april 3 2006 - alicetx.org 3 2006.pdf · tax and bookkeeping services, sluggers sports bar and acme...

Junior Citizen of the Year awarded to Smithwick

Alice High School senior Addison Smithwick grinned from ear to ear as he ac-cepted his award as the 2005 Junior Citizen of the Year at the 68th Annual Alice Cham-ber of Commerce Banquet on March 9, 2006.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from my community of peers,” Smithwick said. “I have been molded and inspired by my parents, Mellie and David Smithwick, molded and guided by men-tors Mr. John Alebis, Mr. Bud Smith, Mr. Bill Findley, the late Mr. Lucien Flournoy and others.” The purpose of the Junior Citizen of the Year Award is to honor and reward a spe-cial student that has demonstrated excep-tional interest, understanding and involve-ment in citizenship and community activi-ties. “I am excited to have been able to share a small portion of my time with the com-munity I love. Academically, I have done well because I have been taught to man-age time and practice organization,” Ad-dison said. “As I embark on the next phase of my academic career, I will apply the same principles and values I have learned here. I hope to return to Alice continuing to serve in some capacity, to support a community that has already given so generously to me.” Thirteen students - Stefan Cich, Chris-tina Flores, Bethany Garcia, Jacqueline Garcia, Sergio Garcia, Luis Lopez, Debra Morgan, Marsha Perez, Leanna Rockwell

Alice Chamber of Commerce board president John Lemon presents Lawrence Cornelius with a plaque during the 68th Annual Chamber banquet.

BB U S I N E S SU S I N E S S T T O DAYO DAY Official Publication of the Alice Chamber of Commerce

business tradition service community agriculture oil & gas growth

APRIL 2006

Cornelius named Citizen of the Year

Jim Wells County Commissioner and Alice realtor Lawrence B. Cornelius knew something was a bit fishy as he walked into a Hawaiian theme decorated KC Hall for the 68th Annual Alice Cham-ber of Commerce Banquet. “I had an idea something was up but was not real sure when I saw my entire family sitting there at the tables,” Cornelius said. Cornelius was correct something was about to occur – the naming of the 2005 Alice Citizen of the Year. However, he was unaware he had been nominated for the honor. “What can you say? You do your job and just try to help others,” he said when he See SMITHWICK Page 5

accepted the award from last year’s re-cipient Newell Atkinson. Cornelius has lived in Alice for 44 years. He is a charter member of the Jim Wells County Master Planners. He has been recognized through numerous awards such as: Recognition of Service Veterans of For-eign Wars, TLC Presidents Association Award and the Alice Chamber of Com-merce Hall of Honor. He is an elected official of Jim Wells County and sits on the Alice And Jim Wells County EDC board “It has been my pleasure to have known

See CORNELIUS, Page 5

Smithwick

Our Mission The mission of the Alice Chamber of Commerce

is to promote the economic and community development in Alice, Jim Wells County

and the surrounding trade area.

We have had a great month with lots of things going on in Alice! Winter Texans have be stopping in and looking for things to see and do in the Alice South Texas area. And of course the 68th Annual Chamber Banquet was great. If you missed it, you missed a really good time. We want to send out a salute to all those honored at this years event - Law-rence Cornelius 2005 Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year Ad-

dison Smithwick and all those in this year Hall of Honor Joyce Rotge, Alice Byers and Lupe Martinez. Three new chamber board members have been named to serve on the Chamber board. They are Marrisa Gallegos (Platinum Slickline Services, Inc.), Gap Alaniz (First Com-munity Bank) and Albert Gonzales (Andrews Distributing Company Inc.). We look for-ward to working with these new members in the months ahead. With the hot summer months ahead now, it is time to take a look at you electric bill, if it’s high now, what is June going to look like. A great membership benefit of the Alice Chamber is our electric coalition…Call the chamber office for more details, 664-3454. Mike Smith, Exec. Vice President

“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce

From the Chamber I would like to congratulate the Chamber Staff and Alice Ambassadors for the wonderful job they did with our annual banquet. Also, those indi-viduals and business that helped sponsor the event through the purchase of tables and tickets or the donation of food and items should be commended as well. Recently, there was a meeting regarding the I-69 Corridor at the Costal Bend College in Alice. The turnout, which included Mr. Dean Krucken-berg of the EDC and Mr. Mike Smith of the Chamber of Commerce, was

so overwhelming that several people had to stand in the hallway. It was good to see such an interest in a topic that affects each and every person in South Texas. From the presentation and commentary it looks like our local leaders will need to stay on top of things to be sure the final plan is beneficial to our region. If you would like specific information regarding the presentation contact Dean Kruckenberg or Mike Smith at the Alice Chamber of Commerce. One thing the Chamber is trying to provide our membership in the near future is a pos-sible “Wellness Program” which member business could enroll in to gain advice and assistance in lowering health and safety costs while increasing employee productivity. Also, a networking company (Business Network International) has recently joined the Chamber and is looking to put on a program regarding the value of networking between area businesses. If you have any comments regarding these programs, or have some ideas of your own, please get in contact with Mike or Juan.

John Lemon, Chamber Board President

2006 Chamber Leadership

Executive Committee

John Lemon President

Yvette Johnson V.P. - President Elect, V.P. - CVB

Jack Walker Immediate Past President

Margaret Smith V.P. - Membership

Ralph Gomez V.P. AJWC-EDC

Velma Starr V.P. - Civic

Alice Byers Treasurer

Board of Directors

Gap Alaniz

Larry Clack

Pat Coym

Marisa Gallegos

Albert Gonzalez

Guadalupe Martinez

Bruce Menking

Margot Rios

Ex-Officio Pete Anaya

Staff Mike Smith Executive Vice President

Juan A. Navejar Jr. Marketing/Sales

Byron W. Blair, P.C.

