Chamber Connection increases membership
BECCA SOCHA EL CAMPO CHAMBER PRESIDENT

The windy days of March are here. Lately it feels like hurricane winds are blowing through El Campo. Don't leave anything light-weight sitting outside because you might see it a few blocks down sitting in the neighbor's yard.

It also feels like a gust of wind making its way through the Chamber office this month too.

In one of Mayor Phillip Spenrath's recent newspaper articles he wrote about how fortunate we are to live in El Campo. I can say we have the greatest people. Our Chamber Connection event was a huge success with 35 volunteers working the event and six runners going out each day to collect dues. Everyone did a remarkable job.

These fantastic volunteers brought 142 members into your Chamber of Commerce making the membership total 747. This event is always special because we all have busy schedules. Three team captains, Norma Cox, Suzy Freeman and David Melanson, did an incredible job getting teams together. I thought this would be unsuccessful because last time we had six captains. Congrats again on being wonderful people and caring about the future of our community.

We have had several new members join prior to and after the Chamber Connection event. New members are Professional Hardwood Floors and Professional Office Cleaning, both owned by Carolyn Wagner; and the new Chinese restaurant Golden Phoenix located in the strip center behind McDonald's. We appreciate all members for their support.

Talking about support, El Campo is famous for it. This month the St. Philip School Dinner & Dance and the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department's oyster supper were successful as ever. This past weekend, Heating It Up for Hospice was a huge event and this Thursday the El Campo Rotary Club will host its annual fundraiser at the Civic Center.

Getting back to what the mayor said, take advantage of all that El Campo has. During this week of spring break take the kids bowling, go to the museum, movies, skating or swimming.

There is plenty to do in El Campo. As a Chamber we try to emphasize the importance of shopping at home. Our local businesses contribute back to the community in many ways. Businesses give the first impressions of El Campo as visitors travel through town.

What happens if our businesses did not care? Needless to say, we would see see El Campo dry up and become a vacant community. We have young adults moving back and raising their families here. We should be proud of that.

People from the outskirt towns are coming here and doing business with us. We have the business, service and people. Let's keep up with improvements every day. It makes a difference. Get involved with your community. Be sure and write letters to state representatives and congressman about the Trans-Texas Corridor issues.

A committee of Chamber directors are also planning a festival for our community.

The 12th annual membership appreciation crawfish boil is set for Monday, May 12 at the Civic Center. This event is an opportunity for all members to get together, network and have fun.

From the Chamber board of directors and staff, have a blessed Easter weekend.