Member Spotlight Page 9
People
Recent Events. Page 4
Calendar
Upcoming Events. Page 6
“Come grow with us.” December 2011
Letters from the Chair New Members James T Lewelling 23864 Loop 494 New Caney, TX 77365 (281) 354-6163 Donna’s Cleaning Service 23864 Loop 494 New Caney, TX 77365 (281) 354-6163 All Pro Sep-Tech, Inc. 10329 Fostoria Rd. Cleveland, TX 77328 (281) 399-1000 · Fax: (281) 659-1902 State Representative Brandon Creighton 326 1/2 N. Main Street Conroe, TX 77301 (936) 539-0028 Suzy McDermott Consultant 38 Forest Green Trail Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 360-0554 · Fax: (281) 360-3101 Pentico Solutions, Inc 1127 Chestnut Ridge Rd Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 359-5613 · Fax: (281) 359-5613 Theresa’s Place 17593 Hwy 242 Conroe, TX 77302 (281) 429-2200 · Fax: same Jim Williams Construction 18468 FM1314 Conroe, TX 77302 (281) 429-1111 · Fax: (281) 429-4111 Northwoods Funeral Services 24172 Needham Road Porter, TX 77365 (281) 354-0639 · Fax: (281) 327-7458 Family Vision Center of Porter 23128 FM 1314 Suite A Porter, TX 77365 (281) 354-0900 · Fax: (281) 354-1733 Denbury Resources Inc. 12770 Koalstad Rd Conroe, TX 77302 (936) 231-7000 · Fax: (936) 446-2265 Simpson Hearing Center 23826 Highway 59 N Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 883-4441 · Fax: (281) 883-4443
Incoming Chairperson Angela Allen
Outgoing Chairperson Gary Gardner
Wow, what a year we are finishing!! We are so lucky to have had and continue to have the leadership for our Chamber in the hands of Andy and his staff and the Board of Directors. Gary Gardner the current Chair did a great job guiding the Board and the membership each month in 2011. This area’s potential is unlimited with many new and exciting things coming in the near future including the Grand Parkway expansion, EarthQuest, Hwy 59 designation to I-69 to name a few. I know as a member of this Chamber and a local business person, I appreciate all the efforts that are made on our area’s behalf and the communication that is offered each month via Chamber meetings, luncheons, website and newsletter. Information and cash are always “king” in the business world and what we get from the Chamber as members is priceless. If you recognize how valuable the Chamber has been to you I recommend that you promote it and bring a guest to our monthly luncheons. This networking opportunity is fun, helpful and beneficial to you and your business. Our membership level remains steady even in this volatile year and hope that in 2012 we all take a moment to re-evaluate our membership as a business tool not just a business fee. What you get out of this association will far exceed what you invest. Please join me in 2012 to make our Chamber and our area the best in Texas.
