News

Blinn College is considering Giddings as a future location for offering college credit courses as well as courses toward professional certification. Your input is needed and will help influence the outcome. Blinn College would like to know the level of interest our community has in using and supporting such a facility. If Giddings can demonstrate substantial interest, the message would be clear.

We want Blinn College to have a presence in Giddings!

The first step is to fill out a survey indicating your level of interest in a local Blinn College facility. Mail or turn in the survey to one of the drop off locations listed below. Your response is appreciated!

Call 979-542-2854 to find out more or visit www.giddings.txed.net.

Drop Off Locations:

GISD Admin Office
GISD Campuses
Local Banks
Public Library
Chamber of Commerce

Good Morning,

The weather is beautiful today!  Enjoy the Fall temperatures while they last! 

Just wanted to bring you good news about our Texas economy according to Susan Combs.

Comptroller’s Economic Outlook

Updated November 2, 2012

Job growth, sales tax collections undefined both from business and consumer purchases undefined as well as automobile sales, signal that the Texas economy has emerged from the recent recession.

Another indicator that the state’s economy has been comparatively healthy was the U.S. Census Bureau report that Texas added more people (421,000) than any other state from 2010 to 2011.  Although Texas has only 8 percent of the nation’s population, the state added nearly 19 percent of the nation’s population growth for the year.

By December 2011, Texas employers replaced all 427,600 jobs shed during the recession as our economy rebounded more quickly than the U.S. as a whole, and continues to add jobs. Nationally, through August 2012 only 48 percent of recession-hit jobs have been recovered.

Texas and the nation returned to economic growth in 2010 and 2011.  In 2011, Texas real gross domestic product grew by 2.4 percent, compared with 1.6 percent GDP growth for the nation.

Jobs

•·        The U.S. added 171,000 nonfarm jobs in October 2012. The U.S. unemployment rate was 7.9 percent for October 2012, up from 7.8 percent in September. Between October 2011 and October 2012, U.S. total nonfarm employment increased 1.5 percent.

•·        Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 21,000 jobs during September 2012. Between September 2011 and September 2012, Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 2.5 percent.

•·        The Texas unemployment rate was 6.8 percent for September 2012.

•·        The Texas unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for 69 consecutive months.

Housing

•·        Thus far, Texas has weathered the national real estate crunch without significant damage to property values.

•·        A total of 5,827 building permits for single-family homes were issued in September 2012. In the 12 months ending in September 2012, a total of 71,682 permits were issued, 19 percent more than in the previous year.

•·        There were 3,575 multi-family building permits issued in September 2012. During the 12 months ending in September 2012, a total of 48,447 permits were issued, 82 percent more than in the previous year.

•·        In September 2012, there were 19,268 sales of existing single-family homes, an increase of -21percent over the previous month but 9.1 percent more than in September 2011.

•·        The median sale price for an existing single-family home was $159,000 in September 2012, 6.9 percent higher than a year ago.

•·        In September 2012, the Texas home foreclosure rate was one in every 1,336 mortgages.

•·        This was substantially better than Florida's one in 318, California's one in 361, Arizona's one in 398, and Georgia's one in 532.

Consumer Confidence Index

•·        The U.S. consumer confidence index was 70.3 in September 2012, up from 61.3 in August 2012.

•·        The Texas region’s consumer confidence index was 77.8 in September 2012, up 4 percent from August 2012, and 12 percent higher than one year ago.

Oil and Natural Gas

•·        Oil and natural gas production tax collections for fiscal 2012 were 41 percent higher than collections during 2011.

•·        After reaching a record high closing price of $145.29 per barrel in July 2008 then falling to a low of $33.98 during February 2009, crude oil futures reached a settle price of $87.09 on Nov. 1, 2012.

•·        Natural gas futures prices reached a summer 2008 high of $13.58 per MMBtu then fell to a low of $2.51 in September 2009. Subsequently, the price rebounded through the end of 2009 but has trended downward since then, closing at $3.70 on Nov. 2, 2012.

Taxes

•·        Texas state sales tax receipts for September 2012 were 11.6 percent higher than for September 2011.

•·        Fiscal 2012 state sales tax receipts were 12.6 percent higher than for fiscal 2011, following a 9.4 percent increase in fiscal 2011.

