November 29, 2023 – Dr. Ray Perryman is coming back to Hopkins County after about a five-year absence, and if you’re a business professional, you won’t want to miss what he has to say about the local economic outlook.The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation are happy to announce that the renowned economist will be headlining the Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Perryman was a regular speaker at the conference but hasn’t appeared here in five years. It’s time for his return. Perryman is an author, syndicated columnist, consultant, financial analyst, and economic forecaster. His syndicated daily radio commentary, “The Perryman Report,” is broadcast daily on the Texas State Networks. He also appears regularly on National Public Radio’s “Marketplace” and is frequently quoted in print, broadcast, and electronic media. Perryman is a former professor at Baylor University and is currently Senior Research Fellow of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and Distinguished Professor at the International Institute for Advanced Studies. He serves on numerous corporate and civic boards and has won many prestigious awards for his achievements in academics and public service. Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table of eight, $375 for a table for six and $250 for a table for four. Sponsorships will include corresponding recognition at the conference and leading up to the event. Individual tickets are $25 each. For more information, contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Energy at No Cost
Due to government cash payouts and tax incentives, Hopkins County businesses can see if their facility can get alternative energy, such as solar, for free. The Chamber is partnering with Signatech Solar to offer a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to inform business owners of the financial incentives that are now offered through the USDA REAP program and tax programs. The Lunch and Learn is free to businesses, but registration is required so meal arrangements can be made. To sign up for the Lunch and Learn, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Cocktails and Conversation
Plan now to attend our next Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, at Clarion Pointe on Industrial Drive on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5-6 p.m. Cocktails and Conversation will be held the first Thursday of every month, from 5-6 p.m., and for December, the Clarion Pointe staff will welcome everyone to their meeting room on Dec. 7. This is a casual networking event and happy hour. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
2023 Award Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Christmas Activities
n The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 1, starting at Buford Park. Line-
up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on
Tuesday, Nov. 28. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash
prizes awarded to winners. Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main
St.
n The CASA Cookie Walk and Silent Wreath Auction is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, at First
United Methodist Church, from 9 a.m. to noon.
n Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 2 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun
under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
n The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2, downtown. You can
do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
n Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “A Celtic Christmas” production 7 p.m. Dec. 2
and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for
ticket information.
