A Word from Our President It is a pleasure to present the twenty-fifth consecutive Annual Report of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. I was proud to serve as your President & CEO as the Chamber began our 105th year in 2023! It was a record-breaking year for your Chamber in terms of both our programs and finances. In this report, you will be able to read about many of our accomplishments and hopefully find an area where you can partner with us in the coming year. Our local economy has continued to fare well overall and many of our businesses have experienced increased sales. The Chamber itself has grown to more than 1,650 members—a new record for membership. Your Chamber continues to focus on providing opportunities to promote your business and support the economy of our community. Our Chamber fiscal year began October 1st, 2022. In November, we had a successful and informative Annual Banquet where we awarded Citizen of the Year to former Congressman, William “Bill” Flores, Volunteer of the Year to Pat Baker, and Ambassador of the Year to Christina Hultquist. That was followed by two popular events that were very well attended: our Annual Ag Breakfast, with over 633 attendees (largest ever) in November 2022 and our Annual Economic Outlook Conference, with 595 attendees (also a record) in January 2023. Other successful events that remain popular include our Taste of Aggieland, Job Fair, and Lobsterfest & Golf Classic. Our ninth annual Founders Night was held at The Stella Hotel in July. The event attracted a crowd of over 520 attendees and received outstanding comments with many looking forward to next year’s event. For the 10th year in a row, our Community Softball Classic, which focuses on our first responders, donated a portion of the proceeds to the 100 Club. We also conducted several successful luncheons this Chamber year, including our annual Community Impact Luncheon, honoring our Historically Underutilized Businesses. During the year, we held 2 Groundbreakings, 58 Ribbon Cuttings, 28 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings, and 14 Business After Hours. Our Economic Development agreement with Brazos County was renewed and for the seventh year in a row they sponsored our annual “Chamber Day” in March. The event attracted over 150 volunteers who visited over 800 businesses. We remain committed to having a major focus on legislative affairs at the national, state and local level. Our legislative trip to Washington D.C. in May was, once again, the highlight of the year for our Legislative Affairs committee. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Michael McCaul and his staff, our delegation had an opportunity to have 30-minute sessions with key leaders in Washington. Members of our delegation visited the offices of all members of the House of Representatives from Texas, along with Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Members of our Legislative Affairs Committee are already working hard on our upcoming trip in 2024 to Washington D.C. We also continue to host our very popular Local Candidates Forums on a regular basis, and it continues to be a source of great information and education for our local voters. Financially, your Chamber finished the year with a bottom line that exceeded our budget for the twenty-third consecutive year, and we continue to maintain a strong cash position. This success is the result of the efforts of so many. I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have, by their commitment, established this Chamber as one of the busiest and most outstanding Chambers in the State of Texas. I particularly appreciate the commitment and dedication of our FY2022 Board of Directors (under the leadership of Board Chair Jason Cornelius with Frost Bank, our Ambassadors (under the leadership of Kathy Savell, our Leadership Brazos Alumni Association (under the leadership of Michele Kimich with Bryan Texas Utilities) and our extremely dedicated and committed staff. The Chamber can look forward to another strong year of accomplishments under the leadership of our FY2023 Board of Directors, chaired by Doug French with Stylecraft and Chair-Elect Karla Castillo with KBTX. If you are one of our many outstanding Chamber members, thank you for your commitment to our community and your Chamber. If you are not a member, we invite you to call (979) 260-5200 and join us today as we continue our efforts to provide an environment that gives every business in our community the best chance for success!
Glen Brewer President/CEO
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Ambassadors
Business After Hours
The Ambassador program is a group of 42 Chamber member volunteers that graciously give their time to support the Chamber in so many ways. Goals of the Ambassador Program include strengthening the Chamber by recruiting new members, fostering healthy relationships with new members by attending ribbon cuttings and Chamber events, and supporting the Chamber by volunteering on committees and assisting with events. It is estimated that over the past year, the Ambassador group donated over 4,000 volunteer hours to the Chamber of Commerce and their community.
Throughout the year, the Chamber of Commerce and a hosting Chamber member welcome more than 300 attendees to each Business After Hours. While there, Chamber members and prospective members enjoy an evening of fun, food and networking opportunities. Hosting a Business After Hours is a wonderful opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their business and develop relationships with customers that may not otherwise have a chance to visit their establishments.
2022—2023 Ambassadors: Kathy Langston (CHAIR), Cameron Comire (PAST CHAIR), Paige Naumann (CAPTAIN), Latavaiya Qualls (CAPTAIN), McKenna Putska (CAPTAIN), Brandi Trujillo (CAPTAIN), Alicia Ponfick, Allison Batte, Andrew Scifres, Ashley Stallings, Blaine Decker, Blake Kopetsky, Brandon Walthall, Christina Hultquist, Christina Wilson, Clayton Watson, Dave Ruesink, Debbie Holladay, Derek Adkins, Emily French, Erin Mabry, Hailey Abraham, Heath Groves, Jerrod Lane, Joe Foster, Jordan Guggenheim, Julie Freeman, Justin Schroeder, Kennedy Spangenberg, Marti Sweetser, Melanie Becka, Michelle Lovingshimer, Mike Connor, Mike Green, Mitchell Kleckley, Mitchell White, Nelly Mauricio, Patricia Lindblom, Rachel Carrabba, Robin Taylor, Shannon Huchingson, Susi Ratcliff
Thank you to our 2022—2023 Business After Hours Sponsors: Brookshire Brothers St. Joseph Health Allen Honda 1st Alliance Mortgage First Financial Bank The Ranch Harley Davidson
Ambassadors of the Month
BigShots Golf Aggieland
October: Erin Mabry
Extraco Banks
November: Emily French
Parc at Traditions
December/January: Brandi Trujillo February: Jerrod Lane March: Paige Naumann
ANCO Insurance Chrome Salon
April: Jerrod Lane
George Bush Library & Museum
May: Patricia Lindblom
Frost Bank
June/July: Patricia Lindblom August: Shannon Huchingson September: McKenna Pustka
Salesperson of the Year: Joe Foster with Titan Security Ambassador of the Year: Christina Hultquist with Home2 Suites
Inner Circle The Inner Circle was established in 1988 to provide special recognition and year-round benefits to those members who show extraordinary support for the Chamber and its activities. Membership in the Inner Circle offers an opportunity to attend private luncheons, receptions and events that feature top-level briefings by prominent political, business and community leaders. The Chamber currently has 508 Inner Circle Members.
