Hopkins County Chamber Connection

By Butch Burney

Here is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. I hope you enjoy the holiday with family and friends – and then hit our local stores on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Check out our website on Wednesday or after to see our local merchants’ Small Business Saturday deals. Just go to HopkinsChamber.org and on the home page, click on the “Featured Events” logo. Our small business owners have so many great deals, quality items, and friendly, helpful employees to make sure you get what you want. Hopkins County offers an incredible local shopping experience! We love our small, locally-owned businesses, and we want them to continue to thrive and be successful in all they do. So shop local for the holidays and enjoy Small Business Saturday on Nov 27.

Chamber Directory

Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they have an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.

Christmas Parade

The local Lions Club is hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Light Parade, presented by Carriage House Manor, on Friday, Dec 3. Your entry must have working Christmas lights. The parade will begin at Buford Park, down Connally Street to the square, north on Church Street, and west on Houston Street, ending at Gerald Prim Stadium. The parade begins at 7:00 pm. They must receive your free registration by noon on Tuesday, Nov 30. To register, pick up an entry form from any Lions Club member or at the Chamber, 110 Main St. Categories for judging the entries are Large Business, Small Business, and Non-Profit Organizations/Churches.

Blue Santa

Sign-ups are ongoing for the Blue Santa toy program for Hopkins County. Registration can be done online at CanHelpOnline.org. Documents needed for upload are proof of Hopkins County residency, birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child ages 1-14, proof of income or proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or CHIPS. Shanna Martin, the executive director CanHelp, said that more than 130 families have already registered in just five days. Contact Tanner Crump or Angela Price at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office if you would like to donate toys or money. You can also message the Blue Santa/Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Facebook page.

Miracles Made on Connally Street

Miracles Made on Connally Street is the name of the CASA Christmas Tree Raffle that they conduct until Wednesday, Dec 6. The raffle will be on Dec 8, with all proceeds benefitting the children served by Lake Country CASA. Tickets are $25 each, and each ticket gives you a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees. For more information, call 903-885-1173 or visit CASA at 218 Connally St.

Turkey Trot

Make way for your holiday meals by participating in the 11th Annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot, benefiting Journey Road Ministries and Mothers Culture Club. The run is on Thanksgiving Day morning, with 5K and 10K each starting at 8:00 am. In addition, there is a Kids Run Run at 7:30 am. The entry fee for the 5K race is $30, and for the 10K race, it’s $40. Register online at GetMeRegistered.com and search “Hopkins County Turkey Trot.”

Ribbon Cuttings

Masterpiece Ultrasound Boutique hosted a ribbon-cutting Wednesday, Nov 17, at 468 Shannon Road West. Please welcome this new baby and mom full-service boutique to the business community.

Shoe Sensation hosted a ribbon-cutting Friday, Nov 19, at their store at 1402 Mockingbird Lane. Would you please welcome them to town?

Good News! Christian Bookstore celebrated 31 years in business and a new location, 1811 South Broadway, with a ribbon-cutting Friday, Nov 19. Please continue to shop for Christian books and merchandise with them.