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Time for a tasty party




After a long, hot summer, we’re all ready for a party and a few tasty treats.

The Wise County Chamber of Commerce is putting together the perfect fete to fill both appetites with the return of Taste of Wise.

The 11th annual event will be 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Decatur Conference Center.

It will feature Wise County restaurants and wineries along with booths from various groups, businesses and organizations.

“It’s a showcase for restaurants and businesses in Wise County,” said Chamber President Chris Moreno. “It’s a great opportunity to see what’s available in Wise County.”

The event was previously put on by Wise County Look Local before the Wise County Chamber took it on. In year’s past, it has attracted as many as 600 people, according to Chamber CEO Mende Hanley.

Registration is still under way and it’s free for restaurants to take part. The Chamber will also give them $100.

Moreno said as of Thursday, the Chamber had commitments from 17 restaurants, including State Street Pizza, Crazy Pablos, the Decatur Conference Center, Dos Chiles, North Texas Smoke and RB Golf Club and Resort’s Lakeview Tavern and Grill. TF Vineyards and Marker Cellars will also be serving samples.

As you visit the various tables, there will be live entertainment. Kate Cowling will perform from 5 to 5:45. Chris Lee will be on stage from 6 to 6:45. Judi Conger ends the performances from 7 to 7:45.

Tickets for the event are $10.

Visit Decatur site launches

After eight months of creating content and gathering information, the Decatur Economic Development launched the Visit Decatur website in late July.

The site is already getting rave reviews and helping employers show off the offerings of the city, as well as being a catch-all to provide information about local attractions.

“There’s 5 million people within a 60-minute drive time of Decatur and for many they don’t know what Decatur has to offer,” said Decatur EDC Executive Director Kevin Holzbog. “This site highlights what the community and area has to offer.”

Holzbog highlighted the work of EDC marketing coordinator Emily Smith on the site.

With the launch of Visit Decatur, the Decatur Town Square site was moved to Decatur Main Street.

GT Products closes on land

The Decatur EDC and GT Products last week closed on the 23.41-acre parcel at Eagle Landing Business Park.

In February, the two agreed on a performance agreement for the silicone products manufacturer to move from Grapevine to Decatur.

GT Products is committed making a $21 million capital investment, with 100,000 square feet of manufacturing, office, warehouse and distribution center space. In exchange the EDC is conveying a 23.41- acre parcel of land to GT Products, which is worth $889,000.

The company is expecting to break ground in October.

Openings, closings

The opening date for the Dickey’s Pit Barbecue location in Decatur has been pushed back to mid to late September.

It was previously looking at an August opening at 1400 S. Farm Road 51.

Construction also continues on Bridgeport’s Whataburger in front of Brookshire’s.

New Owner Alison Jones held a grand opening for Classic Florist and Gifts on Halsell Street in Bridgeport Aug. 4.

The Taking Care of Business column appears the second weekend of the month in the Messenger. If your business is celebrating an award, promotion or need to brag on an employee, or have a hot business tip, forward a note to editor Richard Greene, rgreene@wcmessenger.com.

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