Steve Forbes

The National Chamber Foundation (NCF), a nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has partnered with the American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign. The campaign seeks to engage thought leaders, think tanks, educational institutions, local and state leaders, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and young audiences in exploring the economic and historical foundations of the American free enterprise system. Books That Drive the Free Enterprise Debate is a list of titles that the business community has recognized embody the spirit of free enterprise.

Recently, Steve Forbes newest title, How Capitalism Will Save Us: Why Free People and Free Markets Are The Best Answer In Today's Economy, was added to that prestigious list.

"Only through economic freedom and a flourishing private sector will America experience a genuine recovery -- with real job creation and lasting, meaningful prosperity," said Forbes.

"That is the message of our book, How Capitalism Will Save Us. It is what we at Forbes have been writing about since 1917. And it is the message of the U.S. Chamber's vital campaign, "American Enterprise. Dream Big. It has never been more important to stand up for free people in a free economy."

Forbes new book joins a number of other significant titles on the "Books that Drive..." list, including those listed here.

Your Opinion Counts!

Last edition's Poll Question:

If the results of this poll are any indication, local candidates can look for voter turnout this weekend to be less than stellar. There were less than 20 responses to the poll, an all time low!

11% of the responders said they a looking to vote for "new blood and new ideas." An equal 11% said they saw no reason to cast a vote. 26% said they would tend to cast votes for experienced candidates, and the majority, 53%, said they would vote for a mixture of new and experienced candidates.

Thanks for taking this last poll. Last edition's poll is now closed.

LAST CHANCE!!!

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce nominating committee is now requesting nominations for persons to serve on the 2010-2013 Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Chamber board members provide volunteer oversight over all aspects of the chamber's program of work, as well as exercise fiscal oversight and due diligence of the chamber's financial affairs.

Once public nominations are closed, a list of all nominations will be provided to the 2010 nominating committee for selection of five candidates to be presented to the Board of Directors at the May GKCC Board meeting. The chairman of the 2010 Nominating Committee is Mary Lindley-Wiley . The following criteria must be met for all nominations:

1.       *  The candidate must be an active member of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce in good standing.

2.      *   Persons may nominate themselves.

3.       *  All nominations need to be e-mailed to Jack Wade by May 10, 2010, or by filling out the above online short form by that date. The form will be delivered to the chamber when you click "Submit".

4.       *  Please include all information requested including the name of the business and a short paragraph indicating the person's qualifications.

Historical Book of Killeen, Texas

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce is publishing a book on the history of Killeen, written by Gerald D. Skidmore. 

This book is now available for special presales. The regular cost of this publication will be $34.95; however, the Chamber is taking pre-sales at this time at the special price of  $24.95. There will only be a limited number of books for sale at this price and we are encouraging everyone to order theirs at this time. Contact the Chamber at 526-9551 to order your copy. All presales will be signed by the author.

Once the publications arrive at the chamber (approximately June or July), there will be a special signing ceremony by the author for all persons who have ordered presales of the book.

The author, Gerald Skidmore, has been a long-time resident of the Killeen community, and served as editor of the Killeen Daily Herald for more than 35 years.

Attendees at last year's senior officer BBQ.

The Military Affairs Committee will hold their annual Senior Officer BBQ on Monday June 14, 2010, at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center.

With this being the 235^th Birthday of the Army,  the evening should be an exciting one

The annual event kicks off at 6:00pm and attire is casual. Military Affairs members must RSVP by June 4, 2010 to Tammy Sanchez at 254-526-9551.

Pershing Park Elementary School is recognized for the opening of it's Wooden Nickel General Store.

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Public Education Committee and participating schools would like to extend a thank you to all the local businesses who have agreed to sponsor the Wooden Nickel General Store program with donations of $250 - $500 per school. 

This support is used to purchase items for the General Stores for purchase by students and volunteers with Wooden Nickels earned by volunteering in each elementary school.  This program is a wonderful way to show our young children the pleasure of success in a job well done; along with the pride of earning gifts and supplies for their families.