Certified Public Accountant

1328 Roosevelt - P. O. Box 211 Alice, Texas 78332

Office 664-6541 Fax 664-6544 Residence 664-4685

Mike’s memo


Border Title Group “Excellence in Title Insurance”

1708 E. Main Street Alice, Texas 78332

Phone: (361) 668-6024 Fax: (361) 668-0086

www.bordertitle.com

RICHARD J. GARZA, P.C. CERTIFIED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTANT

Services: Business and Personal

Tax Returns, Management Consulting Services,

Computerized Bookkeeping and Payroll Services,

112 N. Adams Street P.O. Box 1309 Alice, Texas 78332

(361) 664-6579

Richard J. Garza, C.P.A.

1300 E. Main Street P.O. Box 2218

Alice, Texas 78332

(361) 664-9541

Your hometown dealer

Shocked by rising commercial electricity bills?

Wish you could get better rates without having to spend a lot of time dealing with a bunch of salespeople and worrying about the contract terms?

Take advantage of the Chamber’s Electric Coalition. There is no fee to have a professional find out how much your business, church or or-ganization can save. And you are not obligated to accept an offer if you don’t want to.

It’s exclusive to Chamber members, and it’s quick, easy and safe! Contact the Chamber, or call our expert at 888-822-9090, extension 104.

GRAND OPENING

Sluggers Sports bar held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, March 24, 2006. The new business is located in the Alice Shopping Center, 2000 Dr. N.W. Atkinson Road.

Fathers for Freshmen rally April 6th Dad or father figures along with their Alice High School freshmen are invited to the Third Annual Fathers for Freshmen Success Rally on Thursday, April 6th. The annual event is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AHS Activity Center and Flournoy Park. The day begins with registration at 8 a.m. in the Activity Center. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., dads may ride the bus to Flour-noy Park or drive their own vehicle along with student. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with sports/outdoor recreational activities, Workplace Science Mini-Sessions, Hands-on and Knee-deep Science Sessions. Participation is limited to 100 freshmen and their fathers or father figures. Reserva-tions will be first-come first-serve. Fathers or father figures must be at least 28 years of age. One student per father figure. A seat is considered reserved when both forms below have been filled, signed and returned to Alice High School by noon, Tuesday, April 4th. For more information, contact Karen Zapeda at 361-664-0126.


Alice Ambassadors

Melva Alegria

Dee Dee Arismendez

Nettie Cornelius

Michael De Leon

Manuel Galindo (Life Member)

Albert Gonzalez

Cynthia Hinojosa

Melissa Jaramillo

Vanessa Lazo

Margie Longoria

Ernestina Reyes Maresch

Bruce Menking

Tem Miller

Dene Murphey

Delma Palacios

Nena Pitts (Life Member)

Carmen Ramon

Imelda Ramos

David Silva

Margaret Smith (Life Member)

Sandra Valerio

Emeritus

Joe Ash

Ralph Gomez

Pedro Jasso

Johnny Rivera

ALICE AMBASSADORS

Did you know the Chamber/CVB has… Maps, brochures, phone books, info on attractions and other cities.

Production Testing Hydrocarbon Laboratory Slickline Services PVT Laboratory Reservoir Engineering Pipeline Pigging Frac Flowbacks Capillary Tubing Hydraulic Chokes

Cornerstone Member 2004

1408 E. Main Alice, TX 78332

Production Testing since 1949

The Jigger 115 N. Texas Blvd.

presents an evening of Wine Tasting Friday, April 7th 6 - 8 p.m.

March was definitely a very busy month for the Alice Ambassador, with the Chamber of Commerce banquet and all the planning and preparations for it. A special thanks goes to Juan Navejar, who put everything together prior to us assist-ing – also to Nettie Cornelius decoration chairperson. I would especially thank all the local businesses who donated their delicious food from their place of business to make this year’s Taste of Alice a big success. Special thanks for their generosity to Ogie’s Home Cooking, Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn, Jean’s Steakhouse, Little Ponderosa, Alice Coun-try Club, Church’s, Wal-Mart Super Center, Tutti Frutti Delight, Whataburger, Sonic Drive Inn, McDonalds, Crossroads, Oscar’s Smoke House, Popeye’s, The Jigger, La Posada, Long John Silvers, Panda and Dairy Burger. Thank you again so much for your generosity. Congratulations to Junior Citizen of the Year Addison Smithwick, Citizen of the Year Lawrence Cornelius and 2005 Ambassador of the Year Cynthia (Cindy) Hinojosa. March brought us three new businesses in Alice, Texas America. We welcome Sylvia’s Tax and Bookkeeping Services, Sluggers Sports Bar and ACME Truckline – New Ter-minal. We wish them the very best in their new businesses. The Relay For Life is set for April 21-22 with Ambassador Dene Murphey serving as our team chairperson. This will be the Ambassadors fourth consecutive year to partici-pate in the fight against Cancer to raise funds for a good cause. We continue to encourage businesses and individuals who are not Chamber members to please call any of the Ambassadors. We will be glad to sign you up or answer any of your questions. We wish you and your business a very Happy Easter Holiday.

Delma Palacios President 2006

Alice Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors

him and work with,” Atkinson told the au-dience. Cornelius has served on numerous boards like Men in Mission, Jim Wells County fair Association, Alice National Bank – later Norwest Bank now Wells Fargo Bank, Coastal Bend Community Founda-tion, Lutheran Foundation of the South West, Lutheran Social Services Develop-ment board, Texas Lutheran University Board of Regents, World Hunger Organi-zation, Alice Industrial Foundation, camp Fire Girls board member, Light Up Alice Campaign. A few years back, Cornelius retired but realized the choice was not a good one and got a real estate license with the intent of specializing in farm/ranch and commercial real estate. As a realtor, he continues to donate time and services in partnership with a local developer to pursue local eco-nomic growth and has donated many hours of expertise as a Contractor/Estimator to bring new corporations into the economy of Alice. Through the partnership and mu-tual goal of the developer he has made Al-ice flourish with the Wal-Mart Super Cen-ter, Weatherford, Christus Spohn Hospital Alice and other retailers. Because of his many contributions and ac-complishments, Cornelius was named this year’s recipient of the Alice Citizen of the Year.


