2010 | imagessanangelo.com ®
What’s Online Peek into San Angelo’s creative community at Old Chicken Farm Art Center.
san angelo, texas
winds of change Alternative energy industry becomes second nature here
astounding sounding Music scene rocks downtown
City of Lights Illumination bedazzles the holidays
sponsored by the san angelo Chamber of Commerce
2010-11 edition | volume 6 速
San angelo, texas co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 Astounding sounding
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Music scene rocks downtown.
14 City of Lights Illumination bedazzles the holidays.
18 winds of change San Angelo fosters growing alternative energy industry.
d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 22 Biz Briefs 27 Chamber Report 29 Economic Profile 30 Photo Essay 38 Local Flavor 40 Health & Wellness 42 Arts & Culture 44 Sports & Recreation 46 Education 48 Community Profile
on the cover The Concho River seen in the foreground of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. Photo by Brian McCord
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san angelo, tex as Project Manager Courtney Seiter Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinators Jennifer Graves, Erica Hines Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Joyce Caruthers, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Rebecca Denton, kevin litwin, jessica walker, tiffany williams Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, Yamel Hall, Alison Hunter, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Marcia Millar, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. Service Technician Ryan Sweeney
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Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky
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Content Director/Travel Publications Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Sales Recruiter/Trainer Colin Wright Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop
facts & stats Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care
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About this magazine Images gives readers a taste of what makes San Angelo tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”
– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder
Images San Angelo is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 418 West Avenue B • San Angelo, TX 76903 Phone: (325) 655-4136 • Fax: (325) 658-1110 www.sanangelo.org Visit Images San Angelo online at imagessanangelo.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member
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Digital Magazine 2010 | imagessanangelo.com ®
What’s Online Peek into san angelo’s creative community at old chicken farm art center.
san angelo, TeXas
winDs of change Alternative energy industry becomes second nature here
asTounDing sounDing Music scene rocks downtown
city of lights Illumination bedazzles the holidays
sPonsoreD by The san angelo chamber of commerce
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Almanac
Welcome to San Angelo An introduction to the area’s people, places and events
Architectural Wonders Home to more than 140 churches and one synagogue, majestic architecture and devout faith abound in San Angelo. Many of the churches in San Angelo have extraordinary aesthetic and historic value. In fact, several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Emmanuel Episcopal Church, built in 1929; First Presbyterian Church, built in 1909; Greater St. Paul AME Church, built in 1927; and Iglesia Santa Maria, built in 1930. Many others, while not on the register, still have something to offer the casual viewer as they often feature elegant architectural designs.
Luxurious Libations Each spring, the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council presents the San Angelo Wine & Food Festival. This annual gathering offers gourmet cuisine, fine wines from around the world and wonderful live music. Some previous years’ events have even offered attendees a chance to rub elbows with professional athletes, as members of San Angelo’s Intense Football League team—the Stampede Express—have served as waiters and pourers.
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Fast Facts
Goodfellow Air Force Base has been a welcome part of the San Angelo community since 1940. Goodfellow provides San Angelo with more than 63,000 hours of community service every year, and its economic impact on San Angelo was estimated at approximately $356.7 million in 2008. Formerly a flight training school, Goodfellow’s primary mission now is to deliver training in the cryptology and general intelligence fields as well as firefighter training for all U.S. military branches. In addition, the San Angelo Fire Department trains there.
n The American Boer Goat Association is headquartered in San Angelo.
San Angelo At A Glance POPULATION (2009 estimate) San Angelo: 92,194 Tom Green County: 105,477
1903 and is the county seat of Tom Green County. FOR MORE INFORMATION San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 418 W. Ave. B San Angelo, TX 76903 Phone: (325) 655-4136 Fax: (325) 658-1110 www.sanangelo.org
LOCATION San Angelo is near the geographical center of Texas, about 130 miles from Midland-Odessa, 200 miles from Austin and San Antonio, and 250 miles from Dallas. BEGINNINGS San Angelo was founded in the late 1860s as a frontier town and was known as Santa Angela and San Angela before adopting its current name. The city was incorporated in
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n Author and San Angelo native Elmer Kelton wrote dozens of books and was voted All-Time Best Western Author by the Western Writers of America. n The Concho River Walk winds for six miles along the waterway.
n Goodfellow Air Force Base is home to the 17th Training Wing, the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion (Army), the Center for Cryptology (Navy) and a Marine Corps detachment.
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n See one of Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephones at the E. H. Danner Museum of Telephony, located at Fort Concho. The old Army fort operated from 1867-89 and is now a tourist destination.
n Scraps – a beef cut originating from the tenderloin – has been served in San Angelo steak houses for years.
Take a virtual tour of community at imagessanangelo.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.
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n Producers Livestock Auction Co. holds the largest sheep auction in the nation and is based here. The company was founded in 1954.
