The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly luncheon this Friday, August 16th at the Brownwood Country Club from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.  The luncheon, which is open to members and guests, will feature Randy Thomas from the Tarleton Small Business Development Center giving an overview of how to disaster-proof a business.

Each year disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires force thousands of businesses to close temporarily. But even more common events, such as building fires, power outages and freeze damage can cause the same result. At least 25 percent of those businesses that close following these events never re-open. Randy Thomas with the Tarleton Small Business Development Center will be presenting a program on increasing chances of recovery by “Disaster-Proofing Your Small Business.”

Thomas serves Brown County, and the Tarleton Small Business Development Center and its representatives cover 10 counties and over 360,000 persons. It is a non-profit partnership between Tarleton State University and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC works to provide the tools to grow startups and existing small businesses, and ensure they remain viable and profitable.

This month’s luncheon is sponsored by Baird Brothers Express Car Wash. Table Sponsors are: Elliott Electric Supply, Guardian EMS and Main Street Car Wash. Door Prizes have been sponsored by: Baird Brothers Express Car Wash, Brownwood Reunion Celebration, Dumas Portraits, MAK Images, Trees Forever Nursery and West/Central Valuation Services. The cost of the luncheon is $12 per person to be paid at the door.  Anyone interested in attending the luncheon is urged to RSVP to the Chamber by calling 325-646-9535. You can also register online on the Chamber’s website: www.brownwoodchamber.org.