Business community shows positive growth

As the Chamber moves into the New Year they will take some time to do the one thing that can help to build a better future for our organization and community. “Before we can look ahead we must look back and evaluate our hits and misses. Only then can we begin to build plans for the future,” stated volunteer Chamber President, Jennifer Ross.

In business, there was positive growth. New ownership of both Grace Tanning (formerly Hot Topic) and KC’s Brickstreet Bar and Grill (formerly KC’s Tin Roof) meant that two downtown staples are continuing to grow and expand.

Wills Point also welcomed Ramsey’s Roadhouse & Grill, BB Nails, The Print Project, Escape Day Spa and Terra’s to the business landscape. The night life potential has definitely expanded, which is an exciting prospect.

The Best Western Plus Hotel received a positive vote on the May ballot for funding and breaking ground is on the horizon. Future growth is evident as the Wills Point Ford property has sold to make space for new business opportunities.

Brick$ Buck$, the signature marketing program for the holiday season, was a huge success for the second year in a row with “shop local” continuing to be the focus. We gave $5000 away to our winner, Jimmy Sheppard Jr. and $500 to our winning business partner Fairway Shoe Store.

This program was 100% self-supported by the business buy-in and every penny was spent on the program itself. It is so important to stress that it is NOT a “fundraiser” for the Chamber, but was a six-week marketing campaign for our town utilizing print, radio and electronic media marketing. Wills Point came out in support of this effort. Once again we enjoyed exceptional regional visibility and best of all, generated some fun and excitement with the participation of the people. The businesses who participated and sponsored this activity are to be commended for their commitment to helping build a better Wills Point.

There were certainly challenges in 2015. The largest of these seemed to be Mother Nature. Anyone who plans events can tell you, the most unforgiving challenge that can be faced is the weather. From the deluge downpour of the Junk Rodeo in April to the deluge in October that made changing the venue of BOO on the Bricks necessary to the heavily forecasted storms that came in mid-day at Christmas on the Bricks, the consistent forecast for 2015 was rain. Being flexible and overcoming those challenges, the events moved forward and overall were successful, though attendance was lower than expected.

The Chamber members are so important to the process of growth. For the first time ever, in September the City of Wills Point approved a resolution for Chamber Day. On that day the Chamber Directors and volunteers “hit the bricks” to visit as many Chamber members as possible with the goal being information sharing. While providing information about the Chamber, events and our community, a survey was taken to evaluate the business temperature and find out what our businesses liked, didn’t like and what we could do in the future to best meet their needs. Chamber Day 2 is being planning for 2016 to continue to reach out to and touch every business possible in Wills Point to continue this trend of making connections.

Every facet of the community, from the city of Wills Point to the EDC and the Chamber to the local organizations, have their individual focuses and come together to make the overall success of the town. The Chamber is the marketing arm that works for the business members and Wills Point as a whole. Creative ideas, suggestions, constructive criticism and especially volunteers are all necessary for us to learn and grow. Anyone is invited to have input into our events and activities by taking a few minutes to share ideas, questions, concerns or praise via email to contact@willspointchamber.com.