Kyle, Texas wants Their Piece of the Pie - Officially

Kyle, Texas wants Their Piece
of the Pie - Officially

Back in April 2017, Kyle Texas City Manager Scott Sellers mentioned that the little town between Austin and San Marcos, Texas was going to make an attempt to be known, officially, as the "Pie Capital of Texas." (from the Hays Free Press). The Free Press reported about the application for that designation with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

In the first few weeks of 2018, seems that media picked up on the notion that Kyle had a real chance of becoming the Pie Capital of Texas. The City of Kyle held a "Procla-pie" on January 23, 2018 where Mayor Travis Mitchell proclaimed that day as "Pie Day" in Kyle. Several news outlets outside of Kyle ran stories (here, here, here, and here). This official announcement brought this idea to the forefront of conversation among several small business owners and residents in Kyle.

Photo by Sean Claes

Some have the argument that Kyle is a one-pie city. And honestly, they might have a point. Texas Pie Company, which has been in Kyle since 2000 is well known in the Hill Country for both their amazing pies and the ginormous slice of cherry pie that graces the building where it's located (designed by Kyle's Great Big Signs and has been featured on sites such as "Roadside America") PLUS they were the Grand Prize winners of the HEB 2016 contest "2016 Quest for Texas Best" with their Original Pie Dough Puck. If you think of pie in Kyle, Texas, at least in the last 18 years, you're thinking of Texas Pie Company. 

Although they might have a point.... I think going after this designation is kind of brilliant. For a city to brand itself (and apply for a patent) as The ____ Capital of Texas" is a bold forward step. And nobody in Texas has taken the Official Pie title? Well... that's just awesome. NOW... in order to get the designation from USPTO, it seems the businesses and folks of Kyle are going to need to work to make it happen.

And it's been happening, too. In the last few years the city has worked on embracing their association with all kinds of pie... and have made some moves to branch out from just a one-shop-stop relationship with pie in this city to a few other things.

Photo by Sean Claes

In 2017, Kyle established what they hope to be an annual hot-air balloon festival that happens over Labor Day Weekend called "Pie In The Sky." It included a pie baking contest, pie eating contest, pie baking demonstrations... as well as tons of booths and several musical acts. 

In 2016, Wallace (Kyle) and Barton (Buda) Middle Schools in Kyle  established an annual 5k run for a school fund raiser. They called it the "Pi Run" (Get it... it's like 3.14 miles!). According to race director and local community fitness non-profit For The Love Of Go's founder Jennifer Crosby,  2017 they actually renamed it the "Pie Run" and had pies at the refueling stations and participants took home pies. Neat.

For the last decade, the Kyle, Texas neighborhood of Plum Creek has held a Pie Contest as part of their "Front Porch Days" celebration.

The city is even asking locals to jump in on their own terms to commemorate March 14 (3.14 - Pi Day) by baking a pie for someone.


And, of course, it's not too much of a stretch to include savory pies which opens the door a little further for those reaching for a slice.  Kyle is not "pizza" poor by any means local pizza pie places like Pizza Classics and restaurants like Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill should get in the game, as well as the many chain pizza shops in town. There's also Milt's Pit BBQ that serves an amazing Frito Pie called the Haystack.

Since local businesses heard about the city desire to get the official pie distinction... some folks have decided to jump on the pastry bandwagon... even if they don't directly sell anything pie-related. One local realtor, Allen Deaver of Sky Realty,  is handing out personalized pies to every customer who purchases a home from him. Hampton Inn of Kyle hands out pie-shaped scented candles. Others are trying to find their piece of the pie. In fact, the City of Kyle has a new promotion where they are asking businesses to become CertiPIEd. 


Personally, I think right now is a crucial time for Kyle. The city has a chance to be known for more than a water tower and a childhood home of Katherine Anne Porter (a great author whose home is a landmark that hosts regular monthly literary readings).

