Thank you! - Membership Renewals January–MarchAnthony's By The Sea Bed & Breakfast, Rockport Fulton Market Days, GSM Insurors GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR, Aransas Area Bay Fishing, Kontiki Beach Resort, Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes, Inc., International Bank Of Commerce–Rockport Branch, Village Inn Motel, John T. Kidwell, Realtor, Rockport Nursing and Reahabilitation Center, Aransas Autoplex, Moore Than Feed, Craig's Tire Service, Inc. David L. Colmer Realtor GRI, Broker Remax Security Real Estate, McDonald's - Rockport, Copano Hideaway RV, Rockport Mail Center, LLC, Inn At Fulton Harbor, Aransas First, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, Port Fabrication & Construction Inc., Pazera Capital Management, Inc., The Boat Inn, Jackie Shaw – Realtor, Marbach Plumbing, Aransas Glass, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Derrick Construction, Mike's Boat Repair, Rockport Retreat House, Rebecca Bagby – Realtor, Shirley Kirmse – Realtor, Wood, Boykin & Wolter P.C., Yvette V Alvarez DO. - Conviva, South TX Bone and Joint, Miss Kitty's Fishing Getaways, Gulf Shore Finance, Allstate – Joshua D. Crow, Hidden Treasures, Fulton Volunteer Fire Dept., Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson, LLP, Palm Harbor RV Park, Peace Lutheran Church, Aransas Bay CCA, Windswept Plaza, Penny Hong, Rockport Abstract & Title Co. – Anderson, Risk Resources, LLC, Leslie & Wanda Cole, Lamar Pointe Preserve, Seaport Village RV, Amazing 20/20 Window Cleaning, Pat's Cleaning Service, Teal Construction, Rialto Theater, Navy Army Community Credit Union, Harbor Hospice of Gulf Coast, LP, Stevie Lew's BBQ Kitchen, TCS Telecom, Inc., McDaniel Custom Homes, Castaways Thrift Shop, Inc., Gatewood's Service & Repair, Tech Time, Key Allegro Coastal Luce Properties, LLC, Coastline Vacations, LLC, Naismith Marine Services, Inc., Fulton Schoolhouse Museum, Spectrum Business, The Waters Group, Ltd., Rockport Auto Clinic, Yellow Rose Gallery of Fine Arts, Laura Estrada Lift Fund, Dough-Liciously Bakery & Bistro, Fly Fish Rockport, Tammy M. Redden–Realtor, Bakery Café Rockport, Claud Harris, Global Blue Technologies LLC, Performance Boat Works LLC, Elegancia Salon, Blackbeard's Restaurant, Cindy Robbins–Realtor, Rockport Auto Sales, 1868 R.H. Wood House, TDECU Mortgage, J's Coastal Services LLC, WindShore Engineering, Zavala's Furniture, Coastal Cove Resort LLC, Life on the Key, Salt on the Rim RV Park & Fish Camp, Newport Custom Homes, Kim and Matt Hesley, Mac's Pit Barbecue & Catering, Carquest Auto Parts, Rockport Properties, Blue Lagoons RV, LLC, 100 Club of Aransas County, State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Lagoons RV Resort, Rockport Printing, ABC Learning Center, First Learning Tree, Habitat For Humanity Of Aransas County, Seaworthy Marine Supply, Crane House-Nature Retreat, Pelican Bay Resort, Inc., Rosita's Taqueria & Café, Doonan Photography, Camp Aranzazu, Copano Bay RV Resort, Republic Services Inc., Lulu's Flowers, Edward Jones – Sam Spears, Susie Bracht Black, Donna Voyles–Realtor, The Oaks at Bentwater, Butler Signature Events, Wind Way Gallery, Vicki Pitluk, Fulton Community Church, TX Market Guide, Old Fulton Seafood Cafe and Deli, Isagenix Independent Associates, Barbara Gurtner, REAL Rural Economic Assistance League Inc., Rockport Graphics, Happy Feet Massage, The Secret Services, Italian Cowboy Food & Provisions, Grandma B's Sweet Treats, Rockport Warriors United, Tony Polsinelli, First Baptist Church, Edward Jones - Sara Janak, McGee Building & Remodeling, LLC, Key Allegro Marina, Shady Oaks RV Park, Little Bay Marine Inc., Fennessey Ranch, Leslie Casterline, Goose Island State Park, Port Aransas Boatmen Inc., Todd & Martha Pearson, Rockport Dental Center, TX Coast Real Estate, Inc., Austin Screen Printing, MoonDog Seaside Eatery, Southern Oaks Luxury RV Resort, Mouse on the Run, Hal George, Great Clips, Key Allegro Yacht Club, J & J Car Wash, Enchanted Oaks RV Park, Roundtable Designs by Mary Ware, Fox Yacht Sales, Lippke, Cartwright & Roberts, Inc., Aire Serv of the Coastal Bend, B & R Electric Company, Inc., Seashore Signs & Graphic, Sushi Luck Japanese Cuisine, Living On Island Time, Radiology Associates, Galloway Pools, Dora & John Fitzgerald, Alliance Carpet Services, Norman Ransleben, C.P.A., My Coastal Home Furniture Store, Chasin' Tails Guide Service, Western Steel Company, Internal Medicine Associates - Dr. Robert Low & Dr. Ronald Bruce, Fulton Yacht Yard, Hanson Professional Services, Inc., Thurman-Fondren Glass Co., Inc., Chris's Marine, Rockport Professional Plaza, Rockport Daily Grind, Rockport Professional Centre, Horizon Sound, Aransas County Historical Society, State Representative Todd Hunter, Northshore Emergency Center-Corpus Christi Medical Center, Jeanie's Jewels, DJD Creative Consulting, Tom & Sally Rowe, Coastal Bend Troop Support Inc., Attitudes & Latitudes, Gulfway Village Mobile Home Park, Magnum Websites, The Bend Magazine, Haase's Antiques & Treasures, Designs by Madill Builders, ABBA Services, Capt. Joe's Flounder Ventures, Mary Kay Cosmetics – LeeAnn Wright, TNJ Treasures, Keep Aransas County Beautiful, Blue Heron RV Park, Benchwarmers, Rockport Blast-n-Cast, Loveless & Company Signs, Sarah Solis – Realtor, Proud Mary (Vacation Rental), Big Bear Coastal Contracting LLC, Perfect Dreamer Sleep Shop & Furniture Mattress Store, Sapphire Construction, Guild Mortgage, Debbie Maxwell, Fitzsimmons Construction & Roofing, 4 The Birds, Reel 'em Inn On the Bay, TNJ Treasures, Fly Fish Rockport, Southern Oaks Luxury RV Resort, Keep Aransas County Beautiful, Humpal Physical Therapy / Sports Med, Buffalo RV Park & Storage, Aquila & Priscilla Tentmakers, My Coastal Home Furniture Store, State Representative Todd Hunter, Island Renovations, Aransas Glass, Aire Serv of the Coastal Bend, H E B Food & Drug, Laura Estrada Lift Fund, REAL Rural Economic Assistance League Inc., Bay View RV Resort, Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Club, Remley Advisory Group LLC.

