The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has released its calendar for 2016 and has begun its annual membership campaign.
Scheduled events:
•Annual chamber of commerce awards banquet, Jan. 9. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to long-time county clerk Don Troutman, to recognize his contributions to Houston and Texas County.
A silent auction will benefit the chamber and its projects. To donate items, call Sheila Walker at 417-967-3302.
A table-decorating contest also will be held. The theme is “Houston Beach Party – Good Vibrations in 2016.”
Tickets are $20 per person.
•Valentine’s dinner, Feb. 13.
•Spring bazaar, March 19.
•Gun show, April 2.
•Brushy Creek Days, May 7.
•Golf tournament, May 14.
•Independence Day celebration, July 1.
•Texas County Fair-Old Settlers Reunion, July 20-23.
•Demolition Derby, Aug. 6.
•City-wide yard sale, Sept. 2-3.
•Fall decorating contest, Oct. 28-29.
•Houston holiday bazaar, Nov. 12.
•Taste of Christmas, Nov. 26.
•Tree lighting ceremony, Dec. 9.
•Christmas parade, Dec. 10.
•Chamber banquet, Jan. 7.
Joining the chamber board of directors following an election are: Lori Moncrief (Mitchell Insurance Agency LLC), Richard Steckler (Edward Jones) and Crystal Stice (Landmark Bank). Rounding out the board are: Gayla Bratton (Infinite Entertainment), Tammy Cantrell (Texas County collector-treasurer), Jerad Gentry (Gentry Construction Co. Inc.), Tyler Romines (Romines Motor Co.), Bruce Scheets (Scheets Auction Service), Kim Stipanovich (Paws N Claws) and secretary Viki Narancich (Little House Gifts).