see page 5 social media & business...

On June 22, the Washington County Cham-ber and Small Business Development Center at Blinn College will team up to host a semi-nar to help local businesses understand the burgeoning marketing tools known as “social media.”

The “Social Media & Business Network-ing” seminar will feature a top professional marketer from Houston, Denise Patrick from Pierpont.

It will be held on Tuesday, June 22, from 2-5 p.m. at the A.W. Hodde Jr. Technical Educa-tion Center at Blinn College (on U.S. 290 at S. Blue Bell Road in Brenham).

The registration fee is $25 per person. Space is limited to the first 30 people that sign up. Registration can be made by calling the SBDC office at (979) 830-4137 or via email to [email protected].

Deadline to register is Friday, June 18.At the interactive 3-hour workshop, attend-

ees will learn:Which social media networks will work for

your business.How to leverage the power of social media

to build your customer base.Tips for increasing your reach without

spending more money.Regarding the use of social media, the

Chamber has found that top concerns among business owners/managers include how much time it takes, privacy issues, how to develop interesting content, and more. Addressing those concerns and providing more informa-tion to members is one of the top goals of the Chamber this year. A workshop was held in April to address this topic, and the June 22 seminar will delve deeper into the subject.

On July 16, the Chamber will host a work-

shop on Microsoft Windows 7 and Office 2010 and other technology tools will be intro-duced.

Additional workshops are planned for the remainder of the year.

The Chamber recommends that businesses get started on Facebook for personal use, so that you can become familiar with the network-ing and marketing that is occurring on this top site. Check out the Chamber’s page at www.facebook.com/Brenham.Texas. On Twitter, visit and www.Twitter.com/ChamberWashCo to see how that site looks and operates.

For more information, and to give sugges-tions on future workshops, contact the Cham-ber office at (979) 836-3695.

June 20102010 Board of Directors

ChairwomanJULIE RENKEN

Washington County Attorney

First Vice ChairCATHY BOEKER

Blinn College

Second Vice ChairBRICE MILLIORN

Edward Jones Investments

TreasurerTREY HARDY

Germania Insurance

SecretaryMIKE BAKER

MIC Group

Immediate Past ChairBARNEY LOESCH

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

CHRIS BREWSTERBrewster LLC

MELINDA FAUBIONBoo Dog Design Group

LESLIE HARRELLBrenham Abstract & Title Co.

KAREN MORGANBrenham Clinic Association

LETE PHILLIPSLete Phillips Exercise Studio

GLENWOOD PRENZLERRetired Educator

ALEJANDRA RAYBevers Kitchen

BARRY BRASSParcel Plus

LAVERNE KRUMREYHorseshoe Junction

Family Fun Park

JOY NELSONBrenham ISD

Krause Elementary

LOWELL OGLECity of Brenham

CHRIS CANGELOSI Washington County Abstract

CONNIE HALL Ingleside Bed & Breakfast

MARK PATRANELLA Blue Bell Creameries

KURT PODESZWA Camp For All

JARVIS VAN DYKE Van Dyke Rankin & Company

WENDY YATES Moorman Tate Law Firm

Thank you to our Presidential Level members ...

Brenham ClinicBluebonnet Electric

“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”Hosted by:

RE/MAX Advantage110 East Alamo Street, Downtown Brenham

Thursday, June 24 — 5-7 p.m.Enjoy great networking and refreshments.

Bring plenty of business cards and enter for door prize drawings.Free for Chamber members and all employees.

Special beverages provided by: Mike Hopkins Distributing

Learn more about RE/MAX Advantage at www.AdvantageBrenham.com

Social Media & Business Networking

The Chamber is now accepting applications from those interested in participating in the next class of the Leadership Washington County program. This is the re-nowned local program designed to seek out current and future leaders from all segments of our community in order to educate, train and motivate them to be ef-fective leaders.

APPLY NOW FOR LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON COUNTY

See LEADERSHIP, Page 5

Chamber Works June 2010

Ribbon Cuttings

Green Duct ServicesOwner: Kamala Kitzman1802 Buchanan Street, BrenhamPhone: 979-451-9191

The Hair WarehouseOwner: Kamala Kitzman1802 Buchanan Street, BrenhamPhone: 979-836-8188

RE/MAX AdvantageOwners: Johanna Fatheree & Pam Green110 East Alamo Street, BrenhamPhone: 979-251-7500

Select FurnishingsOwners: Jody & Pat Johnson2652 HWY 36 South, BrenhamPhone: 979-830-0065

Union Hill Builders-Ruth Circle SubdivisionOwner: John SchneiderCorner of Neibuhr and Chappell Hill Streets, BrenhamPhone: 979-277-9992

Westfield Builders, LLC-Stonehill Garden HomesOwners: Gary & Dennie BollingerCorner of Stone Hill Drive & Becker Drive, BrenhamPhone: 979-778-0394

Big Daddy’s Barbecue Owner: Nathan Winklemann1309 Prairie Lea Street, BrenhamPhone: 979-830-1619

Renewing Members(May 1-31)

Thanks to the following members for continuing your investment in the Chamber. You are long-term “partners” in our mission to promote and preserve this great community,

and we appreciate your confidence in the Chamber’s ability to promote your business.

