VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

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    Everyone has enjoyed ending of the 40 year drought not being in the playoffs.  The 2003 Merkel Badger Football team provided an exciting year for all Merkelites as well as many Exes. 
    To preserve  this years success, a highlights video has been composed

and available for sale.  The professionally produced video includes highlights from the 2003 season and playoff games. 
    Orders must be turned in by January 15, with delivery in late February.  Checks may be made payable to Gayle Maxey or David

Flowers.  Orders may be turned in to the MHS office, Gayle Maxey at Tye Elementary, Cheri Adair at Merkel Elementary, Rhonda Hood at Merkel Intermediate or Denise Cope at MMS.
   Cost is VHS $20.00 and DVD $30.00

  Merkel is not the only community in great need of housing, it is something that is talked about at all TMCN networking meetings.  The need is in every rural town in our region.  Information on listings can be posted at the Chamber office free of charge, whether for rental or for sale, as well as property. 
   Rentals seem to be the biggest in demand, with 3 bedrooms houses on  top of the list.  Not only do I get phone calls and drop-ins to see what's available, but do have people leave their name and phone numbers.
   If you have property for sale or rent, please contact the Chamber office with information, so that posting can be put on the board, as this is where everyone comes to seek information. 
   Starting with the new website, that information can be listed for a small fee.

   Merkel Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome two new  businesses opening in Merkel, and wish them great success.
    Crazy Women Western Décor & More, located at 1501 N. 7th, ph. 928-1343, is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, Sundays 1-6  Owners are Jan Beck Woodall, Carol Whisenhunt Ramsey, and Debikay Goodwin.
     Western décor furniture, candles, rope crosses, hot sauce, jewelry, just a few of the many items for your shopping needs.  The three Crazy Women invite you to check them out.

    Skeets Restaurant located at 1207 N. 7th, ph. 928-1039,  open Monday through Tuesday 11 AM to 3 PM, and Wednesday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM, for your dining enjoyment.  Skeet's will  cater  your event, and have daily lunch specials.  Skeet's invites you to come by for a tasty meal.

   For the third consecutive year, Merkel has a feature page in the Texas Midwest Community Network Guide, published each year.  The guide showcases cities in the region,  as well as points of interest, Chamber of Commerce's, Economic Development Corporations, history, lodging, recreation, calendar of events, and businesses.  The guide is in all Chamber of Commerce and CVCB offices, motel rooms, and businesses purchasing ads.  The guide can also be found in coast-to-coast travel shows and all Texas

Travel Information Centers and may also be accessed on the internet at www.TexasMidwest.org.
    Merkel Chamber has been a member of TMCN since the founding days.  From the four meetings and training sessions held yearly, the groups host a yearly annual meeting/workshop/training for community leaders.  Attendees receive valuable information on grants, new law changes effecting cities and EDC's, to new ways to call attention to your city, to developing new adventures, cleaning up communities to advertising, busi-

ness adventures, to making the most of what you have.  A wealth  of information is always received at these meetings, attended by Chamber board members, city officials, EDC officials, county officials, as well as interested citizens and business owners.  Information on these meetings is always available from the Chamber office.  Next meeting will be January 22nd.
    Merkel will be biding to host one of the four area informative luncheons to be held later this year.