The Early Chamber of Commerce hosted the “State of the Early Community” luncheon on Friday.  Early Mayor Bob Mangrum, Early Police Chief David Mercer, Early Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chad Hill, and Early ISD Superintendent Brett Koch each gave an update to the community on issues that occurred in 2012 and an outlook for the new year.

Mayor Mangrum was upbeat about the City of Early based on economic indicators and current projects.

“The state of the City of Early as we enter 2013 is very good,” Mangrum said. “The economy is definitely improving in our city and in the county.”

Mangrum said that the Brown County unemployment rate for December 2012 was 5.3% which is a marked improvement compared to 2011 when the rate was 7.4%.   He also said that another measuring tool used to gauge the local economy is the number of building permits issued by the city for residential and commercial projects.  43 total permits were issued last year in Early.  Mangrum noted that the new Bruner Auto dealerships and Taco Casa are both currently under construction as well as the remodeling of a feed store into a new grocery store.

“We are moving forward in that sense economically,” Mangrum said.

The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 17th for their newest member, Parker Home Solutions.

Josh Parker has over 10 years experience in home improvement services. He and his wife are focused on a one-call solution for everyday home projects or small repairs.

Early Chamber of Commerce will host their January luncheon on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm featuring “the State of the Early Community.”

The speakers will be the Mayor of Early, Dr. Robert Mangrum; Superintendent of Early ISD, Brett Koch; Chief of Early Police Department, David Mercer; and Chief of Early Volunteer Fire Department, Chad Hill.

Early Chamber Director Wanda Ferguson stated, “This should be very interesting as you have noticed, Early is growing.”

The luncheon will be held at Prima Pasta Italian Restaurant and meals may be ordered from the menu and attendees will pay as they leave. Door prizes will be furnished by luncheon sponsors.

Tom Jones Tire & Alignment was selected as the Early Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the month for December 2012.

Tom Jones Tire & Alignment is located at 415 Early Blvd and provides new tires and alignment service.  Tom Jones Tire & Alignment staff is available at the Early Blvd. location or may be reached by calling 325-641-0535.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Leslie E. Schoppe joined the medical staff of Brownwood Regional Medical Center (BRMC) as a board-certified Gastroenterologist with specialized training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.  Schoppe, opened his practice on January 2, 2013 as the Heart of Texas Gastroenterology located at 100 Miller Dr. Ste. B and is now accepting new patients 325.646.7733.

Although originally from the Houston area, Schoppe said, “I am excited about coming to Brownwood, not only for the better weather, but to be part of a community that is extremely friendly and has tremendous potential for growth.  My plan is to make this community my home.”

He completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and also served the University in several different teaching positions.

As a part of the Medical Staff of BRMC, Schoppe joins an already successful group of medical professionals.  He stated, “The medical community is strong and the hospital is committed to the expansion of services and technology.  And I look forward to being a part of the greater medical community as we all work to ensure great medical care.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in December to welcome Early’s newest chamber member Echo Wireless Broadband, Inc. at 1002 Early Blvd.

Britt Bean owner of Echo Wireless Broadband, Inc. says “we offer a new state of the art high speed internet service for rural customers to experience the internet as if they lived inside the city.  This new technology is super-fast perfect for playing games on line, video conferencing, and voice over IP (VOIP).”