Volume 34, Issue 4 319 Broadway, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-6445 April-June 2019

18

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

There is no doubt in everyone’s mind the recovery of our area is going to take a long time. The narrative we heard early on that you would not see the effects of the recovery until year 2022 or at least five years and not a full effect until 2027.

Reasons why the formation of an EDC...Mid-October of 2017, the Long Term Recovery Team

was formed and two former City Managers came to assist our community with the difficulties associated with recovery. As this team worked through issues, it was evident our community was lagging behind due to not having an Economic Development Corporation. The skill

Chairman's Message.........................by Jatin Bhakta

Aransas County Day legislative visit allows for grateful recognition

Approximately 50 leaders and students attended this event in Austin in February. After a brief stop at the Bob Bullock Museum, the group was able to convene with the United Corpus Christi Chamber with a Coastal Bend United Mixer where networking took place with more than 200 people in attendance. That evening the group was bused to the Thompson Center for a legislative briefing from Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) also gave a briefing about where Aransas County stands in the recovery process. Youth Leadership students received awards. The next day began early with a breakfast highlighting Texas Tourism and the

New Members ........2Ribbon Cuttings ......3

Rockport-Fulton Night at the Hooks Game - This opening night is a chance for our community to get in front of thousands of people to help with the perception about the recovery. The event is April 4 at 6:15 p.m. We are asking everyone to be there at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person and available at the Chamber. The Band, Choir, Little Bay Sea Queens, NJROTC Color Guard, the Bay Blazers and the Little League Stars of the Game will be highlights. Join in!

