BusinessLink April 2019 by Kerrville Daily Times

Vol. 7, Issue 4 • April 2019

BusinessLin The Hill Country’s premier business publication

Downtown 2.0 Inside the iconic Museum of Western Art Restaurant owner shares love of building’s history

AMID CHANGING LANDSCAPE, A PROPOSED NEW HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN KERRVILLE COULD MAKE A BIG SPLASH

TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORIC BLUE BONNET HOTEL

Published by The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson St. Kerrville, TX 78028 | 830-896-7000 | www.dailytimes.com

BusinessLin

KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028 PHONE: 830-896-1155 | FAX: 830-896-1175 | kerrvilletx.com

CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS Lisa Winters Chairwoman of the Board, Peterson Health Tim Rye Chairman-Elect, Peterson Medical Associates Mike Wittler First Vice Chairman, Kerrville Public Utility Board Gregg Appel Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, Centennial Bank Justin Foster Treasurer, Community First National Bank Tricia Byrom Secretary, Guadalupe Bank

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Anglin, ARTIFEX42 Brian Bowers, Centennial Bank Rose Bradshaw, So Fast Printing Allison Bueche, Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly Shawna Fahrenthold, Alamo Colleges Clint Fiore, Texas Business Buyers LLC David Reast, Schreiner University Kerry Sutton, HCTC Sue Tiemann, Brinkman Preferred Properties

CHAMBER STAFF E. Walter “Walt” Koenig III President and CEO, walt@kerrvilletx.com Rachel London Vice President and COO, rachel@kerrvilletx.com Theresa Metcalf Director of Finance and Human Resource, theresa@kerrvilletx.com Angela North Membership Director, angela@kerrvilletx.com Jennifer Lord Receptionist, jennifer@kerrvilletx.com

BUSINESSLINK STAFF Carlina Villalpando, Publisher Travis Webb, Managing Editor Tom Holden & Bonnie Donaldson, Photographers John Doran, Advertising Director Advertising: Brandon Baldwin, Jeff Herring and Luly Miller Composing: Manager Dean Heep and Johanna Rangel

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

2 BusinessLink • April 2019

Chairwoman’s CORNER

How and why I’m here A salute to Pat Murray, CEO/President of Peterson Health Were it not for Pat Murray hiring me as the Director of Marketing and Community Relations seven years ago, I wouldn’t be in this position of leadership for our chamber. While I was involved in the community prior to my hire, and a member of the chamber, it was his nomination to Leadership Kerr County that propelled my interest and involvement to new heights. I was thrilled to be the 17th or so employee Murray sponsored for the program. My year finally came in 2014 and the program more than met my expectations. But how Murray supported my time in the program was unprecedented. He willingly sacrificed his employee a full day each month for nine months and encouraged me to immerse myself in every class. Every other week in our regular bi-weekly meetings, I gushed LKC. I couldn’t stop talking about what I’d learned, who I’d met, what my class dynamics were, etc. He’d always listened intently and with true interest. I know he was proud when I graduated and happy for my year-long experience — and glad it was over. So, I’ll never forget his expression at graduation when I was selected to the Steering Committee, the group of graduates that dedicates three additional years to lead the program. He sat back in his chair, shook his head, yet applauded. I know he was Peterson proud, but I also know this was a sacrifice for Peterson Health in many ways. More time away. My chamber involvement continued. While serving on the Steering Committee, I was asked to chair the Communication Committee. He continued to support me. When named the Steering Committee Chair, he allowed. Anything chamber, whether a fundraising event, a new mixer or serving on the myriad of committees or talks the chamber offered, Murray offered his full support. Which is why he deserves the many awards he has received in our community, including leading Peterson Regional Medical Center to receive the Healthcare Leadership Award in 2008. In 2013 he received the community’s highest award, being named The Kerrville Daily Times’“Bill Dozier Citizen of the Year,” and recently propelled Peterson Health to receive the Legacy Award for the organization’s contribution to the chamber and extensive community involvement. Although he is retiring after 24 years of service, this BusinessLink issue will not be the last he will read because there is no doubt he will continue to be involved in our community and chamber. But it will be the last column I will write while he is still my boss, my mentor and my role model. I hope to continue to make him proud as I will forever be connected to the chamber because of him.

Lisa Winters

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman of the Board, 2019

OnCover the Cover On the The Kerrville Economic The Historic Blue Bonnet Development Hotel presides over a Corporation, bustling Kerrville Area AChamber of downtown Kerrville. proposed Commerce and acity new hotel could make bigand splash county leaders worked in Kerrville’s economy. together onJoe theHerring recent Hill Photo courtesy of Jr. Country Economic Summit.

Table of CONTENTS Membership

4 New and returning chamber members 6 Ribbon Cuttings: Local businesses celebrate new locations and grand openings

12 Cover Story

Get to know People & Places

8 Spotlight: The Museum of Western Art 10 Featured Entrepreneur: Hugo Madrid

Leadership & Education

16 Leadership Kerr County: State government 21 CoffeeTalk: Greg Richards, Pattillo Richards, P.C.

Events

18 Snapshots from the March networking and membership luncheon at Schreiner University

21 Leadership Kerr County EasterFest 22 April and May events calendar

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all right here â&#x20AC;˘ Kerrvilletx.com 3

MEMBERSHIP

New and returning chamber members The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following businesses and organizations that recently joined or renewed memberships with the chamber. Learn more about them by visiting the chamber’s membership directory at business.kerrvilletx.com/list.

