e
BLKRT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 102
Commerce, Texas 75428
COMMeRCe
CONN CTION
March 2011
A Publication of the Commerce Chamber of Commerce
Inside
Chamber President’s Letter.................. 2
Ribbon Cuttings................................... 3
Profile .................................................. 4
Calendar of Events .............................. 5
Our Town ........................................... 6
Bois d’Arc Almanac.............................. 8
City Connection ................................. 9
Campus Connection .................... 10-11
Member Directory ............................ 13
News ................................................ 15
c o m m e r c e - c h a m b e r. c o m
Volume 9 - No.03
2011 Big Event Invitation
Stew luncheon, entertainment & recognition provided
Texas A&M University-Commerce, the City of Commerce and
the Commerce Chamber of Commerce announce a day of work and
celebration to be held April 9, 2011. On that day, the students, staff and
faculty of TAMU-C and the citizens of Commerce will join together to
improve our community. A stew luncheon will be held at City Park with
entertainment and recognition of the projects being done at 12 noon.
Project proposal forms are available at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce
located at 1114 Main Street. Projects that improve the appearance of the City,
the community environment and safety, and or community facilities and resources
are welcome for submission. Project proposals must be completed
and returned to the Chamber no later than March 30, 2011.
The Chamber is specifically inviting all service clubs, social
clubs, student organizations, Greek organizations, church groups,
business groups, industrial groups, governmental agencies, and
individuals to join in the day’s activities. Organizations may help by
developing a project, submitting a project to the chamber, organizing
workers and resources, and or participating in a project.
Nominations are also being taken for additions to Authors Park. For
more information please contact the Commerce Chamber of Commerce
at (903) 886-3950 or email us at info@commerce-chamber.com
Previous volunteers...
make Big Event a success!
Commerce, Celebrating Our 125th Year
Page 2
CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S LETTER
COMMeRCe
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CONN CTION
Exciting times are happening at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce. With the successful completion of the annual banquet, it is now time to gear up for the 4th of July Celebration. We are looking
for volunteers to help with this year’s celebration, so please stop by the chamber office if you are
interested in helping.
The chamber is also working on other avenues to promote and educate our membership. Starting
soon will be classes in different subject areas to help in your entrepreneurial endeavors. If you have
suggestions on the subject matter, please call the chamber office and let us know what classes would
be beneficial for you.
While there seems to be a lot going on, the Big Event is also around the corner. Please plan to submit projects and participate in the Big Event on April 9.
Each day that passes continues to be a success. We are continually looking forward to the future and
all it has for Commerce.
Sincerely,
Michael Glas, CCoC President
CHAMBER
March 2011
Board of Directors
Executive Board
President
Past President
Secretary/Treasurer
Michael Glas
Lisa Arnold
Brian McNevin
Board of Directors
Marc Clayton
Blake Cooper
Kent Holbert
Bonnie Hunter
Joanne Izzarelli
Dr. Dan Jones
Jalinna Jones
Stan McKee
David McKenna
Shane Milhorn
Marsha Morrison
Michael Odom
Linnea Smith
Mike Williams
E xe c u t i ve D i r e c t o r
Doug Rohrabaugh
O f f i c e A dm i n i st r a t o r
Sheryl Millar
Vice Presidents
Finance
Mac Golden
The COMMERCE CONNECTION N e w s l e t t e r C o m m i t t e e
Julie Wadlow
Michael Odom
Dr. Fred Tarpley
1114 Main Street,
P.O.Box 290
Commerce, TX 75429
903.886.3950
f 903.886.8012
commerce-chamber.com
info@commerce-chamber.com
To place an ad in the CONNECTION, e-mail
connection@commerce-chamber.com
2207 Culver St.
Commerce, TX 75428
Stay Smart
903.886.4777
hiexpress.com/escommercetx
Complimentary Breakfast
Free High Speed internet
Indoor Pool & Spa
Fitness Room
Page 3
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March 2011
Service Opportunities
Calling All Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering to help plan the
4th of July event, the 26th annual Bois d’Arc Bash, or if
you have questions regarding volunteer positions, please
contact the Commerce Chamber of Commerce.
(903) 886-3950 or email us at info@commerce-chamber.com
yG
er
& Ba
ne
sta
rE
at
Planning for the 2011 Fourth of July Fireworks and the
2011 Bois d’Arc Bash will soon be under way. The Commerce
Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking dedicated volunteers
to fill crucial positions on the events planning committee.
There are many areas in which to participate in including
but not limited to: marketing/promotions, golf tournament,
vendors, sponsorships, entertainment, chamber table, parade,
activities, games, pageant, and bash trash. We are hoping to
get an early start on the planning process this year in order to
ensure that everything runs as easily as possible. With a large
amount of volunteers helping to plan these events we can
ensure that everyone can play a part and that no one person’s
part is too time consuming; many hands make light work.
rill
o
tL
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ly
ar on
d
New! “
d
e
h
French Dip” roast beef & c
2203 Culver Street Commerce, TX 75428
lonestareatery.com | facebook
903.886.2121
Judy Petty
www.commercehousing-tx.com
r.