Comanche Chapel – Platinum Sponsor

Killeen Heights Rotary – Platinum Sponsor

Atmos – Gold Sponsor

Central Texas Council of Government – Gold Sponsor

Fort Hood National Bank – Gold Sponsor

Realty Executives of Killeen - Mayhorn, Raye – Gold Sponsor

Time Warner – Gold Sponsor

Killeen Veterinary Clinic – Silver Sponsor

We would also like the thank Central Texas Council of Government for their sponsorship of the wooden nickels needed to run the stores for the 2007-2010 school years.

More support is needed to allow us to reopen these General Stores in the fall and to open additional stores in our Title One Elementary Schools.  If your business is interested in sponsoring one of these stores please contact Heather Nusbaum at 254-526-9551.

It was also the subject if the April “Train Your Brain” session at the chamber. The numbers are astounding and quite scary.

In thinking of identity theft, many people think mainly of financial impacts. Financial identity theft is only about 28% of identity theft. There is also medical, insurance and child identity theft.

      • Year 2000: Only 70,000 reported cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

       • Year 2009: 11,400,000 reported cases of identity heft to the Federal Trade Commission

     • Over 354,000,000 records containing personal information have been involved in security breaches since January 2005 according to information here.

      • Everyone of us is in at least 50 databases

      • Medical and child identity theft is on the rise.

     • Businesses are responsible to protect the non-public information of their employees, customers and vendors

There are some steps you can take in keeping yourself secure, namely:

      • Never dispose of medicine bottles without taking the labels off.

      • Shred private information rather than just throwing it away. This includes credit card offers received in the mail.

       • Check your credit report at least on an annual basis.

      • When checking out at a restaurant, hand-carry your credit card to the register instead of giving it to the waiter.

     • When standing in line to pay, always cover your credit card with your hands – front and back. You never know who could be behind you taking pictures of your card for their use later on.

       • If you have children under the age of 18, it is a good idea to contact the Social Security office to get a report of wages. If there are wages, there is a problem!

It is up to us to protect ourselves where we can.

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Would Like to Welcome Its Newest Members!

New Chamber Members who have joined April 22 through May 5

Toyota of Killeen's Paula Lohse and the Chamber's Jack Wade prepare to award door prizes during the April Mixer.

It may have actually been the fourth Thursday, but everyone survived!

And while the potential of rain kept many Toyota Tundra pick-ups from having the tailgates down, Las Casas fajatis with all the fixin's, beer, tea and water, impressive door prizes and great friends highlighted the evening as the GKCC held it's April Mixer at Toyota of Killeen once again.

After all, what else in the world do you need for a perfect tailgate party?

As about 200 GKCC members discovered at the April 22 Third (or Fourth) Thursday, sponsored by Toyota of Killeen, 4001 E. Central Texas Expressway, not a single thing.

Toyota of Killeen owner Paula Lohse proudly welcomed the chamber to the dealership for the fifth annual mixer there, and the high standards she set with the tailgate party in 2009 were only raised a little higher in 2010. 

Lohse talked at length about the upcoming Rodeo Killeen, sponsored by Toyota of Killeen. May's Third Thursday mixer on May 20th will be the official kick-off to that event, held at the rodeo arena. Appropriately, Lohse have away several valuable door prizes at the April mixer related to admission to the rodeo.

And while chamber members couldn't get to enjoy John Lohse's band, Steerin' South, again this year because of the threat of thunderstorms, country favorites kept everyone entertained over the dealerships sound system

The only irony of the evening was that David Hoy of the next door Cleo Bay Honda was not present when the Killeen Green Jackpot was drawn. Had he been, he would have walked away with $500 of the chamber's money in the monthly Killeen Green jackpot. The pot will stay at $500 for next month as a result.

Killeen's Texell Federal Credit Union holds a ribbon cutting on April 22. Texell Director Dan Maresh, VP-Member Services Amy Merriman and Texell CEO Tony Hale (left to right)  are center with scissors.

 
Texell Federal Credit Union, Bell County’s largest member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, has now opened its newest branch - a full- service branch in Killeen. The Killeen Office is Texell’s fifth location.

"We had strong demand for an office in the Killeen market," stated Tony Hale, Texell CEO. “We are happy to be able to offer our members in the Killeen area an office to meet their financial needs,” Hale continued.

Texell’s Killeen office is located at 2208 Sunny Lane, just off North W.S. Young Drive in the former location of Central Texas Federal Credit Union. The existing 2,100 square foot building has been completely renovated and will allow Killeen residents access to a full range of financial services, six days a week.

