WEEKLY WRAP UP for Friday, March 6, 2020

A message from your Chamber
    We had the best time Wednesday at our third Trades Day Career Fair at the Williamson County Expo Center!
     Here are some facts that you -- our Chamber members and our community -- can be proud of...
  • Students:  846
  • Schools: 12     
  • Exhibitors: 18   
  • Mock Interviews Conducted: 171 
  • Number of interviewers: 20
  • Volunteers: 28
  • Volunteer hours: 94.5
   The goal of this event is to get students interested in pursuing careers in the trades and technical industries. 
    Students took the Texas Reality Check to compare their chosen career fields with their lifestyle hopes for the future. They participated in mock interviews, shot darts from power tools, tested out "beer goggles," took part in a law enforcement demonstration, tossed poop emoji stress balls into a corn hole and learned to tie a tie. 
   They saw what happens when a water heater explodes and watched a demonstration on how poorly done plumbing can end up pulling water out of a toilet into a home's drinking supply. 
    Eighth through 12th graders from across the area also learned how to take blood pressure and got to practice CPR on a dummy.
    We surveyed students as they left the Trades Day event and this is what we learned...
  • 95% said they agree that trade and technical careers can offer huge earning potential 
  • 77% said they view trade and technical careers more favorably
  • 76% said they are more interested in learning about trade and technical careers 
  • 63% said they would like to pursue a career in a trade or technical career 
    We partnered with TSTC, Temple College, Texas Rural Capitol Area Workforce Solutions, Education Service Center 13, Taylor ISD. 
A  variety of businesses gave demonstrations and spoke to students  including Noren Thermal Solutions, TD Industries, Milwaukee Tools, City Ambulance, Taylor Fire Department, Briggs Equipment, Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners, S&D Plumbing, Bobcat Equipment, WIOA, Baylor Scott & White, IBEW 520 and others.
    And we couldn't have done it without the support of our community and the businesses who sent volunteers. Those businesses included the Chamber, Taylor Cotton Compress, RTS Connect, ONCOR Electric Solutions, Texas Beer Company, Modern Woodmen of America, WellMed, City National Bank, LifesSeps Council, Eden Serivices, Taylor City Council, Coppera, Robbie's Dog Grooming and A Veteran's Storage.
    Like I said, it was an amazing day!  Our thanks to you all!
    Next year's event will be Wednesday, March 3. We hope you'll make plans to be there!

 Taylor counts!
   The 2020 Census will start March 12. This once-a-decade population count determines how much funding our communities receive for local services, provides data that inform businesses that grow our economy, and helps determine our state's legislative districts.
    We have 39.5 billion reasons to care about the census - that's how many federal dollars flow into Texas each year based on census data. When Texans go uncounted, we all lose out. Responding to the census helps communities get the funding they need for local public services and helps businesses make data-driven decisions that grow the economy. The census determines the resources that come to Texas to help build roads and infrastructure, support hospitals, and deliver public services to children, veterans, seniors and families.
     During this once-in-a-decade effort to count the U.S. population, the United States Census Bureau calculates a participation rate for each area, or the percentage of questionnaires mailed back by households that received them. In 2010, Taylor had about 30% of its population not counted. That cost our community money and opportunities. 
   A similar undercount of across our state in 2020 would mean Texas will not receive its full share of federal funding for the next 10 years. In the face of increasing state and local budget constraints, we cannot afford an undercount in 2020. Find out more about why the census matters for Texas and Williamson County as well as how you can help at  www.texas counts.org

State of our City is March program
     Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell will give a "State of our City" address at the monthly Chamber program on Monday, March 16, at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 180 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. NW.
    "We already have 30 people registered to attend this important event," Board Chair Diana Phillips said. "There is limited seating, so everyone is encouraged to register as soon as possible and, definitely, by Friday, March 13."
    Thrall County Diner will provide the meal this month and Citizens National Bank is sponsoring the program.
    Attending the event costs $15 and can be paid in advance at the Chamber office, 1519 N. Main St., on the website, www.taylorchamber.org   , or over the phone, 512-352-6364. Reservations are needed for the caterer.
    Rydell was elected to the District 3 Council position in May 2012, reelected in 2015 and again in 2018. He was chosen by his fellow council members to serve as Mayor in 2017 and has served in that position since.
    A Taylor native, Rydell graduated from Taylor High School in 1989. He earned degrees in English and history from the University of Arkansas and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He is assistant general counsel for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known as ERCOT.
    Space is limited so click  HERE  now to register for the meeting. We hope to see you there! 
    Restaurants and caterers interested in getting on the calendar are encouraged to call or email the Chamber.
    Monthly meeting sponsorships are available for $100 (a $150 value) and will include two lunches, time to talk about your business, advertising on table tents and your business mentioned in all related marketing materials. Call us at 512-352-6364 to learn more.

Director of the Month
    Julie Downs is a Realtor with RE/Max Associates Group.
     She has served on the Taylor Chamber's board of directors for three years, chairs the Funding and Gala Committees and is an Ambassador.
     She has lived in Taylor for 40 years and has been teaching or selling real estate for 29. She is a member of the Taylor Area Business Women and the Taylor Area Garden Club.
     She and husband, Tom, have two adult children, David and Emily and two grandchildren.
     "The Chamber provides a voice for businesses in Taylor through service, volunteerism and collaboration," she said. "I am proud to be part of it.