I am a huge fan of Texas Pie Company (their peanut butter pie is amazing) and have been a resident of Kyle, Texas since 2001. I've watched this city grow from a modest size (about 6,000) to a city of over 34,000 residents in the last 17 years. Through the growth, I've seen the city try to hold on to that small-town feel. What's more small-town and friendly than pie?

If the business community and citizens embrace the idea with some creativity and don't "piffle and poo" this idea away, this could be a really great thing for the city.

Small Business Advice - Should You Join the Chamber of Commerce?

Chamber of Commerce – To Join or Not To Join

By Sean Claes

Working with small businesses on marketing, the question often arises, “Should I join the local Chamber of Commerce?”

My answer always depends on the business I am speaking with. While putting this article together I spoke with several business owners in the Kyle, Texas area as well as the CEO of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce. I’ve included quotes from them. Some asked to remain anonymous, so I honored their request.

There is no one good answer to the question posed, but there are a few questions to consider when making a recommendation. The questions deal with expectations and time.

What do YOU expect out of a Chamber of Commerce?

This first question to ask yourself is, why are you interested in joining a Chamber of Commerce? Do you expect a lot of personal promotion? Do you expect to gain business from the investment? Are you looking for a voice with the city you’re in and would like to join a group of others who have the ear of local, state and national government?

Kyle, Texas resident and owner of a Chick-Fil-A franchise summed up a Chamber membership this way, “Joining the local chamber of commerce shouldn't be evaluated as a revenue generating investment. Membership in the chamber is about showing support for the local business community. It's about service to a strong local economy and giving back.”

If your idea of a Chamber of Commerce membership is to use it as a personal business promotional tool… that your payment to join said chamber is akin to advertising dollars, you may be sorely disappointed. You will likely get a big “welcome to the Chamber” message that is shared with its members, maybe even on social media. If you have a storefront, you may even get a bunch of Chamber representatives into your business one time for a ribbon cutting (many chambers charge extra for this). After the ribbon is gone and the e-mail/newsletter is sent, it’s up to YOU to convert those one-off touches into customers.

One thing many don’t take into consideration is the advocacy side of Chamber membership, and if you’re a struggling small storefront business, this may not be on your radar. “The Chamber can quickly respond to legislative and administrative actions that would directly affect the interests of business in the region,” Kyle Chamber of Commerce CEO Julie Snyder said. 

What Are You Willing To Put Into It?

When your check clears and you become a member of a Chamber, your investment doesn’t end. It gains you entry into a network of businesspeople and a collective mindshare. If your business isn’t able to take advantage of this connection, a Chamber membership may not be for you. If you are willing and able to put in time, donate product or become otherwise involved in Chamber activities, your membership will usually be fruitful.

One local Kyle mom & pop storefront who doesn’t have the time or manpower to be active in the local Chamber’s events offered their opinion on membership. “We have figured out that the Chamber is not much more than a paid for networking group.  If you go to events and talk to people, you can get business one on one like that.  If you can afford it, you can sponsor events,” they said. “Other than that, it has not been of value to us.”  They preferred to remain anonymous.

This is a view that seems to be shared by many businesses that cannot take the time to be involved past their membership dues. “If you like to socialize and attend "networking" events at a cost beyond your regular membership fee, then this is for you,” another anonymous Kyle businessperson said. “If you're lucky the website will draw new business customers to you but you have to pay for any other kind of help.”

So, when thinking about joining a Chamber, think about how you can be involved as a member. “When considering membership, be looking for ways to give, whether it be time, talent or feedback, rather than looking for what you'll receive,” Baragas said.

Do you have to join a Chamber to be involved?

Events that the Chamber of Commerce hosts are almost always open to the public. There are free evening networking events at different businesses, breakfasts and lunches that are often hosted at a small cost (may be a little more for “non-members” but available) and of course there’s the big social to-dos. So, if you’re just looking for networking through the chamber, perhaps you should try going to a few of these events. Some business people find that attending these events are sufficient and they can network just fine without being an “official” member of the Chamber.