Advanced Urethane Technologies — 15 yearsAllied Ace Hardware — 13 yearsBarrington Bed & Breakfast — 15 yearsBrenham Clinic - Presidential Level Member — 17 yearsBrenham Iron Works — 1 yearBrenham Monument Company — 23 yearsBrenham Party Rentals — 4 yearsBudget Rolloff Service — 3 yearsChase - Presidential Level Member — 25 yearsEdward J. Fay and Associates — 32 yearsEntec Pest Management — 11 yearsFamily Resource Center — 20 yearsFirst Christian Church of Brenham — 3 yearsHackberry Hill Guest Cottages — 2 yearsIndependence Historical Society — 9 yearsIngleside Bed & Breakfast — 13 yearsInn at Dos Brisas — 6 years

Jay Carper Technical Services — 1 yearJerry Olson Designs — 3 yearsJohn Brieden State Farm Insurance — 29 yearsKnights Inn — 3 yearsKrenek’s Tractor Repair & Wrecker Service — 7 yearsLake Somerville Marina & Campground — 6 yearsLegacy Properties — 3 yearsMitchell Clark & Company — 3 yearsNeal Financial Group - Branch Office — 4 yearsNellie’s Boutique — 14 yearsOverhead Door Co. of South Central Texas — 6 yearsPecan Tree Apartments — 6 yearsR & S Leasing — 28 yearsRendez-vous Restaurant — 2 yearsSchubert Sheet Metal — 10 yearsSonic Drive Inn — 36 yearsTexas Home Health — 7 years

MICHELE BRIGHT, D.D.S., P.C.1406 South Day StreetBrenham, Texas 77833 (physical)Phone: 979-830-8811michelebdds@earthlink.netwww.drmichelebright.comDentist

HOME DEPOTManager: Stueart Sawyer2801 Woodridge Blvd, BrenhamPhone: [email protected] Improvement

INDEPENDENCE ANTIQUES & ETC.Owners: Thelma Zwiener & Margaret McCrory10301 FM 50Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-836-5055Antiques

JAPHET DESIGNOwner: Juli Japhet101 E. Commerce StreetDowntown Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: [email protected] Decorators & Designers

N. Y. PIZZA CONNECTIONOwner: Domenic Catalano1122 S. Market Street (inside Mobius Coffee)Brenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-830-1133www.nypizzaconnection.comRestaurants

OMAMACHAUSOwner: Camille Cramer2570 FM 949Sealy, Texas 77474Phone: [email protected] & Breakfast

TOPS PRINTINGPresident: Steve Britton2023 S. Texas AvenueBryan, Texas 77802Phone: [email protected]

WASHINGTON COUNTY WILDLIFE SOCIETYPresident: Richard Thames1305 E. Blue Bell RoadBrenham, Texas 77833Phone: 979-277-6212www.wcwildlife.orgNon Profit Clubs & Organizations


Did You Know? Members, promote your events

and business for free in the “Hot Deals” section and “Calendar”

on the Chamber website!

Contact [email protected] for more details.

Welcome New Members to the Chamber

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTIndependence Visitor Center

The Independence Visitor Center welcomes visitors to the historic village located 10 miles north of Brenham on Highway 50 toward Bryan/College Station. Baylor University and the Independence Historical Society are co-sponsoring the center that will serve a number of purposes. In addition to greeting visitors and providing information, the building will serve as a central headquarters for the Independence Historical Society and as an office for Baylor as it op-erates various historic preservation projects of The Texas Collection (Baylor Library System).

The “adobe house”, now the Visitor Center, was built in 1835 and used as an office for John P Coles, one of Stephen F. Austin’s “first 300” settlers. Coles was the founder of Cole’s Settlement which be-came Independence at the time of the Texas Revolution. Acquired by Richard and Barbara Powell in 2007, the old structure was renovated and now has beautiful cedar flooring, central HVAC and a sparkling white exterior. It’s a must-see for tourists in the area!

Open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. during the months of May, June, July and October. Located on T.S. Saul Street between FM 390 and Lueckemeyer Road in Independence.

Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER BLUE BLAZER OF THE MONTH

May 2010Don Wilhelm

The Blue Blazers are a group of 15 volunteers who act as official greeters and hosts of our community. Their objectives include promoting Chamber programs and increasing membership, and conducting ribbon cut-tings and special ceremonies for local businesses. The Chamber thanks these volunteers for their service and hospitality, and also their employers for allowing them the time to dedicate to the organization. A “Blue Blaz-er of the Month” is recognized at each club meeting for the highest total of achievements the prior month.

Blue BlazersDOUG BAKERCity of Brenham

DR. HENRY BOEHM JR. AMA Home Care

and B&L Tire

JOYCE DICKSCHATBrenham National Bank

JOHANNA FATHEREERE/MAX Advantage

COY FONTENOT Kruse Village

PAM GREENRE/MAX Advantage

EDDIE HARRISON Individual Member

FLORENCE JULIANBlue Bell Creameries

BRICE MILLIORN Edward Jones Investments

SUE MUZZY Mike Hopkins Distributing Co.