Interested in joining the chamber? The chamber is a resource for everything related to growing your business and networking with other professionals in the Kerrville area. The chamber is the front door of Kerrville, and the door is always open. For more information, visit kerrvilletx.com and select “Membership Information,” then “Join the Chamber.”

Who are these members? Check out the chamber’s membership directory to learn more about these businesses, by visiting business. kerrvilletx.com/list.

Thank you, returning members! Bronze • Apothecary Shoppe • First Presbyterian Church • Five Star Rental & Sales • Francisco’s Restaurant • Guadalupe Investment & Advisory Services • Country Clean Laundromat • Hewitt Engineering • Hill Country Septic Service • Hilltop Village Nursing & Rehabilitation • Kairos/ The Celebration Barn • Kerr Economic Development Corporation • Kerrville Drug Co., Inc • Kerrville Framing • KerrvillePhoto.com • Liberty Tax Service • Lone Star Mini Storage • Margarita’s City Mexican Restaurant • Nurturing Touch Massage • Old River Road RV Resort • Texas Home Plans • Texas Tree Service • T.J. Moore Lumber Yard • S&S Self Storage • San Antonio Kennel Club • Solbrig Hearing Center, Inc 4 BusinessLink • April 2019

Welcome, new members! Bronze • Blazing Needles Upholstery – Audrey Marchesi 210-502-8508 • Cruise Planners – Kathy Nesbitt 830-308-8800 • White Media Solutions – Samuel White 646-573-8305 • KerrPC – Mario Garcia 830-377-6415 Silver • Crocker Real Estate – Robbie Crocker 830-459-0616 Gold • Alegria Barn – Estela Avery 210-383-3201

• Stevens Rich, PLLC • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church • Wagonmaster, Inc Silver • Colonial Oaks Apartments • Kerr Arts & Cultural Center • The Gardens at Clearwater • Wealth Management Group, LLC Gold • Hill Country Pest Control • Kerrville Heights Platinum • Guadalupe Bank • Hilco Federal Credit Union • Lone Star Inn Diamond • HCTC • Kerr County Federal Credit Union • Wells Fargo Bank Individual • Jannell Bullock • Bill & Margie Morgan

MENTORSHIP & EDUCATION

Year of the Entrepreneur The rollout in support of the “Year of the Entrepreneur” is moving forward. There are new options for both mentorship and business education and the uptake on these programs is growing. It’s time to jump on the Entrepreneurship Bandwagon! Last month we established a SCORE Chapter in Kerrville. Formally known as the Service Organization of Retired Executives, SCORE provides mentorship and education services to both startups and existing businesses. It’s the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964. It’s very important to emphasize that all of the SCORE services are provided to business-owners free of charge and chamber membership isn’t required. Starbucks and Dell Computers are among the many businesses that SCORE has assisted over the years. Walt Koenig Since our launch in Kerrville, nearly a dozen busiChamber of nesses have taken advantage of the free mentorship Commerce services provided by our SCORE chapter. These businesses include retail establishments, computer service providers, medical professionals, home services, product distribution companies and others. The feedback from those receiving help is very positive. Our SCORE mentors hold regular office hours on Thursday afternoons or Friday mornings at the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. If you are in business and are looking for some assistance, please contact us at the chamber and we will let you know how to join this great group of people. If you are either a retired or active business executive who is looking to serve those who are just starting out, please let us know. We will let you know what it takes to become a mentor, educator or subject matter expert for SCORE. On the education front, we are rolling out many programs to support the entrepreneur. Our CoffeeTalk series continues to be very popular with the business community. In recent months we learned about the important factors to consider when buying or when preparing our business for sale. We were also briefed on the many issues to consider when entering into a business partnership. Future topics include digital marketing and leveraging social media for small businesses. CoffeeTalks is always on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at the chamber of commerce, 1700 Sidney Baker St., Ste. 100, Kerrville. The CoffeeTalks are free of charge and open to both members and non-members of the Chamber of Commerce. The chamber and the KEDC want to leave our entrepreneurs with an important message. We admire your imagination, courage and efforts. Your success is important to our community and to our local economy. We will continue to roll out support services to help you to be successful. We are here to help in any way we can. You don’t have to go it alone! Walt Koenig is the CEO and president of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at 896-1155 or walt@kerrvilletx.com.

Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors

Diamond Investors

• Jam Broadcasting 94.3 • Kerrville Public Utility Board • Adapting Online, LLC • Lotus recovery Foundation • Alamo Colleges • martin marietta • Alara Strategic and Creative • mo-ranch • Ashley HOmeSTOre • moore’s Home Furnishings • Brookdale Senior Living • Peterson Health • Calvary Temple Church • Precision Dentistry and • Centennial Bank Implants of Kerrville • Century 21 The Hills realty • ragsdale Family Camps • Comerica Bank • randolph Brooks Federal • Community First National Bank Credit Union • Frost Bank • Sam’s Club • ronnie Gesell Construction • Schreiner University • robert Glossop Jr. • Security State Bank & Trust • HCTC • Tango Homes, LLC • H.e.B. Foods-Drug Store • Texas Lions Camp • Hill Country mHDD Centers • United Hunting • Inn of the Hills resort & Heritage International Conference Center • UTSA Small Business • James Avery Craftsman, Inc. Development Center • Ken Stoepel Ford - Lincoln, Inc. • Wal-mart Store, Inc. #508 • Kerr County Federal Credit Union • Wells Fargo Bank