LEAD. CONNECT. LEARN.
Chamber News & Calendar 


  
Congratulations to Subway on the Ribbon Cutting for their restaurant at 3110 N. Main. They are under new management and looking forward to serving the Taylor community. You can order online at order.subway.com  or call 512-352-1440. Don't forget them when you need catering!

Welcome to our new members!

Beebe Construction                          
5750 Williams Dr.,  Georgetown, TX 78633.  737-837-2042 

 Square Dancing with Al Frazier
1517 McLain, Taylor TX 76574. 512-632-1932

    Calendar
  • Monday, March 9, 5:15 p.m. -- Board meeting: Sirloin Stockade
  • Tuesday, March 10, 4 p.m. --  Tourism Committee: Chamber
  • Thursday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.  --  Ribbon cutting: City Auto, 3509 E. 4th St. 
  • Monday March 16, 11:15 a.m. --  Ambassador Meeting:  Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Monday March 16, noon -- Luncheon:  The State of our City with Brandt Rydell is the program with Thrall Country Diner catering and Citizens National Bank sponsoring at Holiday Inn, 180 NW Carlos G Parker Blvd.  RESERVATIONS NEEDED. Click here to sign up.
  • Wednesday, March 18, noon -- Programs and Services; Noren Thermal Solutions
  • Tuesday, March 24, noon-- Business of the Month: presentation at Gattis Pizza
  • Thursday March 26, 7:30 a.m.--  Funding Meeting: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Friday March 27, 11:30 a.m. --   Ribbon cutting : Northview Christian Church, 2900 N. Main 
  • Thursday April 9, 8 a.m.-- Finance Committee: Chamber
  • Monday, April 13, 5:15 p.m.--Board Meeting: TBD
  • Monday, April 20, 11:15 a.m.--Ambassador Meeting: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
  • Monday, April 20, noon--Luncheon: Tiffany Price from Life Park
    will be the speaker with Plowman's catering and Noren Thermal Solutions as the sponsor at Holiday Inn 180 NW Carlos G. Parker Blvd. RESERVATIONS NEEDED.  Click here to sign up
  • Monday, April 20, 6 p.m. -- Local Candidate Forum, TISD Main Street Event Center, 3101 N. Main St.
  • Saturday, April 25, 6 p.m. -- Great Gatsby Gala: Gym at Old Taylor High, 407 W. 9th St.
Member News and Events
 
Having trouble paying your Natural Gas bill?
   On Thursday March 12, 8 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. learn what help is available with Atmos Energy and Oppotunities for Williamson County. Located at the Taylor City Hall Auditorium, 400 Porter St. For question and eligibility requirements call 512-255-2202.

Chicken-fried steak dinner
     Taylor Area Business Women will serve up a  Captain Red's Chicken-fried steak dinner 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. Dinner will be drive-through only at the Taylor ISD  Main Street  Intermediate School campus,  3102 Main St. Tickets are available from TAB members.

Calm, cool and invested
  Join Carol VanderDys from Edward Jones on Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. to learn how to keep your investment goals on track. The series is held at the Holiday Inn Express, 180 NW Carlos G Parker Blvd, and dinner is included. Space is limited so please reserve your spot by calling 512-352-6604, today.

Blood drive
   Donate blood at the Baylor Scott & White/Rotary Club of Taylor blood drive 12:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. Blood donors in March will receive a free limited-edition "Let's Taco Bout Blood Donation" t-shirt. A photo ID is required. To reserve a time, call Elisabeth at 512-352-4011. Walk-ins are welcome

Kick up your heels!
    Want to get some exercise, have fun and learn to square dance?  Caller and instructor Al Frazier will be hosting square dancing lessons at 7 p.m. Thursday evenings beginning April 2.
    He encourages people in their teens to in their 80s to wear casual clothes and meet up at Christ Fellowship Church, 1517 McLain St. in Taylor to enjoy the fun.
   Participation is $8 per person. To learn more, call 512-632-1932 or email tsca@alfraziertx.net

Preview day at Temple College Taylor
  Temple College at Taylor will host a preview day for potential students 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 27. Guests will have an opportunity to meet representatives  from various academic programs, student organizations, dual credit program, veterans affairs and Temple scholarships foundations. Please RSVP at www.templejc.edu/preview
    
Golf tournament
    Rotary Club of Taylor is looking for sponsors and players for its annual golf tournament on Friday, April 3, at Mustang Creek Country Club. Proceeds from the event are used to fund the annual Rotary Scholars Banquet which recognizes the top 10% of students graduating from Taylor High and Legacy Early College High School in Taylor. Sponsorships range from $50 to $300 (click HERE for forms) and registration for a team of four is $300 and includes play, lunch and beverages (click HERE for the form). 




Entertainment calendar
    WilCo EXPO: Click here to look at what's going on out at the Expo Center.
    SPJST Post 29:   Look here to find out what's going on in March.
    Texas Beer Company: To keep up with everything going on at TBC, click here .
    Marshall's Tavern: Marshall's events are here.
    The Loose Screw: See their events here.

Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
1519 N. Main St.  Taylor TX 76574
512-352-6364          www.taylorchamber.org          president@taylorchamber.org