For the Love of the Outdoors April 6 - Leadership Aransas County Class XXII invites you to join a celebration of Aransas County's natural beauty, For The Love of the Outdoors Event, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the

Effects of recovery moving forward

Take advantage of these 10 highlights President/CEO's Message.....................by Diane Probst

For the Love ofthe OutdoorsSaturday, April 6

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Aransas County Airport

Business Expo XXIIThursday, April 25

4pm–7pmRockport Festival Grounds

Business After Hours 5-6:30 pm

Thursday, May 30Fairfield Inn & Suites

by Marriott2950 Business Hwy. 35 N.

Rockport•

Thursday, June 27Windshore Engineering4161 Hwy. 35 N., Unit 1

Rockport

During the March Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, the Nominating Committee submitted the following persons for election as new Board of Directors for a term of three years beginning July 1, 2019. The names presented were:

1. Shana Brader, Sunkissed Graphics and Seaworthy Marine2. Ramona LeBlanc, The Boiling Pot3. Chad Lee, Lee Construction4. Taylor Place, The Lawn Guys5. Robert Scott, IndividualAn electronic ballot has been sent to the membership.

At the April 16, 2019 board meeting the votes will be tabulated. A slate of officers and directors will be presented at the May board meeting and voted on at the June Board meeting. The 70th annual Changing of the Banquet will

Five new directors slated for Chamber Board be held on Thursday, June 6 at LaPalma Event Center. Those listed are currently serving in a non-voting capacity as associate directors on the board and/or on various committees of the Chamber. This has allowed them to observe, all year long, the tasks and duties of Board Members. They have all agreed to become a full-member of the Board of Directors and take on various roles in the Chamber. Scott is an attorney and has a long history in education serving as former commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.

Election ballots are being emailed to members of the Chamber for their response. All ballots will be tabulated at the April 16 Board Meeting.

If you have any further questions, please call the Chamber of Commerce office at 729-6445.

Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures receivesJanuary Business of Month award

Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Business Builders, Bay Blazers and staff were joined by guests to recognize Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures as the January Business of the Month Thursday, Jan. 3.

The honor was bestowed upon this establishment for scoring high on the matrix in the areas of active involvement with the Chamber, years of service, facility appearance, and engagement with the community.

Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures is a one-stop shop for visitors and locals alike looking for some excitement on the area waters. This establishment packs a load of fun for those seeking adventure offering boat tours, golf cart, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Owned and operated by Captain Tommy Moore and his knowledgeable and experienced staff, you’ll find each and every trip an educational and fun experience.

Patrons rave about the tours stating they are a “must do.” You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to enjoy any one of the outings offered including a history tour by golf cart through Rockport-Fulton area. Captain Moore has been at helm of this business for 15 years striving to serve the community while making sure you will have an adventure you’ll not soon forget when you come aboard.

Be sure to stop by at Rockport Birding & Kayaking Adventures located at 215 North Fulton Beach Road, Fulton and offer congratulations for this great achievement.

For more information about Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures, find them online at Facebook or go to www.whoopingcranetour.com, or call them at 877-892-4737. For more information about the Business of the Month program, contact a Business Builder or the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at executiveassistant@1rockport.org.

Angler's RV Retreat receives March Business of Month awardRockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Business

Builders, Bay Blazers and staff were joined by guests on Thursday, March 7 celebrating recognition of Angler's RV Retreat as the Business of the Month for March. This honor was bestowed upon, this establishment for scoring high on the matrix in the areas of active involvement with the Chamber, years of service, and engagement with the community.

This getaway location is owned and operated by Dawn and David Walker. The 23-site facility is a favorite spot for Winter Texans and vacationers who want that home away from home experience. With great pride the owners continue to serve their long- and short-term customers over these past nine years. Angler's RV Retreat provides a large selection of amenities sueh as full utility hook-up, city and well water, sewer, Wi-Fi, concrete patios and picnic tables to name a few. Whether you are a pet owner, retiree, family seeking some get away time, or a fisherman, Angler's is kooked on making your stay an enjoyable one whether having a game of corn hole going on or getting together to barbecue.

Stop by Angler's RV Retreat located at 1012 North Moline Street in Rockport to offer your congratulations for this great achievement.