The new office employes six staff members. The Killeen Branch manager is Taylor Mungia and the Assistant Manager is Jackie Velez. The Killeen staff is completed by Kevin Keener, Kacy Burtchell, Mirian Coronado and Shelly Thomas.

The official grand opening and ribbon cutting was held on April 22, hosted by the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Harker Heights Chamber Ambassadors. For more information on Texell Federal Credit Union, please visit www.texell.org

About Texell, Your Credit Union
Texell Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 26,000 members throughout Central Texas. Texell was founded in 1948 and offers a wide range of financial services to its members. Texell has three locations in Temple, one in Belton and now one in Killeen. Further information about Texell is available at Texell.org or by calling 254.773.1604.

Warriors Intern Network is a mutually positive opportunity for the wounded warriors and the community. For soldiers in the Warriors Transition Unit who may not stay in the military, after recovering from their injuries, one thing that weighs heavily on their minds is, “what do I do now?”  Since most of them have spent so much of their lives in the military and their job skills don’t always transfer well into the civilian workplace, the Warriors Intern Network program gives the soldier the opportunity to succeed and excel.

Soldiers who participate in the program are placed as interns within approved chamber businesses, in order to gain experience in and provide them with practical job skills that can benefit them in obtaining employment once they are out of the military. 

Soldiers who are interested in the program are screened to determine the types of jobs that they are capable of doing, as well as to determine what types of jobs they may be interested in. Thru the WIN program there are a number of options available to the Soldier.

Businesses interested in participating in the WIN Program please contact Tammy Sanchez at The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce at 254-526-9551.

Visitors to last year's Flavors of Central Texas visit the Gourmet Catering Services booth.

What is it?  The Flavors of Central Texas is an event where restaurants, caterers and bakers come together under one roof so you can easily sample and taste some of their specialties.  And, to add a little more “spice” to the event, there are also some retail vendors selling/showing their products and services.  There will be tons of food, some food demonstrations, live entertainment, door prizes and more!  We will also have a silent auction with all proceeds going to Faith for Soldiers, a non-profit organization.

We invite you to come and see what your area has to offer!

Registration is now open for the Flavors of Central Texas (FOCT)!  FOCT will take place on July 27^th from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center (located on 3401 S. WS Young Drive).

You can purchase tickets ($30 each or two for $50).  Children, ages 5 – 10 pay only $10 each; under the age of 5 are admitted free.  A table of 10 may be sponsored by you for only $250.

For more information on booth prices and sponsorships, or to purchase tickets, please visit the web site or contact Diane Drussell at 254-200-2001.

We look forward to seeing you there!

BRC to Hold Monthly Social Media Breakfast in Killeen

The Central Texas Business Resource Center will host a Social Media Breakfast at Jason’s Deli in Killeen. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 7:30am-8:30am.

Social Media Breakfasts bring together people who are interested in teaching, sharing, and learning about trends, case studies, and best practices in social media. This educational focus is critical for moving the social media industry forward. Anyone interested in social media are invited to attend. The program information is different each meeting, and information can be found at www.twitter.com/centexbrc

This new monthly event is free to attend, but attendees will have to pay for their own food and drink. Advance registration is required.

The next event will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2010 from 7:30am - 8:30am at Jason’s Deli, 3213 E Central Texas Expy #200 in Killeen. The Event is free to attend, and breakfast will be available for purchase on your own Otherwise, there is no cost to attend, but seating is limited so please call to reserve a seat in advance.

Please reserve your seat at least one day in advance by phone at (254) 200-2001

sign the pledge. . .

American Free Enterprise.

Dream Big.

Back When

New Awnings Are Another Step Forward

New awnings have been put up on the Bank building and on Claude McBride’s building joining it to the south.

The old tin awnings were torn down about a week ago and the new canopy awnings were put up last Tuesday.

These new awnings not only serve the purpose better, but look much better than the old ones.

This is one more step forward for some of the property owners of Killeen. If the progressive spirit keeps on, some day Killeen will be one of the prettiest little towns in the state.

The Killeen Herald and Messenger

June 19, 1936

The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranked 15 of 384 MSA’s nationwide in annualized job growth. The College Station-Bryan, Texas MSA was the only other Texas MSA to rank better than the Killeen MSA.

