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Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches, Texas

shopnacfirst — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:27:55 +0000

The fourth Lone Star Legislative Summit is set for February 15 and 16 in Nacogdoches, Texas. (Click here for registration info and agenda.)
The event kicks off with the Lone Star Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hotel Fredonia.
Summit sessions begin with an early breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 16 on the second floor of the Stephen F. Austin State University Student Center and run through the afternoon. Topics include Jobs and the Economy, Education, Healthcare and Natural Resources.
Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst will speak on legislative opportunities at the event’s luncheon.
Rep. Wayne Christian will welcome fellow legislators attending the event to his ‘home territory.’ Rep. Christian’s District 10 includes Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine, Sabine and Jasper Counties.
Dr. Evan Koenig, vice president and senior policy advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, has been invited to bring an update on Jobs and the Economy.
New this year is a presidential election panel, featuring journalists and academic experts. Red River Radio’s Kate Archer Kent will moderate a panel that includes the Houston Chronicle’s Patti Hart, Dr. George C. Edwards III, University Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University, and Dr. Ken Collier, associate professor of government at SFA.
County Commissioners can earn Continuing Education Units up to 5.75 hours by attending the Summit.
The healthcare discussion will be moderated by State Senator Robert Nichols and will include State Representative Chuck Hopson, Denise Rose with the Texas Hospital Association and Thomas Suehs, head of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
The panelists will discuss how changes in Medicare and Medicaid will affect East Texans.
Rep. Hopson’s District 11 currently includes Panola, Rusk Cherokee and Houston counties. In the 82nd Legislature he served on the Human Services and Natural Resources committees. Senator Nichols’ District 3 covers 16 East Texas counties. He is a former TxDOT Commissioner and sits on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Health and Human Services and Nominations committees. He also serves on the Sunset Advisory Commission.
The Public Education panel includes State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, former Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Moses, attorney David Thompson and lobbyist David Anderson. Lufkin ISD Superintendent Roy Knight will moderate. Aycock serves District 54 which includes Lampasas, Burnet and Bell counties. He sits on the Appropriations, Public Education and Redistricting committees. Moses is senior educational advisor for Raise Your Hand Texas and the Center for Reform of School Systems. He was superintendent of Dallas, Lubbock, LaMarque and Tatum.
The Natural Resources panel will be moderated by David Alders of Nacogdoches. Rep. James White will join Jerry Clark, executive vice president of the Sabine River Authority and David Blackmon with the El Paso Corporation on the panel. Blackmon will give an overview of the oil and gas industry in Texas. Rep. White serves on the County Affairs and Corrections committees. His District 12 covers Angelina, San Jacinto, Trinity and Tyler Counties. An agribusinessman, Mr. Alders serves on the East Texas Region I Water Planning Group for the Texas Water Development Board.
Cost for the Wednesday reception is $25. Thursday breakfast is $15 and luncheon is $25. A combination registration for all ticketed events is only $50.
The event is produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Norbord.
Check www.nacogdoches.org to register online, and to see updates on the above information.

Shop Nac First for the Holidays!

shopnacfirst — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:15:14 +0000

Shop local and enjoy the benefits in Nacogdoches, Texas!
Read all about the contest here!

