Boerne Business Monthly – September 2023

BOERNE BUSINESS MONTHLY

HEALTHY LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!

FAMILY RANCH RODEO FEST DO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NEED MARKETING?

from the publisher

IIt’s probably safe to say that after this oh so hot and dry summer we are all ready to welcome fall with open arms! Bring on the pumpkin-spiced everything and cooler weather.

This issue we feature Ideal Health Boerne. Honestly, I love what this local business is doing and it is inspiring to see the positive impact they are having on their clients. Traci and her team have a passion for helping people not just lose weight, but get healthy, so they can live their best lives!

There are a lot of fun events coming up this fall too. The former Key to the Hills Rod

Run has been revitalized and is now the Hill Country Mile Rod Run that will take place on October 14th. Turn to page 28 for more details. Have you been to the Family Ranch Rodeo Fest? This event is October 7th and is a great time for the whole family. Watch real cowboys and cowgirls compete, there is a goat roping, mutton bustin, concert and dance, silent auction and more – all raising money to support the Kendall County Youth Ag & Equestrian Center. Read all about it on page 8.

I hope you enjoy the September issue of BBM.

Have a wonderful fall season!

Stumberg

PUBLISHER

Lauren Stumberg lauren@distinctmediatx.com

ADVERTISING

(210) 219-6735 info@distinctmediatx.com

Lynelle Boyd REALTOR®

REAL COWBOYS! REAL FUN!

FAMILY RANCH RODEO FEST EMBRACES VALUES KEY TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

TThe modern-day, ranching cowboy is alive and well, embodying values that Americans strive to teach their children: courage, optimism, self-reliance, authenticity, honor, duty and compassion. The Family Ranch Rodeo Fest at the Kendall County Youth Ag & Equestrian Center (KCYAEC) on October 7th will give folks a glimpse into the real day-to-day life of ranch cowboys and cowgirls and their outstanding character.

Differing from a professional rodeo, the ranch rodeo features tasks that ranch hands regularly encounter such as rounding up cattle for doctoring and loading for transport. Ten teams—many from Kendall County—will compete for prize money, buckles and other awards. To reflect the very real makeup of many ranching families, the rules call for at least one of the four team members to be a female or a youth under the age of 17.

The Family Ranch Rodeo Fest promises to be more than a ranch rodeo. It will be an afternoon and evening of fun for the entire family featuring music and dancing with local entertainer Dustin De La Garza opening for the headliner, Country artist, Tristan Marez. There’s something for everyone— mutton busting, goat roping, kids’ activities, silent and live auctions, as well as food, drinks, beer and wine for purchase.

All the proceeds from the event will

support KCYAEC, a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit that operates with a large volunteer base and no paid staff. The Center is home to some 400 4-H, FFA and Jr. Livestock members who participate in agriculture and equestrian activities, competitions and educational enterprises. KCYAEC supports youth in many ways:

• $60,000 in Scholarships 2018-2023

• Kendall Co. Jr. Livestock Show & Sale

• Boerne & Comfort FFA Chapter Shows

• 4-H Horse Club Activities

• 4-H Meetings

• Horse and Wool/Mohair Judging

• Annual, county-wide Ag day for school children

• Positive youth development programs. While the Center is offered free of charge throughout the year to youth, it is available for rental to help offset operating expenses. At more than 82,000 square feet, the event center is the largest,

Youth are key to the future of our country and positive youth development programs can prevent a variety of risk behaviors among young people and improve social and emotional outcomes. Our Jr. Livestock, 4-H and FFA programs are helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will create a healthier society.

weatherproof venue in the county, and is perfect for fundraising galas, corporate events and private parties. The venue is situated atop a bluff adjacent to Joshua Springs Park, and offers an open-air feel and beautiful Hill Country views.

Many of the Center events have a positive impact on the county’s economy as visitors spend money at hotels, restaurants and stores. Rental bookings during the past year included youth rodeos, junior market goat sales and

sheep shows, steer shows, team ropings, horsemanship clinics, dog trials, and educational clinics. “These events bring in tourism dollars to Kendall County as visitors book accommodations, eat out, and patronize stores and shops,” said Russell Garza, KCYAEC President.

This year the Center’s signature event, the Kendall County Jr. Livestock Auction awarded more than $1.7 million to exhibitors to go toward their higher education. Dating from 1939, the livestock program in Kendall County has a rich heritage, with many generations of the county’s youth learning to be productive, responsible leaders. For seven decades, hundreds of citizens have served as directors and volunteers for the Association, while thousands of community members and business owners have supported the sale financially by purchasing animals and cheering on the young participants.

Junior Livestock Director Joe Lozano believes that 4-H and FFA

undoubtedly provides youth with diverse opportunities to learn and develop skills. “It paves the way for higher education, successful careers, successful families and ultimately positive influences and contributors to our society,” said Lozano.

Texas Agrilife Extension Agent Stephen Zoeller says the 4-H program is growing in the county. “Our recent 4-H Info Night had a tremendous turnout with families who have recently moved to Kendall County,” said Zoeller. “These parents are seeking a more rural lifestyle and wholesome youth programs.”

The Center is managed by a 13-member board of directors including five representatives from Junior Livestock, five from the 4-H Horse Club and three members from the community. Directors are Russell Garza, Joe Lozano, Stacie Farrell, Kristin Jay, Craig Jackson, Ira Smoot, Dan Still, David Dutton, Rhonda Aikens, Mark Weekley, Kris Pressler, Ty Young, and Duane Zoeller.

The First Families of Kendall County

Sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Kendall County (GSKC), The First Families of Kendall County project began in 1999. The purpose of this project is to recognize the living descendants of persons instrumental in founding and settling of the area encompassed by present day Kendall County, Texas and to preserve the history of their families and the county.

To date, 586 applications have been approved for 318 different individuals. One hundred seventy (170) Founders and one hundred four (104) Early Settlers have been documented and recognized. They represent one hundred thirty-five (135) different families in Kendall County. There are two hundred sixty-two (262) volumes of First Families notebooks on the shelves at the Family History Place.

Carl Wilhelm Adolf Kuhfuss

1832 – 1894

Here we will share with you some of the stories of those First Families who settled this beautiful area of the Texas hill country. We hope you enjoy!

Marie Therese Riedel

1842

- 1895

by James Hurst

To learn more about The First Families of Kendall County project visit www.gskctx.org or stop by the Family History Place at 114 E. Blanco in Boerne.

Follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/GenealogicalSocietyOfKendallCounty

CCarl Wilhelm Adolf "William" Kuhfuss arrived in Galveston on October 31, 1846, with his parents, Carl Heinrich and Johanna nee Richter, a brother, Otto, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Emma. The family emigrated from Zellerfeld, Hanover, Prussia, and boarded the ship Sophie on August 23, 1846, at the port of Bremen. After arriving in Galveston, they took a smaller vessel to Indianola and traveled overland to New Braunfels. It was a difficult time for the immigrants. More than 300 immigrants died after arriving in Indianola, mainly from a cholera epidemic and unfavorable living conditions. William's father died from high fever on September 12, 1847, less than a year after his arrival.

William's mother, Johanna, married Hans von Werder in June 1848. They had a daughter, Otillie, in 1849, after which the marriage ended in divorce. Johanna then married Gottfried Joseph Petmecky, a widower, in August 1853. They had two children, Lena Eugenia and Alfred William. Sometime after their marriage, they moved to San Antonio and appeared in the 1870 census.

In 1855, William left New Braunfels and moved to Boerne where, according to his grandson, Edward Carl Vander Stratten, "He established himself…buying and selling cattle. After two or three years in the cattle business, he attended a celebration in New Braunfels." Vander Stratten continues and tells how William met an orphan, Theresa Riedel, who "he wooed, won, and married during the four days of the celebration, and returned to Boerne with her at the close of the jubilee."

Marie Therese Riedel was not quite three years old when she arrived in Galveston on board the Herschel on December 5, 1844. Therese, her parents, Nicolis and Magdalena nee Hombach, and her eight-month-old brother Franz "Frank" were among 138

immigrants who left the port of Bremen on September 23. The ship Johann Dethardt arrived two weeks earlier, and the Ferdinand arrived on December 21, adding their passengers, and making a total of 292 persons waiting to go inland from Carlshafen (Indianola). As Prince Solms traveled to meet them, he realized it was imperative that a permanent place be selected for a first settlement and purchased a tract of land along the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. On March 21, 1845, Prince Solms led the group across the Guadalupe River to a settlement he named New Braunfels. Each family received a town lot and ten acres of land, but the Riedels were not destined to enjoy their new home. Nicolis died on June 3, less than three months after arriving in New Braunfels, and his wife Magdalena died twenty-five days later, on June 28. Therese and Frank were among the first of many orphans in Comal County whose parents died seeking a better life in Texas.

When Therese was five months shy of her seventeenth birthday, on October 18, 1858, she and William Kuhfuss went to the Comal County Courthouse and were issued a marriage license by the

County Clerk, Albert Dreiss. The couple then went down the hall to the office of Justice of the Peace, Johann Schneider, who, in the presence of "credible witnesses," joined them in holy matrimony. William was twenty-six.

William purchased ten acres of land from John James on May 1, 1860. Here, at 515 N. Main in Boerne, he built a stone house for his family, which is still used today. Four of the couple's seven children were born there: Ottillie (b. 1862, m. Fredrich Schweppe, 1878,) Lina (b. 1866, m. William Vander Stratten, 1887), Otto (b. 1868, d. 1873), and Edward (b. 1870, m. Katherine Platz, 1896). William bought property surrounding the original homestead and eventually owned and farmed all of what is presently the north end of Boerne on both sides of Main Street. In 1873, he purchased City Lot 9 from A. E.

Our goal at Kendall County Abstract Company is to be the premier title company in Kendall County. We provide real estate closing services and title insurance to both individuals and businesses. All work and research is done in-house at our office. When you have questions and are looking for high quality, we are ready to serve your needs.

continued from page 11

Toepperwein and built an elegant, two-story home where Boerne City Hall is today. His daughter Emma (b 1874, m. Maximillian Beseler, 1893), his sons William (b. 1879, m. Bertha Stendebach 1899), and Albert (b. 1870, d. 1871) were born in the new home. In January 1879, he sold his original home to his daughter, Ottillie Schweppe, for a dollar as a wedding present.

Sometime before 1870, William opened a dry goods store. The 1870 census listed his occupation as an “(illegible) store." In May 1875, he purchased City Lots 85 and

86, building a two-story building at 113 S. Main. His dry goods business was on the first floor, and the second floor, known as "Kuhfuss Halle," was used for community activities.

The 1880 census listed Lina, Edward, Emma, and William as William and Theresa's children. Also living with them was William's half-brother, Alfred Petmecky, who worked as a store clerk for him. Albert was not listed, so he must have been born after the census date of June 22. We could not locate Albert's birth or death record, but Ford J. Lauer III, who wrote the Kuhfuss biography for the First Families Book, said he died at one year and three months old.

William was well-known and respected in the community. In 1859, he signed the petition to create Kendall County and later became the first County Treasurer in 1862, a position he held for 24 years. He helped to create the Boerne Schuetzen Verein in 1864 and helped establish the Boerne Cemetery in 1867. William died on August 21, 1894, and was buried in the Boerne Cemetery. Therese died the following year on November 21 and was buried beside William. TEXT

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“We started this business in 2019, and since then we have seen our clients lose over 14,000 pounds,” said Traci Brown, co-owner and head coach of Ideal Health Boerne. “The transformations we have witnessed among our clients have been truly inspiring. We want so much more for our clients than just weight loss though. We want to help them live healthier lives and provide them with the support system they need to stay on track!”

Having had much success in her own weight loss journey, Traci was inspired to help others do the same. She teamed up with local physician and friend, Dr. Ben Stahl, and they opened their own clinic. Originally located inside of Boerne Family Medicine, it didn’t take long for Ideal Health Boerne to need a larger

HEALTHY LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!

Wspace. Their current location on Main Street allowed the business to expand and offer a fitness studio space. Now, Ideal Health has more exciting news. “We are moving our location once again and are so excited for what the new space will bring,” said Traci. “Each move has brought bigger and better opportunities for our business and our clients.”

Ideal Health Boerne’s new space will be located at 1015 C, N. School Street on the north side of Boerne. According to Traci, “We will be moved in by November! The new space will offer a much larger fitness studio for our very popular fitness classes, as well as a space that can better accommodate our male clients.”

continued on page 18

by Lauren Stumberg

photos by The Marvelous Mrs. Lindsey Photography

Traci Brown

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Katie Meuth

Katie is a licensed Mixxedfit instructor at Ideal Health and Wellness. She has lived in Boerne most of her life and graduated from UTSA with a degree in early childhood education. “Fitness has always been a part of my life, and dance is my passion! When I'm not at the studio, you'll find me spending time with my husband, two children, and many fur babies,” said Katie. Outside of fitness, she enjoys reading, DIY projects, and spending time outdoors. Katie has been teaching group exercise classes for over 10 years, and recently added Mixxedfit to her certifications in dance fitness. She is licensed to teach Zumba and Mixxedfit formats. According to Katie, “Mixxedfit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance movements with body weight toning. What does that look like? Easy to follow, repetitive dance choreography and body weight exercises to tone and sculpt your body, all while listening to a variety of genres of music! This workout is perfect for any level of fitness and guaranteed to make you sweat. Why do I teach dance fitness? I want to help others reach their health goals, while motivating them to have fun while exercising! Mixxedfit brings a sense of community to each class, as well as confidence that is contagious. Ready to make a change? Meet me on the dance floor!”

