Chamber Blog

  • Great Learning Opportunities Ahead

    1/9/20124:47:43 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    Greetings,

    We hope you are enjoying the New Year so far!  We believe this is going to be an amazing year for businesses.  We also believe that having a positive outlook makes a huge difference in how you feel about your customers.

    “It is not your customer's job to remember you. It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don't have the chance to forget you.”
    - Patricia Fripp

    Taxpayer Seminars
    January 2012

    The Texas Comptroller's office offers sales & use tax seminars across the state throughout the year. New taxpayers are especially encouraged to attend these overviews of tax responsibilities for buyers, sellers, and service providers. The seminars are free and no registration is required.

    The attendees set the pace of the seminars so bring all of your questions concerning tax rules, updates, forms, and procedures.

    Visit our Agency Calendar of Seminars and Workshops for a summary of all seminars and workshops offered by the Comptroller's office throughout the year.

    The Texas Comptroller's office can provide special seminars for organizations who request them. Just write the manager at the Texas Comptroller's office in your area.

    Contact the Texas Comptroller's office in your area for more information.

    Giddings

    01/11/2012
    Wednesday

      1:00 p.m. - 
      3:00 p.m.

    Giddings Public Library
    276 North Orange Street
    Giddings, Texas 78942

    Bryan Field Office
    979-776-5200

     

     

     

    Tuesday, January 24th at 11:30 a.m.

    Giddings Public Library , 276 North Orange

    Instructor, Craig Krause, will show how your results can be improved by training your memory. Specifically, we will interactively cover:

    • What your customers want you to know
    • Steps on reducing stress
    • Generating more referrals, repeat business, confidence & credibility
    • Having an instant recall of client’s names

    Join us as we kick off the year with some great seminars and training programs for you and your business.

  • HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

    12/29/20119:57:28 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    Greetings!

    As we put away all of the wonderful and challenging parts of 2011, let us be thankful for all of our blessings! Let’s ring in the New Year with happy hearts and open minds. 2012 Promises to open new doors if we work hard and are diligent.  You must continue to support local businesses so that they can continue to support the local economy with payrolls, property taxes and caring contributions to our causes. It is up to us, the small business community to meet with our local officials so they are aware of our needs. Keep up the good work and we will see you in 2012!

  • Christmas at the Chamber - Open House & Wreaths!

    12/19/20113:47:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    Giddings Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House & Business After Hours Mixer
    December 20th - 10am-6pm

    Please join us for our Christmas Open House!  We will have refreshments throughout the day.

    Our Business After Hours Mixer will give our Chamber Members a chance to network once more before the holidays! Bring a pocketful of business cards and one for the door prize basket.  You will want to stop by the Chamber office!  We always have a great time!

    There is also a wonderful raffle going on that helps the Friends of the Depot.  You can purchase a chance to win one of the original Depot Doors Ice Boxes.  There are only two available plus several other railroad items in the raffle. These unique items will make a great Christmas gift for the Railroad enthusiast in your family. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. They are available at the Chamber office or at “It’s All Good”.  Call the Chamber for more info-979-542-3455

    T BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CHRISTMAS WREATH FUNDRAISER NEWS T

    Good news on our Wreath Fundraiser! WE HAVE almost FIFTY-50! wreaths to auction on Tuesday, December 20th and it is still NOT TOO LATE to donate a wreath for the auction.

    Thursday afternoon was spent gathering, tagging, hanging and judging the ones that we have at the DEPOT now and we do have some amazing wreaths to sell. WE also have several other items to auction, including a FRAMED TEXAS Flag from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.

     SO Bring any other items you wish to auction to benefit the BGC to the Chamber Depot office by 5:00 on Monday and we will get them ready to sell. (don’t have to be Christmas, whatever you think is fine...poinsettias....art work.....you name it and we will auction it!)

    PLEASE help support this wonderful effort and be present on Tuesday anytime from 12-6 to support, fellowship and BID on wreaths. Auction closes at 6:00pm.

    SEE YOU then and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all from the Boys & Girls Club of Giddings & Lee County!

    Merry Christmas to you!

  • Cowgirl Christmas from New Member- Texas Boot Company

    12/15/201110:47:55 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    It’s a Cowgirl Christmas! 
     
    Round up your girlfriends and mosey on down to The Texas Boot Company for a night of fun, food, and holiday shopping on Thursday, December 15th from 7 p.m. until the cows come home!
    Featuring: 
    • Live music from The Peterson Brothers Band
    • Trunk shows from Gypsy Soule, Old Gringo & Ranch West
    • Margaritas from Gran Jubileo Tequila & delicious treats from The Cupcake Bar & Old World Bakery
    • Gift bags, Prizes, drawing for a pair of Old Gringo boots and much more!
     