Platinum Investors • 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating • Airtech A/C & Heating • All-Plastics • Ameriprise Financial Talarico and Associates • Atmos energy • Broken Stone Pizza Co. • Buckhorn Lake r. V. resort • Double L Feed & Back 40 Trailers • Douville, Goldman & Associates, PLLC • Farmers Insurance - renee Smith • Goodwill Industries • Guadalupe Bank • Heart of the Cards • Hilco Federal Credit Union • Hill Country memorial • Hill Country Youth event Center • Kerr County Abstract & Title Company • Laity Lodge Youth Camp H e Butt Family Foundation

• Lemeilleur’s rV, Truck & equipment repair Co. • Pioneer Bank • Precision Dermatology, PA Kerrville Dermatologist • Prime Capital Investment Advisors • realty executives Jaylynn Perkins • San Carlos ranch • State Farm Insurance Justin Hamilton • Superior Services Tree Care • Texas Hill Country Bank - Kerrville • Tru-Skin Dermatology • Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital • Windstream Communications • Y.O. ranch resort Hotel and Conference Center • Y.O. ranch Headquarters

Your Membership Is An Investment In Your Business The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce 1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100 • Kerrville, TX 78028 Phone 830-896-1155 / Fax 830-896-1175

www.kerrvilletx.com It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 5

Membership Ribbon cuttings

Synergy Performance & Dyno Ribbon Cutting: March 23 to celebrate opening of new location. Business: Providers of high performance engine building and dyno testing, Synergy Performance provides full-service performance shop with a wide array of services, ranging from custom-built engines, dyno tuning, carburetor rebuilding, chip tuning. On site AWD DynoJet 424 chassis dyno and motorcycle dyno, as well as offering exhaust systems, VP racing fuel, superchargers and nitrous systems available for customers. Contact: 1100 Ed’s Way, 830-928-0202

Blazing Needles Upholstery Ribbon Cutting: Feb. 28 to celebrate opening of new location. Business: Save money by re-upholstering, reconditioning or repairing your favorite furniture. Call or stop by Blazing Needles Upholstery today for an estimate and see what they can do for you! If you can dream it, they can make it! Contact: 1810 Junction Hwy., #202 Kerrville, 210-502-8508

Precision Dermatology Ribbon Cutting: March 28 in celebration of the grand opening of their new location. Business: Precision Dermatology’s goal is to inspire their patients with expert skin care advice and outstanding patient care making them your destination for beautiful, healthy skin. Contact: 712 Hill Country Drive, Ste. 100, 830-890-5181

Photos courtesy of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

6 BusinessLink • April 2019

Membership Directory

KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Membership Directory 1700 Sidney Baker St., Kerrville, TX 78028 | 830-896-1155 | www.kerrvilletx.com

Updated for 2019, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory contains details about chamber members, vital information on Kerrville and the surrounding area, plus events, attractions and more. Pick one up today!

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It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 7

Spotlight Museum of Western Art

The Brinkman Gallery at the Museum of Western Art Photo by Aaron Yates

Authentic & iconic Museum a draw for tourists and locals alike While much has been written about the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville with regard to the facility itself, little has been mentioned about the role it plays drawing tourists to the community. The annual economic impact of the tourism industry in Kerrville is in excess of $105 million dollars, according to the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau. With museums ranking high on the list of popular places to visit, this museum can be viewed as a valuable component of an industry that last year contributed $9.5 million dollars in taxes and other revenue to Kerrville. Newly-hired Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp said he is proud of the museum’s reputation as a community stakeholder. “MoWA is a valuable asset to the community and to the Hill Country.”

8 BusinessLink • April 2019

he said. “We entice visitors from around the world who come to learn about our western heritage and enjoy our priceless collection of western art and artifacts.” The 36-year-old museum is a showpiece. Designed by famed Texas architect O’Neil Ford, the outside resembles a rugged hacienda while the interior boasts distinctive features including handcrafted Boveda ceilings and floors of end-cut mesquite. Several massive bronze sculptures dot the manicured grounds and are a magnet for photographers and selfies. The permanent collection at MoWA contains 250 western-themed paintings and 150 sculptures, all by renowned artists from the 1800s to present. In addition, numerous western artifacts and an interactive Journey West Children’s gallery further the museum’s

Story by Nancy Foster

goal to “represent authentically the life of the West in both its historic and contemporary context.” Notable also is the comprehensive Griff Carnes Research Center that has been used by prominent authors including Larry McMurtry for Lonesome Dove and James Michener for Texas. A community asset Education is an important part of the museum’s contribution to the community. Monthly educational workshops for adults and children are either free or at a nominal charge, and special field trips and on-site classes are offered to public and private schools, homeschoolers and scout groups from around the Hill Country region. A summer day camp for children is held each June.

Coming up May 4 – June 29 Upcoming special events include the special American Plains Artists Signature Show. Fifty two-dimensional artworks and numerous sculptures will be on display depicting the people, life, landscape and wildlife on the American Great Plains in past and present times. A reception will be held on May 4 from 2 – 4 p.m. Sept. 7 The museum’s major fundraiser, the 36th Annual Western Art Exhibition & Sale, will premiere with a gala evening on Sept. 7. This juried exhibition showcases the paintings and sculptures of over 30 well-known and respected western artists. The evening will consist of a cocktail reception with the artists, silent auction, lavish food and drinks and some newly-added surprises. April 17 At 6:30 p.m. on April 17, a wine and cheese reception will be held for the museum’s April Artist of the Month, George Boutwell. The event is free to members with a suggested $10 donation for non-members. More information The Museum of Western Art is located at 1550 Junction Highway, Kerrville. Visit museumofwesternart.com. or call 830-896-2553 for more information.