For more information about Angler's RV Retreat you can find them online at www.anglersrvretreat.com, on Facebook, or you can call them at 361-205-4737. For more mfonnation about the Business of the Month program, contact a Business Builder or the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at executiveassistant@1rockport.org.

The Lawn Guys receives February Business of Month awardRockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Business

Builders, Bay Blazers, and staff were joined by guests Thursday, July 5 to celebrate the recognition of The Lawn Guys as Business of the Month for July.

The honor was bestowed upon this newer establishment for their service to the community.

Owned and operated by Taylor Place, The Lawn Guys have been in business for two years and employs six at their location. They take great pride in transforming yards. Whether it be grass cutting, laying sod or getting rid of thick brush, they do it all. Relying on Stihl products purchased from local businesses, Place and his crew work efficiently and effectively provide a job well done. No job is too big or too small for them to handle. They simply look forward to the opportunity of servicing their customers in a timely fashion at a reasonable price.

Stop by The Lawn Guys located at 1113 W. Market St. and offer congratulations.

For more information, find them on Facebook or call 361-790-3030.For more information about the Business of the Month program,

contact a Business Builder or the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at executiveassistant@1rockport.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS NOVEMBER–DECEMBER, 2018

Aransas Pass Aquatic Center(361) 758-7770mmadill@aransaspasstx.gov400 E Johnson Ave Aransas Pass, TX 78336Bay Blazer: Nanci KoskiSurrender At Sunrise -Flounder Gigging Trips(361) 790-3271captdavedupnik@yahoo.com519 Bigelow St.Aransas Pass, TX 78336Bay Blazer: Nanci KoskiRockport-Fulton Ducks Unlimited (210) 710-1990cmella@swbell.net207 Royal Oaks Drive Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle Lewis Susie Lee Sawyer – Key Allegro Real Estate (979) 589-0589dropuranchor@gmail.com1798 Bay Shore Drive Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Robert Mitchell Rockport Strong Self Storage(361) 230-9159rockportstrong2018@gmail.com1812 W Market Street Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle LewisPersona Digital Marketing(361) 729-9740karl@personadigitalmarketing.com1213 Hwy 35 S Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Andrea HattmanLa Tequila Mexican Restaurant(361) 727-9857ricardo.latequila@gmail.com2405 Hwy 35 N.Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Jennifer Pakebusch Whooping Crane Manor(361) 445-4673bbrucelf@aol.com505 S. Church Street Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Diana Pardue

High Tide Fencing(361) 229-1715hightidefencing@yahoo.com517 Mockingbird LaneRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Dawn Walker Tiger Rock Martial Arts(361) 389-9246staff@portlandmaf.com1340 S Young StreetRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Dawn Walker Younique by Tina Brittain(361) 425-9905tinabrittain2015@gmail.com Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Fernando Lopez Jennifer Pakebusch - Insurance Agent - Schoppe Insurance(361) 727-1300jennifer@schoppeinsurance.com518 E. Market StreetRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Taylor Place Anita Diebel Studio(361) 557-1278anitadiebelstudio@gmail.com111 N. Austin StreetRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Jane Marslender

Cable One(361) 758-7621juli.blanda@cableone.biz1045 S. Commercial StreetAransas Pass, TX 78336Bay Blazer: Dawn Walker

All’s Well Catering /Cook’s Crooked Pot Mobile Kitchen (572) 304-5048cookscrookedpot@gmail.com8 Farmer’s CircleFulton, TX 78358 Bay Blazer: Fernando Lopez Sunrise RV Resort(361) 360-4822info@sunriservresort.com701 MyrtleFulton, TX 78358Bay Blazer: Dawn Walker

Lucky Sun Home Rentals(281) 608-1309beachmeetschic@yahoo.com2441 FM 1069 N.Aransas Pass, TX 78336Bay Blazer: Candy Fletcher

SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.(956) 412-9880Margie.Lopez@SpawGlass.com2209 N. Padre Island Dr.Corpus Christi, TX 78408Bay Blazer: Nanci Koski