    The Texas Boot Company . 733 Old Austin Hwy  .  Bastrop, TX  .  512-332-0865 . texasbootcompany.com
  • More December Activities and Events

    12/9/20114:37:25 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

     NOT too late to submit your wreath to the Chamber to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Call 979-542-2134, email dborsag@gmail.com or stop by the Chamber! Silent Auction at the DEPOT on Dec. 20th, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.

    ·        First National Bank Christmas Open House - Monday, December 12, 2011

    Schedule of Events
    Immanuel Early Childhood Center – Pre - K 4                     9:00                  
    Immanuel Lutheran School – 2nd grade                  9:30               
    Tiny Dreamers Child Care & Learning Center        10:00  
    Giddings Elementary School – 3rd grade                10:45
    Joseph and Esteban Lopez                                      11:45
    St. Paul Lutheran School – 5th and 6th grades             1:30

    ·        Giddings All Band Christmas Concert & Chili Dinner , Monday, December 12th.  Chili Dinner 5-7.  Concert at 7.  GHS Cafetorium.

    ·        Christmas Open House and Ribbon Cutting at H & R Block, December 13th at 10am, located at 761 E. Austin. Meet Bill Dodd, new owner of our local H & R Block, located in the former Bridal Shop building. Bill recently joined our Chamber! You can contact him at 979-542-4116.

    ·        Thursday, Dec. 15th – Join our community is celebrating Curtis Urban as he begins retirement from Urban, Thielemann, Oltmann & Herms, LLP from 4-6pm at Giddings Public Library Community Room.

    ·        Sunday, Dec. 18th – The Chancel Choir of the United Methodist Church of Giddings will host “God With Us” A Christmas Cantata at 3pm. All are welcome! 279 E. Monroe.

    ·        Blood Drive, Monday, December 19th benefiting the Jimmy and Frank Thacker from 9am to 3pm at the Giddings Public Library. Call for an appointment, 979-540-8965. The MD Anderson Blood Bank Center will be here.

    ·        Christmas Open House at the Chamber Office, December 20th from 10am until 6pm in the Red Depot.  We will have snacks and refreshments all day. The Friends of the Depot will hold a Raffle Drawing at 5:30 for the Depot Ice Boxes and other Railroad Items.  There will also be a Silent Auction all day for the Boys & Girls Club of Giddings & Lee County.  The Christmas Wreath Celebration will host its final day.  Vote for your favorite wreath!

    ·        Lights of Tejas are open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at dark.  This year they are excited to have over 1 million lights! Located at Camp Tejas north of Giddings.

    ·        Ledbetter Lane of Lights are glowing brightly along Hwy 290.  Just head east on Hwy 290 about 6 miles every Friday & Saturday until Christmas to enjoy another great family activity.  From 6-9pm. $6 per person. 

    The Chamber is pleased to announce two new members to our Chamber community –

    Ø  Texas Boot Company located in Bastrop recently joined the Chamber.  Owner Marc Conselman has been busy building his business over in Bastrop.  He wants to welcome our community to come into his store and see the over 7000 pairs of boots, men’s & women’s western apparel, hats and home décor. Call to find your special gift items at 512-332-0865.

    Ø  Lee County Recycling Company Inc. is a full service recycling facility offering retail and walk-in service. They will also be able to handle industrial container services.  Owner Rick Ringstaff is available to answer your questions at 979-542-7210, Mon-Fri from 8am-5pm and on Saturday from 8-12noon.

    ¶Raffle tickets are still available from the Chamber of Commerce or at It’s All Good for the Depot Doors Ice Boxes and other Railroad Memorabilia! The drawing will be held on Dec. 20th at the Chamber Open House.

    Follow us on Facebook to keep up to the minute on all the activities going on in the community. Check out all the cool stuff to do on the weekends. We also want to let folks know about your small business specials.  We are here to help you grow your business!

    PS – check out our new QR code! So excited to be joining the techies!
    ALSO…  Good Luck to the LEXINGTON EAGLES in the Playoffs!

  • Remember to Buy your Railroad Raffle Tickets!

    12/5/20114:38:57 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    Merry Christmas!
    We want to keep you informed of all the great activities that are being planned for the next several weeks. Let us know of dates and times of upcoming events that you would like the community to be aware of during the next several weeks. 

    - Monday, Dec. 5th - Country Music Monday-Lone Star Opry is always the first Monday of each month at the Giddings High School Cafetorium. Doors open at 5:30 and the show starts at 7:30pm. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Giddings.