Page 4
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March 2011
Commerce High School Principal Virdie Montgomery
...reflects on the past year and over his recognition as 2010’s Citizen of the Year
Dear Commerce Chamber of Commerce:
As I reflect on this past year and the tremendous
honor that you bestowed upon me last year as Citizen
of the Year, I am still amazed and humbled by the
recognition. I think everyone dreams of earning such
honors in their lifetime and having their contributions
to the community appreciated and noticed. I remain
amazed at my selection for this honor and so appreciate
the kind words that were said. I think an award of
this nature allows one to take pride in their work, but
it also serves as motivation to strive for even higher
standards. I believe it also puts the community into
perspective and causes one to notice the work of others
who might be selected for this award. I want to thank
you again for the honor of being selected as Citizen of
the Year. I am truly blessed to be in the position I am
in as principal of Commerce High School and I can tell
you that it gets my very best each and every day. Your
work in our community makes our job as educators so
much easier and the attention such as this that you give
us only endears us to this community and motivates us
to want to make a difference. You have made a positive
difference in my life and I am ever so grateful. I look
forward to the banquet this year to see my successor
for this esteemed honor and I know that this award will
be received with great appreciation and honor. I was
so honored that I was speechless…..which is saying
something in my world… I would more than love to
make that thank you speech anytime now that I have
recovered from the initial shock of being so honored.
May God bless,
Virdie
First Baptist Church
On the corner of
Washington and Sycamore
903-886-3189
Sunday Morning Bible Fellowship
9:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship
10:50 a.m.
Sunday Evening
First Family Bible Study in Small Groups
6:00 p.m.
Dyer Insurance Agency, Inc.
Serving Commerce and the University
for over 75 years
1504 Washington St.,
903-886-2131
Commerce, TX 75428
dyerinsurance.com
COMMeRCe
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CHAMBER
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CONN CTION
Calendar of Events for 2011
Commerce Idol ......................................................................................Feb 23
Commerce Middle School Auditorium — Tickets $5 each
Program of Work .................................................................................. Mar 7
Party in the Park ................................................................................. Mar 26
March 2011
July 4th Celebration in the Park...............................................................July 4
Cooper Lake Bluegrass Festival ..........................................................Aug 5-6
Harvey Martin Classic @ Cowboy’s Stadium ........................................Sept 17
Centennial Park — Free Concert — Free Lunch with $5 donation
Annual Chamber Golf Tournament .......................................................Sept 23
The Big Event...........................................................................................Apr 9
Bois d’Arc Bash ........................................................................Sept 23, 24, 25
University, City, County Clean-Up Service Day
Commerce ISD Foundation Annual Boots & BBQ Fundraiser ...............Apr 16
Relay for Life ....................................................................................Apr 15-16
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Princess Tea ...........................................................................................Apr 17
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
7th Annual Cowhill Chilifest and BBQ Cookoff .................................Apr 22-23
Bois d’Arc Bash Car Show ....................................................................Sept 25
Halloween in the Square ........................................................................Oct 31
Brunch with Santa ...................................................................................Dec 3
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
Christmas Parade ....................................................................................Dec 1
Aglaia Easter Egg Hunt.......................................................................... Apr 23
Commerce City Park at 11am
18.
Men’s, women’s and childrens’s clothes as
well as household items
Wo m e n i n n e e d
Non-profit thrift store
Open to the public Mon- Fr
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. to 5p.m.
Help support victims of family volence
Donations welcomed,
tax receipts available
2534 Magnum
1510 Live Oak St., P.O. Box 776
Commmerce, TX 75428
Phone 903-886-3141
800-878-5972
Fax: 903-886-6426
Commerce’s Hometown Florist Since 1929
Gladys Gray, Owner
New location in the plaza with Commerce Hardware
903.886.1224
Fresh and Silk Custom Designs, Gifts & Gift Baskets, Weddings & Special Occasions
COMMeRCe
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CHAMBER
Our Town
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CONN CTION
March 2011
Chamber Schedules Reporters’ Workshop on March 21
B y Fr e d Ta r p l e y
Organizations and individuals interested in writing news
articles for area newspapers will meet in the Commerce Chamber
of Commerce conference room from 4 until 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
March 21, to learn fine points of the reporter’s craft. Fred
Tarpley will direct the workshop, and Amber Pompa of the Herald
Banner and the Commerce Journal will be in attendance.
sponsor this reporters’ workshop. Wonderful things are
happening in Commerce, and the city benefits when the
public becomes aware of our resources and activities.”
The free workshop welcomes everyone interested in the topic.
Tarpley, a professional writer, is owner of Word Magic, an editorial
services company that has been a chamber member for several years.
“Almost every organization has an elected reporter,” Tarpley
said, “but few are getting their stories before the public. A
skillful report from an organization can become an important
news item.” However, Tarpley believes that an article beginning,
“The Excelsior Club was called to order by President John Citizen
on April 1, 2011” would put readers to sleep if the newspaper
considered devoting a few column inches to the submission.
CHAMBER
Every organization has dynamic speakers, worthy civic
projects, and milestones to report. Newspapers and other
media will welcome the information if it is presented properly,
Tarpley believes. At the workshop, participants will receive
examples of successful and unsuccessful news releases. Tarpley
will discuss regional media that can help with publicity. He
will also review changes in journalistic writing since the
1960s that reporters should consider in their submissions.
Support these Chamber members for all your
remodeling/construction/repair needs:
Doug Rohrabaugh, executive director of the Commerce
Chamber of Commerce, said, “The chamber is pleased to
Chaney’s TobaCCo sTaTion
We Cash all Types of CheCks
WesTern Union
Money orders
bUdgegT hoMe
phone serviCe
prepaid Cell phones
bill payMenT CenTer
1601 live oak
903-886-8080
Member Spotlight
Need something new around
the house for Spring?