Please join us in extending a word of “Thanks!” to these businesses for sponsoring the major events being held in 2019 by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Because of their generosity and support, we will be able to continue to educate and serve our membership and community about shared opportunities, issues and challenges.

2019 SUMMERTIME BBQ FUNDRAISER & RAFFLE saturday, may 25, 2019

HILL COUNTRY sHOOTINg spORTs

BUSINESS EXPO WITH FRIDAY NIgHT WINE SHARE August 2-3, 2019

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

97TH ANNUAL CHAMBER CHOICE AWARDS BANQUET Thursday, October 24, 2019

I hope the people of Kerr “County will continue to

support us and bring their families out to enjoy our many exhibits and programs throughout the year.” — Darrell Beauchamp, Executive Director For those needing a special event venue, the spacious 7,500 square-foot Masel S. Quinn Pavilion overlooks the scenic skyline of Kerrville and lends itself perfectly as a venue for weddings, parties and group gatherings. The patio area and inside gallery space also are available for rental. Locals who have “been there, done that” may need a reminder that exhibits change throughout the year. An annual family membership ($50) provides an opportunity to attend Artist of the Month wine and cheese receptions, a discount for select merchandise in the museum store and advance notice of special events. Opportunities also exist to join the “Remuda,” the volunteer team that contribute time and expertise to the museum and special events.

sCHREINER UNIVERsITY

3RD ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ECONOMIC SUMMIT Thursday, February 14, 2019

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

24TH ANNUAL CHAMBER gOLF CLASSIC monday, April 1, 2019

COmANCHE TRACE

1700 Sidney Baker St.,Suite 100 • Kerrville (830) 896-1155 • www.kerrvilletx.com It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 9

Get to Know Featured Entrepreneur

‘You get what you put in’ Photo by Parastoo Nikravesh

Humble Fork’s Hugo Madrid says he enjoys making people feel at home in his Water Street eatery.

Humble Fork’s Hugo Madrid dishes on newest venture By Jenna Carpenter When Hugo Madrid first set eyes on the old Pampell’s building, he fell in love. “I love the building and the town — I know everyone by name,” he said. Madrid and his son-in-law, Mario Estrada Jr., met at what was then Pampell’s for lunch. Two weeks later, it was for lease. “I told myself I would never get back into the restaurant business, but I fell in love,” he said. “My son-in-law and I looked at each other like ‘should we do it?’” A few weeks later, they took over the lease — serving food both food and a glimpse at the building’s past. Since then, Madrid has made it his mission to respect the history of Pampell’s. “I want to bring it back to the original building,” he said. “People have been bringing me old plates, bottles and photos.”

10 BusinessLink • April 2019

Humble Fork Humble Fork is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. It is located at 701 Water St. Call 830-955-5528 for more information.

Black and white photos of iconic Kerrville buildings like the St. Charles House the Blue Bonnet Hotel and Camp Verde illustrate the history of the area. The bar has original stools, and people have come in to take photos in the same spot they sat 70 years ago, Madrid said. Back then, the restaurant serves ice cream, and he wants to bring that back. He plans on serving alcohol and ice cream behind the bar. “I want to tap into the local history,” he said.

Humble Fork opened its doors on Jan. 14. Since then, it has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many are repeat customers, with people coming in five times a week, Madrid said. “I’m happy to make them feel at home,” he said. Madrid and Estrada together have over two decades of experience in the restaurant and food industry. Madrid, who is originally from Mexico, managed several restaurants and property in California, near San Diego. Estrada started as a waiter for

Hurry...May Issue Deadlines on April 12, 2019

BusinessLin

An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce

As a Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce member, we invite you to promote your business in our monthly magazine. It’s an effective way to inform our community about what’s happening at your organization when our community is looking for Chamber news!

Hugo Madrid, Mario Estrada Jr. and Aturo Quintana

IN G

IO ER P SU

CI ER M

O IT N

it brings people together. “It was a perfect representation of what I wanted to show,” he said. “Food is about nourishing people and making them feel good.” When Humble Fork opened, he was told it was going to be difficult to find staff, Estrada said. And he likes to give work to people in the community who need it. “We have a recovery community in Kerrville, and I’m here to help everyone,” he said. “That’s part of being humble — someone took a chance on me when I was a young kid, and I want to take a chance on others.” Ultimately, becoming successful is entirely up to the individual, he said. “You get out what you put in,” Estrada said. “That’s how I got to where I am today.”

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the Hotel Valencia in San Antonio in 2014, where he eventually became the executive sous chef. Estrada later opened a food truck Tall and Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery. He took a break from the food industry for a little over a year. Then last year, he got hired as the executive chef of the Kerrville Independent School District. He’s also at least partially behind the name Humble Fork. “My wife and I were considering names one night, and I was thinking about what I wanted to show, where I came from and what the cuisine was all about,” Estrada said. He said he remembered a conversation with a former coworker who said eating with a fork is one of the most humbling acts because

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It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 11

Photo by Aaron Yates

The Kerrville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s Charlie McIlvain says a proposed hotel in downtown Kerrville could make a big splash in the local economy.