BETH ROTHERMEL Washington County Clerk

JULIE TIEMANNThrivent Financial

TIM WALTHER Citizens National Bank

RANDY WEIDEMANN Van Dyke Rankin & Company

DON WILHELM Individual Member

BLUE BLAZERS CLUB SEEKING NEW MEMBER

This local service club has forty years of tradition in the community. They support the mission of the Cham-ber year-round, acting as official greeters and hosts of our community. Activities include monthly meetings, greet-ing at Chamber functions, recruiting new members, and conducting ribbon cuttings and grand openings.

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to call Jane Hinze at the Chamber office or stop by the Chamber dur-ing business hours to pick up and application. Details can also be sent via e-mail upon request. Please submit inter-est in joining by July 9.

SEEKING A FEW GOODMEN AND WOMEN...

As a Chamber member, you are invited to join in the process to nomi-nate future board members. The Chamber needs seven new board mem-bers each year to fill a three-year term.

Suitable candidates will fit this description: - An active member of the local business community- Participates in Chamber events and programs- Dedicated to Washington County, Texas- A decision maker in his or her field- Interested in serving as a volunteer- A person with vision & leadership skills- Interest in participating in the Chamber’s annual Program of Work- Able to attend monthly board meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of

the month at noonPlease give this some consideration, and help us find the right people

to steer your Chamber of Commerce in the future. Submit nominations to the Chamber office in writing from now until July 31. You can send them by mail, fax or email. Thank you!


Marketing Our Community Across the State of TexasThe Washington County CVB is a proud and active member of

the following state and regional tourism industry associations:

Texas Travel Industry AssociationTexas Assoc. of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

Texas Hotel & Lodging AssociationTexas Society of Association Executives

Texas Independence Trail Region

I-10 Corridor AssociationPresidential Texas

Central Texas Bluebonnet Travel CouncilAmerican Bus Association

South Central Motorcoach Association

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTGREEN DUCT SERVICES

Green Duct Services is a local A/C duct cleaning company committed to improving indoor air quality in the home and workplace. Air-borne dust is a ma-jor cause of health related problems. The American Lung Assoc. estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors. Since indoor air can be 2 to 3 times more polluted than outdoor air, it is easy to see why these services are beneficial. Bacteria, pollen, dust mites, viruses, chemical residues and surface dust all contribute to breathing problems, worsening of al-lergy symptoms and an increase of sick days. Green Duct Services provides free estimates and will gladly explain how they can improve your air quality. For more information about Green Duct Services go to www.greenductservices.com or call their knowl-edgeable staff at (979) 421-9191.

Be the next member in the “Spotlight!” Send submissions to [email protected]. Your “Spotlight” can be about a recent award, event, business expansion or new employee, or simply a couple paragraphs to increase community awareness about your products/services. (100-150 words maximum)

Special Thanks Our thanks go to Karen and Andy Anderson, and the entire staff at Brenham Memorial Chapel, for hosting the “Wake Up, Washington County!” networking breakfast in May. They provided not only a comfortable and friendly set-ting for the event, but also a delicious array of breakfast foods, coffee and drinks. Approximately 30 people attended, and everyone was given a chance to talk about their products, services and events. Any member interested in hosting an event should con-tact Jane Hinze at 836-3695 or [email protected].

New Media Is Here to StayBy KELLY MCGARY

Over the last year, new media—social networking sites, aggregate news services, blogs, e-mail, and other online messaging tools—has taken a foothold, earning a perma-nent seat in the marketing mix. In the wake of eroded mar-keting budgets, new media is flourishing, consistently de-livering greater ROI than any other medium. From Fortune 500 corporations to your local hardware store, everyone is drinking the “digital Kool-Aid.”

Once considered the domain of teens, the new media ecosystem is increasingly populated by adults and compa-nies or, in other words, potential customers. As of Septem-ber 2009, 47% of online adults used a social networking website, according to Pew Research.

As you throw new media into your marketing mix, here are some strategies to consider:

Build trust through your website. Customers have more access to information and more options than ever. If you can’t sell trust, your customers will go elsewhere. Therefore, your company website, often the first impres-sion you give to potential customers, should establish trust. You can do this by providing links to news, research, or product reviews.

Get to know your customers through blogging. A blog puts a face on your business and reinforces your brand per-

sonality. It allows you to foster conversation and debate in a public forum with like-minded people.

To friend… Facebook is a prime place to gain exposure when starting a new business or launching a new product. Everyone and everything have a place on Facebook. More than 700,000 businesses use Facebook, and one in three U.S. residents has an account on the social network web-site, according to Nology Media. One fan page dedicated to Flo—the character in the Progressive Insurance com-mercials—has more than 490,000 fans.

…Or follow? Twitter is tops when it comes to building brand equity with little investment. Like Facebook, Twitter reinforces relationships but has the upper hand when you want to retain top-of-mind awareness with customers and industry insiders. Increasingly, service providers such as cable compa-nies are providing 24/7 technical support via Twitter.