B & B Concessions(832) 486-7818bbconcession@gmail.com17022 Midnight Sun Lane Richmond, TX 77407Bay Blazer: Andrea HattmanRockport Village Mobile Home Park(832) 422-7368admin@parknation.us1800 N. Live Oak Street Rockport, TX 78382 Bay Blazer: Fernando Lopez Impact Marketing(361) 887-9300impactcaps@aol.com412 Schatzell StreetCorpus Christi, TX 78404Bay Blazer: Jane MarslenderSimmons, Joellen(512) 413-5514joellens@cableone.net307 Windjammer Street Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Debbie Williams Mom & Pops 1st Street Retreat RV and Fishing Resort on Copano Bay(830) 931-5180dinacmurphy@gmail.com611 W. 1st St. Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Angela Attal Twin Fountains Medical Clinics(361) 578-3640MistyBaruday@nextcare.com2621 TX-35 Bus.Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle Lewis

Coastal Oaks Building Solutions(361) 534-9957Contact@Coastal-Oaks.com4161 Highway 35 N., Unit 3Fulton, TX 78358 Bay Blazer: Andrea Hattman

Elan Corpus Christi(361) 371-8157cod@elancorpuschristi.com5441 Lipes Blvd.Corpus Christi, TX 78413Bay Blazer: Andrea Hattman

K’s Bridal Boutique & Salon (512) 629-8273phongtexas@yahoo.com1227 W. Market Street Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Taylor Place

Toscano Burgers & Dogs(361) 534-2260toscanoburgersdogs@gmail.comRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Debbie Williams

Susan Nogues Real Estate LLC (512) 321-9463snogues@sbcglobal.netRockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Angela Attal

Aran & Franklin Engineering, Inc. (409) 935-5200billing@aranfranklin.com501 Noble RoadTexas City, TX 77591Bay Blazer: Amy Parker

Goin Coastal Outfitters(361) 230-0414goincoastaloutfitters@gmail.com103 S. Austin St.Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Michelle LewisP.A.C.A./Little Bay Labor Day Music Festival (361) 205-7727augie@acisc.org113 S Kossuth Rockport, TX 78382Bay Blazer: Robert Mitchell

36

Anthony's by the Sea Bed & Breakfast732 S. Pearl St. • Rockport

Yellow Rose Gallery of Fine Arts115 N. Austin St. • Rockport

Wishbone Lounge3905 Hwy. 35 S. • Rockport

Rockport Country Club101 Champions • Rockport

Kontiki Beach Resrt2290 N. Fulton Beach Rd. • Rockport

Recovery effects..............................................................................................................................Cont'd from Page 1set of that organization performs tasks outside of the realm of what we currently have thus making the community more diverse and healthy. This is due to the statute formed by the state legislature in the late 1970s allowing communities to form Economic Development Corporations using the Sales Tax as a funding mechanism. Since all our sales tax is currently utilized in other areas, we have to find alternative source for funding. There are over 700 EDCs in the state of Texas formed using Sales Tax, thus, making it a very competitive environment for communities. The most important reasons an EDC are needed are: site selectors, businesses and developers want certainty – One voice. Coordinated efforts result in a better “deal” for the community, provides buffer for the elected bodies, ensures community readiness, ensures all parties are “in the loop” and facilitates regionalism to yield better results.

The idea of the formation of an EDC is not to do grandiose or big things. It is to simply put in place an organization that can grow our community more suitable to our natural resources and in a controlled way. This quote comes to mind....If you don't know where you are going, how are you going to get there. Planning is crucial to good economic health of a community.

Tourism is great... All these years we have focused on growing tourism. Tourism was built by great generational loyalty for our community, our businesses and our major attractions.

We have grown tourism from $26M in spending by tourists to $100M now 30 years later. That is great. We will not change what tourism means to this community. It is so important, however we are doing a disservice to the future of our community if we don't diversify the economy and make it economically stronger.

Get involved... It is time to get involved. At the Chamber, we have several programs to get you connected. Start volunteering today to make your voice heard. The first place

to start is to visit the Chamber office or one of the Board members of the Chamber. Tell them what you are interested in and they will loop you in. It's A Wrap...In closing, the rebound of the community is going to be great. But the path ahead is going to be exhausting and aggravating, in equal measure. Hang in there

and know that your Chamber Board and Staff are working hard to recover the economy in the appropriate way that you and future generations will be proud to call home. Thank you for the privilege of your time.

