2nd Annual Cowboy Christmas Ball

Tickets can be purchased at the door tomorrow night, December 16. Ticket price is $30.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  Dance starts at 8:00 p.m. and will last until 12:00 a.m.

The Knox Prairie Events Center is located in Goree, Texas, just 5 miles east of Munday off highway 277.

If your company purchased a sponsorship, a table has been reserved for you. Tickets must be presented at the door. No special attire is required.

A concession stand will be available to purchase drinks, candy and chili.

For more information, please call JW Sollis at 940-839-7870 or the Knox County Visioning Group at 940-459-4121. Please leave a message and your call will be returned.

We hope you have a great evening.

A Night to Remember

Photo by VikiAnn Gunter.   Pin It

Population…a number most often used to describe a town.  But a number on a sign does not display the heart and soul of a community.  And, it sure doesn’t match up with the big dreamers you will find in Goree, Texas, population 255.  They have rolled up their sleeves once again, to bring the citizens of Knox and surrounding counties a grand event: The Cowboy Christmas Ball.

This Friday night starting at 8:00 p.m., nestled inside the nostalgic gym at the old Goree ISD, (now known as the Knox Prairie Events Center) you will find a 10-piece band. But, it’s not just any band. It is The All Star Band, complete with a steel guitar, trombone, banjo, trumpet, accordion, fiddles, guitars, keyboard and drums. A band you don’t typically find in a small community like Goree, or even a county proudly supporting 3719 citizens.  But once a year, Goree and the Knox County Visioning Group role out the red carpet just for the holidays. And this year is no exception.

“We are so proud to bring such a high quality band to Knox County,” said Ms. Jimi Coplen, Community Development Director for the Knox County Visioning Group. “Last year, I was amazed at the quality of the music. I couldn’t wait to have them back this year.”

The Bob Wills’ sound and style live deep in the heart of most of these musicians who have played it for years. But there will also be some classic country tunes, some big band, and a little Cajun sound thrown in for fun. “Fiddle player and vocalist Wade Landry does some neat Cajun music. He has his own show in Branson. The crowd will love him,” said JW Sollis, who put this band together.  Other musicians include Ginny Mac, Ronny Dale Shultz, Steve Ham, Wendell Sollis, Bob Baker, Larry Reed, Dale Morris Jr., Ron Ellis, Terry Thompson and Darrel Sparkman.

The All Star Band deserves the name and they are sure to not disappoint. This will be a night to be remembered for years to come. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at the door this Friday night, December 16, in Goree starting at 8:00 p.m. For more information call 940-459-4121. 

Cowboy Christmas Ball Coming Back to Goree!

Are you already lamenting about the holiday season and wondering what to do with your in-laws or Aunt Mary?  Fret no longer!  Make plans now to attend the 2^nd Annual Cowboy Christmas Ball in Goree, Texas, on December 16, 2011.

Get ready for some toe tapping, boot-scooting, fiddlin’ music this holiday season. The "ALL STAR BAND" is back for a night of Bob Wills, Classical Country, Big Band, and Cajun music. You can sit back, clap your hands, tap your toes, and dance the night away. This family friendly event is a definite crowd pleaser.

Hambone 

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This years 10-member-band is packed full of talent. “Wade Landry and Dale Morris, Jr., are two of the most outstanding fiddle players of our time,” said producer JW Sollis.  JW’s son, Wendell Sollis, is an excellent musician and will be joining the band on the banjo.  Crowell, Texas, native, Ronny Dale Shultz will be playing lead guitar and serving as leader of the band. Larry Reed will be on the saxophone, Steve Ham on trombone, Bob Baker on steel guitar, Terry Thompson on drums, and Ron Ellis on bass. The lovely and talented Ginny Mac, the only female in the band, will be playing keyboard and singing vocals.  “Everyone loves Ginny. Her voice reminds you of someone out of the 1940s,” said Sollis. And, as a special guest vocalist, Darrel Sparkman of Quanah, Texas, will be joining the band.

 The Cowboy Christmas Ball will be held on Friday night, December 16, 2011, starting at 8:00 p.m., at the Knox Prairie Events Center in Goree, Texas, on Highway 277 in Knox County.  The building, formally the Goree ISD, has been converted into an events center hosting various events throughout the year, including the Bobby Boatright Western Swing Music Camp, held this past July.