Get personal with e-mail. Consider dedicating e-mail marketing solely to one-on-one communication. Messages should be personal, relevant, and reinforce what customers perceive to be the unique value of your brand. Leave pros-pecting to your social channels. It’s difficult to track potential customers through e-mail marketing anyway, as most people forward e-mails directly from their inboxes, instead of using the “forward to a friend” link provided in their e-mail.

Reprinted by permission. © 2010 U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Business of Doing Business

In Tough Times, Focus on the Basics

By RICHARD W. Bennet IIIGlobal Partners

Working with more than 2,000 independent small business owners, I find that they are fundamentally flexible and adapt well to changing conditions on the ground, often much better than big business. History shows that many weather economic storms, only to fail during economic recovery because of cash de-mands. With today’s liquidity crisis, this historic pattern is likely to be much worse than in the past. Small business owners by their nature love what they do, produce, and serve. They are, however, much less likely to revel in the joys of best business practices.

The core of the small businessperson’s ethos is helping oneself and not depending on handouts. To that end, the cure for his or her dilemma starts at home, and the steps needed to revive the health of a business are surprisingly consistent. Below are some important tips for small business owners to help themselves.

Get the reporting right. Many small businesspeo-ple love working on what they produce or how they serve, rather than on finances and bookkeeping. That is a mistake in any case, but when cash gets tight, it can be fatal. Nothing can be more basic in personal finance than balancing your checkbook. The same is true for small businesses. Prepare an income state-ment every month to track your expenses and profits. Keep a quarterly balance sheet to track your assets and liabilities and have a cash flow statement. It is startling how many businesses get in trouble by not keeping up with these basic fundamentals.

Improve your financial statements. Increase your profits by reducing controllable expenses (occu-pancy costs and overhead), improve the gross margin (reduce the cost of goods and avoid steep discount-ing), and eliminate losing ventures. Improve your

Washington County Chamber of Commerce314 S. Austin Street • Brenham, TX 77833

Phone: 979-836-3695www.brenhamtexas.com

Page Michel, President & CEO

Jane Hinze, Member Services Manager

Lu Hollander, CVB Adv. & PR Manager

Seneca McAdams, CVB Mktg. & Sales Mgr.

Jeanne Luedemann, Visitor Center Manager

Marge Runge, Support Staff

Lanette Pledger, Support Staff

Judy Grimm, Support Staff

See BUSINESS, Page 5


The Leadership Washington County program is for those interested in:

Learning more about the key issues & challenges facing our community.

Developing relationships with other influential leaders in Washington County.

Making a difference in the future of our community.

Leadership Washington County participants are ex-posed to educational sessions covering many aspects of the community and region. The sessions create an awareness of the resources of Washington County and put the class in contact with local experts in various fields. Program participants also gain valuable experience from interact-ing with each other and forming lasting relationships with other professionals.

Here are a few quotes from graduates of the LWC Class of 2010:

“It was a great opportunity to not only learn about Wash-ington County, but develop positive relationships with new friends in the area.”

— Laura Popp, Germania Insurance

“I met a lot of great people in the community, including classmates, who I would have never met otherwise.”

— Betty Urban, Citizens State Bank

“The program has given me inspiration to get more in-volved, while providing insight to what options I have to select my involvement.”

— Chris Callahan, MIC Brenham East

“A great opportunity to learn more about Washing-ton County and make new friends in various workplaces throughout the county.”

— Dean Meade, Calvary Baptist Church

“The group was great and I made a lot of business con-tacts and friends. I think this program ranks above other leadership programs because the tours give you a hands-on experience and the presenters give you an inside track of what they do.”

— Clint Eilers, Blue Bell Creameries

Employers who send key personnel through the class benefit by having an employee who is educated about the resources of the county and has learned new leadership skills.

The program involves a time commitment of one day a month for ten months. The program begins on August 11 with a 4pm orientation meeting, followed by a full-day Team-Building Retreat at Camp For All on August 14. Day-long sessions are then held once a month through May 2011.

The investment for the program is $550 per participant which covers all program expenses including printed ma-terials, logo shirts, monthly luncheons, group transporta-tion, and Graduation Banquet tickets for each participant, plus his/her spouse and employer.

If your business is interested in sponsoring an employee, or if you would like more information for yourself, please contact the Chamber at (979) 836-3695. Applications are now available at the Chamber office and on the website. The deadline for applications to be turned in is Monday, July 20.

Leadership(Continued from Page 1)

At the team-building retreat, class members are able to experience the “Trust Fall” along with other enlightening exercises.

Leadership participants, above, travel to the Capitol in Austin each year to meet legislators and learn about the process.

The class, right, enjoys ‘behind the scenes’ tours of sites such as Blue Bell Creameries and other plants.

balance sheets by reducing working capital (inventory and accounts receivable), long-term liabilities (rent ob-ligations), and capital expenses. Increase cash flow by taking advantage of trade terms, avoiding penalties, and reducing taxes, among other courses of action. Seek out a financial advisor to help develop a plan. Then, make the tough decisions and stick by them.

