Has the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce disappeared? Not at all! We are temporarily located at 216 Main Street, in what everyone lovingly refers to as “The Little Red School House”. Our new location is thanks to the kindness of Sue Butler Carter. Sue has been wonderful to volunteer her space as the chamber goes through their building transition. Thank you Sue! Of course, we wouldn’t even be building if it weren’t for the 2011-2012 Board who recognized the problem and made the adjustments to make this new building possible.

Many people told me that they thought the old building was beautiful, and I agree, it was. However, the past several years had not been kind to it. The foundation had moved, and the walls followed suit. The corners were severely cracked from top to bottom. Whenever Kenedy has been blessed with rain, the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce developed an inside waterfall feature and pond. The walls flowed and the paneling warped, while water pooled in the floor from the outside. Furniture was rearranged, equipment and desks covered, and tote boxes strategically placed to catch leaking water and ceiling pieces that came down with each rain. Since water and electricity do not mix, the overhead lights and electrical plugs became unusable. With the asbestos, mold and electrical concerns, it was time to make the commitment to a new building. When you see the new building going up, thank Brian Mayfield, Arnold Alaniz, Elisa Rahmes, Leslie Wynn, Jo Ellen Schuenemann, Marie Cruz, Carrie Lopez, Meredith Carter, Katherine Chapman and Executive Director Carolyn McDonald for making the tough decision to take down that beautiful building and rebuild.

While the old board created the opportunity for a new Tourism and Visitor Center, the new board is taking the opportunity to create a new Chamber of Commerce business plan! On July 28, the new board held a planning session with Art Roberts of Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. In August of 2011, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives presented Art Roberts, CCE, and former senior vice president of the Texas Association of Business, with a Life Member Award. Mr. Roberts is one of only three who have ever received the chamber profession’s highest honor. He has served the chamber profession for 41 years. During that time, he led four chambers, headed a state chamber executives association, facilitated more than 500 planning retreats for local chamber boards and associations, and wrote two books. One of his books was required reading at the US Chamber Institute for 11 years. Art brought both books as gifts to Kenedy to motivate and encourage the board. Thank you Art!

The Board began their year with high expectations and Art challenged them to set new goals, reach new heights and to bring new benefit to the businesses of Kenedy and the people who call Kenedy home. The Board accepted his challenge and are excited to begin their new year! Stay tuned each week to see what The Kenedy Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Visitors Center is doing in Kenedy.