MORE ON PAGES 8–10
A Message From
J.J. Hollie
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1978 as a membership organization to drive business growth. Since that time, the Chamber has focused on creating opportunities to build a worldclass place to live and work. From launching successful programs like Education for Tomorrow Alliance and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership to representing thousands of companies from all major industries, the Chamber has been an integral part of The Woodlands area community since its inception. Through various programs and teams of devoted volunteers, the Chamber continues to move our region forward in every facet of the community: workforce, growth and business advocacy. And every new year brings a fresh dynamic to the Chamber with the appointment of some new board members, while saying goodbye to a few who have given their time and leadership for a number of years. We are pleased to announce Stuart Lapp (Stibbs & Co., P.C. Attorneys) as the chair of the 2018-19 board of directors and Jeff Garrett (Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP) as the vice chair. Stuart and Jeff will begin their roles Sept. 1, 2018. Additionally, the board will welcome seven new members in September, to serve three-year terms: Steve Berry (Waste Connections, Inc.), Rashard Johnson (CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital), Randy Lovelace (Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies), Linda Nelson (Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center), Don Norrell (The Woodlands Township), Kathy Rifaat (Crisis Assistance Center) and Jan Sieving (Southwestern Energy). The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with these great individuals who govern our organization, uphold its mission and assist the Chamber in supporting the community. On behalf of the Chamber and its members, I would also express thanks for dedicated service to our current Chair Frank Holmes (Sam Houston State University), along with five board members whose terms expire in September: Monica Bomkamp Enia (Education for Tomorrow Alliance), Mike Fortner (Open Door Benefits, LLC), Paco Rivera (Green Bank), Eric Saville (Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse) and Josh Urban (Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital). Get to know our new board members on page 8.
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FEATURED
The Measure of a Life is its Service
CHAIRMAN FOCUS
M
y wife and I had a wonderful experience in April when we attended The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church. This event honors the volunteers for nonprofit organizations in our area.
CHAMBER NEWS
The room, decorated in bright fiesta colors, put a smile on the faces of the 250 guests who attended. The program was uplifting and inspiring. It reminded me of just how important volunteers are to our community and the organizations for which we care deeply. Merriam–Webster’s online dictionary defines volunteerism as “the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service.” Dictionary. com says that a volunteer is “a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.” Think about what “difference makers” volunteers really are, especially reflecting on the mountains of good work and good deeds done during and after Hurricane Harvey. Usually, there are a relative handful of extraordinarily generous and selfless individuals, who deservedly receive broad recognition for their exceptional service during times of crisis or for their repeated acts of kindness. However, in our area alone, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals who write checks for charitable causes, assist their neighbors in time of need, help at schools and churches on a daily basis, and are actively involved with countless nonprofit organizations in very meaningful ways. If those of us in the nonprofit world had to pay for the services of volunteers and replace their financial support with other dollars, I simply
do not know how we would manage. Many of those whom we seek to serve would go without. Children would not receive the critical nurturing and educational support essential to being safe and successful. Social services and Frank Holmes health care would not exist as we know it. In short, our world would be a less desirable place in which to live, work, and play.
The motto of Sam Houston State University is “The measure of a life is its service.” We believe that a part of the growth and development of an educated individual is take responsibility for helping to make the world a better place for all of us. Our mission as citizens of The Woodlands is no less. Our volunteers demonstrate it every day, and they are an essential part of helping to realize the incredible vision for our community. If you were among the 250 volunteers who attended the Chamber’s luncheon, I need to thank you again. Indeed, I cannot thank you enough. If you are a volunteer and were not at the luncheon, I owe you my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for what you are doing. You are a difference maker!
The Chamber Announces New Marketing & Communications Director The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Lauren Joerg as its new director of marketing and communications.
Lauren Joerg
“The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce combines the power of people, with its 40-year legacy of leadership and business advocacy, to drive a dynamic economy in South Montgomery County,” Joerg said. “I’m excited to elevate the stories of The Woodlands area community as a whole and the business members who contribute to its success” As director of marketing and communications, Joerg leads the organization’s digital communications, media relations and messaging efforts. “Lauren brings a wealth of experience to the effort of advocating on behalf of strong communities,” JJ Hollie, the Chamber’s CEO and president, said. “Lauren’s expertise in communications and experience working with other chambers will serve our members well.” Joerg joined The Woodlands Area Chamber in December 2017 as the communications assistant. Prior to this, she
worked alongside business leaders and policymakers as the director of communications for The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, where her work earned The Association of Chambers of Commerce Executive’s Award of Communications Excellence. Earlier, she led outreach efforts for the City of Baton Rouge, LSU System, Habitat for Humanity and The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge on behalf of SSA Consultants, an organizational development and management consulting firm based in Baton Rouge. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and business administration from Louisiana State THE WOODLANDS AREA CHAMBERof COMMERCE University.
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FEATURED
STUART W. LAPP, 2018-19 CHAIR Stibbs & Co., P.C., Attorneys Stuart W. Lapp is a partner at Stibbs & Co., P.C., Attorneys, a business law firm specializing in areas of energy and business law, employment law, complex commercial litigation and commercial real estate. He heads the litigation section and practices in the areas of complex commercial transactions, commercial real estate and finance. Prior to joining Stibbs & Co. in 2015, Stuart served as general counsel for Petroleum Wholesale, L.P. and Sun Development, L.P., headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, for 12 years. For nearly 20 years, he privately practiced civil trial law and mediation. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Association, the Houston Bar Association, the Montgomery County Bar Association and The Woodlands Bar Association. He is a certified mediator having received training from the Attorney Mediators Institute and the A.A. White Dispute Resolution Institute. He also served as an administrative hearing officer for the Texas Education Agency and presided over administrative hearings involving involuntary termination of teacher contracts for Houston ISD, Klein ISD and Spring ISD. From 2007 to 2016, Stuart served as a board member of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership and board chair from 2014 to 2015. He is a member of the Parish Council for St. Anthony the Great Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Spring, Texas, and has served terms as president and treasurer of the council. He is a founding member of the Voter Awareness Council, a nonprofit. nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing voter awareness and encouraging voter participation in local elections. He is a member of George’s Coffee Club, a nonprofit, non-political organization founded to share information about George Mitchell’s leadership and contribution in the development of The Woodlands and to broaden awareness of Mitchell’s vision for the community. Stuart is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County. He is also a self-described BBQ nerd, and with the support of Stibbs & Co., founded The Woodlands BBQ Festival, a family-friendly event held annually at Town Green Park. The Woodlands BBQ Festival showcases talented and celebrated BBQ pitmasters from around Texas, and, like the annual Woodlands CrawPHish Festival, raises money and awareness to extend and improve the lives of those affected by pulmonary hypertension. 8 woodlandschamber.org JUNE 2018
Stuart moved to Texas in 1973 when George Mitchell hired his father to join the team that designed and built The Woodlands. He graduated from Spring High School, Southern Methodist University (B.A. - Criminal Justice) and The University of Houston Law Center (J.D.). He and his wife, Eve, live in Magnolia and are the parents of three adult daughters and grandparents of one energetic granddaughter.
JEFF GARRETT, 2018-19 VICE CHAIR Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP Jeff Garrett serves as an assistant general counsel at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP located in The Woodlands. Garrett is a member of the State Bar of Texas, registered before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He has previously served as vice president of economic development for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He has also served as a board member for the Education for Tomorrow Alliance and The Woodlands Bar Association and as a Pacesetter Chairman for the United Way of Montgomery County. He and his wife, Debra, have two children.
STEVE BERRY Waste Connections, Inc. Steve Berry relocated his family to The Woodlands from Folsom, California in 2012 as part of the Waste Connections corporate move and hasn’t look back a day since! In his multi-roles as corporate office public affairs manager, sales training manager, and corporate social media specialist he is responsible for the training and development of the Waste Connections National Sales Force. A veteran of the solid waste industry, he has held a variety of positions since 1987. A graduate of California State University, Sacramento, B.S in Business Administration, he dived into the world of waste and recycling – starting at the bottom and working his way up to district vice president and then municipal accounts executive for Browning–Ferris Industries.
A 10-year diversion into local city government began with a position in the Mayor’s Office in the City of Riverside, eventually becoming an assistant city manager then city manager. Along the way, his 25-plus year active involvement in nonprofits, chambers of commerce and regional economic development, has given him a well-rounded view from both sides of the fence. Stephen calls The Woodlands home and is happily married to Lori Berry for 30 years and has two daughters, Katherine and Christina.
RASHARD JOHNSON CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital Rashard Johnson joined CHI St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital in July 2015. He oversees support and ancillary services such as Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Pharmacy, Plant Operation, Clinical Engineering, Environmental Services, Food Services, and Inpatient and Outpatient Therapies for CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands, Lakeside and Springwoods Village Hospitals. In addition, Rashard holds responsibility for outpatient clinics, including our Wound Care Center, Performance Medicine, and Sleep Centers as well as our free-standing Emergency Departments. Prior to his relocation to The Woodlands, Rashard served for five years as the assistant vice president of Support Services for the UT Southwestern University Hospitals and Clinics in Dallas, Texas. In this role, he provided executive leadership for the support services division of Clements University Hospital and University Hospital Zale Lipshy, comprising 640 beds and 16 clinics. Prior to joining UTSW, he held leadership positions at Jackson Health System in Miami, the VA Healthcare System in Miami, and at the Department of Elder Affairs. Rashard earned his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Central Florida. He is a member of ACHE, NAHSE, and previously held the office of DFW Chapter President of NAHSE. He currently serves on the board of directors of The Greater Houston March of Dimes, The Woodlands Family YMCA Board, and he’s also a member of Leadership Montgomery County’s Class of 2018.