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San Angelo is home to the International Water Lily Collection, which consists of eight large pools in the city’s Civic League Park. These pools explode with color as the lilies bloom, providing a remarkable view or photo opportunity for dedicated horticulturalists or casual spectators. San Angelo offers access to this wondrous sight free of charge from April to October each year. The city is also home to the annual Lily Fest, which combined with the International Water Lily Collection, gives San Angelo more varieties of water lilies than any other city in the United States.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Loesch
Lots of Lilies To Love
Splash and Speed In late June every year, Lake Nasworthy hosts one of the fastest shows on water. The event, known as Showdown in San Angelo, is sponsored by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and sanctioned by the Southern Drag Boat Association. Almost 10,000 spectators watch as boats outfitted with 1,000-horsepower engines roar down a quarter-mile course in less than five seconds at up to 250 miles per hour. The twoday event typically features more than 100 competitors who square off to race each other one on one.
Pretty in Pink While traditional white pearls are rare and expensive, pink, peach and purple pearls are even more elusive. San Angelo annually issues permits to gem hunters who seek out these unique Concho pearls in area lakes and rivers, where they are created by freshwater mussels. As if these little wonders were not exotic enough on their own, legend holds that the Spanish crown jewels included Concho pearls. For those who want these gems without having to look for them in waterways, San Angelo jewelry shops carry a great selection of Concho pearls in exquisite settings.
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Astounding
Sounding Music scene rocks downtown Story By Kevin Litwin | Photography By Brian Mccord
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he rock never seems to stop at The Deadhorse and Fat Boss’s Pub, two downtown nightclubs that have become popular hotspots for residents of San Angelo – and beyond. In the last couple of years, the downtown district of San Angelo has become musically noteworthy in western-central Texas. Headline acts such as Gilby Clarke, Canobliss, Junglenoize and hundreds of up-and-comers have given the district a reputation as a place where opportunity knocks and nighttime rocks for musicians and audiences. And it’s not just the nighttime hours when high notes are being hit. “Our place actually hosts lunch concerts and evening concerts five days a week, and on Saturdays we also have a live music concert at breakfast,” says Rod Bridgman, owner
Concerts are held Tuesday through Saturday nights at Sealy Flats Inc. Blues Inn and The Diner in downtown San Angelo. The menu features salads, steaks and more.
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The Deadhorse hosts bands several nights a week. Left: Fat Boss’s Pub is located in one of the Three Sisters buildings.
of Sealy Flats Blues Inn in downtown San Angelo. “Sealy Flats is closed Sundays and Mondays but we still book 17 total concerts during the rest of the week. Our nighttime seating capacity is 125 and we’re jammed for most shows. It’s a happening scene right now for music in downtown San Angelo, and things are only going to get better.” Bridgman says five other downtown music venues have plans to open or expand in 2010 or 2011, which is great news for the overall economy of the district. Genora Young with Downtown San Angelo Inc. says more and more local and regional musicians are learning about the entertainment opportunities available. “On a somewhat related topic, I’d like to mention that the downtown area is also establishing quite a reputation for visual art, led by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts that attracts 65,000 visitors each year,” Young says. “Downtown also hosts a monthly Art Walk every third Thursday from 5-9 p.m. to showcase several of the district’s great galleries.” Those galleries include The Glass Prism, Wool ‘n’ Cotton
Shop, Ruiz Studio, Black Swan Gallery, Kendall Art Gallery and Bonnie Beesley Rug Gallery. “Also downtown, there is a push right now to establish apartment loft living to increase residential occupancy,” Young says. “In May 2010, an invitation-only tour with 60 guests was organized to view current apartment living options. There are presently seven loft apartments in downtown San Angelo, with several more planned.” So besides music and art, why would anyone want to live in downtown San Angelo? Young quickly points out that several conveniences are located within walking distance of one another inside the district. “Downtown is home to Shannon Medical Center, a Lowe’s grocery store, interesting retail shops, nice restaurants and a gasoline station, plus the new Tom Green County Library will open in 2011,” she says. “San Angelo is also a Main Street city and a National Trust for Historic Preservation member. Beautiful and vibrant are two good adjectives to describe the district, which by the way, also has the scenic Concho River lining the downtown area.” sa n a n g e lo
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City of Lights Illumination bedazzles the holidays
Story By Kevin Litwin
Photos Courtesy of Treadwell Photography
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an Angelo businessman Lee Pfluger is a self-proclaimed Christmas fanatic, and proves it in a big way every December. The local philanthropist oversees the annual Concho Christmas Tour of Lights, an idea of his that began in 1995 with a small, static holiday lights display in downtown San Angelo in front of the Concho River. Today, Concho Christmas has evolved into a three-million-light spectacle illuminating the river bank that
residents and tourists can enjoy via a 2.5-mile self-driving tour. Highlights of the impressive nighttime show include displays titled The Twelve Days of Christmas and the “Tunnel of Lights.” “I’ve always liked Santa Claus,” is Pfluger’s reason for initiating and staying involved all these years with the impressive display. “The core goal of this labor of love has been to enhance the quality of life for San Angelo’s citizens and to attract the cultural
tourist to our community. I feel the goal has been achieved and then some.” Concho Christmas, which annually attracts about 16,000 cars, begins on the first Friday night in December and runs through New Year’s Eve. “Using a benchmark of approximately four individuals per automobile, we estimate more than 60,000 individuals annually witness the magical light display,” Pfluger says. The cost of electricity to illuminate the event is nearly $100,000, defrayed
The Concho Christmas Celebration features a 2.5 mile drive through 3 million lights along the banks of the Concho River. The lights depict The Twelve Days of Christmas, an elaborate nativity scene, Santa Claus and more.
