By Toni Cole
Sadly, the June Mixer turned out to be one of Executive Director Mary Bass' last official events. Mary has decided to retire and spend her time with husband Gene enjoying their home on Lake Fork. Mary's smile and pleasant demeanor made her an asset to the Chamber and a joy to be around. She will be greatly missed. In the meantime, Toni Cole has assumed the role of Executive Director on a temporary basis.
Weekly drawings for $100.00 continue to bring a lot of foot traffic into the chamber office. Experience Quitman Ca$h is in its 14th week and is more popular than ever. To be eligible, a person simply needs to spend $20.00 or more at a Quitman area business (utilities are excluded) and bring the receipt (on which they have written their name and phone number) into the chamber office before 2pm each Wednesday. Receipts can be dropped in the outside mail receptacle after office hours. June's prize sponsors include the Chamber of Commerce, Papadales, and KD Tire.
The Chamber welcomed new member Lake Fork Creek Steak and Seafood with a ribbon cutting on June 24th. Several chamber directors were on hand along with Miss Dogwood, Leslie White to help owner Seth Bowdoin "cut the ribbon".
A Bluegrass Show is planned for Saturday, June 26 at 7:00pm at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman and will feature entertainers Mack Smith of Chandler and On My Way from Longview. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and children under 12 are free. For more information, please contact Mack Smith at 903-852-6588 or Daisy Smith at 903-714-5248.
July promises to be equally as busy. A ribbon cutting is planned for July 8th at noon at Oak Ridge Marina on Lake Fork. Everyone is invited to come out and help welcome the Chamber of Commerce's newest member.
Experience Quitman Ca$h drawings will continue weekly with prize sponsors for the month including the Chamber of Commerce, BTP Services and Quitman Chiropractic. If you are a customer of these businesses, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate them participating in the Quitman Ca$h program.
The Yantis Catfish Classic on Lake Fork will be taking place July 24 and 25. Entry forms are available at www.lakeforksa.com. With a guaranteed payout of $26,000.00 the event promises to be very popular and of course, the Chamber of Commerce will be on hand with lots of "freebies" and information.
Quitman Community Theater is currently in rehearsals for their 18th production, Two By Two, a musical by Richard Rodgers. Two By Two, under the direction of the very talented Bob Hibbard is the touching story of Noah and the Ark and features local talent including Miles Mutchler, Cora Beaty, Keith Haisten, Kay McEntire, Micah Brooks, Hannah Graham, Brett Murphy and Candace Brooks. Performances are scheduled for July 30, 31 and August 1,6,7, and 8. For more information, you may call 903-967-2164.
Preparations and planning has begun for Bingo in the Park during the Old Settlers Reunion, coming up August 4-7. The Chamber of Commerce is in need of volunteers to help with Bingo. If you are interested, please call the Chamber office at 903-763-4411.
It is the Chamber's desire to serve the needs of the community and its businesses. Comments and suggestions on how we can better serve you are always welcome.
















Week 13 Experience Quitman Ca$h winner Byerlene Ropel (right) is shown accepting $100.00 from Chamber of Commerce Chairman Gina Lange.