Tiffany Pressler

“I have been in the fitness world for 28 years, I was only 16 years old when I taught my first group fitness class,” said Tiffany. She became a certified trainer with NASM in 2003 and continuing education has earned her many certifications like Bosu, TRX, weight management, strength and agility coaching, just to name a few!

Tiffany has been married for 10 years and has two beautiful daughters, Kali and Pepper. “We enjoy being outdoors together, raising our show steers, kayaking, going to the beach, and whatever involves the sun!”

“The biggest reward in what I do for a living is truly changing peoples lives for the better. Watching people in their fitness and wellness journey, losing weight and feeling better about themselves mentally and physically is the best compliment a trainer can hear! It’s why I do what I do!”

Bethany Hoegemeyer

Bethany and her husband Chris have three boys, Colton who is a freshman at Texas A&M, Casen is a junior at Boerne High School, and Cooper who is a 7th grader at Voss Middle School. According to Bethany, “I love spending time with family and friends, watching our boys play sports, exercising, and being outside –when the weather is a little cooler!”

Bethany has her Peak Pilates Level III Comprehensive Certification and teaches a Mat Pilates class that focuses on strength, stamina, stretch, and stability with an aim to condition the deeper supporting muscles that of the body to improve posture, balance, and coordination. “I love getting to know clients on a personal level and helping them achieve improvement in not only how they look, but more importantly, how they feel!! Pilates makes you feel good!”

continued from page 16

The whole purpose of the fitness studio at Ideal Health Boerne was to create a space that was not threatening or intimidating. “The fitness studio has really been a game changer for many of our clients. We knew that some of our dieters would never step foot in a traditional gym, so we brought the gym to them. The classes are small, personal and suitable for any skill level. They can start where they are at and progress from there. We have also been very intentional in choosing the fitness trainers as well,” said Brown. The fitness classes currently offered by Ideal Health Boerne include Mat Pilates taught by Bethany Hoegemeyer, Mixxedfit by Katie Meuth and Resistance Training by Tiffany Pressler. The cost is $60/month for unlimited classes and an open gym and available to anyone even if they are not currently participating in wellness coaching from Ideal Health Boerne.

Traci’s passion for wellness is still going strong. She recently became a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and is working on her personal training certification. “I know what losing weight and getting healthy has done for me. It has given me my life back. I was watching life go by, I wasn’t actively participating in it. Now I do things with my kids and family. I want that for my clients too – I want their lives to be transformed just as mine has been,” said Traci enthusiastically.

As part of her journey to wellness, Traci is determined to figure out what true health looks like not only for herself, but her clients as well. “In addition to the original packaged food plans, we now are focusing on the creation of individual nutrition plans created to meet specific goals that incorporate whole foods and clean eating.”

Clients are given access to one-on-one coaching, wellness

education, and accountability. They are taught to read labels on their food and what they are looking for. They work to create a positive mental attitude towards their health journey, while getting rid of the negative connotations of the typical diet culture. “Our clients are becoming actively involved in the process. They are owning their journey and understanding that their results are directly related to their actions. I always tell them that ‘I make suggestions, but you make decisions.’”

“Giving my patients access to good, weight related counseling was difficult up until partnering with Traci. It is nice knowing that I have a trusted source to direct my patients to. She is so knowledgeable and motivational that we have been seeing great results not only in weight loss, but in the patients’ outlook and how they feel,” said Dr. Ben Stahl. “I love that Ideal Health Boerne sees weight loss as just the first step towards achieving health and wellness. With this program we really empower our clients to change their habits and choices long term, resulting in a healthier, happier life. As a physician, I talk about weight loss with 60-70% of my patients, there are so many weight related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, sleep apnea and the list goes on. With so many different weight loss plans out there, people generally see initial success, but then gain the weight back. The key here is changing your lifestyle for lasting wellness.”

According to Traci, “When I started my weight loss journey I was able to come off a number of medications and I saw my health drastically improve! I have seen clients come off medications, have symptoms of diseases subside and so many more amazing health benefits. I have seen the dramatic results of clean, healthy eating and exercise in my own life. I’m on a mission to see just how healthy I can get, and I want that for my clients too! Being able to help people change their life for the better is what this is all about!”

September Calendar of Events

LIVE MUSIC AT DOG & PONY GRILL

Check their Facebook/Instagram for Upcoming Performances.

WEDNESDAYS

FREE ROAM’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIESPRESENTED BY LOVORN LAW FIRM

7:00pmto 9:00pm

235 South Main Street – Boerne

THURSDAYS

SINGO ‘MUSIC BINGO’

Starts at 6:00pm

Dog and Pony Grill

1481 South Main Street – Boerne

Each night, their host will play 150 of the best hits in the music business, all 30-second music clips, and you’ll have multiple opportunities to win house cash courtesy of Dog and Pony Grill! Prizes every round! Free to play!

DOBBS THURSDAY KARAOKE NIGHT!

8:00pm to 11:59pm

Salvador Dobbs | 512 River Road – Boerne

1ST & 3RD FRIDAYS

SOCIAL AND DANCE AT KRONKOSKY PLACE: THE CENTER

6:00pm to 8:30pm | 17 Old San Antonio – Boerne

Cover fee is $10.00 per person for dinner, dessert, music and dancing. Open to non-members and supervised children (12 & under free) are welcome. Music is provided by the Classic Country Band.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

LIVE MUSIC AT TUSCULUM BREWING COMPANY!

5:30pm to 8:30pm

236 S. Main Street – Boerne

Check their website or call for more information about their featured weekly musicians!

SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES AT TAPATIO

SPRINGS HILL COUNTRY RESORT

La Cascada Table & Bar – Patio

6:30pm to 10:30pm

1 Resort Way – Boerne

SATURDAYS

A DAY AT THE FARM AND FARMERS MARKET

9:00am to 1:00pm

33 Herff Road – Boerne

Hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food or get new recipe ideas!

SEPTEMBER 1

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR HEY LOVE

11:30am to 12:00pm

152 S Main St. – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR REPRESENTATIVE

ELLEN TROXCLAIR

1:30pm to 2:00pm

624 N Main St, Ste 102 – Boerne

Are you an older adult looking to improve your balance and confidence in order to decrease your risk for falls? Come see us!