CORNELIUS, From Page 1

SMITHWICK, From Page 1 Smithwick, Valerie Valero, Marc Joseph Zamora and Amber Zuniga - were selected as candidates for this year’s honor by Alice High School staff. The top six finalists, selected by a panel of three judges, were Cich, Bethany Garcia, Lopez, Smithwick, Zamora and Zuniga. The Junior citizen of the Year program is intended to encourage today’s high school students to become tomorrow’s civic leaders. The students were selected by teachers and counselors. Each student had to write an essay as part of the selec-tion process. The students are judged on their essays and extra-curricular activities. Smithwick was also presented the Franke Funke Scholarship by Wells Fargo Bank. The 13 candidates also competed for the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship pre-sented by the Alice Echo-News Journal for their essay competition. This year’s Lowell Hunt Scholarship was awarded to Bethany Garcia.

Board Vice President Yvette Johnson pre-sents the Burton Diebel Memorial plaque to Addison Smithwick.

Alice Newspapers, Inc. News Editor Ofilia Hunter presents Bethany Garcia the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship.

State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles presents 2005 Hall of Honor re-cipient Lupe Martinez a certificate.

Board President John Lemon presents 2005 Hall of Honor recipient Joyce Rotge plaque.

Chamber Executive Vice President Mike Smith presents out-going board member Margaret Smith a plaque.

Chamber Executive Vice President Mike Smith presents out-going board member Lupe Martinez a plaque.

2006 Alice Ambassador President presents Sandra Valerio, 2005 Ambassador Presi-dent, a plaque.

2005 Alice Ambassador President Sandra Valerio presents Cynthia L. Hinojosa with the Ambassador of the Year award.

Not pictured is 2005 Hall of Honor recipient Alice Byers and out-going board member Margot Rios.

2701 E. Main (361) 668-0441

Your First Step to Success

Coastal Bend College Alice Center

704 Coyote Trail - Alice, Texas 78332 (361) 664-2981 - Toll Free 1-866-891-2981 - www.coastalbend.edu

Customized Training Available for the South Texas Workforce


“We pride ourselves on service”

Pharmacist Always on Duty RODRIGO G. GONZALEZ RODRIGO G. GONZALEZ, JR.

ROMEO J. GONZALEZ Pharmacists

361-664-4368 301 E. Main

Alice, Texas 78332 Cornerstone Member 2004

Head ‘em up and move them out! It’s the Great Western Trail through Texas that has local and area cowboys posting land-marks through the great Lone Star State. On Friday, March 17th local cowboys dedicated one of many post markers des-ignating the Great Western Trail. The Alice marker is located at the entrance of the Jim Wells County Courthouse with several others located at local ranches in the county. In 1874, Captain John T. Lytle and sev-eral cowboys left South Texas with 3,500 head of longhorn cattle and a remuda of saddle horses. Five years later, the route Lytle cut out of the prairie to Ft. Robin-son, Nebraska, had become the most sig-nificant cattle trail in history – the Great Western Trail. Though less well known than the Chi-solm Trail was longer in length and car-ried cattle for two years longer than the Chisolm. The Great Western saw over seven million cattle and horses pass through Texas and Oklahoma to the rail-heads in Kansas and Nebraska. The marker program was initiated by the Rotary Club of Vernon to commemo-rate the path. Though the era of the cowboy and the great trail drives was short historically speaking, the Great Western Trail em-bodied the spirit, determination, and grit of the early Texans and remains one of the most romantic and interesting times

of the past. The Red River Valley Museum in Vernon is keeping the spirit and history

of the trail alive with colorful exhibits, maps, photos and presentations.

Great Western Trail marker unveiled

George Hoffman pours Red River water in dedication of the trail marker.

31st Annual FIESTA BANDANA

May 4 - 7, 2006

Veteran’s Plaza Park

GGREYREY W WOLFOLF DDRILLINGRILLING C COMPANYOMPANY L.P. L.P.

South Texas Division

Main Office Trucking Yard Drilling Yard 1907 E. Main 1000 Flournoy Rd. Hwy 281 South 668-8364 664-5407

In order to accommodate entrepreneurs busy schedules the Del Mar College SBDC operates a satellite office at Coastal Bend College - Alice. The Alice office services Jim Wells, Duval, Brooks, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen and Kenedy counties. This office run by senior coun-selor Larry Ellis offers business counseling, training and procurement technical assistance to the residents and businesses of South Texas. For more information on the Small Business De-velopment Centers and Procurement Assistance, contact Larry Ellis at 661-1119 or check out our website http://www.delmar.edu/sbdc


Leasing office space

Negotiating a lease with a landlord is not all that different than negotiating the pur-chase of a car. The important thing is to know what you want going into the deal and to remember the rule that everything is negotiable. Indeed, if you are at the stage where you are negotiating over lease terms, then you have become a valuable commodity to the landlord. Finding qualified businesses that are willing and able to take on a commer-cial lease payment is not so simple. Ac-cordingly, you may be in the power posi-tion when negotiating a lease and can ask the landlord for concessions and changes to the lease, as necessary. You do so by doing your homework first. Find out how much similar spaces are renting for. Is the vacancy rate high or low in this area? (If it’s high, you can negotiate a great deal because the landlord needs you.) If the space is vacant, find out how long it has been vacant (the longer the bet-ter for you). The more you know, the better equipped you will be to negotiate a good deal. Once you are presented with the lease, read it carefully, and then give it to your

lawyer for review. If you find some part of the lease that you or your lawyers don’t like, negotiate that point. Remem-ber that the lease was drawn up by your potential landlord’s lawyer and will cer-tainly favor your landlord. Remember too that although you might be presented with a pre-printed lease, and that it may seem difficult to change, it is nothing more than a contract, and the essence of contract law is that both sides must agree to all conditions. That, in fact, is why a contract is also called an agreement. If you don’t like something, it can be changed. The important things to understand and agree to are: ♦ The length of the lease. You want it

long enough to establish your busi-ness, but not so long that you are locked in if your venture doesn't work out. A year or two, with an op-tion or two for a renewal is a good idea.

