Hopkins County Chamber Connection

By Butch Burney

The Chamber Showcase is a two-for-one event. It’s an ideal opportunity to get your business name out to the community. It’s also an excellent way for community members to learn more about local businesses and maybe get a door prize to boot.

We have another week to sign up for the Third Annual Chamber Showcase. The Showcase is set for Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Tables are available for $60 each, and vendors are asked to bring a $25 gift or gift card for random drawings. It is a fantastic networking event and a way for you to get your name and services out to the public as a business owner or representative. Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display. The public attends free, so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long. Come by or call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515 for more information. A registration link is on our website, HopkinsChamber.org.

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 butch@hopkinschamber.org 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.

CanHelp Back to School

CanHelp hosts a Back-to-School fair from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday, July 30, at the Civic Center. There will be free backpacks and school supplies for low-to-moderate-income students. Still, 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, 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 will be provided 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.

Jet Ski Race

A professional Jet Ski race event is coming to Sulphur Springs July 24-25 at Coleman Lake Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. There is no admission and features food vendors, local business booths, jet ski performance, and action-packed racing.

Jettribe is the title sponsor of the final round of the Texas WaterX Championship watercraft race series, sanctioned by the IJSBA, in Sulphur Springs. Winners of the Sulphur Springs Championship will be crowned Texas State Champions.

You can find details for vendors, hotel information, and racer registration on the website www.jettribe.com/events/.

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 July 14, Saputo? You can read biographical stories on the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.

Ribbon-Cuttings

Joe’s Convenience Store was welcomed to the Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting on July 14.

Seamless Gutter Experts will host a ribbon-cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., at noon on Wednesday, July 21. Please come welcome them to the business community.

Natalie’s Food Mart, 1321 South Broadway, will host a ribbon-cutting at noon on Wednesday, July 28. Join us for that celebration.