The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, February 14th at Brownwood Fitness Center to recognize the new owners Jody and Shane Easley.

Brownwood Fitness Center is a full service gym offering group fitness classes, personal training, weights, tanning, and more, with 24 hour access.

Early Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly luncheon at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 22nd featuring guest speaker Jim Rooney, owner of People Smart Tools.  The luncheon will be held at Prima Pasta in Early.

“From Micromanagement to Mentoring – Creating Effective Managers” will be presented by Rooney who will speak on the on the relationship a manager has with staff and how that affects profits, retention and customer care.

Every member of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraged to attend the Annual Banquet on April 11, 2013. The celebration will be held in the Coliseum with the Reception at 6:30 PM, dinner at 7 PM and the awards presentation slated to begin about 7:30 PM.

According to Chamber CEO Laura Terhune, “The Outgoing Chairman of the Board (Eric McNeese) and I want every member to make plans now to attend this annual celebration.” Terhune continued, “The components of the banquet will be very similar to last year’s successful event: a Reception will be followed by the Banquet and concluding with Awards Presentations.”

Community Service Awards will include the following: Good Neighbors, Community Partner, Business of the Year, Man and Woman of the Year and the Groner Pitts “Lifetime of Service” Award.

Terhune noted, “The committee received positive feedback on the décor and layout incorporated several years ago which features a smaller “center” stage for the actual awards presentations as well as round VIP tables. She concluded, “Whatever the layout, the evening promises to be an exciting celebration.”

You know you have that "Go To" slow cooker dish that always tastes amazing. Is it a roast, an Italian dish, or maybe some delicious side? Is it dessert? Is it for cold, rainy days or is it for any night of the week?

Well, now is your time to shine by entering the MOPS Crock-Off! Bring your full slow cooker to Southside Church on Sunday, February 24th at 12:00 PM to compete for some great prizes. In addition to cash prizes, the winning recipes will be featured on the Crockin’ Girls’ Monday Recipe Video. Participants may enter as many dishes as they like for $10 per entry. In order to participate, please register and submit entry fee by February 20th. Go to www.southsidebrownwood.org/mops to register today.

If you would just like to enjoy all the amazing food, bring the family between 12:15 and 1:30 PM to judge the dishes. Judging tickets cost $5 per person. Prizes will be awarded at 1:45 PM.

Last Monday, in the early hours of the morning, 30 cement trucks unloaded 300 yards on top of a cleared hilltop, signifying the steadfast progression taking place on the future Hideout Clubhouse.

Waldrop Construction and King’s Point Cove worked to lay the foundation for the three-story clubhouse soon to come.

Brownwood native and loyal King's Point Cove member, Mike Permenter says he gets more and more excited as he sees the progress being made on the golf club. He and golf buddy Jackie Miller are "looking forward to their wives and families getting to enjoy the facilities as they golf," Permenter said.

Future brides will get the chance to plan their complete wedding this Saturday at the Brownwood Area Bridal Fair being held at the Lehnis Railroad Museum from 10 AM - 2 PM.

The fair will be an invaluable resource for soon-to-be brides in planning their special day.  Vendors will showcase their products and services and will be available with tips, techniques, and ideas for the perfect wedding.  A style show will feature some of the latest looks in wedding attire for the entire family.

"Brides will be able to finalize all of the plans for her wedding in one spot," said organizer Sunni Modawell. "There will be photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, party rental, and venues represented at the fair as well as a great style show."

The bridal fair provides an opportunity for future brides to meet face to face with businesses that can assist in planning the big day, all in one location, saving time and gas.  Door prize drawings will be taking place throughout the day as well.