The recovery remains jobless for most of the nation, with only 16 of 384 metro areas showing job gains in the past year, according to new Adversity Index data for February from Moody's Economy.com and msnbc.com.

Of the nation's 384 metro areas, 205 had begun to recover, or 53 percent, according to the February Adversity Index. That's up from 185 metro areas in January, or 48 percent.

But the gains have been confined to manufacturing and housing, not employment.

Moreover, the only areas showing jobs growth are low-population areas. Here is a list of the 16 areas (only 4 percent of the total) showing job gains in the three-month period ending February 2010 compared with the same period a year earlier. They're ranked by annualized growth in jobs:

1. 1. Ocean City, N.J., up 5.0 percent
2. 2. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, Wash., 3.1
3. 3. Bloomington, Ind., 2.1
4. 4. Jacksonville, N.C., 1.8
5. 5. Bismarck, N.D., 1.6
6. 6. Morgantown, W.Va.,  1.1
7. 7. College Station-Bryan, Texas, 1.0
8. 8. St. Joseph, Mo.-Kan., 0.9
9. 9. Cape Girardeau-Jackson, Mo.-Ill., 0.8
10. 10. Warner Robins, Ga., 0.6
11. 11. Barnstable, Cape Cod, Mass., 0.6
12. 12. State College, Pa., 0.5
13. 13. Lawton, Okla., 0.5
14. 14. Yakima, Wash., 0.4
15. 15. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas, 0.1
16. 16. Hanford-Corcoran, Calif., 0.1

Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Receives Economic Excellence Recognition

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce received Economic Excellence Recognition by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) which is the State of Texas’ economic development association.

There were 35 economic development organizations that were recognized during the spring 2010 meeting in Arlington, Texas. There are more than 300 economic development organizations that are members of TEDC.

A few of the areas where the chamber’s economic development division received qualifying points were for memberships in professional organizations; adopting an economic development strategic plan; having a mission / goals statement; having an annual program of work, formally adopting a budget; having formal job descriptions for key people; having periodic newsletters from the organization to community leaders; and having regularly scheduled board / city council meetings; having a historic preservation plan and a downtown revitalization plan.

The Economic Excellence Recognition Program is an effort to continue strengthening the knowledge and skills of economic development professionals and volunteers throughout the state.

The program has the following objectives:

-Provide recognition to ED agencies that meet a desired threshold of professionalism.

-Encourage professional staff membership and involvement in TEDC.

-Encourage agency Board member attendance at TEDC training opportunities.

-Continue to underscore TEDC as the pre-eminent organization advocating professional economic development in Texas. 

Congressman John Carter

Texas Lawmaker Recognized for Pro-Business Record

Republican Representative John R. Carter (TX-31) was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his pro-business record during the first session of the 111th Congress.

“The Chamber applauds Representative Carter for supporting the private sector and job growth through these difficult times,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “He has demonstrated great courage and we commend him.”

Eligibility for the award is based on how Members of Congress vote on key business issues, which the Chamber outlines in its annual publication How They Voted. These designated “key votes” are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the vote. Those members of Congress who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70% of those votes receive the award.

According to the scorecard, Representative Carter maintained a 79% rating with the Chamber this year and collectively holds a 92% ranking during his tenure in Congress.

The Chamber scored Congress on 7 Senate and 15 House votes in 2009, including the economic stimulus package, legislation to promote the U.S. as a travel destination abroad, and both the House and Senate healthcare reform bills.

To view a complete list of the 2009 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of every size, sector, and region.

Sedona Staffing  and KWTX Seek “Boss of the Month” Nominations

Sedona Staffing Services, in partnership with KWTX television, is asking for nominations for “Boss of the Month”.  This is a great opportunity for employees and employers to recognize their outstanding supervisors or bosses. Please visit this link for complete details.

New Location of Brake Check Opening Soon, Accepting Applications

Central Texas' new location of Brake Check, located in Harker Heights, will be opening soon, and is now accepting applications online. Interested and qualified personnel for positions for managers and technicians can apply online at www.brakecheck.com. Benefits for these positions include medical, 401(K), paid vacations, incentive programs, paid sick leave and advancement opportunities.

