An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of CommerceBusinessLin

Issue 1 • June 2012

• Meet the Leadership Kerr County Class of 2012

• Welcome new businesses and celebrate anniversaries

• Get big savings with valuable member-to-member discounts

Also inside this edition:

James Avery:The backstoryMany know James Avery for the jewelry company he began with as little as $250 in a two-car garage, but few know the winding backstory that brought him to Kerrville.

Fitch Estate Sales has been doing business in Kerrville

for over 20 years.

We Make House Calls • 830-257-8482

407 Junction Highway • Kerrville, Texas • www.FitchEstateSales.com

Rachel Fitch, Owner

Fitch Estate SalesBUYS GOLD & SILVER

We buy all types of Gold and Silver; Estate Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Flatware, Sterling Silver, Tea Sets, etc.

With Gold & Silver at all-time highs, Now is a great time to sell!

Fitch EstatE salEs can hElpCome By 407 JunCtion HigHway

Straight Forward Pricing - Fitch iS alwayS Fair!Often times, people who need the most money for their gold & silver are paid the least.

This is not the case with us.

• FREE Consultations• No Games or Gimmicks• You will know the exact value of your piece

• FREE Gold & Silver Testing• FREE Weighing (On an acurate scale)• No Obligation to Sell

Kerrville Area Chamber FULL PAGE

4 June 2012

An official publication of the Kerrville Area Chamber of CommerceBusinessLin

OFFICERSMark Tuschak, Chairman of the Board, Schreiner UniversitySue Steele, Schreiner University

Kyle Bond, Terminix Pest ControlMike Graxiola, Kerrville Daily TimesSamantha Taylor, CPA, Treasurer, Hill Country Telephone Cooperative

DIRECTORSPaul Avery, James Avery CraftsmanBrenda Beaty, CPA, Pressler Thompson & Co., P.C.Kim Clarkson, Kerr County Abstract & Title CompanyFrank Dunlap, The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community CenterJames Eastland, Camp MysticJudy Eychner, Century 21 The Hills RealtyDenny Foster, Lemon Tree CleanersTracy McCuan, Kerrville Public Utility BoardKent McKinney, Guadalupe National BankScott Peschel, Fidelity Abstract & Title Co.Joe Pisczor, Peterson Regional Medical CenterScott Rain, Huser Construction CompanyEllen Williams, Kerrville Independent School DistrictDelbert Wilson, Hill Country Telephone CooperativeKeri Wilt, Grape Juice

STAFFHarold Dean, President/CEOpresident@kerrvilletx.com

Kristan Craddock, Vice President of Operationskristan@kerrvilletx.com

Donna Harris, Customer Service Representativeinfo@kerrvilletx.com

KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028

PHONE 830-896-1155 FAX 830-896-1175

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

First edition of BusinessLink celebrates new partnerships

It is truly a time to celebrate: new leadership at the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and a new partnership with The Kerrville Daily Times. With this first issue of BusinessLink, we

attempt to renew our communication with our members and the larger business community. We want to provide content that will be helpful to you, provide a vehicle that will draw attention to our members and drive business to you, and be transparent so you know what is going on with your chamber.

We are a couple of weeks into Harold Dean’s tenure as President/CEO of the chamber. These have been busy weeks making sure that Harold is introduced to as many people as possible. As I have said in earlier communication, I am excited about Harold and what he brings to our chamber. I look forward to a new era of leadership that will see the chamber engaged in important conversations that affect our businesses, and I look forward to us taking an active role providing the services and education that you need to run successful businesses in Kerrville.

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Please join me in welcoming Harold to Kerrville, but more importantly, join Harold and the chamber to work together for the good of the businesses in our area.

Mark TuschakKerrville Area Chamber

of Commerce Chairman, 2011-12

Alone we

can do so little; together we can do so much.”— Helen Keller

“

Utility Connections 2012 2011Electric meters 21,525 21,622Active gas meters N/A 5,095Active water sewer 9,615 9,590

Tourist Inquiries at CVBMonth 8,216 3,405 Cumulative (Oct.-Sept.) 20,376 19,569

County Sales Tax PaymentMonth 211,489 176,145Cumulative (Oct.-Sept.) 1,669,967 1,528,763

City Sales Tax 2012 2011City sales tax revenue (month) 371,721 315,508City sales tax revenue (cumulative) 2,946,281 2,651,6534Bsales tax revenue (month) 185,835 157,7294B sales tax revenue (cumulative) 1,472,982 1,325, 662

Real Estate StatisticsResidential active 833 856Residential sold 43 35All residential sales (month) 11,662,242 5,619,150All residential sales (cumulative) 30,845,496 21,082,379

Financial Institution Deposits 2012 2011Bank of the Hills N/A 342,648,985Guadalupe National Bank 86,064,761 72,188,231HCSB 116,308,469 105,174,110Security State Bank & Trust 128,600,083 121,077,439Union State Bank N/A 32,227,649Wells Fargo Bank 260,627,000BBVA Compass N/A 84,000,000

BUSINESS BAROMETER

BUSINESS LINK STAFFMike Graxiola, PublisherCarlina Villalpando, Managing EditorJeanette Nash, Graphic DesignerTom Holden and Aaron Yates, PhotographersBev Barr, Contributing Writer and Editorial Assistant

Advertising: John Doran, Shea Kelton, Jennifer McCullough and Tamrah Smith

Composing:Dean Heep, manager, and Johanna Rangel

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION,CALL 896-7000

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

kerrvilletx.com 5

INSIDE June 2012

4 Business Barometer

6 New members & anniversaries

8 Ribbon cuttingsChamber officials celebrate new businesses.

12 Golf tourney A look at the 17th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament

15 James Avery: The Road to Kerrville How the renowned jewelry maker got his start

19 Financial fitness Top tips from an expert

20 Leadership Kerr County A look at this year’s class

Schreiner University1/2 page

Introducing the career MBA track atSchreiner University

Leadership Distinction Reward

Introducing the career MBA track atSchreiner University

Leadership Distinction Reward

Fall application deadline is

July 25, 2012.