WOW, where did the time go? Here we are rapidly approaching Christmas 2011 with the New Year just around the corner. This year in review – from the perspective of your Chairman was indeed a success. Our achievements are the direct results of a group of fine, dedicated people focused and working toward a common goal. The Chamber is a partnership of businesses and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in our community. Your Community Chamber of Commerce continues to work hard for the success of you and your business. In order to appreciate the many accomplishments you must better understand the Chamber and how it functions. First you must know the characters; understand the various activities of the Chamber and how they serve you. The Community Chamber is staffed by the most qualified, dedicated, and tireless group of individuals around. The board of directors is comprised of individuals with high personal standards and even higher goals for the improving the community they represent. The key component of the Chamber happens to be you – the membership. The Chamber membership is a diverse group of entrepreneurs, professionals, educators, administrators, elected officials and even a banker or two. Needless to say without you and your continued participation, the Community Chamber of Commerce would not be necessary. The Chamber activities reflect significant community needs. Some of the most popular Chamber activities include:
Angela Allen / Allied Power Mart 2012 Chairperson
Continued on back page
President’sMessage
New Members cont. Celestial Displays, LLC 2006 Nature Park Ln Spring, TX 77386 (281) 364-9738 · Fax: (281) 298-7083 Cecil Bell Jr 30421 Old Hockley Road Magnolia, Tx 77355 281-356-3264 Harrison & Dietrich, PLLC 336 1/2 North Main Street Conroe, TX 77301 936-828-3898 · Fax: (936) 828-3965 PC Recovery of Texas 24016 FM 1485 E New Caney, TX (832) 257-6763
I would like to thank each of you for helping make 2011 a successful year for the Chamber. Overall our membership numbers held their own for the year with a very slight gain. We have enjoyed another good year on the financial front with strong support for our special events, directory, luncheon and all our fund raising activities. We have had strong leadership from Chairman Gary Gardner (First Bank & Trust East Texas – Splendora) and the Board of Directors and truly appreciate the Past Chairs/ Presidents who got together again this year to give us insight and share their wisdom and guidance for the future. At our December luncheon we are pleased to recognize several retiring Board members who have given much over the last several years. Retiring from the Board are Jody Binnion (2010 Chairman), Barbara Egan, Gary Hayes, Susanne Kite, Teri Kropik and Liz Segrest. Each of these
individuals have worked tirelessly on behalf of the Chamber, serving on or chairing committee or event committees and volunteering their time throughout their tenure on the Board. During the luncheon two other awards were also presented, Board Member of the Year – Mike Harris (Long Term Care Specialists) and Volunteer of the Year – Pat Chandler (Lone Star College – Kingwood). Both of these individuals certainly deserved these awards. As we look forward to 2012 we are excited about the opportunities for the Chamber and our area. The area continues to grow with record growth in our public schools and community college, expansion at our hospitals, and new retail businesses opening. It has been an honor to work with you for over eight years now. I would like to give a special thank you to your Chamber staff, Delilah, Rhonda and Tonie for your dedication to the Chamber and our members. You make my job very easy! It is indeed an exciting time to live, work and play in the East Montgomery County area. Here’s to a great 2012!
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Delilah’sNotes
“Where has the time gone”?
December 2, 2011, I celebrated 9 years with our Chamber of Commerce. What an interesting journey it has been. From not knowing what a Chamber was really about, to volunteering one day a week, then getting hired as the receptionist trying to find out who our members were, how many we had, or what level their membership was. But I call that a blessing in disguise because it made me get my head in each ones file and learn who they were and what they did along with what level membership they were. Then I moved up to clerical assistant when Andy came on as president. I knew at that time that he could have said he was bringing someone else in that had more experience than I but he courageously kept me on. I have learned so much of the Chamber business and have gained a wonderful friendship with Andy. I then moved up to Administrative Assistant since I was doing so much more than filing, answering phones, invoicing and other. After a few years we knew that we needed to have someone with more experience with the computers than Andy and I and wanted to reach another higher level of putting the newsletters and other communication projects to our membership. And that is when Andy hired Rhonda, with her background in being a Web Master he knew that she was what we were looking for, and after a little while she became the Administrative Assistant and I became the Director of Membership and Special Events. Then I was to be out on medical leave with a knee replacement and Andy hired a temp named Tonie, she fit right in with us that we all decided to keep her full time. She is usually the voice you will hear when you call the office. Tonie is always there to lend us a helping hand with wherever we need her to do, which is really good cause ask Andy and Rhonda I can put you to work on an event really quick around here!! There is never a dull moment around here and you never know who is going to call or walk through our doors, which is why I love this job. Thank you for allowing me to do what I do for our Chamber and I look forward in watching your business grow as our community continues to grow.
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Delilah Lewis Director of Membership/Special Events 2
| December 2011
Chamber News Office Hours
New Board of Directors begin their terms in January
The Chamber offices will be closed for the Holidays Dec 23rd EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE thru Dec 30th. We will be back in the office on Monday Jan 2nd. Angela Allen, Allied Power Mart…..............Chairman of the Board You can still register for the Annual Banquet by calling 281-3540051 and leaving a message or go online to our website at www. communitychamberemc.com and register online by clicking the Annual Banquet link.