American Eagle Remodeling, 903-886-4430
DS Precision Builders/Dale Stotts, 903-886-3310
Heavyweight Construction, 903-335-0358
Under Construction, 903-886-6893
Page 7
COMMeRCe
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March 2011
Sus scrofa Creating Nightmares for Texas Farmers and Ranchers
B y Fr e d Ta r p l e y
“They are completely out of control,” Gary Patrick frowned. The Campbell
sharpshooter has the advantage of firing rifles from a helicopter, but still
he is pessimistic. As systematically as sinister blobs destroy planet Earth in
science fiction films, Sus scrofa are gnawing and rooting their way across
forty-eight states. In Texas, where more than two million of them reside, their
rampage causes more than $400 million in damages each year. During the
time it takes to read this report, the numbers will have increased dramatically.
While farmers and ranchers dream of profitable harvests, the nocturnal
invaders are devouring fields of almost any agricultural crops, leaving
potholes as evidence of their digging. While farmers and ranchers sleep
peacefully, Sus scrofa are increasing their tribe by two litters of four to
eight offspring every twelve to fifteen months. While farmers and ranchers
tend their livestock and pets, Sus scrofa are feasting on their young lambs,
calves, deer, and fawns, even upon their nesting birds, dogs, and cats.
Despised by landowners but prized by some hunters, the
destructive Scus scrofa are more commonly known as feral pigs,
Eurasian wild boars, Russian boars, European wild hogs, wild
boars, razorbacks, pineywoods rooters, and woods hogs.
Along with several other distinctions, Texas leads the nation with
50% of all the feral hogs in almost every county from the Panhandle
to the Gulf coast. They have been in Texas since the 1680s.
Today the average boar and sow weigh 130 pounds and 110
pounds respectively, but the largest adults may reach 400 pounds and
be more than three feet tall and five feet long. The squealing critters
can be recognized by their long snouts, coarse hair, straight tails with a
bushy tip, and armored shoulders of two-inch cartilage and scar tissue.
Requiring high energy food and plenty of protein, the pigs have been
called opportunistic omnivores, eating almost anything and everything
they encounter. They even cannibalize pigs and shoats. The pigs leave
signs of the nightly raids and daytime seclusion in tracks, trails, crawls,
rooting, wallows, rubs, and droppings resembling those of a dog.
Livestock having contact with feral pigs should be vaccinated
appropriately, and feral pig meat should be thoroughly cooked before it is
eaten. Some Texas hunters report making tasty sausage from the meat.
Farmers and ranchers sometimes trap the pigs and take them to brokers
who sell them to a Fort Worth slaughter house. After appropriate blood
testing, the meat is then shipped to Europe as pork chops, ribs, and sausage.
The most depressing news about feral pigs comes from Mark E.
Mapston, a district supervisor for the Texas Cooperative Extension-Wildlife
Services. The author of “Feral Hogs in Texas” states, “Once feral hogs
have become established in an area, it is nearly impossible to remove
all of them.” He recommends exclusion, snares, live traps, shooting, and
aerial hunting, but he finds “no toxicants, repellents, fertility agents, or
biological control agents registered for use against feral hogs in the U.S.”
In Fannin County the National Wild Turkey Federation, Texas
Parks and Wildlife, and the Caddo National Grasslands sponsored
the Lone Star Wild Hog tournament from Feb. 26 to March 6,
2011. Participants are required to have a valid hunting license.
Regular coverage of feral pig threats are reported by the History
Channel, the New York Times, and many Texas newspapers. Luke Clayton,
writing for North Texas e-News, stated, “I was raised in rural Red River
County, between the Red and Sulphur rivers, and, one might say, I was
hunting hogs before hog hunting was cool.” He continued, “Wild porkers
never cease to amaze me; they’re smart. Animal behaviorists rank swine as
number three on the intelligence scale, just below dolphins. I believe it!”
The magnitude of the problem is made clear by the reports of Dick
King, a Commerce outdoorsman who has helped his friends control their
feral pig populations. “During the past three months, I have captured
180 wild pigs in my traps on my 200-acre farm in Hunt County. The pigs
have taken over. The dumb, ignorant ones wander into my traps, but the
smart ones stay outside watching the others enjoy the food that lured
them to their doom. I do not expect to get rid of all of them,” King says.
Thus, unlike many science fiction stories, the feral pig menace
appears to be an eerie threat with no known solution.
CONWAY COMPANY CPAs, PC
Hydro creates a more viable society by developing natural
resources and products in innovative and efficient ways.
H y dr o Alum inum
2000 Economic Drive
Commerce, TX 75428
(903) 468-5000
ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS
www.conwaycpas.com
www.hydro.com/northamerica
Office 903-886-2123
Facsimile 903-886-6580
1021 Park Street
Commerce, TX 75428
Page 8
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March 2011
B y Fr e d Ta r p l e y
Bois d’Arc Almanac
Horse Apples Dispatch Varmints
B y Fr e d Ta r p l e y
What started as old wives’ tales now seem to be established as
scientific facts. The issue involved is whether horse apples from the bois
d’arc tree (also known as Osage orange and by many other names) can repel
cockroaches, silverfish, moths, spiders, skunks, armadillos, and the likes.
Two hundred years ago, Dr. James Long recorded on his Texas expedition
that members of his party smeared themselves with the milky juice of horse
apples as protection against the torment of wood ticks.” Later, gardening
columnists delighted in answering questions about the effectiveness of the
fruit as insect repellents with the put-down: “It seems to be effective if you
drop the heavy ball directly on a cockroach right between its eyes.”
Scientific research and public demand have changed the skepticism
through the years. Reputable laboratories at Kansas State University, Missouri
Botanical Gardens, and elsewhere have verified the effectiveness of horse
apples in sending unwanted critters to their deaths or to other refuges. The fruit
fragrance, mild to human nostrils, seems to be deadly to certain insects and
at least irritating to some mammals. Shoppers at Manhattan’s Union Square
Greenmarket buy the bumpy orbs for $1 each to send their lodging intruders
scattering, and they consider the money spent as a good investment.
