At the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce, we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Eagle Ford Shale activity bringing jobs and life to the county. With new businesses opening on a daily basis, we see Kenedy taking new shape as the community takes on each new opportunity and challenge. With each new challenge, new entrepreneurial leadership is being developed and cultivated to take them on. We are a diverse community of innovators and creators who are searching to find answers to today’s problems. With today’s technology, answers are often found online from other communities who have struggled as they experienced these same growing pains. We don’t need to recreate the wheel. Turning difficult situations into positive opportunities are critical for the growth of our economy, schools, and city. If you have any input on what your chamber can do differently or just better, please feel free to pick up the phone or stop by our office and talk with us about what you see. Remember, this is your community and your chamber! Buy the way, have you joined your chamber? Individual memberships are just $60 and small business is only $100. Give me a call and I’ll get you signed up right away!

Kudos to Miss Jennifer Kotara for putting together food boxes to provide for seven families over the holiday. One person really can make a difference! Jennifer is Miss Karnes County representing the Kenedy Rotary Club and has been a shining light in the county. She organized and gathered food from each of the county communities, i.e., Falls City, Karnes City, Kenedy, and Runge. What can you do to make this year better for someone else?

Saturday, Dec. 1, be sure to bring the kids at 5 p.m. to Joe Gulley Park for the official “Kenedy Christmas at the Park” lighting festivities. There will be hot chocolate, hot apple cider, goodies for the kids and reindeer games while waiting for Santa to arrive. Some of Santa’s helpers will be line dancing and singing Christmas carols as each child gets to visit with Santa upon his arrival. His arrival is always a delight when the boys and girls catch a glimpse of him coming down the lane.

Toys for Tots is in full swing, so next time you go shopping, buy a toy and drop it in the drop box designated for them. And don’t forget to give the kids the opportunity to be a part of the holiday giving. Bring your child and an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food donation to Ashland on Dec. 8 from 2-4 p.m. at One Mill Street, The Training Center in Kenedy and have your photo taken with Santa. You’re never too young to enjoy the gift of giving.

Thursday, Dec. 13 is our Annual Radio Auction, and we can’t do it without you. All the auction items are donated by local vendors and businesses to promote their business and help you buy local. We have businesses that do all kinds of things and they have something for everyone. We hope to have the list and pictures on the web by Dec. 7. Give the chamber a call and let us know what kinds of things you have to offer in our area. Then, tune in to KAML Radio and lets start the bidding.

Wishing you the best in every way, everyday. Until we meet, Brenda Hansler.