♦ The lease payments. Getting a month or two free is not unheard of when signing a long-term lease. Try to put a cap on future rent increases in the option years.

♦ Determine whether the lease will be

gross or net. A gross lease is one where the landlord pays for taxes, insurance, janitors, and utilities.

♦ Other obligations. Make sure you understand all of your obligations under the lease.

Above all, try to cultivate a good work-ing relationship with your landlord. That will go farther towards working out prob-lems than a dozen letters from your law-yer.


De Laune Drilling Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 1469 200 Hub Street Alice, TX 78333

361-664-0106

Conductor Pipe Cellars

Mouse Holes Rat Holes

Bradford’s Motor Cars

2250 E. Main Alice (361) 664-0951 We are here to make sure you get exactly the vehicle you want. In addition to a comprehensive inventory, our staff is dedicated to offering you top-notch service.

GM Divisions We Represent


DODGE Chrysler

Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep

1259 E. Main Street (361) 664-9955

Jeep



www.prosperitybanktx.com

1200 E. Main Alice 664-5446

800-780-5241

ELECTRIC COALITION created ex-clusively for Chamber members to have a quick, easy and safe way to get the most competitive commercial electricity rates with the least amount of hassle! With electricity rates at their lowest in eight months, you have access to a pro-gram with a track record of saving time and money for hundreds of Chamber members across Texas.

What’s going on with electricity prices?”

By now you probably know that Katrina and Rita sent your already-high utility costs even higher in November - January. With the mild winter, and much of the natural gas production in the Gulf back on line, the natural gas futures market and, therefore, electricity prices are at their lowest levels since mid-June. Because of the ways the various retail electricity providers market their con-tracts; it is still very confusing and time-consuming for small- and medium-sized businesses, churches and organizations to find the most competitive rates, and to understand the difference in the various contract terms and conditions.

“How can the Chamber help?” We have implemented a unique pro-gram that has been successful in dozens of other Texas cities. The ELECTRIC COALITION brings our members the services of a professional energy consult-ant, without the usual obligations or up-front fees, to save them time and help them get the most competitive electricity

Good time to take advantage of member benefit program rates for their business, church or organiza-tion. Fox, Smolen & Associates manages the Electric Coalition for our Chamber and for 27 other chambers across the state, and is a member of the Alice Chamber. FSA is very experienced and knowledgeable, a registered “aggregator”, and also consults with cities, utilities and regulatory bodies. As a fellow Chamber member, FSA will take a look at your current electricity ser-vice, share their knowledge of current mar-ket conditions and trends, and offer their best advice for your particular situation. At the appropriate time, they will shop the market for you, to get competitive bids and contract terms from multiple qualified retail electricity providers, and to recom-

mend the best course of action. You are not obligated to accept any offer if you don’t want to. If you do accept an electricity contract through the Coalition, the retail provider pays their aggregation fee. We hope you will act now to take ad-vantage of this opportunity to have an independent advocate and advisor. We’d be happy to answer questions, provide more information, or get you started right away. Contact the Alice Chamber of Com-merce at 361-664-2291 or email to [email protected]. Or just contact FSA by calling Marvin Hecker at 888-822-9090, ext. 104, or Paul Smolen at extension 102.

Opportunities for giving arise for most of us nearly every day. With so much focus on fundraising efforts for hurricane relief, holiday giving and year-end tax-planning season upon us, now is a good time to review some

charitable giving tips. Tip #1 – Do your homework

Make a list of the key causes and or-ganizations you wish to support and con-firm that they are registered charities that satisfy IRS rules. Request a copy of the charity’s annual report to attain a break-down of how donations are spent. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alli-ance provides independent evaluations of popular charities at www.give.org Fed-eral tax forms, obtained at www.guidestar.org , allow contributors to com-pare organizations.

Tip #2 – Not all donations are created equal

There are nearly as many ways to be charitable as there are donation options and rules for attaining the associated tax deductions. Non-cash gifts: To declare gifts of non-cash items worth more than $500, you must supply a description of the property and cost and acquisition infor-mation must be supplied when filing your federal tax return. If you claim sin-gle non-cash gifts worth more than $5,000 (excluding publicly traded stock), you must include information from an appraisal of the gift’s value on a special form with your return. Stock: Instead of cashing in stock and paying taxes on earnings, consider gift-ing the stock to a charity. This form of giving makes a valuable contribution, while decreasing your tax exposure. If the charity holds onto this stock and it increases in value, your gift may become an even greater benefit. Used Vehicles: If you donate a run-ning or non-running car, truck or boat, you may be able to deduct from your taxes the gross proceeds of the sale, of the vehicle, by the charitable organiza-tion. Depending on the value of the car you may need a written acknowledge-ment from the charity, generally on form

RYCROFT, From Page 14

PAUL RYCROFT on Finance


Wells Fargo is a proud Cornerstone Member of the

Alice Chamber of Commerce

Alice Main Alice Medical 601 E. Main Street 1910 E. Main Street 361-668-2400 361-668-1000 wellsfargo.com FDIC Member

WELLS FARGO


Five smart ways to give 1098-C, contributions of motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes should be submitted with your tax return. Go to www.cardonationcharities.org for tax tips and an online donation form. www.donateacar.com, at 800-237-5714, provides online do-nation forms, as well as details a list of charities to which you can donate your ve-hicle. And, they will even pick it up. Shopping: There are many sites that allow you to contribute to charities by sim-ply shopping online. A percentage of each purchase benefits the charity of your choice. One popular site is www.igive.com, which offers hundreds of popular online retailers. Personal Time Off: Under a temporary IRS rule, workers and employers can get a tax benefit through 2006 by donating the value of paid days to Hurricane Katrina relief. Neither the company nor the em-ployee pays employment or income taxes on the dollar value of the donated time. In this a way, the 86.5 million American tax-payers who don’t itemize deductions can benefit from giving to charity. In this case, a deduction is not needed for individuals because employee does not pay employ-ment or income taxes on the donated dol-lars. The company is allowed a deduction for the value donated. Ask your employer whether it is participating in this program.