The Commerce Chamber of Commerce in the Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas
Beverly Sloan, RN
Nocona Clark, RN
COMMERCE
101 Kings Plaza, Suite H
Commerce, Texas 75428
(903) 886-2666 - Fax 886-3773
has been collecting local testimonials about the fruit’s success. Lavonne Wells,
Commerce, avows that when she was housemother for Gamma Phi Beta sorority,
a cricket invasion was repelled by placing horse apples near the stinking plague.
Dewayne Bethea, Tyler, interviewed residents in East Texas and along the Gulf Coast to
judge satisfaction with the horse apple’s effect on pests and got positive reports. Jim
Ainsworth, Commerce, spread horse apples around the perimeter of a barn infested
by skunks and opossums. Both species went into hiding in other locales, and the
skunks stopped spraying around his barn. Ainsworth shouts, “Amen!” to the claim
that horse apples control cricket colonies. Others praise the fruit for driving away
skunks and armadillos finding refuge under their pier and beam home foundations.
Preparation of the insect repellent varies. The whole fruit is sometimes deposited
outside or inside. For inside use, the fruit is often quartered and dropped in suspended
hosiery so that it cannot discolor a surface. Rubber gloves are recommended for
handling horse apples because sensitive skin can erupt in contact with the white sap.
Online evidence of horse apple success is found in the number of companies
shipping boxes of horse apples to customers seeking repellents. Wealth
awaits Northeast Texans who own tons of the bois d’arc fruit every fall. Their
crops are just yearning for profits awaiting insecticide enterprises.
903-886-2355
Page 9
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COMMERCE
Paris Junior College Small Business Development Center
now offering workshop and free counseling to small
business start-ups
The Small Business Development Center at Paris Junior College will offer a workshop and free counseling for starting and
operating a small business in the Commerce area during the month
of March, according to Director Pat Bell.
Live the Dream! will be offered from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday,
March 10. This free workshop will include information needed
to start a small business. Topics will include legal requirements of
starting a business including the different forms of business organization and their advantages and disadvantages, conducting a
feasibility study, writing a business plan, getting a sales tax permit,
types of financing available for a start-up business, and what lenders want to know, as well as information on SBA guaranteed loan
programs.
Free counseling to start or expand a small business is available
by appointment in Commerce each Thursday at the Commerce
Chamber of Commerce, 1114 Main Street. To register for the free
workshop or schedule an appointment for free, confidential counseling, call the Chamber at 903-886-3950.
March 2011
City Connection
City of Commerce
M O NT H LY
R E PO RT
•Residentscannowpaytheirwaterbillsonline!Visitthecity’swebsite
at www.commercetx.org. On the front page scroll down until you see the
link for Online Billing for Water Utilities and Municipal Court Citations.
•The8thAnnualCowhillBBQCookOffwillbeheldindowntown
CommerceApril22and23.TheeventwillbeginonFridaynightwithwine
tasting,sponsoredbytheNortheastTexasChapteroftheInternational
WineandFoodSociety,from5:00p.m.–9:00p.m.Themusicwillbe
providedbyAmandaGravesandShutDownTownbeginningat8:00p.m.
On Saturday, the cook off will be in full swing. Music will be
providedduringthedaybyFatTuesday.BBQsandwiches,
hamburgersandhotdogsandFritopieandnachoswillbesold
tobenefitCHSProjectGraduation2011,theCHSBandandCHS
Cheerleaders.Formoreinformationvisitthecity’swebsiteatwww.
commercetx.orgorcallMartyCunninghamat903-886-1125.
•TheCleanCommerceCampaignwilltakeplacein
SectionDonWednesday,March30.Thisisforresidents
who reside on the south side of Culver Street, the east side
of Park Street and the south side of Maple Street.
•TheWastewaterPlantisopensevendaysaweekfrom9:00
a.m.until2:00p.m.forbrushandlimbdropoffforCommerce
residents only. Due to EPA regulations, lumber is no longer
accepted.Residentsareaskedtocheckintheirloadsbefore
dumping them. Commercial dumping is also not allowed.
•CityCouncilMeetingsareheldthethirdTuesdayof
eachmonthatCityHall.Thepublicisinvitedtoattend.
MeetingsarealsoairedonKETVChannel3.
The Small Business Development Center is funded by the U.S.
Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Paris Junior
College.
Want 1 million people a month
to see y o u r business
Outdoor advertising reaches people where they live. When you strategically place a billboard
along the I-30 corridor you are reaching a local audience with your businesses message.
We are a longtime Commerce
family interested in your
business success.
Call
972.212.9315
Find out how
billboard advertising works.
The Big Event
A great day to pitch in.
Mark your calendars for Saturday
April 9th for the Big Event. Projects
can be submitted to the Chamber.
Last year we had record turn out and
a great Steel Drum Band at the after work day
party. Showing once again how great Commerce
is when we live, work, learn and play together.
COMMeRCe
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CHAMBER
Campus Connection
e
CONN CTION
Career Development
to host Entrepreneuial Events
B y : G r e g o r y E . S h i r l e y, I I
The Amazing Race: Finding Money
to Start your Own Business
Since money doesn’t grow on trees, come
find the funds to reach your dream!
Tuesday, April 5th
2:30-4:30pm
Student Access & Success
Visitor’s Center
Career Development
903.468.3223
Extreme Makeover:
Entrepreneurial Edition
(How To Start Your Own Business)
They did it, why can’t you?