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Re-enactors also participate in Christmas at Old Fort Concho, which features artisans, strolling musicians and more. photo courtesy of Lucian Czarnecki
thanks to corporate sponsors and a $4 donation per vehicle. Meanwhile, employees from 17 local companies volunteer their time to oversee the monthlong tour. Adding to the holiday spirit, the driving tour ends at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, which also hosts a Christmas celebration each December. On the first full weekend of the month, the historic fort, constructed in 1867, welcomes about 17,000 visitors to Christmas at Old Fort Concho, a three-day event. “While the Concho Christmas Tour
of Lights lasts throughout the entire month of December, our holiday celebration takes place only during the first weekend,” says Bob Bluthardt, director of Fort Concho. “Christmas at Old Fort Concho has occurred since 1982, and it takes about 1,000 volunteers to stage all the holiday-related events. We’re all exhausted after that weekend.” Fort Concho was first established to protect settlers during the Indian Wars period, but after the campaigns ended by the early 1880s, there was no more need for the multibuilding fort. It has since been used in a variety of ways,
including for small homes, storehouses, hotels and even a mattress factory. Eventually, preservationists began purchasing the buildings one by one, and today the City of San Angelo owns and oversees the historic site, 17 of whose 24 buildings date to the 1870’s. “The fort attracts a grand total of 70,000 visitors each year, with 40 percent being out-of-towners,” says Cory Robinson, Fort Concho visitors and volunteer services coordinator. “Christmas at Old Fort Concho is our biggest annual moneymaker for this impressive landmark.” sa n a n g e lo
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Winds of
Change San Angelo fosters growing alternative-energy industry
Story By Rebecca Denton Photography By brian mccord
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exas is the country’s top state for wind energy production, and San Angelo is poised to become a leading player in this growing industry. In June 2009, Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems LLC broke ground on a $40 million facility on Old Ballinger Highway that will produce steel towers for wind turbine generators and employ more than 200 people when operating at full capacity. Officials have not set an opening date, but the factory’s construction is well under way. “It’s going to have a major impact on the tax base when fully staffed and operating,” says Phil Neighbors, president of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. “We believe alternative energy, and wind power specifically, will play a
major role in our future economy.” Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems’ investment is taking place in two stages. The first phase includes an investment of about $30 million, and the company expects to employ about 125 people and produce about 200 towers a year when operating at full capacity. The second phase will boost the number of hires to more than 200 and the number of towers produced to about 400 a year at full capacity, officials said at the groundbreaking ceremony. An added bonus: The company received a nearly $3.5-million tax credit in 2010 for the first phase of the venture as part of the federal Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit, designed to boost clean-energy manufacturing projects in the United States.
The Langford Wind Project is owned by Padoma Wind Power and is located in Irion, Schleicher and Tom Green counties. It consists of approximately 110 wind turbines and approximately seven miles of electric transmission line.
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Joining Forces Martifer Energy Systems, part of the Martifer Group based in Portugal, has extensive experience in windpower and is present in more than 16 countries. In 2009, the company joined forces with San Angelo-based Hirschfeld Wind Energy Solutions, part of the structural steel company Hirschfeld Industries. The joint venture, called Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems LLC, is Martifer’s first U.S. facility. “We found the right partner at the right time to enter this market,” says Dennis Hirschfeld, CEO of Hirschfeld Industries. “We look forward to capitalizing on our U.S. ‘know-how,’ as well as on Martifer Energy Systems’ globally respected name as an excellent supplier to the wind industry.” In addition to Hirschfeld Industries’ extensive fabrication experience, San Angelo offers convenient rail and highway access and a skilled workforce. As for wind-power potential, the 11th Congressional District, including San Angelo, was named second in wind-energy capacity among all congressional districts nationwide, according to an April 2010 American Wind Energy Association report. These features are also attracting other alternative-energy prospects, and the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce is capitalizing on its strengths to foster the city’s reputation as
Hirschfeld Industries and Martifer Energy Systems teamed up and chose San Angelo for a $40 million plant to produce steel towers for wind turbine generators.