830.895.7100www.schreiner.edu/mba

crsalter@schreiner.edu

Enhance your Career with an MBA

Leadership • Distinction • Reward

Announcing the new Master of Business Administration program at Schreiner University. This 36-hour, four-semester degree program is built to fit around your busy schedule. Classroom time is two nights a week; the rest is online for your convenience.

With an MBA, you are eligible for a wider range of jobs, and have more leverage in negotiating positions, salaries and incentives. So don’t wait any longer. Give us a call or go online to find out more about this great opportunity.

1/6Salvation

Army

6 June 2012

1/6KACC

1/6Windstream

MergeNow.com

Windstream introduces the Merge Bundle—One total entertainment package.

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GET MORE FROM YOUR INTERNET. AND YOUR TV.

1304 Junction Hwy, Suite 550 • Kerrville, TXMon-Fri 8:30 - 5:30, Sat 10:00 - 2:00

830.257.9100

009998 MergeTriplePlay_ad Kerrville.indd 1 5/11/12 3:52 PM

1st Call Glass and Mirror211 Big Sky Road, Harper377-9316www.1stcallglass.com

Absolute Event Management and Rentals407 Main St., Kerrville955-9094

Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration37131 I-10W, Ste-500-5, Boerne830-816-5254www.aladdincleans.com

American Cancer Society8115 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio210-595-0241www.cancer.org

American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 208P.O. Box 290191, Kerrville896-6151

Awesome Cuts and Color1305 Sidney Baker N., Ste. D2, Kerrville896-2622www.awesomecutsandcolor.com

Beaux Cook and Associates - Shafer1150 Auld Road S., Hunt238-3600www.hillcountrylandbroker.com

Certified Computer ServiceP.O. Box 291590, Kerrville895-0447www.certifiedpcservice.com

CLECOKerrville512-787-7964

David Rittenhouse & Associates, Inc.Kerrville257-5839www.drittenhouse.com

Double E Iron Works LLC2850 Junction Highway, Ste. C, Kerrville367-4107

EEX/RGB Utilities, LLC697 Hermann Sons Road, Comfort739-3853

Gardner Real Estate200 Fairway Drive, Kerrville285-2129

Grape & Grain Liquors, LLC1225 Bandera Highway, Ste. E, Kerrville315-4721www.grapeandgrainliquors.com

Izzi Bear Too227 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville896-1033

KampKaren Cabin RentalsP.O. Box 920, Ingram928-4820www.kampkarencabinrentals.com

KAXA Radio — 102.1 The Buck874 Harper Road, Ste. 110, Kerrville896-8380www.bossjock.com

Kuhl Ventures, LLC (Kuhl Yogurt)1305 Sidney Baker, D-1, Kerrville830-331-8182www.kuhlyogurt.com

Knight Office Solutions12961 Park Center, No. 1470, San Antonio210-340-8909www.knightoffice.com

Meds, Inc.P.O. Box 290898, Kerrville257-6337

Merry Maids729 B Sidney Baker St., Kerrville896-6243

N.G. Painting, L.P.1225 Bandera Highway, Ste. A2, Kerrville257-5940

Nature Blinds, LLC1905A Junction Highway, Kerrville830-522-2538www.natureblinds.com

Paul Hinson Allstate Insurance141 West Water St., Ste C2, Kerrville257-3992

Shane Matlock and Company LLCKerrville792-9615www.shanematlockandcompany.com

Sugar JewelKerrville257-3699www.sugarjewel.com

Verizon Cellular Sales207 Sidney Baker S, Ste. B-1285-3023

Victorious Walk Ministries516 Quinlan St., Kerrville315-3463

Wood Law Firm, The (D. Lyle Wood)451 Guadalupe St., Ste. 203, Kerrville830-522-4545www.dlylewood.com

Welcome new membersWe welcome these businesses and organizations that have recently joined or renewed memberships

with the chamber. For information on becoming a member, call 896-1155.

kerrvilletx.com 7

Renewing membersA Matter of Time, Inc.Abbys AtticAny Baby Can of the Texas Hill Country, Inc.Aqua Doc Well ServiceBella VitaBilly Gene’s RestaurantChildren’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP)Christian Women’s Job CorpsConlee’s College of CosmetologyCowpokes Cartoons / Reid, Ace EnterprisesEdgewater Care CenterFirst Insurance Agency of the Hill CountryFriends Butt-Holdsworth Memorial LibraryGenesis Gynecology, PAH-E-B Foods - Drug StoreHill Country ChoraleHill Country Home Builders Assoc.Hill Country LivingHumane Society of KerrvilleJ.K. Bernhard Construction Co., LLCK & G Plaza Meat MarketKerr County ConnectionKerrville Roofing Inc.Kerrville Title Co.Kickapoo Kamp For GirlsLakeside ApartmentsLone Star Construction & Water HarvestingMorrison Supply Company

NewSound Hearing Aid CenterOakes Air ConditioningOB/GYN AssociatesPipeline Skid ServicePlant Haus 2, TheR. F. Montgomery, DDS, MDRandolph-Brooks Federal Credit UnionReliable StaffingReno Realty Group, LLCRiver Front Village Mobile Home ParkRiver Hills Health & Rehabilitation CenterRyno Hunting ServiceStephen B. Schulte, P.C.Strasburger Price Oppenheimer BlendTexas Healthcare SolutionsTexas Wildlife AssociationThe Ariel HouseThe HillsTony Roberts Custom HomesToucan Jim’sToyota of BoerneTrade-Mark Air Conditioning & Sheet MetalUnique DrywallUnity Church of the Hill CountryVision SourceWendy’sWestern Beverages

UGRA - 1/2 page

The UGRA River Clean Up provides a creative solutionto the litter problem by offering fun, family-oriented activitieswhile accomplishing the dual goals of raising public awarenessand removing trash from our waterways.

ugra.org/AnnualRiverCleanUp.htmlFor more information or to Pre-Register, visit ugra.org/AnnualRiverCleanUp.html

Family Fun & Education Keeping Our River Clean

Community Involvement

Free T-Shirts • Prizes • Food!

UGRA

9th Annual River Clean UpJuly 28, 2012 8am - Noon Louise Hays Park, Kerrville

830 - 896 - 5445

1/6Plaza on the

River

EMERITUS FAMILY VALUES

As a member of the Emeritus family…• I welcome, smile and greet everyone I have contact with.