Thursday, March 24th
2:30-4:30pm
Student Access & Success Visitor’s Center
Career Development - 903.468.3223
March 2011
Grad Expo
Coming Soon
By: Ashley Johnson
Entrepreneurial Opportunity Fair
(How To Start Your Own Business)
Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a Grad Expo
at 7:00 p.m. on March 31 the A&M-Commerce Metroplex
Center, 2600 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150.
“A&M-Commerce offers a wide array of graduate
programs that give students multiple opportunities for
expanding their personal and professional horizons. The
Graduate Expo is a great way for interested individuals
to find out how to chart their course toward the
future,” said Dr. Dan Jones, university president.
• Why fear downsizing when you
can be your own boss
• Empower yourself financially
• Learn the benefits of working for
yourself, doing what YOU love!
Come speak with entrepreneurs and learn how
they successfully started their own businesses.
Attire: Business Casual
Tuesday, March 29th
11:00am-2pm
Sam Rayburn Student Center-The Club
“The Grad Expo provides prospective students an
opportunity to meet our faculty and staff, learn more about
our graduate programs and learn about our innovative
options for those in career transition,” said Dr. Mary Hendrix,
vice president of student access and success. “Students
will learn how to delay education loan payments, build on
existing knowledge and skills to forge new career paths
and find success in these challenging economic times.”
In addition, attendees will learn about opportunities
both online and in-class instruction at the university’s
branch campuses throughout the Metroplex.
Students who register and attend the Expo will receive
a $50 textbook voucher redeemable at the A&MCommerce bookstore (Commerce or Mesquite
location) with proof of enrollment in three or more
graduate-level credit hours at A&M-Commerce.
Contact Career Development at
903.468.3223 for more information
To register or find additional information, visit www.
tamu-commerce.edu/gradschool or call 903-886-5163.
ALL STAR ENTERPRISES
1930 Live Oak Street, Commerce, Texas 75428
Custom Embroidery / Garment Printing
Promo Products
903-886-0300
www.ALLSTARENT.net
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March 2011
Commerce Independent School District
Orientation Staff Awarded
at Conference B y : A s h l e y J o h n s o n
COMMERCE,TX-TexasA&MUniversityCommerce orientation staff received
multiplehonorsFeb18-20attheRegionIV
Conference for National Orientation Directors
Association (NODA) in College Station.
Adria Green walked away with the most
awards including the Student Leadership
Award and Hollie Smith received the
Outstanding Advisor/Director Award. One of
the top prizes in undergraduate case study
competition,“BestProblemSolvingTeam,”
wenttotheA&M-Commerceteamcomposed
of Christopher Hall, Bridgette Price, Brittany
Whitaker, Adria Green and Madris Hall.
TheA&M-Commercedelegationalsopresented
three conference sessions including “Lion
Camp:StartYourLegacyToday!”byBridgette
Miles,AdriaGreen,JonTaylorandChristina
Rowland;“SelectingtheOrientationTeam”
byBrittneyJohnson,JonTaylor,AdriaGreen,
ChristinaRowlandandBridgetteMiles;and
“MakingTransferStudentsaPriority”byJon
Taylor,BridgetteMilesandLuisFranco.
CLI makes its annual visit
By: Ludonna Smithers
This year’s Commerce Leadership Institute class received a grand tour of Commerce ISD from
one of its own classmates--Superintendent Blake Cooper. Cooper explained school finance and how
school districts landed in the budget crisis they are in. He told the group that he presented the Board
of Trustees with three budget cutting scenarios ranging from $740,000 to $1.5 million and he had
received the go ahead to look at cutting $1 million from next year’s budget. Cuts would come from salary
freezes, a reduction in force and other items combining to make a 10 percent cut in the budget.
The CLI group was taken on a tour of the new administration building and then they traveled by
school bus to ACW and CHS. At ACW, CLI members walked the hallways festooned with studentmade self-portraits and 3D artwork. Principal Wes Underwood proudly showed the group his new
building and lead them to a fifth-grade recorder concert directed by music teacher Angela Neal.
At CHS, Principal Virdie Montgomery explained the Friends of Rachel Club and how his
campus had accepted Rachel’s Challenge of showing kindness and compassion to everyone.
By following the example of Rachel Scott, who was the first student killed in the Columbine
school tragedy, students at CHS have made the school a better place. Student leaders were on
hand to explain the impact of the initiative, which is in its third year at the campus.
The group finished their tour with lunch from the high school cafeteria. They were
impressed with the serve-yourself format and the appealing signage and presentation
brought to the campus by Chartwells, the district’s food management company.
Thedelegationendedtheconferenceonahigh
note,receivingthe“MostSpiritedAward.”The
award recognizes a school whose quality, level
of participation and contribution best represent
NODAandtheirinstitution’sspiritandvalues.
CISD
CLI group enjoys
Superintendent
lunch from the
Blake Cooper
high school
explains school
cafeteria
finance to
members of CLI
Louise Biggs, Voss
and Rene Walker
don 3D glasses
to see the special
artwork displayed
at A. C. Williams
Elementary School
Fifth grade
recorder artists
perform for the CLI
class while teacher
Angela Neal leads
Shop at the
Bargain Box in downtown Commerce
1223 Washington Street
kenparkerservice.com
Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Offering small household items, clothing, books, jewelry and collectibles
Donations Appreciated!
Operated by the Hospital Auxiliary to benefit
Hunt Regional Community Hospital - Commerce
COMMeRCe
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CONN CTION
March 2011
CHAMBER
Orientation Staff Awarded at Conference
By: Ashley Johnson
COMMERCE,TX-TexasA&M
University-Commerceorientation
staffreceivedmultiplehonorsFeb
18-20attheRegionIVConference
for National Orientation Directors
Association (NODA) in College Station.