SEPTEMBER 5

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR ANYTIME FITNESS

BOERNE

1:30pm to 2:00pm

1018 River Road – Boerne

SEPTEMBER 7

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR LIMESTONE BISTRO

11:30am to 12:00pm

946 N School Street – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR JAVIER BALDERAS

- REALTOR WITH WARMKE REAL ESTATE

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

121 S Main St. – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR LD BRIDAL

4:30pm to 5:00pm

412 River Rd, Ste 104 – Boerne

SEPTEMBER 9

KUHLMANN-KING MUSEUM TOURS

12:00pm to 3:00pm

402 East Blanco Road – Boerne

Step back in time to experience and explore how a Boerne family would have lived in the late 1800s.

BLACK RIFLE BLOCK PARTY - TUG THE TRUCK

8:00am to 4:00pm

E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne

Enjoy live music, great food and drinks as well as the annual Tug the Truck event.

continued on page 26

GVTC’s Chuck Knibbe Steps Down as Chairman of the BoardClint Swindall is Elected as the New Board Chairman

GGVTC Communications, a leading provider of telecommunications services, announces the resignation of Chuck Knibbe as Chairman of the GVTC Board of Directors. He will continue to serve as a director on the GVTC Board. Knibbe has served on the GVTC Board since 1992 and has held the esteemed position of Chairman since 1996.

As Chairman of the Board, Knibbe has been instrumental in leading the cooperative through transformative phases, propelling it to become a fiber broadbandcentric communications company and achieving remarkable growth. Under Knibbe’s guidance, GVTC's annualized revenue grew from $17 million in 1992 to over $135 million today. Knibbe helped the company achieve over a $118 million increase in operating revenue during his 27 years as Chairman.

A longtime Spring Branch resident and GVTC member, Knibbe and his family were part of the creation of GVTC. His father, Lawrence Knibbe, was one of the incorporating members of the cooperative, helping develop the Hill Country area by providing a vital service. From population growth to new competition to the arrival and implementation of the latest technologies, Knibbe takes pride in the important role that he and his family have played in GVTC’s history.

Reflecting on his resignation, Chuck Knibbe shared, "My journey with GVTC has been immensely fulfilling, and I am proud to have been part of a dedicated team that transformed a telephone-centric cooperative into a leading communications provider. It's been an honor to serve this community and work alongside passionate individuals who strive for excellence. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey, and I am confident that GVTC will continue to thrive under the leadership of Clint Swindall."

Clint Swindall, the current chairman of the Governance Committee on the GVTC Board of Directors, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board. Swindall's impressive background in leadership development and his extensive experience on the GVTC Board make him an ideal candidate to lead the cooperative into the future.

Swindall and his wife, Heather, reside in Bulverde, Texas. He is the President & CEO of Verbalocity, Inc., a personal development company specializing in leadership enhancement. After a successful corporate career in telecommunications, Swindall transitioned into working with corporations and associations, offering leadership development programs. As a professional speaker, trainer, and author of three books on leadership, Swindall's expertise is widely recognized both nationally and internationally.

In addition to his role on the GVTC Board since 2008, Swindall is a Director Emeritus of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and, alongside his wife, is a founder of the First Chance Foundation, a private 501(c)3 focused on nurturing and developing abandoned, abused, and neglected children. He has also been involved with organizations such as the Texas State University Alumni Association,

Junior Achievement of South Texas, and Provisions, a food pantry based in Bulverde.

"I am deeply honored to be elected as the new Chairman of the Board for GVTC Communications," said Clint Swindall. "I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that GVTC has made under the leadership of Chuck Knibbe, and I am committed to building upon the legacy of excellence he leaves behind. As we continue to embrace technological advancements and focus on delivering exceptional services to our customers and communities, I am excited to work alongside the talented team at GVTC to shape a bright future for the cooperative. Together, we will uphold our core values and drive GVTC's growth, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the telecommunications industry."

GVTC Communications extends its heartfelt appreciation to Chuck Knibbe for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the cooperative. His legacy will forever inspire GVTC's continued commitment to excellence and community service. The company warmly welcomes Clint Swindall as the new Chairman of the Board and looks forward to a prosperous future under his guidance.

Chuck Knibbe Clint Swindall

BBM

TDo Professional Services need Marketing?

TThere are some things in this world that are certain: The sky is blue, the grass is green (unless it’s summer in South Texas), and businesses want to make more money. In previous years, professional services, such as public accounting firms, could rely on referrals to maintain a stream of clients and profit. However, with an increasingly saturated market, a flood of digital and print media, and an increased expectation for client service, it is now more important than ever to make your business stand out amongst the rest. This demand requires an answer which can best be achieved through marketing.

As defined by The American Marketing Association, “marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.” In other words, marketing is any activity that promotes a company’s products or services. Marketers can achieve communication to the public through either digital media (social media, search engine optimization (SEO), paid ads, email marketing) or print media (brochures, magazine ads, direct mail, and business cards.) Both methods are incredibly valuable, target different audiences, and should coexist for maximum visibility and results.

What should a business and its marketers communicate? For retail companies, the answer is simple. When the new season of fall clothing arrives, marketers showcase the new items through social media posts and targeted ads and may announce a sale on all summer items via email marketing. However, for professional services, the answer is not quite as obvious. Instead, you are selling your services and an experience. To sell an experience, companies should pick an identity and match their marketing efforts to it. For example, if you want your business to be seen as premier, mailers should be made from high quality paper, social media posts should use clear, high-resolution photos, printed ads must only be placed in reputable and relevant magazines, and collaborations and partnerships should occur with other premium brands in the community. By aligning all marketing efforts with a high standard, you are showing the public the level of service they can expect to receive when they do business with your company. Additionally, the type of content that is published can showcase the persona of your company. For an accounting firm, having accurate and up-to-date blog posts featured on the website tells the audience that your employees are subject matter experts, which can encourage prospective clients to choose your firm. Or showcasing the firm’s community involvement on social media illustrates that the company is dedicated to its community and to upholding its core values. Marketing should show the audience who your business is, not tell it!

Marketing efforts will not only attract new clients but will also continue to build the relationships between you and existing clients. Although mar-

keting will help your brand gain more business, that is not the only purpose. It is just as important to continue to showcase the brand and experience to existing clients in order to keep them engaged. Additionally, a happy client is one who will refer his friends and family back to you. The increase in reach your business will gain from marketing campaigns will allow your company to grow. With this growth comes more areas of opportunity and you may find that your company serves many different demographics or industries, thus segmentation may be required. Through segmentation, your marketing team can analyze and prioritize the needs and interests of each group which subsequently allows marketers to generate and promote the most relevant content for each audience.

