The lull is over!

Ladies’ Night Out, Christmas on the Colorado Lighted Parade, Santa Claus Museum open every Friday now from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Lunch & Learns, Columbus High School Career Fair, becoming a Film Friendly Texas town, and even a Casino Night are some of the projects that the Columbus Chamber of Commerce is working on. Combined with school being back in session and sports ramping up, it is the beginning of busy times in Columbus and Colorado County.

Lions Club Annual Fundraiser -- The Bill & Bub Charity Golf Tournament – Is coming up on September 16, 2023. They are ready for your team and or your donation! Habitat For Humanity continues to welcome work teams. Talk to Charmaine at the Habitat office for more information.

We had a visitor from the Governor’s office last week, Betty Russo; Betty represents our region on economic development and tourism. We had fun walking through downtown shops, where Betty found treasures at Gand Oaks Antiques & Gifts, enjoyed tours of multiple other shops and a visit with Carly at the Live Oaks Art Center, where we discussed some historical challenges; Betty even offered a little bit of clout to get some things done! Thanks to Travis for the quick tour of Hound Song, and then lunch at the new bistro, Lamberto’s. Being married to an Italian, Betty gave rave reviews of their food.

By the time this article is out, Chamber members will have voted for four new board members. Thank you to all members who stepped up and voted. All nominees are good people; we are honored to have any of them serve on the board. This is a great segue into acknowledging all the work current board members have done and will continue to do. With a total of twelve serving on the Chamber board, we will be sorry to see Carrie Foster with Lone Star Bank, Ryan Fedako with Ryan’s Device Repair, Michelle Gorman with B.O.S.S., and Amber Becerra with Schneider Hall & The Carriage Step transitioning off the board. All have done a great job and dedicated—hours— to their positions. I’m sure we all extend a huge “Thank You!” to each one of them for all their work, contributions, and continued impact; they will no doubt continue as “civilians” in the community.

Enjoy the transition from the intense heat of the ebbing 2023 Summer into the still hot, but perhaps not so intense, approaching days of September.