The Blanco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met for a very productive and exciting day of strategic planning last Wednesday, November 12 at the Red Corral Ranch.

After reviewing accomplishments and what could be improved upon from 2008, Executive Director Julie Dill led this lively group in defining what can and should be done for 2009.

The group came up with a list of priorities and has dedicated themselves to participate in monthly task forces to move those priorities forward. Priorities for 2009, are: making the Blanco Chamber website more inviting and exciting, exploring what Economic Development means and can be for the community of Blanco, more utilization of Yett Park, a strategic marketing plan, sharing with people what’s happening in business in Blanco, and of course, our 5th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival.

This is the third year that Red Corral Ranch has graciously donated meeting space and hosted the Blanco Chamber strategic planning sessions. Sullivan Street Catering served a wonderful and memorable lunch. Attendees at the meeting were: Jon Brieger (Brieger Pottery), Past President; Debbie Homeier (Paragon C&D Builders/Vallone Real Estate), President; Marcy Westcott (Westcott Graphic Print), President Elect; Patrick Caufield (CPA), Treasurer; Charlotte Lovett (Uptown Blanco Restaurant), Director; Mark Tidwell (Blanco National Bank), Director; Jennifer Oines (Individual Member), Director; Liz Waller (On The Square), Director; Karen Roets (Miller Creek Lavender), Director; Rick Sebenoler (Blanco Retreat), Director; Russ Witlock (LBJ National Park), Honorary Non-Voting Participant, and Julie Dill, Executive Director. Absent was John Stults (Texas Hill Country Financial Services), Secretary.

Another focus for 2009 is to get more people involved with the Chamber as members and volunteers. The year 2009 is only going to continue to get better! Quarterly Mixers are a great way to get to know some of the businesses and individuals here in Blanco. Bring a friend with you to the mixers. This year alone, thanks to new members and volunteers, we were able to keep the Chamber open more, hire an executive director, participate and get involved in more functions and activities, and continue to take the Chamber to the next level. This can not be done without the participation of members and volunteers, which we greatly appreciate!

Expanding the Lavender Capital of Texas® brand is another goal of the Chamber. We are fortunate to have Karen Roets (Miller Creek Lavender) as part of our Board this year. Her input and knowledge gives us a better tie to the Lavender Farms, what they need, and how we all can unite.

We have so many more ideas for the Chamber. I encourage you, if you want to have fun and work with this exciting group and help your town grow in a controlled manner, come join us! We have several projects for which you can sign up. The Chamber is also working closely with the City and Courthouse on our future. Come see what is going on. The Board meets every second Tuesday of the month at the Chamber at 9am. This is an open session. Hope to see you there!