Mac’s Barbecue scored high on the matrix in the areas of community involvement, years of service, and store appearance to receive this honor. Be sure to stop by at Mac’s Pit Barbecue & Catering located in the Heritage District at 815 East Market Street, Rockport and offer your congratulations for this great achievement.
For more information about Mac’s Pit Barbecue & Catering you can find them online [email protected], find them on Facebook or call them at 361-729-9388.
For more information about the Business of the Month program, contact [email protected].
April – May – JuneBusinesses of the Month
f. Community buy-in - Establish a Theme: Find Your FutureGoal #3: Funding for the organization and determine grants for the projects
Team Members: Jatin Bhakta, Robert Mitchell, Paula Dean and Sarah Solis
a. Obtain general grant language of the organizationb. Asking the Chamber Membership to support this effort or donate to
the Chamber Foundationc. Identify and approach Big Businessd. Identify and approach Small Businesse. Identify and ask Granting Organizationsf. Apply to One Star Foundation / Rebuild Texas Fundg. Identify and ask for Government Fundingh. Ask Regional Partners for their support
Goal #4: Determine Scope of Planning Services NeededTeam Members: Dawn Walker, MJ Olsen, Courtney Sanchez, Kathy
Helgenberger, Candy Fletcher and Cindy Robbinsa. Write a paragraph to turn into GLO requesting funding.b. When grant opens, submit proposed scope of servicesc. Work with GLO to advertise to appropriate parties. Select entities to
be represented.d. Develop plan to inform the community of GLO recommendationsThese groups will be meeting on a monthly basis along with our
president and CEO to advance us forward. I will be happy to update you on our progress at the September chamber luncheon.
getting that word out. National indicators tells us 40% of businesses will not survive a storm. We are at 80 percent or better right now. Small Business Tool Kit has been provided on the website generating answers for you in the areas of Financial Assistance, Marketing & Promotion, Insurance Support, Workforce, Permitting, Taxes, Small Business Development Center and Small Business Harvey Assistance.
L is for Leadership - The Leadership Aransas County program is off to a good start with filling Class 22. The youth leadership program will start in September and the Leadership Alumni Association dutifully worked on a candidate panel and issues forums for each election. They will be developing a candidate and issues school where issues of our community will be a major focus. Many aspects of the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort have dealt with people stepping up and leading. We are grateful for this program and its ability to cultivate an orientation program for the community and train for the leadership of tomorrow the big picture for our county and its development.
A is for advocacy - Advocating on your behalf is what this Chamber is all about. Meeting monthly with the Governmental Affairs Council to discuss federal, state and local issues affecting you. Promoting the election process for a better voter turnout. Generating letters of support for government projects with federal funding coming our way. Two letters of support were generated for the United States Economic Development Administration downtown waterfront (for Rockport and Fulton) proposals have been submitted for federal funding. Advocating as a region is on the document as regional leaders have been meeting to determine funding and what a legislative agenda would look like for the region. Researchers from the University of North Texas, Texas State University San Marcos, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are surveying local businesses about their operations post Harvey in order to better prepare the community for future disaster related disruptions. Thanks to all who completed the Arizona State University survey for small businesses
N is for Networking - Business Expo, Business After Hours, Annual Banquet, Network Wednesdays, Breakfasts, Lunch & Learns, and Hooks Game have all provided great avenues for networking among your peers and getting the word out about your business. In terms of exploring potential tools to sustain or expand your business, the Small Business Development Center at the University of Houston-Victoria is a great place to start. They offer free, qualified advice that draws upon their extensive network of resources for small businesses.
E is for Economy - A major focus area for the Chamber has been rebuilding the economy. Dr. Jim Lee of TAMUCC reported in his recent study titled “Harvey: Immediate Impact & Recovery 2018 Q2 Update-South Texas Economic Development Center.” that “Communities in Aransas County were most devastated by Harvey, but they have shown the most remarkable recovery. This is resilience.” This publication and additional studies related to the regional economy and local recovery may be found online at stedc.tamucc.edu. A $200,000 small business grant program, where some 70-plus businesses have applied, comprises the most recent round of funding from the Rockport-Fulton Chamber Foundation and Texas Rebuild Fund. Two loan programs have been made available; Lift Fund and People Fund with 0 percent interest rates over the life of the loan
Full, active quarter.................................................................................................................................Cont'd from Page 1
Board retreat successful...........Cont'd from Page 1
with deferred payment programs. The loan officers have been meeting with businesses at our office, answering questions and fueling good results for our county. Funding is coming our way for the development of workforce housing. We have been working closely with the Long Term Recovery Team seeking that funding.
There are more and more programs and activities becoming available all the time. As we get the information, we are getting that to you in the best way possible.
We understand and have been told we are ahead of the game. We must all stay focused and moving forward. It’s getting better every day.
Mac's Pit Barbecue & Catering receives June Business of Month
CHAMBER HAPPENINGSRockpoor
tt
Ful nChamber of Commerce
![ROCKPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS GIVES BACK: A FIRST NIGHT · [ ROCKPORT, MA ] WELCOME TO RPS GIVES BACK: A FIRST NIGHT FOR EDUCATION The Rockport Public School Community and the Town of Rockport](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/5f291645751f531d1b49dcd6/rockport-public-schools-gives-back-a-first-night-rockport-ma-welcome-to-rps.jpg)