63rd Annual Rodeo Killeen Ready To Hit The Gates

The 63rd Rodeo Killeen, a PRCA Rodeo produced by Andrews Rodeo Company, will be presented on Memorial Day weekend this year on Thursday, May 27th , Friday, May 28th and Saturday, May 29th. The Pre-show will begin each night at 7:30 pm with the Rodeo beginning promptly at 8 pm. All performances will be held at the Killeen Rodeo Arena which is located on W. S. Young Drive in Killeen right behind the Killeen Exhibition Hall. Advanced tickets for each night are available for purchase at Toyota of Killeen, First National Bank, Country Secrets, Killeen Civic and Conference Center,

Bull riding during the 2009 Rodeo Killeen (click to enlarge)

Rodeo events featured nightly at Rodeo Killeen are Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding , Steer Roping, Team Roping and Tie-down Roping.

Thursday, May 27th is Military Night. The City of Killeen and the Rodeo Killeen Committee want to take his opportunity to say thank you to our Military (Active, Guard, Reserve) and their dependents by offering them free admission to the Rodeo and a complimentary meal which will be provided by Walmart. The meal will be served in the Killeen Exhibition Hall directly in front of the Rodeo Arena at 6 pm. The pre-show for the Rodeo on Thursday night will feature The First Cavalry Horse Detachment and will begin at approximately 7:15 pm and the Rodeo will begin at 8 pm.

What would a rodeo be without rodeo clowns? (click to enlarge)

Saturday, May 29th the pre-show will begin with the finals for the crowning of the 2010 Rodeo Killeen Star. Three finalists will compete for the title in the Rodeo Arena at 7:30 pm. Each of the contestants will sing a Country Western Song (Karaoke Style) and the winner will be determined by the crowd’s applause. Following the award of $500 to the 2010 Rodeo Killeen Star, we will enjoy Hardin-Simmons University’s Exhibition - 6 White Horses. This is a beautiful exhibition that will touch your heart and awaken your patriotic spirit. The Rodeo will follow immediately at 8 pm.

This year’s Specialty Act, Rudy Burns-The Crazy Cajun, has received numerous awards and accolades from every facet of the Rodeo Industry. A skilled Bull Fighter who protects the cowboys and cowgirls with his life, he is also a hilariously entertaining. He will be performing each night at the Rodeo. Also, each night our 2010 Rodeo Queen, Kali Eddleman, will be introduced.

Join the City of Killeen, Great Killeen Chamber of Commerce and Killeen Independent School District in celebrating May 22-29 as Rodeo Killeen Week. We encourage everyone to dress western this week and join us at the rodeo as we celebrate both our Western and Texas Heritage.

On Saturday, May 22nd, Toyota of Killeen, lead sponsor for Rodeo Killeen this year, will host the auditions for 2010 Killeen Rodeo Star. Sign up begins at 10 am and auditions are from 11 am until 1 pm in front of Toyota of Killeen which is located at the corner of Stan Schlueter Loop and Central Texas Expressway. Three finalists will be selected to compete for the title of 2010 Rodeo Killeen Star and the $500 Prize Money. Finals will be on Saturday night at the Rodeo. Call Toyota of Killeen at (254) 690-5800 to get more information on the competition and to select your song and sign up for the auditions.

The Rodeo Killeen Committee wishes to sincerely thank Toyota of Killeen, Country Secrets, and Wal-Mart and all of the sponsors who make the Rodeo possible each year.

For more information please go to the Rodeo Killeen website

Plans Underway for 12th Annual Killeen Heights Rotary Club Crawfish Boil

The 12th Annual Crawfish Boil Fish Fry and silent auction is set for Saturday, May 8 from 11 a.m. until 3p.m. at the Killeen Special Events Center.  Sponsored by the Killeen-Heights Rotary Club, the event will feature crawfish, catfish and chicken.  Tickets for adults are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.  Kids under 12 pay only $5.  The Armed Services YMCA will also feature a Healthy Kids Day and a bounce house.

Live music at the event will be provided by Jerry Haisler and The Melody 5. 

The Rotary Club of Killeen Heights Charitable Corporation is also selling raffle tickets for $10 for a chance to win a Polaris Ranger 400 from Killeen Power Sports.  Only 1,800 tickets will be sold. 

For more information, visit our website.