So, Should You Join a Chamber of Commerce?

That’s a big question, and it’s the question you might want to ask when you join ANY group. If you’re considering it, do yourself a favor and make an appointment with your local Chamber where you can gain a better understanding of what YOUR Chamber of Commerce does for your immediate area. Make sure your expectations line-up with the services they provide before signing on to be a member.

And remember, each business is different and each person will take their own experience from it.

The good:

“It has given us the opportunity to grow, not just as a business but on an individual level,” Greg Devonshire, owner of Kyle’s Milt’s Pit BBQ said. “It has provided us with resources to seek out professional advice as well as given us a way to give back to other members that may seek it.”

And bad:

“It may be different for others, but for us, who cannot go to events and cannot afford to be sponsors, it has not been worth it,” Anonymous.

It’s really up to you to make an informed decision.

 About The Author:

Sean Claes has worked with Mom and Pop shops, International Corporations and the Music Industry on their branding, marketing, events and communications for more than 15 years. This article is just a sample of the observations he's made over the course of that time. For more information or to see how he might be able to help grow your business, contact him at seanclaesATseanclaesDOTcom. For more small business marketing advice, please visit - http://seanclaesdotcom.blogspot.com/p/small-business-marketing.html

The Kyle, Texas Shop Local List - 2014

The 2014 Shop Local List
Keep Kyle Charming - Buy Local

Go Karting at Central Texas Speedway

By Sean Claes

I have lived in Kyle, Texas for the last 12 or so years and have watched it grow and grow. Kyle now has the numbers to support stores like HEB, Target, Ross, Lowes, Home Depot, and a slew of others... The awesome thing about THAT is when larger business move in, it makes way for the "little guy" to open up shop... but without a big national advertising budget, small owner-operator businesses sometimes struggle to let people know they exist...so I thought I'd make this list of some of the most fantastic local-to-Kyle shops. 

I wrote this thinking of shopping for Christmas presents. 

1. For salsas, honey, photos, beautiful crosses and other stocking stuffers try Cross Plants and Produce
2. For getaway present, consider Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek
3. For an awesome go-kart racing coupon: Central Texas Speedway
4. For the kiddos, how about a gift card to The Jumpy Place or music lessons at Curious Chords Music Studio at Plum Creek
5. Shopping for a lady? Try Tiaras
6. Buy a friend a hookah from The Pipe Lion
7. Bring a drinkable gift to a party for the host from FriDaze Liquor
8. Have a hunter or gun enthusiest on your list? Gun Guys & Gals
9. Maybe a massage from Hands On Healing
10. Everyone loves flowers... and Lutricks Florist is awesome.
11. Funky furniture from the past? Try Sway Vintage
12. For anything else... and I mean ANYTHING.. check out the Kyle Flea Market
13. Find Gardening supplies and cool stuff from Sustainacycle's Sustainable Living Center at Kyle
14. Awesome Kettle Corn goodness can be found at Lone Star Kettle Corn (soon to open a storefront.. but contact them direct for now)
15. Satisfy your BBQ lover with a gift certificate from Milt's Pit BBQ
16. Have to bring some dessert to a gathering? Check out the The Texas Pie Company (I prefer their Peanut Butter Pie, FYI)
17. Help your friend/family reach their fitness goals with Elite BodyWorks of Kyle
18. The gift of news year round? Buy your loved one a subscription to The Hays Free Press.
19. Are you buying for someone who needs a computer diagnostic or a fix or an upgrade?  Maybe an awesome new gaming computer? Get them a gift certificate for Blue Computer Solutions.
20. Buying for someone who needs that adrenaline rush? Go Karting from Central Texas Speedway is a great option.