Tip #3 – Keep track of your donations Follow IRS rules and keep records of your gifts in order to claim tax deductions. Monetary contributions are the easiest to report. You may want to pay by a check made payable directly to the charity. Ask

for a receipt and save it along with your cancelled check and bank statement. If your contribution is $250 or more in value, either in cash, property or out-of- pocket expenses that are attributed to volunteer work, obtain a written descrip-tion of your gift from the charity and a good faith estimate of the value of goods or services provided.

Tip #4 – Know your charitable giving options

Charitable Gift Annuity: You can make a difference while ensuring a life-time income with a charitable gift annu-ity. You give the charity a lump sum and the charity agrees to pay you an income as long as you live. When you die, any remaining money belongs to the charity. When you buy the charitable annuity, you generally get an immediate tax de-duction based in part on the value of what is likely to be left over after you die. You pay taxes on any earnings you receive from the annuity each year. The Red Cross estimates that a $50,000 chari-table annuity for a 65-year-old single person would currently result in a $17,765 immediate charitable deduction. Charitable Remainder Trust: If you have highly appreciated assets and are concerned about capital gains, and estate taxes, consider a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). A CRT is an irrevocable, tax-exempt trust in which you place as-sets to provide income for you during a specific period of time. At the end of

CONVENTION AND VISITORS

BUREAU The f i r s t quarter of the year has come to a close. We will be presenting our quarterly report to the Alice City Council this month.

More 500 people came through the doors asking for information on Alice, the area or asked for phone books and maps of Alice and Texas during the first quarter. Forty-one relocation packets have been sent out since January to peo-ple inquiring about the area. Our billboard campaigns are up and running. Presently, two billboards can be found north of Alice on Highway 281, some 5 miles north of Alice and just north of Three Rivers. We will be adding a third billboard in 2006. Look out for these when driving in South Texas. Upcoming events include Fiesta Ban-dana, May 4-9 at the Veterans Plaza Park, Pan de Campo in San Diego in June. Other summer events include Fi-esta Amistad in Ben Bolt, Fourth of July Celebration in Ailce and Hispanic Heri-tage Festival. Applications for 2006 project funding are available at the Chamber of Com-

Convention & Visitors Bureau


Here For Generations

At CHRISTUS Spohn we are proud of the confidence And trust we have established with the residents of Alice. We continue to be a vital part of the community...meeting the medical needs of the region head on with the finest doctors, nurses, heath care professionals and support staff in South Texas. This level of involvement takes real commitment—a commitment we at CHRISTUS Spohn will continue… bringing health care where people live, promoting prevention and listening to what people need to keep them healthy and well…for generations to come. www.chistusspohn.org

2500 E. Main Alice


ACME Truck Line - New Terminal held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 30th. The new business is owned by David Alvarado and is located at 609 Orange Street.

GRAND OPENING

merce and are due 60 days prior to event in order to receive board approval. All requests must be presented to the Cham-ber board for approval before granting assistance from the Convention and Visi-tors Bureau. The promotion of Alice through the CVB is administered by the Alice Cham-ber of Commerce.

SHOP ALICE

311 E. First Alice, Texas

(361) 664-3446

24 Hr. Emergency Service

(361) 664-3447

HUB MEDICAL CENTER PHARMACY

Lupe Martinez Owner-President

Pharmacist-In-Charge

The friendship of those we serve is the

foundation of our progress.

“Home Owned & Operated Since 1977” “The Local Pharmacy That Cares”

Free Alice Delivery

Celebrating 27 years of service in the Hub City

LEADERSHIP JIM WELLS COUNTY

219 N. King 606 W. Gruy Alice Hebbronville (361) 664-4366 (361)527-4411

Family owned and operated since 1955 Cornerstone Member 2004

“A comfortable Home, run by experienced people, providing quality service”

Hospitality House Inc. A Skilled Nursing Home


Jim Wells County Tax Appraiser J. Sydney Vela talks to the class about ethics and delin-quent taxes in Jim Wells County.

LJWC class studies leadership and ethics

The Leadership Jim Wells County Class can rest a sure they will give life challenges a second thought when it comes to ethical question in leadership positions. The class reconvened on Thursday, March 9, 2006 for leadership and ethics at the Al-ice City Council Chambers in City Hall. Former Alice Mayor Rito Silva was the first guest speaker. Silva spoke about being an effective leader both in the community and in the work force. He told the group that being in a leadership role is all about making ethical decisions on a daily basis. Silva was followed by the Jim Wells County Tax Appraiser J. Sydney Vela who first gave an overview of the role of the tax base in the county. He linked the tax base to ethical dilemmas as well. Jim Wells County Attorney Jesusa San-chez-Vera daily role is in the field of ethi-cal issues when it comes to prosecuting offenders in the county especially when it comes down to people you know person-ally she told the group. Sanchez-Vera’s leadership role also plays a major factor each day she said. The county attorney also gave an overview of a new office imple-mentation on repeated offenders that is funded through a grant. After lunch, the class headed to the Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron officer’s club where they were met by John Fox. Fox is no stranger to Leadership Jim Wells

County having presented his lesson on ethics and leadership for several LJWC classes. Several scenarios were presented to the class in which they had to discuss in depth before making an ethical deci-sion as a group. Scenarios included a man in a trolley accident in which the class had to decide whether the man would save his spouse or five individu-als. Another scenario included a doctor’s choice whether to end the life of one per-son to save five others. Following the

class’s lesson the group toured the Third Coast Squadron Museum. The class will meet again on Tuesday, March 11th to study the education system and will visit the San Diego ISD and new high school. As well attend an Alice ISD Board meeting.