Scott Brady, Joiner Partnership……..…........................Chair-Elect Rob Burgess, Community Print & Copy….........…..........Secretary Gary Southard, RISING STAR People Concepts…..........Treasurer Gary Gardner, FBTET-Splendora.…….........Immediate Past-Chair
TERM Expires 2014
Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden......Pct 4 Constable Katie Paris...............................Embody Fitness We do not have a chamber luncheon in January due to the Juanita Popowitz......................Yellow Rose Reception Hall Banquet being held on Saturday Jan 14th. The next chamber Dr.Rebecca Riley......................Lone Star College - Kingwood
Monthly Luncheon
luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday February 1st.
TERM Expires 2013
Scott Brady..............................Joiner Partnership Rob Burgess………………….Community Print & Copy Megan Marietta……………...Kingwood Medical Center The Community Chamber of Commerce has started prepara- Leonard Rogers………………Let’s Mechanical
Auction Items sought for Banquet Silent & Live Auctions
tions for our annual banquet. This event will take place at the Yellow Rose Reception Hall on January 14, 2012 with a 6:00 pm Social Hour followed by Dinner at 7:00 pm. The theme for this year’s banquet will be “Texas Bling” honouring outgoing Chairman Gary Gardner.
TERM Expires 2012
The banquet is one of the Chamber’s main fundraiser events. The silent and live auction is a wonderful way for you to support the Chamber and it is also a great networking tool. An auction item can be a sample of your product, a limited time membership to your organization/club, or a basket of goodies selected by yourself for someone else to enjoy, or tickets to a ballgame or concert are all popular items. Use your imagination! Any items will be appreciated. Thank you for your support.
One Year Appointees 2012
To arrange for auction item pickup, please contact the Chamber office at (281) 354-0051 or e-mail at delilah@communitychamberemc.com You may also contact Susanne Kite at cell (281) 217-3415
Auto • Home • Flood • Life • Commercial
Right Coverage at the Right Price We shop multiple companies to fit your specific insurance needs.
10 Quotes -- 10 Minutes! Ph. (281) 360-3252 • Toll Free 1-866-982-3252 • www.dormerins.com
Full Service Independent Insurance Agency
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| December 2011
Angela Allen…………………Allied Power Mart Gary Gardner………………..First Bank & Trust East TexasSplendora Mike Harris………………….Long Term Care Partners Gary Southard…………........ RISING STAR People Concepts Judy Hayes…………........ RE/MAX Rewards Kevin Kennedy...................Kennedy Fabricating Guy Hancock.....................Guy’s A/C & Heating
People & Places Recent chamber events.
New Members Welcomed at Luncheons
November Luncheon
December Luncheon
October Luncheon 4 
| December 2011
Ribbon Cuttings
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| December 2011
Distinguished Investors Platinum Level Members East Montgomery County Improvement District Yellow Rose Reception Hall Diamond Level Members Hallett Materials Walmart - Supercenter Gold Level Members Backyard Paradise Pools Commissioner Ed Rinehart Entergy Texas Inc Kingwood Medical Center Memorial Hermann Northeast The Signorelli Company Silver Level Members Alamo Hydraulics of Houston, Inc. Conroe/Nacogdoches Coca Cola Sales Center Friendswood Development Co.
Chamber members who go the extra mile in their support of the chamber.
Hearst Media Services Rosewood Funeral Home Bronze Level Members Allied Power Mart Inc. Amegy Bank of Texas American Fixtures Cabinet Co., Inc. ATC Home Health, LLC Buster Brown Propane CenturyLink Champion Rentals, Inc. Comerica Costello, Inc. EGA Printing First Bank & Trust East Texas - Splendora Flagship Car Wash & Lube Center Fred Haas Toyota World FWM Tubular & Equipment Corporation Harley Davidson - Kingwood Hydra Tan Joiner Partnership, Inc.
