President’s Column Page 2
Chamber News
People
Calendar
Recent Events. Page 4
Events in September. Page 7
Page 6
“Come grow with us.”
Active Development Therapies named SBDC Small Business of the Year Finalist
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ctive Development Therapies of Porter was recently named as one of three finalists from the Lone Star College – Kingwood service area for the Small Business Development Center’s annual Small Business of the Year Award. Kim and Cheston Loving and the team at ADT are most deserving of this honor. ADT provides pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to children from birth to 21 years of age. They believe that children are unique individuals, and they develop a treatment plan unique to each child’s needs. They provide a team-approach to therapy in which they strive to actively involve their client’s family to enhance their child’s development at home, school, and in their community. Congratulations to Kim, Cheston and all the team at Active Development Therapies. For more information on Active Development Therapies please visit their website at www. activedevelopmenttherapies.com . The SBDC awards dinner is scheduled for November 17th at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
Leadership East Montgomery County off to great start! On Thursday, September 1st twenty-one participants in the 20112012 class of Leadership East Montgomery County gathered at
the Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7010 to kick off their first session of LEMC. Hosted by Jeff Leonard, General Manager of the DC, the class was treated to a wonderful Mexican food meal and deserts. Following the meal and a brief time to visit and get acquainted the participants were asked to introduce themselves and tell their fellow class members a little about themselves. This is always an interesting and informative part of the first session as each participant also had to come up with an adjective that rhymed with the first name or started with the same letter as their name. Following the introductions Gary Southard of RisingStar P.E.O.P.L.E. Concepts went over the results of the DISC profiles that all the participants had completed prior to the session. This is a very diverse group and we expect great things from them this year. After an overview of the program, the class project, and what to expect during the upcoming seven monthly sessions the participants were given a tour of the Distribution Center by three members of the class who work there. Those that braved the 10 degree below zero freezer came back with red noses and shivering. They are all glad to have the jobs they do so they don’t have to work in those freezers every day. Nearly nine hundred work at the DC, many of them in and out of the freezers during their shift. Thanks again to Jeff Leonard and the team at the DC for hosting this opening session. Participants in the program this year include: Angela Allen Barbara Baggerly Rhonda Behnken Bobbi Bodenhamer Wendy Bowman Jacob Castleberry Johnny DiBlasi
Allied Power Mart/Allied Storage JWB Communications, LLC Community Chamber of Commerce of EMC First Bank & Trust East Texas – Porter Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7010 Student – New Caney High School Lone Star College – Kingwood Continued on back page
New Members Classi Ladi 17926 Country Pl Dr Conroe, TX 77302 (214) 924-7119 Business Level Jeweler
October 2011
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe XX1 23730 Highway 59N Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 358-2600 · Fax: (281) 358-2601 Business Level Restaurants
Texas Fast Track UDS P O Box 962 Porter, TX 77339 (832) 654-2879 · Fax: (281) 446-4269 Business Level Drug Testing & Screening
Crystal Clear Mortgage 745 Stone Mountain Dr Conroe, TX 77302 (281) 728-8710 · Fax: (866) 920-5812 Business Level Mortgages
President’sMessage
New Members cont.
Capitalize on your strengths!
Kingwood Promotions 25609 Dartmaker Court Porter, Tx 77365 (832) 233-5937 Business Level Advertising: Specialties, Promo Products Platinum Copier Solutions 1920 Rankin Road Suite 170 Houston, TX 77073 (281) 645-4039 · Fax: (281) 645-4275 Business Level Office Technology Southeast Texas Children’s Dentistry 20857 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 (281) 689-5266 · Fax: (281) 689-5627 Business Level Dentist Konica Minolta Business Solutions 15120 NW Freeway Houston, TX 77040 (832) 467-5150 Business Level Office Technology LaCaze Air Conditioning and Heating 23963 Majestic Forest New Caney, Tx 77357 832-492-5071 Business Level Air Conditioning/Heating
Each of us has particular strengths, or specialities, that we can capitalize on but how many of us really do? Looking back over my career of nearly forty years it is interesting to review where I have been and how it led me to where I am today. Since I wasn’t to be the best student in the world I had a tough time making good grades and my transcript was to say the least not very impressive. In fact it was embarrassing! Fortunately for me my first two employers didn’t spend a lot of time looking at the transcript, just talking to me and finding out about me and how I could meet their particular job needs. Those first two jobs over my first five years of working eventually led me to a company where I would spend the next twenty-five years in a wide range of job duties. Before I go too far with this, let me go back to my college studies and what I wanted to do and how it eventually led me to where I am today. I wanted to be a coach and physical education teacher but minored in business and accounting while in college. My first twelve years in the working world were in accounting, not coaching, and in fact I have never been a public school coach or physical education teacher. Those years in accounting and building relationships with my coworkers led me to the area of customer service and then operations in a telephone
company where I would spend seventeen of my twenty-five years interacting with fellow employees and our customers. In addition those duties allowed me to interact with various area business leaders which eventually led me into the Chamber of Commerce field. If you remember one of my earlier articles on “Establishing Relationships – Why is it important?” it all fits together. Through the establishment of relationships I was able to eventually capitalize on my strength of being able to work with people and then build even stronger sales and results for the company and now the Chamber. My background in accounting allows me to be comfortable with budgeting and managing a business while still capitalizing on the people and relationship aspect of the Chamber. We all have particular strengths that make us who and what we are. We just have to capitalize on them and bring them into the jobs we do. Some may be the very best at soothing over a difference with a customer while others would rather be in the backroom creating a work of art or making sure that the office runs smoothly. Others may thrive on sales while others couldn’t sell anything if they had to. Some may be a great leader, innovator or boss while others would rather be directed and led. It takes all of skill sets and traits for a business to be successful Each of us is unique and hopefully you can capitalize on your strengths and be very successful individually and collectively in your business.