Applications for LJWC 2007 will be available

at www.alicetx.org in May.


RIGHT of WAY

SERVICE, INC.

P.O. Box 69 Alice, TX RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION GEOLOGICAL PERMITTING DAMAGE CLAIM SETTLEMENT ABSTRACTING & TITLE RESEARCH

Alice: 361-664-8973 FAX: 361-664-6718 Corpus Christi: 361-882-6500 CELL: 361-701-8143

Manufacturing Sales Engineering Service Technical Support Training Repacking Rental

www.endyn.com Cornerstone Member 2004

300 W. First Alice 361-668-8311


What’s the most effective Web page? Customers know Proven strategy strikes a chord with prospects

Afraid your Web site’s failing to strike a chord with customers? Prospects visit your site with their own agenda. They don’t care nearly as much about solving their own problems. That’s why it’s so important to strike the right balance: ♦ Your company’s goals, and ♦ Your customer’s objectives. A few savvy marketers are doing it by focusing even more intensely on meeting customer’s needs. Their reasoning: Give prospects what they want and your company will look better for it. You will then achieve your main mar-keting goal without any of the chest-pounding that prospects might see on other Web sites.

Profile your customers One way to do it: Create a series of profiles based on what you know (or can find out) about your key customers – the kind you want to acquire or serve better. For instance, if your marketing targets different customer segments within a sin-gle industry, develop a unique profile for each. Depending on your business, your pro-file might include such info about cus-tomers as: ♦ Reasons why they’d visit the site

(research, access forms, request help or buy)

♦ Info they’d need before making a purchase decision (e.g. shipping pol-icy, warranty terms or testimonials), and

♦ Level of Web savvy (e.g. how adept they are at using online tools).

Use profile as filters Next, use the profiles as filters to guide decisions impacting your site, such as whether to add content or online tools, or start a redesign project. For instance, you could ask: ♦ Will this info help customers

achieve their goal? ♦ Where would this customer expect

to find info on the site? ♦ What would customers call this

info? To see the difference profiles can

make, compare these two home pages: ♦ www.itascabank.com, and ♦ www.lni.wa.gov The first, which belongs to Itasca Bank, suffers from a serious lack of focus. Sure, it has some useful financial tools such as a “Find an ATM” feature and online calcula-tors that customers might use. But these features are lost amid entertainment links, headline news (unrelated to banking) and horoscopes. The second home page, which belongs to the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries, was built specifically with customers in mind. The agency created distinct profiles for

the three groups its site had to reach: ♦ Workers injured on the job, ♦ Businesses, and ♦ Medical service providers. It gathered info for the profiles by in-terviewing customers in each group who did and didn’t use the site. That’s when it replace the press re-leases found on the home page with copy and links that match customers look for when they visit. The result was immediate: Satisfaction with the site is higher than ever, the agency is getting great feedback and more customers are using the site. Information courtesy of Internet Marketing Report, Feb. 2006


Auto Home Business Life Health

1810 E. Main Alice 361-664-4348

1-888-664-4349

www.carlisleins.com


Entries are currently being accepted for the 25th annual Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery. Promotion of the arts at every level is part of our youth’s overall education. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa encour-ages all budding artists, photographers, graphic designers, and painters to submit an entry in this competition. I can't wait to see the winner’s work grace the halls at the Capitol. Since its creation in 1982, hundreds of thousands of high school students have participated at the local level. The win-ning artist will be invited to attend the opening of the national exhibition at the Capitol on Wednesday, June 28, 2006. The winning entries from across the na-tion will be displayed for one year in the corridor connecting the U.S. Capitol Building and the Cannon House Office Building. The artistic submissions are judged by a panel of local experts. The winning artist will be invited to attend the opening of the national exhibi-tion at the Capitol on Wednesday, June 28, 2006. The winning entries from

Entries being accepted for 2006 Congressional art contest

across the nation will be displayed for one year in the corridor connecting the U.S. Capitol Building and the Cannon House Office Building. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition. Important Dates * Entries must be received in my district office by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2006. General Guidelines * The competition is open to high school students (grades 9-12) and to 7th and 8th grade students when these grades are lo-

cated in the same building as grades 9-12. Artwork categories are as follows: Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc. Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers Collage: must be two-dimensional Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints Mixed media: use of more than two me-diums such as pencil, ink, etc. Computer generated art Photography For more information on the Artistic Discovery Competition, release forms and guidelines, please contact the Edin-burg District Office at (956) 682-5545.

801 N. Texas Blvd. Alice, Texas 668-8301


Member FDIC

“Your Only Locally Owned & Operated Bank In Alice, Texas” Commercial Auto/Boat Checking Consumer CDs Safe Deposit Boxes IRAs Mortgages Money Markets Night Depositories

24-Hour Banking 664-8789 - 668-8831 (24-Hour Customer) SHOP

ALICE

FREE SBA Seminar

The U.S. Small Business Ad-ministration (SBA) will be available for startup or existing small businesses in Alice on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 to ex-plain SBA’s loan guaranty, eli-gibilities, popular business loans, and free technical assis-tance from SCORE & SBDC. Individual appointments will be seen from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Alice Chamber of Commerce, 612 East Main Street, 78333. For an appointment, call Debbie Fernandez at 361-879-0017, Ext. 16.