“From 1870s to the 1970s — 100 years — there was a hotel in downtown Kerrville. In this interim period, downtown has survived and I think a lot of the businesses here are thriving, but I think a hotel will add another reason to come downtown, a reason to be here.” – Joe Herring Jr., Herring Printing

Downtown footprint Proposed hotel expected to provide big boost to local economy By Ariel Lutnesky The last time anyone saw a hotel in downtown Kerrville was back in the 1970s, but that’s soon to change as a proposed new hotel is in the works — a Marriott Springhill Suites — and experts say it’s going to have a big influence on the area. “I think it’s going to be a great addition to our downtown community,” said Charlie Mcllvain, the president and chief executive officer of the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s going to create new jobs and new revenue for the community. It’s something that we’ve needed for a good while.” Mcllvain said the proposed hotel — which will be near Water Street and Spring Street — will have about 84 to 88 rooms and a breakfast area, but no dining area or conference center, which means many of those who stay there will

12 BusinessLink • April 2019

MORE DOWNTOWN NEWS • September 2018: Kerrville City Council OKs the creation of a downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, to spur future development. • January 2019: Heritage Kitchen opens at 225 Earl Garrett St. • February 2019: The Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation OKs $350,000 for improvements to the downtown parking garage. have to explore the area for food. “Certainly those individuals, when they’re here in the evening, they’re going to be looking for a place to have dinner, so it opens all kinds of new opportunities for the restaurants

that are located downtown,” Mcllvain said. “It doesn’t mean that they’ll all eat downtown because they’ll get in the car and drive into other restaurants.” And since the hotel will be very close to the Guadalupe River, that could be another draw, said Joe Herring, a columnist for the Kerrville Daily Times who researches Kerrville history. No other Kerrville hotels offer such ready to downtown or views of the river. “If some of the rooms overlook the river and have a nice view, and the property has access to the water where people can actually go down to the river, I think more people would stay there,” Herring said. “It’s pretty and the one thing that Kerrville has that a lot of the neighboring communities don’t have is that river.” Leisure and hospitality is one of the top three Continued on page 14

Development updates In February, Kerrville City Council members voted to approve an agreement regarding a $150,000 tax incentive for the proposed Marriott Springhill Suites. But that’s not the only recent development around Kerrville.

The Blue Bonnet Hotel By Joe Herring Jr. The March 31, 1927, issue of the Kerrville Mountain Sun sports this bold headline:“Blue Bonnet Opening Marks New Era in City’s Growth.” Indeed, the late 1920s were a period of growth for Kerrville; a year earlier the Arcadia Theater opened, to much fanfare, in the middle of the 700 block of Water Street, and Kerr County had recently built a new courthouse -- the one still in use today. “The new hostelry, a triumph of architectural design and mechanical construction, lends a distinct metropolitan atmosphere to the city. The facilities and service offered undoubtedly will attract increased numbers of tourists to Texas’ greatest playground,” the Mountain Sun reported. “The present unit of the hotel contains 80 rooms, each equipped with private bath, telephone, fan and circulating ice water. All corner rooms have a shower as well as a tub bath. The guest rooms are of commodious size and papered in pleasing harmonious colors with wood work in natural oak. Furnishings and carpeting are of quality in keeping with the high character of the hotel. On each floor are two-room suites, a living room and a bed room with connecting door. Each room throughout the building has outside exposure.” When the hotel opened, it was only five stories tall; one year later, in March 1928, the building grew from 80 rooms to 140 when three additional stories was added, growing to eight stories. The hotel leased spaces on its street-level floor: there was a drug store, complete with soda fountain; a barber shop; a beauty parlor; a coffee shop, and a magazine stand. There was also an “enclosed ballroom,” and a garden terrace overlooking the Guadalupe below. The formerly grand hotel was torn down in 1971 and was replaced by a drive-through bank for Charles Schreiner Bank. That bank building has since been torn down, too. Photos from the archives of Joe Herring Jr.

• In January, the council unanimously approved funding for the Kerrville River Trail to extend to the Schreiner University campus. The trail will go from G Street down Texas Highway 27, cross under the bridge near Glen Rest Cemetery, wrap around Quinlan Creek and cross a bridge onto the Schreiner campus. The Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation will provide $1.5 million for the project and Schreiner also will provide $50,000 to the city for the project. • The Kerrville Independent School District board of trustees approved schematic designs for the Hal Peterson replacement campus on March 25. Officials say that the district remains on target with its goal of breaking ground in September 2019. • A new development, The Landing, is in the works on 60 acres of land near Knapp Road and Thompson Drive. Once it’s finished, the development will boast 240 units of luxury apartments and townhomes, restaurants, office space, a place for craft artisans and a trail along the Guadalupe River. • On March 13, city council unanimously decided to support a plan to extend Olympic Drive so that it meets Loop 534. This will give more access to some currently undeveloped lots in the area, one of which belongs to the Kerrville Independent School District. • The H-E-B Tennis Center is slated for a round of upgrades and improvements. The cost of the upgrades has been estimated at $4.1 million. Funds came from the Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation. Any unused funds will return to the EIC by the end of the project, which is scheduled in December. • In January, Kerrville City Council voted in favor of the closure of Hays Street between Main and Jefferson streets and a part of the public alley between Hays and Quinlan as part of the revamp of the Main Street H-E-B. Plans for the store’s expansion include demolishing the current H-E-B and building a larger facility, oriented so that the store will face Francisco Lemos Street, rather than Main Street, as it does now. H-E-B will add about 200 more parking spaces, a fullsize curbside service area and additional gas pumps. The new store will have more departments than it does now, according to statements from representatives of the San Antonio-based grocery chain.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 13

The historic Blue Bonnet Hotel is visible in the background of this 1955 photo of Kerrville’s bustling downtown. Photos from the archives of Joe Herring Jr.