Access credit markets. It’s amazing to me how many small businesspeople are reluctant to ask for and press for credit. I have found that more often than not a resil-ient effort backed by a legitimate plan will work, as long as you understand the lending requirements and stick to the plan.

These basic points may seem painfully simple to a business academic, but most small business owners fo-cus on their value creation rather than on business per se. In these tough times, they need to improve the “busi-ness of doing business” to survive.


Business(Continued from Page 4)

Family Business Succession PlanningThe creation and implementation of a sound family

business succession plan can provide a smooth and cost-effective transition of ownership to the next generation.

Though family businesses do not have to worry about a federal estate tax in 2010, state estate taxes are still in effect. And barring any unexpected legislation from Con-gress, the federal estate tax will return in 2011. Therefore, family businesses should consider strategies for reducing their estate tax liability. These include gifting assets and creating family limited partnerships.

Gifting assets often requires extensive planning, but handing over a company’s assets piece by piece on an annual basis can be a simple and effective way to avoid paying certain taxes on the transfer. The annual exclu-sion amount for gift taxes did not change from 2009 to 2010; gifts of $13,000 or less to anyone are tax free. A $1 million lifetime gift exemption is available as well. These exemption amounts can double when a spouse matches the gifts. However, if the gift is in the form of stock, the

gift recipient is subject to capital gains tax.Family limited partnerships are another tool for pre-

serving assets and transferring control to the next genera-tion. When utilized effectively, limited partnerships can protect assets from creditors and allow significant dis-counts for gift and estate tax purposes. A family limited partnership (FLP) is a form of a limited partnership where a family member serves as either a general partner (GP) or a limited partner (LP), depending on his or her position within the business and family.

When the GP transfers assets to the partnership, that person owns all of the limited partnership interests. From that point forward, the GP can transfer limited partnership interests to his or her successors; this is usually done on an annual basis. Gifts of LP interests do not qualify under the $13,000 annual gift tax exclusion; however, they are counted against the $1 million lifetime gift exemption.

See PLANNING, Page 6


regular tour fees apply, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (www.birthplaceoftexas.com).

Round Top Summer Antiques ShowFeaturing a mix of Americana, European and eclectic an-tiques at the Big Red Barn in Round Top, $5, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm (512-237-4747, www.roundtoptexas-antiques.com).

June 2640th Annual International Festival-Institute1:30pm Flute Recital, 3:30pm Homage to Ballets Russes with Texas Festival Orchestra, 8pm Chamber Music Pro-gram, Festival Hill in Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

June 28-29Safe Sitter Course For 11-13 year-olds, 9am-3:30pm, $35,Trinity Wellness Cen-ter, 2111 S. Day Street, Brenham (979-830-5017, www.trini-tymed.org).

June 3040th Annual International Festival-InstituteMaster Class with Eteri Andjaparidze, piano,1:30pm, Fes-tival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top.

A few July highlights…July 1, 8, 16, 22, 29Live Music at Rendez-vousEvery Thursday, 106 E. Alamo, Downtown Brenham (979-337-9200).

July 140th Annual International Festival-InstituteChamber Music with Young Artists, 7:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Brenham Farmers Market and Gay Hill Farmers Market

July 3Chappell Hill’s 34th Annual Independence Day Parade and Summer Cowboy Event ‘’Best Small Town Parade in America!’’ Featuring floats, cowboys, antique cars, the renowned Marching Kazoo Band, 10am, downtown Chappell Hill, and don’t miss the “Cowboy” Williams exhibit at the Chappell Hill Museum, with cowboy demonstrators, children’s activities and pony rides (979-337-9910, www.chappellhillmuseum.org).

“Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Concert Have a cool time downtown and enjoy “Texas Unlimited Band” performing top country music plus popular songs from the 80s, 7pm, free admission, free parking (www.downtownbrenham.com).

40th Annual International Festival-InstituteOrchestral Program with Texas Festival Orchestra, 3:30pm, and Chamber Music Program, 8pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

July 4, 11, 18, 25Visitor Center of Historic IndependenceThe restored “Adobe House” Visitor Center is now open weekends through July, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm, T.S. Saul Street, Independence.

July 4 Fireworks-on-the-Brazos Free Blue Bell ice cream and Coca-Cola, live patriotic concert and fireworks extravaganza, sponsored by H-E-B, 10am-10pm, free admission, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (979-878-2214 or www.birthplaceof-texas.com).

Burton’s 121st Annual4th of July CelebrationFun for all with a barbeque, auction, bingo, cake walks and raffles, sponsored by American Legion Post 242 and Auxiliary, 11am, meals $8 adults, $4 children 6-12, Bur-ton Community Center (979-289-2167).

Celebrating Independence in Independence TexasAn afternoon parade, food and fun booths, plus a street dance and fireworks, 5pm (979-830-3461, [email protected]).

40th Annual International Festival-InstitutePatriotic Concert: Texas Festival Orchestra, Edwin Out-water, conductor, Fred Child, narrator, 3pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

July 6-740th Annual International Festival-InstituteMaster Classes with Kenneth Goldsmith, violin, Stephen Balderston, cello, 1:30pm each day, Festival Hill.

