All About

Brownsville

& Haywood County

January 13, 2006

Volume 2, Issue 2

A willingness to “undertake a service or duty” earned Tennessee the nickname Volunteer State. I’d be willing to bet that the vast majority of those men who bravely volunteered during the War of 1812 and the Mexcian War have Haywood County roots. Why? Because they gave “freely and without compulsion.” According to Webster’s Dictionary that’s the definition of a volunteer. I think it should read something like this — Volunteer n: Haywood Countian; vb: to offer oneself. Makes sense to me. You prove it time and time again. A perfect example is the overwhelming number of individuals who answered the simple request for Christmas decorations. Those donations turned an empty building into Brownsville’s Enchanted Forest. I could list so many examples, but instead, I’d just like to say a simple “thank you.” Thanks to all of you who give freely of your time, money and expertise. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Monday, January 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observed

A Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held at Carver High School, 709 East Jefferson Street, Monday, January 16. This year’s theme is “What would King do now?” The program will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a march at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 772-3116.

News

Customer Service Seminar

The public is invited to a Customer Service Seminar on Wednesday, February 1. Sponsored by Brownsville Business Development and the Chamber of Commerce, participants can choose to attend the morning class from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., or the afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. This seminar is for retailers, service-oriented business people or anyone who deals with the public. State Economic Development Specialist Ramay Winchester will be the guest speaker. Seating is limited; please call the chamber (772-2193) to register before January 27. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-chamber members.

Brag on Brownsville

Uphold our traditions …

Embrace change

Since beginning his job as Director of Business Development in late October 2005, Richard Carraway has been a very busy man. “It wasn’t what I was expecting,” says Carraway of the first two months on the job. “The holiday season was here and a lot of the downtown Christmas events had not been planned. But we got in a hurry and put it together.”

All in all, Carraway is pleased with how well everything came together. He says he is still getting comments from people who enjoyed the activities and is proud of how the community stepped forward to help. Carraway is especially proud of how well downtown merchants did during this time. Many businesses saw 20 percent increases over last year’s sales and one business had an increase of 50 percent. “Local retailers are our base — they make us who we are. We have to work with our people and help them be the best they can be.”

When asked to look ahead, Carraway is very optimistic. “I see all kinds of opportunities and challenges and it’s all up to us. A community has to get involved and pull together for its own betterment.” He finds it hard to be specific about goals right now, with the holidays behind him, he is just starting to settle in and see the big picture.

There is, however, one thing that he is sure of, “We need to uphold our traditions while embracing change.” Carraway explains that local businesses should continue to employ practices that have proven successful over the years, but also be open to changes that will help draw more business for Brownsville and Haywood County.

In the coming year, Carraway hopes to provide the support that local retailers need. “By Re-educating, both the public and businesses, we can begin thinking about what’s best for the community and make positive changes in that direction.” Plans for a Merchant’s Association is in the works and a seminar on customer service is already planned for February.

Carraway believe the future is bright for the business environment of Brownsville and Haywood County. “We have a great quality of life here and we need to let everyone know it.”

A Special Thank You!

Santa’s Helpers

Lots of volunteers deserve special thanks for helping to make our downtown Christmas celebration a big success. If I leave anyone’s name out, please forgive me, but know that your contribution to Brownsville and Haywood County does make a difference and is very much appreciated.

Rex and Michael Barnes: For the carriage rides all three Thursday nights.

Eddie Stewart: For donating the use of his building on North Lafayette for Brownsville’s Enchanted Forest.

Big E: For donating his time as Santa and making a lot of little boys and girls very happy.

Bubba Shirley: For setting up his trains and spending his time each Thursday night running them for the delight of all.

Betty Ammons, Marian Carraway, Maxine English, Betty Anne English, Joyce Hale, Rita Hathcock, Daniel Thornton and countless other volunteers: For the many hours spent setting up the Enchanted Forest and helping on Thursday nights to ensure everyone enjoyed their time visiting with Santa and exploring all the wonderful Christmas exhibits.

Brownsville Businesses: For staying open extended hours and supporting the different activities happening all over town.

The Community: For donating all the wonderful decorations that made the Enchanted Forest come to life and for Shopping Brownsville — West Tennessee’s Best Kept Secret!

Boys & Girls Club Windows of Hope Sponsors

Thank you to the following sponsors who not only helped to light up the windows of the Haywood County Courthouse during the holiday season, but who are providing hope for Haywood County youth with their donations to the Boys and Girls Club.

Silver Sponsors:

Banks Law Firm

Audrey, Bonita & Jocelyn Blue: In Memory of Wilbert Meux & Elgia Blue

Brownsville Mini Warehouses

D/HCT/Carver Alumni Association

John A. Duckworth

First United Methodist Church Young Adult Class

Haywood Company

Hickory Grove M.B. Church

C. Thomas Hooper III

Allen & Patsy King

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation: In Memory of Board Members Robert M. Turner & John T. Marshall

Twelfth Review Club

Gold Sponsors:

Haywood Park Community Hospital

Pearlie Hess & Family: In Memory of Fred D. Hess

Richard & Jane Jameson: In Honor of Harriett, Mary Richard, Martha Jane & Patsy

Will & Susan Jones

Judge & Mrs. Lyle Reid

Charles & Alice Sullivan

Curves of Brownsville, The Treasure Chest, Ben & Buena Montgomery & First Care Medical Group: In Memory of Coty Peete

Help get the word out!

If your group, church or organization is planning a special event that the public is invited to, please e-mail: events@allaboutbrownsville.net. Let’s get the word out about all the great things happening here.

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Published by Outlaw Design Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Editor

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