major industries in Kerrville, and hotels are one of the targets Kerrville leaders hope to build on over the next 30 years. Mcllvain said tourism is a major economic generator, which means it provides new revenue, taxes and jobs. Every visitor spends an average of $185 per day that they’re in Kerrville. If the hotel runs 60 percent occupancy for five days a week and 90 percent occupancy on the weekend — which Mcllvain said is common — it will add somewhere between 750 to 1,000 people in the downtown area every week who aren’t there now. That means close to $150,000 would enter Kerrville’s economy each week. “It means new jobs, fresh dollars coming into the community, new taxes coming in and those new taxes benefit every resident in Kerrville,” he said. He said that new dollars from visitors actually contribute quite a bit to Kerrville’s taxes, and if the area had no visitors, locals would have to work more to make up for it. Visitors are estimated to reduce residents’ sales tax burden up to 30 to 35 percent, according to January 2019 information from the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Having the hotel would also provide 20 to 30 new jobs and bring additional foot traffic into downtown, which the area has lost over the years, said Mcllvain. “The hospital, when it moved in 1949, it changed downtown because it had lots of

14 BusinessLink • April 2019

By the numbers $150K According to estimates, a downtown hotel could add as much as $150,000 per day to the local economy.

employees and during lunch they would go have a meal or go get their dry cleaning,” Herring said. “Having a lot of employees downtown has a big impact.” These days, Herring said places that have more of an influences are restaurants like Grape Juice and Pint and Plow. “Both Grape Juice and Pint and Plow are more family-oriented, a place where you see kids and adults and it’s a nice, social gathering place,” he said. Even though many of the downtown businesses are thriving, having a hotel in the area will definitely revitalize something that has been central to Kerrville for most of its history, said Herring. “From 1870s to the 1970s — 100 years — there was a hotel in downtown Kerrville,” Herring said. “In this interim period, downtown has survived and I think a lot of the businesses

here are thriving, but I think a hotel will add another reason to come downtown, a reason to be here.” The last hotel to be in the downtown area, the Bluebonnet Hotel, was torn down because it was obsolete and lacked air conditioning. “Our newest hotel is about 13 or 14 years old, and although the property owners and managers have done a great job of keeping those hotels kept up and cleaned up and in good shape, (having) a new hotel. it gives a different dynamic,” Mcllvain said. Many people looking for a hotel prefer something newer, he explained. “Most vibrant downtowns do have hotels,” Mcllvain said. “Look at Austin or San Antonio — they’ve got 12 or 15 hotels within a six or eight block area of each other. Any vibrant community is going to have hotel accommodations within the downtown area.” It adds more foot traffic, since people are less likely to want to drive around while visiting a place, said Mcllvain. And although it could add some more wait times and lines at local businesses, it’s healthy for the community and the communities surrounding it. “It does create some additional time that people may be standing in line to get into restaurants, but those same people are helping us offset our tax dollars,” Mcllvain said. “It’s a give and take situation.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

KEDC’s Gil Salinas talks entrepreneurship Lately, there’s been a buzz in our community about entrepreneurship and how we are positioned for such growth. But do we really know what that means to our local economy? Allow me to explain. Entrepreneurs create businesses and new businesses create jobs, from entry-level to highly skilled positions, and supports all four job categories – direct, primary, indirect and induced jobs. The new businesses and their job spinoff also help strengthen market competition which in turn, boosts productivity in a given community and allows for free enterprise to thrive. Entrepreneurism is part of our fabric in Kerrville, which dates back to the frontier days and is tightly interwoven with our pioneer spirit. It’s nonpartisan and is at the root of what makes us Texan, no matter where we came from, choice of personal beliefs or whether we agree with capitalism or not. Now to the next question. How do we teach entrepreneurism or develop an entrepreneur? We really can’t. It happens as a result of ebbs and flows of a regional economy and it takes a certain breed of an individual to take a huge step, Gil Salinas risk their saved earnings (if they have any) and launch a new business. Again, the words ‘Texas pioneer’ come to mind. And it happens when this certain individual sees and seizes an opportunity. Nine times out of 10, it’s a response to a certain demand in the community which has not been met. Some will see the demand for a product or service as a negative. But the entrepreneur will view it as his or her opportunity to make a difference and in turn, earn money. Kerrville has a solid list of entrepreneurs but most importantly, a pipeline of entrepreneurs-in-the-waiting. And as an economic developer, that gets my juices flowing knowing we have a great opportunity to fully develop our local talent. Now we start talking about our local base significantly contributing to the economic health and growth of our city and our Hill Country. We, at the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation, applaud those who have taken the risk to launch their enterprises in this region. But we’re also here to say, this is just the beginning and our local expansion strategies and corporate recruitment efforts will provide added opportunities for our local entrepreneur base. With our proximity to San Antonio and the Austin tech hub, we’ll be seeing in the next couple of years more entrepreneur-led enterprises expanding in our area. And the bulk of the growth will be at the hands of our local entrepreneurs. Gil Salinas is the chief operating officer of the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 15

Leadership & EDUCATION Leadership Kerr County

LKC goes to Austin

Leadership Kerr County Class 34 was in Austin this month, learning about the inner workings of Lone Star State government. The class toured the Capitol and met with Rep. Andrew Murr and Sen. Dawn Buckingham and paid a visit to the Texas Land Office and archives. After breaking for lunch, the group met with Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar and took a Segway tour around the city.

About LKC The Leadership Kerr County program is offered through the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. LKC class members grow as leaders and learn what Kerr County is really all about during their monthly classes every third Tuesday. For more information, visit kerrvilletx.com or call chamber membership director Angela North at 896-1155.