• I am a problem solver by taking ownership of issues and searching for solutions.

• I am a good listener and I communicate honestly with others.

• I take pride in my appearance and the appearance of the Emeritus home.

• I am responsive to resident and family choices.

• I strive to exceed the expectations of all those I come in contact with.

• I make a difference every day.

Our Family is Commited to Yours.135 Plaza Drive • Kerrville • 830-895-2626

8 June 2012

Seasons Hospice & Pallative Care

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 3 celebrated a

ribbon cutting with Seasons Hospice & Pallative Care at 500 Main St.,

Suite C. For information about the business, call 855-425-1055.

THE Pregnancy Resource CenterThe Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 23 celebrated the ribbon cutting of THE Pregnancy Resource Center at 704 Jefferson St. The nonprofit organization has instituted a new name and now offers a sonogram machine. Contact the center at 257-2166 or visit www.thepregnancyresourcecenter.org.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

kerrvilletx.com 9

Kerrville Hills Winery

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 26 celebrated the recent opening of Kerrville Hills Winery, 3600 Fredericksburg Road. The winery, located atop a hill on a

30-acre ranch, offers a tasting room, where guests can sip the locally produced wine.

For information, call 895-4233, or visit www.kerrvillehillswinery.com.

Awesome Cuts & Color The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 27 celebrated the opening of the second location of Awesome Cuts & Color at 1305 Sidney Baker N. The business’ first location is at 317 Sidney Baker S. The owner said the business has broadened its services, now offering detoxification body wraps. For information, call 896-2622 (Sidney Baker North) or 895-8716 (Sidney Baker South).

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Kerrville Banking Center | 500 Main Street | 830.896.295038 Neighborhood Banking Centers | broadwaybank.com | Member FDIC

These two bankers have a lot in common. They work at Broadway Bank. They are passionate about what they do. And they willingly give of their time, energies and resources to community organizations that make a difference for us all.

Just ask Wes Dorman or Bob Waller

Bob WallerMarket Manager

Wes DormanWealth Advisor

Meet Some BankersWho Love to Work Overtime

Peterson Outreach Lab

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with Peterson Outreach Lab at 1331 Bandera Highway,

Suite 5, on Feb. 8. Peterson Outreach Lab provides blood draws — routine and stats — from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through

Friday. Call 258-7616 for more information.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Shane Matlock & Company The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with Shane Matlock & Company on Feb. 8. Visit the website of Shane Matlock & Company at www.shanematlockandcompany.com, or call 792-9615 for more information.

10 June 2012

Izzi Bear Too The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with Izzi Bear Too, a children’s boutique at 227 Earl Garrett St., on Feb. 24. Izzi Bear Too specializes in unique clothing for children, from infant to size 6X, as well as accessories and toys. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 896-1033 or visit them on Facebook.

Finds Resale ShopThe Kerrville Area Chamber of

Commerce on April 2 celebrated a ribbon cutting with Finds Resale Shop,

516 Quinlan St. The shop is a project of Victorious Walk Ministries with net

proceeds going to support the Kerr County Christian Women’s Job Corps.

Call them at 315-3463 or visit www.findsresale.org.

Your First Choice After First Aid.

www.petersonrmc.com

Your Life. Our Calling.

30 minute‘door to doc’

ER wait time!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

kerrvilletx.com 11

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Johnson

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Laundry • Windows • HousecleaningMove Ins & Outs • Construction Cleanups

Floor Buffing/Polishing • Carpet ShampooingBackground Checked

Reasonable Rates • Free Estimates

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family & pets.

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17th Annual Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament The 17th Annual Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was held April 30 at Comanche Trace, with numerous local businesses participating as sponsors:

• Event sponsor — Mercedes-Benz of Boerne• Lunch sponsor — Guadalupe National Bank• Beverage cart sponsors — Terminix and Schreiner University • Gold sponsors — Comanche Trace, Riverhill Country Club, Hill Country State Bank, BC Collision and Strasburger Price Oppenheimer Blend• Team sponsors — Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Capital Farm Credit, KPUB, Maxey Energy Company, Commercial Realty Services, Union State Bank, Wells Fargo Advisors — John Surovik and Bank of the Hills• Two hole sponsors — James Avery Craftsman, Five Star Rentals/Sales, Huser Construction, Kerr County Abstract & Title Co., Mini-Mart/Dumpster Dumpers and Ricks Furniture• Hole sponsors — A-1 Transmission, Azul Lounge, Camp Mystic, Davidson Freedle Espenhover & Overby, Arthur Bell, JM Lowe & Company, Lemon Tree Cleaners, MG Building Materials, Moore’s Home Furnishings, Peterson Regional Medical Center, Re-MAX Kerrville, San Saba Cap, Wells Fargo Bank and Wing King

Top right: Denny Foster, left, congratulates Scott Rain after he sinks a putt during the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 30.

At right: Caroline Wilson, left, and Traci Carlson watch as teammate Traci Bond putts during the 17th Annual Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Comanche Trace.

Below: Jesse Allen tees off at Comanche Trace during the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 30.

12 June 2012

CLOSEST TO THE PIN WINNERSHole No. 3 Valleys,

sponsored by Ken Stoepel Ford-LincolnDennis Emerson won an Iconia Tab A200

Hole No. 8 Valleys, sponsored by Cecil Atkission Motors

Jesse Allen won a 32-inch Toshiba flat-screen TV

Hole No. 3 Hills, sponsored by Crenwelge Motors

Jack Steele won a TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver

The winners:

The Comanche Trace Team won first place gross honors in the April 30 contest. They are, from left, Wick Comegys, Dennis Emerson, Trevor Hyde and Ed Sanchez.

Photos by Tom Holden, Times photo editor

LOW GROSS WINNERSFirst Place

Comanche Trace Team

Second PlaceGuadalupe National Bank’s Team

LOW NET WINNERSFirst Place

KPUB Team

Second PlaceMercedes-Benz of Boerne Team

Third PlaceTerminix Team

PUTTING CONTEST WINNERJohn Surovik

OB/GYN1/2 page

- Adolescent and Well Woman Gynecology- Prenatal Care and Birth- Menopause Management and Bio-identical Hormones- Gynecologic Surgery, specializing in minimally invasive procedures using DaVinci Robot

1331 Bandera Hwy. Suite 2830.895.7755

kerrvilletx.com 13

LeMeilleur’s RV, Truck & Equipment Repair Co., The Diesel Doctor500 Yorktown, Kerrville, TX 78028895-2888, rvrepair@ktc.com10% off any preventive maintenance service performed. Appointment required.