RANDY LOVELACE Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc. Randy Lovelace is the owner of The Woodlands, Texas branch office of Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc. Paragon offers insurance services for home, auto, boats, motorcycles, and flood, as well as various commercial products, workers compensation and surety bonds. He has been in the insurance industry for 29 years, initially opening his first office in Port Arthur, Texas, and relocating his agency to The Woodlands Jan. 1, 2006.
In March 2006, Paragon joined The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and immediately became involved in Chamber activities. Randy has been active with numerous chamber teams and committees, such as Golf, Meet the New Members, Community Relations, Business Advocacy, Transportation Education, and served as a team leader for Business After Hours, Job Fair, Diplomats, and Chairman’s Ball. In 2016, Randy was appointed to the Chamber Board to fill a vacancy, and currently serves as VP of Business Opportunities. Randy has volunteered for The Montgomery County Food Bank, Interfaith (IronmanTx) and other area nonprofits. He is a Leadership Montgomery County class of 2013 graduate and a past board member for Bridgewood Farms. He attends the Ark Church where he and his wife Dawn Candy serve in the Café. He has seven grandkids and resides in Oak Ridge North.
LINDA NELSON Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Since 1997, Linda Nelson has been with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, a 351-bed acute-care hospital. She currently serves as the business development and regional marketing director. Linda completed her undergraduate degree in business at West Virginia Wesleyan College and her MBA at Texas Women’s University. Wanting to stay involved in the community that she both lives and works, Linda has been active in her role at The Woodlands Area Chamber - including chairing the Business Advocacy Council, the Health Care Committee and currently chairing the Transportation Education Council. Linda is also dedicated to Leadership Montgomery County (LMC), The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber, EDP and the Conroe ISD Site Based Committee. She has earned the following recognitions: Hometown Hero, The Woodlands Area Chamber Citizen of the Year, LMC Distinguished Alumnus Award, IRONMAN Captain of the Year and the Montgomery County Women’s Council on Organizations’ Woman of Distinction. Linda was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to the Houston area in 1980. She has been married to her husband, Gordon, for more than 38 years. Together, they have three children living in Houston and Austin. Other than spending time with family, you can find Linda playing racquetball, on the golf course or fishing.
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DON NORRELL The Woodlands Township
Don Norrell is president/general manager of The Woodlands Township, a master-planned community of approximately 115,000 residents and 2,000 businesses located 30 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas. Don oversees all departments within The Woodlands Township Administration, Community Relations, Covenant Administration, Economic Development, Environmental Services, Finance, Fire Department, Human Resources, Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, and Public Safety – Law Enforcement. Responsibilities include the operating and capital improvements budgets as well as the implementation of strategic plans, goals, and objectives to meet the public service needs of residents and businesses in The Woodlands Township. He has been responsible for coordinating, directing and managing all activities related to the consolidation of services of the former Community Associations of The Woodlands with The Woodlands Township. This historic Transition was made possible after The Woodlands reached Regional Participation Agreements with the cities of Houston and Conroe in 2007 allowing The Woodlands to determine its own future governance. Don led the Transition between The Woodlands Township and the Community Associations of The Woodlands which took effect on Jan. 1, 2010. He has more than 30 years of public service and administration in city management and finance for the cities of Irving, Texas, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he was city manager for 14 years. Prior to his position as president of The Woodlands Township, Don served as president of The Woodlands Community Service Corporation for three years where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of The Woodlands Community Association (WCA), The Woodlands Association (TWA) and The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association (WCOA). He is a native Texan, a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from East Texas State University. He and his wife Vicki live in Village of Grogan’s Mill in The Woodlands and have three grown children.
KATHY RIFAAT Crisis Assistance Center Kathy Rifaat currently serves as the director of development for Crisis Assistance Center (CAC), a nonprofit social service organization providing assistance services to all of Montgomery County, Texas. Kathy has spent her entire professional career in numerous capacities in the nonprofit sector serving others through the Lighthouse of Houston, 10 woodlandschamber.org JUNE 2018
Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and has resided in The Woodlands since 2001. Kathy is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County and has enthusiastically supported many local organizations and causes in Montgomery County over the years including the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association, Education for Tomorrow Alliance and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Kathy is the proud mother of two children, Ashley and Reed. Volunteering together with her children for fundraising events and community festivals is one of Kathy’s favorite ways to spend her time. Kathy and her daughter are also members of the National Charity League philanthropy group. Currently, she serves on The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomat Team and as team leader for Business After Hours and has held past roles as team leader for the Community Relations Team and Chairman’s Ball. Kathy was also recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2016 by The Woodlands Area Chamber.
JAN SIEVING Southwestern Energy Jan Sieving is director of communications for Southwestern Energy (SWN), responsible for aligning employees with the company’s strategy, promoting and protecting the SWN brand and awesomizing the work environment. Jan has worked in the energy industry for 20 years, serving in a variety of capacities for three multinational firms. She began her career as a reporter and anchor in California and later served as public information officer for the Bakersfield Fire Department. Her foray into politics included serving as assistant director of press relations for California Gov. Pete Wilson and on senate staff for two California state senators. She holds a B.A. in communication from California State University, Bakersfield and is a graduate of the Executive Management Program at UCLA. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in communication management at the University of Southern California. Jan and her family live in The Woodlands. She has served as the chair of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership and as a board member of the YMCA of The Woodlands. She is a member of the Women’s Energy Network and the International Association of Business Communicators.
FEATURED
2J19 Legislative Priorities
WHAT IS ADVOCACY?
J Advocacy is: providing educational opportunities around public policy; supporting causes and issues in the state and national legislature.
J Advocacy is not: a political action committee (PAC) for supporting candidates. The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Council (BAC) is the place to learn about and discuss causes and issues that matter to your business and our community. Meetings include informational briefings from guest speakers and structured discussion with fellow members. Every Chamber member is eligible and encouraged to participate in the monthly BAC meetings.
WHAT ARE THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES?
J The legislative priorities are: a clear guideline of our membership’s positions on issues affecting the business community that determines the functions of the Business Advocacy Council.
J The legislative priorities are not: a support of candidates or a political party. The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting a healthy, prosperous and competitive business environment in the South Montgomery County region. The legislative priorities are drafted and discussed by Chamber members and approved by the board of directors.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
The Business Advocacy Council is updating its legislative priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session. Now is the time to be a part of the discussion about what is important to your business or industry. If you work for or own a local business, provide a service to our community, or have an interest in any of the following sectors, please participate in the scheduled planning meetings.
UPCOMING BAC MEETINGS
BAC meetings are held at The Chamber offices. For more information For more information, please contact Lupe Cuellar, director of government affairs, at lupe.cuellar@woodlandschamber.org. J J J
Transportation
Friday, June 1 from 8-9 a.m.
Health Care
Friday, June 15 from 8-9 a.m.
Utilities, Energy and Natural Resources Friday, July 6 from 8-9 a.m.
Education and Workforce Friday, July 20 from 8-9 a.m.
Financial Services and Elections Friday, August 3 from 8-9 a.m.
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Doug Adams The Woodlands Fire Department
Dan Altom The Young Learners Group (The Woodlands Young Learners Academy)
Brian Bondy Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce
Michael Bradbury HVAC Capital Partners, Bradbury Brothers, Bradbury Thornton Plumbing Services
Kandice Cabets Quadvest
Breanna Challicombe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Christian Collins Brady For Congress
Melanie Davis Better Bookkeepers
Allegra Ellis Entergy Texas, Inc.
Adam Fracht Stibbs & Co., P.C.
Eric Geppelt Burditt Consultants
Jennifer Graff Graff Law Firm, PLLC
Tom Hauser The Woodlands Christian Academy
Patty Howard Conroe Regional Medical Center
Allison Hulett Montgomery County Food Bank
Lindy Johnson Interfaith of The Woodlands
Rashard Johnson CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital
Dan Kolkhorst The Woodlands Development Company
Michelle Marek Keller Williams The Woodlands & Magnolia
Sarah McClure City of Oak Ridge North
Heather McDonald Lone Star Family Health Center
Lisa McElroy Alegre HR Advisors, LLC
Clint Nichols Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
Tim Patton The Woodlands Methodist School
Chris Roznovsky Jones|Carter
Brian Sauers Strike, LLC
Tammy Schroder Veritas Title Partners
Brittany Sloan Dossey & Jones, PLLC
Stephen Smith Dean & Draper
Travis Smith Caldwell Companies
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Next Generation Leadership Students Celebrate a Year of Successes
Christine Chapman YMCA of Greater Houston – The Woodlands Family YMCA
Jeff Christy Conroe Police Department
Terry Green Consolidated Communications Inc
Amy Gregorcyk Coldwell Banker
Wendy Lambie The Strong Firm P.C.
Carrie Lujan Woodforest National Bank
Education for Tomorrow Alliance celebrated the 2018 Congratulations Next Generation Leadership class at a graduation and good luck to the reception May 1. The celebration capped off a year 38 graduates! of monthly leadership classes to expose 12th grade Adreanne Blanco Preston Bomchill* students to leadership at work in Montgomery County. Emily Bowden Seven students were awarded scholarships toward their Nicholas Bracci higher educational pursuits. Special thanks go to program sponsor First Financial Bank and lunch sponsors All Star Catering, Chick-fil-A Lake Conroe Parkway, Conroe Economic Development Council, Conroe Regional Medical Center, Consolidated Communications, Leadership Montgomery County, First National Bank Texas and McKesson who made the program possible.
