2009 Leadership Marshall Graduation

MARSHALL, TX – The Marshall Chamber of Commerce proudly presented 20 Leadership Marshall 2009 participants at a graduation ceremony held on Thursday evening, August 20, 2009 at OS2 Restaurant & Pub' s ballroom in historic downtown Marshall.

Chamber Board Chairman, George Carter, gave a warm welcome to the graduates and guests, which numbered nearly 70 people in attendance – the highest number in attendance on record. Chamber President and CEO, Connie Ware, introduced keynote speaker, Representative Bryan Hughes, Texas House of Representatives.

Representative Hughes presented a compelling address on being a servant and a leader. Hughes is known for demonstrating these exemplary characteristics in his personal life and in the House.

Leadership participant Debbie Lucas of Brownrigg Insurance Agency gave an invocation and class remarks were given by Louraiseal McDonald, Harrison County Extension Agent. She was assisted by Marco and Orlando Valle who presented facilitator Keli Talbert with The Most Inspirational Leader Award. Guy Barr of Marshall Christian Academy, alumni of Leadership Marshall, provided a stirring and inspirational message of commitment and responsibility.

A slideshow presentation played throughout the program and highlighted the last six months of group activities by the Leadership Marshall 2009 class and the many business and civic leaders they met in the community along the way.

Sponsored by the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Marshall began in 1991 and continues with success bringing leaders and potential leaders into contact with the many facets of the Marshall area to provide a close business network. The program focuses on education, health care, business and industry, quality of life and tourism, city and county government and a ROPES course at Camp Fern and ETBU. It concludes with a graduation banquet and awards ceremony.

Many students say, "It's amazing that you can live here all your life and yet learn so much through Leadership Marshall!”

Most every participant will agree that the program puts you in touch with every facet of the community in a personal way. You walk away knowing where and who to call when the program ends. The friendships and partnerships you build along the way enhance the leadership experience. Everyone was sad to see it end so soon. However, hopefully, they will take with them what they learned during the six-month course and utilize it to become better employees, better volunteers, and better citizens. Many of them are already demonstrating just that.

Suzon Tropaz Holmes identified the need of microscopes for the science classroom at Trinity Episcopal School and to everyone's surprise, ordered microscopes and had them shipped to the school. Orlando Valle is now serving as a Knight of Columbus. Marco Valle strengthened his commitment to Marshall, making the decision to stay in Marshall in order to serve this community. He also joined the Chamber Ambassador program. Juan Diaz also became a Chamber Ambassador. Marco, Orlando and Juan are also a part of the Chamber's Hispanic Business Alliance under the direction of Keli Talbert. Courtney Smith delivered the keynote address at Wiley's Leadership Conference and is pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Wiley. Gareth Juays seized the opportunity to ride along with the Marshall Police Department so that he could learn and more fully appreciate all our officers do.

"The Leadership Marshall course is inherently designed to promote community awareness, personal growth, communication, and involvement which make us better citizens,” said program facilitator, Keli Talbert, Business Development Director for the Chamber of Commerce. "We had an amazing group of leaders who are committed to making a difference within their spheres of influence, which ultimately impacts our community. Obviously you can look for great things from this group as they are already demonstrating. I feel so fortunate to have spent time with them. All of them are of exemplary character. My life is better because of them! It's exciting to think how much they will affect life for all of us in such a positive way.”

The graduates this year include:

Guy Bauer
El Chico Restaurant

Magen Bunyard
East Texas Baptist University

Jill Crocker
Marshall Festivals, Inc.

Juan Diaz
Jordan Health Services

Sandy Duncan
Woodlawn Manufacturing

Scott Fultner
The Jalapeño Tree

Ted Huffhines
Marshall Independent School District (MHS)

Gareth Juays
GoZoe Wireless

Brenda Keithley
CenterPoint Energy

Debbie Lucas
Brownrigg Insurance Agency

Louraiseal McDonald
Harrison County Extension Agency

Larry Pettey
Querbes & Nelson

Willie Rudd
City of Marshall, TX

Tracy Sepulvado
Community Healthcore

Suzon Tropaz-Holmes
Woodlawn Manufacturing

Courtney Smith
Texas State House of Representatives (Rep. Bryan Hughes)

Marco Valle
Woodforest National Bank (Wal-Mart Branch)

Orlando Valle
Woodforest National Bank (Kroger Branch)

Samuel Weiser
Activa Products, Inc.

Evelyn West
Myrtle's Sweet Shop

Nominations are already being received for the Leadership Marshall 2010 classes set to begin next March. For more information, contact the Chamber at (903) 935-7868.

