February 2016

On Feb 6, 2016 the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Banquet. Thanks to the work of the Banquet board—Beckie Farris, Staci Murden, Mary Cornwell, Gail Gunn, Judy Teller, Hollie Nel-son and Kate Kyer—the venue had a great ambience and we are happy to report the ban-quet a decided success. The evening began with delicious hors d’ oeuvres by the Breakfast Stop and wine by Homestead Winery. Attendees could browse the raffle items and see display tables from our members keeping with the “Giving and Sharing” theme. During a din-ner of good bar-b-que by Hickory Bar-B-Que the speak-er Sam Houston regaled the audience with Texas sized jokes and intriguing bits of

Texas facts. Congratulations to our award recipients: Pub-lic Servant of the Year - John Skotnik; Business of the Year—Granny Lou’s B&B; Vol-unteer (s) of the Year - Kelly Wilson, Melissa Wallace, Kris-ty Agerlid, Patti Wolfe; Citizen of the Year - Carole Stubsten; New Member of the Year - Chi Lambda; Agriculturalist of the year - Bob Payne. It was a special treat to have Senator Bob Hall, his wife Kay, and his office pre-sent. Senator Hall presented our Public Servant and Busi-ness of the Year recipients with special certificates of recognition from the State of Texas. Thanks to some lively bidding in the live auction and the generous donations for our auction and raffles, the fundraising efforts for this

event were met. Congratula-tions to Wise Funeral Home for winning the table décor championship.

Weekly Business Spotlight

What is the business spot-light? Find more infor-mation in this newsletter.

Chamber Golf Tournament,

April 22, 2016. New style, new prizes. Get it on your calendars.

Get more details about Cham-

ber activity at: www.bonhamchamber.com

https://www.facebook.com/

BonhamChamber

Table Sponsors: City of Bonham, Wise Fu-

neral Home, Forest Hill Airport, Fannin

County Leader, Senator Bob Hall, Renlita

Doors, American Bank, Fannin Bank, Fan-

nin Federal Credit Union, Cole Title Compa-

ny, McCraw Oil, Brookshire’s, Granny Lou’s B&B, Law Office of Michael Ev-

ans, Bonham Chrysler, Sullivan Sand & Gravel/Carl Stone Trucking/Barks ’N

Bubbles, Farm N’ Home Casualty, Legend Bank

2016 Table Décor Champion: Wise Funeral Home

Farm N’ Home

Brookshire’s

Granny Lou’s American Bank

The Leader

Bonham Chrysler

Thank you to our Live Auction/Raffle Sponsors: American Bank,

Blessings and Butterflies, Bonham Floral, Brookshire’s, Chef Chris Wil-

son/Market Street, Choctaw Casino, Fannin Pharmacy, Fannin County

Children’s Center, Kate Kyer, The

Lodge at the Parker Place, McCraw

Materials, Mike Lane, My Clutter, Re-

bel Roots Boutique, Senator Bob Hall,

Six Flags, Tanglewood

Photo courtesy of Allen Rich

2015 Agriculturist of the Year Bob Payne Bob Payne is employed with Bonds Ranch of Saginaw Texas. Depending on the weather

conditions he runs 300 to 400 pair in north central Fannin County. The calves are Non-hormone

Treated which qualifies them for the Foreign Export Markets. All calves have an EID number as

well as a Drop Tag. He also calves out from 150 to 250 First Calf Heifers each fall for Bonds

Ranch. In addition to his cattle operation Bob owns his own Custom Spraying business, spraying

for weeds and pest control, fertilizer for wheat and native pastures. Furthermore, he also owns

and maintains Semi’s for use with the Spraying business, hauling hay, and equipment. Maintain-

ing and providing forage for livestock pastures during drought times is always a challenge. Bob

uses weed control and rotational grazing to maximize adequate grazing throughout the year.

Bob Payne has served on the Fannin County Beef Committee for several years as both a

member and President. The Beef Committee is in charge of the Fannin County Commercial Heif-

er Show and Sale at the County Fair each year. Specific responsibilities include mentoring the

exhibitors with all aspects of the Beef Industry. In conjunction with several others under the di-

rection of our County Agent, Cody Maxwell, bringing education programs to help everyone to be

informed of what’s new, what we can do to increase our profit margins, new rules and regula-

tions that have been implemented is a very important overall goal he will continue to support.

L-R: Chamber Chairman David Adams, Bob Payne, David Althof

2015 New Member of the Year Chi Lambda

Chi Lambda is a long standing Fannin County not-for-profit service or-ganization dedicated to serving the children of Fannin County.

For over 50 years, their mission has been to raise and distribute funds used to support our local children. Their goal each year is to assist those in any kind of need in every way possible. They host an annual auction each year to raise funds to support charitable organizations, schools, school pro-grams and businesses who are geared toward helping or honoring out-standing youth that are contributing or representing our community in any way.