Tim Jones Signature Homes154 G St., Kerrville, TX 78028896-8087, tim@timjonescustomhomes.comFree plan, design drafting on home remodeling & custom building.

Hill Country Chapter American Red Cross333 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville, TX 78028257-4677, vandenbergk@hccredcross.org10% discount on any adult CPR and First Aid classes.

Davis Chiropractic — Dr. John W. Davis208 Wesley Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028257-3284, Dr_johndavis@yahoo.comWaive co-pay or 20% discount on initial visit.

Hill Country On Call317 Sidney Baker South, Ste. 400-265, Kerrville, TX 78028866-3000, info@hillcountryoncall.comOne free hour of concierge/personal assistant services with each booking. Call for details. On call 365 days/year for your specific needs. Licensed, bonded and insured.

Elks LodgeThe Elks Lodge Hall is available to rent for meetings, parties and special occasions. Published rental rate is $75 per hour, with a minimum of 3 hours. Chamber members pay only $50, a 33 1/3% discount off regular price. Hall will accommodate 210 people. Tables and chairs available at no extra charge. Stage with ample power sources for band or DJ. Kitchen and full service bar are available. For details call Jim Keefe at 792-4377. All proceeds help support the Elks local charitable programs.

Hill Country Limousine Service, Inc.P.O. Box 291152, Kerrville, TX 78028896-1429, mpolden@ktc.com or maryolden59@msn.com$10 off per limo rental — 3 hour minimum, $10 off airport fare one-way.

First American Storage2390 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028895-2454, tricia@tonyroberts.us1 month free on all new storage rentals.

Hill Country Telecommunications, LLC, Security Alarm Division212 Sidney Baker South367-1111Free wireless robbery/panic button ($50 value) with the purchase and installation of a new monitored commercial or residential security alarm system.

Texas Etc. — Wayne J. Este1001 Junction Highway @ Inn of the Hills, Kerrville, TX 78028257-430010% discount on jewelry, art, and gift items. 10% discount on consigned items.

Hill Country Wine Tours329-WINEwww.hcwinetours.comRates for Chamber members are $50 per person, 3 person minimum (tasting fee not included).

YO Ranch Resort & Branding Iron Restaurant2033 Sidney Baker St., Kerrville, TX 78028257-4440, www.yoresort.com Johnhelm@1859historichotels.comOffering a 20% discount to chamber members on sleeping rooms or meals in the restaurant. Not valid with other discounts. Please tell us you are using your member to member discount at the beginning of your reservation or meals.

Texas Homeplans, LLC, dba Archetype Designs Mickey Thompson815 Jefferson St., Kerrville, TX 78028257-2311, betty@texashomeplans.com5% off any stock plan by Texas Home Plans Partnership, Ltd. We appreciate referrals. As a token of our appreciation, when the referred job is completed, we will award a restaurant gift certificate to the Chamber member who has referred a client.

Kerrville Folk Festival3876 Medina Highway. Kerrville, TX 78028257-3600, info@kerrville-music.com$200 off small business package includes tickets, parking and advertising. Details at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com

Terminix3100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028257-823310% off pest control and/or termite services. New customers only. Annual contract required.830-997-1930 Fredericksburg830-796-3507 Bandera888-522-9574 toll free

Clean & Shine — Sheri Baker411 Harper Road, Kerrville, TX 78028370-722325% off top to bottom clean, carpet shampoo or floor buffing or polishing and window cleaning.

Hill Country Chiropractic & Wellness Center311 West Main St., Kerrville, TX 78028896-4108www.hillcountrychiropractic.comFree complete nutrition consultation with initial visit and 75% off your first supplement order. Established patients receive 50% off an adjustment with referral of friends or family.

MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNTS

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14 June 2012

kerrvilletx.com 15

Three hours, over the course of two days, passes quickly with a person who has many stories to tell, of the Great Depression and World War II, of marriages and music. I thought, “Do I dare ask one more question before I wear out my welcome?”

“Mr. Avery, What is your favorite work?”The reactions of both James Avery and his

son Paul were like a reflex response, animated, agitated in a way I had not seen until these last few minutes of a photo shoot. Paul said, “I know that,” and his father said to him, “of course you do.”

Then, to me, “Yes, he knows. Sure he does. Sure, he can tell you.”

Paul took a step back and remained quiet, motioned with his hand, redirecting my attention back to his father The photographer moved in closer. I could hear the shutter openshutopenshutopenshut ...

Everything about their reaction seemed like preamble to what was surely the one and only right answer to the most obvious question ever asked, preamble to something true.

Avery leaned toward me, over his desk, looked me in the eyes and told me that his answer was the same answer Picasso had given to that question.

Then he was quiet as though he’d given me enough of a hint, holding me with an unblinking gaze, waiting for me to answer. I felt like I had stumbled into something like a mouse trap, fumbled into the silence with “I wish I had my tape recorder.”

He said, “You don’t need a tape recorder. You’ll remember this.”

He straightened a small stack of papers, sketches he showed me just the day before of a monument he’s designing for Schreiner University to honor veterans.

“The next one. My favorite work is always my next one.”

See AVERY, page 16

James Avery’s voice is like an instru-ment, expressing a wide range of dynamics, tempos, crescendos, decrescendos, even percus-

sion. He draws out the duration of the one syllable word “love,” as though the word itself was a dotted whole note, worth singing for more than one full measure. He is animated and loud when he talks about the things he loves — quiet as a whisper when he recalls solemn

events. Avery sounds and moves like a man who has been listening to jazz all of his life. Turns out he has.

He started piano lessons when he was 10 and practiced every day for an hour. His mom insisted on it, his dad didn’t discourage it, and by the time he was 13, he was playing popular music and had formed a band with some friends. He even played at his own high school graduation when he was 16. In college, he continued to play in a band. But he never learned to play by ear.

