It has been a busy, quiet week for the chamber. Most of our efforts now are getting ready for the car show, scheduled for June 13 and 14. We’ve enjoyed the last couple of chamber luncheons at Badlands Smokehouse. Those in attendance have included Steve Clinkenbeard, Chance Clinkenbeard, Mark Young, Tonya Cooper, Denise Bain, Sara Dunlap, Mike and Bette Bradley, Jerry Jackson, and his brother, Tobby, and myself.

Much of our discussion has centered around what we can do to help clean up our downtown area. We have some buildings that are falling down, burnt out, or basically abandoned, waiting for someone to buy or lease it.

The economic growth and building up of the town’s tax base depends on viable businesses coming to downtown. Appeal to do this depends on first cleaning up some of the problems we have. This of course, is easier said then done, because in many cases financial support and conditions are a challenge.

Steve Clinkenbeard agreed to check with the Town Council regarding what ordinances might be able to be enforced, to aid in the cleanup of some of these buildings. The chamber would be willing to write a letter, requesting some action be taken, if that were required. We obviously don’t want to step on any toes, but it is hard to sit back and watch our town continue to decay, with no action being taken.

Additionally, Mark Young brought up the possibility of a chamber-sponsored golf match, perhaps during May. I will contact Cliff Garrett at Pecan Valley Golf Course and see what we can do.

We are happy to announce two new chamber memberships: Olde Towne Business Services and the Old Fort Women’s Club. Olde Towne Business Services, operated by Stacy Cole and Ken Turner, is located at 108 W. Poplar and also work in conjunction with School-A-Tronics, operated by Bob Coulson. Locally, Olde Towne Business Services produced the publication, “Olde Towne Trader.” This free publication includes not only business advertisements, but free classified ads as well. Along with the trader, they operate “Mail & Copy Plus,” which produces business cards, flyers, posters, and announcements. They can also help you with shipping, laminating and binding. Their phone number is 478-3929. Check them out.

We are also happy to announce that the Old Fort Women’s Club has joined the chamber. These ladies are involved in a lot of the projects and events that go on in our town, and usually they do it without much recognition or fanfare. The chamber is proud to have them on board and look forward to utilizing their talents. Club president is Laura Gotcher, vice president is Carolyn Highers, secretary is Paula Foster, and treasurer is Betty Martin. If you want more information or are interested in becoming a member, contact Laura at 478-3303, or Paula at 478-3334.

As a reminder, our weekly Chamber luncheon will move to Fajita Rita’s for the month of April. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend these casual luncheons. They are held weekly, at 11:30 on Thursdays. We appreciate the hospitality of Badlands Smokehouse for our luncheons in March. See you at Fajita Rita’s in April. Bring a friend.

Regarding the car show, letters requesting sponsorships/donations were mailed out this week, as well as the invitations and contracts to vendors. It takes a lot of support to bring the car show and all its activities to life, and we are hoping that response to our requests for financial help will be positive. Not only will participating sponsors be announced throughout the show, on newspaper spots before the event, but they will also get their names on the back of the “Official Burnout/Kruise/Loud Pipe Contest T-shirt.” This promises to be a T-shirt that everyone will want to own.

If you are interested in being part of this great annual event in our town, please contact Gary Perkins at the chamber: 478-4780 or 577-2069. You can also contact any of the car show committee, which includes: Bobby Harris, Jerry Harris, David Morgan, Dustin Morgan, Scott and Sandy Atkinson, and Gary and Kathy Perkins. Your help and support is needed and appreciated.