In its monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 21, the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce discussed fund-raising ideas, the 2019 Barbecue Cook-off, and the possibility of a local tiny house expo in 2020.
Betsy Arnold reported that the 2019 Barbecue Cook-off was set for June 21-22, 2019, and the show barn in Swenson Park had been secured for those dates.
There was discussion among the group about the growing number of tiny house expos around the country. Members mentioned that Spur’s distinction as the first proclaimed tiny-house welcoming city in the nation should be a draw for any such event.
“Spur is still the only town that lets you build a tiny house in its city limits,” said local builder Danny Shallenberg, who was on hand to offer comment.
Chamber president Steve Bridges said he had been in touch with the United Tiny House Association, which puts on trade shows in Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.
“They aren’t doing any more for 2019, but they would be open to Texas next year,” Bridges said. He noted that this is a turnkey operation which produces the event itself. It brings in tiny house exhibitors, food vendors, and experts on products and services for tiny houses and tiny house celebrities.
According to the United Tiny House Association website, to date, over $500,000 from the proceeds of UTHA’s 12 for-charity tiny house festivals has been donated and contributed to over 70 different charities, nonprofits, and causes and to the host communities where their events have been held.
In other Chamber action, the group discussed general fundraising. One of the ideas that they considered was a monthly bingo supper that could be hosted at the community center.
The group then talked about staffing the welcome center. Bridges said that the center had been drawing in three to five visitors per week stopping in to learn information about moving here, or opening businesses in Spur.
To that end, the group began discussing and compiling a list of commercial properties that could be easily renovated for new business prospects.
Finally, the group brainstormed possible businesses that are needed in Spur. There was discussion about something for youth to do, a gym, an extension of a community college to help train Certified Nurses Aides or LVN’s which are in constant demand from area hospitals, clinics and home health care agencies.
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