The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce might be one of the biggest little chambers in the country, what with all the activities, programs and special events it hosts from year to year.
So says Chamber President Linda Wyse, just finishing up her second year as leader.
"Our annual banquet is coming up on April 6 at the Elk Meadows Ranch between state Highway 990 and U.S. Interstate 30," Wyse said. "Each of us on the Chamber board serve three years, which are staggered out so not everyone goes off the 120-member board, including the president, at the same time."
Wyse was born and raised in DeKalb but today lives there by choice, after living and working 27 years in Austin, in the regional office for Farmers Insurance. She returned originally to care for her aging mother but stayed because DeKalb has always felt like "home" to her.
"I joined the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce just to support the community and because it seemed the right thing to do," she explained. "They (other Chamber members) asked me if I'd allow my name to be put on the ballot to become a board member in 2009, and I said, 'Sure, OK.' One thing led to another and I became Chamber president in 2011."
She has the distinction of becoming the first black president of the Chamber, which made her surprised and proud.
"I was surprised because I was the first black president elected to the Chamber board after so many years since the Civil Rights Act was passed in the mid-1960s, and proud for exactly the same reason," she said with a smile.
The Chamber hosts regular open meetings on the third Thursday of every month in the Williams House Museum on the east end of DeKalb on U.S. Highway 82. There are usually several items of business and/or activities to discuss, similar to but different from DeKalb City Council meetings.
"The City Council discusses issues concerning the community and the Chamber of Commerce discusses ways to bring the community together," Wyse said. "We get to do all the fun stuff that goes on around town every year."
Christmas in DeKalb, for example, is held just before Christmas every year with a parade and many community events throughout the downtown area, and specifically in the Reed V Building and the Telford Building next door where vendors display booths and wares.
Oktoberfest might be the biggest draw where residents throughout Bowie County (and even up into bordering counties in Oklahoma) come to DeKalb for a week of frivolity and entertainment.
"Oktoberfest is big, huge," Wyse said. "One year, we had over 5,000 visitors who came for the carnival we have during Oktoberfest every year and all the vendors up and down the main streets in downtown DeKalb, with everything from quilting to art shows to woodworking and productions at our State Theater located in the center of town and hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. The State Theater might be our most active current project for the Chamber."
Wyse remembers State Theater when it was a movie theater when she was growing up.
The Chamber took over the building several years ago and converted it into a theater where live shows are held monthly, from music shows to live theater to magic acts.
"Last October, we had a magic show by Darryl Miller at the State Theater," Wyse said. "He was the same gentleman who held a magic show there during Oktoberfest and the crowd loved it.
"Whenever we have events at the theater, you can get a dinner and show for the evening. The Chamber bought the old theater several years ago. We had our first event there during Oktoberfest a couple years ago, and it was such a big hit, we started doing shows and events once a month."
However, the theater is in need of renovating, which is the Chamber's current project. Any donations or fundraisers would be appreciated, not just from herself but the whole community, Wyse said.
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show is also a big hit, drawing people in from New Boston and beyond, practically from all areas of Bowie County and neighboring counties. The all-volunteer DeKalb Fire Department recently moved into new quarters on the far west end of DeKalb where there is a large, open field spread out in front of it and across from TEXAR Credit Union, where Wyse has worked as service representative for the past eight years.
"There are cars lined up on both sides of the highway (82) for as far as you can see in either direction," Wyse said. "There's a big concession stand serving hot dogs, drinks and popcorn and a couple of our Chamber girls go car-to-car selling concession products.
"I really do love it here (in DeKalb)," Wyse said. "I'm always looking for ways to give back to the community that is my home."