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an alternative-energy hub. For more than a year, the Chamber and the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board have been working with a solar-power company from the Northeast that wants to develop a solar field in the San Angelo area, Neighbors says. San Angelo officials are also talking to alternative-energy suppliers that might consider moving to San Angelo as the industry moves forward. Investing in Education When the new factory opens its doors, San Angelo workers will be ready. In November 2009 Texas Workforce Solutions, a state government agency, gave Howard College a grant of more than a half-million dollars to train employees for work in the new manufacturing plant. The Concho Valley Workforce Development Board also provided funds for the college to purchase equipment for training. The first class of about 20 students graduated in spring 2010, and another set of courses was planned for late summer 2010. Some students are already working for companies that use similar technologies. “As the industry expands, we’ll have a trained workforce ready to accept the positions,� Neighbors says.
Workforce development groups are funding programs to train people for work in wind energy production.
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Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define San Angelo’s economic climate
Scorecard Business At A Glance
$1.08B Retail sales
$12,324 Retail sales per capita
$120M Accommodations and food service sales
7,609 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census Quickfacts
VISICOM Biz: Telecommunications and Networking company Buzz: Visicom is one of the fastest growing small businesses in San Angelo and works with businesses locally, nationally and internationally to create custom solutions to meet communications technology and data needs. Visicom offers monthly, quarterly and annual contract and managed services with 24/7 support. The company is an exclusive Verizon Business Premium Solution Provider and the only authorized Toshiba and Nortel distributor in the Concho Valley. www.visicomgroup.com 22
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ZENTNER’S DAUGHTER STEAK HOUSE Biz: Restaurant Buzz: Zentner’s Daughter opened in 1974 and is widely known for its familystyle steaks. Owner Betty Zentner is one of the first female restaurant owners to earn the great honor of being inducted into the Texas Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame. www.zentnersdaughter.com
San Angelo Federal Credit Union When You’re a Member, You’re an Owner Our membership is open to everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Tom Green County, Texas.
Great Rates • Savings & Loans Free Internet Banking • Free Online Bill Pay
REECE ALBERT INC. Biz: Heavy construction Buzz: Reece Albert Inc. stands out in the heavy construction industry because it owns a limestone quarry, enabling it to more efficiently deliver critical materials to the job site, which translates into savings in time and money. Drawing on this advantage and the expertise of its employees, it has paved tire test tracks for Goodyear, Firestone and General Tire. www.reecealbertinc.com V2K WINDOW COVERINGS Biz: Window décor and treatments Buzz: V2K’s unique proprietary 3D Décor Creator software removes the guesswork from choosing window décor. This software allows customers to virtually design the perfect set of curtains, drapes, shutters and fasteners to achieve the desired look. V2K carries more than 3,000 fabrics, as well as its proprietary “Visions,” “Contempo Fabric” and “Limited Edition” lines. www.michellec.v2k.com ETHICON INC. Biz: Health care research and development Buzz: As part of the Surgical Care Group of the Johnson & Johnson company, Ethicon Inc. has drawn 8,500 talented professionals from around the world to make bold innovations in the medical field relating to wound closure, general surgery, biosurgery, women’s health and aesthetic medicine. Having recently acquired Acclarent Inc. and the Mentor Corporation, Ethicon promises to continue its innovative success. www.ethiconinc.com
www.safcu.com
235 W. First St. San Angelo, TX 76903 phone: (325) 653-8320 fax: (325) 653-8658
visit our
advertisers Angelo State University www.angelo.edu
San Angelo Federal Credit Union www.safcu.com
Baptist Retirement Community www.bapmem.com
San Angelo Independent School District www.saisd.org
Concho Valley Credit Union www.cvgecu.com Concho Valley Electric Cooperative www.cvec.coop Dierschke & Dierschke Realtors www.dierschke.com First United Methodist Church www.firstmethodist.net Floyd C. Petitt Insurance www.floydcpetittinsurance.com Howard College www.howardcollege.edu
What’s Online
San Angelo Banking Center www.sabankingcenter.com
Learn the story behind Zentner’s Daughter Restaurant in a video at imagessanangelo.com.