Member Spotlight
How does your garden grow?
With help from these Chamber members, that’s how!
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware, 903-886-7917
Huffman Farm Supply, 903-886-3369
Adria Green walked away with the
most awards including the Student
Leadership Award and Hollie Smith
received the Outstanding Advisor/
Director Award. One of the top
prizes in undergraduate case study
competition, “Best Problem Solving
Team,”wenttotheA&M-Commerce
team composed of Christopher Hall, Bridgette Price,
Brittany Whitaker, Adria Green and Madris Hall.
TheA&M-Commercedelegationalsopresentedthree
conference sessions including “Lion Camp: Start Your
LegacyToday!”byBridgetteMiles,AdriaGreen,JonTaylor
andChristinaRowland;“SelectingtheOrientationTeam”
byBrittneyJohnson,JonTaylor,AdriaGreen,Christina
RowlandandBridgetteMiles;and“MakingTransferStudents
aPriority”byJonTaylor,BridgetteMilesandLuisFranco.
Thedelegationendedtheconferenceonahighnote,receiving
the“MostSpiritedAward.”Theawardrecognizesaschool
whose quality, level of participation and contribution best
representNODAandtheirinstitution’sspiritandvalues.
Hunt Regional Medical Center - Greenville
Hunt Regional Community
Hospital - Commerce
FREE Lock with Unit Rental
We’re growing to serve
the Commerce community’s health care needs
Hunt Regional Community Hospital
Commerce
2900 Sterling Hart Drive
903-886-3161
Hunt Regional Medical Center
Greenville
4215 Joe Ramsey Blvd
903-408-5000
200 Maple Street
Commerce,TX 75428
903.886.8800
Cody Oliver
Unit Sizes
5’ x 10’
10’ x 30’
Page 13
COMMERCE
COMMeRCe
Business Directory
A C C O U N T I N G – C P A’ s
Conway Company CPAs, PC
886-2123
Kenneth Foust
886-3106
Naeem Ahmad, CPA.P.C.
214-808 0551
ADVERTISING | SPECIALITIES
Giggles & Grins
450-4746
Hoss Outdoor Adv. | Billboards I-30
972-212-9315
AIR CONDITIONING|HEATING
DMP Services
903-274-7637
Ken Parker Service, Inc
903-886-6990
Progressive Air and Heat
903-886-8322
AMUSEMENT|ENTERTAINMENT
NE Tx Children’s Museum
886-6055
Planetarium
468-8652
APARTMENTS|PROPERTY MGMT
American Eagle Properties
886-4430
Bradford Place Apts.
886-8855
Charlinda Villages
886-8807
Churchill at Commerce Apts. (Culver)
886-4444
Gant Apartments
886-6863
Maple Place Apartments
886-4050
MyApartmentMap.com
603-319-1712
Oak Meadows Townhomes
886-1555
Oglesby & Associates
972-742-5099
Valentine Properties
886-8881
ART GALLERY/STUDIO
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs
217-8050
ATTORNEYS
Curtis, Alexander/McCampbell & Morris 455-8113
Edgar J. Garrett
886-3146
The Law Offices of Jim D. McLeroy
885-6476
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
Commerce Auto Group
886-4014
North TX Hyundai of Greenville
455-4949
AUTOMOBILE SERVICES/PARTS
D & E Auto Supply
886-8040
Hoover’s Automotive
886-7781
J J’s Quick Lube
886-8775
O’Reilly Auto Parts
886-1755
Talley Auto Parts
886-2191
BAKERIES
Sweeties Donut Shoppe
886-6111
Izzy’s Cakes & Bistro
886-4800
BANKS
Alliance Bank
886-3244
Cypress Bank
886-7425
Guaranty Bond Bank
886-2274
Heritage Land Bank
455-2835
Inwood National Bank
886-2126
BOOK STORES
East Texas Book Store
886-3248
BUSINESS DEVELOPEMNT | TRAINING
Center for Applied Leadership
903-886-5086
CABINET MAKING
Keystone Mfg. Co.
886-1551
C AT E R I N G / M E E T I N G FAC I L I T I E S
The Lodge/Catering Company
886-7586
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CONN CTION
CELL PHONES AND SERVICE
ACN-Independent Rep.
903-335-6034
Wireless TNT (AT&T)
886-1062
Russell Cellular
903-886-3865
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
DNJ Learning Center
886-2414
Wee Care at Sha’s Sha’s World Care Center 886-4911
CHIROPRACTORS
Beacon Chiropractic
886-3100
Jensen Chiropractic
886-4333
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PRACTITIONER
Judy Biggs
903-413-5086
CHURCHES
Bread of Life Church of Nazarene
886-1515
Commerce Community Church
513-2699
Disciples of Faith Bible Fellowship
886-3644
Epiphany Episcopal Church
886-7359
First Baptist Church
886-3189
First Presbyterian Church
886-3783
First United Methodist Church
886-3220
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship
886-8585
Healing Waters Assembly of God
886-7112
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
886-6034
St. Joseph Catholic Church
886-7135
Word of Life Family Church
886-0917
CLEANERS
Country Cleaners
886-1609
COMPUTER SERVICES/FORENSICS
Wolf Security Analysts
366-6721
CONCRETE
B&A Concrete LLC
886-6845
D. L. Lennon, Inc.
886-3174
CONSTRUCTION
Dale Stotts/DS Precision Builders
886-3310
D. L. Lennon, Inc.
886-3174
Oglesby & Associates
972-742-5099
CONVENIENCE STORES
Flying L Fast Mart
886-8091
New Way
886-7684
COSMETICS
Mary Kay Cosmetics - Betty Teal Malone 496-2292
Violet Spell, Avon Cosmetics
903-453-5916
COUNSELING
Lakes Regional MHMR
903-455-5770
Ronald W. Anderson, PhD.