July 8Chamber Music with Young ArtistsAt 7:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

July 10“Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” Concert Have a cool time downtown and enjoy “Suede” with songs from the 70s-90s and current hits, 7pm, free admission, free parking (www.downtownbrenham.com).

July 12-16, 19-24Summer Drama Camp – Unity TheatreStudents write, design, and stage original scenes that can be incorporated into a larger play, grades 2-6: 10am-12pm, grades 7-8: 12:30-3pm, grades 9-12: 3:30-6pm, $200, reg-ister by July 1, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham (979-830-1460, www.unitybrenham.org).

July 14-Aug 8Shakespeare at Winedale Summer SeasonFour weekends of performances of Twelfth Night, Mac-beth, and Henry VI Part 1, at 7:30pm Thu-Sun, and mati-nees Sat-Sun at 2pm, $10, Winedale Theatre Barn, Round Top (512-471-4726, www.shakespeare-winedale.org).

July 24-25, July 31-Aug 1Crush for Fun at Pleasant Hill WineryGet purple feet, a t-shirt (“I picked, I stomped, I made some wine”) and a picture, food available. Tours, tast-ings and activities have fees. Saturday 11am-6pm; Sun-day noon-5pm, 1441 Salem Rd., Brenham (979-830-8463, www.pleasanthillwinery.com).

Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy WineryStomp grapes and celebrate the end of planting growing and harvesting at Windy Winery’s second annual Harvest Grape Stomp, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, [email protected]).

Calendar(Continued from Page 8)

Working for YOU!As a Chamber member, your promotional information is seen by thousands of people every month…both on display in the Visitor Center and also on the Chamber Web site. Here are totals from two ways we track the exposure:

Walk-In Visitors2010

January— 1,056February — 1,025March — 1,856April — 2,694May — 1,218

Web Site Hits2010

January— 6,536February — 6,850March — 15,571April — 18,397May — 7,713

The value of limited partnerships are discounted for the lack of control and mar-ketability limited partners have over the business. The GP retains managerial con-trol irrespective of his or her ownership interests.

By structuring your family business as a

limited partnership, you can be confident that your family will avoid paying unnec-essary taxes as the next generation takes control of the business.

Tips for Limited PartnershipsEstablish a limited partnership early. Transfer the assets you expect to appreci-

ate the most first. Find a skilled and independent valuation

advisor. Do not set up a family limited partner-

ship if the general partner is in poor health or late in life.

Do not include an offshore trust in the

family limited partnership.

By Richard Houlihan, Houlihan Smith & Company


Planning(Continued from Page 5)

www.brenhamtexas.com


Lone Star Land Steward AwardOne of Washington County’s own was honored with a

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Lone Star Land Stew-ard Award in late May.

Charlotte von Rosenberg is a member of the Gideon Lincecum Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program and received honors for the Blackland Prairie Region for her conservation and restoration efforts of her family’s Quebe Farm in Brenham just south of FM 390. Von Rosen-berg also operates a bed & breakfast at Quebe Farm. Con-gratulations, Charlotte!

Quebe Farm owner Charlotte von Rosenberg accepted a Lone Star Land Steward Award from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Pictured: Chairman of TPWD Commission Peter Holt, Quebe Farm B&B owner Charlotte von Rosenberg, and TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. Photo Credit: TPWD.

175th Anniversary of the Fight for Texas Independence

The Texas Independence Trail Region just wrapped up strategic planning for the 2010-2011 year in Matagorda Bay. CVB staff member Seneca McAdams is on the TITR board. The board created a scope of work for the organization giv-ing a clear direction. The focus for the year will be the 175th anniversary of the fight for Texas independence. All market-ing, publicity and board meetings will center on the major sites associated with the struggle for independence.

The Board of Directors consists of David Stewart (San Antonio), Jeannie Thielemann (Dickinson), Bryan Roller (Pearland), Peggy Spradley (Sealy), Kendal Larson (Sug-arland), Seneca McAdams (Brenham/Washington Coun-ty), Margaret Hall Spencer (Sugarland), Pam Summers (Bay Area Houston), Newton Warzecha (Goliad) and Hei-di Simmons (Matagorda County). New 2010-2011 TITR Board of Directors include: Abbie Grubb (Houston), Ad-ena Lewis (Smithville), Stacey Osborne (La Porte), Julie Siggers (Alvin) & Jodi Wright (Galveston). Sue Shore and Teresa Caldwell with the Texas Historical Commission fa-cilitated the strategic planning session.

AMEX Study: Business Travel Improving

The majority of nearly 500 senior finance executives surveyed worldwide intend to maintain or increase busi-ness travel spending in 2010, according to the American Express/CFO Research Global Business & Spending Monitor.

That majority reflects 57 percent of all respondents. More than one-quarter, or 26 percent, said they will in-crease business travel spending this year. Many of the ex-

ecutives surveyed added that their companies will make it easier to get back on the road: 27 percent said they would relax spending policies for travel that involves meeting new clients or business development. About one-third of respondents indicated they would restrict travel for staff meetings or internal business this year, down from 81 per-cent in 2009. Just 35 percent said they would restrict travel to conferences and events this year, a drop from 79 percent last year. (MeetingFocus.com - May 2010)

Fourth of July Weekend Celebrations

Jump into July with lots of fireworks and music! Here’s an overview of July 3-4 local festivities.