Not only will marketing bring in new clients, but it is also an important recruiting tool. With search engine optimization (SEO), your open job positions will populate higher on the Google Search Results page meaning potential candidates are more likely to see and click on your link. Also, the high-quality social media posts that communicate ideas such as company culture and values will showcase to the candidates what it means to work at your company. If your business requires interns, taking premium and desirable swag to college career fairs will help attract talent to your booth and hopefully make your brand stand out amongst the competition. Marketing can also assist with retention efforts in a number of ways. New and exciting branded swag items, featuring staff on social medium platforms, and hosting or attending networking events helps to keep employees actively engaged.

Marketing efforts are the vessels in which a business can communicate its worth, manage its reputation, and build relationships with new and existing clients. Although the content may look a little different, professional services need marketing just as much as other industries like retail. By promoting the client experience, highlighting company culture, and setting the expectation before a new client ever walks through your office doors, you will make your business desirable. Not only will marketing attract new clients and talent, but it will also help your business understand where to search for growth opportunities. The data and insight that can be gained from marketing efforts is crucial for making educated business decisions and will ultimately help your business grow!

Sarah is the Marketing Specialist at ADKF. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She earned her Master of Science in Marketing from Texas Tech University in 2023. ADKF.com

by Sarah Flannigan, Marketing Expert – ADKF

113 PILSEN – BOERNE, TX

This wonderful home has 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths and is located in cul-de-sac. The Large Kitchen with Granite island and breakfast bar is open to the family room. Primary bedroom and bath are downstairs. Primary Bath has two vanities with a garden tub and a separate shower; with walk in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms upstairs with 2 baths and a Large gameroom. New carpet installed August 15, 2023, This home is located in a Great area close to Town. Call for a Showing today!

12 UPPER BALCONES RD – OFFICE SPACE

Approx 4,000 sf of premium office space available in Boerne, Texas. Multiple offices, reception area, bathrooms. Great location for CPA, Attorney, Insurance agency, etc. Call for more information and rates.

745 W. SAN ANTONIO

This Building has 2,798 sf of available Lease space adjacent to Dr. Sorace a Mohs Surgeon. Great location for Family Practice, Head & Neck Physician, Dermatologist, ENT Doctor or Any Professional Service Organization. Plenty of Parking, separate Entrances, Common Bathrooms, Common Areas for Employees to enjoy the Quiet backyard adjacent to Creek. Triple net lease; Call for your Private Viewing. Remodel allowance is negotiable with Lease Terms.* New Base rent at $18 psf !

TOWNHOMES – FOR LEASE

102 WANDA STREET AND 309 W. HIGHLAND

Great Central location, walk to HEB and Downtown Boerne. Easy access to IH 10, east and west. Unit 102, 1008 sf, Two Bedroom with 1.5 baths, open living area, kitchen with A fridge, tenant brings own Washer and Dryer. unit 102, 2 BR, 2 bath, 1008 sf, Unit 309, 2 BR, 1.5 baths, 1044 sf, Under New Ownership as of 7-1-2023; Two weeks Free Rent with 12 month Lease Term

215 WATER STREET

Awesome location for your Boerne office, 1 block off South Main Street off W. Bandera and Water Street. Single story office with approx 1983 sf with 3 offices, reception area; Conference area, Kitchen, bathroom; perfect for the CPA, Attorney, Insurance Agency, Real Estate, Financial Advisors, etc. Good parking available, some signage available with city approvals. The restored wood floors and character make this a wonderful atmosphere for your Business.

Inspiring people to achieve their life’s ambitions

Prime Capital Investment Advisors is proud of our ability to provide our clients with full-service financial advice. Your personal financial advisor will educate you on wealth building and preservation strategies based on your individual situation.

For more information about us and the investment services we offer, contact us:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d

SEPTEMBER 9

SECOND SATURDAY AUTHOR SIGNING:

THEO BOYD

11:00am to 1:00pm

Library Lobby | 451 N. Main St. – Boerne

Author Theo Boyd will be on hand in the lobby to sell copies of her book, My Grief is Not Like Yours.

SEPTEMBER 9 & 23

BLUEGRASS JAM

11:00am to 1:00pm

The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center

102 City Park Road – Boerne

Bring your instrument and play along or just come to listen to the Bluegrass Jams while exploring the exhibits and grounds of The AgriCultural.

SEPTEMBER 9 - 10

BOERNE MARKET DAYS

Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Boerne Main Plaza

100 N. Main St. – Boerne

Market Days has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen and vendors sharing their creative talents and wares to the background music of some of Texas’ best home grown musicians.

SEPTEMBER 10

BOERNE WILD

San Antonio Zoo Fundraiser

4:00pm to 8:00pm

Dog & Pony Grill | 1481 S. Main – Boerne Music. Wildlife. Family Fun.

SEPTEMBER 11

KENDALL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT

9:00am to 11:00am

Kendall County Courthouse

201 E. San Antonio Ave. – Boerne

Every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.

SEPTEMBER 12

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR MOMENTUM PHYSICAL THERAPY

11:30am to 12:00pm

124 E. Bandera Rd, Suite 402 – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE BUBBLE TEA FACTORY

1:30pm to 2:00pm

1415 E Blanco Rd, Suite 1 – Boerne

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:00pm to 8:00pm | Boerne City Hall

SEPTEMBER 13

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE HACIENDA AT ESPERANZA

11:30am to 12:00pm | 103 Miraval – Boerne

SEPTEMBER 14

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR BOERNE GYMNASTICS CENTER'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

11:30am to 12:00pm

105 Stonegate Rd – Boerne

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR A-AFFORDABLE STORAGE

1:30pm to 2:00pm | 946 State Hwy 46 – Boerne

BOERNE AFTER 5 MIXER - HOSTED BY THE KENDALL COUNTY YOUTH AGRICULTURE AND EQUESTRIAN CENTER

5:00pm to 7:00pm | 648 FM 289 – Comfort

Key To The Hills Rod Run Is Now…

Now open to American made cars, trucks and motorcycles aged 1975 and older!

HHill Country Mile Rod Run is proud to announce that they will be carrying on the tradition of Key to the Hills. Their goal is to honor the work and vision of the previous families, while also making the event their own. The focus at HCM Rod Run is to bring together classic car/motorcycle owners and builders from Texas and beyond to share the mutual passion for classic cars and bikes. This event will be Saturday October 14th 2023 in historic downtown Boerne Texas.