Membership 2022-2023 Membership • New Memberships: 187 Total Membership: 1,623
Inner Circle Exclusive Event: Meet the TAMU Women Head Coaches Inner Circle Members, their staff and guests were invited for an evening of networking with other Inner Circle members and a keynote and Meet & Greet with the four TAMU Women Head Coaches from ladies Basketball, Volleyball, Equestrian and Softball at Reed Arena on October 22, 2022 sponsored by Baylor Scott & White, Morningstar Storage, Schulte Roofing and Coleman & Patterson. There were 85 attendees.
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Inner Circle Member Listing PLATINUM MEMBERS Adam Development Properties Aloft College Station Amarillo National Bank - Fitch Branch Amarillo National Bank University Branch Amarillo National Bank Villa Maria Branch Amarillo National Bank - Welsh Branch Amazon American Momentum Bank American Momentum Bank American Momentum Bank ANCO Insurance Atmos Energy Baylor Scott & White Convenient Care Clinic Baylor Scott & White Cosmetic Surgery Center - College Station Baylor Scott & White EMS, Inc. Baylor Scott & White Health Clinics Baylor Scott & White Health Plan Baylor Scott & White Medical Center College Station BMW of College Station Bryan Broadcasting Bryan Texas Utilities C.C. Creations City of Bryan City of College Station City of College Station Council City of College Station Parks & Recreation College Station Ford Lincoln, LLC College Station Hyundai College Station Utilities Cotton Commercial USA Inc First Financial Bank First Financial Bank First Financial Bank First Financial Bank First Financial Bank Frost Bank Frost Bank Hampton Inn & Suites Higginbotham Insurance Hilton College Station Holiday Inn Express - Bryan Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Aggieland Maroon U Mercedes-Benz of College Station Miramont Country Club Schulte Roofing, Inc. Shulman’s Movie Bowl Grille - Midtown St. Joseph & Texas A&M Health Network Primary Care St. Joseph Health Cancer Center St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital St. Joseph Health Express Care College Station St. Joseph Health Pain & Spine Clinic St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital St. Joseph Health Therapy Services Staybridge Suites TAMU Division of Academic and Strategic Collaborations TAMU Marketing & Communications TAMU Office of the President TAMU Office of Vice President for Finance & Admin
TAMU Procurement Services TAMU University Club The Eagle The Texas A&M University System The Warehouse at C.C. Creations Travis B. Bryan Park Truist Truist Briarcrest Branch Truist Downtown Branch Truist Home Mortgage Truist University Branch Visit College Station Walmart Supercenter - Bryan Wells Fargo Bank - Rock Prairie Wells Fargo Bank @ H. Mitchell Pkwy Wells Fargo Bank Briarcrest Wells Fargo Bank Southwest Parkway Wells Fargo Bank University Drive Whataburger (#1011) Whataburger (#1135) Whataburger (#43) Whataburger (#78) Whataburger (#808) Whataburger (#956)
GOLD MEMBERS
3rd On Main a4 media Admiral Catering Aggieland Credit Union Aggieland Credit Union College Station Aggieland Credit Union - Northgate Aggieland Credit Union - Tower Point Aggieland Financial Solutions Allen Honda Amico Nave Ristorante Billy’s Grille & Bar Blackmon Mooring/BMS CAT College Station Wyndham Garden Hotel Courtyard By Marriott College Station Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station EPMC Group, LLC Gold Star Barber Studio Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham HEB College Station HEB Jones Crossing HEB North Bryan HEB Tower Point HEB Villa Maria Holleman Tavern Home2 Suites College Station Joe’s Place Kanji Sushi Lake Walk Morningstar Storage Morningstar Storage of College Station Morningstar Storage of FM2818 Optimum Communications Paragon Financial Advisors Peach Creek Ranch PNC Bank PNC Bank Prosperity Bank - Bryan East Prosperity Bank - Bryan Main Prosperity Bank - Southwest Parkway Prosperity Bank - Tower Point Shipwreck Grill LP Smitty K’s Bar & Grill SoCo Blow Dry Bar
Solt Suddenlink Business Services Suede Boutique Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center Texas Commercial Waste The Queen Theatre The Stella Hotel Threads Boutique Traditions Club University Title Company University Title Company Urban Table Vaughn Construction Walmart Supercenter Rudder’s Landing William Cole Companies Yesterdays Bar and Grill
SILVER MEMBERS 1860 Italia 4.0 Cuts Barber Salon 4.0 Cuts Barber Salon - Texas A&M 7F Lodge and Events 7th Inning Stretch & Wellness ABC Home & Commercial Services Acme Glass Company, Inc. Aggieland Barber & Beauty Supply Aggieland Carpet One Aggieland Outfitters Aggieland Outfitters Southgate Aggieland Roofing Aggieland Safari Park Aggieland Solar Aggieland Spectacles Allumine Health Alycia Hooper Real Estate Team American Fire Protection Group, Inc. Andrews Myers, P.C. Armstrong Properties Ashley Furniture Homestore Ashley Furniture Outlet Audio Video Audio Video Security Avinext Avis Budget Group Avonley Homes Axis Pipe and Tube, Inc. B/CS Chamber of Commerce Backstage Bistro Bank of B/CS Bank of Brenham BCS Property Pros BigShots Golf Aggieland Blinn College Blinn College Foundation, Inc. Bluebonnet Place BODY20 Aggieland Boots Beverages Brand It Bandit Branding Iron Management Brazos County Expo Brazos County RV Park Brazos de Dios Harley Owners Group Foundation Brazos Transit District Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corp Brazos Valley Bombers Brazos Valley Cavalry FC Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Brazos Valley Floor and Design Brazos Valley Recycling Brazos Valley Restaurant Association