San Angelo Community Medical Center www.sacmc.com
Shannon Medical Center www.shannonhealth.com Springhill Suites San Angelo www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ sjtsh-springhill Suddenlink www.suddenlink.com Sugar Daddy Desserts www.sugardaddydesserts.com The Bank & Trust www.thebankandtrust.com The Summit Professional Park www.thebluffssouth.com West Central Wireless www.westcentral.com Zentner’s Daughter Steak House www.zentnersdaughter.com
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Allow us to introduce you to the community ‌ CALL US AT (800) 926-4864 Toll-free (325) 944-3596 Office
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Political Action Figures Chamber involved in legislative goals
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wo of the biggest employers in San Angelo are Goodfellow Air Force Base and Angelo State University, both government entities. The federal government oversees Goodfellow while Angelo State is state supported, and because of their vast economic importance, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce keeps a close eye on both. In fact, the Chamber has a Cornerstone Program in place that encourages Chamber members to contribute additional dollars each year so that Chamber officials can better tend to legislative affairs regarding Goodfellow and Angelo State. “Because we can’t fund our Cornerstone effort ourselves, and since Goodfellow and Angelo State are so important to the local economy, we began this supplemental funding program,” says Phil Neighbors, president of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. “For example, by supporting us with additional dollars above and beyond their annual dues, Chamber members help fund Chamber visits to Washington, D.C., and trips to Austin for us to meet legislators.” More than 60 Chamber members are already involved in Cornerstone, with several positive results since the program began. For instance, Neighbors says direct meetings and dialogue with Pentagon officials have helped solidify construction projects at Goodfellow that will further bolster the San Angelo economy. “Ground broke in late 2009 for an expansion of the Mathis Fitness Center on base, and a student dorm construction project also began at that time,” he says. “The fitness center was a $5.8-million expansion, and the $29-million dorm project will result in a 200-room facility that will adequately house 400 students. The dormitory should be completed by early 2011.” Neighbors adds that an $18.4-million
joint intelligence technical facility is also being planned, plus a $9.8-million consolidated learning center. “These projects affect many businesses and companies here, such as construction, logistics and so forth,” he says. “What happens at Goodfellow and Angelo State is important to us all, which is why the Chamber wants to stay very involved and well connected to federal and state officials.” Neighbors adds that the Chamber’s involvement with Cornerstone has also helped establish a program at Angelo State that is addressing the critical need for training in foreign languages.
“The University’s Center for Security Studies is training Goodfellow students and everyday students to become proficient in Arabic and Chinese languages as well as other subjects connected to international relations,” he says. “Again, we dealt with government people about this program that not only serves Angelo State, but our country. It’s another perfect example of Cornerstone, which sells itself. Chamber members involved in the program are stepping up to show that they believe in what we’re doing, and they have already seen results.” – Kevin Litwin
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Concho Valley Credit Union
“Our Members are our Owners”
Look at our services to see how they stack up.
We look forward to serving you.
Great Rates Savings and Loans Free Internet Banking Free Online Bill Pay Personal Service Much More!
Serving the area since 1930. 1002 S. Abe
| San Angelo, TX 76903 | (325) 658-7557 | www.cvgecu.com
Economic profile Business climate Over the past 10 years, San Angelo has seen a transition in its economy from manufacturing into more business and personal services. While we still have major manufacturers in steel fabrication and medical devices, plus a number of smaller manufacturing operations, recent long-term growth sectors have included education and health care, trade, transportation, utilities, leisure and hospitality, and the business service sector.
taxes
1.5% City Sales and Use Tax
0.50% County Sales Tax
6.25%
Concho Valley Center for Entrepreneurial Development 2009 W. Beauregard San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 657-9214, www.cvced.org City of San Angelo Development Corporation 72 West College Ave. San Angelo, TX 76903 (325) 653-7197 www.sanangelodevelopment.com
Government Offices Tom Green County Clerk 124 W. Beauregard San Angelo, TX 76903 (325) 659-6553 www.co.tom-green.tx.us City of San Angelo 72 West College Ave. San Angelo, TX 76903 (325) 657-4241 www.sanangelotexas.us
State Sales Tax
8.25% Total Sales Tax
Transportation Public Transportation 2801 W. Loop 306 San Angelo, TX 76904 (915) 944-9666 San Angelo Regional Airport 8618 Terminal Circle, Ste. 101 San Angelo, TX 76904 (325) 659-6409, ext. 3
Economic Resources San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 418 W. Ave. B San Angelo, TX 76903 (325) 655-4136 www.sanangelo.org Small Business Development Center 2601 W. Ave. N San Angelo Texas 76909 (325) 942-2098 www.angelo.edu
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artistic legacy people can see san angelo’s past in murals
Photography By brian mccord
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ith nine public murals gracing sites downtown, San Angelo definitely brings art to the masses.
Historic Murals The murals depict life as it was in San Angelo in the early 1900s. “Our goal is to educate not only the younger local generations but newcomers to the area and, of course, our tourists,” says Susan S. Morris, executive director of Historic Murals of San Angelo Inc. She spearheaded efforts to install murals to revitalize downtown San Angelo. And in 2002, The History of Transportation in San Angelo became the first mural sponsored by Historic Murals of San Angelo.
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Local Flavor
Bon Appétit, San Angelo
Tomato tower with basil oil at River Terrace Restaurant
Brian M c Cord
City Offers a Variety of Dining Options
San Angelo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of unique restaurants and fun, food-laden festivals throughout the year. The city is home to several familyowned eateries, as well as fine dining venues and everything in between.
A Few Local Favorites
30
Number of Mexican restaurants in San Angelo, according to www.urbanspoon.com
8
Number of affordable fine dining establishments in San Angles, according to www.urbanspoon.com 38
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River Terrace, located in the heart of San Angelo on the Concho River, offers cuisine prepared by owner and chef Earl Mulley, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Mulley, who also serves as president of the San Angelo Restaurant Association, creates his tasty concoctions from scratch. In addition, the upscale restaurant offers a broad wine selection. Family owned and operated since 1994, Armenta’s Cafe is primarily a Mexican restaurant but also serves American and seafood dishes. The cafe, established by Felipe Armenta, provides a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also offers a variety of specials each day. The Armenta family also owns two other popular restaurants in San Angelo. The Grille serves American food with a Mexican flair, as well as steaks, sandwiches and other Mexican-inspired entrees. The Cork & Pig Tavern is an American wood-fired pizzeria that also specializes in classic favorites such as deviled eggs, wings and salad entrees.