Habitat for Humanity614 E. Market St. • Rockport

Jennifer@schoppeinsurance.com

M:(830 )263-0008 Ph:(361)727-1300 F:(361)727-1303

518 E. Market PO Box 1480

Rockport, TX 78381

Independent Insurance Agent

JenniferGarcia-Pakebush

Rockport-Fulton 93% open post Hurricane HarveyDefies historical data that a community loses 40-50% of businesses after a hurricane

(Rockport-Fulton, TX) Survey after survey has come Rockport-Fulton’s way post Hurricane Harvey. However, a recent survey conducted by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Texas A&M University’s South Texas Economic Development Center was one community officials were excited to see. Despite the extent of the property damage, over 93 percent of businesses have reopened. The survey sample size reached 13 percent of the local business population therefore representing a good overall reading of the community. Results had strong indications of the following: while some businesses are in fact performing better or hiring more staff now than before Harvey, the majority of them are facing the challenges of falling sales, a reduced customer base, and staffing needs. Business conditions and the overall local economy are recovering, but the majority of respondents expect full recovery to occur no sooner than 2021. Over 40 percent of the businesses planned to hire more in 2019. Few cuts in staff are expected. One of the top issues indicated was maintaining the customer base related to tourist traffic and staffing the business. Businesses suffered an average of 43 percent in property damage. About 10 percent of them were nearly destroyed. “Challenges remain as of 2019 for the local business climate. However, amazing resilience has persisted. The outlook is positive,” said Glenn Gomez, Rural Business Developer of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.One unanticipated outcome of the survey was more than half of the local businesses want the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce to provide assistance to them in creating a Business Continuity Plan in preparation for the next disaster. The survey also indicated over 40 percent had no plan for Harvey. “We are grateful for the assistance of Dr. Jim Lee in conducting this survey. We are anticipating a great summer for our businesses and have plans in the works to create a Business Continuity Plan Program,” said Diane Probst, President/CEO of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The 2019 Business Survey Results can be accessed via bit.ly/rf19results.The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the annual Hurricane Breakfast to be held on Wednesday, June 5 at the Rockport Service Center on the Bypass. More than 100 people are anticipated in attendance, to hear the most up to date information on preparing for the Hurricane Season. For more information on the breakfast, go to https://bit.ly/2HEFh37.

Hotel/rental rooms at 58%, hoping for 73% by summer's endHoteliers are experiencing a little better March/Spring Break now that the weather has improved. Advertising and promotion is ramping up for the summer. A strategic plan for the next five years is being developed to help recover tourism. Stakeholder interviews will be held April 1 and 2 to gather information. A Social Media Influencer will be in town next week. She has over 100k Instagram followers. She is a fly fisher woman. A media relations person has been contracted to help move out positive information in regards to the perception of our recovery. New TV Commercials have been developed. Hospitality training classes continue to draw a good monthly attend through the Tourism Cares grant. Business owners are taking advantage of the free customer service training for their staff. of the free customer service training for their staff.

Highlights..............................................................................................................................................Cont'd from Page 1Aransas County Airport. The event will feature a 5k run/walk, vendors, food trucks, live music, and more. All proceeds will go directly to community enrichment, beautification, and economic development projects in Aransas County. To register for the race go to https://bit.ly/2JNIXl8. To request applications for vendors, automobile and jeep exhibit, or sponsorship opportunities, contact April Intorre 361-729-6445 or executiveassistant@1rockport.org, or Dana Kisel 210-439-9937 or elkis5@yahoo.com. To register for Texas Trash-Off or more information about computer recycling, contact Keep Aransas County Beautiful 361-210-8300 or info@kacbtx.org.

Membership Levels Sponsors - It’s time to join in on the Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Levels program. During the month of April, let us know if you are interested. We announce your business name for you at every event throughout the entire year. It’s amazing what name recognition can do for your business. Let us know if you want us to stop by and explain the program to you.

Attend the Business Expo April 25! It’s exciting! Over 100 businesses will showcase products, goods and services. Come out and show your support from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rockport Festival Grounds. Each business owner/manager has done an outstanding job of survival during the economic recovery period. Stop by and thank them for their perseverance.

Plan to be at the May Chamber Luncheon! Whoa! A luncheon at the Aransas County Airport! You bet! In the new community “Gene Johnson” Hangar, Tuesday, May 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We give you permission to wear shorts and vacation shirts to work! The luncheon will be focused on “Tourism; our major industry”. Listen as state officials and community leaders present where we are in terms of our tourism comeback.