Joslin Texas Living Earth LJA Engineering, Inc Lone Star College-Kingwood Marks Richardson PC, Attorneys at Law Mike Harris, CLTC,CSA My Fit Foods-Kingwood Observer Newspapers Pace Stancil Funeral Home Plains State Bank Porter Kwik Kar Republic Waste Riverside Waste Service Shank Wealth Management Spirit Exposition Service, LLC Starplex Cinemas Wells Fargo Bank of Texas
CommunityCalendar • Monday Dec 19th
• Saturday Jan 14th
12/19 7p Splendora ISD Trustee Meeting
1/14 10a “Fruit Tree Gardening” 1/14 6p Chamber Banquet Yellow Rose Reception Hall
• Tuesday Dec 20th 12/20 8a Chamber Board Meeting
• 12/23 - 12/30
Christmas Holiday’s Chamber Closed
• Monday Jan 16th 1/16 7p Splendora ISD Trustee Meeting
• Tuesday Jan 17th
• Tuesday Jan 3rd
1/17 8a Chamber Board Meeting
1/3 12p Rotary Club of EMC
1/17 12p Rotary Club of EMC
• Thursday Jan 5th
• Thursday Jan 19th
1/5 6p Leadership EMC Pct 4 Judge Metts Court
1/19 7:30p EMC Fair Assoc. Meeting
• Monday Jan 9th
• Tuesday Jan 24th
1/9 12p Education Committee Meeting
• Tuesday Jan 10th 1/10 12p Rotary Club of EMC
1/24 12p Rotary Club of EMC
• Thursday Jan 26th 1/26 9a Beautification Mtg
• Wednesday Jan 11th 1/11 11:30a Observer Networking Lunch Hofbrau, Porter TX
• Thursday Jan 12th 1/12 12p Twin City Lions Club
1/26 10a Wine Hawgs & Choc Committee Meeting
• Friday Jan 27th
1/12 5:30p EMCID Board Meeting
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1/27 8a Networking Breakfast
Kingwood Medical Center
• Saturday Jan 28th 1/28 10a “Citrus Trees for your Containers and Backyard”
• Monday Jan 31st 1/31 12p Rotary Club of EMC
• Wednesday Feb 1st 2/1 11:30a Chamber Luncheon
ChamberBoard EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
One Year Appointees 2012
TERM Expires 2012
STAFF
Angela Allen, Allied Power Mart…..............Chairman of the Board Judy Hayes…………........ RE/MAX Rewards Scott Brady, Joiner Partnership……..…........................Chair-Elect Kevin Kennedy...................Kennedy Fabricating Rob Burgess, Community Print & Copy….........…..........Secretary Guy Hancock.....................Guy’s A/C & Heating Gary Southard, RISING STAR People Concepts…..........Treasurer Gary Gardner, FBTET-Splendora.………........Immediate Past-Chair EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Frank McCrady…………………..EMCID TERM Expires 2014 Ed Rinehart………………………Montgomery County Pct 4 Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden......Pct 4 Constable Kenn Franklin……………………New Caney ISD Katie Paris...............................Embody Fitness Dr. Thomas Price…………….......Splendora ISD Juanita Popowitz......................Yellow Rose Reception Hall Vikki Munoz……………………..City of Patton Village Dr.Rebecca Riley......................Lone Star College - Kingwood Floyd Jackson, Jr………………....City of Roman Forest Dorothy Welch…………………..City of Splendora TERM Expires 2013 Chuck Cardoza………………......City of Woodbranch Village Scott Brady..............................Joiner Partnership Brandon Creighton………………State Representative District 16 Rob Burgess………………….Community Print & Copy John Otto………………………..State Representative District 18 Megan Marietta……………...Kingwood Medical Center Tommy Williams…………………State Senator District 4 Leonard Rogers………………Let’s Mechanical Kevin Brady……………………...U S Congress District 8 Angela Allen…………………Allied Power Mart Gary Gardner………………..First Bank & Trust East Texas-Splendora Mike Harris………………….Long Term Care Partners Gary Southard…………........ RISING STAR People Concepts
Andy Dill……………………President Delilah Lewis……………......Director of Membership/Special Events Rhonda Behnken……………Administrative Assistant & Webmaster Tonie Jones.............................Clerical Assistant
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote the economic well being and quality of life of East Montgomery County.