This event offers a family friendly day of cars, bikes, live music, craft beer, food and vendors. They will be taking over downtown Boerne to celebrate American classic cars and motorcycles. Multiple locations throughout downtown will have live music and food. as an added bonus – the annular solar eclipse in Texas will be taking place on the day of the event making it a perfect venue for viewing!

The Inaugural Hill Country Mile Rod Run

Will Take Place On Saturday October 14th, 2023

8am to 5pm – Rain Or Shine!

The Hill Country Mile Rod Run is brought to you by Bird Imports the Hill Country’s premier classic/collectible car dealer and platinum sponsor of the Hill Country Mile Rod Run.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS | cont’d

SEPTEMBER 16

BOERNE STYLE SHOW & SHOPPING EVENT

6:00pm to 9:00pm | The Bevy Hotel

101 Herff Road – Boerne

Keep an eye out on the catwalk for upcoming trends that can be found in local Boerne shops. Grab a drink and shop the looks you love during the event as well.

All proceeds from this event will go to the Kendall County Women's Shelter. Come join some of your favorite stores in the Boerne area as they strut their stuff down the runway! $75 online, $100 at the door, $500 for VIP tickets

SEPTEMBER 20

GBCC RIBBON CUTTING FOR NAPA AUTO PARTS BOERNE

11:30am to 12:00pm | 7 Cascade Caverns Rd –Boerne

SEPTEMBER 23

BOERNE DUCK DERBY

10:00am to 2:00pm | Boerne City Lake

21 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd. - Boerne

Adopt your duck to cheer on the action and back the Transformation House at www.boerneduckderby. com!

KARNIVAL 4 KIDS BENEFITTING LOVE KENDALL COUNTY KIDS

11:00am to 3:00 pm

Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne 31205 IH 10 W. Frontage Rd. – Boerne Go to www.lovekckids.org to learn more.

6TH ANNUAL BOERNE BIERFEST

1:00pm to 7:00pm

The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center 102 City Park Road – Boerne hccarts.org

THE CHILDREN’S SHELTER FUNDRAISER: VINCENT NEIL EMERSON CONCERT

Doors open at 5:30pm | Dog & Pony Grill

1475 S. Main – Boerne

Tickets are $20 at the door.

SEPTEMBER 26

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:00pm to 8:00pm | Boerne City Hall

SEPTEMBER 28

BOERNE AFTER 5 MIXER - HOSTED BY VIC VAUGHAN TOYOTA OF BOERNE

5:00pm to 7:00pm | 31205 IH 10 W Frontage Rd –Boerne

COMEDY NIGHT AT FREE ROAM BREWING COMPANY

7:30pm to 9:30pm

235 South Main Street – Boerne

From local comedians to well renowned comedians, stop by the brewery and get your laugh on. For ages 18+.

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1

OKTOBERFEST @ DOG & PONY

11:00am to 7:00pm

1481 South Main Street – Boerne

They'll have a special food menu and a huge selection of Oktoberfest beers as well as exciting special events and activities. There are more details to come, so stay tuned and mark your calendars!

SEPTEMBER 30

FIRST FAMILIES OF KENDALL COUNTY ANNUAL RECOGNITION CEREMONY

10:30am to 12:00pm

Family Life Center at St. John Lutheran Church

315 Rosewood Ave. – Boerne

The Genealogical Society of Kendall County, Texas will recognize descendants from thirteen First Families of Kendall County.

MOONDANCE CONCERT- RUBEN V

7:00pm to 9:00pm | Cibolo Nature Center

140 City Park Road – Boerne

Moondance is a longstanding, beloved tradition at The Cibolo. Grab your lawn chairs, coolers, and friends, and come enjoy live music from local bands under the oak trees! This summer,

they'll welcome back some of their favorite music groups and food trucks from past Moondances and welcome in new ones as well.

OCTOBER 1

BOERNE CONCERT BAND: 'LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!'

7:00pm to 8:30pm

Boerne High School Auditorium

1 Greyhound Lane – Boerne BBM

GREATER BOERNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AUGUST 2023 RIBBON CUTTINGS

Kinetic Kids’ mission is to enrich the lives of children with special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to foster the development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community. They envision Kinetic Kids as the premier and recognized leader for adaptive sports, fine arts and educational programming, serving children with intellectual and physical challenges, in our community and beyond, so that all children can achieve new possibilities previously unimaginable. Interested in learning more about this wonderful program? Go to kinetickidstx.org or call (210) 748-5860!

Branches and More is a company that represents domestic farms and gatherers of organic mosses, branches and pine cones. Nancy has over 36 years of experience in the floral trade, which began in Austin in 1986. They grew from a wholesale florist to a moss company in Arkansas selling to large craft store chains, wholesale florists, florists, interior designers and grocery stores throughout the United States. As a leading provider of all-natural décor, Branches and More strives to provide a wide range of decorative materials sources from various species and locations. They sell direct from the farm to you. Learn more about Branches and More by going to branchesandmore.com.

All Dry Services of SATX are your professional restoration and cleanup experts in the Hill Country, who are available to provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! They handle water damage mitigation, mold remediation, storm/flood damage cleanup, odor removal and more. They work with your insurance carrier throughout the restoration process to minimize stress and provide a smooth claim experience. Interested in more information? You can find them by going to alldrysatx.com or by calling (210) 960-1422! Welcome to the Chamber, All Dry Services SATX!

Heights Digital Media is a digital advertisement agency that specializes in web design, video production and content creation, social media management, SEO improvements, graphic design and more. Their passion is developing your brand and building your online presence. They help businesses cut through the noise and stand out ahead of their competition. Are you ready to take your content strategy to new heights? Let Heights Digital help you! Learn more by calling (210) 570-1314, by going to heightsdigitalmedia.com or check them out on Facebook or Instagram! Welcome to Boerne, Heights Digital!

St. John Lutheran School values the education of every child that walks through their doors. Realizing that parents carry the basic responsibility to educate their children, they also understand that teachers play a large role in helping children develop foundational skills and knowledge. They aim to serve as an extension of a child’s home and church. If you are looking for a solid Christian education, small class room sizes, one-on-one attention, close-knit community and excellent teachers, St. John Lutheran School is the place for you! They are still enrolling for Fall of 2023, go to stjohnlutheran.com/ school or call (830) 375-5321 to learn more!

Texas Treasure Fine Art and Frame Shop is home to the creative works of over 40 leading and highly acclaimed National/International Artists and holds one of the largest sculpture collections in the state. They offer custom commissions, corporate art consultations, bronze monument installation and design, custom framing, art appraising and more! They celebrated their grand opening in their new location, as well as their 12th Anniversary! Visit heir new location 919 State Hwy 46 East, Ste. 102, Boerne (Next to the Chevron and Voss Middle School in Bergheim). Be sure to visit their website texastreasuresfineart.com or call them at (830) 229-5055.