Walk for LIfe Sat. Sept. 26 Dallas TX

Jessie and Joel Lamb hold the sign that begins each Walk for Life

We're Walking for Life!!! SATURDAY,
September 26th

We unapologetically raise money and awareness for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more... Why not do the same for a cause that kills more than all three combined: abortion?

Together, we CAN make difference!!!

Won't You Join Us?

Who: Everyone is welcome. Bring the kids, your neighbors, your neighbors kids (if you dare) the family dog... the list could go on and on.

What: Walk for Life is a leisurely two-mile walk, so you don't have to be in great shape to participate. There is no entry fee either. Many walkers will be walking as sponsored walkers, but we'd love for you to join us no matter. We'll be giving out free t-shirts this year and goody bags with a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich while supplies last. Water will be passed out at the one mile mark, and we'll have free chiropractic exams for the adults and a balloon clown and face painting for the little ones.

When: Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the walk will start promptly at 10:00... with a prayer first, of course.

Where: The walk will begin and end in the parking lot of Dallas First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas.

Why: As Christ followers, we're called to stand up for the rights of the oppressed and against the spilling of innocent blood. Who is more innocent than the smallest of God's image-bearers, the unborn?

In walking together for life, we are not only standing against abortion, we are connecting a problem to a solution.

We're saying, "There is a grave, moral atrocity happening among us, and we're not going to sit by and let it continue on our watch.

We are part of the solution."
Contact: tarav4prolife@bellsouth.net

Chamber to honor Law Enforcement & Firefighters At Annual Appreciation Dinner

MARSHALL, TX, September 14, 2009 – The Marshall Chamber of Commerce is set to honor law enforcement and firefighters at their annual Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 with the lines opening at 5:30 PM and the program beginning at 6:30PM at the Marshall Civic Center on Highway 59.

“This event is designed to bring the community together to show the deep appreciation in the form of a meaningful awards ceremony for our brave officers and volunteers who serve us without question,” shared Connie Ware, President and CEO of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Stephen W. Prator is slated as the guest speaker for the evening. Sheriff Prator formerly served as Chief of Police in Shreveport, Louisiana before becoming Sheriff of Caddo Parish. Prator made a name for himself after deploying innovative and effective law enforcement techniques and is highly respected in his field and in the community.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

· G. O. Cooper Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

· Clay Medrano - Merit Award - Law Enforcement Officer

· Merit Award - Police Officer

· Bill Sullivan Sr. Firefighter of the Year

· Merit Award – Firefighter

· Emergency Medical Technician of the Year

· Sam B. Hall Jr. Special Meritorious Award

· Reserve Law Enforcement Officer

· Volunteer Firefighter Award

· Volunteer EMT Award

· First Responder (new category this year)

The selection of the recipients for the awards to be presented is based on an officer’s overall performance, not on any single incident. The traits characterizing an officer’s performance are based on the following criteria:


· Loyalty

· Initiative and self-motivation

· Dedication to service

· Service to the community above and beyond the normal call of dutyv
· Attitude and integrity

Last year’s response was overwhelming with more than 600 individuals at the banquet. The Chamber is hoping to rally a large response again this year to show overwhelming support for area law enforcement and firefighter personnel, and volunteers for the incredible work they do that affects the quality of our lives every day – putting their lives on the line to serve and protect others.

“The community’s generosity enabled us to present cash awards to the recipients, confirming the community’s appreciation for the service of our law enforcement and fire fighting personnel,” said Ms. Ware.

All support is welcomed, and special recognition will be given to the following sponsorship levels:

· Host $500 and above

· Senior Sponsor $300

· Active Sponsor $150

· Supporters $75

· Donors $50

Two complimentary tickets are included with each $50 donation, if requested. Law enforcement and firefighter personnel plus one guest each may attend free of charge. Public tickets are on sale now for $13 each. Reservations are required and dinner will be catered by Catfish Express.

Ms. Ware added, “The Marshall Chamber of Commerce invites you, your employees and your friends to attend this very important event, and to share in the enthusiasm for these fine public servants and their dedication and work in our communities.”

For more information about becoming a sponsor or to purchase tickets, please contact the Marshall Chamber of Commerce at 903-935-7868 or visit the Chamber at 213 W. Austin.

Longview Symphony presents An Orchestral Spectacular

October 10, 2009
7:30 p.m.

Cost:
Students - $22-$27
Adults - $42-$52

Location:
LeTourneau University

S.E. Belcher, Jr. Chapel and Performance Center

2100 S. Mobberly Avenue

Longview, Texas 75602

Obama lied last night about funding abortion

There are many reasons to oppose President Obama's push to take over the nation's health care system, but among the most important is this one: his plan will put Planned Parenthood clinics inside your child's school.