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Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union Brazos WiFi Brenham National Bank Brenham National Bank Bridgeway Home Health Britt Rice Electric L.P. Brookshire Brothers Brown & Company Insurance Services Bruchez & Goss P.C. Bryan Firefighters Association Bryan ISD Buppy’s Catering Burditt Consultants, LLC Burger Mojo #1 Burger Mojo #2 BVSWMA, Inc - Compost Facility BVSWMA, Inc - Landfill C&J Barbeque C&J Bar-B-Que C&J Bar-B-Que Caldwell Companies Caldwell Country Caliber Collision - Bryan Caliber Collision - College Station Capital Construction Services Capital Farm Credit, ACA Caprock Construction Caprock Development CapRock Health System CapRock Hospital Capsher Technology, Inc. Carney’s Pub and Grill Casa do Brasil Casa Mangiare Casa Rodriguez Cavalry Court Hotel Cedar Crest Hospital and RTC Cedar Lane Central Texas Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, PA CENTURY 21 Beal Century Square Charles Schwab & Co Chase Bank Chase Bank Chicken Express Chicken Express - Wellborn Chicken Express Bryan Chicken Oil Co. Chick-fil-A at Aggieland Chick-Fil-A Jones Crossing Chick-Fil-A South College Station Chili’s Restaurant Christian Brothers Automotive - Bryan Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant Citizens Bank City Bank City Bank Mortgage City of Navasota College Station ISD Conlee-Garrett Moving & Storage Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Aggieland, LLC Copy Corner Copy Corner MSC Costco Wholesale Cotton Patch Cafe Cotton Patch Cafe Crestview Retirement Community Cross-Town Realty Dailey Company, Inc David Gardner’s Jewelers D-BAT Aggieland
Dealers Electrical Supply Dealers Lighting Decker Financial Group Dixie Chicken DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Duddley’s Draw Dudley Construction, Ltd. Dust to Lawn Irrigation & Landscaping Dynamite Inspections & Marketing Easterwood Airport Management EBCO General Contractor, Ltd. Element Retirement & Investment Consultants Elwood Staffing Extraco Banks Extraco Banks Eye Care Center - Tower Point Farrell Gjesdal Strategy Group Flanagan Distribution, LLC Flooring Services of Texas Forest Grove Apartments Forest Pines Apartments Fortress Health & Rehab of Rock Prairie Four Downs Sports Bar Fries Financial Services, LLC FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies G Squared Private Wealth Galleria Spa Salon - Rock Prairie Galleria Spa Salon Boutique Galleria Village Office Building Leasing Gate 12 Bar & Grill GATX Rail G-CON Manufacturing Inc. George and Barbara Bush Foundation George Bush Presidential Library and Museum George’s Auto Glass, LLC George’s Paint & Body LLC Global Event Group Good Life Family Medicine Gooseneck Trailer Manufacturing Grub Burger Bar Guaranty Bank & Trust Guaranty Bank & Trust - Crystal Park Plaza Guaranty Bank & Trust - Tower Point Hancock Whitney Bank Harvest Coffee Century Square Harvest Coffee Downtown Harvest Uptown Caprock HBi Office Solutions, Inc. Hillier Funeral, Cremation and Bereavement Specialists Hillier Funeral, Cremation and Bereavement Specialists Homewood Suites by Hilton Hopdoddy Burger Bar HOTWORX College Station Hotworx College Station (South) House of Tires Howell Service Corporation Hudson Trails Apartments Hyatt House Bryan/College Station Image Solutions Ingram, Wallis & Company, P.C. Inn At Quarry Ridge Integ Integrity Urgent Care Integrity Urgent Care- Century Square Integrity Urgent Care- Jones Crossing International Leadership of Texas
Isle at Watercrest J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ Jack Hilliard Distributing JEDs Small Engine Repair LLC Jersey Mike’s Subs - Jones Crossing Jersey Mike’s Subs - Rock Prairie Johnstone Supply of College Station Kasper Insurance Group KBTX-TV3 Kelly Burt Dozer, Inc. Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd. Kept Property Group Kesco Supply, Inc Kiddie Academy of Bryan Kiddie Academy of College Station Kiddie Castle Childrens Center, Inc Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc Knife River Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Koetter Fire Protection of Central Texas Koll Office Interiors Kristen Distributing Co., Inc. Kyle Office Products/XEROX Lampstand Health & Rehab of Bryan, LLC Landmark Operations Company Lawyers Title Co. of Brazos County Le Petit Cochon Legacy Ace Hardware Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation Liere Insurance Lisam America Inc Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Bryan Lone Star Realty Lone Star Trust & Investment Services Lowe’s of Bryan Lowe’s of College Station