Food Festivals and Events In addition to offering a variety of restaurants, San Angelo brings food and friends together by providing food-focused festivals throughout the year. The Taste of San Angelo, which takes place in October, is presented by the San Angelo Restaurant Association. Those attending the event – about 2,000 people – pay a small fee to sample food from approximately 50 restaurants, all located under one roof. All funds raised are donated to support culinary arts and scholarship programs. In the spring, the San Angelo community can look forward to the San Angelo Wine and Food Festival, which offers live music along with the dining experience. The event is presented by the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council and, in previous years, has featured members of San Angelo’s Intense Football League team – the Stampede Express – assisting as servers. Additionally, the San Angelo Symphony offers decadent events for the community to partake in. The Savor the Flavor series takes place throughout the year and offers a variety of dining experiences, including homecooked meals in private residences and chuck wagon dinners at Fort Concho. The symphony also hosts the Concho Chocolate Festival, held in February, which is comprised of a series of events such as a spa night and chocolate tasting. – Jessica Walker
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What’s Online Hungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about San Angelo’s local flavor in the food section at imagessanangelo.com.
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Health & Wellness
In a Healthy Place
Brian M c Cord
San Angelo’s Two Hospitals Serve All of Concho Valley
Shannon Medical Center
San Angelo Community Medical Center and Shannon Medical Center are two hospitals that provide healthy outlooks to thousands of patients each year. San Angelo Community has been a part of this region since 1929, while Shannon Medical was founded in 1932. Both offer a variety of important health-care services to San Angelo residents and beyond.
Shannon Medical Center Shannon Medical Center serves as a health care provider for the Concho Valley and surrounding region and features 421 licensed beds. With more than 200 providers and 2,400 employees, Shannon also features a women’s and children’s hospital, the St. John’s campus, an ambulatory surgery center and several convenient clinic locations. Its medical services include the AirMed 1 helicopter, Level 3 Trauma Center, newly-expanded cancer center, dedicated stroke unit, diabetes treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, pulmonary rehabilitation, a senior health center, sleep center, and West Texas Sports Medicine.
San Angelo Community Medical Center San Angelo Community Medical Center is a 171 bed, general acute care hospital. With more than 850 employees and 175 physicians on the medical staff, it serves a 13-county region in the Concho Valley. Medical services include a heart and vascular center, Level III-A neonatal intensive care unit, heartburn treatment center, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, sports medicine, and a 24/7 emergency department. Community also operates a 4,000 memeber nationally recognized health club.
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San Angelo Community Medical Center photo by antony boshier
Wound Care at Both Hospitals Both facilities provide some of the most advanced wound care treatment in all of Texas. The treatments offered include hyperbaric chambers where patients breathe 100 percent oxygen (instead of normal 21 percent) to accelerate Emergency air transport healing and advanced laser techniques used to save limbs. Besides traumatic and surgical wounds, physicians at San Angelo Community and Shannon Medical are also experts in treating ulcers, vein insufficiencies and vascular issues.
Cardiac Care at Both Hospitals San Angelo Community and Shannon Medical both have top cardiology programs. San Angelo Community offers an accredited Chest Pain Center, meeting stringent heart-care standards 24/7. The program includes a board certified cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon and board certified cardiologists forging new paths in the world of cardiac care. Meanwhile, Shannon Medical Center features the region’s largest cardiologist program, with eight cardiac surgeons offering 24/7 care.
171
Number of hospital beds at San Angelo Community Medical Center
400
Number of licensed beds at Shannon Medical Center
19
Number of medical care facilities at Shannon
4,000
Number of members at Community’s nationally recognized health club
Where business meets opportunity …
The Summit
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Arts & Culture
An Artistic Abundance
Staff Photo
San Angelo Offers Rich Culture, Arts
Home to a variety of museums, galleries, musical offerings and more, San Angelo offers natives and visitors alike a unique cultural experience.
Visual Arts
9
Number of historic murals in San Angelo
1994
Year the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council moved to the Cactus Hotel
1971
Year the Old Chicken Farm Art Center was founded
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The Old Chicken Farm Art Center, which provides housing and work spaces for select artists, includes two galleries open to the public as well as 15 artists’ studios. The center also offers a bed and breakfast and an eatery, the Silo House Restaurant, both of which are open yearround. In addition, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts offers three galleries as well as a rooftop sculpture terrace that provides a view of the city. The museum also includes a multipurpose meeting room and a research library, which are open to the public by appointment. Classrooms and ceramic studios located in the education wing of the museum are available as well. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is also home to the San Angelo National Ceramic Competition, which is held in April on even-numbered years. The competition involves a juror from the local ceramics community choosing the top 100 pieces from more than 1,500 entries. A mini-exhibit that highlights the work of a well-known ceramic artist is also on display. On odd-numbered years, an invitational ceramic exhibit is installed at the museum. The three-day event, which is hosted by the museum, Angelo State University and the Old Chicken Farm Art Center, includes additional gallery openings, a barbecue dinner and ceramic discussions.