This event is too amazing to miss out on, so don’t wait until the busy holiday season to get your tickets!  Get them now by calling 940-839-7870, or going online at http://cowboychristmasball.eventbrite.com. Cash, check and credit cards accepted. Table sponsorships for 10 or more are available by calling 940-459-4121.  Follow this event on facebook at “Cowboy Christmas Ball”. For more information, contact JW Sollis at 940-839-7870 or the KCVG at 940-459-4121. 

Go Change the World Today

KCVG to meet Sept. 15th at Quality Implement

The next KCVG meeting is set for September 15th in Munday.  We will meet at Quality Implement on Highway 277 at 4:00 p.m. sharp.  Randy Cypert is going to give us a tour of their facility and tell us some of the neat things they do out there.  Quality Implement is a large company and extremely important to the vitality of Knox County.  If you know a farmer that might like to join us, feel free to invite them. Many of them already use Quality Implement but they would still enjoy hearing more about their products and services.  After we finish our tour, we will go to their downtown location to continue our meeting. 

Please mark your calendars to attend, invite a friend, and take a minute to learn about interesting things going on in your own backyard. You are the best representation for the county. When someone asks, "Hey, what is there to do this weekend in Knox County?" You will be able to tell them! Between each of the cities, there is usually an event taking place somewhere in the county!  The KCVG is always excited to hear about what projects or ideas you have in the works, so please join us at a monthly meeting and let us know about them. 

Business Management Workshop Scheduled for August 30th in Goree

      Being in business is no easy task, just ask anyone who is self-employed. Managing cash flow, finding a skilled labor force, honest employees, and keeping everyone working is not as simple as you might think. So, how do people do it?  How do they keep their head above water and stay on-task day to day?

     The Knox County Visioning Group will be discussing this topic in their next Business Development Workshop. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be on hand to cover the topic of business management and best practices.  They can answer questions that all small or large businesses have from business planning to tips and tricks for managing your business more efficiently.

     The SBDC specializes in business planning for companies that employee one person or 1000. All their services are free of charge. They have offices located in Abilene and Lubbock.  They can help you design a simple budget or an elaborate business plan. For more information, check them out at http://www.ttusbdc.org/abilene/.

     This workshop is the fourth in a series hosted by the KCVG. It will be held August 30, 2011, in Goree at the Knox Prairie Events Center (cafeteria room), 820 W. Holly Street, from 6-7 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  Door prizes are given out at each meeting as well as attendance prizes at the end of the year for those who have been faithful attendees. The workshops are free to attend. They are intended for training businesses and individuals in best practices. For more information, call 940-459-4121. 

KCVG Meeting Thursday at Front Porch Quilts

Knox County Visioning Group

Thursday, August 18, 2011

4:00 p.m. Benjamin, Front Porch Quilts

Agenda

Program

Tour - We will meet at Front Porch Quilts in Benjamin. Pam Duke will give us a tour of her business and tell us about what they do. We will then convene our meeting in her back meeting room. 

Share the News - Time for each organization or company to give an update their upcoming events.

KCVG Upcoming Events

1. Business Development Workshops -  Business Management (August 30)
2. County-wide Brochure update
3. Cowboy Christmas Ball - December 16 - Update and Sponsor Forms
4. TMCN Annual Conference - October 19th - Abilene Civic Center
5. Discuss dates for KCVG 2012 Planning Meeting

Next KCVG meeting will be 

September 15th in Munday at Quality Implement.

Knox County Brochure in the Making

The Knox County Visioning Group has embarked on an exciting, new project: a county-wide brochure! This brochure will feature all of Knox County and its assets. The KCVG is projecting a fall debut for the brochure.  A participation form has been mailed to all businesses throughout the county.

“The KCVG has discussed the need for a brochure many times, but now we are making it a reality,” said Jimi Coplen, KCVG Director. The brochure will feature advertisements of businesses county-wide as well as historical attractions. A detailed county map will also be included as well as a list of accommodations and restaurants. 