M&M Apparel MAD piez Mad Taco ManageWay LLC Marketing Heroes Marr-Kirkland Eye Center Matica Biotechnology, Inc McLane Intelligent Solutions Memorial Funeral Chapel - Bryan Memorial Funeral Chapel College Station Messina Hof Winery and Resort MHMR Authority Of Brazos Valley Mid South Baking Mid Towne Apartments MidSouth Fiber Internet Midtown Towers Apartments Mission Ranch Modern Barber & Beauty Institute Morgan Stanley Motel / Studio 6 - Bryan Motel / Studio 6 - Hwy 21 Mustang CAT Mustang Rental Services MYCON General Contractors, Inc. Naked Fish Napa Flats Oakwood Custom Homes Group Only 1 Rentals, LLC Over The Moon Beverages P.O.E.T.S. Billiards and Sports Bar Parc At Traditions Pebble Creek Country Club Physician’s Premier ER PlanNorth Architectural Co. Plygem Windows and Extrusion
Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant Post Oak Mall Premiere Events (Formerly Party Time Rentals) Priority Demolition & Remediation Producers Cooperative Association ProStar Industries, Inc. Pure Bliss Spa Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers ReconMR Recovery Cryo Reece Homes Refrigeration Vessels & Systems Corporation Renewal By Andersen Ridgewood Custom Homes Right At Home Rough Draught Whiskey Bar Rx Pizza & Bar - CapRock Rx Pizza & Bar - Downtown Bryan Sanderson Farms, Inc. Scasta Family Eyecare & Dentistry Signature Care Emergency CenterCollege Station Simmons Bank SoCoWork Sodalis Senior Living Community Specialties Photography, Inc. Spherion St. Joseph Health Orthopedics Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage StataCorp LLC Sterling Auto Group Sterling Kia Stibbs & Co., P.C.
Stop & Go Potties Stylecraft Subway Subway Sugar Babies Swearingen Law Firm TAMU Athletic Department Teksys Net LLC Terrace Pines Apartments TexAgs Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/TEEX Texas A&M Health Science Center Texas A&M Physicians Texas A&M Transportation Institute Texas Brain & Spine Institute Texas FilmWorks Texas Mutual Insurance Co Texas Signature Roofing The Angry Elephant - Bryan The Angry Elephant - College Station The Backyard on Northgate The Bear Mountain The Brazos Center The Corner Bar & Grill The Deanna Room The First National Bank of Central Texas The George Hotel The Kyle House & Savage Brew Lab The Langford at College Station The Payne Law Group The Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest The Physicians Centre Hospital The Ranch Harley-Davidson The Ranch RV
The Sleep Station #1 The Sleep Station #2 The Toasted Yolk Cafe Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C. Titan Security Solutions TNT Properties Tradition Oil and Lube Tradition Oil and Lube Traditions Mortgage Group Trevino-Smith Funeral Home Triton Air, LLC Tru by Hilton Bryan College Station Twin City Properties Mgmt, Inc. Twin Liquors Ubeo Business Services United Companies United Rentals VeraBank, N.A. Village Foods & Pharmacy Vino Boheme Visiting Angels Home Care VoiceSurge W3IT Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Walmart Supercenter - College Station Watercrest at Bryan WebUnlimited West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry P.C. Whiskey Charlie?s Liquor Whiskey Charlie’s Liquor #1 Wick Maintenance Wind Dancer Retreat Wings ‘N More SouthWood Valley Wings ‘N More University ZochNet
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Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
Annual Banquet: Special Recognition
Chamber of Commerce staff, Board Members and Ambassadors participated in 2 Groundbreakings, 58 Ribbon Cuttings, and 28 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023.
November 14, 2022 — Sponsored by the City of College Station
Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings: DJ Franco Events, Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Montelongo’s Ring Guards, Icing On The Cake, Anytime Fitness, Extraco Bank, Bank of BCS, Home Instead, Elevated CBD, Waxing In The City, D.R. Horton, The Ranch Harley Davison, Blood Center of Brazos Valley, Baylor Scott & White: Midtown Clinic and Wellness Center, Allumine Health, Piasanos, Hyatt House, Capital Title, Factory Builder Store, First Financial Bank, Sexual Assault Research Center, BVSWMA & Morrow Energy, Alzheimer Association, Pure Barre, City of College Station, Reece Homes, Bryan HOTWORX, Pink Alliance, Woodhouse Spa, Aggieland Outfitters, Brazos Valley Gives, George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Hilton College Station
Membership Events Membership luncheons and events are hosted by the Chamber throughout the year to perform a variety of functions, such as networking, education or updates on community issues. The following were luncheons or events featured by the Chamber this past year: Health & Wellness Luncheon—November 2, 2022. Sponsored by St. Joseph Health; Topic: “Incentivizing Wellness in the Workplace” Glen Shepard Management Seminar—December 1, 2022. There were 82 attendees. Governor’s Small Business Forum—December 8, 2022. Sponsored by the Office of the Governor of Texas. There were over 200 attendees. Lunch and Learn Events–Hosted by Baylor Scott 7 White on February 27, 2023 and by Goodwill on March 27, 2022. Membership Informational featuring TAMU Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL) Explained–Hosted by BigShots on March 8, 2022 and sponsored by CC Creations. There were over 100 attendees. New Member Orientation–Hosted at Cooper’s BBQ on May 1, 2022.
The Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is held every fall and is a time to reflect on the past year and recognize outstanding Chamber volunteers. The 2022 Award Recipients were Former Congressman Bill Flores for Citizen of the Year, Pat Baker with Cotton Commercial for Volunteer of the Year, and Christina Hultquist for Ambassador of the Year. Additional Sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, Baylor Scott & White Health, Water to Wine Productions, Copy Corner, HEB, Hilton College Station, Atmos Energy, Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX3
Community Outreach The Goal of the Community Outreach Committee is to strengthen and celebrate the diversity of our Chamber. August 11, 2022—Minority Small Business Forum Sponsored by Patterson Architects, TAMU, and Frost Bank and hosted by the Community Outreach Committee, the Minority Small Business Forum featured a panel of business experts with information and discussion for small businesses, especially those owned and operated by HUB certifiable owners. There were over 100 attendees. February 21, 2023—Sponsored by Texas A&M University Office of Procurement Services The Community Impact Award program was started in 2003 to recognize Hispanic, African-American, Asian, American-Indian, Service-disabled Veteran and Women business owners who have demonstrated a significant impact on our community. The 2023 recipients were: Meredith Stancik-McAuliffe and Janis Stancik with Sabi Boutique, Mike Espitia with Goldstar Barber Studio, and Korey Thomas with The Remnant of Nawlins. Community Outreach Happy Hours October 13, 2022–Halo Bar February 23, 2023–Tacobar April 13, 2023–Maria Mia’s Tex Mex Cantina July 11, 2023–El Mundo Del Taco
Leadership Luncheon—July 13, 2023. Sponsored by LBAA; 221 attendees; Keynote Address: Brigadier General Patrick R. Michaelis, Commandant TAMU Corps of Cadets
Youth to Career Fair • Date: October 11, 2022 • Location: Brazos County Expo Facility sponsor: Workforce Solutions Platinum sponsor: Sylvan Learning Center Contributing Sponsors: TDI - Brooks International, Anderson-Shiro, Aggieland Autism Center, Premier Events, KTEX, KBTX 6 | BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Participating Schools: Hearne ISD, Franklin Middle School, Davila MS, Centerville Jr/Sr High School, Buffalo ISD, SFA Middle School, A&M Consolidated Middle School, Iola ISD, Wellborn Middle School, College Station Middle School, Snook ISD, Harmony Science Academy - Bryan, College Station High School (Life Skills) , Caldwell Junior High School, Anderson-Shiro Businesses: 48 Students: ~3000
Community Softball Classic: A Tribute to our First Responders June 15th, 2023 The Chamber’s Community Softball Classic continues to be a flagship community building event that raises money and awareness for the 100 Club, which supports the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. Over 300 tickets were sold to the event.
A Taste of Aggieland
• Location: Edible Field Home of the Brazos Valley Bombers
Title Sponsor: The Ranch Harley Davidson & The Ranch RV
• Event Chairmen: Jason Cornelius and Baylor Lyon
Platinum Sponsor: HEB
• Additional Sponsors: Chicken Salad Chick, Morningstar Storage, Physicians Premier ER, Carlson Law Firm, Conlee-Garrett Moving & Storage, Body20, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Edward Jones – Joel Bravo, United Rentals, Allen Samuels Chevrolet, Bryan Texas Utilities, Arrow S pest Control, Hap Insurance, HEB, CC Creations, Copy Corner, Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, The Eagle, KBTX-TV, KRHD-TV, KAGS-TV, KTEX 106.1, Another Broken Egg, Sheriff Wayne Dicky, Texas A&M Health Women’s Care, Recovery Cryo, Landmark Landscape, Costco, Bleyl Engineering, University Police Department, Texas Mutual Insurance Co.
Gold Sponsors: Morningstar Storage at 2818, Renewal by Anderson of Houston Bronze Sponsors: Metronet, Destination Bryan, ReconMR, Texas Mutual Insurance, DesignSpark, Atmos Energy, Prosperity Bank, Frontier Communications Contributing Sponsors: TNT Security, Integ, Downtown Event Services, Kristen Distributing, Kesco Restaurant Supply, Premiere Events, Pepsi, Jack Hilliard, Copy Corner Media Sponsors: KBTX, KAGS, Bryan Broadcasting, KORA, a4 Media, The Eagle, KRHD, KTEX • 35 Restaurants
• Over 1100 attendees
www.backyardshenanigansbcs.com 1251 Barron Rd, College Station, TX 77845 backyardshenanigansbcs@gmail.com • 979-353-2567 https://www.facebook.com/backyardshenanigansbcs/ BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