Hurricane Breakfast to help prepare us for the Hurricane Season! Join in as officials and leaders talk about the coming hurricane season and a continuity plan certification for you. It’s set for Wednesday, June 5 at 8 a.m. at the Rockport Service Center on the Bypass under the water tower.

70th Annual Banquet of the Chamber! Make plans to attend this great event set for Thursday, June 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the LaPalma Event Center. Awards and recognitions will be presented. A great silent auction will be held. Items are being collected now.

Attend a Business After Hours - They are free! You get to mix and mingle with other business owners and learn about what’s going on in the community. April’s Business After Hours is the Business Expo. May’s Business After Hours will be held at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. And June’s Business After Hours will be at WindShore Engineering. Business After Hours are held from 5 until 6:30 p.m.

Network Wednesday - Make sure you make at least one of these each month. It’s a great way to tell about your product or service. It’s free! It’s every Wednesday at the Chamber at 10 a.m.

Annual Awards - Be thinking about who you would like to nominate for Citizen, Chamber and Nonprofit of the year. It’s that time to fill out those applications. Watch your emails. The applications will be in your inbox very soon.

M2M Discounts - We mailed you information about how to list a M2M Discount. We posted a video on Facebook and YouTube on how to do this also. This is a great tool for your product or service. It’s free! Let us know if you need assistance.

The Chamber brings together community leaders and decision makers to focus on what really matters: the economy, workforce, leadership, education, quality of life and entrepreneurship. It provides opportunities to connect with other business leaders, enhance skills and engage with the community. The mission of the Chamber is to work in partnership with businesses, individuals and governmental entities to promote commerce and tourism while maintaining the environment.

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located across from Rockport Harbor. Please stop in for a visit. Join in! Visit the website at www.rockport-fulton.org.

Honorary Page Students received honors and awards. The students were bused to the Capitol where they began their page duties. Others began legislative visits and tours. They heard briefings from State Reps. Morrison and Huberty, and Comptroller Glenn Hegar. The high school band gave an outstanding patriotic concert in the historic Capitol Rotunda. The group received a very warm welcome from all officials and feel positive about the trip and its outcomes. It gave the group a chance to show appreciation and gratification for the many hours spent to help with the recovery of Aransas County. The top three highlights of the outcomes include: potential of the state picking up what the federal government does not in regard to the losses suffered in Hurricane Harvey, the school district to receive much needed replacement funds due to the Chapter 41 and Recapture Funding situation, and the state of Texas tourism department will assist where they can in resurrecting the tourism economy for our community.

Aransas County Day....................Cont'd from Page 1

ADVERTISE HERE...In the Chamber Newsletter!

For more information contact us:Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce319 Broadway • membership@1rockport.org

CHAMBER HAPPENINGSRockpoor

tt

Ful nChamber of Commerce

For more details and othercommunity events go to

www.rockport-fulton.org

Every job is different.

Every client is special.

Cleaning + Make-Ready + ConciergeResidential & CommeRCial

Like us on Facebook: abbaservicestx

ALICIA WILSONPO Box 1058Fulton, TX 78358

512-917-3239 abba.services@hotmail.com

www.abbaservicestx.com

Yvonne Perez, LVN, CALA Administrator

900 Enterprise Blvd. Rockport, TX 78382

Mobile: 361-230.9631 Phone: 361-729-5254

Fax: 361-729-3820 yvonnc.percz@healthmarkgroup.com

www.gulfpointe-village.com

FOR THE LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS!Food, Fun, & Entertainment All Day Long!

April 6, 2019 • 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Aransas County Airport, 421 John D. Wendell Road

Hosted by LAC Class XXII, featuring:5k Walk/Run, Live Music, Food & Market Vendors,

Car & Jeep Exhibition, Face Painting, Games, Raffles!All proceeds go to the LAC Class XXII Community Enrichment & Beautification Project!

Sponsorships are available. Please contact Dana Kisel @ elkis5@yahoo.com or 210-439-9937 for more information.

Business EXPO XXIIApril 25, 2019 • 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Rockport Festival Grounds

100 Booths with food trucks, live music, raffles,and a drawing for an iPad!

Hope to see you all there!

"Casino Night" - "Hit the Jackpot for your Business"