Megan Brieden* Nicole Chacon Krishna Chandra Hope Chang Maria Elena Cruz Abbey Currie* Kylie Dobraski Maggie Dorris Mason Dupuis Hannah Elsmore Brian Gensheimer Kruthi Gopal Leia Hannum Jackson Hendrix Trey Hollie John Hoover Keller Houston* Yazmine Kellough Blake Kourik* Kassi Koy VJ Margan Breanna Martin Genesys Mederos Zoe Meyer* Hau Joseph Nguyen Sarah Nichols Rachel Paddock Jerry Reiger* Nayeli Sanchez Graesen Smith Willem Taylor Mia Vu Hailey Wallet Juvae Williams Mingyang Yuan
*Recognizes a NGL Scholarship Recipient
Catherine Prestigiovanni Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare
Dr. De’ Reese Reid-Hart Lone Star College-Montgomery
Darrin Rice Conroe Independent School District
Zach Richmond Richmond Realty Group – RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring
Dannette Suding Montgomery County Youth Services
Sergio Van Dusen Vogt Engineering
Ryan Wade Manhard Consulting, Ltd.
Jack Yates City of Montgomery
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK
MEET THE NEW MEMBERS
NETWORKING BREAKFAST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
CHAMBER C O N N E C T I O N S
Visit The Chamber’s Facebook page for even more photos.
COMMUNITY JOB FAIR HEALTH WELLNESS EXPO
CHAMBER C O N N E C T I O N S
CHAMBER
JUNE 2018
E V E N T S
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See woodlandschamber.org/calendar for up-to-date information and registration details.
CHAMBER
JULY 2018
E V E N T S
SAVE DATE
Fridays, June 1, June 15 and July 20 from 8-9 a.m.
AUGUST 18, 2018
BUSINESS ADVOCACY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S BALL
Wednesdays, June 27 and July 25 from 4-5 p.m.
CHAIRMAN’S BALL
Tabletop Decorator Information Session Tuesdays, June 5 and July 17
COMMUNITY RELATIONS TEAM
Wednesdays, June 6 and July 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
THE
CHAMBERTeamMEETINGS
40th Annual Chairman’s Ball The Chamber’s 40th Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Annual Putt, Pass & Chip Golf Tournament OCTOBER 22, 2018
GOLF TOURNAMENT TEAM
Employment Law Update
Mondays, June 25 and July 30 at 3:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 9, 2018
TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION COUNCIL
Taste of the Town
TEAMS ARE OPEN TO ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS. Joining a team yields more opportunities to build relationships and network while collaborating with others for a common goal.
Economic Outlook Conference
Fridays, June 1 and July 6 from 8-9 a.m.
JANUARY 17, 2019 FEBRUARY 9, 2019
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R e n e w i n g
Member Spotlight SPEEDSPORTZ RACING PARK AT GRAND TEXAS HOUSTON’S HIGH SPEED PLAYGROUND • DRIVE IT • RACE IT • OWN IT! What are Hot Laps? Speedsportz Racing Park, opened their doors a year and a half ago; strategically locating the track close to The Woodlands business community. Just a 20-minute drive from The Woodlands, Speedsportz was the first entertainment complex to open in the Grand Texas entertainment development. Alan Rudolph, SKUSA National Champion, who has even been inducted into the karting hall of fame, had a vision. The vision included designing a multifaceted racing complex; accommodating Corporate Team Building Events 10500+, Arrive & Drive Kart Racing, and the Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. Alan Partnered with A local businessman and together they purchased 30 acres from the Grand Texas theme park development to build the first in the nation of its kind; including not one, not two, but three outdoor performance tracks. Speedsportz Special Event Racing Venue hosts many of The Woodlands local corporate Team Building Outings including: Meetings, Corporate Racing Picnics, Holiday Parties, Client and Employee Appreciation Events, Racing Shot Gun Charity Events, Automotive Events, and Private Social events. Annual Events include the upcoming SS Father’s Day Racing Brunch racing karts and cars. The track even has a rooftop lounge overlooking both race tracks and provides meeting and event space. The $8M racing complex features “Arrive & Drive” Style Kart Racing, on a Half mile-12 turn track for general public, and .8-mile 17 turn Professional track hosting local, regional, and national kart races. Now you may wonder WHAT ARE HOT LAPS? Hot Laps are a group event addition. Alan and his crew of racing instructors drive full size cars at top speeds, while “you” as the passenger ride shot gun for an adrenaline rushing experience.
The Alan Rudolph Racing Academy accommodates the rookie to professional driver, with a three-hour Karting Experience Course to a One-on-One Racing Clinic that last four days. Speedsportz is still growing, adding on 4-Acre Skid Pad for Auto Cross, Team-Building, and driver training. Groups and students compete against the clock, while driving full sized cars in a timed Autocross competition. Prior to opening, the Speedsportz team was anxious to secure a membership with The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce further relying on good oldfashioned networking, the opportunity to meet our neighbors and local businesses and accelerate an overall awareness in The Woodlands community. Our success stories of having a membership with The Woodlands Area Chamber are endless! Our sales and marketing team have already experienced the rewards of membership. We enjoy the opportunities to meet local leaders and cultivating relationships. Meeting Elaine with Berryhill Baja Grill at a networking event is just one example. Developing B2B relationships have been instrumental to our success; providing catering services to our corporate clients and special events. Berryhill Catering is now one of our exclusive caterers. The Business After Hours event, once again provided our team the opportunity to meet our next exclusive catering company, Avenida Brazil Churrascuria Steakhouse. Together, we have all been able to collaborate on excusive buyout events, jointly host Event Planner Open House events, cross market and discuss prospective business opportunities. As a new and unique Team Building Venue and Racing Entertainment complex, Speedsportz will continue to renew our high performance membership with The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce; as it is one of our strongest strategies in developing relationships and meeting our business goals at the finish line!
We Sincerely Appreciate Our Lifetime Members AABCO Insurance / Denise Wranischar Abercrombie Retreats / Marilyn Abercrombie
Congressman Kevin Brady
Linda Curington
Donna Daniels
Linda Woods
Doug Stuart / Shaklee
Maxine Mueller
Floy Kelly
Nancy Wallace
B. ‘Chic’ Chicoine BeautiControl / Loretta DuBose
Houston Woman Magazine
Transcendental Solutions / Daryl W. Houck
Carol Gooch / Montgomery County Association of Business Women
Karen L. Hoylman
Arceneaux Insurance & Mortgage Services
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Janis Cornmesser Keller Williams Realty /Rui Martin
Vogt Ventures / Sandra Vogt Wendy Bolz
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NEW MEMBERS
A R P I L
EMERALD THE ORIGINAL FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS Mr. Nicholas Harrypersad • (832) 441-3553 The Woodlands, TX 77384 framelessshowerdoors.com We are the largest licensed frameless shower door installation and design company that owns a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Since we are the manufacturer, we offer the absolute highest quality glass & hardware, at the absolute lowest cost to you. When one of our custom designed and built shower enclosures leaves our facility, we stamp our name on it, to ensure the best quality available.
RUBY CONN’S HOME PLUS Mr. Tom Burns • (936) 230-5831 2445 Technology Forest Blvd. Bldg. 4, #800 • The Woodlands, TX 7738 conns.com Headquartered in The Woodlands, Conn’s started out more than 125 years ago as a small plumbing & heating company in Beaumont, TX. Today, Conn’s is one of the top consumer goods retailers in the country, with more than $1 billion in revenue and more than 4,500 employees across the southern U.S. Our mission is to make it possible for everyone to purchase quality, long-lasting products for their home. Sponsored by Mel Saettone; 21 Strong Foundation
DELTA LIFE FITNESS – SPRING-KLEIN Mr. Shane Thomas • (281) 939-3055 5250 FM 2920, Suite A • Spring, TX 77388 deltalifefitness.com This boutique fitness concept has a proven program that has enabled over a thousand participants to lose weight and tone up. Our Tone and Torch group fitness sessions are only 30-minutes, with participants burning up to 700 calories during the workout. SPONSOR: Joshua Cherry; Delta Life Franchising
PLATINUM ENTERPRISE CAR SALES Ms. Gina Harris • (888) 251-1483 17046 North Freeway • Houston, TX 77090 enterprisecarsales.com All cars for sale today at Enterprise Car Sales have no-haggle pricing, which makes it easy to compare national car sales online and find our best used car deals now at Enterprise car dealers near you. Our used car lots offer a low-pressure car buying experience to help you find reliable used cars and rental cars for sale.
GOLD CASSIO CREATIONS, FINE JEWELRY Mr. Craig Cassio • (281) 419-4200 • Fax: (281) 419-6410 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd #1300 • The Woodlands, TX 77380 cassiocreations.com The spectacular jewelry collection in the Cassio Creations showroom, includes: loose diamonds, gemstones, precious and semi-precious, fashion gold in white, yellow or rose, platinum, palladium, titanium, stainless steel and tungsten carbide. Craig and Michelle and their staff invite you to come in and experience first hand their passion for service and the offering of quality jewelry and special gifts.
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KARATE OF THE WOODLANDS Ms. Lacey Prieto • (281) 362-0066 4747 Research Forest Dr., #125 • The Woodlands, TX 77381 karatewoodlands.com Our mission is a symbol of excellence in Martial Arts. We are dedicated to providing a safe and family-oriented Martial Arts experience for students of all ages. We promote physical fitness and positive social interaction in a courteous and fun atmosphere. Our mission is to foster self-improvement and personal development through our award winning professional age appropriate curriculums.