Here Are Some Of The Things Happening Around TAMU-CT This Week

A&M-Central Texas Social Work Students Create a "Killeen Homeless Needs Assessment"

A&M-Central Texas Tuition Hearing Set for May 10, 2010

Nigliazzo confirmed as inaugural president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Activities, Programs Abound  at Central Texas College

Central Texas College has a number of special activities and programs set for the upcoming weeks.

For more information on each of these programs, activities and announcements, please click the links below.

New Planetarium show is a thrill ride inside atoms

CTC graduation Friday, May 7

CTC nursing students earn pins

CTC summer semester registration announced

CTC Continuing Education registering for May classes

LULAC Council 4535 Foundation Plans Cinco de Mayo Celebration

The 5^th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Killeen is coming!  This Festival is brought to you by the Killeen Council 4535 Foundation, and is partially funded from the City of Killeen Hotel Motel Revenues. The Festival will be held Saturday the 8^th of May, 2010.  It will take place at its usual location, at the Parking Lot of the Killeen Community Center, behind the building and adjacent to the Athletic Fields.  The Festival includes Folkloric Performers, Crafts and Food Vendors, a magnificent Car Show with probably the best trophies in Bell County, as well as a Pageant to select the 2010 Cinco de Mayo Queen, and the Cinco de Mayo Princess.

This is a family event, and we will feature games for the young at hearty, static displays of Killeen Police Department and Killeen Fire Department emergency equipment, and many, many more activities.  As in past years, the events is free to the public, but we are asking all attendees to bring at least one piece of canned food as a donation to the Killeen Food Care Center, which will have a booth to collect the gifts.  Additionally, we will have the Blood Mobile so that you can donate blood to the local Blood Bank, assisting those that will need transfusions in the future.  Where else can you celebrate the Cinco de Mayo, contribute to your community agencies, while enjoying the artistry of the featured performers, and sampling the food available?  Make it a point to come and spend the day with us.

For this year, we have secured several performers who have proven to be crowd favorites in the past.  Back by popular demand is Los Texas Wranglers from Austin Texas, who will entertain everybody with their Tejano Music.  Of course, the LULAC 4535 Ballet Folklórico Alegria will perform, showcasing the kids that have joined the troupe since last year. Also performing is the Grupo Noche Kandela, with hot, moving Latino tunes from the Caribbean (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, etc).

Making their debut with our Festival are Killeen based “Estrellas de Panama” as well as “Konexion Latina”, a Hispanic Rap Group.  No Cinco de Mayo festival would be complete without a good Mariachi, and “El Mariachi Unico” from Temple will entertain us with their performances.  We will have two different performances of Filipino music and dancing, featuring the “Filipino American Association”, as well as the “Cultura Filipiniana” performances.

Back by popular demand will be the Trimmier Elementary School's Pre-K Performers- the “Tooty Ta’s”, delighting all young and old with their performance.  A new group, “Combo Saborea” will also entertain.  Performances start at 10:00 AM and continue throughout the day until 7:00 PM. Also performing are the exotic Central Texas Belly Dancers.  Come and enjoy the pageantry and the cultural displays and performances.

We need additional vendors, who for a mere $60.00 will receive a space, a table, and 2 chairs where they can offer their wares to the crowd.  We have had close to 3,000 attendees in past events.  We also feature a car show, and registration will be $25.00 for cars, $30.00 for Trucks and SUV’s, and $20.00 for bikes and motorcycles.  Big Bodies Custom from Killeen will be running the Car Show.  The trophies we present are the envy of Central Texas, so come by and register for the prizes.

In case of inclement weather, the Festival will be rescheduled for the following weekend, however plan on a nice, sunny, beautiful day for the 5th Cinco de Mayo Festival in Killeen.

Visit our website for more information, to include registration forms for Vendors, and the Car Show.

Killeen's First Baptist to Host Dino In Concert September 11

On Sept. 11, 2010, First Baptist Church, Killeen, will host musical pianist Dino to present a special Patriot Day concert, honoring our law enforcement, firefighters, and soldiers. The concert will also be free of charge to veterans and public officials.

Long-time residents will recall that following the tragic shooting at Luby’s on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1991, First Baptist had already scheduled a concert for that evening featuring Dino Kartsonakis, known professionally simply as “Dino,” (pronounced DEE-noh). That concert went on as schedule to a packed congregation in a community in need of soothing, spiritual healing. Dino had just released a recording entitled “Peace in the Midst of the Storm.” That night, Dino contributed his honorarium to the survivors of the victims of the tragic shooting.

