The Chamber Chat
 

It’s time for the Chamber Map Project! We are in the process of reprinting the county map and welcome guide. The initial printing of the map was done 4 years ago and the 7,500 copies have almost been depleted. The full-color map is a very popular item, and we plan to have 10,000 copies for our new and updated printing. The project is made possible by advertisements placed in and around the map. The map includes welcome messages with historical and local attraction information, emergency and resource numbers, and pictures of Center Hill Lake and the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. The cost for the 3” x 2” business card size advertisement is $350 for the side or bottom border; $375 for a corner or top border; and $400 for an inside box. Add $40 extra if we have to design it. You can be billed at a later date up to March 1, 2009 or make monthly payments. We will be glad to work with your budget. You will have until April 1, 2009 to be paid in full. Advertisement space is on a first-come, first-serve basis for Chamber members and non-members. Limited space is available. If you are interested or have questions, please contact the Chamber at 597-4163. 

The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize its newest members:

• J.C. Reed Mortgage, LLC – Mortgage Lending & Financial Services – For more info, contact Carl Long at 597-2131 or www.jcreed.com/clong
• Curves, 400 E. Broad St., Smithville, Women’s Fitness Center - Tina Meyers is the new owner.
• Catherine “Kitty” Vonckx, 480 Vickers Hollow Rd., Smithville – Independent BeautiControl consultant, offering an in-home “BeautiControl spa” experience featuring skincare & spa products, as well as makeup – Call 215-6992 for more information.
• Bell St. Apartments, 318 Bell St., Smithville -- Section 8 Multi-Family Housing for low-income families -- For info, call Manager Linda Nokes at 597-1276.

• Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville – Full service salon, hair styles, multi-dimensional colors, facials, massage, manicures & pedicures, waxing & make-up, hair & lash extensions, and much more. Owner: Jamie Anderson -- For more info, call 215-7233.
• Holmes Creek Boat Storage, 110 Dogwood Rd., Smithville – Great for Boat Storage & anything else – Extra large & easy access – Units are 30’ x 13’ &   35’ x 13’; Doors are 12’ x 12.’   You can contact owner, Randy Bain, at 597-8931.

Thanks for supporting the Chamber and its many projects. 

The Chamber held Ribbon Cuttings for:

·         Hidden Harbor Marina’s new location, 2685 Casey Cove Rd., Smithville

·         Curves, 400 E. Broad St., Smithville

          Cumberland Insurance, 117 East Bryant, Smithville

·         Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville

·         New Smithville Fire Hall ·          

The most recent Community Improvement Awards have been presented to:

·         Reed Miller, 414 So. College St., Smithville

·         Hardees, 135 East Broad, Smithville

·         Miroir, Miroir Salon, 114 W. Main St., Smithville

·         Ms. Royce Odom, 935 So. College St., Smithville

·         Sonic Drive-In, 602 So. Congress Blvd., Smithville

·         Jason Ray, 335 West Main, Liberty

 

If you would like to nominate a business or a residence for a Community Improvement Award, call the Chamber for a nomination form or stop by our office at 301 North Public Square, Smithville.

Two of the Chamber Education Committee members, Jim Finley and Jen Sherwood, presented the entertaining and enlightening “Choices” program to Coach Bond’s high school class on October 6^th.  We were glad to have the opportunity to encourage students to “make good choices now for good choices later.” From sports to band to academics, it’s very encouraging to hear about so many good things happening in our local school system.  Thank you to all the people who put so much time, effort, and energy into our leaders of tomorrow.  

The 9^th Annual “Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour” is scheduled for October 24, 25, and 26 from 10 AM to 5 PM. “Enjoy an afternoon of inspiration, visit 11 studios and over 26 artists in DeKalb and Cannon Counties. See the artists at work and learn how their works are created. Collect or commission a piece directly from the artist.” For more information, go to www.smithvilletn.com or stop by the Chamber to pick up a brochure with a tour map included.

You don’t want to miss the DeKalb County Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off on Friday, October 24^th from 10:30 AM to 1 PM on the Courthouse lawn. The Chamber’s Three Star Chili Team will have a booth this year. We are excited to be a part of this fun and tasty event. To enter a team, contact Jeff McMillen at 597-4153.

If you are interested in attending the “Get Motivated” Seminar at the Sommet Center in Nashville, we can tell you how you can get your tickets at a greatly discounted price. On Monday, October 27^th, your entire office can go for $19 – or $4.95 per person. Speakers include Zig Ziglar, Rudy Giuliani, Gen. Collin Powell, U.T. Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summit, and many more. Topics include “How to Stay Motivated,” “How to Manage, Lead, & Succeed,” “How to Lead Your Team to Victory,” & “Take Charge Leadership.” Call 1-800-326-4518 with the promotional code 4518 to get the special rate. 

 

Leadership DeKalb News 

• Leadership Director, Jen Sherwood, would like to announce the 2009 Leadership DeKalb Class: Leah Cantrell, DeKalb Community Hospital; Rhonda Caplinger, Liberty State Bank-Smithville; Janna Gillard, DeKalb Co. Guide; Emilio Hernandez, United Methodist pastor; Ester Hernandez, translator; Claudette Lasser, NHC (Part-time); Amy Lockhart, Center Hill Realty; Cheryl Ludwig, TTU/Appalachian Center for Craft; Brandon Miller, MTNG; Tom Miller, Liberty State Bank-Alexandria; Nick Nokes, DTC; Jason Ray, State Farm Insurance; Ann Shaw, DeKalb Community Bank/Wilson Bank & Trust-Alexandria; Tiffany Winchester, DCHS & Smithville Rotary Club sponsor.
• The opening retreat was held at the Appalachian Center for Craft. Sponsors for the day were Appalachian Center for Craft and DeKalb Ace Hardware.
• Alumni Helpers for the opening retreat were Amanda Means and Tim Hintz.

Operation Head-to-Toe’s fall distribution campaign needs your support. This is a great opportunity to make a child’s life a little easier by providing clothing necessities.  Your tax-deductable donation by check should be made to: Operation Head to Toe and mailed to P.O. Box 372, Smithville. For more info, call 597-1220 or 597-5920.

 

Our heartfelt condolence to the Bill Cantrell Family. We appreciate Bill of Republic Insurance and his support of the Chamber. Our prayers are with his family.

 

Mark Your Calendars: 

• WJLE Chamber Radio Program - 1^st Wednesday of every month at 8:30 AM.  Next program is November 5^th.

The Chamber wants to help spread the word about local events. Please call or e-mail your event information at dekalbtn@dtccom.net or bring flyers by the Chamber for us to help distribute.

Remember to exercise your right to VOTE! Early voting is Oct 15^th to 30^th in the basement of the courthouse.  The General Election is November 4^th.