It's good for the businesses for you to shop local.. it's good for the local economy and blah blah blah... but what's even cooler is you can buy something that is unique.. you may even meet the person who made it... you can find that thing you never knew you needed... and meet your neighbors all at the same time. It's like a shopping adventure.. because shopping should be fun.. right?

Happy Shopping Kyle, Texas.

(I originally wrote this in December 2014 as a Local Christmas List... please feel free to shoot me a note when this needs updated if I don't catch new business openings and/or closings... thanks. seanclaesATseanclaesDOTcom.)

5/15/ 2011 WASHER'S TOURNAMENT IN KYLE, TEXAS

2011 KYLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WASHERS TOURNAMENT
Plum Creek Neighborhood in Kyle, Texas
May 15, 2011


A shot from the 2010 Washer's Tournement..

Front Porch Days 2011 will be held on Sunday May 15, 2011.
My church, the Kyle United Methodist Church will again be sponsoring the Washer's Tournament.

If you are in the area and want to play washers.... come on out.
Here's the information - http://frontporchdays.com/id16.html

Sign up ahead of time... or show up and sign up in person.

The first 24 teams signed up will play.


This year the proceeds will go towards 2 different but equally great charities.
1. Hope & Love 4 Kids - They help children in the Kyle community by providing basic necessities, comforting them in their time of need and uplifting them through service and outreach.
and
2. Soles4Souls -  a shoe charity that collects gently worn shoes and monies to provide shoes to those in need. The KUMC has collected over 200 pairs of gently worn shoes... and the proceeds from the washer's tournament will help defray the cost of shipping the shoes.

Daddy/Daughter Dance in Kyle

Kyle United Methodist Church is hosting a community-wide; all ages Daddy Daughter/Dance on Friday June 19 2009 from 6:30-9:30p.m.. What better way to celebrate Father’s Day? An entire evening reserved for all fathers, stepdads, grandpas, father-figures and their sweethearts.

Come and enjoy an evening of dress-up, fun, and dancing all for the low price of $15 per couple (no additional cost for those bringing more than one date). A spaghetti dinner will be served at 7:00pm, followed by a silent auction, and dancing. There will also be a photographer on site taking pictures of all daddies’ and their date(s).

Advanced tickets can be purchased at 408 W. Lockhart (1 block south of Center Street) at the Kyle United Methodist Church Monday – Friday from 9:00-1:00. Tickets also available at the door.

WASHERS TOURNAMENT - Kyle, Texas May 3

Do you pitch washers? Want to have some fun on May 3, 2009 in Kyle, Texas?Read on.... read on.

Kyle United Methodist 2nd Annual Washers Tournament

Front Porch Days in Plum Creek at Fergus Park - Sunday, May 3, 2009

Entry Fees: $30 per team of two
Registration: Closes at 12:00 Noon on May 3rd and is limited to 24 teams.

Checks are accepted until April 27th. Cash Only Please after April 27th and on event day to allow for quick payment to winners.


Rules:
Played on 2'x2' washer boards w/ one, 3" hole. Each team will have 3 washers to toss per round. (Washers will be provided).

Only one team can score points per round - one point for being on the board, 3 points if you are leaning over the edge of the cup and 5 points for going into the cup. The first team to 21 points WINS!

Visit www.kyleumc.com for the complete set of rules. This will be a double elimination tournament.

Prizes:
First Place is 35% of entry fees.
Second Place is 15% of entry fees.
Third Place is a non-monetary prize.


Donation to Kyle United Methodist Church is 50% of entry fees. (For example: If 10 teams register, the entry fees will equal $300. KUMC receives a donation of $150. First place wins $105. Second place wins $45).

Questions? Please contact Amanda Brown via email at amandabrown89@gmail.com or call 512-801-9072.

KUMC Washers Tournament RULES 2009:

Scoring- 1 point for being on the board, 3 points if you are leaning over the edge of the cup and 5 if you are in the cup.



Boards are placed 21' from center of one hole to the other.
To determine who will "pitch" first to start the game each player will throw one washer toward the opposite board and whoever gets closest to the hole will be the first to throw. After the game has started, the person or team who scored last will throw first.