LA COCINA DE ROBERTO Mr. Roberto Carlos Rubio • (832) 299-6706 3126 Sawdust Rd. • The Woodlands, TX 77380 lacocinaderoberto.net At La Cocina de Roberto, we go far beyond the run-of-the-mill Tex Mex that is served all over town. We prepare both traditional Mexican favorites, and Roberto’s specialties: The recipes of his childhood that he has perfected over the years. Roberto didn’t forget about breakfast! Come early and enjoy our wonderful breakfast tacos and plated Mexican breakfasts. SPONSOR: Jennifer Majors Baca; JMB Insurance Solutions
QUICK QUACK CAR WASH Mr. Travis Kimball • (888) 772-2792 6904 FM 1488 • Magnolia, TX 77354 dontdrivedirty.com We deliver a quality wash in 3 MINUTES with no waiting in long lines or lobbies. We invest in high-tech equipment for speed and safety. Our CLEAN CAR GUARANTEE means you always look good and leave happy. You’ll also love our clean locations, clean employees and ‘’green and clean’’ earth-friendly style. Big. Yellow. Duck. Plus a car wash show full of lights and colors. And what’s more fun than FREE VACUUMS?
SILVER THE WOODLANDS C12 GROUP Mr. Steve Van Ooteghem • (813) 230-2651 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Areas c12houston.com C12 is a leader in the movement of God in and through the marketplace. Not simply a CEO roundtable, professional networking group, business Bible study or guest speaker forum, C12 is a confidential, intimate environment where peers share ideas, discover and plan for their areas that need improvement, hold each other accountable and encourage one another to conduct business in a God-honoring way.
TOWN SQUARE PUBLICATIONS, LLC Ms. Gerrie Cook • (800) 730-2665 12301 SW 40th St. • Yukon, OK 73099 townsquarepublications.com Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.
U.S. ARMY WOODLANDS RECRUITING STATION Sgt. Flois Martinez • (281) 298-8857 265A Sawdust Rd. • The Woodlands, TX 77381 goarmy.com The first step in becoming a Soldier or officer in the U.S. Army is being armed with knowledge. Our recruiters are ready with the know-how to answer questions you have about the U.S. Army. And there are military recruiting offices right around your neighborhood.
NEW MEMBERS
A P R I L
BRONZE ABUNDANT HARVEST – ST. ISIDORE EPISCOPAL
PPCLOAN
Ms. Molly Carr • (936) 689-7177 Serving South Montgomery County harvesttruck.org We create and support experiences around the table that feed the body, nourish the soul, and transform our community. We support and sponsor 26 monthly food pantries. We serve 4 monthly community meals, in which we share over 750 meals. We are continuing our Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts by serving meals to those affected as well as those volunteering to rebuild.
Mr. Mac Winston • (800) 456-2779 • Fax: (281) 419-8309 25511 Budde Rd., #2901 • The Woodlands, TX 77381 ppcloan.com PPCLOAN is the nation’s leading source of conventional financing for Allstate agents, Farmers agents, Investment Advisors, Ameriprise Advisors, and FedEx Contractors. We understand your business and are committed to providing customized financing options to meet your individual needs while offering the most attractive loan terms available your industry.
BEAUTY IQ MEDI SPA
THE ALAINIAN, EXECUTIVE SUITES
Ms. Elizabeth Long • (833) 232-8847 4057 Riley Fuzzel Rd., Spa #2 • Spring, TX 77379 beautyiqmedispa.com Founded by Elizabeth Long, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, BeautyIQ is a medical spa located in Spring, Texas. Integrating what’s best in the lab and in nature, Beauty IQ is a whole-body prescription for health and beauty: proven scientific results plus a powerful dose of well-being—for renewal that’s skin deep, and deeper. SPONSOR: Nina Marino; The Nina Marino Team, Keller Williams Realty
CUBIC COWORK AT RAYFORD OFFICE PARK Mr. Jose Guerrero • (832) 271-7750 1310 Rayford Park Rd., Suite 302 • Spring, TX 77386 cubiccowork.com CoWorking is the latest trend in office space where collaboration, creativity and comfort allows you to work where, when and how you choose. We offer a creative and edgy work and meeting environment for entrepreneurs, small businesses and satellite offices. Cubic CoWork isn’t just built with a unique architectural style, but with the unique idea that people work better when they’re in a comfortable environment.
LEXICON PHARMACEUTICALS Ms. Misha Reissig • (281) 863-3308 8800 Technology Forest Place • The Woodlands, TX 77381 lexpharma.com We are a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that is applying a unique approach to gene science based on Nobel Prize-winning technology to discover and develop precise medicines for people with serious, chronic conditions. Using a patient driven approach, we are working to discover and develop innovative medicines to safely and effectively treat disease and improve patient lives.
NONA’S ITALIAN GRILL Mr. Juan Garcia • (936) 224-3132 3091 College Park Dr., #85 • The Woodlands, TX 77384 nonasitaliangrill.com Food is at the heart of our mission. From the Italian classics, to our one of a kind spiced Italian favorites, all of our offerings are handcrafted from the finest, freshest ingredients available. Our mission is to deliver the freshest, most authentic, homemade Italian cuisine to The Woodlands area. Dine in, To go orders, and catering available.
Ms. Colleen Wood • (346) 831-0200 • Fax: (281) 863-9286 8111 Ashlane Way • The Woodlands, TX 77382 thealainian.com The Alainian Executive Suites strives to provide to our tenants the enjoyment of a professional environment and friendly atmosphere, starting at our front desk. Our stunning two-story office building is located in a quiet neighborhood in Sterling Ridge. Office configurations are available for single or multiple tenants. Training room holds 40 attendees. We look forward to serving your needs.
TOPCOAT NAIL BOUTIQUE Ms. Mandy Hoang • (281) 292-7322 6700 Woodlands Parkway, #180 • The Woodlands, TX 77382 topcoat-nail-boutique.business.site Modern nail salon with beautiful decor that prides itself on service and cleanliness.
BUSINESS AMY CAT, REALTOR Ms. Amy Cat Thedinger • (936) 777-4498 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Areas sellinghomesinnorthhouston.com As an agent who’s an expert in this local area, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate. Sponsored by Cindy Heiser; The Flying Locksmiths
BOOT HILL PEST CONTROL Mr. Corey Lowe • (713) 557-7524 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Areas BootHillPestControl.com A local Veteran owned company who prides ourselves in helping commercial and residential clients handle pest control problems.
F45 TRAINING Ms. Alli Sullivan • (832) 698-4764 8510 Creekside Forest Dr., Suite E-100 • The Woodlands, TX 77375 F45training.com/creekside New training technique leaving competition and clients gasping for air. F45 is the most innovative, challenging and systemised team training workout in the world. Come & train like the stars at F45. SPONSOR: Joshua Cherry; Delta Life Franchising
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A R P I L
FITZPATRICK GROUP Ms. Ashley Craig • (713) 969-4500 1800 West Loop South • Houston, TX 77027 fitzgrp.com The Fitzpatrick Group is a Houston-based financial services firm specializing in comprehensive, tax-efficient wealth management strategies for individuals and organizations.
JUST VANILLA Ms. Clare Thomas • (281) 616-7336 377 Sawdust Rd. • Spring, TX 77380 justvanilla.com A bakeshop and culinary incubator. The bakeshop offers gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and keto options. The incubator assists clients looking to start or grow their business in the food industry.
KATHRYN STAKES REALTOR - SYNERGY REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS Ms. Kathryn Stakes • (281) 288-1095 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Area sproba.com Synergy Real Estate has been representing buyers and sellers throughout the area since 1998. We specialize particularly in residential, lakefront, investment, and acreage properties in Montgomery County. SPONSOR: Lee & Darielle Hunt; Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp - The Kelso Group
PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES Ms. Deidre Tate • (281) 335-9905 1350 Nasa Rd. • Houston, TX 7058 primerica.com We help Main Street families get the protection they need at a price they can afford, invest for the future and get out of debt. We teach fundamental financial principles that aren’t taught in school.
SMALL BIZ TECH CON, LLC Mr. Gregory Moffitt • (713) 398-4437 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Areas smallbiztechcon.com Empowering Small Businesses. Superior Customer Service, Fulfillment Expertise, Inventory Management, Operations Assistance, e-Commerce Development, and Streamlined IT Services.
STRONGER TO SERVE Ms. Teri Schmidt • (703) 939-4108 Serving The Woodlands & Surrounding Area strongertoserve.org Our mission is to inspire kids to develop into strong, healthy, compassionate and connected leaders of tomorrow by pairing fun fitness with meaningful service. SPONSOR: Ashley Byers; The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Ms. Nikita Bridges • (281) 500-0356 2018 Interstate 45 • Conroe, TX 77301 wrksolutions.com Leverage Workforce Solutions’ extensive knowledge of the local labor market to access the talent, employment opportunities and resources needed to compete in today’s economy.
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RENEWING COMMITMENTS EXECUTIVE INVESTORS Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
EMERALD INVESTORS Sergio’s Landscaping
RUBY INVESTORS
BMW of The Woodlands Hodges Collision Center-1488 Hodges Collision Center-Hwy 249
Hodges Collision Center-Lane Ln. Hodges Collision Center-Rayford Rd. MINI of The Woodlands
AT&T - Pinecroft AT&T - The Woodlands AT&T Mobility - Portofino Chick-fil-A Sawdust Chick-fil-A of The Woodlands Chick-fil-A The Woodlands Mall
Coffeeshop Company DITCO Ceramica Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery-Dignity Memorial The Hub Restaurant & Bar Vogt Engineering, L.P.