Yes, you read that right. Under an innocuous-sounding section titled "School-Based Health Clinics," H.R. 3200 will authorize Planned Parenthood, as a "sponsoring facility," to run a clinic during school hours on the grounds of public schools, with absolutely no accountability either to parents or school administrators.

Clinics would be accountable only to the Secretary of Health & Human Services, the radically pro-abortion Kathleen Sebelius, who was a fervent supporter of late-term abortionist George Tiller.

All this will be done at taxpayer expense. And unlike the rest of the bill, which isn't slated to go into effect until 2013, these clinics are scheduled to go into schools next fall.

As you know, Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider and the most dangerous purveyor of the mythical "safe sex" message which has deprived so many American teens of their sexual innocence and left them with diseases and unwanted pregnancies. For info on contacting your elected officials: email: contact@afa.net

Liar-Liar-Pants on Fire - Obama says others lie while telling more lies

The "messiah" Obama spoke to the nation reading from his teleprompters in glowing style. However, I have never heard so many lies coming from the airwaves (other than when I view CNN, ABC, NBC or CBS)

I reviewed his lies through a number of sources and this post I believe to be one of the best, concise and reasoned reports:

Obama's Lies: pushes back against health care misinformation, then spreads a bunch of his own. - http://ow.ly/oTyV #newsprolifle #prcnews

You can also learn a lot here:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/50lies.asp

Also Check this out

Make History at the Marshall Grand

The Marshall TX Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member, Christina Anderson, of the Marshall Grand, a newly-renovated circa 1929 former Hotel Marshall located on the Harrison County Courthouse Square in downtown Marshall, Texas.

The tri-level lobby, mezzanine, and bar area that’s currently available for rental has been the site of many beautiful weddings, class reunions, awards banquets, and other events, as well as the star-studded reception for the Southern premiere of the motion picture, The Great Debaters, attended by star and director Denzel Washington, and co-stars Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and Denzel Whitaker.

For more information about renting The Marshall Grand, please call (903) 938-3535. We know you have many options when planning a wedding or event and we want to thank you for considering this very special venue for your very special day.

Contact Email your questions or comments to the Marshall Grand or visit their website:

AN EVENING WITH KIRK CAMERON IN MARSHALL

Grand Open House for Marshal Church of the Nazarene

For release:

(Marshall, TX) Recently the Marshall Chamber of Commerce staff, family, and friends gathered with Pastor Kenneth Stokely, church members and leaders to celebrate an Open House for the Marshall Church of the Nazarene .

The Marshall Church of the Nazarene is located at 907 Pocono in Marshall, Texas. Their motto is, “Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations.” They are a very active church in the community and dedicated to reaching out to others.

Marshall Church of the Nazarene offers a School of Discipleship Sunday mornings at 9:45 am, and a Morning Worship and Celebration at 10:00 am. On Sunday evenings, they offer Evening Praise and Bible Study at 6:00 pm. On Wednesdays, prayer begins at 6:00 pm and Bible Study at 7:00 pm.

They offer other regularly scheduled fellowship opportunities such as the Nazarene Youth Fellowship for Children and Youth on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the months of September through May in the Family Life Center. Primetimers for Adults meets monthly on the third Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the old Fellowship Hall. Ladies Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 10:00 am in the old Fellowship Hall. Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets on the last Saturday of each month at 8:00 am in the Family Life Center. They host an Adult Game Night the first Friday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Family Life Center. On fifth Sundays, they host a Singspiration beginning at 1:15 pm in the Sanctuary.

Marshall Church of the Nazarene offers something for everyone. They are a loving and caring church where everyone is welcome. Make plans to visit this great church today.

Contact Rev. Kenneth Stokely of the Marshall Church of the Nazarene at the church office at 903-938-4265, at home, 903-938-6552, on his personal phone at 903-720-7715, or email him at kwstokely@aol.com.

Grand Opening: Catfish Express - Marshall TX

For release:

(Marshall, TX) Recently the Marshall Chamber of Commerce staff, board members and Ambassadors gathered with civic leaders, media, and friends to celebrate a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Catfish Express and proud new owners, Randy and Betsy Cox.

Catfish Express is conveniently located on US Highway 59 at 4803 East End Blvd. South. They offer home-style cooking and specialize in their fried fish with all the fixin's! It's a hometown favorite! Catfish Express also offers full-service catering.

New owner, Randy and wife Betsy, have a long history with Catfish Express. Both have worked in the business for many years. Recently, they had the opportunity to purchase the business and fulfill a lifelong dream. With today's economy, they consider themselves very fortunate.