The brochure will be distributed at Chambers of Commerce throughout the county as well as high traffic areas such as motels, restaurants and convenient stores. It will serve as a tool for anyone who needs a map or a list of services available in the county. “The maps are useful to industry throughout the county as well as visitors. This year, the Texas Forest Service utilized county maps to find various county roads during the fires. That is just one way it can be used,” said Ms. Coplen. 

All businesses in Knox County should have received notice of the brochure by mail. If you did not receive one, please call the KCVG office.  Sarah Reeves, KCVG summer intern is following up with local businesses by phone and email. “We don’t want to leave anyone out that wishes to participate,” said Coplen. The brochure will likely have a shelf life of two years.  

The deadline for advertisements has been extended to August 5. After that the KCVG will be working on the historical information as well as getting maps ready. Once all elements are complete, the brochure will be printed and distributed in the late fall. “It is a fantastic project that we are excited to see come to fruition,” said Coplen. For more information, call 940-459-4121. 

Check out These Great Events! Adventure Awaits!

For more information, check us out on at www.facebook.com/kcvg.catch.the.vision.

Bobby Boatright Music Camp - July 10-14

Interested in learning to play the guitar or fiddle? Then you won't want to miss the 11th Annual Bobby Boatright Music Camp slated for July 10-14, 2011 at the Knox Prairie Event's Center in Goree, Texas. Come and learn western swing from legends! Guitar and fiddle lessons will be taught by Glenn Mclaughlin, Ronny Dale Shultz, Jess Meadors and more. Cost to attend the camp is $425. There are 30 slots available at this time. Please contact us for an application. 


The camp is put on by J.W. Sollis Productions from Crowell, Texas. http://www.sollisproductions.com/


For more information and articles about past events, check out Bobby Boatright Music Camp on Facebook! Click on the Facebook link on the right side of this page. 

KCVG Monthly Meeting Recap

The KCVG met on Thursday, March 24^th at the Wichita Brazos Museum in Benjamin. Mary Jane Young told the group about the humble beginnings of the historical commission and museum being housed in the courthouse, and later opening this magnificent building in June 2009.

Emily Nelson, Director of the Knox City Chamber of Commerce handed out a 2011 calendar of events for the Knox City Chamber. She also reported on her chamber banquet that honored the energy businesses in Knox City. They had 160 people in attendance. She also reminded the group about the TxDOT meeting that was set for 6:30 pm that evening in Knox City to discuss the street and sidewalk project.

Mitzi Welch, Benjamin Chamber president reported that the Benjamin Chamber is seeking funding for a metal cowboy statue that will be placed on the corner of Hwy 82 and 6. Mr. Barrington out of Throckmorton will build this statue.

Jimi Coplen, KCVG Director discussed the upcoming Yes You Can! Program that will be starting soon. This program is done in conjunction with the AgriLife Extension Service. Lorrie Coop will be doing the classroom side of this soon with high school kids. The KCVG will use remaining grant funds to help pay students salaries to work in area businesses. There are fewer grant dollars this year, so the program will be smaller. We will be seeking out kids who need a job for the summer and employers who would like to hire them.

Ms. Coplen also reported the upcoming welding class that will start in April. Ads are running in both newspapers. The class is limited to 15 students and will cost $150 per student.

Ms. Coplen also discussed the April Business Development Workshop. The topic of this workshop will be Customer Service and Hospitality Training. It will be held in Munday at the Perry Patton Center on April 26^th from 6-7 p.m. People are encouraged to tell business owners and friends about the workshop, and the possibility of sending employees.

The first annual Knox County Adventure Days is slated for June 17-19. This will be a heritage tourism event, exposing people to what is available in their own backyard. The group is working on a photography scavenger hunt, an amazing race, a 5K race, a hiking trip, and more. A committee is being formed to hash out details of this event. Anyone wishing to help plan this event is encouraged to contact the KCVG.

The KCVG Summer Internship through Ogallala Commons deadline was extended to April 15^th. It was originally set for March 25^th. Juniors and seniors as well as college kids are welcome to apply. Applications can be found at high schools as well as the KCVG office in the courthouse in Benjamin.