The Oak of Boerne is a recreational social club dedicated to self-made captains of industry and like-minded individuals. Enjoy their selection of premium cigars, rare small batch bourbon, cask strength scotch, artisan mezcal, and old world wine. Premium membership includes personalized lockers to store and age cigars in the climate controlled humidor. In addition, they offer individual bottle lockers behind the bar to house coveted bottles purchased in-house. Located on Main St, this offers a mix of lounge, table seating, even a private space with video conferencing capabilities for business meetings. Visit their website at theoakofboerne.com.

Cutie Patootie Boerne celebrated their 1 Year Anniversary of having new owners with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! Cutie Patootie has a 17 year legacy of providing high quality, gently used children’s clothing, toys and accessories to the families in Boerne, as well as offering an effective middle man for families wanting to pursue consignment. The team focuses on providing high quality, inspected inventory, creating a sustainable economy by reducing waste, and supporting their local Boerne families! Cutie Patootie is located at 233 S. Main St., Suite D in Boerne, stop by today to visit them or go to shopcutiepatootie.com.

Before Your Eyes Interiors is a full scale design firm with their own teams of painters, installers, contractors, carpenters, seamstress and designers! They have great relationships with 1,000s of vendors that offer furniture, fixtures, art and more! This allows for them to assist you in getting the best price range for any budget! Whether it’s a whole new look or revamping the items you already own, Before Your Eyes Interiors can provide creative design solutions. Head over to beforeyoureyesinteriors.com, call (512) 739-5866 or stop by and visit their showroom on Main Street at 189 S. Main St. in Boerne to learn more!

The Wounded Warrior Project began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, through their direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with their advocacy efforts, they improve the lives of millions of warriors and their families. By donating, fundraising or spreading the word you can help warriors get back on track and become a positive force in their communities. Interested in learning more about how you can help? Go to woundedwarriorproject.org or call (210) 569-0300. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join the Wounded Warrior Project for their Carry Forward 5K taking place on Saturday, October 7th and Mission County Park..

Hill Country Animal Emergency Hospital, or HCAEH, takes great satisfaction in providing their patients with the high-quality treatment that they would demand for their own pets. They are able to offer an unparalleled depth and breadth of competence thanks to the team of talented doctors, each with their own areas of advanced research. They offer emergency pet surgery, toxicity treatment, transfusion therapy, oxygen therapy and so much more.

Hill Country Animal Emergency Hospital is open Mon-Thu: 12am to 8am & 6pm to 12am AND Fri-Sun: 12am to 12am. They are also open 24 hours on holidays and constantly have doctors on call ready to take care of your furry-friends emergencies! A special shout-out to Chilito’s Express, Latin Fusion Catering & Specialty Tamales for catering tonight’s event! Chilito’s is a special partner of HCAEH and they are always ready to serve you while you are waiting for your pet when they are at the hospital. The Hospital is located at 826 Johns Road in Boerne, their phone number is (830) 510-3338 and their website is hcaeh.com.

The Kendall County Citizen’s Law Enforcement Academy Alumni Association (KCCLEAAA) is comprised of citizens who have successfully completed the Kendall County Citizens Law Enforcement Academy.The Academy is a series of classes that provide participants with an understanding of the roles and processes of local law enforcement agencies.

The KCCLEAAA, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, conducts various public education and fundraising events throughout the year. Proceeds from fundraising are used to assist local law enforcement agencies with grants for training and equipment. In addition, KCCLEAAA helps with community events and other initiatives deemed appropriate by the agencies they serve. Interested in learning more about their mission and how to get involved? Go to kccleaaa.org or call (210) 628-9498 now!

Markets Overview

by Matthew K. Nelson – Prime Capital Investment Advisors - Texas

Stocks

For the first half of 2023, stocks shrugged off continued Fed rate hikes, still elevated inflation, and regional banking turmoil to make strong gains. The S&P 500 index closed out the second quarter at its highest point for the year at $4,450, which represented a 16% YTD price gain.

While many investors would normally cheer for these results, all may not be as rosy as it seems. If we dig into the YTD performance of the S&P 500, it’s mainly 10 large companies that have risen anywhere from 69-190% driving the index’s year-to-date return, whereas the median YTD return for S&P 500 constituents was only 5%. Most of the positive outliers were companies expected to be major beneficiaries of significant advancements in artificial intelligence (“AI”) utilization. The potential impact of AI has been likened to that of the internet, and some pundits have gone as far as comparing the potential impact to that of electricity becoming widely available. While the euphoria surrounding the advancement of this technology is certainly exciting, it’s important to maintain perspective on how 2023’s equity market performance stacks up to historical performance.

As J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Market” illustrates, despite posting mostly full-year annual returns, the annual intra-year S&P 500 drawdown has averaged 14%. With 2023’s intra-year decline of 8% being well below the historical average, this has some investors wondering whether the rally will continue. While drawdowns in the S&P 500 are always possible, the chart below illustrates that investors who maintain exposure to equities over the long term are handsomely rewarded.

Matt Nelson is the Managing Director for PCIA’s San Antonio market. He has been in the financial services industry for over two decades. Due to Matt’s tenure, he has a wealth of experience assisting high-net-worth individuals to work through a multitude of financial challenges to develop a holistic approach to wealth management and asset protection. He also works with many large corporations throughout the Midwest and Southwest handling their retirement plans. Specifically, he consults with plan sponsors regarding fiduciary protection, vendor search, and selection as well as face-to-face participant education.

Matt’s approach to these services begins with a strong relationship with his clients by understanding their needs, listening to concerns, then coordinating with tax and legal experts to develop a holistic plan.

Matt loves raising his two daughters in the Boerne and Kendall County community and is very active in supporting the local community.

Bonds

While equity markets have been off to a roaring start to the year, bonds had a much quieter 2023 so far. As the Chart from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Markets” illustrates below, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate bond index has posted a +2% YTD so far in 2023. While a +2% return may not be exciting to some investors, what is exciting is the level of yield that investors are able to find in fixed income markets. Many investors have been able to purchase short-term instruments, like money market funds, Certificates of Deposits, or short-term U.S. government securities, that are yielding north of +5% annualized with minimal risk. While 2022 experienced the largest bond market drawdown since the 70’s and YTD 2023 returns have indeed been muted, the chart below illustrates that historical bond markets returns have been positive over the long term.

