The award-winning Kyle Chamber of Commerce hosted the Estate Planning and Business Law Luncheon on November 22, 2011, which also marked the last luncheon of the year.  The event was held at Hays CISD Performing Arts Center from 11:30am to 1:00pm, and was sponsored by Avera Law Firm, PLLC.  A delicious meal was catered by Koy Chinese & Sushi Restaurant.  All members of the public were invited to join for the informational event.

Robert Avera was the guest speaker for the luncheon, and is a principal of Avera Law Firm, PLLC. He has practiced law in the Austin area for several years. His practice includes Estate Planning, Business Entity Formation and Commercial Litigation.   He has made over twenty presentations on the benefits of estate planning to groups throughout Central Texas. During his presentation at the luncheon, he stressed the importance of preparing for the future and the unforeseen, as well as protecting your business, assets, and estate. 

Ray Hernandez, Executive Director of the Kyle Chamber, honored new members - a total of five for the month of October - at the luncheon. Each new member was given a plaque and had a photo opportunity with Kyle Chamber Board members, Ambassadors, and elected officials. The new members for the month of October are: Heart to Heart Hospice, Landmark ENT, Kent Powersports of Austin, DVine Marketing, and Koy Chinese & Sushi.

Kyle City Manager Lanny Lambert has announced the hiring of two new department heads for the city.

Sophia Nelson, previously a senior planner for the City of San Marcos, has been selected for the Director of Planning position. Mrs. Nelson has served in a number of planning roles while with the City of San Marcos and the City of Leander. Most recently she served as the Division Manager for the Current Planning Division of the City of San Marcos.

As Director of Planning, Mrs. Nelson is responsible for administration of the City Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and other land development ordinances. She also will have regular interaction with developers and the public and is also responsible for updating and implementing the City Comprehensive Plan, GIS and providing staff support to Planning Commission.

Lambert also announced the hiring of the City's first in-house city engineer. Steven Widacki brings 27 years of engineering experience to the City of Kyle and has extensive experience in land development, public works, and transportation and transit projects.

The City Engineer position was added in this year's city budget process and is projected to save the city thousands of dollars in contract costs for outside engineering services.

Mr. Widacki's previous experience includes serving as Project Manager for the City of San Marcos' Capital Improvements Department where he was responsible for providing delivery of design, management and construction services. He has also served as Senior Project Manager for the firm of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. out of Austin.