From the Office of Congressman

Ruben Hinojosa


2200 E. Main Alice 361-664-8775 Fax 361-664-3325 Mortgage Dept. 361-664-0526

RYCROFT, From Page 9


Your company celebrating an anniversary, change of ownership or Relocation? Contact the Chamber for a ribbon cutting ceremony

and be featured in the Alice Business Today.

that period, the remaining assets are turned over to the charity of your choice. This may both provide you with an income stream on which earnings are taxable as you receive them, and a charitable income tax deduction based on the estimated value at the gift to the charity while eliminating capital gains taxes on assets placed in the trust. The trust can be funded with a wide assortment of bonds, mutual funds, stocks and real estate. Charitable Lead Trust: A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) is essentially a CRT in reverse. Unlike a CRT, a CLT allows you to place in trust assets that will be left to your heirs. You specify a set number of years during which a percentage of the value of the assets in the trust will be paid to a charity. You generally pay discounted gift taxes on assets transferred to the trust and do not receive an income tax charitable deduction. Foundation: Funding scholarships, re-search grants, and the maintenance of col-lections or real estate allow systematic gifts to an area of special importance to you. They are utilized to preserve an indi-vidual’s or family’s philanthropic legacy.

Tip #5 – Seek help If you take a proactive approach to stra-tegically planning your donations and year-round charitable giving, you cannot only maximize the immediate goodwill benefits, but also the long-term tax advantages. Consider seeking help from a qualified fi-nancial advisor to develop a charitable-giving plan and be sure to update this strat-egy and be sure to update it annually if not more. Editor’s Note: Paul Rycroft is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Ser-vices in Alice, 604 E. Second St.668-1212 or email at [email protected]

SPECIAL THANKS

The Alice Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following sponsors of the

68th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Gold Sponsors AEP - Texas Alice Newspapers, Inc. Bradford Motor Cars CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Del Cielo Home Health EnDyn FESCO First Community Bank Floorcovering by L&L Flournoy Production H & S Construction Hub Medical City Pharmacy IBC Bank Texas Champion Bank Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles Wells Fargo Bank

Silver Sponsor Alice Jim Wells County EDC Alice Shopping Center Andrews Distributors Border Title Group City of Alice Carlisle Insurance & Realty Guaranty Title & Abstract L&F Distributors Law Office of Michael V. Garcia Lawrence Cornelius & Co Lemon & Gonzalez-Lemon, LLP Prosperity Bank Right Of Way Services WorkSource

Taste of Alice Alice Country Club Crossroads BBQ Dairy Burger El Charro Jean’s Steakhouse Kaboom! La Posada Little Ponderosa Long John Silvers McDonalds Ogie’s Home Cooking Oscar’s Smoke House Panda Pizza Hut Pizza Inn Popeye’s Sonic Drive Inn The Jigger Tutti Frutti Delight Wal-Mart Super Center Whataburger

A Rainbow Beginning *A Touch of Class A&A Autoglass & Wired Café A&B Hearing & Audiology Center A&W Investments Sunset Terrace A-1 Quality Fence Acetylene Oxygen Company *ACME Truckline - New Terminal Adami, Paisely, Appell Adcock Pipe & Supply Adrian’s Drive Inn AEP Texas Agape House Alamo Lumber Company Alamosa Animal Hospital Alebis, John Alice Half-Hour Photo Alice Autoplex, Inc. Alice Board of Realtors Alice Body & Paint Alicecalendar.com Alice Cash & Carry Alice Counseling Center Alice Echo-News Journal Alice Family Eye Center Alice Feeder Supply, Inc. Alice Heart Center Alice High School Alice Housing Authority Alice Hub City Lions Club Alice Mini Storage Alice Motor Inn *Alice Municipal Golf Course Alice Optimist Club Alice Paint & Decorating Alice Pest Control, Inc. Alice Radiator & Muffler Shop Alice Regional Hospital Alice Shoe Shop Alice Truck Parts American Cancer Society Ameriprise Financial Andrews Distributors Astromatic Car/Truck Wash Atkinson - Wonders BJ Services B&J Air & Pump Baker Auto Sales Ball-Montez Electric Company BCD Wellhead Services Bedgood, R.E. & Sons Best Western Executive Inn Betty Allison Realtors. Inc. Biesenbach Hydraulics *Bob Hays Western Store Body Beautiful Aesthetics Bordeaux Apartments Border Title Group Bowden Ford Bradfords Motor Cars Bruce Seidel, CPA *Brush Country Bank Brush Country Claims Bryson’s Foods Buckhorn Mini Storage Byron W. Blair, P.C. C.A. Jackson, Inc. C.A.W. Company Inc. CNI Communications Cameron Village Apts. Carlisle Insurance Agency

Carquest Auto Parts Casa De Kleberg Center Point Energy Century 21 Hallmark Real Estate Chiles Sales & Service CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice City Plumbing & Heating Coastal Bend Aviators Coastal Bend Blood Center Coastal Bend College Coastal Community & Teachers CPL Retail Energy Credit Union Coastal Plains MHMR Center Community Action Corporation Constellation New Energy Copy Center Cornelius, Nettie Covance Research Products Coyote Specialty Cowley Supply Company Coym, Rehmet & Gutierrez Engineers Curves Custom Video & Photography Services CVS Dairy Burger of Alice Dan’s Processing Center, Inc. Day, Michael Days Inn Dean, Homer Dee Dee C. Arismendez, Independent Contractor Home Interiors & Gifts Del Cielo Home Health & Adult Day Care DeLaune Drilling Service Dixie Iron Works MSI, Ltd. Direct Energy Dominguez, Becky Dr. Alejandro Lopez Dr. Bandeira Teixeira Dr. Gary T. Cloud, O.D. Dr. Roel Garza & Assoc. Family Den-tistry Dr. Rogelio X. Estringel Dr. William Nisimblat, M.D. Edward Jones Investments Edwards Furniture *EJDC Professional Srvs.Inc Encinitos Ranch EnDyn OMS, Inc. Enterprise Rent-A-Car *Especially For Me Eye Care Optical *Fashions On The Go FESCO, Inc. Fiesta Bandana First Community Bank First State Bank of San Diego Fleet Pride S.W. Region Flournoy Production Company Flowers Machine & Welding Co., Inc. Fox, Smolen & Associates Frank’s Services & Equipment Gallegos, Adriana Garza, Daniel Garza, Joe Frank Richard J. Garza, P.C. Gilbert’s Fine Jewelry Glenmore, Inc. GM’s Self Serv Car Wash & Mini Stor-age