Alspaugh’s Ace Hardware Alspaugh’s Sterling Events - The Woodlands Spectrum Catering, Concessions & Events SpringHill Suites The Woodlands
The J. Beard Real Estate Company, L.P. The Marquis at The Woodlands Wicked Whisk Catering
PLATINUM INVESTORS
GOLD INVESTORS
SILVER INVESTORS
Action Communication Technology Inc. Brookdale Place The Woodlands BurgerFi Manuchar Inc O’Donnell, Ferebee & Frazer, P.C.
Post Oak Bank Sanderson & Associates, P.C. Speedsportz Racing Park Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
BRONZE INVESTORS Blo Blow Dry Bar Churrascos Steaks & Seafood Crius Energy, LLC Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen Cypress Custom Pools Freese, Peralez & Associates Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Investment Advisory Services, Inc. Link Local-Link Magazine / Graphic Design FX
Massage Heights Panther Creek Prosperity Living Reynolds & Reese, CPA, LLC SHB Development, LLC State Farm Insurance - Delon Fields The Pierpont The Sinclair Group Vein Clinics of America, Inc.
BUSINESS INVESTORS Alight Solutions Montgomery County ASD Hope, Inc., dba Texas Autism Academy Matos CPA, LLC Assistance League of Montgomery County Milstead Automotive, Inc. Caribou International Incorporated Optimal Hormone Health and Wellness Cool Kat Party Warehouse Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch Core Benefits Services Productive Ventures Crown Trophy Sam Houston State University Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish County, Inc. The Kimball Group, LLC Dossey & Jones, PLLC The Rubicon Academy Dynamic Entertainment Productions The Will Herndon Fund For Research at Beyond Fair Claims Roofing & Home Services Batten Disease Foundation Fasthoff Law Firm PLLC The Woodlands Events International Rett Syndrome Foundation V.F.W. Post 12024 Jennine K. Huet, DDS, PA Women Inspiring Supporting Entrepreneurs, Juice Plus LLC - WISE Conference Junior League of The Woodlands, Inc. Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands and South
*These renewing members increased their level of investment.
NEW MEMBERS
CU
• EXE CUT I VE LUS •D
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EXECUTIVE PLUS LEVEL : $6,100
Alexan Spring Crossing Avana Grogan’s Mill Avana Six Pines Avana Sterling Ridge Apartments Avana Woodridge Apartments Boardwalk at Town Center Crescent North Point The Plantation at The Woodlands The Retreat at The Woodlands Waterford Springs
Hardy Road Transfer Station – Waste Connections R360 Environmental Solutions Seabreeze Landfill – Waste Connections Waste Connections of Texas The Millennium Six Pines CubeSmart Self Storage - College Park CubeSmart Self Storage - FM 2978
EXECUTIVE LEVEL : $5,460
365RSS + 365PRO Staffing Services America’s ER Medical Centers Anadarko Petroleum Corporation CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP Community Impact Newspaper ExxonMobil ExxonMobil – Hughes Landing ExxonMobil – Hughes Landing II Great Built Roofing & Construction, Inc. Houston Business Journal Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands Houston Methodist Cancer Center at The Woodlands Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center at The Woodlands Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Primary Care Group – Conroe Houston Methodist Primary Care Group – Montgomery Houston Methodist Primary Care Group – The Woodlands Houston Methodist Primary Care Group – The Woodlands MD Anderson Cancer Center - The Woodlands Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center In the Pink of Health Ironman Sports Medicine Institute at Memorial Hermann Memorial Hermann 24 HR Emergency Care Memorial Hermann Bender’s Landing Urgent Care TIRR Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Mercantil Bank Richmond Group – RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring Southwestern Energy Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Strike, LLC Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Texas Children’s Pediatrics The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
The Woodlands Christian Academy Vintage Creek Centre, LLC BRealty • Maverick Development • The Butler House Woodforest National Bank – Town Center Two Woodforest National Bank – College Park Woodforest National Bank – Rayford Road Woodforest National Bank – Waterway Woodforest National Bank – Research Plaza Woodforest National Bank – Sterling Ridge Wright Business Technologies, Inc.
DIAMOND LEVEL : $3,575
Alta Mesa Holdings, LP Green Bank Lone Star College System Office Lone Star College – Conroe Center Lone Star College – Creekside Center Lone Star College – Montgomery Lone Star College – Tomball Lone Star College University Center – The Woodlands Lone Star Corporate College PM Realty Group Repsol Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. – Shenandoah Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. – Augusta Pines Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. – The Woodlands Talon International Inc. The Red Brick Tavern Glenn Insurance Agency The Woodlands Mall The Woodlands Pain Institute St. Mary Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inc The Woodlands Integrative Care Hospital The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking Wells Fargo – Alden Bridge Wells Fargo – Kuykendah & Woodlands Pkwy Wells Fargo – Market Street Wells Fargo – The Private Bank Wells Fargo Business Banking Wells Fargo – Woodlands Branch Wiesner Buick-GMC – Hyundai
EMERALD LEVEL : $2,540
Advanced Fertility Center of Texas Black Forest Ventures Black Walnut Café • Galaxy FBO Hubbell & Hudson Bistro • Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI) CB&I Comcast Comcast Business Conroe Coca-Cola Bottling Company Conroe Regional Medical Center Entergy Texas, Inc. Entergy Business Development: Texas H-E-B Woodlands Market-#579 H-E-B #564 • H-E-B #594 H-E-B Creekside Market H-E-B North Woodlands Market John Daugherty Realtors Kevin Baker Homes & Real Estate – Keller Williams Realty Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP Market Street McKesson Specialty Health McKesson Pharmaceutical Naskila Gaming Peak Roofing Systems Sergio‘s Landscaping Stephen F. Austin University TDECU Woodlands Member Center TDECU Business Services • TDECU Mortgage The Westin At The Woodlands Embassy Suites The Woodlands / Hughes Landing The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center Robard’s Steakhouse United Airlines Vernier & Associates, PLLC VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa Wright’s Printing
RUBY LEVEL : $1,940
A Strong CPA, LLC Adcetera Arnold Chiropractic Center, LLC Ascend at Jacobs Reserve Better Bookkeepers, Inc. Blanton Advisors, LLC BMW of Houston North MINI of The Woodlands BMW of The Woodlands Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) BB&T Vision Park British International School of Houston Buckalew Chevrolet, LP CenterPoint Energy CenterPoint Energy – C & P Tower Location CenterPoint Energy – Cypress Location CenterPoint Energy, Inc. – Government Affairs CHASE – Woodloch Forest CHASE – College Park • CHASE – Creekside Park CHASE – Panther Creek CHI St. Luke’s Lakeside Hospital CLPF – Waterway Plaza, LLC Cornerstone Wealth Management Corporate Incentives, Inc. Delta Life Franchising Dupuis & Polozola LLC Independence Title Edward Jones – Keaton McDaniel, Financial Advisor Tiny Paws Rescue Edward Jones – Richard L. Johnson, CFP(R), AAMS(R), Financial Advisor Edward Jones – Bill Gervasi, Financial Advisor Edward Jones – Brian Bowman AAMS®, CRPS® Financial Advisor Edward Jones – Chantel Williams, Financial Advisor Excelerate Energy LP Ferrari of The Woodlands First American Title – National Commercial Services First Financial Bank – Conroe First Financial Bank – Creekside Gensler GTIN Managed IT Support Harvey Builders Hodges Collision Center – Rayford Road Hodges Collision Center 1488 • Hodges Collision Center Hwy 249 Hodges Collision Center – Lane Ln. Hyatt Centric The Woodlands Legacy – The School of Sport Sciences Liberty Mutual Insurance – Bryan Selby Liberty Mutual Insurance Liberty Mutual Insurance – Susan Gonzalez Lub – Line Corp. 26010 Oak Ridge L.L.C. Marsh & McLennan Agency Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Masters In Dietetics, L.L.C. Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Woodlands Parkway Morgan A. Bourque, Attorney At Law Newfield Exploration Co. PHP Agency (People Helping People) Pioneer Bank Prosperity Bank – The Woodlands Prosperity Bank – Magnolia Parkway Prosperity Bank – Research Forest • Prosperity Bank – Spring Randalls Randalls – Buckthorne • Randalls – College Park Randalls – Panther Creek Sewell Automotive Companies Sewell INFINITI of North Houston • Audi North Houston Shenandoah Convention & Visitors Bureau City of Shenandoah SWBC Mortgage TETRA Technologies, Inc. The Belvedere at Springwoods Village The Broadmoor at Creekside Park Ashford Gardens • Solera at West Houston The Bradford at Brookside The Johnson Development Corp. – Woodforest The Johnson Development Corp. – Grand Central Park The Johnson Development Corp. – Harmony The Mark at Cityplace The Ward Law Firm The Woodlands Country Club – Tournament Course Legend’s • Mitchell’s 74 Bar & Grill The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer Course The Woodlands Financial Group The Woodlands Hearing Center The Woodlands Township The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau The Woodlands Young Learners Academy Linder Young Learners Academy Oak Ridge Young Learners Academy • The Learning Lane Visit The Woodlands Weygandt Law, PLLC The Singing Lawyer • Weygandt Enterprises, LLC Wilkinson Financial Woodlands Center for Special Surgery
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TEAMS IN ACTION young professionals network /GENUWINE TASTING ROOM
GenuWine Tasting Room hosted a networking reception for the Young Professionals Network in April. Voted one of the top three Best Bars in The Woodlands by The Woodlands Online “Best of The Woodlands” month-long contest, GenuWine Tasting Room is a comfortable, neighborhood wine bar offering more than 200 unique, boutique wines and 40 specialty craft beers. Whether sipping wine on the covered patio or listening to local live music Thursday through Saturday evenings, you can enjoy delicious cheese boards, gluten-free pizzas and flat breads, specialty salads, main entrees and amazing deserts.