16 BusinessLink â&#x20AC;˘ April 2019

Photos by Michael Anglin

Leadership Kerr County Class 34 was in Austin this month, learning about the inner workings of Lone Star State government and enjoying a visit to the Capitol and Segway tour of the city.

Bills to watch The Texas Legislature is currently in session and lawmakers are working on a number of bills that could affect the Texas workers and business owners. Here’s a glance at a few: Property tax reform Both the state House and Senate have proposed property tax relief throughout Texas. Both plans call for preventing cities and counties from increasing property tax revenues more than 2.5 percent per year without approval by voters. The Senate plan would also limit school districts, while the House bill excludes them. Minimum wage House Bill 194 would create a statewide $15 minimum wage.

Rejoice and be glad! Christ is risen!

We wish you a joyous and blessed Easter.

Sick leave Senate Bill 15 would prevent cities or counties from going further than state or federal law when it comes to regulating sick leave or other benefits. Land reclamation Texas State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, recently filed House Bill 2710, which would compel sand and gravel, or aggregate, operations to perform basic reclamation procedures after sites are no longer operational.

SHOP WHERE THE PROS BUY!

2202 Memorial Blvd • Kerrville, TX 78028 830-257-2300 • www.mgbuildingmaterials.com

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 17

Events

Luncheon snapshots

Membership & Networking Luncheon Story by Angela North | Photos by Valerie Tucker The March 21 Membership & Networking Luncheon — a mixer event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kerrville — was held at Schreiner University’s Cailloux Student Activity Center. Robin Miears, President and Jeff Harris from Community First National Bank spoke about the many programs and fundraisers that Rotary participates in. Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million ABOUT ROTARY neighbors, friends, The Rotary Foundation leaders, and problem— works to transform solvers committed donations into service to improving their projects that change lives communities. both close to home and For more than 110 around the world. years, Rotary members During the past 100 years, have used their passion, energy, and intelligence the Foundation has spent to take action on $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. sustainable projects.

Sandra Castro, professional service coordinator for Carter Health, Stephen Foley, Guadalupe Investment & Insurance Services and Charlie McIlvain of the Kerrville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Debbie Hagebusch, director of tourism for YO Headquarters and Roman Valesquez, mortgage banking officer VP for BBVA Compass.

WHAT THEY DO:

THANK YOU TO DONORS • Promote peace AND SPONSORS • Fight disease Much thanks to So • Provide clean water, Fast Printing, JAM sanitation, and hygiene Broadcasting, Barb’s • Save mothers and Flowers, West Central Wireless, Discount Tire, children TEU Services, Bending • Support education Branch Winery, Auto • Grow local economies Spa Car Wash, Davis • Get involved Chiropractic, Advanced Insurance, LeMeilleur’s RV, Truck & Equipment Repair Corp., Nurturing Touch, Taylor Marketing & Mo-Ranch for donating door prizes. Thank you also to our Jackpot sponsors: LeMeilleur’s RV, Truck & Equipment Repair Corp., Ameriprise Financial — Talarico and Associates, Peterson Health, Arden Hills Realty — Joseph Hennigan, Moore’s Home Furnishings, Crenwelge Motors, Douville, Goldman & Associates, PLLC, Broadway National Bank, Precision Dermatology, PA — Dr. Matthew Lambiase, Membership Chair — Kerry Sutton, Crenwelge Motors, Kerr County Abstract & Title Co., STUFF Safe Secure Storage & Mo—Ranch Conference Center.

Next mixer

The next After Hours Mixer will be from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at The Museum of Western Art.

18 BusinessLink • April 2019

Shiela Roland and Sam Braswell of Comerica Bank pose for a photo during the event.

Rachel London and Mac Anderson pose for a photo during the March 21 Membership & Networking Luncheon, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kerrville.

Quarter Page TEU Services 0362

HOME SWEET HOME

• Quick Turn Around • Buyer Education • Local Market Knowledge • Competitive Rates Jeff Harris

Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID 1678994

1101 JUNCTION HIGHWAY • KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 (830) 315-2362 • WWW.CFNBTEXAS.COM

uPPer guAdAluPe riVer Authority

Cash

Prizes

Half Page UGRA URGA River Clean Up 0360 All Kerr County students K-12th grAde Are eligible

Art Contest

ENTRY DEADLINE IS MAY 3, 2019

Winning Design Printed on All River Clean Up T-shirts

entry Forms at www.ugra.org or Call (830) 896-5445 Join Us for the 16th Annual River Clean Up on July 27th! It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 19

AIR CONDITIONING

INSURANCE Cont’d.

State Aire 2472 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 367-4131

Farmers Insurance Nathaniel Turner 260 Thompson Dr. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 869-4100

APARTMENTS

Chamber Business Guide

Wilson Asset Management, Inc. 231 Earl Garrett, Ste. 300 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 792-4200

AUTO REPAIRS & SERVICE

Farmers Insurance Renee Smith 1016D Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 869-4100

JANITORIAL EQUIPMENT

LeMeilleur’s RV Center 620 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-4366

Matera Paper Company P.O. Box 200184 San Antonio, Texas 78220 (210) 892-5101

BOUTIQUE SHOPS

JEWELERS

The Creek Boutique 3272 Junction Hwy. Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-3281

Taj Mahal Jewelers 200 Sidney Baker St Suite #8 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-0335

CAMPS Texas Lions Camp 4100 San Antonio Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 ( 830) 896-8500

INSURANCE Farmers Insurance Rolando Lopez 1214 Bandera Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-7272 20 BusinessLink • April 2019

LIGHTING FIXTURES & SUPPLIES TEU Services 228 Washington St. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 496-4090

TITLE COMPANIES Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. 712 Earl Garrett Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-5151

Leadership & EDUCATION

CoffeeTalks

April CoffeeTalk in review By Allison Bueché, Chamber Communications Chair The April 2 Chamber Coffee Talk “Issues to Consider in Business Partnerships” was presented by Greg Richards of Pattillo Richards, P.C.