Lobsterfest/Golf Classic September 11 & 15 The Brazos Center & Pebble Creek Country Club 2023 Executive Committee Members Pat Baker - Co-Chair Baylor Lyon - Co-Chair Katerina Hall - Volunteers Paige Naumann - Silent Auction Bret Richards - Live Auction 2023 Committee Members Zandie Hodges Brett Lawler McKenna Pustka Jay Rudinger Jerrod Lane Shannon Huchington Chris Evans Tabitha Kimball Alan Dock Kimmie Bennett Brett Beaty Jason Cornelius Justin Adney The Chamber’s Lobsterfest and Golf Classic serves as one of the largest annual fundraisers for the nonprofit organization. Golf Classic was held at Pebble Creek Country Club on Monday, September 11 followed by Lobsterfest featuring a lobster and steak dinner as well as a live and silent auction on Friday, September 15. Golf Classic: • 56 teams, 224 golfers Lobsterfest • Over 100 auction items, 7 live auction items Title Sponsor: Frost Bank Premium Sponsor: Kerr Surveying, City of Bryan Platinum Sponsor: Physicians Premier ER, CC Creations, Aggieland Golf Cars, Caldwell Country Gold Sponsors: Amarillo National Bank, Baylor Scott & White, First Financial Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Truist, St. Joseph, Coleman & Patterson, Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux, Global Event Group, Prosperity Bank, C&J BBQ Silver Sponsors: Schultz Engineering, MYCON, West Webb Allbritton, Verabank, Guarantee Mortgage, Fundamental Wealth Advisors, Bank of B/CS, Frontier Title, Higginbothom Silver Plus Sponsors: ANCO Insurance, HBi Office Solutions, Landmark Landscape Group, Taurus Technologies, Aggieland Bartending, Cotton Commercial Hole in one Sponsors: Centennial Arts Golf Classic Bar Sponsors: Blackmon Mooring, Taurus Technologies, Aggieland Bartending, Prosperity Bank
Hole Sign Sponsor: Springer Insurance Agency, Anytime Fitness, Bleyl Engineering, Senator Schwertner, Capital Farm Credit, Oliver Bros., TXB Media Sponsors: KTEX, KRHD, Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, KAGS, The Eagle, KORA Premium Hole Sponsor: Landmark Landscape Group, Kerr Surveying, Frost Bank, Amarillo National Bank, ANCO Insurance, Baylor Scott & White, First Financial Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Truist, Texas Mutual Insurance, St. Joseph, Physicians Premier ER, CC Creations, Van Dyke Rankin, Aggieland Golf Cars, Walk On’s, Coleman & Patterson, CTWP, Another Broken Egg, HBi Office Solutions, C&J BBQ, Service Insurance Group, Metronet, Caldwell Country, Mustang Cat, American Fire Protection, Elite Golf, Cotton Commercial, Koll Office Interiors, Courtyard Bryan College Station
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Cart Sponsor: Koll Office Interiors Breakfast Sponsor: Pebble Creek Country Club Lunch Sponsor: Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux Snack Sponsor: C&J BBQ Lobsterfest Sponsors: HEB, Redtail Rental, Texas A&M University, Texas Mutual Insurance, HBi Office Solutions Additional Sponsors: DJ Rob, Admail, Integ, Alphagraphics, TNT Security, Kristen Distributing, Chicken Express, Texas Commercial Waste, Pepsi, Premiere Events, Costco
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Watercooler 5K Our Health and Wellness committee continues to expand its efforts to provide an avenue for employers to create a healthy environment for their employees. That was never more evident than with our Annual Watercooler 5K.
Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon
• Title Sponsor: Texas A&M University
The B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs Committee hosted the 2023 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon with a briefing from our state elected officials and the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. There were over 400 attendees.
• Number of Attendees: 125
• Sponsored By: McLane Intelligent Solutions
• Date: April 28, 2023 • Location: Lake Walk
• Date: August 23, 2023 at The Hilton College Station • Speakers: State Senator Charles Schwertner and State Representatives John Raney and Kyle Kacal
Economic Outlook Conference What has evolved into the premier economic conference in the Brazos Valley, the Economic Outlook Conference has given attendees insight into topics that are or will be impacting the area. The conference has grown to welcoming attendees from other communities, including many elected officials from the seven county regions that comprises the Brazos Valley. Committee Co-Chairs: Rayne Knight & John Happ Committee Members: Mike Connor, John Bush, Kyle Dewitt, Ashley Stallings Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 Location: Hilton College Station
Local Candidates Forums To help promote an educated voting community, the Chamber hosts annual candidate forums before elections are held. From Congressmen to Mayors to school board candidates, the Chamber provides an evening for the general public to ask questions and become more informed about the candidates. The event is typically moderated by a neutral individual, and audience questions are allowed.
Title Sponsor: Stylecraft Builders Hospitality Sponsor: City of College Station Lunch Sponsor: MBG, Billy’s Grille & Bar, The Palace Theater, The Queen Theatre Platinum Sponsor: CC Creations, Spherion Staffing Facility Sponsor: Baylor Scott & White Session Sponsors: Bryan Texas Utilities,Coleman & Patterson, Texas A&M University, B/CS Association of Realty
October 17th (City of Bryan) and October 25th (City of College Station and Brazos County)
E-Notebook Sponsors: American Momentum, Another Broken Egg, Binkley & Barfield, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Capital Farm Credit, Extraco Banks, Kyle Office Products, Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux, Copy Corner, KCI
• Located at The Brazos Center
Break Sponsors: St. Joseph Health, Physican’s Premier ER, Atmos Energy
• Broadcast Live on WTAW Radio and KTBX.com and covered by The Eagle and KAGS.
A/V Sponsor: M.A.R.C.S.