Angelo Civic Theatre The Angelo Civic Theatre traces its roots to a dramatic society formed in 1885 – a vivid testament to San Angelo’s artistic spirit. Each year, the theatre produces five productions (plus a summer show), offering a slate of musicals, classics, and contemporary works for a multigenerational audience base and community of artists. The theatre has two venues: the main stage, seating 230; and the studio, seating 50. Through its youth programs, the theatre also cultivates a new generation. Each year students audition to be part of the Youth Company, a performance and production workshop.
San Angelo Civic Ballet The Nutcracker is the San Angelo Civic Ballet’s annual tradition, but the group offers much more. In addition to the holiday favorite, the ballet also spearheads the annual Spring Student Showcase and Summer Arts Conservatory, all of which allows San Angeloans to experience a variety of expressions in the medium of dance. The ballet also offers year-round training for dancers of all ages to challenge local dancers and encourage artistic exploration.
San Angelo Symphony Providing classical concerts, family events and educational programs, the San Angelo Symphony is focused on offering entertainment and education to the community. The symphony is conducted by Music Director Maestro Hector Guzman and includes several orchestra members playing a variety of classical instruments. – Jessica Walker
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Sports & Recreation
Play Time
Showdown in San Angelo
photo courtesy of Ty Meighan
San Angelo encourages participation in recreation activities
Participation is encouraged in San Angelo, and that certainly includes recreation. Watersports, golf, rodeos, parks, football – it’s all here. Check out these five things that will get you started in exploring the many recreation aspects San Angelo has to offer:
San Angelo Golf Courses
31
Number of parks in the city of San Angelo
7,563
Number of acres San Angelo State Park spans
5
Number of public and private golf courses in the city
44
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How about this for a great name – Quicksand Golf Course. The topnotch course measures 7,100 yards and can play different every day, thanks to its breezy conditions. Riverside Hills Golf Course is a par 72 layout that lies beside the Concho River and spans 6,400 yards. San Angelo Country Club is a private course with several rises and slopes and might be the area’s most challenging venue. Another interesting course is the private Bentwood Country Club, at more than 6,900 yards. And the play at Santa Fe, San Angelo’s municipal golf course, is a welcoming nine-hole experience.
San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo There are a lot of bucks involved with the annual San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo – and not just bucking broncos. The event, which began in 1932, is one of the highest-paying stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, with a prize purse of $450,000. Competitions include steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer roping. All rodeo activities take place at the 5,260-seat San Angelo Coliseum.
Staff Photo
Concho River
We’re serious about this job!
Lake Nasworthy and Concho River The popular lake is on the southwest side of town and is ideal for boating, wakeboarding, tubing, water skiing, wind surfing, camping and picnicking. Nasworthy joins O.C. Fisher Reservoir and Twin Buttes Reservoir as the three lakes that surround San Angelo. Meanwhile, the Concho River is considered the crown jewel of San Angelo, winding through the heart of the city. Along the waterway is a paved river walk, gardens, gazebos, fountains, waterfalls, a river plaza and a heritage trail.
San Angelo State Park This 7,563-acre park on the shores of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir hosts an annual San Angelo Bass Busters tournament. The park is maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking and swimming. There are 350 species of birds and 50 species of mammals on site.
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San Angelo Stampede Express This team plays intense football, as a member of the Intense Football League. With a 50-yard field and eight men on a side instead of 11, touchdowns come fast and furious, with scores frequently hitting the high double digits. Home games are played at the San Angelo Coliseum, and the season runs 14 games from March through June. There are 15-20 promotional giveaways at each game. – Kevin Litwin
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Education
School Is in Session
Brian M c Cord
San Angelo Residents Don’t Have To Go Far For Quality Education
Angelo State University
With a university, a college and quality schools sprinkled throughout San Angelo’s Independent School District, residents don’t have to travel far for a quality education.