VISION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Community Chamber of Commerce of East Montgomery County is to provide leadership that encourages community involvement, economic growth and promotes local business development and an enhanced quality of life.
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RenewingMembers Gold
Entergy Texas Inc The Signorelli Company
Bronze
American Fixtures Cabinet Co., Inc. CenturyLink First Bank & Trust East Texas - Splendora Harley Davidson - Kingwood Hydra Tan Living Earth Pace Stancil Funeral Home Porter Kwik Kar Salons At The Loft Shank Wealth Management
Business
3 - Brothers Plumbing Company AgriLand Farm Credit All Around Massage, Skincare & Salon Atchison Consulting Bank of Houston Barry G. Willens, M.D., P.A. Bay Architects Inc. C & P Cashless Marketing, LLC./ ITEX Carinos Italian Clicks Tire Danell’s Gifts & Florals Edward Jones Egli Stone Works, LLC Flowers of Kingwood, Inc. Forest Retreat RV Park Green Oak Diagnostics Growth Force LLC Hometown Appliance Houston Realty Northeast I-Hop Jim Davis Consulting
K Austin & Associates Kennedy Fabricating Kenneth’s Complete Car Care Center Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc Kingwood Chiropractic Associates Kingwood Mini Storage Lanier & Pagel, LLP Lone Star Lakes RV Park Lone Star Livestock Equipment Co. Inc Marsha’s Zoo Martin Realtors Mills Branch Salon & Spa Minuteman Press of Humble Modern Technical Services, Inc Montgomery Pines Apts Northwoods Funeral Services Parkway Family Mazda Porter Executive Inn & Suites Rogue Stone Co. Rosewood Funeral Home Royal Purple,Inc. Service King Collision Repair Sinopac International Corp. Snap Fitness 24/7 Sparks Insurance - TWFG Splendora ISD State Farm Agent Tim ONeill Steep Creek Media, LLC Tail Waggers-Pet-Sitting Services TDG General Contractors, Inc. Texas Roadhouse The Filter Man Ltd. Trout Tire Center, Inc. TX Academy of Dance & Twirl Walmart - Supercenter Whataburger White Oak Apts. Wright’s Fire & Safety
Associates Level
Legion Road Mini Storage Nancy Trout Holcombe/Mission Home Finders Parkway Family Kia Parkway Family Insurance Agency
Individual
Dean Kerne Gene Gregory Jerry (Rickey) Vernon Leon Cubillas Leonard Schneider
Non-Profit
American Legion Post 615 College Park Church of Christ Concerned Citizen’s Easter Seals First Baptist Church - Porter Friends of the R.B. Tullis Library Kingwood Senior Village Landmark Missionary Baptist Church Senator Tommy Williams State Representative John Otto The Lindsay Foundation UTMB Health Clinic Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4816 Vision of Faith Church Wags to Whiskers of Texas YMCA EMC
Member Spotlight Rapid Refill of Kingwood Rapid Refill of Kingwood is celebrating their 5th anniversary in their NEW location – just 3 doors down from their original store in the same shopping center. According to owners Ken & Addison Beard, the move to the larger location was critical to support customer requests for new products and services such as Print & Copy Services, Secure Shredding, Fax, & Computer Repair and Training. We already offer an average savings of 40% on remanufactured Ink & Toner, and now you can save up to 50 % on Full Service Digital Print, Copy, & Finishing services with our “Printing Priced Right!” philosophy. Print & Copy services are extremely overpriced in most other stores but we believe in providing a high quality product at a fair price, with fast and friendly service. According to Ken Beard, most other stores charge extra for services like hole punching, folding, or even stapling. If our machine can 8
| December 2011
provide this service as part of your print or copy project there is no extra charge and most projects can be completed the same or following day. As a way of giving back to the community we offer special pricing to all non-profit organizations. Rapid Refill has also partnered with Buzzingo Computer Services to create a retail presence in our store where you can drop off your PC or he can provide service in your home or office. Buzzingo has been serving residences and businesses in the surrounding area since 2005 and is highly ranked