July 3: In Chappell Hill, the annual Independence Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m., featuring the “famous” March-ing Kazoo Band.

Round Top Festival Institute offers two music programs. At 3:30 p.m., an orchestral program featuring the Texas Festival Orchestra and James Dick. Then a chamber music program will be held at 8 p.m.

In Brenham, the “Hot Nights, Cool Tunes” outdoor con-cert series kicks off with Texas Unlimited Band perform-ing top country music and popular songs from the 80s. Sale of beverages and food help support these free concerts that begin at 7 p.m. on the courthouse square. Admission and parking are free.

July 4: In Burton, the American Legion Post 242 and Auxiliary will host barbecue, an auction, bingo, cake walks and raffle drawings beginning at 11 a.m. at the Bur-ton Community Center.

Festivities in the town of Independence will include food and fun booths, a street dance and fireworks. Those activities begin at 5 p.m. with a parade.

In Round Top, Festival Hill offers a patriotic concert at 3:30 p.m., featuring the Texas Festival Orchestra with nar-ration by Fred Child.

At Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., you and your family can celebrate our nation’s independence where Texas declared her independence! Ac-tivities include arts and crafts, 1800s children’s games, mu-sic by Tena Rae Helm and band, free Blue Bell ice cream treats and Coca-Cola drinks, and a fireworks extravaganza that is unrivaled in this community sponsored by H-E-B.

For more details on these and other events, visit the on-line Calendar at www.BrenhamTexas.com.

July B&B Owners MeetingB&B owners, mark your calendars for July 14 and

the next familiarization tour. You’ll be visiting Lone-some Dove to see its new rustic cabin, as well as A Journey’s End. Lunch will follow at Southern Flyer Café at the Brenham Airport. A short meeting will in-clude updates on upcoming events and tourism promo-tion opportunities.

Tourism news

Celebrating Long-Term Members!

LaRoche ChevroletDarrell Blum with Chamber board member Trey Hardy

25 years of membership

Buddy’s ApplianceStaff members Becky Demuth & Kristin Supak


Kenjura PharmacyAtwood Kenjura with Chamber

board member Cathy Boeker25 years of membership

Lacina, Kenjura & Haevischer, P.C.

Lauren Haevischer, board member Cathy Boeker, L.J. Lacina & Catherine Kenjura


June 10, 17, 24Live Music at Rendez-vousGene Hackemack performs every Thurs-day at Rendez-vous, 106 E. Alamo, Down-town Brenham (979-337-9200).

June 10-13, 17-20, 24-27Unity Theatre presents “On Golden Pond”A funny, romantic play about a couple in their golden years and still deeply in love, $25, Thurs 7:30pm, Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Downtown Brenham (979-830-8358, www.unitybrenham.org).

June 12-13, 19-20, 26-27Early Blooming at Chappell Hill Lavender FarmProvence Lavender is blooming early, cut and enjoy the serenity and charm of this working lavender farm, Sat 9-5, Sun 11-5, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, 2250 Dillard Road (979-251-8114, www.chappellhilllav-ender.com). June 12, 19, 26Brenham Farmers MarketVegetables, eggs, home-canned foods, plants, trees, crafts, locally made birdhous-es. Eat-in and visit with friends or take-away breakfast burritos, tamales, cakes, pies, bread, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and fresh-brewed coffee! Every Saturday, just off the square in Downtown Brenham, 307 S. Park, free (vendors call 979-836-9466).

Gay Hill Farmers MarketLocally grown produce from area farmers, 9am-noon, 10050 Hwy 36 North, Brenham, (979-836-7225, [email protected]).

Lavender Bloom U-Pick at LavanderVisit a little corner of France in Texas, stroll the fields, grab a pair of scissors and snip a bundle to take home, 10am-5pm, Lavande Lavender Farm, 9665 Loop Road, Bellville (713-715-8392, www.lavandetexas.com).

June 12-July 4Wild Exhibit“Wild” is a collection of wildlife art cre-ated in bronze, fiber, gourds, copper, glass, eggs, silver and metal, Copper Shade Tree, 206 E. Mill St., Round Top (www.copper-shadetree.com).

June 12-13Brenham Summer Antiques ShowCountry & formal furniture, pottery, glass-ware, sterling, linens, estate jewelry, old toys, collectibles, plus a Farmer’s Market and plant sale, 9am-5pm Saturday, 10a-

4pm Sunday, $5, kids free, Knights of Co-lumbus Hall, 2804 Gun & Rod Rd., Bren-ham (979-865-5618, [email protected]).

June 12Summer Harvest CelebrationCelebrate this tasty season at the Bren-ham Farmer’s Market with a home-grown fruit & vegetable contest, open to all, en-ter 8-9:30am, plus at 11am Justin Dun-can, Greenhouse Manager at Prairie View A&M, will speak on How to Improve your Vegetable Garden, 8am-noon, 307 S. Park, Downtown Brenham (979-836-9466, www.downtownbrenham.com).