“If I could play by ear, if I had perfect pitch, there would be no jewelry business,” Avery said. “My license plate is ‘A Train!’ That’s Duke Ellington’s theme song. I love Duke Ellington. No wonder, he’s the greatest jazz musician.”

He enrolled in Michigan State University and, within the first year, “got in trouble” and was placed on disciplinary probation.

“My folks yanked me out (of college) and said, ‘Listen. You’ve got to grow up. You’re 17 now. We’re not going to waste money sending you to school when you’re getting in trouble. Go up to your grandparents, work on the farm.’”

Avery spent a lot of time with his maternal grandparents in Iowa when he was a child, even when he was an infant while

his mother was finishing up her schooling. “I am convinced we are who we are because of what we are taught in our early, early years,” Avery said.

His grandparents were stewards of a county farm. County homes in Iowa were for the county’s poorest of the poor and for non-violent persons with psychological disorders.

He recalls his childhood as completely free from “racial preju-dice, prejudice of all kinds.” As proof, he mentions that when his “granddad was at Iowa State College back in 1895, his Sunday school teacher was George Washington Carver,” and his admira-tion for jazz musician Benny Goodman is at least in part because it was “the first time ever, ever” black musicians and white musicians

played together.Avery values practice and hard work — two things he

learned about at an early age. In 1938, when he was 17 years old, Avery was well aware of what was happening in Europe.

“Life was serious. Hitler was taking over Europe,” Avery said. “I was coming up on

18. I would be drafted.” He said he told himself, “Wake up!”

He knew he needed to buckle down and get back

to school, but before he enrolled again in the

university, his

By Bev BarrTimes Staff Writer

Photos by Tom HoldenTimes Photo Editor

James Avery:The road to

Kerrville

1/3Ameriprise

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16 June 2012

parents suggested he take an aptitude test, which he did.

The results of the aptitude test showed that he was most suited to be a surgeon. Avery didn’t like the idea of being in school that long, so he asked what was next on the list.

The results then advised Avery con-sider architecture.

Well, that made sense to Avery. After all, when he was a little kid, his toys were wooden blocks and Crayolas, and he “built lots of bunk houses and a tree house when very young.”

He enrolled in the University of Il-linois in Urbana-Champaign, where he the met the man who would become his mentor, Professor James Shipley, or “Coach,” as Avery affectionately refers to him.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today with-out his help,” Avery said.

When Shipley died in 1990, Avery gave $1.5 million to the University of Illinois to honor his mentor with an endowed chair.

Coach Shipley’s help included introducing Avery to industrial design — a brand new department within the school of architecture — where “you design products for mass production. Products like automobiles, furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing ma-chines, toasters, waffle irons, you name it.”

Avery thought that sounded pretty good, saying he liked the idea of “someday designing some automo-biles.”

By the fall of 1940, Avery was almost 19 years old and was back at the uni-versity studying the field of industrial design. He didn’t want to be drafted, so he took a test for the Naval Air Force and passed it but didn’t sign up. Some-one told him that the Army Air Corps would let him finish his degree, so he took that test, passed it and signed up with the Army.

The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Avery’s 20th birthday — Dec. 7, 1941. That changed everything. The Army rescinded its promise to allow Avery to finish college, and they called him into active service. They needed pilots bad. Avery’s number came up in the spring of 1943.

On Jan. 4, 1944, Avery got his wings. He learned to fly twin-engine B-26 Martin Marauder bombers, fell in love with a Texas girl and married her in an Army base chapel.

The B-26 was an exceptionally fast bomber. It had short wings, which meant it had to be going very fast for take offs and landings, which made it exceptionally dangerous. Avery says it was a good plane, because you could take quick evasive action in it. Planes were coming off the assembly line as fast as the factory could make them, but still he and the crew had to wait for at least two months to get their

plane, which arrived in June or July 1944. It took them about a week to fly their new bomber to Europe.

Avery describes the trip to Europe and beyond as “wonderful,” hearing mon-keys scream in Brazil and buying an amulet on a beach in West Africa. It was a little yellow piece of leather with red on it. The man who sold it said it would protect him from “boom booms.”

“It didn’t protect me,” said Avery, who flat out rejects the notion of su-perstitious power.

He was stationed in France and flew 44 missions over the skies of Germany, sometimes strafing at tree-top levels.

After the war, while Avery was fin-ishing up his schooling at the Univer-sity of Illinois, he and his wife made plans to move to Dallas after gradu-ation. He wanted to start a freelance industrial design business. The Dallas Chamber of Commerce encouraged and supported him in this venture.

Avery often weaves demographic details in the retelling of his own story, putting the events of his own life into historical context.

“In 1946, Dallas was a big city — 500,000. San Antonio had 350,000,” Avery said.

He remembers Dallas with enthusi-asm. After all, the depression was over, the war was over. Dallas was a good choice for a young designer to start building things.

“And the skies in Texas were blue,” he said.

I suggest people

follow their passion if they can. Because if you are passionate about something ... every day is something you love to do — you’ll be a success.”

— James Avery

“

Avery | continued from page 15

Early Kerrville years: Avery works from his sketches and notes. Avery built the jeweler’s cabinet pictured against the wall as well as other pieces of furniture. He learned early on that he could design and make jewelry much more quickly than a piece of furniture. Practicality influenced his artistic focus and decisions.

Courtesy photo

That same year, 1946, the head of the fine arts department at the Uni-versity of Iowa asked Coach Shipley to help him find somebody to set up an industrial design department at the University of Iowa. Coach Shipley recommended Avery.

Avery did not jump at the offer. He discussed his plans to start his own business with the professors and asked for some time to think about it. He thought about it for about a week and then accepted the job.

If this were a piece of music, this is where the fermata symbol would be placed, the grand pause or the bridge in jazz. When Avery resumes his story, his voice is tranquil. His tone is serious, matter-of-fact, con-templative.

Avery offers an explanation for his decision to take the university job. His wife was pregnant with their first child and, even though the faculty position did not offer much money, about $2,400 for the year, it was a check. So he took the job, and they moved to Iowa.

A short time later, in 1947, he told his wife he was thinking about his next career step and was seriously “considering architecture.”