•·        Sales tax collections have increased for 30 consecutive months (year-over-year), boosted by strong business spending in the oil/natural gas and manufacturing sectors, and to a lesser extent by retail sales activity.

•·        Texas motor vehicle sales and rental tax collections for September 2012 were up 11.6 percent from September 2011.

•·        The nationwide average core transaction price for a new car or truck during the first 15 days of August 2012 rose 7.8 percent to $32,181 from the first 15 days of August 2011.

•·        For the first 15 days of August 2012, total national new auto sales were 469,750 units, up 11.6 percent compared to first 15 days of August 2011.

•·        Nationally, leases accounted for 27.2 percent of all new vehicle sales for the first 15 days of August 2012, an increase of 7.4 percent from the first 15 days of August 2011.

Stimulus Package

•·        In Texas, an estimated $18 billion in federal stimulus money is flowing to state and local governments. The Comptroller’s office is tracking the $14.3 billion that comes through the state Treasury. The Comptroller’s analysis is ongoing. For the latest information, visit our ARRA Web site, A Texas Eye on the Dollars.

 

IN OTHER NEWS AROUND THE AREA-

 

• •·       November 10^th- Bryan Titman Benefit Bulls & Barrels at the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Covered Arena, tickets are $5 for adults(12 & under Free).  Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Live & Silent Auctions, for Donations, Sponsorships, & Auctions will benefit Bryan’s medical expenses from broken hip and pelvic bone.
• •·       November 10^th – St. Mark’s Monte Carlo Night at K. C. Hall in LaGrange. Tickets are $75. Doors open 6pm.
• •·       November 11^th – Veteran’s Day
• •·       November 12^th – The Chamber office will be closed.
• •·       November 15^th – Diabetes Awareness Walk at Giddings Buffalo Stadium from 6-8pm.
•  

See you in the NEIGHBORHOOD!  Remember to shop at home to support local businesses so they can continue to support the many, local community events that we all love to attend!

 

Greetings,

We had a great Chamber Networking Luncheon Friday and heard from several business owners and community leaders about why Giddings is doing great!  Hope you can come to our next Chamber Luncheon in January!

This weekend should be interesting for businesses along Hwy 290.  Opening of deer season is tomorrow, the races start Friday night in Paige, and the Giddings Buffaloes will challenge Smithville at Buffalo Stadium. 

BUSY, Busy, Busy! That is all we can say about that!

Hope you have a truly wonderful weekend.  See you in the neighborhood!

Upcoming Events

Monday, Nov. 5
11:00am - Giddings Economic Development Corporation in Council Chambers
5:30pm - Country Music Monday at GHS Cafetorium
7:00pm - City Council Meeting in Council Chambers

Tuesday, Nov. 6
7am-7pm - Election Day
7am-7pm - Mop & Broom Sale at Classic Bank benefiting the Noon Lions Club
9am-1pm - Election Day Coffee & Plant Sale at Eleanor’s Cottage benefiting the Giddings Garden Club

Friday, Nov. 9
10am - Dime Box Schools will welcome Governor Rick Perry

Saturday, Nov. 10
6:00pm - 7th Annual Monte Carlo Nite benefiting St. Mark’s Medical Center at the K.C. Hall, LaGrange

Monday, Nov. 12- Holiday - Veteran’s Day

Wednesday, Nov. 14
6-8pm - Juvenile Diabetes Walk at Buffalo Stadium. The community is invited!

Saturday, Nov. 17
7-11am - Sips & Sweets at 290 Grind

Sunday, Nov. 18
10am - 5pm - Christmas Merry Marketplace Arts & Crafts Show at the Lee County Youth Center

Greetings,

It is nice and cool outside, beautiful Fall weather.  We are noticing decorations around town and lots of Halloween events coming up this week.