Letters from the Chair ...continued Economic Development, Community Development, Public Affairs and Public Relations to mention a few. The year began with the Chamber “Super Bowl” or the Annual Banquet and the changing of the guard. The banquet was well planned, well thought-out and very well attended. In February, we were fortunate to attend the Gulf Coast Chamber Executive Conference. The conference key note speaker was Mr. Bryan Dodge a radio talk show host, an author and a renowned “inspirational speaker”. Mr. Dodge was extremely energetic and conveyed a message of self- improvement and self-worth. The month of February was filled with committee meetings, ribbon cuttings and the annual Chamber Spelling Bee that generated over $7,500.00 in scholarship funds. The proceeds from the Spelling Bee were passed along to The Rotary Club of East Montgomery County for disbursement to deserving East County graduates from Porter, New Caney, Splendora and Caney Creek High Schools. March was filled with various activates including the Taste of EMC and Expo held at the Yellow Rose Reception Hall and Montgomery County Day at the Capital. Be sure to mark your calendar for all of
these “must do” events. In April the annual Sawmill Festival took place. The event drew an estimated 3,000 visitors. The entertainment was outstanding, the company second to none and the variety and number of food vendors were fantastic. This event continues to grow in vendors and spectators year over year. This is a “double-edged” sword so to speak. With the increased crowd more chamber volunteers are required. There could never be too many volunteers to ensure continued success for next seasons Sawmill Festival. Take this as an urgent request, “Calling all Community Chamber Members”; please consider volunteering your time for the 2012 Festival. Check with Andy and the ladies to join the team. May, June, July, August and September were filled with more committee meetings, ribbon cuttings and directors meetings. October highlights included; the annual Chamber Golf Tournament held at Oakhurst. This provided a fun filled day of golf and fellowship while supporting the financial efforts of your Chamber. Again, mark your calendar now and plan to sponsor a hole or better yet sign up your foursome now. November began the holiday season and a personal favorite of mine, the annual
Principal of the Day Luncheon. December ushered in the season of giving with the East Montgomery County Christmas Parade. The parade included over fifty entries and one fine looking 1951 Chevrolet Pick-up (my second love). The year included monthly luncheon meant to be both enjoyable and informative which Andy and his staff did not disappoint. Looking back, the list of planned events for 2011 that Andy gave me was lengthy. In my mind there was no way one individual could come close to attending all on the list (unless you are Andy Dill try and keep up with him). It quickly became apparent that the Chamber requires many, many dedicated, devoted and willing individuals to ensure success. In my opinion our life is a laboratory for learning. The Chamber kept me engaged in that process. I have been so blessed to continue my education, learning from people like Andy Dill, the Chamber Staff, the Board of Directors and you the membership. Hope to see you in our next adventure! Gary Gardner/ First Bank & Trust ET 2011 Chairperson
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Spotlight continued by Kingwood residents for his service. Additionally, we also welcome Shanna James the “IPro” as we start offering IPhone, IPad, Mac, and PC training. Shanna is an educator with 20 years of experience in our community and has created a learning environment that uses a hands-on, easy to follow approach along with visual support that will make your learning experience fun and value added. As part of the expansion Rapid Refill had extended its hours to 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sat, and closed on Sunday. Rapid Refill is located at 2714 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Suite 180, 1 block South of Kingwood Drive.
Community Chamber of Commerce 21575 Hwy 59 N. #100 New Caney, TX 77357 Chamber Connections is a publication of the Community Chamber of Commerce of East Montgomery County. Published monthly, it is intended as a public service to Chamber members. No part may be reprinted without permission of the Chamber. Advertisements do not reflect endorsements by the Chamber of any product or service.