He arranged to meet with Frank Lloyd Wright. Avery recalls walking into Wright’s studio and seeing a model of the Guggenheim Museum sitting on a table. Avery’s talent, dis-cipline and skill made him an ideal candidate to apprentice with Wright,

but Taliesin — Wright’s private round-the-clock school of architec-ture — was not a place for young children or infants. Avery was and is a family man. He didn’t go.

Instead, Avery went on to start yet another industrial design program, this time at the University of Colo-rado, where he spent the next three years. That he was picked to develop industrial design programs at major universities reflects the competence and ability he demonstrated at the beginning of his career.

In 1951, Avery took his two sons by train to Chicago to visit his parents. When he returned home, his wife had left him and wanted a

divorce. Avery was “devastated.” He asked an Episcopal priest to

speak with his wife and help save his marriage. The marriage failed, but Avery did become lifelong friends with Father Pat and his wife, Gingy. It was around this time that he made a few pieces of jewelry, silver crosses, worn with a string of leather.

The rest, as they say, is history.“I suggest people follow their

passion if they can,” Avery said. “Because if you are passionate about something ... every day is something you love to do — you’ll be a success. That’s one of my philosophies.”

Avery would eventually make his way back to Texas in 1953, but not to the big city of Dallas with its 500,000 people and blue skies as he once planned, but to Kerrville, a town of 14,000, the hometown of a woman he would marry and whose mother would let him set up shop in her garage so he could follow his passion for design.

He would start a small business of one and it would grow to a small business of two, then three and then many.

He would have children who lead their own interesting lives, some of whom would eventually take the reins of the multi-million dollar busi-ness, the logical extension of their father’s passion.

But first, James Avery would have to teach himself how to make jewelry.

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James Avery, center, with his sons Paul Avery, left, and Chris Avery. Paul serves as Executive Vice President and Chris has served as CEO and President since 2007.

These charms and pin are part of the “Mother’s Love” collection designed by James Avery. This design is now celebrated as a sculpture in downtown Kerrville, on the corner of Main and Earl Garrett streets.

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JUNE 14-23“Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood”8:30 p.m., The Point Outdoor Theatre.Children’s musical. It’s the 1950s, hula-hoops are in high demand, and so is Little Red Riding Hood. 367-5121, www.hcaf.com.

JUNE 14-29Destinations10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hill Country Arts Foundation. Juried competitions featuring Texas college students’ artwork. 367-5120, www.hcaf.com.

JUNE 14-JULY 8Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show10 a.m.-4 p.m., Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. 895-2811, www.kacckerrville.com.

KACC Art Shows10 a.m.-4 p.m., Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Fiber Arts Invitational, Wednesday Painters. 895-2911, www.kacckerrville.com.

JUNE 15Movies in the Park — “Cars 2”9 p.m., Kerrville-Schreiner Park Amphitheater. Bring the family and snacks for a free evening at the movies. No registration required, 257-7300.

JUNE 16Bike Rodeo9 a.m.-noon, Tivy High School parking lot. Kids can test their bike handling skills and learn safety and maintenance tips. Bring your bike and helmet. If you don’t have a helmet, one will be provided. 257-7300, www.kerrvilletx.gov.

JUNE 18-22Intergenerational Day CampRiverside Nature Center day camp for grandparent and grandchild, exploring Cave Without a Name, Old Train Tunnel Bat Cave, Mo-Ranch and more. $250 for members, $300 for non-members. 257-4837, www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

JUNE 19Women & Investing: Own Your Financial Future11 a.m.-1 p.m., Y.O. Hotel, Guadalupe Room. Hosted by Joyce Mechler, Edward Jones. No charge. RSVP to 257-4059 by June 17.

JUNE 20Summer Solstice Potluck Lunch11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Riverside Nature Center. Celebrate summer with a ’60s twist. Prize for most lived-in Birkenstocks. Bring a dish to share; drinks available for purchase. www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

JUNE 21Membership Networking Luncheon 11:45 a.m., Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel.Sponsored by Odyssey Hospice. Call the Cham-ber at 896-1155 to RSVP. Reservations required.

JUNE 23Kerr County Market Days9 a.m.-3 p.m., Kerr County Courthouse Square. An old-fashioned market with more than 75 vendors. 895-7524, www.kerrmarketdays.org.

Bobby Flores & The Yellow Rose Band7:30 p.m., Cailloux Theater. The premier classic country and western swing band in Texas! 285-9781, www.caillouxtheater.com.

JUNE 29Rohe Classical Music Series — Elision Saxophone Quartet7:30 p.m., Cailloux TheaterQuartet captivates with tylistically diverse pro-grams. 285-9781, www.caillouxtheater.com.

JUNE 30Kerrville’s 4th on the River4 p.m., Louise Hays Park. Food, arts and crafts,

music and fireworks. 257-7300. Visit www.kerrvilles4thontheriver.org.

JULY 5-10Fest Out WestFive day musical event featuring Reckless Kelly. www.festoutwest.com 512-295-3300/ 888-754-8447.

JULY 6 - 21“Hank Williams: Lost Highway” 8:30 p.m. The Point Outdoor Theatre, www.hcaf.com. 830-367-5121.

JULY 6 - 27Art Camp Museum 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.hcaf.com. 830-367-5120

JULY 714th Annual Hill Country Auto Club open Car Show 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 830-792-6145, www.hillcountryautomobileclub.com.

JULY 8Second Sunday Summer Serenade7:30 p.m. The Almost Patsy Cline Band. The concerts through August are free and open to the public.

JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6 tipsfor financial fitness

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Provided by Jeff Talarico, CRPC, financial advisor, Talarico & Associates(A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.)

You may be focused on getting in shape for swimsuit season, but take a break from the gym this summer and spend some time on your financial fitness. Here are six tips to help get your investment portfolio into prime condition.

1Shed the weight of extra accounts — It’s not unusual to acquire multiple retirement

accounts over the years, especially if you’ve changed jobs several times. Consider consolidat-ing them to simplify the management of your investments. If you have retirement assets with a former employer, it could be to your advantage to roll them over to your own IRA and achieve more control over how your money is invested. Consoli-dating accounts may also make it easier to monitor the performance of your investments and gives you the opportunity to ensure they’re properly allocated.

