Chamber Connection

The 3^rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest is officially under way!  Let me review the basics.  Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category.  The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest is open until August 31^st.  There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected].  Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website.  I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!

I have some more very exciting news!  The Chamber of Commerce is currently selling the first ever Hopkins County Christmas ornament.  It is the first in a series of ornaments and features the courthouse, our location in Texas, and beautiful magnolia blossoms representative of our trees downtown.  It is dated with the year, made with 24 karat gold, shatterproof, and VERY limited in number. They are quite beautiful and the perfect start to a rare collection. They are $40 each and literally flying out the door.  If you would like to purchase one, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515, or come by soon.

Just so you know… the Hopkins county Stew Contest is peering around the corner!  Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Cook-off.  There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber.  You will be asked to come in and sign an understanding agreement in regard to rules and expectations.  Deadline for volunteers is August 26^th.  Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will literally pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization.  Please call if you have any questions.

Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Dog Show on August 16^th at 6:30 p.m. Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Dog Show on Wednesday, August 16^th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  If you are a dog lover, you won’t want to miss this! You may also enter YOUR dog to compete in the show!  Show up by 6:00 p.m. and enter your pup on the runway.  Entry fee is 10 pounds of dog food.  Hopkins Place is located at 890 Camp Street in Sulphur Springs.

Reilly Springs Jamboree The Reilly Spring Jamboree will host a special concert on Saturday, August 18^th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet's "Gospel Side of Elvis" Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.

Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25^th The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license.  Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.

Texas A&M University – Commerce hosting fair Kick of your 2018-2019 recruiting year on Monday, August 27^th by attending this part-time job, internship, and community resource fair! Make Your Connection is part of Lion’s Roar Welcome Week activities where they introduce more than 500 students looking to get hired and be inspired! This is a great way for you to promote part-time jobs, internships, and community resources to TAMU-C students.  Each vendor will have a 6ft table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth. Promotional giveaways are strongly encouraged at your booth! However, the Residential Living and Learning Department requests that no candles and/or incense be given to on-campus residents. THIS IS A FREE EVENT - come hire and inspire a Lion. Please bring a prize/gift basket worth a minimum of $25.00 for a student raffle at the conclusion of the event. Contact Assistant Director Bethany Ferrall at 903.468.3212 or [email protected] with any questions. Additional information can be found at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/6330/employer_preview.

--Lezley