Georgetown Chamber of Commerce 
            512.930.3535 l www.GeorgetownChamber.org             
 
   Chamber Link Newsletter 
                                                           May 23rd, 2012                      

May Sponsor: 

WDM Banner Ad

In This Issue
About Websites
News
Member Events
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Have Your Event at the Chamber!

Rent Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Event/ Meeting Rooms  The Chamber's meeting/event room and board room are available 7 days a week. Prices & virtual tour found online.

Join the Chamber

Join the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce 

Business Help 

SCORE and the Small Business Development Center offer free, confidential counseling at the Chamber to current & future business owners. Both also offer a variety of inexpensive courses.  Call  930.3535. 

Follow Us Online 
 


Relocation Info
 
Gold Allies

Gold Allies 



Al Clawson Disposal

Silver Allies
 

Silver Allies



49 Dollar Massage
Rogers Construction
Sheets & Crossfield, PC 
SportClips 
State Farm -
Don Homeyer/
Bill Edminston Agencies
Spirit Reins Ribbon Cutting 

 

Spirit Reins Ribbon Cutting


Spirit Reins is a 501c3 non-profit that serves children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect or other traumatic events with the help of horses.  A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of a second location near Dripping Springs.
Chamber Events

 

Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Mon., May 28th for Memorial Day


Annual Business Showcase  
 
Thurs., May 31st from 5-7pm at Georgetown Community Center.  Public is invited.  Door prizes and refreshments.  

 

Ribbon Cutting:  OnPoint Communication and Training

Fri., June 1st at 12:15pm at the Chamber.

 

Ambassador Lunch

Wed., June 6th from 12-1pm at Wildfire Restaurant.  $10.  RSVP.

 

Business Networking Lunch

Tues., June 12th from 11-1pm at Gabriel Springs, 5299 HW 29.  $10 members/ $15 non-members.  RSVP.
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"Instant" Website vs. Customized Website

 

Since restarting my business in January, the majority of my website clients are asking for help to fix the website that they created in one of the template website services or what I call "instant" website. I thought that this may be a good time to address the benefits and challenges of creating your website with one of the many "instant/template" options versus hiring a Website Designer.

 

Today a website is a MUST for any small business. The challenges are how to do it; who will do it; and how much $$$...

 

There are many options out there for the do-it-yourselfer to create a website. The benefits with these options are...it's cheaper and quick. For many this is a good option to get something up quickly, especially with a limited start-up budget. The possible challenges are poor functionality (ie: will not open on all kinds of machines, difficulty moving from page to page, forms, etc); your business' visibility on various search engines (will they find you); poor layout/limited options; and difficulty making changes.

 

Hiring a professional website designer is not as expensive as you think. The cost can vary greatly but a simple website can be built for just a few hundred dollars more than what it would cost you purchase a pre-made template. The benefits are graphic and copy customization, optimal functionality, and search engine customization. It pays to start out right.

 

 
WDM Banner Ad

WDM Graphics specializes in helping start-ups, small and mid-sized businesses with website design & maintenance as well as print media such as logo, brochure and business card designs.
 

Contact Lynn Hilferty at lynn@wdmgraphics.com for more information or go to our website at www.wdmgraphics.com.

Chamber & Member News

Locator Board  Chamber's Interactive Locator Board:  3 Units Left!
 
The board stays lit 24x7 in front of the Chamber.  Colored ads surround a map.  When the button next to your ad is pushed, it lights up your location on the map.  $275.
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Volunteers Needed on Thursday (May 24) to Tally Ballot Results.  
Lunch provided.  Volunteers needed from 10am to Noon in Sun City.  No Sun City residents can be involved.  Contact Karen for details.

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Georgetown Arts Alliance Promotions Committee Seeks Artists Submissions

Original artwork depicting the artists' vision of the November Georgetown Gallery Tour will be considered. 

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Non-Profits:  Apply for $100,000 Humana Community Benefit Charitable Grant.   A 501c3 organization focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities will be awarded the one-time grant.  Deadline for application is July 27 with grant awarded in October.  For questions go to HCBAustin@Humana.com.

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Back in Black 2 Adoption Promotion for Black Cats & Dogs 
 
Adoption fee at Humane Society of Williamson County is only $25 to give black animals a permanent home.  Runs throughout May.

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Member to Member Discount Offered by Bella Notte on Main
Mention the Georgetown Chamber to receive a $200 discount on their full service holiday parties for November and December.

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 Hiring Sign Focus Magazine Seeks Client Sales Representative 
 
Must be self-motivated, disciplined "people person." C
all Linda at 512.966.9426.

Member Events

 

Toastmasters Club Meeting
Thurs., May 24th @ 7:00-8:30pm at GISD Admin Building (603 Lakeway)
Toastmasters helps develop better communication and leadership skills in a fun, supportive environment.  Free for guests.

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Memorial Day at Sun City in the Veterans' Memorial Plaza

Mon., May 28th beginning at 9:30am.  Patriotic music and wreathes of flowers will be placed.  Governor Perry will be the guest speaker. Bring a chair for the hour long ceremony.  Reception will follow in the social center plaza.

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Seeds of Strength Invites You to Awards Presentation

Thurs., May 31st from 6pm-8pm at Georgetown Library.   Ten non-profit organizations will receive $105K in awards.  RSVP to Chisholm Trail Community Foundations.  863.4186.

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 Free Luau Party at Provident Crossing
Sat., June 2nd from 3-7pm
Discover how you may have an income you don't know about. Seminar 3:30-5pm. Buffet & Mai-Tai 5-6:30pm. Hawaiin dancers and Polynesian band 6:30-7pm.  671.7771
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GHS Cheerleaders Holding a Little Cheer Clinic

Mon., June 4th through Friday, June 8th at Tippitt Middle School.    $100 covers the clinic and T-shirt

Have a Great Week,
Your Chamber Staff