886-4388
COUNTRY CLUBS
Sand Hills Golf/Country Club
886-4455
CREDIT UNIONS
Lone Star Credit Union
800-588-6928
DANCE STUDIOS
Li-Sher Dance Studio
886-6431
DENTISTS
Cozart’s Dental Office
886-3081
Mary/Marc McDaniel, DDS
886-6945
DISTRIBUTORS
Ben E. Keith Company
886-2158
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
903-784-3336
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Commerce Economic Dev. Corporation
March 2011
886-1121
EDITORIAL SERVICES
Word Magic
886-6498
EDUCATION
Texas A&M Univ.-Commerce
886-5081
Commerce Independent Schools
886-3755
Paris Junior College
782-0330
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
KCC Electric
903-246-6245
ELECTRONIC SUPPLIES
Kartridge Korner
886-3312
EMBROIDERY/PRNTG/PROMO PRODUCTS
All Star Enterprises
886-0300
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Kelly Services
454-4227
ENGINEERS
Hayter Engineering, Inc.
785-0303
FA R M S U P P L I E S
Fix & Feed Commerce Hardware
886-7917
Huffman Farm Supply
886-3368
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Active Wealth Management
455-6956
AIS Financial Services
886-8050
Continental Credit
886-8500
Edward Jones & Company
886-3333
Financial Network Investment Corp
886-2823
ViewPoint Bankers Mortgage
903-455-1477
FLORIST
Bickham Florist
886-3141
FOOD STORES
Brookshires
886-3252
FUNERAL HOMES
Commerce Funeral Home/Cremation Serv. 886-8600
Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home
886-3131
FURNITURE
Affordable Furniture & Etc.
886-6096
GOVERNMENT
City of Commerce
886-1100
State Representative Dan Flynn
455-0971
GRAPHICS
1st Choice Spirit, Grvl
454-8326
HARDWARE
Commerce Hardware & Feed
886-7917
H O M E H E A LT H
1st Choice
886-2666
Encompass Home Health
886-8877
Visiting Angels
903-784-3902
HOME REPAIR/MAINTENANCE/REMODELING
American Eagle Home Maint/Remodeling 886-4430
Dale Stotts/DS Precision Builders
903-886-3310
Heavyweight Construction
903-335-6034
335-0358
Oglesby & Associates
973-742-5099
Under Construction
886-6893
HOSPICE
VistaCare Hospice
HOSPITALS
454-1107
COMMeRCe
Page 14
COMMERCE
Business Directory
Hunt Reg. Comm. Hospital-Commerce 886-3161
HOSPITALS (continued)
Hunt Regional Medical Center-Greenville 408-5000
HOTEL | MOTELS | B&B’s
Best Western Monica Royale Inn & Suites 454-3700
Bois d’Arc Bed & Breakfast,
903-886-7705
Commerce Inn
886-8756
Holiday Inn Express, Commerce
886-4777
HOUSING
Commerce Housing Authority
886-2046
INSURANCE
Diversified Insurance
886-6943
Duncan Insurance
886-2183
Dyer Insurance
886-2131
Farm Bureau Insurance
455-6782
State Farm Insurance
886-7774
ID THEFT SERVICES | SECURITY PRODUCTS
AML - Direct Sales Marketing
214-228-7489
INTERNET/COMMUNICATIONS
ACN-Independent Rep
903-335-6034
CenturyLink
800-788-3500
LIBRARIES
Commerce Public Library
886-6858
LONG TERM CARE/S KILLED NURSING FACILITY
Briarcliff Health Center
903-455-8729
Oak Manor Nursing Home
903-886-2510
MANUFACTURING
Alliance Carpet Cushion Co.
886-4153
Covidien
886-3153
Hydro Aluminum Metal Products
468-5012
Legacy Housing
886-7394
Zurn/Pex Hydronics
886-2580
MEDICAL SERVICES
Hulsey Therapy Services
886-7669
Live Oak Professional Ctr.
886-8818
Lowery Medical Supplies
395-4508
MENTAL HEALTH
Lakes Regional MHMR
903 455-5770
NEWSPAPERS
The Commerce Journal
455-4220
The Commerce Connection
886-3950
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Advantage Copy Systems
903-885-3375
OFFICE SUPPLIES/PRINTING
Latson Office Supplies/Printing
886-2710
Personalized Printing
886-7173
ORGANIZATIONS
A&M-Commerce Alumni Chapter
886-6175
A&M-Commerce Athletics
468-3033
A&M-Commerce Interfraternity Council
468-3087
Aglaia Club
886-1968
American Legion Post No. 1
886-8479
Celebrate The Children, Inc.
886-8365
Commerce Bells of The Red Hat Society
886.6547
Commerce Classroom Teachers Assn.