"Randy and I are very excited," said Betsy. "We've worked very hard to get to this point." They are also very thankful for every customer that walks in the door. Many have been patrons for years and come faithfully to enjoy the great food and comfortable atmosphere. They are known for making their customers feel like part of the family.

Catfish Express is open Tuesdays through Thursdays 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; and Sundays 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Contact Catfish Express at 903-935-5277 for more information or stop by for a visit. You'll be glad you did.

5 Big LIES of OBAMA on OBAMACARE - Don't Be Deceived

Are Obama and his friends taking you as a fool?

You have to wonder what they really think about the intelligence of the American people.

Obama repeatedly has out-and-out lied about his healthcare plan.

Here are just 5 of the big whoppers.

Lie #1: 'You Keep Your Doctor, You Keep Your Insurer'

This is a complete fabrication.

Under plans Obama has backed in the House and the Senate, almost any business can opt their employees into the "public option" — the government health plan.

That means you could lose your insurer. And if your doctor is worth his salt, you'll lose him or her as well.

Why? Because great doctors probably will not want to get the very low rates the government will pay private doctors who are part of the new government system.

So, without your consent, you very easily could lose your insurer and your doctor.

Lie #2: The Elderly Will Not Face Rationing or Medicare Cuts

More baloney.

In fact, just last week, The New York Times, a very liberal and very pro-Obama newspaper, admitted that fears of rationing for elderly patients are "not irrational."

The truth is that Obamacare would almost 50 million new patients to government care.

Who would pay for it. You would!

Seniors on Medicare will be the first hit.

Here's what the Times reported: "Bills now in Congress would squeeze savings out of Medicare, a lifeline for the elderly, on the assumption that doctors and hospitals can be more efficient."

This means that faceless bureaucrats will decide the type and quality of your care.

It is a very dangerous thing to give your life and well-being over to government bureaucrats!

Imagine if you or a loved one is older than 80 years and critically needs heart surgery.

Instead of getting the heart procedure, you or that loved one could be informed that you are simply too old.

We at the League of American Voters have been warning of this danger and have a powerful TV commercial exposing the risks to seniors.

You can see the ad by Going Here Now

Lie #3: There Will Be No "Death Panels."

More lies.

Sure, they don't call them "death panels" in the legislation, but that's what their job will be.

These committee members will set guidelines with which faceless bureaucrats will make decisions about you and your healthcare.

They will decide who lives and who dies. They decide who gets critical procedures and expensive medicines.

Again, according to the New York Times, the Democratic plans call for saving money by creating new oversight committees.

The Times says that Medicare and insurers would be expected to follow "advice from a new federal panel of medical experts on 'what treatments work best.'"

Again, this very liberal paper concluded: "The zeal for cutting health costs, combined with proposals to compare the effectiveness of various treatments and to counsel seniors on end-of-life care, may explain why some people think the legislation is about rationing, which could affect access to the most expensive services in the final months of life."

Expose the lies — Go Here Now.

Lie #4: The Obama Plan Contains Costs

Absolute nonsense.

The Obama plan will cost more than $1 trillion in new federal outlays, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

This past weekend, Sen. Joe Lieberman claimed that most of this cost comes from adding 50 million people, currently uninsured, to the government health system.

But as Lieberman pointed out, we just don't have the money to do this right now.

You can add only so many people to the government system by cutting medical care to seniors on Medicare and raising taxes.

Democrats clearly plan to do both.

Lie #5: Illegals Are Not Covered by Obamacare

President Obama has stated time and again that illegal aliens are not covered under his new plan.

Still, Democrats say they want to add almost 50 million uninsured. Yet almost one-quarter of these uninsured are illegal aliens.

None of the Democratic plans excludes illegal aliens.

In fact, when Republicans proposed an amendment to the House plan to block illegals from getting free government healthcare, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her minions soundly defeated the motion.

Many, many lies are emanating from Washington today.

This is why the work of the League of American Voters is so critical now.

Dick Morris, the famous Fox News analyst and campaign strategist, says the League is the No. 1 organization today fighting Obamacare.

"Every American who wants to stop Obamacare should join with the League," Morris says. "They have the best strategy to stop it from becoming law."

Just two weeks ago, the League's powerful new TV ad went on the air.

Thanks to your help, it's already running in 12 states — and it is affecting millions of people.

We believe it is one reason some Democrats are starting to retreat.

But our job is not done.

We must fight the lies.

We must expose the dangers of Obamacare to all Americans.

Please act today by joining the League and donating to us today.
Visit http://townhall.com

To Donate Go Here Now

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bob Adams
Executive Director