Dino, a military veteran himself during the Vietnam era, has returned several times to First Baptist Church, Killeen in the time since 1991, most recently in 2004. Following the Fort Hood shooting, Dino’s representatives contacted First Baptist Church, and the date has been set for the concert in First Baptist Church’s new location at 3310 S. WS Young Dr., across the street from the Convention and Visitor’s Center.

Dino Kartsonakis was born and raised in New York City. His permanent party duty stateside was at Ft. Wadsworth, NY, where he served with the 1st Army Band and also stationed in Germany with the 24th Infantry Division. His assignment in Germany was performing for the general population as an ambassador for the United States. For the last 17 years Dino has entertained thousands of Branson, Missouri audiences each year. He and his wife Cheryl continue to co-host a highly rated, weekly television show on the TBN network that has aired for the past 16 years.

Cheryl, who will be with her husband for the concert, also has Texas and Killeen ties. Cheryl McSpadden Kartsonakis and her brother, gospel music songwriter Gary McSpadden, were raised in Lubbock, where her father served as pastor. Cheryl's late grandmother was a top selling Avon representative in Killeen for many years and still has family in the greater Killeen area.

Dino’s numerous recordings have received many accolades including a Grammy nomination for “Chariots of Fire”, seven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, a Telly Award for “The Miracles” project filmed in Israel, and a Grammy nomination for his involvement on the soundtrack of the movie The Apostle, starring Robert Duvall.

Dino’s recent accomplishment was the realization of a lifelong dream: a headline performance at Carnegie Hall, with the Manhattan Pops Orchestra and Chorale. Dino recalls, “As a young boy I would leave school and stand outside of Carnegie Hall dreaming about someday performing there.”

In 2007, Dino once again returned to his New York City upbringing and performed at Lincoln Center during a star studded Christmas Celebration. The stellar evening benefited homeless shelters in the Greater New York City area and was highly publicized. Special guest appearances were made by Natalie Cole, Star Jones, and Mrs. Denzel Washington.

The concert will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 2010 at the church. First Baptist Church was established in 1873 and has been led by Dr. Randy Wallace since August, 2000.

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Staff members of the chamber are on many business and organizational mailing lists. Please do not assume that just because you sent us notification of a news item or event because we are "on your list" that we will automatically include it in Hot Links! Please submit anything you would like included in Hot Links! in an e-mail specifically marked for publication in the newsletter.

Any items not submitted in accordance with these guidelines will not be considered for inclusion. All items must be submitted via e-mail to Thad Byars at the chamber.

Latest Pictures of GKCC "People On The Go"

A young entrepreneur sets up shop in front of Jason's Deli on May 2, "Lemonade Day." Watch for more on this event in the next edition of Hot Links! Reportedly, this stand cleared nearly $200 during the event!	Tony Hale, CEO of Texell Federal Credit Union, accepts the traditional First Dollar of Profit from Ambassador chairman, Sherry Hoffpauir of KXXV-TV.
Chamber members take part in April's "Train Your Brain" session on identity theft.	Mixer attendees go through the food line at the April mixer at Toyota of Killeen to enjoy some Las Casas fajitas.
Click on any picture for a larger view.

Miss an earlier edition of Hot Links!?

Vol. 4, Edition 8 (April 21, 2010)

Vol. 4, Edition 7 (April 7, 2010)

Vol. 4, Edition 6 (March 24, 2010)

Vol. 4, Edition 5 (March 10, 2010)

Vol. 4, Edition 4 (February 24, 2010)

Vol. 4, Edition 3 (February 10, 2010)

Please contact Thad Byars at the GKCC for editions prior to these.

Keep Track of all the chamber news!

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Contact Thad Byars at the chamber (254) 526-9551 for more information.

Hot Links! Copyright 2010, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce

Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, One Santa Fe Plaza, P.O. Box 548, Killeen, TX  76540  (254)- 526-9551   Fax: (254) 526-6090

For questions of comments about this newsletter, please contact Thad Byars at tbyars@gkcc.com  Please note that, properly formatted, the name of the GKCC newsletter is Hot Links!, with an upper case "H" and "L", followed by an exclamation point.