• Contested Races: Both City Councils and Mayors and Precinct 4 County Commissioner
Speaker Gifts: Visit College Station, Destination Bryan
Virtual Sponsor: Centennial Arts Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, Integ, The Eagle 600 Attendees Speakers: Natalie Ruiz, Joey Dunn, Susan Ballabina, Dr. Andrew Rettenmaier, Dan Rudge, Katherine Kleeman, Dr. Luis Ribera, Bill Flores, Col. Michael Fossum (Ret.), Dr. James Gaines
10 | BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Crawfish Boil All funds raised at Crawfish Boil are used to purchase projects at the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show to support the local youth in agriculture. • Date: March 19, 2021 • Location: Brazos County Expo Over 500 tickets sold Title Sponsor: Amarillo National Bank Platinum sponsors: College Station Utilities Gold sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, ANCO, Patterson Architects, Optimum B2B, Lamar Advertising Silver sponsors: Physician’s Premier, South 40 Vet, Wilder Family Sunflowers, Morningstar Storage of FM2818, Texas Mutual Insurance, Paragon Financial Advisors, Cocktails 4U, McLane Intelligence, Brazos County Farm Bureau, Producers Cooperative Bronze sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, Prosperity Bank, BCS Toyota, Brown & Company Insurance, Another Broken Egg, KC Fisher, State Farm, Aggieland Autism Center, Shear’s Liquor, Hap Insurance Agency, Cedar Crest, Citizens Bank, Vera Bank, MPS Egg Farm, BV Livestock Contributing sponsors: Admail, Kristen Distributing, TNT Security, Integ, Chicken Express, Premiere Events, DJ Franco, Farm Patch , Scamardo Foods, Woodson Lumber Co., CSISD & Woodshop, G&N Concessions, Hilton, Slovacek Sausage, Connie & John Giesenschlag, Wreaths for America, Ben E. Keith, Pepsi, DWS Development, Webunlimited, Kesco, Centennial Arts
Media sponsors: KBTX, KTEX, KAGS, Bryan Broadcasting, KRHD, The Eagle, a4
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Founders Night A social evening (i.e., no agenda, speeches or formal program) celebrating the establishment and development of our twin cities. An opportunity to interact with our past, present and future leadership. Meet or reunite with founding families, established and new entrepreneurs, church and civic organization leaders, past/present/future elected officials, budding new local leaders and numerous others An opportunity to easily recognize, or be recognized (i.e., name tag/ribbon), for the role people play in our community, whatever that may be! An evening of great food, beverage tastings, gaming, music, prizes and more. Date: June 23, 2023 Location: The Stella Hotel Title Sponsor: City of Bryan Platinum Sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, The Stella Hotel, Texas A&M University System, Patterson Architects, Jack Hilliard
Chamber Day March 30, 2023—Sponsored by Brazos County Over 1,100 businesses were visited during the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chamber Day! Approximately 175 volunteers hit the B/ CS streets in small groups. During “Chamber Day” visits, the Chamber and its volunteers took the opportunity to thank local businesses for doing business in Bryan and College Station, as well as to inquire about how the economy has affected them and how their business is doing overall. They also gave the businesses the opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns they have and any other issues affecting them. A survey was conducted which polled local business owners’ attitudes about our local economy: Survey Results: • How have sales changed over the past year? “Increase”—56% • Do you expect the number of your employees to increase? “Increase”—45% • What do you expect our local economy to do? “Increase”—61% • How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Brazos Valley? “Excellent” or “Good”—87%
Workforce Development • Job Fair Date: May 4, 2023 • Location: Brazos Center Title Sponsor: Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley Facility sponsors: Barker’s Heating & Cooling Gold sponsors: Schulte Roofing, Gulf Coast Blood Center, Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
12 | BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Gold Sponsors: Amarillo National Bank, Frost Bank, Centennial Arts, Texas Mutual Insurance, Texas A&M University, St. Joseph Health, Landmark Landscape Group, Schulte Roofing, Impact Group Marketing, Arkitex Studio Silver Sponsors: Service Insurance Group, PACT Design Studio, Woodhouse Spa, Another Broken Egg, Aggieland Safari , Springer Insurance, Paragon Financial Advisors, TrevinoSmith Funeral Home Contributing Sponsors: Admail, Premiere Events, Copy Corner, Integ, Fast Signs, Picture This 360, Pop a Top Hospitality Sponsors: Raging Bull Street Tacos, The Stella Hotel, Brookshire Brothers, Napa Flats, Chicken Salad Chick, Harvest Uptown Café, Raising Cane’s, The Station on 29th, Vino Boheme, Southern Ice Cream Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, KAGS, KORA, 15ABC, a4, The Eagle, KTEX
Legislative Delegations The B/CS Chamber of Commerce has been recognized state-wide as one of the most active legislative driven Chambers. Various business, civic and community leaders travel to Austin and Washington D.C. to speak with all the offices of the elected Texas Senators and Congressmen, as well as legislative members from other states that have major roles in business policy.
2023 Austin Delegation–February 13-14, 2023 Austin Delegation Chair: Phil Shackelford State Legislative Action Plan Co-Chairs: Leighton Schubert & Julie Schultz Delegation Members: There were over 50 delegation members.
2023 Washington DC Delegation–May 9-12th Federal Legislative Action Plan Chair: Mike Connor Delegation Members: Glen Brewer, Bobby Gutierrez, John Nichols, Jason Cornelius, Karla Castillo, Phil Shackelford, Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Nancy Berry, James Edge, Bentley Nettles, William Wright, Bill Flores, Kean Register, Mary Lynne Stratta, Abbie Krolczyk, Kyndra Shackelford, Leighton Schubert, Baylor Lyon, Hunter Shurtleff, Trudy Bennett, Greg Zweiacker, Dennis Maloney, Jerrod Lane, John Anderson, Kevin Walters, Ross Brady, Carrie Archer, Candice Lyon, Allison Batte, John Bush, Jo Marlow, Katie Mock, Linda Harvell
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Agribusiness Committee Committee Chair: Jim Mazurkiewicz Committee Members: Baylor Lyon, Christine Barnett, Elmer Schneider, Jay Wilder, Jesse Wright, John Cowan, John Giesenschlag, Jordan Price, Josh Krupa, Lonnie Cammack, Mckenna Pustka, Melanie Becka, Pat Shields, Patricia Gerling, TJ Klein.