2Bulk up your retirement savings — Have you given

enough weight to what you’ll need in savings to retire comfortably? Are you taking full advantage of employer matching contributions and maxing out your IRA each year? In 2012, you had until April 17 to contribute $5,000 (or $6,000 if you’re over 50) to a traditional IRA. Sock away as much as you can to build your retirement nest egg.

3Grow stronger — The fluctuating financial markets

impact industries and individual in-vestments differently, and often in ways that are difficult to predict. You can strengthen your portfolio by making sure your investment dollars are spread across a variety of investments. With diversified investments, your overall portfolio is not as likely to be derailed should one investment topple in value. Rather than trying to pick individual stocks and time the market, consider pacing yourself with systematic investments and think long-term.

4Achieve the right balance — In light of the fickle nature of financial markets, even a

well-balanced portfolio can look different than what you may have expected over time. There-fore, it’s wise to periodically assess the volatil-ity of your investments across and within asset classes (stocks, bonds and so forth) and rebal-ance your portfolio to achieve the desired asset allocation. A financial advisor can help you apply asset allocation strategies and may have access to tools that will help you decide what may be a good match for your risk tolerance and goals — see tip No. 6.

5Trim your waste — The Internet has made it easy to securely monitor your financial affairs while also helping

to minimize paper waste. Question every printed piece

you receive related to your port-folio. Is it absolutely essential to

receive a paper statement? Do you really need to print that 100-page

prospectus? Review the options pro-vided by your financial institution and take advantage of their green initiatives

if you’re comfortable managing your accounts online. With regard to your personal paper trail, keep in mind that your tax records and support-ing documents should be main-tained for seven years, while credit card statements can be tossed after a year. When disposing of documents, always use a shredder to keep your personal informa-tion safe from identity theft. Follow this advice, and your file cabinet will be slimmer in no time.

6Enlist a personal trainer for your

finances — Like many activities, managing investments is more fun — and potentially more productive

— when you have a knowledgeable person by your side. A skilled financial advisor can guide you through simple exercises to help

improve your investment fitness and cheer you on in pursuit of your financial dreams and goals. Together, you can apply disciplined strategies de-signed to strengthen your investment portfolio and help you get in the best financial shape of your life.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Jeff Talarico

kerrvilletx.com 19

SCOTT BOLTON lives in Kerrville with his wife, Shelly, and their four children. He is a member of the Rotary Club and volunteers at church and youth camps. He enjoys golfing, coaching kids’ sports, ballroom dancing, kiteboarding, cooking and woodworking. He has worked in the financial services industry for more than 22 years and, for the past four years, has been named to Texas Monthly’s “Five Star: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager” list. Scott graduated from Abilene Christian University and the University of Texas. He also attended Pepperdine University and the Austin Graduate School of Theology.

Leadership Kerr County – Class of 2012DR. BRANDON BIERY is camp director at Children’s Association for Maximum Poten-tial (CAMP), which serves children and adults with special needs. He has a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology, has specialized in pediatric psychology, and his dedication to working with individuals who have special needs spans more than 20 years. He serves on the board of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association-International and is also actively involved in the American Camp Association and American Psycho-logical Association.

EDWARD EASTLAND was born in Kerrville and has been a Kerr County resident most of his life. He grew up at Camp Mystic in Hunt, where he spent most of his summers working on the grounds as a teenager. After graduating from Tivy High School, Edward went on to receive a degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. Since graduating, he has worked full time at Camp Mystic as business manager. He resides on the camp grounds with his wife, Mary Liz, and their two sons, Edward Jr. and Andrew.

MACHELLE HAZELETT is the director of administrative services for Kerrville Public Utility Board. As director of administration, she manages human resources, public relations and oversees the customer service department. Machelle has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California Coast University and a professional in human resources certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. She grew up in Flagstaff, Ariz., but Machelle is a native and long-time resident of Kerr County. She shares her home with fiancé, Paul, his son, David, and their two pets, Vladie and Copper.

ALLISON HINTON, senior director and food service manager at YMCA Camp Flam-ing Arrow, grew up in El Campo. She earned a degree in recreation administration at Texas State University. During college, she worked at YMCA summer camp and has worked for the YMCA ever since in many roles — from program director to administration director to her current position as chef and food ser-vice manager. In 2010, she was elected as a Hunt Independent School District school board trustee. Both Allison and her husband, Bill, are proud to direct YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow, where they live with their two children.

LEE HOWARD, entrepreneur, was born in Fort Worth, graduated from Eastern Hills High School and attended Texas A&M University. Lee moved to Kerrville in 1997 and opened Sunset Entertainment, a video production company that specializes in broadcast com-mercials, industrial safety videos and sporting and adventure videos. In 2009, Lee and his brother, Jim, opened Wing King, a casual din-ing restaurant. In early 2011, Lee purchased Vicki’s Burger Barn in Center Point. Lee is the father of one daughter, Olivia, who is enrolled in the eighth grade in Springtown.

RICHARD EASTLAND serves as the head chef and kitchen supervisor at Camp Mystic in Hunt. He manages and oversees the day-to-day operations of the camp kitchen and dining hall. Richard attended the University of Texas at Austin and later graduated from Saint Edward’s University. He then attended Texas Culinary Academy in Austin. He has been running the kitchen at Camp Mystic since 2001.

HEATH GREGORY was born in Hous-ton in 1979 but was raised in Galveston. Heath moved to Kerrville in 1997 to attend Schreiner University and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in business admin-istration. He married his wife, Laurie, in June of 2004 on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. They have two, Kendall Chase, 3, and Kenedy Cate, 2 months, and two Labrador retrievers, Booker and Bear. Heath has been with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance for seven years. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, running and cycling, but his main focus in life is to be the man God created him to be.

RON HACKETT has been married to Tina Hackett for more than 33 years. He is retired from the U.S. Army as chief warrant officer with more than 22 years service. Ron currently works at Coldwell Banker Heart of the Hills and has worked in real estate for more than 17 years. He is past president of Kerrville Board of Realtors and Kerrville Morning Rotary and also donates time volunteering for the Hill Country Red Cross.