Holiday Tips for Retailers

downtownnac — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:35:49 +0000

By Margie Johnson
Make the holidays extra special for your clients this season. Create and manage the momentum in your store through a combination of special events, visual enhancements, community ties, special services, and an enthusiastic staff! Create a “buzz” to assure your clients that shopping at your business will be fun and hassle-free.
Here are some stellar holiday-season starters that are low-cost and easy to implement:
• Start with a kick-off-the-holiday party for the staff. Use this as an opportunity to communicate the marketing strategies, ads, public relations, etc., to which your business is committed.
• Play up the value of shopping at your store, i.e., create some “economic stimulus sale items” or create groups of price-point items by clustering them by price tiers, i.e., $5, $10, $15, $20, etc.
• Have a selection of “grab-and-go” pre-wrapped items to assist time-starved customers.
• Make the store appeal to all the senses through smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste. Think of how you can elaborate on each sense.
• Entertain children waiting in the Santa line by using videos, arts/crafts projects, etc.
• Advertise early shopper programs. Next year, get started with early shopper programs even before Thanksgiving.
• Hire runners and/or doormen to help people get their packages to their cars.
• Give children a chance to develop a relationship with Santa. Set up a phone line so children can call Santa. Have senior citizens staff the phones.
• Find space for a coat/package check – “Sack Sitters.”
• Use a photo of Santa with a different child every day in your ads.
• Write a thank-you note to Santa’s visitors. Include a store coupon for a return visit.
• Match up a senior citizens group with needy children and have a Christmas party.
• Offer delivery to nearby offices. Put the runners in big shirts or sweatshirts with a large store logo, carrying oversized bags that also feature your store’s logo.
• Set up a temporary cart or table offering package wrapping and shipping.
• Create an event to communicate via Facebook.
• Silent Night Silent Auction – everyone loves an auction – secure vendor donations, make it cause-related.
• Make a “joyful noise” – carefully select small musical groups to perform in your store, donate to arts/musical council, etc.
• Invite customers to create an ornament to bring in to place on the charity tree. The store can choose two or three charities to support through a $2-$3 donation for each ornament received. Cap the number of ornaments at 50 or 75.
Select a combination of promotions and ideas that will give your business a competitive edge this holiday season. MAKE BUSINESS HAPPEN – don’t wait for it to happen!

Texas Downtown Association coming to the Oldest Town in Texas…

shopnacfirst — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:15:59 +0000

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches will welcome an expected 200 Texas downtown leaders and their families from across the state November 1 through 4. The group is traveling to the Oldest Town in Texas to attend the 30th annual Texas Downtown Association Development and Revitalization Conference . The economic impact of the convention is considerable — with several local hotels to be filled to capacity and hundreds visiting for three or four days.
This year’s conference theme is “Delivering a Dynamic Downtown” and will feature keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema, an industry leader in the economics of preserving historic structures. Rypkema has provided ongoing consulting services to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its National Main Street Center.
The City of Nacogdoches Main Street Program and the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau are extremely excited about the kickoff event, “An Evening on the Red Brick Streets,” set for Tuesday, November 1, where attendees can stroll Texas’ Oldest Town and experience our Christmas Light display, late night shopping, and other fun activities planned for the group. Nacogdoches residents are encouraged to come downtown that evening and shop from the merchants. “We encourage the community to come out and visit the stores during the Holiday Open House Sip and Stroll, from 5-9 p.m.,” said City of Nacogdoches Main Street Manager, Sarah O’Brien said. “So come start your holiday shopping while enjoying various in-store specials, door prizes, gift wrapping, refreshments, and much more!”
Exciting plans also include a trip to historic San Augustine, Texas as well as some awesome educational field sessions such as a special Farmer’s Market on Thursday, November 3 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., where the general public can come shop the various vendorsand eat lunch at Merci’s World Cuisine.
Sherri Skeeters, Nacogdoches CVB assistant director said Nacogdoches has proved itself worthy of hosting the state’s community leaders.
“We will definitely impress them with our charm and hospitality. I compare this event to my experiences visiting other cities on business,” Skeeters said. “Conference visitors will see what we have, and make notes about what they will want to do when they come back to visit again and again. They’ll tell others about their experience and why Nacogdoches should be on a vacation prospect list.”
A good example of Nacog¬doches hospitality is the sweet chocolate covered blueberries and pub mix that will be placed in the attendee’s hotel room.
“We’re taking every opportunity to educate them and point out these not-so-well-known facts: such as Nacogdoches being the state’s top blueberry producer, and the Texas Blueberry Festival we hold on the second Saturday in June,” Skeeters said.
For more information about the Texas Downtown Association and the Texas Downtown Development and Revitalization Conference, visit www.texasdowntown.org. For more information about the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau or conventions/group tours, contact Sherri Skeeters at (936) 564-7351 or email her at sherri@visitnacogdoches.org. Be our friend on facebook @ See Nacogdoches.

Waterford Crystal Ambassador Signing Event

lonestar — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:43:19 +0000

Waterford Crystal
Ambassador Signing Event
Kennedy’s Jewelers
Downtown Nacogdoches

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Ambassador Tom Power will sign and date your
Waterford and Holiday Heirloom purchases.