Over the years they have awarded grants to 22 different organizations, groups, schools and school programs including the school districts across Fannin County, community sports leagues, special needs programs, Fannin County Fair, the library, Ft Inglish, Christian Records for the Blind, the Bon-ham Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, the Crisis Center, the Chil-dren’s Center, the Fannin Literacy Council, the City of Ector Beautification and the Creative Arts Center.

Photo courtesy of Allen Rich

• Judge Skotnik has been serving as Municipal Judge for the City of Bonham Since 2001. • He was a member of the City Council for six years serving two years as Mayor ProTem and one year as Mayor • Member of Texoma Community Cen-ter • Chairman of Fannin County Jail Diversion through MHMR • Chairman of Fannin County Bail Bond Board • Licensed attorney for 30 years • Member of the Texoma Council of Governments, representing the City of Bonham, for 6 years • Former Air Force Medic • Graduate of the Air Force Command & Staff College • Licensed Ra-diologic Technologist • Member of the Civil Air Patrol • Assistant Texas Wing Legal Officer for the Civil Air Patrol • Judge Skotnik is an asset in the area of Public Safety in our community

2015 Public Servant of the Year

Municipal Judge John Skotnik

Judge Skotnik had a family obligation that prevented him from attending the

awards ceremony. Michael Evans spoke of Judge’s Skotnik’s commitment to

our community and accepted the award on his behalf. Below is listed Judge’s

Skotnik’s service record.

2015 Volunteer(s) of the Year (L-R) Kelly Wil-

son, Patti Wolfe, Kristy Agerlid, Melissa Wallace This year’s winner of the 2015 Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award goes to a

group of individuals that went above and beyond in their efforts to make a yearly event an outstanding

event this past year. These individuals worked for an entire year to put on what Police Chief Mike

Bankston described as the best parade he has ever seen in his 40+ years in Bonham, Texas. They did

this by focusing on what they wanted to achieve 12 months before the event happened and met

monthly and then weekly to make sure their goal of putting on a fantastic event that people would re-

member would go off without a hitch. From their first meeting to discuss how they could raise dona-

tions to fund their ideas until the final four weeks of planned events around the courthouse square

they all were passionate about making their program a success for the citizens of Fannin County.

From the concept stage way back last January to the actual four weekends of events that they

planned on the courthouse square they were involved in every step. Whether it was dressing as elves

and painting windows around town, working tirelessly for hours on their feet the day of the parade

(one of these great individuals could barely walk when the parade was over), carrying the parade ban-

ner and then having to run to actually be in the parade, running the two movie nights or the play read-

ing on the square, these individuals did a fantastic job of putting on a signature event that we can all be

proud of.

This same group has already started preparations for this year’s program of giving Bonham a

great Christmas Parade again in 2016.

Photo courtesy of Allen Rich

2015 Business of the Year Granny Lou’s Bed & Breakfast

Granny Lou’s Bed & Breakfast has entertained over 1,000 guests, hosted

more than 130 corporate, political, & social events, 28 weddings & entertained

a multitude of patrons on the famous … sometimes infamous Patio. Granny

Lou’s is the constant home away from home for the business men & women

of Kwik Chek, Kelso, Renlita Doors, TMC Bonham, and many more.

One guest review recently posted to Bed&Breakfast.com sums it all up,

“There's no better place to stay in probably all of Fannin County. Jen "Granny

Lou" Self is a fantastic and friendly host who does her utmost to ensure that

your stay is comfortable and relaxing. She knows a great deal about the histo-

ry of this unique Victorian home and the town, too, plus what's good to know

about the here and now, including places to check out and restaurants to eat at

while in town. If you stay somewhere else, you are missing out on experienc-

ing Bonham. She is her own mini Chamber of Commerce for Bonham.”

David Adams, Jennifer Self

Photo courtesy of Allen Rich

2015 Citizen of the Year Carole Stubsten

Carole Stubsten has been a member of the First United Methodist

Church for 39 years, and for the past six she has represented her

church’s vote at the three day Annual Conference held for Methodist

Churches. She also sings in the choir and plays bells on special occasions.

At the Creative Arts Center she chairs the hospitality committee

that, along with other volunteers, plan, prepare and serve a reception

for the exhibit openings. She serves on the Board of Directors for the

foundation, and has been involved with the majority of the Creative Arts

Center fundraising events like the casino night that was held in 2015.

Carole Stubsten has served on the board of the Bonham Public Li-

brary since the mid 80’s, being most active in their fund raising efforts.

She leads the charge for the two major library events: Pumpkin Patch

and Books & Blooms. Both events which require many hours to achieve.

David

Keene pre-

senting the

award in

place of his

wife, Judy

Keene,

who was

the 2014

recipient

Photo courtesy of Allen Rich

Your Business

in the Spotlight

In a world of quips and one-line ads, we miss a lot of behind the scene details that define a company of quality individuals who take pride in their work. Beginning March 7th, the Chamber will spotlight a different member every week.

During your allotted week, the “Business Spotlight” banner will hang in your office, and the Chamber will include a “Spotlight” section in the weekly activities email blast that will focus on your company and work. We will uti-lize facebook also in highlighting your business.