Networking among their peers, attendees had the opportunity to sample four signature wines while learning about the distinct flavors and history that make them unique. Expanding your network and creating meaningful relationships is key when starting your career! Join the Young Professionals Network and let us help you get involved. If you are interested in learning more about the Young Professionals Network, email Lupe Cuellar at lupe.cuellar@woodlandschamber.org.
Team Spotlight / the diplomat team
DIPLOMAT TEAM
of the Month:
The REECE’S Team was honored as the March Diplomat Team of the April.
[PICTURED] Jennifer Majors Baca, JMB Insurance Solutions; Board Vice President of Committed Volunteers Dan Altom, The Young Learners Group; and Brooke Batchelor, Robert Half International – Office Team.
24 woodlandschamber.org JUNE 2018
Diplomats are active Chamber members that serve as an extension of the membership department. Their volunteer role is to welcome new members, coordinate monthly business connection events and assist in member retention. If you would like to be paired with a diplomat to learn how to make the most of your membership, contact Cyndi Alvarado, vice president of membership at info@woodlandschamber.org.
DIPLOMAT
of the Month: JENNIFER MAJORS BACA
Congratulations to Jennifer Majors Baca of JMB Insurance Solutions on being named the Diplomat of the Month for April. This makes four consecutive months that Jennifer has earned the title of Diplomat of the Month.
Jennifer’s commitment to the Chamber and the community is something that we truly treasure. Jennifer is happy share her experiences on how she has expanded her network through her Chamber membership. She is always willing to offer guidance to new and existing members to ensure they take advantage of all the opportunities their Chamber membership offers. If you see Jennifer at any upcoming Chamber Business Connection Events or team meetings, please be sure to congratulate her.
TEAMS IN ACTION community relations team /CELEBRATES NONPROFITS The Community Relations Team started preparing for their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon six months in advance, knowing that they wanted to make this year’s luncheon a great celebration to recognize all the local nonprofit members for the work they do and provide to our community. “Our community has been through a lot over the last year and when Hurricane Harvey hit our area, we all witnessed the true meaning of collaboration,” Cyndi Alvarado, vice president of membership for The Chamber, said. “It took many organizations pulling together their resources and volunteers to pick those up that were hit by the flood waters. The Community Relations Team embraces and promotes the value of teamwork, community service and stewardship. Therefore, we felt it was only fitting to celebrate everyone.” “This year’s theme, ‘ ,’ provided the team with the ability to create a festive atmosphere,” Callie Painter, team leader for the Community Relations Team, said. “We were extremely grateful to the YMCA’s Bright Life who created the amazing colorful chains that were draped across the event center.”
Living and working in such a philanthropic community it is hard not to notice the generosity of all those who serve. As a chamber of commerce, we have more than 172 nonprofit organizations that are members and we commend all of you for your servant hearts in making this a beautiful community for all. To learn more about how you can become involved with the Community Relations Team, please contact Cyndi Alvarado at cyndi.alvarado@ woodlandschamber.org.
Fiesta! Our Volunteers Are Red Hot
The Chamber was pleased to have Consolidated Communications return as the underwriter for this year’s luncheon. “Consolidated Communications has a longstanding tradition of giving back to the communities we serve. We are proud of our employees who generously give their time and talents to nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life in The Woodlands area,” Lisa Brooks of Consolidated Communications, said. “We are happy to join The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce in recognizing our community’s devoted volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.”
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BUSINESS
C O N N E C T I O N S
RIBBON CUTTINGS
business afterhours /
Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines
RICHMOND REALTY GROUP – RE/ MAX THE WOODLANDS & SPRING Richmond Realty Group — RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring partnered with Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse for the April Business After Hours. The event was attended by close to 200 members and guests with great food and drinks and plenty of networking opportunities. Richmond Realty Group’s slogan is “Rooted Locally. Rich in Community.” If you have a chance to speak with Zach Richmond, Marlys Mulkey or Heather Gable, you will be taken in by how genuine these three are. They care about those they meet, and they care about our community. They are honored when someone entrusts them to represent them in their home search. It is a responsibility they take very seriously and want to make sure they help every client find the perfect match for their needs.
Contact:Kelly Hodges 24520 Community Center Dr. Spring, TX 77389 (281) 907-9553 avanti-sl.com
Cassidy Joined for Hope, Inc Contact: Kim Hess 7 Switchbud Pl., Suite 192-526 The Woodlands, TX 77380 cassidyjoinedforhope.com
John Daugherty Realtors
Contact: Cheri Fama 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd., #1350 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 771-3980 johndaugherty.com
Symetria Recovery
It is about finding a home and not just a house. As you will often hear Zach say “Serving to the best of our God given ability. Exceeding expectations always. Giving back to the community.” This is the motto on which they have built their business and the community has been very receptive to them and the service they provide. Visit richmondrealtytx.com, or contact them at (281) 684-7497 to learn more. Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse was honored to be chosen to co-host Business After Hours with Richmond Realty Group. Kirby’s defines the fine dining experience in a cozy, upscale comfortable environment. From savory steaks to fresh seafood, Kirby’s menu has something for everyone including live music with a good selection of wine and cocktails. We invite you to stop in and say hello to Eric Saville, director of marketing & events and the staff conveniently located at 1111 Timberloch Place. Call (281) 362-1121 to make your reservations.
Business After Hours is a monthly networking social hosted by Chamber members. Bring a colleague and join us June 12 at Oak Ridge Young Learners Academy and be one of the first to get a sneak peek of this new center. 26 woodlandschamber.org JUNE 2018
Contact: Kim Tolar 635 Rayford Rd., Suite E Spring, TX 77386 (844) 277-7436 compassioncares.org
Weygandt Law, PLLC
Contact: David Weygandt 440 Louisiana St., Suite 900 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 489-5900 weygandtlaw.com
SCHEDULE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING:
Cyndi Alvarado, Vice President of Membership (281) 367-5777 or info@woodlandschamber.org
BUSINESS
C O N N E C T I O N S
meet the new members / FROST BANK
Frost Bank – East Shore hosted the April Meet the New Members reception. Frost Bank believes that long-term relationships are the cornerstone for their business. Frost Bank was founded in 1868 and has been helping Texans with their financial needs during three centuries. One of the 50 largest U.S. banks by asset size, Frost provides a full range of banking investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals in all the major Texas markets. To celebrate our 150th anniversary, Frost is saying “thanks” all year long by performing more than 150 good deeds in the communities we serve. At Frost, everyone is significant, and they treat them that way. They focus on building long-term relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and by providing a place to keep your assets safe and sound. For the ninth consecutive year, Frost Bank received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction in Texas in the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. Frost Customer Service is available 24/7 with a live person answering the phone, right here in Texas. [PICTURED] Lauren Janssen, assistant vice president of commercial banking with Frost Bank; Meet the New Members Team Leader Amber Sickafoose, The Woodlands Country Club; and Meet the New Members Co-Team Leader Sharla Grayson, Woodlands Event Planners, with our newest Chamber members who spoke at the reception.
ASD HOPE/TEXAS AUTISM ACADEMY The April Networking Breakfast was an exciting place to be. We moved over to Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House for a six-month period and were excited to have everyone join us in Hughes Landing. The Spotlight Table was Jane Walls with ASD Hope/Texas Autism Academy. It was fitting that guests learned more about her organization since April is Autism Awareness month and many in attendance came dressed in blue. Recognizing the need for a better quality of education for nonneurotypical children in the public school system, Jane and her colleagues quickly learned their options were limited and soon formed ASD Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children with Autism and their families.
The following is a list, in alphabetical order, of new members who attended the reception and delivered their introductory commercials: Sabrina Cruthird, Kelsey Morrill and Nick Mexa, Amazing Spaces Storage Centers-Springwoods-Exxon Campus; Shannon Crisafulli, Antares Arts & Design; and Imran Iqbal, ASI Software Solutions. To learn more about Frost Bank, please visit their location at 201 East Shore Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380; or visit frostbank.com. [PICTURED] Amber Sickafoose of The Woodlands Country Club and Sharla Grayson of Woodlands Event Planners present Frost Bank-East Shore with a certificate of appreciation for hosting The Chamber. Pictured left to right starting with the first row is: Marki Greer, Kristen Smith, Kim Duncan, Pamela Milstead, Eric Johnston, Trent Eckel, Gene Johnson, Brian La Rocca, Bernadette Gayya, Adrian Cadena, Leonard Mattox, Gloria Perez, Step Stepanski, Fernando Peralta and Kendra Swanson.
networking breakfast /
ASD Hope, Inc. recognizes the challenges children with Autism and their families face each and every day. Children with Autism are unique individuals who deserve a quality education using research-based curriculum along with a scientifically-proven behavior model, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Texas Autism Academy will create an innovative environment that is engaging and responsive to every child at every stage of their development. ASD Hope will reach out to the North Houston communities to create awareness of and the need for more educational opportunities for children with Autism and their families. You may learn more about their endeavors by visiting their website at texasautismacademy.org or contact them at (281) 771-5348.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK,
JOIN US FOR THE NEXT NETWORKING BREAKFAST HELD THE 3RD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD STEAK & CRAB HOUSE LOCATED IN RESTAURANT ROW AT HUGHES LANDING.