We have several community reminders for you-

• 
  
• Early Voting Start 22 Oct 2012  8:00 AM End 02 Nov 2012  5:00 PM Location Giddings Public Library, 276 N. Orange St. Early Voting. October 22-November 2, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm at the Giddings Public Library, 276 N. Orange Street, On election day voters must vote in their precinct where they are registered to vote. The Giddings Times & News has more information in their Wed Oct 10th paper.
• 
  
• Immanuel Lutheran Fall Festival When 31 Oct 2012  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location Immanuel Lutheran Church on Hwy 77 Immanuel Lutheran Fall Festival at the ILS Gym. Wednesday, Oct 31, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Games, candy, costume parade, cake walk, full concession stand with pizza and hotdogs & popcorn and cotton candy. Come for a fun evening in a safe, positive environment. Ring Toss - Treasure Hunt - Basketball Throw - Wheel of Fortune - Cake Walk - Golf Putting - Plinko - Bean Bag Toss.  2 blocks north of Hwy 290 on Hwy 77. Sponsored by Immanuel PTL and our great business friends. Thank you!

• Fall Festival - 31 Oct 2012  5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location First Baptist Church, Giddings Fall Festival at the First Baptist Church in Giddings, Wednesday, Oct 31- 5:30pm-7:30pm   >>>> Inflatables - horse rides - hayrides - s'mores - food - trick or treats!   It's free! Come on out and join us on Halloween night.
•  
• CHAMBER NETWORKING LUNCHEONS RETURN! We will meet at Los Patrones from 11:30 to 1pm.  Bring your business cards and brochures or information about your business.  Come hear the latest on business growth in our community. Lunch is $10 per person.  We meet in the private dining hall.  Call or email to reserve your seat.
•  
  
• Chili Supper - Giddings Noon Lions, 02 Nov 2012, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Giddings High School Cafeteria
• 
  
• Giddings Noon Lions Club Chili Supper, Friday, November 2, 2012, at the Giddings High School Cafeteria. Serving begins at 4:30pm til 7:15pm. Take-out orders available. Proceeds to benefit GHS Scholarship Funds and other local needs.
• Ticket price $6.00

The Giddings Food Pantry Celebrated it’s 8^th year of service to families in the Giddings Area during September.  The Food Pantry, which incorporated as a non-profit Corporation under the name Giddings Area CARE Center, currently distributes free food to over 325 families per month.  During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season the Food Pantry is able to distribute 10 lbs of Chicken leg quarters to each family in addition to the regular food assistance, as a special Holiday gift.

• ·         The Food pantry operates 2 weekends per month, the 2^nd Friday/Saturday weekend and the 4^th Friday /Sat Weekend.
• ·         On the 2^nd Friday/Saturday weekend of the month doors open at 7:30 am for folks to get canned goods, dry foods, fresh fruit and vegetables and bread and pastries.

• ·         On the 4^th Friday door open at 1pm for Free Produce.

• ·         On the 4^th Saturday doors open at 730 am for folks over 50 years of age to get shelf stable food.

The Food Pantry operates thanks to generous donations from the citizens and businesses of the Giddings Area.   

The Food Pantry is located at 190 N Harris is always welcomes VOLUNTEER HELP and monetary donations.

Greetings,

We want you to see our newest addition to the Museum collection!  Calvin & Brennice Koether are so kind to donate their Southern Pacific Railroad items to the museum.  We are going to honor them with a ROOTIN’ TOOTIN” ROOT BEER FLOAT party!  Jonathan Socha is providing us with some good ole Triple X Root Beer and I will go get some Blue Bell!  

It will be great to see him with his train at the Union Station Transportation Museum. Calvin worked on the railroad for many, many years.  He would love to see you!

GIDDINGS

THE DEPOT CAPITAL of TEXAS

 

Friends of the Depot-Giddings, Texas

& The Giddings Chamber of Commerce

 

Invite you to the

Union Station Transportation Museum for

Triple XXX Root Beer Floats!

 

October 23, 2012 at 2PM

289 W. Railroad Ave.

 

We are going to have a Rootin’ Tootin’ good time!

Come see the Calvin Koether Collectible Train.

Greetings,

Reminders about the upcoming events this week.

Upcoming event information:
Early Voting begins  - Date: 22 Oct 2012 8:00 AM

Early Voting
October 22-November 2, Monday through Friday
8:00am-5:00pm

Chocolate Lover’s Festival will be held in downtown Lexington on Saturday, Oct. 20^th. Check out their website for more details. www.lexingtontexas.com

Lexington Chamber of Commerce invites you to Lexington, Texas for its eighth annual Chocolate Lovers Festival which will be held Downtown on the Square on Saturday, Oct. 20. The theme of the day will be – Chocolate in all its forms.