Tom Power is a Master Cutter at the House of Waterford Crystal
in Waterford, Ireland. Come by and visit with him and enjoy
some refreshments!

Bring your business card for a special Chamber member drawing for a $250 Waterford Crystal Vase!

Kennedy’s Jewelers
201 E. Main St.
Nacogdoches TX 75961
936-564-7671
kennedys@suddenlinkmail.com

Nacogdoches Floral Fall mums will be here this afternoon…. $6 !!!!

lonestar — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:53:10 +0000

Nacogdoches Floral
Fall mums will be here this afternoon…. $6 !!!!

2011 Pineywoods Fair (Oct. 12-16) in Nacogdoches

shopnacfirst — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:35:48 +0000

The 2011 Pineywoods Fair is Wednesday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition Center on U.S. Hwy 59 in northwest Nacogdoches, Texas.
Go to nacexpo.net for each night’s discounts and specials!!

HEALTH savings at Belk today! Oct. 5

lonestar — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:44:43 +0000

HEALTH savings at Belk
Wednesday, 5th October 2011 – All Day

Dear Healthcare Friends and Neighbors,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Belk is proud to partner
with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to help raise breast cancer awareness. As a healthcare professional, you understand the importance of early detection. In appreciation
of your commitment to improved health and wellness, we’re giving you an exclusive
20% discount with limited exclusions.

Visit your neighborhood Belk store on Wednesday, October 5, and mention the coupon code HEALTH and show a valid work ID to enjoy a special storewide discount with limited exclusions. Also at Belk throughout October, you can dedicate a ribbon to a loved one for
our “Wall of Hope,” which will be on display in the store throughout October.

Visit www.belk.com/shopforacause to learn more about Belk’s “Pink is our Passion”
campaign, as well as upcoming events in support of breast cancer awareness.

Thanks again for all you do and we look forward to seeing you soon.

With sincerest thanks,
Your friends at Belk

Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Time: 10 am to 9 pm

Location: Belk Department Store at University Mall

Receive an extra 20% off (15% off home & shoes)

Regular & sale priced purchases storewide*

Mention the coupon code HEALTH for instant savings!

*Only excludes Red Dot, Clearance, Earlybirds, Night Owls, Doorbusters, Bonus Buys, Everyday Values, Alegria, Assets, Brighton, b.tempt’d, Cosmetics/Fragrances, Casio, Coach, Dansko, Hanky Panky, Herend, Lacoste, Ladies Designer Bridge & Contemporary sportswear, Levi’s, Lilly Pulitzer, Miss Me, Munro, Original Penguin, Ben Sherman, Spanx, Keen, Stuart Weitzman, Thomas Dean, Ugg, Vineyard Vines, Wacoal, Fine Jewelry watches, gifts, trunk shows and service plans, non-merchandise depts., lease depts. and Belk gift cards. Not valid on prior purchases or special orders. Cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or refund, used in combination with any other discount or coupon offer. Valid October 5, 2011.

Entertainment at Hotel Fredonia in Downtown Nacogdoches

shopnacfirst — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:35:33 +0000

Be sure to check out www.hotelfredonia.com often for the next fun event. Poolside music – Live on the Patio – in the evenings, top-flight comedians and even professional boxing are produced regularly at this classic mid-century hotel in the heart of the Oldest Town in Texas – Nacogdoches. Here’s the entertainment calendar: http://www.hotelfredonia.com/entertainment/

Rand McNally Best of the Road – Friendliest Town in America!

shopnacfirst — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:24:33 +0000

Just a friendly thank you to Jason and Nikki Wynn, Rand McNally and Saab, for spending quality time in Nacogdoches, Texas. We think we’re the friendliest town in America – and hope they agree! It was a pleasure having “Gone with the Wynns” visit us in early July. In just a few days, the decision will be made on who “wins the title.” Whatever the outcome, we feel enriched by the visit of this special couple, who helped turn the spotlight not only on us, but five other friendly U.S. cities and towns. What a compliment to these communities and their citizens! Thanks, a tip of the hat to everyone – and every town!
Here’s the Wynn’s video of their airplane ride and Blueberry Place excursion!