Every Chamber member will have the option to participate. You will be contacted with a questionnaire that must be returned one month before your allotted week. The information you provide on the attached question-naire will be used in your spotlight section.

Coming to Bonham April 29-30, 2016, Southwestern Watercolor Society plein air

artists will be holding a “paint out” around the square and other local venues. Find

out more at www.swswatercolor.org

SAVE THE DATE

April 22, 2016

Rain Date April 29, 2016

Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce Golf

Tournament at Legacy Ridge Golf Club

Golf forms can be filled out on line here

Great Networking Opportunities

Great Prizes to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place

Chrysler 300 Hole-in-one Contest courtesy

of Bonham Chrysler

Entry fee includes

2 Free Mulligans per player

Snacks and drinks while on the course

Free Dinner during Awards presentation

3 Other Great Hole-in-one

contests

Shotgun Start at 12 noon

Four Man Scramble

More

Hole-in-One

Prizes

Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce

Golf Tournament

April 22, 2016

Hole-in-One Contest

Grand Prize Hole-in-One on 14th green is a new

Chrysler 300 automobile valued at $35,000

courtesy of Bonham Chrysler

Additional Hole-in-One prizes on remaining three Par 3’s are a new Apple iPad,

iPod Nano & Gift Card, Callaway Irons & Woods, or a $750 Visa Card

Golf Cart Sponsor $500

Your Promotion Package will include

A custom made Flyer in every golfers goody bag advertising your business

A total of 10 Custom Made 18 x 24 signs placed at strategic locations on the golf course and the check-in

locations to advertise your company

Recognition during Awards Dinner and in all before and after Promotion materials

Hole Sponsor $100

Your Promotion Package will include

A Custom Made Tee Sponsor Sign patterned like below

For Information

Call: 903-583-4811 or

Visit our Website:

bonhamchamber.com

You can use the

online store at

bonchamber.com

to purchase a

hole sign

Tournament Format

Four Man Scramble

Shotgun Start at 12 noon

Pick Your Own Team

Ladies Play From Sand Tees

Men Play From the Blue Tees

Callaway Scoring

Bonham Area Chamber of

Commerce Golf Tournament

at Legacy Ridge Golf Club

April 22, 2016 Rain Date April 29, 2016

Hole in One on #14 wins a

Chrysler 300 Courtesy of

Bonham Chrysler

Hole in One on #, #, # win Great Prizes also

New Golf Bag to 1st Place Winner

2nd and 3rd Place also receive great prizes

Dinner is Included in Cost of entry

2 Free Mulligans per player Snacks and Drinks while on the course

GREAT PRIZES

Tournament Entry Form

Player Fee

$125 per Player $500 per Team

Player 1________________________

Address________________________

Phone ________________________

Email ________________________

Player 2________________________

Address________________________

Phone ________________________

Email ________________________

Player 3________________________

Address________________________

Phone ________________________

Email ________________________

Player 4________________________

Address________________________

Phone ________________________

Email ________________________

OFFICERS

Randy Bowen, Chairman

David Adams, Chair-Elect

Angel Titsworth, Treasurer

Joni Naumann, Secretary

DIRECTORS

Kristy Agerlid

Beckie Farris

Mike Lane

Tim Mayo

Bill McCain

Stephen Murden

Randy Pendergrass

John Ryan

STAFF

Dale McQueen

2015 Board of Directors

2015 STAR CHAMBER MEMBERS

GOLD MEMBERS

American Bank of Texas

Bonham Chrysler

Brookshire's Food Store

Kelso Technologies, Inc.

Legend Bank

Oncor

BRONZE MEMBERS

ATMOS Energy

Bonham Independent School District

Cable One

Century 21 Harvey Properties

Cigna - HealthSpring

Clayton Homes

Cole Title Company

Custom Glass and Mirror

David Stanley Construction LLC

Fannin Bank

Fannin County Leader

Fannin Federal Credit Union

Farm N' Home Casualty

Four Seasons Preferred Realty, LLC

Kevin Peterson, LLC

McClanahan & Holmes, LLP

McCraw Oil & Kwik Chek

Morning Star Academy

North Texas Municipal Water District

Rent-a-Center

S&S Commercial Drywall, Inc.

Solid Ground Realtors

Texcel Exploration

TMC Bonham Hospital

Tyrosys

Warrior Tire

Wise Funeral Home

Zealaday

Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce

FEBRUARY EVENT CALENDAR

Feb 14 - Valentine Brunch Buffet, Creative Arts Center

Feb 12-14 - Valentine Dinner at Carleton House, must make

reservation

Feb 18 - Kidz Krew Theater Workshop, Creative Arts Center

Feb 18 - 1st Annual Fannin Farm and Ranch Round Up,

Multipurpose Complex

Feb 21 - Great International Circus, Multipurpose Complex

Feb 27 - “You Hold the Key” Crisis Center Dinner and Auction

The Bonham Chamber of Commerce Website and click the

“Community Events” calendar header for the entire Fannin

County Community Calendar