About CoffeeTalks

What’s Brewing

The May 7 Chamber Coffee Talk “How to Scale a Secure Network for Business Growth” will be presented by Mike Estes, small business expert for Windstream.

The program and morning discussion will delve into what factors a business should consider to establish a reliable, secure and scalable network from day one.

Richards

Chamber CoffeeTalks are a free educational series open to chamber members as well as non-members and are hosted at the chamber in its conference room generally on the first Tuesday of every month, from 8 to 9 a.m. Are you a chamber member with a topic to share? Contact Angela North at 830-896-1155 or angela@ kerrvilletx.com.

Upcoming events

Chamber’s April shred day rescheduled The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce’s popular shred day will be postponed from the originally scheduled April 5 to April 12. If you need to have your sensitive documents shredded, bring them to the parking lot behind J.C.

Penny’s on April 12. The shredding will begin at 8 a.m. and will conclude when the truck is full. Come early to avoid disappointment. Chamber members get two boxes shredded for free. The shredding of

additional boxes or the boxes for non-chamber members will cost five dollars per box. Sponsorships for this event are available. Contact the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce for further details.

Leadership Kerr County EasterFest returns April 20 By Donna Provencher Leadership Kerr County, an offshoot of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, will once again unite the community by hosting its annual EasterFest on April 20. The free event, which takes place at Flat Rock Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is put on by the Leadership Kerr County class. The event includes live music performers, food vendors, a car and motorcycle show, a chili and barbecue cookoff, special visit from the Easter Bunny on a fire truck, an Easter egg hunt and games and rides for all ages. One of the best parts of the event is it not only brings the

community together and helps grow friendships, but also benefits local charities and projects of Leadership Kerr County, London said. The event was extraordinarily well attended last year, she added. “There were no parking spaces last year,” London said. She noted her favorite part, personally, is the egg hunt. “Watching the different age groups hunt the eggs, the excitement of the kids … is so nice,” she said. “There are great food vendors and great music, too.” Sponsorships for EasterFest are Courtesy photo still available. Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact Cairnia Lalla, center, helps children search for the bicycle ticket Chris Braaten at 214-507-0212 or within their plastic Easter eggs gathered up during a mad dash in Susan Roig at 830-890-8332. the 2017 EasterFest egg hunt.

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 21

Events Calendar

Tuesdays

25¢ Warehouse Sale

Kiwanis Club of Kerrville

Noon–1 p.m.

Finds, 516 Quinlan St. | 830-315-3463 or chris@findsresale.org | findsresale.org

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive kiwanisclubofkerrville@gmail.com

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive 830-370-3156 | e-clubhouse.org/sites/kerrvillehosttx

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Fridays

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Weekly

Kerrville Host Lions Club

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

1–3 p.m. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month

Wednesdays

Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 505 Water St. | 830-257-8422 | kerrvilletx.gov/92/library

Kerrville Noon Rotary 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Thursdays

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway | kerrvillerotary.org | kerrvillerotary@gmail.com

Kerrville Farmers Market 3 p.m.–dark

A.C. Schreiner Home, 529 Water St. | 830-928-4261 or kerrvillefm@gmail.com | kerrvillefarmersmarket.com

Kerrville Morning Rotary 6:45–8 a.m.

April

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive 830-895-7650 | kerrvillemorningrotary.org

Thursday After Hours Mixer

The Museum of Western Art 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville KACoC 830-896-1155 info@kerrvilletx.com | www.kerrvilletx.com

Thursday

Noon - 4 p.m. 2546 Goat Creek Rd., Kerrville 830-792-0435

Saturday EasterFest, Chili Cook Off & Car Show

Spellabration! 2019

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1-Year Anniversary Steel Frame Solutions

Flat Rock Park 3840 Riverside Dr., Kerrville Trent Schiek 830-928-9384 | Tschiek@ comanchetrace.com or KACoC 830-896-1155

Friday

Thursday

May

1st Friday Wine Share Basement Brewers of Texas 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

CoffeeTalk

Mike Estes, Windstream 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

521 Clay St., Kerrville info@firstfridaywineshare.com www.firstfridaywineshare.com

KACOC 1700 Sidney Baker Kerrville, 830-896-1155 info@kerrvilletx.com

Saturday

Thursday

Swap Meet

Hill Country Youth Event Center 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

3785 Highway 27, Kerrville 830-370-3614 or 830-459-6198 kerrmarket@aol.com

Monday Glenn McGinnis Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament

Sponsored by: Synergy Performance & Dyno LLC 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Scott Schreiner Municipal Golf Course 1 Country Club Dr, Kerrville, Mark Justice firstins@firstinsagency.com

Friday Republican Women of Kerrville Luncheon

Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville Families & Literacy 830-896-8787 mwendele@familiesandliteracy.org www.familiesandliteracy.org

Saturday

Shatter the Stigma 5K Run Walk 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Louise Hays Park., 202 Thompson Dr. Kerrville Pete pete.calderon@hhsc.state.tx.us Caryn.Talarico@hhsc.state.tx.us https://www.athleteguild.com/

Saturday Chamber 30 Gun Draw Event