Ag Breakfast Date: November 21, 2022 Location: Brazos County Expo 600 Attendees Title Sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Producers Cooperative Association, WRI Tractors, and Brazos County Farm Bureau, Texas A&M University System The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Agribusiness Council since 1982. Brazos County is proud to boast that it is a regional hub for Agriculture Business and Commerce with over 375 agribusinesses that employ over 8,000 local residents and contribute to an economic impact of over $1 billion. Agricultural Business Award: Coleman & Patterson Real Estate & Auctioneers Agricultural Impact Award: Ben Novosad
Leadership Brazos In an effort to promote and foster the development of community leaders for Brazos County, the Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Leadership Brazos program. During the nine month program, the participants are shown the many different aspects of Brazos County, from government to agriculture to human services. Many of the past Leadership Brazos alumni have gone on to become actively involved within their community. 2022-2023 Class Coordinators: Hayley Bisacre, Crissy Sayers, Bret Richards, Jay Rudinger Class of 2023 —Derek Adkins, Brittany Andrews, Morgan Atkinson, Kyler Crenshaw, Tamara Cuellar Garza, Jenny Davis, Autumn Deschaines, Alan Dock, Daniel Drake, Kelsey Evancho-Barbero, Chris Evans, Shannon Huchingson, Billy Hughes, Erin Jenkins, Reilly King, Justin Kleiber, Melissa Kubeczka, David Lamme, Randall Lewis, Candice Lyon, Stephen A. Maldonado, Jr., Toy Mays, Bobby McFarland, Jake Moran, Jason Morgan, Christopher Ortegon, Maranda Powers, Miles Pusateri, Lauren Rice, Jennifer Shulse, Kelly Sullivan, Marti Sweetser, Mark Taylor, Brandy Tuck, Ryan Ullmann, David Van Fleet, Kendall Walker, Brandon Walthall, Clayton Watson, Keelie Wendt, Jesse Wright
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association Officers: • Chairman – Michele Kimich, BTU • Chair-Elect – Kayla Swanson, Kiddie Academy • Past-Chair – Joaquin Cervantes, Chase Bank • Treasurer – Allison Adams,Kimley-Horn • Secretary – Sally Reigle, Keller Williams • Members at Large – Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, Liz Dickey, Trent Vanadore, Brandi Trujillo, Jerrod Lane, Paige Naumann, Pat Baker, Tracy Paine
Committee Chairs: • Leadership Brazos – Crissy Sayers, Jay Rudinger, Hayley Bisacre, Bret Richards • Junior Leadership Brazos – Oscee Wheatfall and Allison Batte • Chamber Board Leadership Liaison – Jason Cornelius
Events: • Blackwater Draw Profit Share – November 3, 2022 • Annual Christmas Party – December 15, 2022 • Putt-Putt Classic – May 25, 2023
14 | BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Junior Leadership Brazos Legislative Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Oscee Wheatfall and Allison Batte
Sponsors: Zweiacker & Associates Real Estate, Twin Oaks Landfill, Texas A&M University, St. Joseph Health, Copy Corner, Frontier Title, Producers Cooperative Association, Brown & Company Insurance Services, City of Bryan, Element Retirement & Investment Consultants, George Bush Presidential Library & Museum, Truist Bank, Baylor Scott & White Health, West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, Amarillo National Bank, Finis Welch Foundation, Extraco Banks, BigShots Golf Aggieland, Royce & Mary Hickman, State Representative Kyle Kacal, Thompson, Derrig, & Craig, Sid & Kelli Backstrom, Cotton Commercial USA, Monica Brown, DDS, Physicians Premier ER, George & Barbara Bush Foundation, Texas Commercial Waste, Stylecraft, University Title Company, ANCO Insurance, Bryan Texas Utilities, Prosperity Bank, Awards & More, Bryan Texas Utilities, Capital Farm Credit, Cal & Beth McNeill, First Financial Bank, Riverstone Companies, LLC, Frost Bank, Shannon Morton Photography, Coleman & Patterson Real Estate, The Ellison Firm 2023 Graduates: Ava Allensworth, Caleb Barnett, Emma Beard, Noah Benn, Catherine Brantley, Katherine Brunson, Abigail Castillo, Monserrat Castillo, Chance Crawford, Claire Dunn, James Edge, Grant Falcone, Elizabeth Garcia, Armaan Gilani, Callie Grimes, Melanie Guerra, Sophie Harkins, Madee Hodges, Isabella Jackson, Braeden Johnson, Sashi Kulatilaka, Avery Lanphere, Jacob Larkin, Emily Lewis, Matthew Lightsey, Maleigh Morawietz, Kelsey Newland, Emma Novosad, Carter Noynaert, Leviticus Paris, Kyle Patterson, Conner Reilly, Norah Robinson, Sinclair Schiller, Jacob Seo, Grayson Simpson, Emily Sullivan, Lauren Swartzlander, Kayley Sze, Aleena Tariq, Christopher Tello, Carlee Woodward, Noah Wright, Mallory Zumwalt
The Chamber is the only local organization that advocates for businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber uses guiding principles in considering positions on business issues. At the heart of these principles is the certainty that the strength of a nation, a state and a community is a reflection of the strength of their economies. Wealth and jobs are created through economic development in a free society by means of free enterprise. Businesses, especially small businesses, are the engines that drive economic growth and rely on an atmosphere conducive to that growth. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, unless noted otherwise. Committee Chair: Leighton Schubert and Phil Shackelford
Transportation Committee As a subcommittee of the Legislative Affairs Committee, the goal of the Transportation Committee is to collaborate and communicate with Chamber members and key members of the transportation sector and to educate the chamber membership on critical transportation issues and initiatives. This committee will also advocate and legislate for transportation solutions while creating harmony with the coalition of stakeholders. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Committee Chair: Doug Bramwell
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