JUNE’S THEME: “My clients/customers can relax this summer because…” Craft a 60-second commercial with this start in mind about you and your business and share with about 100 attendees each month. Chamber members are invited to arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. to share promotional materials in the networking breakfast takeaway bags. Free parking available in the Whole Foods parking garage. Advanced paid reservations are required. $12/Members; $20/Guests. Prices at the door are $5 more. Visit WoodlandsChamber.org/Calendar to attend.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT 7:01a.m., SINCE 7:00 IS WAY TOO EARLY! 27
BUSINESS
B R I E F S
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Woodlands Township has expanded the Town Center Trolley to include service to Hughes Landing. The free trolleys provide transit to popular retail, entertainment and office locations along the 4.1-mile route connecting The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway and Hughes Landing. In addition to the added stops, riders can now track the Town Center Trolley in real time on a mobile device using The Ride Systems App. A creative and modern architectural co-working, virtual office and meeting space with private offices – Cubic CoWork at Rayford Office Park – has recently debuted at 1310 Rayford Park Road in Spring, Texas. Cubic CoWork at Rayford Office Park features flexible and collaborative work areas, meeting and conference facilities, private offices, a receptionist, and a lounge area and kitchen in two buildings totaling 18,000 square feet. Tours and reservations are now available. For more information, visit CubicCoWork.com or contact 832-271-7750.
year, the Power Broker Report ranked the brokerage by 2017 sales volume and by 2017 transactions, with RE/ MAX The Woodlands & Spring making a repeat appearance in the Top 500 in both categories. Construction will soon begin as ground has recently broken for the new 121 Vision Park Medical Office Building at 121 Vision Park Blvd. in Shenandoah. The 58,000 square-foot, three-story Class A medical office building is designed by Zeigler Cooper Architects and will be constructed by Structura Inc. with completion anticipated by the end of 2018. The J. Beard Real Estate Company assisted the developer, Everson Developments, in acquiring the 3.5-acre tract on Vision Park Boulevard and is also handling the marketing, property management, and leasing of the building.
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The Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC) recognized Elizabeth “Liz” Debaillon as its Woman of Distinction for 2018 at the Women of Distinction Luncheon, hosted by the Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organizations (MCWCO), on May 4. Every year, the MCWCO comes Elizabeth Debaillon together for the Women of Distinction Luncheon to celebrate all the many accomplishments provided by volunteers of local charitable organizations.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Newcor Commercial Real Estate handled the lease negations of an office space for Hometrust Mortgage in Kingwood. Rob Banzhaf and Mikale Vadell of Newcor Commercial Real Estate represented the tenant, Hometrust Mortgage, with the lease of a 2,059 square foot space within Lake Houston Professional Plaza, located at 18700 West Lake Houston Parkway. Mark Wimberly Our ladies are tough! The Spring Klein location has been of Houston Commercial Development represented the open for a month now and Tuesday is #TireFlipTuesday. landlord, 18700 WLHP, L.P. Lives are being changed at booty-shakin’, muscleNEW TO THE TEAM, PROMOTIONS & AWARDS tonin’, fat-burnin’ Delta Life Fitness. #LadiesOnly #Burn900in30 The partners at Martin, Earl & Stilwell The 13th annual Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas event, LLP (ME&S) announce that partner produced by The Woodlands Township, will be held at Michael D. Martin was named a 2018 Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, due to Super Lawyer and Top Rated Estate scheduled renovations taking place at Market Street. Planner and Probate Attorney. SuThe change of location affects the Memorial Hermann per Lawyers is a rating service of 10 for Texas 10-mile race, 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K and outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained Michael D. Martin One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run, which are scheduled for a high-degree of peer recognition and professional Saturday, Oct. 13. Register online and find the most achievement. For more information about Martin, Earl & up-to-date information at thewoodlandstownship-tx. Stilwell, LLP call 281-419-6200 or visit meslawfirm.com. gov/10forTexas.
Abundant Fertility, LLC has relocated to 719 Sawdust Road, Suite 330, The Woodlands, Texas 77380. Abundant Fertility is committed to providing excellent and informative education and support for growing families. Our goal is to empower and strengthen pregnant women, families and future parents in the community. Please call 832-488-5498, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make an appointment. Abundant- VGXI is pleased to announce that Vice President of Operations Dorothy Peterson has been appointed chief fertility.com operating officer. Peterson joined VGXI in 2007 as the Grand Central Park has added to its outdoor amenities director of quality and was promoted to VP of operations by opening Trillium Park, a manicured green space within 2011. During her tenure she has played a critical role in walking distance of several neighborhoods. A babin implementing VGXI’s Quality System, emphasizing bling brook is a focal point within Trillium Park, which continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with also features a covered pavilion, picnic tables and park cGMP regulations across departments. vgxii.com benches. The park complements other outdoor features within Grand Central Park, including The Grandeur trail The Strong Firm, P.C. is pleased to system, the 88-acre Grand Lake and other lakes and announce the appointment of attoropen areas. Homes in Grand Central Park are priced from ney Brian Albert to the firm as sharethe $200,000s. Learn more at grandcentralparktx.com. holder. In his role, he is leading the business law firm’s business and governmental agreements practice area, along with various business developBrian Albert ment and client relations activities.
RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring has once again been named a Top 500 Power Broker in RISMedia’s recently released 2018 Power Broker Report. Now in its 30th
his knowledge, leadership and integrity. He will be responsible for developing and leading SJRA’s new flood management initiative.
Charles R. Gilman
When you have commercial or residential air conditioning or heating work that needs to be done quickly and with an eye for quality, look no further than 5 Star Air Conditioning & Heating LLC. We service North Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Conroe, Oak Ridge, Shenandoah and more. Call 832-698-1011.
It’s time to get your home ready for entertaining guests or the selling season. Lone Star Pro Services does it all! Mold removal, odor removal, tile/grout cleaning, painting both interior/exterior, carpet cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning, sheet rock repair, cleaning out air ducts, upholstery cleaning…we are your one stop shop with superior 24/7 serCharles R. “Chuck” Gilman, Jr., P.E., vice when you need it! joined the San Jacinto River Authority Read our reviews-Rated as its new director of flood manageBest of Houzz in 2017! ment. Gilman has more than 20 years of experience in the field of engineer- Annual passes for Grand Texas’ newest attractions, Big ing and public administration and is Rivers Waterpark and Gator Bayou Adventure Park, are highly respected among his peers for now on sale. Every annual pass holder receives unlimit-
BUSINESS
B R I E F S
ed access to Big Rivers Waterpark whenever it’s open to the public, as well as access to Gator Bayou’s Wild Isle, Gator Gulch Alligator Exhibit, and Big Al’s Fishing Hole. Passes are available for purchase online at bigriverswaterpark.com and at the Grand Texas RV Resort. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2018 Performing Arts Season, features eight Houston Symphony performances, a full production of The Barber of Seville by Houston Grand Opera and a mixed repertory piece by the Houston Ballet. Tickets for most performances are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting ticketmaster.com.
Imran Iqbal
Imran Iqbal, is shown giving away wine aged 14 years ago to kick off his new business at the recent Meet the New Members Reception. Call Imran at ASI Software Solutions to get assistance for all your online business needs at a lower price than anyone will give you! Promise! 281-655-3310.
GIVING BACK Do you know someone having a difficult time that could benefit by a free housecleaning? We Clean 4 You always cleans for women undergoing cancer treatments but has expanded to help other community members facing a hardship. Nominate someone in need at weclean4you.com/giving-back.
Martha Turner Sotheby International Realty, The Woodlands office and Gracepoint Homes will sponsor “Stompin’ Batten,” a family 1K/5K fun run, on Saturday, June 2 in the community of Stillwater. The run will benefit the Will Herndon Research Fund, a Woodlands based nonprofit organization that raises money to fund research to find a treatment, and one day, a cure for juvenile Batten disease. For more information about the fun run and The Will Herndon Research Fund, visit willherndon.org or contact Jessica KempPark at 713-385-3981. Children’s Safe Harbor will host a fundraising luncheon on Friday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The goal of Children’s Safe is
to reduce the trauma of child victims and their nonoffending caregivers by facilitating a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary team approach to intervention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child sexual and severe physical abuse. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are now available. For more information, contact Ann Wolford at annwolford04@gmail. com or visit ChildrensSafeHarbor.org. Memorial Hermann’s In the Pink of Health committee announced four-time world and U.S. champion, philanthropist, author, television personality, and three-time cancer survivor Scott Hamilton as keynote speaker for the 18th Annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 12. Founded in 2001, the event raises money to be reinvested into the greater Montgomery County area to fund cancerrelated programs and services for patients and their families. To learn more about event sponsorship and securing a table, contact 713-897-PINK (7465) or inthepink@memorialhermann.org.
The Interfaith Food Pantry remodeled and upgraded their refrigeration area to accommodate protein rich perishable foods, such as frozen meats and dairy foods along with fresh produce harvested at two Veggie Village Community Donation Gardens. With seed money raised at the 2016 Celebration of Excellence Gala, Interfaith installed a 392 cubic feet walk-in freezer and two 47 cubic feet of commercial refrigerators. For more information on Interfaith’s programs and services, or to become a volunteer, visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-367-1230. The 2nd Annual Shelter for Shelter benefitting Montgomery County Youth Services was held May 10 at Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands. In 2017 the Richmond Realty Group RE/MAX The Woodlands and Spring raised $50,000 in two months by matching every donation dollar for dollar. With over 40 sponsors and individual tickets sold, they anticipate exceeding the $50,000 in 2018! #YesToYouth More than 300 guests opened their hearts to help end hunger at Montgomery County Food Bank’s 2nd Annual “Food For Life” gala on April 7 at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. The event raised $275,000 to help adults and children in need of hunger relief. Themed “Celebrating A Giving Community” and presented by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, this year’s gala highlighted those that have made 2017 an amazing year for their community through the Montgomery County Food Bank.