Japanese Raku Pottery FiringGlaze your own pottery and take part in the firing and reduction of your piece us-ing the art of Japanese Raku Pottery Fir-ing from Master Potters Stephen & Bonnie Todee of Bluebonnet Pottery, $60, includes pottery, glazing and firing, and a glass of Windy Winery wine, 1-5pm, Windy Win-ery, 4232 Clover Rd., Brenham (979-836-3252, [email protected]).

40th Annual International Festival-InstituteOpening Chamber Music Program, 3:30pm, Opening Orchestral Program with the Texas Festival Orchestra at 8:00pm, in-dividual or season tickets available, Festi-val Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

June 13, 20, 27Visitor Center of Historic IndependenceThe restored “Adobe House” Visitor Cen-ter is now open in historic Independence weekends through July, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm, T.S. Saul Street off FM 390 (just east of FM 50) in Independence.

June 15, 17Basic Level QuickbooksTwo-part course with certified instructor, Shirley Beum, for those with limited or no experience on Quickbooks, class size lim-ited, $60 pre-payment, 6-9:30pm, Bullock Building, College Street at Prairie Lea, Blinn College, Brenham (979-830-4137, www.blinn.edu/sbdc).

June 1540th Annual International Festival-InstituteYoung Persons Concert-Texas Festival Or-chestra, Emilio Colón, Conductor, James VanDemark, narrator, 11am, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

First Step Luncheon by Hospice Brazos ValleyA monthly grief support luncheon to learn healthy grieving methods encouraging comfort and hope, bring a covered dish to share, beverages provided, 11am-1pm, third Tuesday of every month, free, Hos-pice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd., Brenham (979-277-9525, www.hospice-brazosvalley.com).

June 16, 23Beyond Grief at Hospice Brazos ValleyA 6-week educational support series for adults who have lost a loved one six months ago or more, learn how grief affects you and how to move forward, 3-4:30pm, free, registration required, United Methodist Church, 234 Masonic, Bellville through June 23 (979-277-9525, [email protected]).

June 16-1740th Annual International Festival-InstituteMaster Classes with Gregory Fulkerson, violin (16th) and Hillary Herndon, viola (17th), 1:30pm each day, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

June 17Friends of Bluebonnet OpryMusic food and entertainment every 3rd Thursday of the month, food served at 6pm, show starts at 7:30pm, $5 admission do-nated to Hospice, Silver Wings Ballroom, 4100 Hwy 105, Brenham (979-836-4347).

Movie in the ParkBring your blankets and lawn chairs, enjoy “Charlotte’s Web “ sponsored by the City of Brenham Recreation Department, Blue-bonnet Electric, Germania Insurance and TFE Company. Concessions open. Hohlt Park on Hwy. 36 North in Brenham, 10 minutes after sunset, free.

June 18WCHJA Fireman’s Park ConcertWashington County Historical Juneteenth Association concert featuring Eugene Eu-gene, 8pm-12am, Fireman’s Park (979-836-9438).

June 19WCHJA Juneteenth “A New Beginning”Juneteenth Opening Ceremony at Court-house Square, 9:30am, parade at 10:30am, activities at noon at Fireman’s Park (979-836-9438).

A Call to Arms!Learn what life was like for Texian men in the Army leaving farm and family for the battlefield, see the clothing and equipment of a citizen soldier at Independence Hall, 11am-3pm, $5 adults, $3 student, regular tour fees apply, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (www.birthplaceoftex-as.com).

Choctaw Tales with Tim TingleStoryteller and author Tim Tingle brings the lore of the Choctaw Nation to life with traditional stories, singing, and perfor-mance on the Native American Flute and whale skin drum, joined by storyteller and writer Greg Rodgers, free with museum admission of $5 adults, $3 students, under 6 free, 1pm, Star of the Republic Museum Theater at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (www.starmuseum.org).

June 22Social Media & Business Networking SeminarHeld from 2-5pm, Hodde Tech Center on Hwy. 290 at S. Blue Bell Rd (979-830-4137, [email protected]).

40th Annual International Festival-InstituteMaster Class with Emilio Colón, cello, 1:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top.

June 2340th Annual International Festival-InstituteMaster Class with Frederico Agostini, violin, 1:30pm, Festival Hill, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top.

June 24Chamber Music with Young ArtistsFestival Hill at 7:30pm, Hwy 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top (www.festivalhill.org).

June 2540th Annual International Festival-InstitutePaul Hindenmith, Konzertmusik for Piano, Brass and Two Harps, Op.49, Lawrence Isaacson, conductor, 8pm, Round Top (979-249-3129, www.festivalhill.org).

June 26-27Aww Shucks!Explore corn and the benefits to man and beast, Barrington Living History Farm, 10am-5pm both days, $5 adult, $3 students,


What’s Happening in June

Chamber Members are Invited to

Advertise in this SpaceCall or e-mail us for more details!

(979) 836-3695 • [email protected]

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