The group discussed the upcoming Summer Music Camp. We are still awaiting details on a final date. The KCVG will be helping with this event. The Knox Prairie Events Center has added 8 showers and additional furniture to their dorm rooms and accommodations will be even better this year. Last year’s camp hosted around 15 students. We would like to get 50 people signed up this year. The registration fee covers room and board as well as instructor’s fees for four days of camp. No age limit or prior music experience is needed. More details to come.

Additional flyers were shared about upcoming events such as:

• ·      Texas Midwest Community Network Luncheon in Stamford on March 30^th from 11:30-1:15.
• ·      Texas Midwest Community Network meeting on How to Create a Local Leadership Training Program, March 31^st from 5-7 at the WCTCOG Board Room in Abilene.
• ·      Rain Water Harvesting Program on April 8 at 6pm at the Perry Patton in Munday.
• ·      A Texas Rural Leadership Program being offered through Cisco College. The class will be held once a month for 8 months. This class is open to anyone wishing to learn more about leadership. The price is $320 to attend.

The KCVC is made up of various entities, businesses and individuals from each city in the county.  Sponsors investing in this community include Knox County, the Munday Development Corporation, the Knox City Economic Development Corporation, the City of Munday, the City of Knox City, the City of Goree, Quality Implement, First National Bank, Citizen’s Bank, Knox County Hospital, Knox County Abstract, AEP and Circle Bar Ranch.  The KCVC meets monthly and is open to anyone wishing to get involved in community and economic development in Knox County.

Welding Course Begins Soon

Ever wish you knew a little bit more about welding? Now is your chance. The Knox County Visioning Group will be hosting a 40-hour welding course for anyone wanting to learn to weld. The course will be taught by Rick Moeller and will start in April.

The course will cost $150 per student and will consist of 10 classes at four hours each. Students will learn various beginning welding techniques. The course is limited to 15 students. You must be at least 15 years of age to take the course.

Employers are encouraged to send employees. This will help them be more versatile as well as learn a new skill that could potentially benefit your company.

To register for this class, please call the KCVG at 940-459-4121 or visit www.facebook.com/kcvg.catch.the.vision for more information. 

Ogallala Commons Partners with KCVG to Build Community Internships

Ogallala Commons (www.ogallalacommons.org), a nonprofit community resource network working in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, is working with the Knox County Visioning Group to create a community internship in 2011 for motivated youth and college students.  Through this program, summer interns have the opportunity to carry out projects that add value to their local communities and institutions, while interns gain skill development, paid work experience, and hometown career exploration opportunities.

Since 2007, Ogallala Commons has created 54 internships in 5 states that provided enterprising youth and adults with a paid work experience, plus hands-on learning about the wealth, potential, and challenges of their hometowns.  Community Internships build a diverse range of skills for interns in community development projects, leadership development, entrepreneurship, nonprofit outreach, agricultural careers, health care, renewable energy, social networking, and rebuilding local food systems.  In addition to workplace skills, these internships offer networking with other rural interns working in 6 adjoining states--opening doors to new learning opportunities after the internship, while providing good experiences for job searching and resume building.

Ogallala Commons Community Internships can range from four weeks to ten weeks during the summer, and are available for students ranging from juniors in high school to college and graduate students. In addition to specific projects and activities, interns supervised by Ogallala Commons are exposed to eight experiences essential to living in the Great Plains: rebuilding local food systems, conserving natural resources, learning and sharing local history, youth engagement and entrepreneurship, community development and nonprofit work, public speaking, fostering a sense of place, and designing a career path.

Ogallala Common's main funding partner for creating Community Internships is CHS Foundation, the major giving entity of CHS, an energy, grains and foods company with a stewardship focus of building vibrant communities.

For more information about the KCVG and Ogallala Commons Community Internship, contact Jimi Coplen at 940-459-4121.  Also visit http://www.ogallalacommons.org/communityinterns.html  to learn more about the program, or to read blogs and see photos of what interns have accomplished in past years.

The annual Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show is this Saturday. Don't miss it!

Work, Live and Thrive in Knox County

County-wide Job Fair

Are you an individual in search of a job?  Are you a business owner who is desperate to find some employees? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to come and check out the KCVC Job Fair on March 3, 2011, at the Munday Events Center (formally the Young Farmers Barn) from 6 – 9 p.m.