Playing the game: Player A will pitch their 3 washers (one at a time) toward the opposite board followed by player B. Scoring is determined after both players have pitched all of their washers. Only 1 player/team may score per round and scores points for all washers on the board that are closer than their opponents. The winner is the 1st team to reach 21 points.

There are no "skunk" rules, and you do NOT need to win by 2 points. The tournament will be double elimination.

Once you lose TWO games, you are eliminated from the tournament.

Now Booking - Plum Creek Music Festival - May 3, 2009

The 2009 Plum Creek Music Festival will be held on May 3, 2009 @ the Plum Creek neighborhood in Kyle, Texas.

The festival coincides with the 10th annual Front Porch Days celebration.

See photos from the 2008 Festival here.

We're looking for a killer line-up this year. And, we're going the way of Americana/Country music as well. The plus side, is... it's a paying gig. The down side is.. it doesn't pay much at all.

Knowing that, if you'd like to spend 45 minutes to an hour on a Sunday afternoon in May in Kyle, Texas playing in front of hundreds of folks, please let Sean Claes know - seanclaes@seanclaes.com. He's booking the event. There is no deadline.. but we'll post the final line-up as soon as it's solidified.

As I understand it, there are 8 slots to fill... 2 stages, 4 bands each stage. Music starts at 1:00 and it over by 6:00.

Kyle does indeed rock.

EDIT: You will only be considered if you e-mail Plum Creek Music Festival's organizer, Sean Claes at seanclaes@seanclaes.com

KUMC Christmas Festival

All Invited to the KUMC Christmas Festival
Boasting A Live Nativity, Games, Choir Performance, and Wassail


There’s a wonderful tradition of family and fellowship that surrounds Christmas. It is in this spirit that the Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart St) invites all of our neighbors to our first ever Christmas Festival on December 13, 2008.

The Festival kicks off at 4:00p.m. and you’ll find refreshments like applesauce cake and wassail (a hot spiced punch). You can do some Christmas shopping as we’ll be selling hand-made items such as baby blankets, fancy Christmas bows, Jars of Joy (decorated ingredient jars for tasty soups, brownies, cookies, and beverages), and other unique gift items and baked goods. There will also be a “New To You” re-gifting booth of brand-new items that will be sold for a heavenly song.

Children of all ages will have plenty to do. We’ll have a booth for face painting and we’ll have games like “Frosty Toss,” “Pin The Nose of Rudolph,” and the “Christmas Card Toss.” We’ve also been in contact with Saint Nicholas, and he said he’d be there as well to say hello and listen to all of the children’s Christmas wishes.

The Children of the KUMC will entertain the crowds with a performance of “The Nativity.” This will include a live Nativity and narration from scripture. You’ll have a chance to sing along with the kiddos when they perform “Silent Night.” They will perform twice, at 5:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. If you’ve ever seen little ones perform…you know it’ll be fun.

Once 7:00p.m. comes, it’s time to head inside the sanctuary for an hour-long performance by the KUMC Choir, led by Choir Director Jenny Sandoval. The title of the performance is “An Old Fashioned Christmas” - The story of a man wishing for the simpler times in which to celebrate Christmas and is told through the diary of a young girl written in the late 1800's.

The KUMC Christmas Festival is free to attend. All the proceeds raised through the Festival will go towards furnishing the children's nursery or to children's playground equipment for the New Life Center being built at KUMC. The entire community is invited to attend. Additional information may be obtained by calling the church office (512-268-2331) or e-maling (KyleUMC@Verizon.net).

Who: Kyle United Methodist Church
What: KUMC’s First Ever Christmas Festival
When: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Where: Kyle United Methodist Church, 408 W. Lockhart Street, Kyle, Texas 78640
Why: Meet our neighbors and celebrate Christmas
Cost: Free to the public.