EDUCATION Fall classes at Rubicon Academy are booking! Did you know we have a Mom’s Day out for 2 and 3 year olds? And they learn to play the recorder and Spanish! rubiconacademy.com #20YearAnniversary
Patrick Reed winner of the 2018 Masters golf tournament accepted congratulations from Nicolette Hardwicke, founder and owner of Paddington British Private School, where his daughter attends. More than 1,500 candidates attended the 2018 Conroe ISD Job Fair that took place April 7 at The Woodlands College Park High School. The District plans to hire approximately 500 professional staff for the 2018-19 school year. Up next, Conroe ISD will host its Auxiliary Job Fair on June 14 at The Woodlands College Park High School. For more information about the Auxiliary Job Fair and other employment opportunities in Conroe ISD, visit conroeisd.net/hr.
The Math and Minorities in STEM (M&Ms in STEM) Summer Institute at Lone Star College-Montgomery will bring together 30 high school juniors and seniors from Conroe and Magnolia ISD from July 9-26 to expose students to college life at LSC-Montgomery while also focusing on developing math proficiencies for the college placement exam, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment. At the end of the camp, students will take the test for free and the results will count for those eligible to attend college in the fall. Applications are now open for the program at MakingAwesomeThingsHappen.org. Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy (Legacy Prep) in The Woodlands has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for their graduating class of 2018. Legacy Prep is excited to celebrate their fifth graduation ceremony at the end of this school year. Samantha Evrard has been named valedictorian and Spencer Berglund has been named salutatorian. If you would like more information about Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy, visit legacypca.org or follow Legacy Prep on Facebook.
Samantha Evrard
Spencer Berglund
Congratulations to nine graduating high school seniors of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital’s Junior Volunteer Program and Health Occupation Student Association members who were awarded college scholarships by the hospital’s Auxiliary earlier this month: Nicole Alebesun of Oak Ridge High School; Luke Bailey of Hargrave High School; Isabell Beasley of Atascocita High School; Brianna Huberty of Atascocita High School; Lauren Lee of Kingwood High School; Alana Ann Lietz of Atascocita High School; Eric Morejon of Kingwood High School; Emily Pearson of Atascocita High School; and Christel Romeguera of Klein Oak High School.
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the chamber leadership Officers, Priority Goals & Project Leaders
Frank Holmes..................................................................... Chairman of the Board J.J. Hollie....................................................................................President & CEO Randy Lovelace............................................................ VP Business Opportunities Sales.............................................................. Royce Brooks / Shirley Santangelo Community Job Fair..........................................................................Bill Gervasi Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo........................................................ Josh Cherry Employment Law Update........................................Elaine Roberts / Annette Kreuz Dan Altom.....................................................................VP Committed Volunteers Membership...............................................................................Cyndi Alvarado Diplomats............................................... Courtney Schweitzer / Michelle O’Rourke Discovery Day...................................................................................Dan Altom Business After Hours..................................................Kathy Rifaat / Elaine Smith Meet the New Members.....................................Amber Sickafoose / Sharla Grayson Networking Breakfast................................. Jennifer Majors Baca / David Dewhurst Bob Milner.................................................................... VP Financial Development Golf Championship.......................................................................... Chris Gagne Taste of the Town........................................................Alexa Horak / Dennis Silva Chairman’s Ball..................................................... James Ketchum / Hanna Pollet Cards & Cocktails......................................................................... Robby Marlow Stuart Lapp........................................................................ VP Government Affairs Economic Outlook Conference..................... Paul Oman / Nathan Adams/ Kyle Rojas Business Advocacy Council...................................... Kevin Kastor / Melissa Bochat Transportation Education Council........................... Linda Nelson / Laura Lea Palmer Whistle Stop Tour.................................................... Kevin Kastor/ Melissa Bochat Julie Ambler.................................................................. VP Legendary Leadership Leadership Retreat......................................................................... Julie Ambler Past Chairman.................................................................................Linda Head Young Professionals Network..............Patricia Ward / Brian Albert / Russell Kalousek Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon............ Courtney Schweitzer / Michelle O’Rourke Monica Bomkamp Enia..........................................................VP Visibility & Image Marketing.................................................................................... Lauren Joerg Community Relations Team............................................ Callie Painter / Chris Elmi Chamber Seminar Team................................................Dawn Candy / Ann Wolford Information Centers ........................................................................Jamie Sims Angela Strong...............................................................Vice President & Treasurer Byron Ellis............................................. Vice President & Chairman’s Appointment Linda Head....................................................................Immediate Past Chairman Gil Staley.......................... The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership
Directors: Terms Expire 2018
Monica Bomkamp Enia..............................................................Education for Tomorrow Alliance Mike Fortner..................................................................................... Open Door Benefits, LLC. Stuart Lapp................................................................................. Stibbs & Co., P.C., Attorneys Randy Lovelace....................................................Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, Inc.
chamber staff J.J. Hollie President & CEO......................................... jjhollie@woodlandschamber.org Mary Smith Vice President Community Service...............mary.smith@woodlandschamber.org Cyndi Alvarado Vice President Membership.................. cyndi.alvarado@woodlandschamber.org Gina Mitchell Director of Finance & Operations..............gina.mitchell@woodlandschamber.org Lauren Joerg Director of Marketing & Communications..... lauren.joerg@woodlandschamber.org Jamie Sims Director of Information Centers.................. jamie.sims@woodlandschamber.org Royce Brooks Director of Corporate Accounts.................royce.brooks@woodlandschamber.org Lupe Cuellar Director of Governmental Affairs................ lupe.cuellar@woodlandschamber.org Meagen Korenek Director of Special Events..................meagen.korenek@woodlandschamber.org Jamie Crowder Membership Assistant......................... jamie.crowder@woodlandschamber.org Shirley Santangelo Sales Associate...........................shirley.santangelo@woodlandschamber.org Jae Kim Finance Administrative Assistant.....................jae.kim@woodlandschamber.org Kelley Misetich Communications Assistant..................kelley.misetich@woodlandschamber.org 30 woodlandschamber.org JUNE 2018
Directors: Terms Expire 2018
Paco Rivera........................................................................................................Green Bank Eric Saville...................................................................................... Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse Josh Urban......................................................Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center
Directors: Terms Expire 2019
Bob Milner........................................................................................ Bterbo Consulting, Inc. Dr. Curtis Null..................................................................................................Conroe I.S.D. Debbie Sukin............................................................... Houston Methodist Woodlands Hospital Greg Usher......................................................................................... Cypressbrook Company Kristy Villarreal.......................................................................................Urban Woods Realty Tim Welbes... The Woodlands Development Company/A Division of The Howard Hughes Corporation Dan Altom.................................................................. The WoodlandsYoung Learners Academy
Directors: Term Expire 2020
Julie Ambler........................................................................ The Woodlands Christian Academy Melanie Bush....................................................................................Better Bookkeepers, Inc. Jeff Garrett.................................................................... Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP Missy Herndon............................................................................. Interfaith of The Woodlands Michele Kooken....................................................................................................Strike, LLC Zach Richmond......................................Richmond Realty Group – RE/MAX The Woodlands & Sprin Melissa Young..................................................................................Corporate Incentives, Inc.
Ex–Officio Directors
Chief Alan Benson............................................................................ The Woodlands Fire Dept. Captain Bryan Carlisle / Captain Allison Allen.................. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Monica Bomkamp Enia..............................................................Education for Tomorrow Alliance Kathy Turner Jones..................................................Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Judge Craig Doyal / Jim Fredricks ...................................................... Montgomery County Judge Linda Head................................................................................... Lone Star Corporate College Missy Herndon..............................................................................Interfaith of The Woodlands Frank Holmes............................................................................. Sam Houston State University Randy Johnson.................................................................Montgomery County Hospital District Jenny Taylor / Noemi Gonzalez............................................................................ Market Street Jim Kuykendall (Mayor)/ Vicky Rudy........................................................ City of Oak Ridge North Jerry MacDonald / Cameron Klepac............................................... Cynthia Woods Mitchel Pavilion Judy Foster...................................................................... Montgomery County Regional Center Dr. Ricardo Mora............................................................. Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber Adrian Gonzales.......................................................Montgomery County Restaurant Association. Tammy McRae.............................................................................County Tax Assessor Collector James Noack / Evan Besong...........................................Montgomery County Commissioner, Pct. 3 Gordy Bunch / Don Norrell...................................................................The Woodlands Township James Brown.................................................................Conroe North Houston Regional Airport Ritch Wheeler (Mayor).............................................................................. City of Shenandoah Gil Staley / Heidi Carney........................... The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Sarah Rhea..............................................................................Leadership Montgomery County Heather Washburn................................................................ Office of Congressman Kevin Brady James Stinson, P.E..............................................................The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency Dr. Curtis Null.................................................................... Conroe Independent School District Nick Wolda / Bruce Rieser......................................... The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Miguel Lopez...................................................................................... SBDC Lone Star College
about business today Business Today is published monthly by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and is a membership benefit of The Chamber. Advertisements in Business Today do not reflect an endorsement by The Chamber of any product or service. Business Today reserves the right to refuse advertisements. PUBLISHER..................................................J.J. Hollie EDITOR....................................................Lauren Joerg SALES......................................................Lauren Joerg
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