Chamber Connection

Tonight, is the night!  The Chamber is hosting The Chamber Showcase, a night of networking that features Chamber members in Hopkins County, on Thursday, August 2^nd at the Sulphur Springs Country Club from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  We are sold out of booths, but we encourage you attend the event for $10 and enjoy the opportunity to do it all in one night… just imagine food show + exhibit hall + speed networking!  This will be a huge value and opportunity for you and your business!  You will be so glad you came!  Call the Chamber to ask questions or make reservations at (903) 885-6515.  We will also be selling tickets at the door, so come on out!!!

I’m just so excited about the upcoming 3^rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest!  Let me review the basics.  Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category.  The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1^st to August 31^st.  There are seven categories you may enter: 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 Lezley@HopkinsChamber.org.  Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website.  I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!

Aaaaaaannnnd, let me not forget to mention that we are preparing to send out the Cook and Sponsor letters for the 49^th Stew Contest as we speak.  Check your mailboxes and our website for information about stew very soon!

Adult Leadership Class being offered for the Fall!  Sign up Now!!!
Lynda Hager reported that she would be offering an Adult Leadership Class starting in August for anyone who is interested.  The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce.  The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.

Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza
Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza on Friday, August 3^rd at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 4^th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 5^th at 2 p.m., with the same schedule on the following weekend.  Tickets are $10 at the Main Street Theater box office or by calling the reservation line at 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is the home of the Sulphur Springs Community Players, at 225 Main Street, in Sulphur Springs. For more information, visit www.communityplayersinc.com.

Landers Creek Outfitters has scheduled their ribbon cutting celebration
Landers Creek Outfitters, located at 214 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, has scheduled their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, August 8^th at noon.  Please make plans to come by, check out this brand-new business, and network with other business professionals as we welcome them to Hopkins County. 

CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair on Friday August 10^th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair! Through the support of community and corporate sponsors, this event will be a one-stop destination to prepare the whole family for the start of school!  The fair will offer free health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, backpacks and school supplies (for low and moderate-income families of Hopkins County) and more.  The 2018 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs.  You must register for school supplies in advance.  Call CANHelp at (903) 885-9797 (ext. 1) or visit www.canhelponline.org for more details. 

Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid
Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid on Wednesday, August 15^th.  You can receive help if you meet income-based criteria and your issue is a civil, non-criminal issue like: Veterans benefits, custody and child support, divorce and family issues, employment, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid, wills, bankruptcy, income tax, housing, Social Security disability or estate planning. For more information call (Paris) Lone Star Legal Aid at 1-903-785-8711 or visit www.lonestarlegal.org.

Reilly Springs Jamboree
The Reilly Spring Jamboree will host a special concert on Saturday, August 18^th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet’s “Gospel Side of Elvis” Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.

Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25^th
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license.  Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.

Texas A&M University – Commerce hosting fair
Kick of your 2018-2019 recruiting year on Monday, August 27^th by attending this part-time job, internship, and community resource fair! Make Your Connection is part of Lion’s Roar Welcome Week activities where they introduce more than 500 students looking to get hired and be inspired! This is a great way for you to promote part-time jobs, internships, and community resources to TAMU-C students.  Each vendor will have a 6ft table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth. Promotional giveaways are strongly encouraged at your booth! However, the Residential Living and Learning Department requests that no candles and/or incense be given to on-campus residents. THIS IS A FREE EVENT – come hire and inspire a Lion. Please bring a prize/gift basket worth a minimum of $25.00 for a student raffle at the conclusion of the event. Contact Assistant Director Bethany Ferrall at 903.468.3212 or bethany.ferrall@tamuc.edu with any questions. Additional information can be found at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/6330/employer_preview.

Have a wonderful weekend!

–Lezley