    - Tuesday, Dec. 6th - Christmas Open House at Round Top State Bank from 9am-3pm. Music and refreshments available. The Christmas Llamas will make an appearance.

    - Tuesday, Dec. 6th - The 26th Annual Christmas Musical at First United Methodist Church at 7pm. Sponsored by the Giddings Study Club. 

    - Thursday, Dec. 8th - Community Blood Drive at Immanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall from 8:30am to 2pm. Eat a meal before you give blood and bring your ID.

    - Thursday, Dec. 8th - Christmas Open House at Giddings Physical Therapy from 8:30-11am. Music and refreshments will be available. 

    - Friday, Dec. 9th - Christmas Open House at the Giddings Public Library from 10am to 4pm. Book Signing by Caleb Pirtle III. Christmas Carols by all daycares. 

    - Friday, Dec. 9th - Christmas Open House at Classic Bank from 9am to 3pm. Music and refreshments will be available. 

    Raffle tickets are still available from the Chamber of Commerce or at It's All Good for the Depot Doors Ice Boxes and other Railroad Memorabilia! The drawing will be held on Dec. 20th at the Chamber Open House.

  • Ho-Ho Holidays

    11/30/201110:02:23 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

     

    Here's some more great activities to add to your lists!

    ·       Thursday, Dec. 1st - Christmas Open House at Ashley’s Attic from 10-6pm.                       

    ·       Friday, Dec. 2nd – Christmas Open House at Citizens National Bank from 9am – 3pm. There will be music and refreshments available. The public is invited.

    ·       Saturday, Dec. 3rd - Annual Blue Santa Christmas Auction at Circle W Restaurant starts at 5pm.  Auction items can be donated to Lee County Sheriff Dept. or to Circle W.

    ·       Tuesday, Dec. 6th - Christmas Open House at Round Top State Bank from 9am-3pm. Music and refreshments available.  The Christmas Llamas will make an appearance.

    ·       Thursday, Dec. 8th - Community Blood Drive at Immanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall from 9am to 2pm. Eat a meal before you give blood and bring your ID.

    ·       Thursday, Dec. 8th – Christmas Open House at Giddings Physical Therapy from 8:30-11am. Music and refreshments will be available. 

    ·       Friday, Dec. 9th - Christmas Open House at the Giddings Public Library from 10am to 4pm.

    ·       Friday, Dec. 9th - Christmas Open House at Classic Bank from 9am to 3pm. Music and refreshments will be available.

    Follow us on Facebook to keep up to the minute on all the activities going on in the community. We also want to let folks know about your small business specials.  We are here to help you grow your business!

    Members, tell us if you plan on keeping your business open late to accommodate shoppers!

  • 7/20/201111:17:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Giddings Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Lee County and the City of Giddings were featured in the CNN article by Thom Patterson, "Welcome to Little America." After a study, CNN determined that Lee County most closely matches the ethnic makeup of America, thus awarding us the title of Little America.

    Giddings is featured prominently in the article, which includes spots on The City Meat Market, Sharon & Gerald Birkelbach, Lucy Liu & the Ramada Inn, Mel's Diner, Joel Lopez & the Lopez Auto Clinic, councilman Fred Jones, Faye Islet & the It's All Good Cafe. Others that made mention were the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Texas Wendish Heritage Museum and the Buffalos.

 

It's official! The Chamber is blogging about all the things that are great about Giddings!
Your business profile is a great place for you to post your own blog or just add your website address so visitors to our website can find you. If you do not have a website- NOW IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER GETTING ONE! Today more than ever the consumer is searching the internet first before they head out to shop. You can find and buy a domain name at many of the website resellers or even GoDaddy.com.
We held our first website seminar last week at Citizens National Bank in their community room for our Chamber members. Each member has a website profile that gives the basic information about that member. Our instructor, Adrian Hurtado of Levelfield, gave out some great advice on how to increase sales just by having a web presence. For as little as $10 per year you can own a domain name and drive customers to you website located on the Chamber website. That is one way to help customers find you quickly and easily.
Adrian is always willing to help us learn to use our web profiles better. Let us know if you are interested in attending a class. We will have one in the near future.
Just a reminder! We have our Giddings Area Tourism Council meeting on Tuesday, September 22nd at Noon at City Hall in Council Chambers. All businesses are encouraged to come with ideas and suggestions for the upcoming holiday season. Our friends and neighbors decide where they spend their hard earned dollars. Let's invite them to spend them in Giddings with a great Shop Local promotion. We will see you there. Bring your lunch.
Experience Hometown Hospitality!
 
Levelfield Website Designs