13,800
Approximate number of students in the school district
14:1
Student to teacher ratio
24
Number of public schools in the San Angelo ISD
10
Number of schools that received an exemplary rating from the TEA in 2010
46
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Higher Education Angelo State University and Howard College are two conveniently located institutions of higher learning. ASU, part of the Texas Tech University System, opened in 1928 and is located in the heart of San Angelo. Spread across 268 acres, the campus is easily accessible to its 6,400-plus students and offers a variety of courses in liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines. More than 100 majors spread among 40 undergraduate, 23 graduate, one doctorate and one associate degree programs make up the academic climate at ASU. For both 2010 and 2011, Angelo State University was one of only three state-supported universities in Texas selected for the prestigious Princeton Review’s list of Best Colleges nationally. Not far from ASU is Howard College’s San Angelo campus, located on U.S. Highway 67 north. The first classes were offered in 1973 at Goodfellow Air Force Base, and in 1981 Howard College San Angelo assumed operation of a Vocational Nursing Program from San Angelo Independent School District. Howard College focuses on technical and occupational training and transfer courses to universities. Students can earn associate degrees and certificates in business, cosmetology, criminal justice, general studies, information technology and nursing. The college also offers programs for adult learners, selected continuing education courses and training programs that lead to employment. A dual-degree program lets high school students enroll in and earn credit for college courses. The program prepares students for the future while maintaining an interest in collegiate or vocational studies.
Antony Boshier
Culinary Arts program at Central High School
Public Schools The San Angelo Independent School District is dedicated to seeing its students excel. With 24 schools and more than 13,000 students, the SAISD offers a variety of programs dedicated to helping students achieve in and out of the classroom. Advanced academics, gifted and talented programs and several after-school programs are just a few ways the district strives for excellence. In addition to serving pre-K through 12th-grade students, SAISD also offers learning opportunities for more than 500 children from birth to age 5 at its three Early Head Start/Head Start campuses. These facilities, designed to provide educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged children and families, help children develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. The district also has a Night School Program, which gives non-traditional students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. This program is offered at Central High School in Fulton Hall. – Tiffany Williams
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Community profile Snapshot San Angelo is the county seat of Tom Green County. The city is located at the confluence of the North Concho River and South Concho River, which in turn form the Concho River. Local sports teams include the San Angelo Colts, a United League Baseball minor league team, as well as the San Angelo Stampede Express, a minor league indoor football team.
Medical Services San Angelo has two acute care hospitals: Shannon Medical Center and San Angelo Community Medical Center. With more than 150 physicians and 40 dentists practicing multiple specialties, San Angelo is widely recognized as a regional medical center. Cancer treatment, testing and
Climate
32 F January average low temperature
58 F January average high temperature
70 F July average low temperature
94 F July average high temperature
Education Twenty-three public facilities offer preschool, elementary and secondary education, while six private and/or parochial schools and one charter school are certified through the 12th-grade level. The public system also operates four special education schools for vision- and hearing- impaired students, as well as those with other special needs. The San Angelo Independent School District consists of two high schools, one freshman campus, three middle schools, 17 elementary schools, three Head Start campuses and one alternative campus.
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surgical capabilities for cardiology patients, sports medicine, a designated trauma center and neonatal intensive care unit are among the many services available.
Average Home Price
$128,264
Ad Index
C 4 A n g e lo S tat e U n i v e r s it y
47 Ba p ti s t R e ti r e m e n t Co m m u n it y
2 3 Sa n A n g e lo Fe d e r a l C r e d it U n i o n
2 8 Co n c h o Va l l e y C r e d it U n i o n
8 Sa n A n g e lo Independent S c h o o l D i s t r i c t
45 Co n c h o Va l l e y E l ec t r i c Co o p e r ati v e
1 S h a n n o n M e d i ca l C e n t e r
2 6 D i e r sc h k e & D i e r sc h k e R e a lto r s
27 Fi r s t U n it e d Methodist Church
39 Floy d C . P e tit t I n su r a n c e
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2 1 Sa n A n g e lo Ba n k i n g C e n t e r
24 Sa n A n g e lo Co m m u n it y M e d i ca l C e n t e r
1 6 S p r i n g h i l l S u it e s Sa n A n g e lo 2 S u d d e n li n k
39 S u ga r Da d dy D e ss e rts
2 6 T h e Ba n k & T r us t
41 T h e S u m m it P r o fe ss i o n a l Pa r k
5 W e s t C e n t r a l W i r e l e ss 4 3 Ze n t n e r ’ s Dau g h t e r S t e a k H o us e
HOWARD COLLEGE Sa n Ange lo’s Communi t y Colle ge Expanded fields of study including AA, AS, AAS and certificate Variety of class schedules: day, evening, weekend, five-week, eight-week, mini-semester, online Financial aid, scholarships and grants available Continuing Education courses Customized training for your business through Workforce Training GED Testing Center Adult Basic Education for GED preparation; basic reading, writing and math; English as a second language; citizenship preparation 3501 N. US Hwy. 67 At the West Texas Training Center San Angelo, TX 76905 (325) 481-8350 www.howardcollege.edu
West texas training Center Uniting the Concho Valley in Workforce Training The West Texas Training Center is a multipurpose facility that offers rooms for business and industry for trainings, meetings, seminars, conferences and luncheons. In addition, it serves as the campus for Howard College and provides space for career and technical education programs for the San Angelo ISD. 3501 N. US Hwy. 67 San Angelo, TX 76905 (325) 942-2800 www.wttcsa.org