The Knox County Visioning Team is hosting the job fair to help businesses find qualified workforce in the area and help job seekers find employment.  The job fair environment helps match local businesses with the perfect applicant. It allows applicants the convenience of knowing what jobs exist throughout the county in one, convenient location. It also offers people information on education opportunities and training that is available to them. It's a win-win opportunity for everyone.   

The public is invited to attend free of charge. Even if you are not seeking employment, please stop by.  There will be agencies on hand like Workforce Solutions, Vernon College and TSTC to discuss training opportunities, education opportunities and more.  The Munday and Knox City Development Corporations will also be on hand to discuss various businesses opportunities that are needed in their communities.  The KCVG will also be taking applications for a summer internship.

Are you considering expanding your business? Are you opening a new business? Will you need seasonal employees? If your business is looking for employees for any reason then you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Businesses can set up a table, interview applicants and even hire right on the spot. Or, they can meet potential employees and set up a time to come back for an interview.  The cost to set up a table is $25. 

If you are looking for a job, simply show up March 3, 2011, at the Munday Events Center between the hours of 6 – 9 p.m.  Bringing a resume is not required, but it can be helpful when talking to businesses. Most businesses will have their own applications and are more interested in meeting you.  Remember, some may want to interview you on the spot, so dress accordingly. Also, if you aren’t looking for a job, but are curious about what kind of jobs are available in Knox County, come and take a look.  

The KCVC is made up of various entities, businesses and individuals from each city in the county.  Sponsors investing in this community include Knox County, the Munday Development Corporation, the Knox County Development Corporation, the City of Munday, the City of Knox City, the City of Goree, Quality Implement, First National Bank, Citizen’s Bank, Knox County Abstract, AEP and Circle Bar Ranch.  The KCVC meets monthly and is open to anyone wishing to get involved in community and economic development in Knox County.

Please contact the KCVC Director, Jimi Coplen at 940-459-4121 for more information. 

Find the KCVG at the San Antonio Stock Show

Will you be at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo this Saturday? If so, stop by the Texas Experience pavilion and see us. The Knox County Visioning Group will have some great give away items, plus you can see why we like to call it "Adventure County".  Check out the map below to see exactly how to find us.  We will only be there for one day - this Saturday, Feb. 19th, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Stop in and say hi!

Brine Lake

Imagine being able to salt water fish in Knox County!  This could be a reality if someone had a passion for starting a fishery at Brine Lake in Truscott, Texas.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Duke, who is the project manager at Brine Lake.  We discussed the potential this lake has for Knox County.  Due to the large salt content, oceanic fish could live here.  However, this endeavor would have to be started by an experienced individual with an entrepreneurial vision for this type of work.

There is also the option of solar ponds for producing electricity. And, I'm sure there are many other entrepreneurial type endeavors just waiting to be explored. We just need some creative folks to explore the possibilities. 

If you know someone who might be interested in starting a business like a fishery, please tell them about Brine Lake.   The Knox County Visioning Group can help them explore the options of getting started.  

This is just one way to live out your dream in Knox County!  If you are interested in starting any type of business here,  please talk to any member of the Knox County Visioning Group. We would love to help you get started. 

Taking Action in 2011

Welcome to 2011. It came fast and will leave just as quickly. That is why it is so important to plan your 2011 goals now. Don't wait.

Take five minutes and think about these things to get started:  Where would you like your business or organization to be this time next year? What projects would you like to mark off your list of things to do?  How will you get those things done?  Think about what steps or action you can implement to get there. Write it down, and try to see it through.  It doesn't have to be big and grand. The key is implementation.  How will you break it down into feasible steps?

If you need a little inspiration for goals, I would highly recommend subscribing to this web site:  http://smallbiztrends.com  It is full of great ideas for small businesses and organizations.  I literally can't stop reading it.  You won't regret it and might even find yourself stepping outside the box just a little.

Mark your calendars for January 20th for the next KCVG meeting in Goree at the bank building (Trainham Ice) at 3:30 p.m.  We will be discussing our 2011 Plan of Action which has some pretty cool stuff in it.  Also, January 24th for an Issues Identification meeting hosted by AgriLIFE Extension. This is your opportunity to discuss the issues you feel are prevalent to Knox County.  (More information coming soon!)

Hope to see you there.