The success of the Chamber's greater focus on the holidays in November and December of 2021 can be seen in the results...

Approximately 6,670 tickets -- that's close to 1 for every resident in Pauls Valley -- were distributed to customers of the participating merchants. About 1,200 of those were obtained on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. A drawing from those tickets identified 20 Chamber Buck winners to receive their part of the total of $4,000 in "Chamber Bucks" -- to be spent at participating merchants. The drawing was broadcast live on Facebook. We are hoping more merchants will sign on for the 2022 holiday season.

Ten businesses took the challenge to make their storefronts so festive that the general public would vote on the winners. A total of 356 votes were cast (327 online). The first, second and third place awards went to Bloomin' Crazy, Cook Carson Appliances and Valley Blossom Shop, respectively. Valley Gifts & Awards win the Mayor's Choice award. Next year we are looking at creating categories such as window displays, outside displays, and window painting.

The Chamber worked with the city to ensure the success of the night of festivities including the annual Christmas Parade of Lights. Nancy Runge served as the announcer for the parade. The Chamber also hosted the Storytime with Santa event for children at the gazebo at Santa Fe Depot Park and approximately 75 kids attended. The Chamber is planning even more fun activities for Christmas 2022.

Having come on strong for the Chamber starting with the new Fallfest, Pamela Popejoy has been appointed to the Executive Board, filling the position left by Jaclyn Woods. Pamela is a welcome addition. She exudes energy and ideas and regularly helps advance the Chamber's efforts by encouraging others to join and to get involved with events.

As a fun way to introduce her to those who might not know here, check out her answers to interesting questions below.

Welcome to the Chamber, Pamela!

Title, company name and chief responsibilities: Owner and Operator of Bloomin’Crazy Florist, Garden Center and Gift Shop

Aspect(s) of the Chamber that are most important to her:  Promoting Small Businesses and Community Involvement

Last place she went for the first time: It’s been so long since I’ve been anywhere but work, I can’t recall

Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing

A collection she owns: MarCrest

Personality trait that adds the most value to her work: Organization

Proudest accomplishment: Turning Bloomin’Crazy into a successful small family-owned business

If she could go back in time ... Back to when times were more simple and slower paced

Her personal hero: Jesus Christ and my parents

Favorite music artist: George Strait

If she could invite 3 people, living or dead, to a dinner party ... Bubba, Allison and Jack Dallas -- 3 precious lives gone way too soon

What she's currently reading: Unfortunately emails are all I get read these days

"I have now completed my first year as President of the Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce. What a year it has been! I have met so many wonderful people, experienced the Okie Noodling Tournament, the Fifth Friday Art Walk, our first Fallfest, the Christmas Parade and much more. I am so blessed to be a part of this community."

The Small Business Administration offers these online webinars and courses in January.

12 p.m., Jan. 13

10:30 a.m., Jan. 14

12 p.m., Jan. 18

11 a.m., Jan. 18

12 p.m., Jan. 20

12 p.m., Jan. 27

405.238.6491 | PaulsValleyChamber.com