A new collection of officers took the helm of the Aubrey 380 Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual meeting held Jan. 21: Shannon Black as president, Jeff Croswell as vice president, Pamela Shelton as treasurer and Jennifer Bland as secretary.
As people ate, Black reflected on the busy 2025 year for the Chamber.
“We did seven beer gardens; that included our summer music series,” Black said. “We did the benefit for the Kerrville floods. We did that back in June. We did the Cross Roads Founders [Day]. We did Veterans Day, and we did the Peanut Festival, so this year we're going to keep up with that same thing.”
Local business owners gathered for the lunch and networking event hosted by the Chamber to discuss business updates and upcoming events.
Shelton sponsored catering from Dos Mezclas Restaurant and Bar and shared her excitement about celebrating her 10year anniversary as a Realtor on March 31.
Before lunch was served, Black welcomed new members to the Aubrey Chamber, and the three newest members introduced themselves.
Kelli Whatley spoke about her new preschool and early learning center in Providence Village, Ivy Kids.
Sherry Smalling, who owns travel agency Lifetime Travel, recently moved to the area.
Sharon Bonner discussed her barbecue business, Got Fired Bar-B-Q, in Aubrey.
Additionally, Don Richmond from DATCU Credit Union presented the Teacher of the Month award, highlighting the credit union’s values of community and supporting local schools. The award was given to special education teacher Jane Schaab from McNabb Middle School.
Richmond shared a statement from Schaab’s principal, Dr. Heather Vandiver.
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“This is what she had to say about Ms. Schaab,” he said. “Jane Schaab was selected as DATCU Teacher of the Month because of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and advocacy for students and staff at McNabb. As our resource special education, reading and language arts teacher, … and special education department head for the campus, Ms. Schaab consistently goes above and beyond to support both her students and her team.”
Chamber members also shared upcoming events, such as the North Texas Bridal Show at Enchanted Garden, hosted by Bud and Brenda Baker of Oak + Ivy Venue in Aubrey, scheduled from 1-5 p.m. for Feb. 1.
“Even if you're not a bride, come on out,” Baker said. “We'll have drinks and food!”
On Feb. 7, the same venue will host the Chamber’s Casino Night, with VIP doors opening at 4 p.m. and general admission at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $60 for just general admission, and you must be 21 or older to play.
“We're selling tables, we're selling individual tickets and we also have a poker tournament going on,” Black said.
Christine Gossett, executive director of the Aubrey Municipal Development District, discussed a new program called the Aubrey Local Business Accelerator with two upcoming sessions: Feb. 4, focusing on opening a brick-and-mortar store in Aubrey, and Feb. 11, covering the pros and cons of franchising.
Holly Drew, executive director of the Aubrey Education Foundation, spoke about the annual gala scheduled for March 21.
The nonprofit has a history of supporting excellence in education for the students and faculty of Aubrey ISD.
“We've been around for 25 years, so it's pretty exciting,” Drew said. “We're excited to celebrate that.”