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Leadership Kerr County is an intensive nine-month class that meets one full day a month from September through May. Students immerse themselves in topics relevant to community leaders, such as economic development, social services, education, government, health care and environment. Attendance is mandatory, and participants are required to complete homework and research assignments. Applicants must be residents of Kerr County or have worked in Kerr County for at least one year prior to

Sept. 1. Nominations and applications are reviewed by a steering committee in July. The steering committee restricts the class size to 24 or fewer.

KRISTEN JOHLE has more than 13 years of professional experience in long-term care, home health and assisted living management. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health professions from Texas State University in 1998 with a major in long-term care administration and became a licensed nursing facility administrator in 1999. In 2007 she earned a certification as an assisted living manager. She moved to the Hill Country in 2005 with her husband, Colby, and their two daughters, Hannah and Mahala. She is involved in the Hill Country Coalition on Aging and serves on the Rotary Club of Kerrville board of directors.

DENISE LEMEILLEUR has been mar-ried to David LeMeilleur for 32 years, and they have three boys, Bryan, Chris and Keith. Denise and David have owned Lemeilleur’s, RV Truck & Equipment Repair Company since June 1998. Denise graduated from Austin Community College with an associate’s degree in business and is an alumni member of Phi Theta Kappa. She holds certification as a safety inspector for motor vehicles by the state of Texas, TEA as a defensive driving instructor and Braun Mobil-ity Products for wheelchair/lifts repair. She is a notary for the state of Texas and holds a general lines insurance license.

T. JUSTIN MACDONALD a developer and builder, is executive vice president of MacDonald & Associates and G.G. MacDonald Inc. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor’s from Angelo State University. He is a certified graduate builder through NAHB’s University of Housing and a past president of the Hill Country Home Builders As-soc. He is a recently elected Kerrville City Council member, serves as vice president on the Texas Assoc. of Builders for Area 4 and is on the Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission and the board of the Hill Country Home Opportunity Council.

AMBER THOMAS is the day camp direc-tor and naturalist at Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly near Hunt. She grew up just outside of Tulsa, Okla., receiving her degree in parks and recreation management from Northern Arizona University. Amber began her career in the camping industry in 1997. She has been fortunate to live and work around the country. In 2006, Amber joined the staff at Mo-Ranch as a facilitator for the Environmental Leadership Program and as the assistant director for summer camp. She loves her job, as it allows her to acquaint children with the natural world around them in creative and fun ways.

LEE VANACKER is a local CPA who has been specializing in the tax area since 2002. He moved back to the Kerrville area in 1997 to attend Schreiner University, where he graduated in 2002 with a degree in accounting. After graduation, he began his career at the local firm of Davidson, Freedle, Espenhover & Overby P.C., before leaving to start his own firm in 2010. He is married to Keely Vanacker, who works for the Kerrville Independent School District. They have one young son.

WILLIAM WOODS, Ph.D. professor of English and Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Schreiner University, came to Kerrville in 1993. Born in Washington, D.C., he was raised in Copperas Cove. He completed his bachelor’s in English and Master’s in English with an emphasis in creative writing at Texas State University, and his Ph.D. in English at Texas Woman’s University. His fiction, poetry and scholarly articles have appeared in liter-ary and academic journals. He and his wife, Stephanie Drake-Woods, an occupational therapist at KISD, have three children.

LAURIE MONTGOMERY was born in Burlington, Wis., and moved to San Antonio at age 4. She went to Canyon High School in New Braunfels, where she played volley-ball, basketball, ran track and was in many organizations. Laurie received a volleyball scholarship to the University of Montevallo in Alabama. She married and had her son, Mason. Laurie was a Realtor for three years before she got into the waste industry in 2009, and she has worked for Allied Waste for more than a year. She recently moved to Kerrville with her son, and she looks forward to their life here.

JANELLE PERALT is a 20-year resident of Kerr County and owner of JP Properties and JP Business Brokers. Janelle was awarded a degree in marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz. She and her husband, Patrick, have two sons, Alain, 12, and Christophe, 9, who attend school in Harper. Janelle is an officer/founder of the Hill Country Business Group, is on the board of directors for the Ker-rville Noon Rotary Club and serves as committee chairman for Harper PTO. Janelle is certified by the American Council on Exercise. She is the race director and founder of the annual Harper 5K Run/Walk.

STEVE SCHULTE is a Hill Country attorney with a practice focused on commercial-based trial work. After moving to the Hill Country in 1999, Steve’s practice has been centered on litigation related to real estate, construction, fiduciaries, probate and small businesses. Steve is married to Catherine and they have three children. Steve is a graduate of Texas A&M University, a board member of the State Bar Solo and Small Firm section and is active in the Kerrville Noon Rotary Club. In his spare time, he participates in barbecue and chili competitions and plays guitar in a sorry band.

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COMMUNITY SHRED DAYHelping load a trash bin with documents that need to be shredded from a local business are Derrick King and Kristan Craddock with the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses and residents participated in Community Shred Day on May 25 in the River Hills Mall parking Lot. The Chamber co-sponsored the event with The Kerrville Daily Times, Allied Waste and River Hills Mall.

From left are LuAnn Anderson and Jackie Kayne with Kerr County Market Days and Kristan Craddock and Nathan Cyr, both with the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Anderson and Kayne brought documents to the River Hills Mall to have them shredded during the Community Shred Day.

Mike Guerrero with the Kerr County Federal Credit Union, left, gets some help unloading his truck from Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce representatives Nathan Cyr and Donna Harris.

Nathan Cyr helps load documents into a bin for shredding in the River Hills Mall parking lot. 22 June 2012

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CHAMBER MIXER

Above: A crowd enjoys refreshments and conversation outside at The Sweeter Side of Rails during a Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Mixer on May 17.

At right: Enjoying the event are, from left, Marysue Douville, Judy Wunsch, Debbie Garrett and Harold Wunsch.

Above: Linda Somerville, left, and Karen Quanstrom take a moment for a photo during the chamber’s Business After Hours Mixer at The Sweeter Side of Rails.

At left: Enjoying the weather and the conversation at the May 17 Business After Hours Mixer are, from left, B.K. Cody, Larry Freeman and Jacques Duhr.Below left: David and Elaine Hughes attend the Chamber mixer.