886-3758
Commerce Humane Society
496-2412
e
CONN CTION
Coterie Culture Club
886-6263
ORGANIZATIONS (continued)
Commerce Office of Cultural Affairs 903-217-8050
Keep Commerce Beautiful
453-7201
Kiwanis Club
886-4733
Lions Club
886-4034
Louise Drake Garden Club
886-6263
Masonic Lodge
886-3549
N. Hunt Co. Retired Teachers Assn.
886-7695
Psychology Club
886-6078
Republic of Texas Parrot Head Club
366-2737
Rotary Club
886-7047
Silver Leos Writing Club
468-7391
Thalian Culture Club
886-6209
Woman’s Culture Club
886-2624
P AY D AY L O A N S
Cash Express
886-6252
PECANS
Campbell Pecans
903-366-1141
PET SUPPLIES/GROOMING/BOARDING
C&P Bark & Purr
886-2524
Pet Degrees
886-8469
PHARMACIES
Total Care Pharmacy
886-8888
PLUMBERS
Ashley Plumbing
886-2355
DMP Services
903-274-9987
RADIO STATIONS
E TX Broadcasting, Inc. (95.9)
885-1546
KETR 88.9
886-5848
RAILROADS
Blacklands Railroad
438-1324
RANCHES
Oats Ranch
886-7951
REAL ESTATE
Century 21 First Group
886-1200
Jack Chapin Real Estate
886-6373
RESALE SHOP
Goodwill Industries of NE TX
886-3600
My Sister’s Closet (WIN)
886-1224
The Bargain Box
886-8306
RESTAURANTS | CLUBS
Braum’s
886-6149
Domino’s Pizza
886-2116
Lone Star Eatery, Grill and Bar
886-2121
Los Mochis Mexican
886-8200
Lulu’s Burgers
886-3888
McDonalds # 10645
886-7771
Mi Casita
886-4000
Panda Chinese
886-4008
Pizza Hut
886-9600
Sonic Drive-In
886-7166
The Drunken Mule
886-3289
Texas Beach Club
455-0219
The Rail
886-8132
Wings & Things
903-886-0707
REMODELING REPAIR
March 2011
Under Construction
886-6893
RETAIL
Wal-Mart
886-3108
RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING
Colonial Lodge Retirement Inn
454-6636
Country Homes Estates
886-7754
ROOFING
Decker Enterprises
817-718-3972
SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES
All-American Self Storage
886-7575
The Guard House Self-Storage
886-6040
TANNING SALONS
Healthy Glow Tanning Salon
886-0100
TAX PREPARATION
H & R Block
886-7252
TITLE COMPANY
North Texas Title of Hunt County
454-3364
TOBACCO
Chaney’s Tobacco Station
886-8080
TRANSPORTATION
Hill Grain Company
886-3133
TRASH HAULING-COMMERCIAL
City Sanitation
886-2314
TRUCKING
BL II Logistics L.L.C.
886-2900
UTILITIES
Atmos Energy
800-460-3030
FEC Electric
455-1715
Oncor Electric Delivery
888-313-6862
VETERINARIANS
Commerce Vet Clinic
886-7941
Gregg Animal Clinic
886-3911
WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Luminous Productions
903-851-3183
WEDDING
Celebrations-Wedding Cakes
886-3248
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR
Sam’s Club, McKinney
469-952-2417
Page 15
COMMeRCe
e
CONN CTION
Episcopal Church gets new home following closure
By Scott Harvey
COMMERCE Mar. 3, 2011 (ketr) —The generosity of a
Commerce church will allow local Episcopalians to continue
to worship in town after their own church is shut down.
The lack of a full-time priest and few members was
too much for the Episcopal Church of Epiphany to
handle, leading to its deconsecrating in January.
March 2011
Commerce Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the common business interests of merchants and citizens living and working in the City of Commerce, Texas, and in the
immediate area; promote the free enterprise system; encourage the commercial, industrial and
agricultural development of the City of Commerce and the immediate area; assume a role of
active leadership in community improvement. The Chamber shall stand for local harmony,
cooperation, and progress and shall be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-sectional in its
activities.
Do
you want to run an ad in the Connection?
To the rescue was the First United Methodist Church of Commerce
who, beginning Sunday, will begin a new Anglican service.
“There’s this strong community sense in Commerce that our
needs don’t necessarily fall out along church lines or along
faith community lines,” says Valarie Englert, pastor of FUMC.
“There’s a real shared sense of community and shouldering each
other’s burdens and sharing each other’s joys that I love.”
The new service began on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 9:45 a.m.,
led by Pastor Valarie and Associate Pastor Marc Corazao.
Chamber Membership Levels
Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25
Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50
Clubs and Churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 50
Business Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150
(1-10 full-time employees)
Business Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200
(over 10 full-time employees)
Hotels, Motels & Apartments . . . . . . . . .$200
Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250
Manufacturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500
Utility Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500
Website Link Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25
Connection Ad Rates
Running an ad in the Connection is a great
way to increase your businesses visibilty
beyond the Connection or Chamber
website Directories.
Display Ad..................................$ 30
Back Cover Ad...........................$300
Website Link Fee........................$ 25
Call 903.886.3950 to join the Chamber today!
white logo
Church officials say the initial idea of a new service
was met with overwhelming support.
Harriet Williams, Leadership Team Chairperson at First
United, commented, “I never heard one person say anything
against it, everybody thought it’s what we needed to do. They’re
a part of our community and we consider ourselves just kind
of one step away from Episcopal Church. It was just very
affirming to me for everybody to be so positive about it.”
of commerce
Oak MeadowsGet
Townhomes
Happy
150 Maple Street
Make us Commerce,
your home!
TX 75428
903-886-1555
1312 WashingTon sTreeT - CoMMerCe, Texas 75428
903 / 886-2126 - fax 903 / 886-4552 - MeTro 972 / 226-0969
WWW.inWoodbank.CoM
MeMber fdiC
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
Oak Meadows Town Homes
Hours 8:30-5:30
M-F Street
150 Maple
Commerce, TX 75428
Call or Come
by for our
903.886.1555
M-F 8a.m.-5p.m.
MOVE-IN SPECIALS
Susan Oliver, Manager
Page 16
COMMeRCe
e
CONN CTION
March 2011