No admission fee for the Chocolate Lovers Festival. Small charges for Chocolate Alley, where you can sample and purchase a variety of chocolate goodies; kids games (Plinko, Slip & Slide, Bounce House), and other activities. For more information, reply to this email or call 979-773-4337 or 979-773-9100.

All the wonderful things that happen in this community can be attributed to small business owners, civic organizations, local shoppers and travelers that pass through Giddings on their way somewhere else. These groups and individuals are what drives our economy.  Each is completely dependent and interdependent upon the other. The ripple effect of how each one affects the other is amazing. 

We support local businesses, so they can support the civic organizations, so they can support those in need. 

Small Businesses are the engine that drive the economy. Keeping our shopping dollars local helps our community, our State and our Country!

There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.
Sam Walton    

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_business.html#w0JKlYX5E6osgEZz.99

Greetings,

There is great news to share with you this week. 

WE ARE FINALLY GOING TO BE FEATURED IN TEXAS HIGHWAYS! Praise God!

There will be some that say that Giddings is an overnight success… well the ten years of hard work that go into making and overnight success can tell you it has been a challenging road.

However, the reporter was escorted on a full day of discovery and we should see something around April or May.  Print takes time so magazines usually have a two to six month story lead.

I don’t care which issue as long as the tell our story!

Next cool thing is that we had a Japanese film crew staying in Giddings on Friday the 12th. They had originally planned to shoot a bit at the calf roping on Saturday but something came up and they had to cancel. However, we did send some visitor packages to their hotel full of great information about our town as well as a few goodies to welcome them. The Japanese love all things Texas; they know about Giddings and no doubt they'll find reasons to return the next time they want to film about Texas smalltown life.

Remember we have your "Yes! I Built This Business" sign! Show your STRIPES!  Let me know how many you want!

Greetings,

Our community, especially our Chamber member Board of Directors decided to raise the red, white and blue at their places of business to let the world know that small businesses are the engine the powers our community, our state and our country! It is our obligation as Chambers of Commerce to rally our business owners and let them know that we understand their concern and we applaud their efforts!

Too many people, groups and organizations have chosen the path of least resistance and to not "anger" the public.  I am sorry but if we do not start stepping forward for our small business owners and making a difference, they will close their doors and go home. 

Our biggest concern at the Chamber is that necessary tax measures may not get passed in time and other government programs may go through that will strangle every mom & pop business in America.  I am afraid they will make the decision to close the doors before they have to give every dime they make to the government for taxes and fees. 

It is horrible to think of the ripple effect that this will cause across every small town in America!  I can do the math and the ramifications are apocalyptic.

Our community is proud to Show Their Stripes! at their place of business.  Your cover says vote for jobs, but the real more important issue is we must vote for entrepreneurs, mom & pops, and every business owner that employees someone! 

In the future we must remember to elect only people who have owned a business, paid a payroll and worried about customers, community or employees before they serve in any office.

Yours in service to my community,

Denice Harlan, Executive Director

Greetings,

Take time from your busy schedule to drop by some of these great events!  You will meet new people, make new connections and develop wonderful business relationships when you spend time networking.

See you in the neighborhood!

Thursday – Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Parkside Apartments at 3:30pm. Meet owner/operator Malcolm Fleet and take a tour of this newly renovated property. The apartments are located right next to Veteran’s Park on North Joekel Street.

Saturday – Golf Tournament at Giddings Municipal Golf Course, benefiting the Beau Diddle Scholarship Fund.

**********************************************************************

We are pleased to have the “Yes! I Built This Business!” signs available at the Chamber office.  They come in 12x18 Coroplast for $10 and in the 3x6in sticker for $1.50, for your desktop or notebook.  We will have them for a limited time.  Let us know how many you would like and we will deliver them with the wire to your place of business.

Quote for the day - The father of electronic gaming, Nolan Bushnell, invented Pong, then founded Atari with a $500 budget in 1972 and sold it to Times Warner four years later for $28 million. As of 1998, Bushnell had founded 18 companies, including popular chain restaurant empire Chuck E. Cheese. His thoughts on entrepreneur motivation and success: "The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."

Have a great week!