Gold Star EMS Guaranty Title & Abstract Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union H&S Constructors, Inc. H.B. Rentals Halliburton Services Heart of America Shows H-E-B Store Hispanic Heritage Committee, Inc. *Holguin, George R. Holiday Inn Express Holmgreen Mortuary Hospitality House Hub City Glass Hub Medical Center Pharmacy Hoffman, Roger Humpal Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Hunter Petroleum Hunter-Ash Oil Co. *Immanuel Lutheran Church International Bank of Commerce *Isabella’s Jasso Insurance Jean’s Steakhouse & Restaurant Jigger JWC Fair Association Johnny’s Blooming Shop Joleen’s Merle Norman Cosmetics K & S Thread Protector Service K.C. Hall Keetch & Associates Kennemer Ranches & Real Estate Kingsville Publishing Co., Inc. Kleberg First National Bank KOPY 92.1 FM L&F Distributors L&L Janitorial Services La Copita Ranch La Hacienda Pharmacy Lack’s Furniture Store Larry Clack’s Furniture Law Office of Hector Lopez, PC Law Office of Valentin Col-menero Lawrence B. Cornelius & Co. Lee, Michael, Ind. Insurance Agent Legacy Home Health Lemon & Gonzalez-Lemon LLP *Light of Life Christian Bookstore *Little Ponderosa Restaurant Lomis International Lopez Finance Lopez, Oscar Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep *Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home McCoys McDonalds McMonagle, Jack Miller, HL Model Key Shop Mullen, Bob *Munoz, Rachel Murdoch Welding N&S Air Conditioning Neff’s Plumbing Service Nortex Bakery & Fast Foods Ogie’s Home Cooking Page Water Well Drilling Paladium Bowl Panda Chinese Restaurant

Patterson Services, Inc. *Perez Jr., Frank Picture Perfect Sanitizing Pizza Inn Platinum Slickline Service, Inc. Plaza Four Popeye’s Port of Corpus Christi PresCar Care Prosperity Bank Raul Ramirez - State Farm Insurance Ray Vess Jewelers Richardson’s Water Well Drilling Co. Right of Way Service Inc. Rios, Margot Roberson EMS *Rush Truck Center, Alice Rushing & Gonzalez * Saenz, Mickey Q. Saenz, Roger, CPA PC Sandoval Tax & Accounting *Sassy Couture Boutique SAVIR Publications Scott Bearing Company Scottish Inn Sears Authorized Dealer Store *Sherwin-Williams Silva, David *Sluggers Sports Bar Small Business Development Center Smithwick, Mellie South Texas Defensive Driving South Texas Museum * South Texas Public Broadcasting System, Inc. *South Texas Screening - Driving School South Texas Traveler Southwestern Bell Telephone Sterling Maresch Services St. Elizabeth Catholic School St. Joseph Catholic School State Farm Insurance - Cindy Torres Steamatic of Alice *Step by Step Rehab. Inc. Steve Costley Advertising *Sylvia’s Bookkeeping & Tax Ser-vices Tarantino Properties, Inc. Tasco Tool Service, Inc. *Tax Service & Bookkeeping Tem Miller Golf Shop Texas Champion Bank Texas Star Texas-Mexican Railway Third Coast Squadron Tri-Point Energy Services, Inc. Truckers Equipment Unique Transformation V.F.W. Post 8621 Vaughn Chiropractic Clinic *Villarreal Insurance Agency *Villarreal, Olga Walker, Jack Wal-Mart, Inc. *Weaver, Kathy Wells Fargo Bank Whataburger Drive Inn Wildhorse Desert Publications Workforce Network Inc. Write Shop *Indicates new 2006 Chamber member

Thank You 2006 Alice Chamber of Commerce Members

Alice Chamber of Commerce 612 East Main P.O. Box 1609 Alice, Texas 78332

Membership Benefits •Two FREE classified listings in the Chamber web-

site: www.alicetx.org •FREE Subscription to Alice Business Today, the of-

ficial Chamber monthly newsletter •Annual Membership Directory/Buyer’s Guide list-

ing all members, including a classified directory for member businesses

•Advertising opportunities in Chamber publications to promote your business

•Membership Services which include FREE Busi-ness Announcement/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, Conference Room Rentals and Mailing Lists

•Networking Opportunities through Chamber activi-ties to make valuable contacts and promote your business

•Opportunities to get involved in the Chamber’s vol-unteer working committees to help build a stronger economy and bright future for our community

•Access to economic and statistical information through the Chamber office

•Support of a professional staff that works fulltime for you and your fellow members

Objectives The following objectives have been established by the Alice Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

•To encourage and advance the growth of existing industries and businesses.

•To provide all proper assistance to any new firms, professional or individuals seeking to locate in the Alice area.

•To serve as liaison with all government, civic and educational entities, and law enforcement agencies in Alice and Jim Wells County.

•To increase our membership and provide quality service for our members.

•To identify and assist in obtaining funding to accomplish the ob-jectives of the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on how to get involved and benefit as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call (361) 664-3454, or stop by the of-fice located at 612 E. Main, Alice, Texas.

PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Alice, Texas Permit No. 41

april 3 2006 - alicetx.org 3 2006.pdf · tax and bookkeeping services, sluggers sports bar and acme...

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