Economics

Equity and bond markets have both posted positive YTD returns despite the Federal Reserve’s continued rate hikes, as illustrated in the chart below from J.P. Morgan’s “Guide to the Markets”. While rising interest rates were the main catalyst to 2022’s drawdown in risky assets, markets have been able to shake off the continued hiking due to moderating inflation readings and expectations that the hiking cycle is nearing its end. As illustrated in the chart, FOMC members expect interest rates to reach their highest level around 5.6% sometime in the latter part of 2023 then decline to 3.40% by 2025. Indeed, it appears that the FOMC’s mission to combat inflation is working. The Consumer Price Index Ex Food and Energy (“Core CPI”) increased 4.8% yearover-year in June 2023 reading, which was below expectations of 5.0% and much lower than the recent high of 6.6% in September of 2022. While the positive progress on the inflation front is encouraging, labor markets remain very tight with the June Unemployment Rate of 3.6% near historical lows. Typically, as the FOMC increases interest rates, the Unemployment Rate rises, but thus far in the current hiking cycle this has not been the case. With labor markets remaining surprisingly resilient, this could lead to the “final battle” against entrenched inflation as labor demand continues to exceed labor supply and higher wage growth drives higher consumer spending.

continued on page 34

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Portfolio Strategy

Given the strength of the market thus far in 2023, investors are wondering how to position their portfolios amidst the bullish trends. Each investors’ portfolio should consider his or her own personal financial circumstance and we strongly encourage working with a financial advisor to create a customize financial plan and portfolio. None the less, a popular and broadly successful portfolio strategy amongst investors over the past decade has been a diversified asset allocation strategy, or a customized mix of equity and fixed income exposure determined by the investor’s personal goals and objectives. The equity portion will tend to drive capital appreciation during economic expansions and the fixed income portion will typically soften the blow during economic contractions. A popular mix for investors has been the popular “60/40 portfolio” in which 60% of the portfolio is allocated to stocks and 40% is allocated to bonds. With both equity and bond markets experiencing positive returns YTD, investors should consider the success of the 60/40 portfolio in positive trending markets. As illustrated by the chart below from J.P. Morgan, a generic asset allocation portfolio has seen a significant turnaround through Q2 of 2023 and has generally yielded positive returns over the past decade.

While the 60/40 investor faced a difficult year in 2022, YTD performance in 2023 has shown the benefits of sticking with this strategy through drawdowns. Much of the recent gains in the market can be attributed to a strong tech rally and the euphoria surrounding AI, but these gains are also the result of moderating inflation and the hiking cycle seemingly approaching its conclusion. As has often been the case historically, particularly strong market returns have followed particularly weak market returns. While it is impossible to predict what market returns will be in the future, the wisdom of sticking to a disciplined and diversified investing approach over the long term remains intact.

We focus on a high-quality experience with books that appeal to all readers. Having a wide range of topics and an eclectic mixture in all areas is a point of pride for us. We want to both provide the books our customers are seeking and expose them to books that will intrigue them. To this end we seek to engage with our customers on what they read and the topics that interest them. And if we don’t have something you want, we can get it.

Many home buyers are finding themselves unable to step into the housing market due to rising interest rates and a very low number of available homes. Whether in an apartment, town home, condo or single family rental home, tenants who crave the benefits of making a space their own can find themselves feeling less than excited about spaces that don’t reflect their personal tastes. With so many improvements to the DIY landscape, renters can now find many products that will help make someone else’s house feel more like theirs.

CLEAN

It sounds straightforward but doing a deep clean on your space can make a big difference. From cleaning the inside and outside of the windows, appliances and scrubbing the nooks and crannies of all rooms, a good deep cleaning helps with an “out with the old, in with the new” feeling. Shelf paper and utensil organizers can help make a kitchen feel cleaner.

CHANGE OUT LIGHT FIXTURES

This is one you’ll want to get your landlord’s approval on but changing out certain light fixtures can take a drab dining room to a space you want to entertain your guests in. Be sure to save the old fixtures so you can put them back up before you move out. Bonus! You’ve got lighting you love for your next space.

PAINT

DO NOT paint without your landlord’s approval. Now that that’s clear, many landlords welcome the updated feel that fresh paint can bring to their property. Talk to

MAKING YOUR RENTAL FEEL LIKEYour HOME

Myour landlord about your plans and all of the details. Some landlords are willing to help with costs of materials if their tenants are willing to do the work. Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities can be completely transformed with a fresh coat of paint. Paint can be expensive so be sure you value your time and expendable money enough to invest in the work.

PEEL AND STICK

The peel and stick market has come a long way, baby. You can now stick on a subway tile backsplash or stick on some tile flooring and what was once a drab, dated interior comes to life. Peel and stick wallpaper now comes in a large variety of styles and colors. These options allow you to change the feel of your rental and then you can remove it before moving out.

REMOVE DRAB MINI BLINDS

Old drab mini blinds can make a place feel dark and closed in. Before removing anything, make sure you have a place to store them so you can put them back before you move out. Putting up curtains allow you to open them up for more light and a fresh look. If you don’t have anywhere to store the old blinds, raise them as high as they will go and leave them up.

HANG PICTURES WITHOUT PUTTING HOLES IN THE WALLS

Companies like 3M have made hanging art and photos possible without using a hammer and nails. Some landlords don’t like tenants to put holes in the walls. This can leave people feeling like the space is not their own without their photos of cherished loved ones and places out for them to see. If the frame is quite heavy, you’ll have to find other options for display but resting a mirror on a side table and leaning it up against the wall can still have a similar effect as hanging it. Mirrors can also help reflect light from windows, making a room lighter and feel bigger.

Renting is the only option for some people right now. With a little time and minimal costs, a space can feel like a home, if even for the short term. Remember to always get your landlords permission for projects which permanently change the property. Not everyone is handy with a paintbrush or a saw and you could compromise your deposit or find yourself in a lawsuit if the work hinders the landlord from renting it again once you leave.

Sally Sunflower, Author

Being a Mom, I got the chance to have many extra years of coloring, using imagination, and thinking about things from the simplicity of a child. My various jobs, like being a flight attendant, managing a live entertainment venue or working in sales have all been rewarding, but reaching back to the wonderment & simplicity of childhood are where my stories are born. Remembering the things we learn and believe in as little people shapes the big people we become. Stories help us imagine, learn and grow. Reading quality stories to kids has a great value in adding to the people that they will become. Contributing to the world of children's story-time has been a dream come true. 'Please read me a story' are really sweet words.

Ant sees something that he dreams of doing. However, it can't be done, at least, not by one little ant. He finds out what it takes to do the impossible.

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