Office staff ready, willing to serve public
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Jill Jones, front, is the executive director of the Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce, and Missy Hlavaty is the organization's secretary. The pair field tourism-related inquiries and continuously work to make annual activities bigger and better.

A chamber of commerce can be structured in whatever way is beneficial for a community.

And since it works so closely with the city of Lampasas, which strives hard for economic development and business recruitment, the Lampasas County Chamber of Commerce focuses on tourism.

The chamber's main thrust is events that not only involve local residents but also bring in many out-of-town visitors who will spend their money locally.

To that end, Jill Jones, chamber executive director, said the organization's emphasis is on staging several events and executing them well.

"We could have something every month that might not be as successful, but why do that when we can have several events that are extremely successful," said Ms. Jones.

And those events are drawing in the crowds, as witnessed by the chamber's most recent offering, Bloomin' Fest, held earlier this month. "We had over 120 booths this year, and the crowds were huge," she said. "That event gets bigger every year."

Many of the events are held downtown on Courtyard Square because it is centrally located and in a beautiful setting, Ms. Jones said. "It also helps move traffic into the stores on the square, so it accomplishes several goals."

The chamber's plate is full with activities year-round. They include:

• Spring Ho BBQ Cook-off, headed into its fifth year. Set for July 11-12, this year's cook-off will be staged behind the Lampasas County Office Building.

"When the event started, we had 35 teams participating. The committee works all year on it, and last year we had 64 teams registered. It has become an event that attracts a lot of out-of-towners who follow the barbecue circuit all over the state."

The Lone Star BBQ-sanctioned event chairman is Todd Liverman. Judges are recruited from Fort Hood and from outside the community. "This is a very popular event," said Ms. Jones.

• Spring Ho 10K and One- Mile runs. Nearly 250 runners get up at the crack of dawn every Spring Ho Saturday to participate in the chiptimed race. Runners come from all over the state, said the chamber executive.

• Historic Fire House Run and Biker Rally. This year's event is Oct. 18.

Headed into its third year, the attendance doubled in 2007. "It's a good way for us to capitalize on the popularity of motorcycle riding and help a good cause at the same time."

Ms. Jones said October is Fire Prevention Month, and participating bikers take a nearly 2 1/2-hour tour of the county's volunteer fire departments -- from Oakalla to Nix, and Lometa to Adamsville. A portion of the proceeds raised during the rally are earmarked for local VFDs.

• Hunters' Welcome. The growth has been phenomenal, said Ms. Jones. When the welcome began seven years ago, the group cooked 20 briskets. This past year, more than 650 barbecue sandwiches were served -- double the previous amount.

"We started the welcome to let hunters know how much we appreciate the economic impact they have on our community and that we are glad they are here. It's a fun event."

• Sulphur Creek Car Cruise. This year's event is June 14 at W.M. Brook Park. It will be a day full of activities and will conclude with a free barbecue meal for participants.

• Lampasas Riata Roundup. Headed into its third year, the rodeo has grown by leaps and bounds, said Ms. Jones. Set June 20-21 at Little Bear Ranch Arena, it is staged by Sammy Catalina Rodeo Co. out of Bryan/College Station and features some wellknown rodeo riders, said Ms. Jones.

• Herb & Art Festival. "This is an example of a premier event in Lampasas," said Ms. Jones. Each year, the fest grows in scope, to include more speakers and demonstrations and a larger number of booths and participants.

• Central Texas Indian Artifacts Show. The show has a great following, said the chamber executive. "They offer quality artifacts and knowledgeable exhibitors. It is a big event each year."

Said Ms. Jones: "All of our events are successful because we have a highly dedicated group of volunteers who work year-round to be sure we offer the best we can. They always look for something new and exciting to make our events continue to grow.

"The community sees a direct benefit from many of our events," she said. "People come here, and they eat, sleep and shop here. It's good for everyone. We are able to take a few events and make them the best they can be. And people seem to really enjoy what we have to offer."