by Butch Burney
Adult Leadership
The Adult Leadership program is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 Adult Leadership class. Registration is on our website, HopkinsChamber.org, or I can email you the documents if you contact me at [email protected] or call 903-885-6515.
Adult Leadership takes you through all of the services of the city and county in an in-depth program that will enrich your life, both occupationally and individually. If you applied last year, please re-apply this year. The class needs 20-25 members, and the deadline is Aug. 13.
Photography Contest
It’s time for the Sixth Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than Jan. 1, 2019, and taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from Aug. 2 to Aug. 31. You may enter seven categories: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Stew Fest Market Vendor Call
The Chamber is excited to announce our vendor call for the Stew Fest Market! The Chamber is currently accepting vendors for the Stew Fest Market, located on the south side of Buford Park, during Friday night and Saturday Stew Contest activities. It is an excellent opportunity to sell goods or promote your business to 7,000 people who attend the Stew Contest annually. Vendors may rent booth space to sell goods or distribute information about their business. We assign booths on a first-paid basis. Access to electricity is not guaranteed. Generators are permitted. Vendors who are interested in purchasing booth space, call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
Stew Contest Drink Sales
Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Contest. There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber. You need to come in and sign an understanding agreement regarding rules and expectations. The deadline for volunteers is Aug. 31. Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization. Would you please call if you have any questions?
CanHelp Back to School
CanHelp hosts a Back-to-School fair from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday, Jul. 30, at the Civic Center. There will be free backpacks and school supplies for low-to-moderate-income students, and you must apply online at canhelponline.org, plus dental screenings, school physicals, health screenings, immunizations and vaccinations, haircuts, and food and drinks.
Lunch and Learn
State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn starting 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Registration forms are on our website, so sign up to learn how laws passed (and not passed) by the Texas Legislature will affect your business. Lunch is at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Tickets are $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. Thanks to Atmos Energy and Oncor for sponsoring this critical luncheon.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Would you please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Jul. 14, the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram? In addition, you can read biographical stories on the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cuttings
Seamless Gutter Experts hosted a ribbon-cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., at noon on Wednesday, July 21. They offer the sale and installation of gutters for homes and businesses.