As I look back over the recent past and future at all the events and news happening in our City and County, I find myself thinking how amazing it is that so many things could be going on in our community at the same time. I know the Chamber and others have had a time trying to schedule our events where they do not impact those of others in our community. Sometimes, avoiding scheduling an event on the same date and time as others is just not possible. However, there are so many in our community that support all our efforts and to them I say “thank you,” not only from the Chamber but all the others you support.

On behalf of the Chamber Board and me, we congratulate all the graduating seniors at Corsicana, Kerens, Frost, Mildred, Rice, Blooming Grove and Navarro. You did it!

Relay for Life set a record last weekend in raising over $70,000 to fight cancer. Is this not amazing or what? Way to go!

How about the Mildred Eagles baseball team. Congratulations on sweeping Crawford and good luck to you as you move on in the 2A playoffs. We will be watching and pulling for you.

Well, someone has to finish second as we cannot always be first, but we are very proud of the Blooming Grove Lions, Frost Polar Bears and Dawson in their playoff efforts this year. I know you will get them next year!

What about this Rice freshman track star that is moving on to the UIL State Track and Field Meet in Austin June 5-6. Alexus Daniels qualified in three events for the state meet. Let’s all wish her good luck and continue to watch her efforts at state. Alexus will compete in the long jump, triple jump and 200 meters at state. You go girl!

One of the Chamber’s major supporters is Navarro Regional Hospital and recently they held a campaign for National Hospital Week by holding competitions at the hospital to raise food for the Food Pantry. The theme for this campaign was “A Healthy Commitment In Changing Times” and they raised 2,475 pounds of food for the Food Pantry that will go to those in need.

Another long standing member of the Chamber, Mosaic, is hosting a “Springs Sports Spectacular” event on Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Fullerton Garrity Park to raise funds for the benefits and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Mosaic. This is a very special agency in our community that is providing very special services for those in our community that require special attention. If you are not aware of this agency and the people they serve, you would be amazed and blessed to see all they do for those in need. They are in need of volunteers for this event and others, if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cheryl Jordan at (903) 874-3364 or go by their office at 920 N. Main Street.

While these are difficult economic times for many individuals and businesses and the decision to join or renew your Chamber membership is important, I would like to recognize and thank our new Chamber members in April and May

1. Corsicana Cleaners and Laundry – Jim Acker. Jim has been away from the Chamber for some time now as I have a trophy in my office where Jim was awarded the Chamber’s President Cup in 1970. Welcome back and I appreciate your support.

2. N&A; Homes, LLC – Steve Nellis. Steve is a developer from Dallas that is excited about the opportunities in Corsicana.

3. Johnson & Willis Wealth Management – Mike Johnson

4. Shell Quick Mart on Second Avenue – Shantosh Karki is a new owner and has scheduled a ribbon cutting for Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30.

5. Northshore Harbor Condominiums – Spiro Trajcevski – You may have heard about the condominium development coming out at the old Bull Frogs location. Well, this is Spiro’s project and we are all excited to see this new development at Richland Chambers lake and at the marina.

6. AFLAC – Beth Aleksa is out of Rowlett and is offering insurance and financial planning services.

7. Corsicana Field Aviation Heritage Foundation – Gary Farley

This past week the Community ID/Branding Committee received funding from the City and Corsicana Development Commission (CDC) from the Hotel/Motel taxes received by the City to fund Phase I and Phase II of a community branding project. The purpose of this campaign is to build a unified identity brand for the promotion of Corsicana and a marketing plan that will build awareness of Corsicana’s attractions, benefits and features in order to stimulate economic growth through attracting visitors, new residents, new business and industry to the area. If you would like to learn more about SPG, please go to their Web site at www.corsicanachallenge.com. You can sign up on this Web site to receive regular updates on their efforts and projects.

What’s Coming Up?

May 27 — Chamber Ambassador Committee meets at Chamber at noon

May 27 — STAR Role Model Dinner – “Communications With Your Student.” The STAR Board will be hosting a dinner for all the role models at the Lone Star Room at Navarro College beginning at 5:30 p.m.. Guest speakers are Tracey Denbow and Jasmine Flores.

June 1 — STAR (Success Through Active Role Modeling) Information Session. STAR, a Chamber Educational Committee, is actively recruiting role models to work with students in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Corsicana High School providing guidance for students with understanding career objectives and goal. If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact the Chamber or log onto STAR’s Web site at WWW.STARNC.ORG or plan to attend the next Information Session scheduled for Monday, June 1st from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Chamber. Please call to RSVP.

June 20 — 1st Annual Navarro County B-B-Q Cook-Off at Bunert Park. There is a $15 registration fee for a booth. Anyone planning on selling BBQ, there will be an additional $25 fee for a health permit. There will be a cook off contest, prizes and trophies, food sampling tickets and entertainment and much more. Booths requiring electricity will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please mark this date and you will be hearing more from the Chamber on this event in the local papers, e-mail blasts and flyers placed around town. Please contact Semonna at (903) 874-4731 for more information or to sign up for booth spaces. Everyone is invited to attend this county wide event.

On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, I would like to extend our thanks to all the Chamber members and volunteers who are instrumental in the success of the Chamber.

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Paul Hooper is executive director of the Corsicana/Navarro County Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to e-mail Paul Hooper.

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