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Delilah’sNotes This morning several of us were setting around discussing how mentally tired we were. There is so much going on with our daily jobs, so much that we try to cram in and say all in a day’s work, then we go home and work several more hours. Sometimes it may not be physical labor but mentally working, always thinking of the work we just left (did we finish our task we were to do that day or do we need to do more on that project and how to make it go just right). Always making sure everyone is being taken care of except ourselves. There is so much emphasis on keeping our bodies fit & healthy by working out and trying to eat the right things, but what about our minds? We have got to get to the point in our lives to stop trying to do everything all the time. When we leave work we need to leave it there, it will surely be there for you in the morning. We need to get somewhere and stop, do nothing and clear our minds for just a little while so we can embrace what is a head for us to do. (Boy do I need to take my own advice). Delilah Lewis Director of Membership/Special Events 2
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Chamber Board of Directors endorses TransCanada Keystone XL Pipeline Project At the Chamber’s September Board of Directors meeting the Board approved a resolution of support for the TransCanada Keystone XL Pipeline Project. The pipeline project will create an estimated 13,000 American construction and manufacturing jobs and $20 billion in construction costs. The pipeline is slated to connect the Canadian oil fields to facilities throughout the U.S. including Port Arthur and Houston. In our area the pipeline will be constructed in far eastern Liberty County near the Hardin County line as well as a connector pipeline into the Houston refinery area. A copy of the resolution is shown below.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STRONG BOOST TO THE U. S. ECONOMY THROUGH THE PERMITTING OF THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE WHEREAS, the Keystone XL Pipeline project, commonly referred to as the TransCanada Pipeline will connect Hardisty, Alberta, Canada with facilities in the United States with approximately 2,000 miles of new pipeline; and WHEREAS, the TransCanada Pipeline project will create 13,000 American construction and manufacturing jobs, and $20 billion in construction costs for a lagging economy and reduce our dependence upon foreign oil sources; and WHEREAS, the TransCanada Pipeline project is expected to create more than 118,000 “spin-off” jobs during the two years of construction, and its construction will generate $600 million in new state and local tax revenues with an additional $5.2 billion in property taxes; and WHEREAS, the TransCanada Pipeline will provide efficiency gains by linking oil producers to allow gains between $35.5 million and $146 million annually and lower transport costs for savings to Gulf Coast refiners of $473 million annually in allowing the shipping of 400,000 barrels per day; and WHEREAS, our local businesses have been dependent on refiners who import from Mexico and Venezuela which have decreased output in recent years, and the TransCanada Pipeline will help provide a more reliable source of supply from a U.S. ally and thereby protect our national security; and WHEREAS, the first environmental impact study by the U. S. State Department, who must approve the project, found that the TransCanada Pipeline would meet industry standards and not significantly affect the environment; and WHEREAS, without the TransCanada Pipeline the U.S. would not be able to benefit from the cost-efficient Western Canadian oil and would remain dependent upon unstable foreign oil supplies; and WHEREAS, pipelines remain the statistically safest way to transport oil and pipeline accident rates have fallen sharply and technology has improved reaction time to leaks and the ability to contain them. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Community Chamber of Commerce of East Montgomery County urges the United States State Department to approve the Keystone XL (TransCanada) Pipeline Project.
SIGNED this 20th day of September, 2011 Original Resolution signed by Gary Gardner ______________________________ Gary Gardner, Chairman of the Board
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and Andy Dill ______________________________ Andy Dill, President
People & Places Recent chamber events.
Annual Events • Golf Tournament
Thursday Oct 20th
• Christmas Parade Monday Dec 12th
• Annual Banquet
2010-2011 Teacher’s of the Year
Saturday Jan 14th
• Spelling Bee
Thursday Feb 23rd
• Taste of EMC & Expo
Wednesday March 21st
• Texas Sawmill Festival Saturday April 28th
Monthly Events • Chamber Luncheon
1st Wednesday of each month
• Observer Networking Lunch 2nd Wednesday of each month
• Networking Breakfast
Last Friday of each month
Beautification Award RB Tullis Library 4
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Ribbon Cutting - Guerrero Kai Zen Karate
Ribbon Cutting Iconix Marketing New Members Welcomed at September Luncheon
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe XX1, RE/MAX Rewards-Shawn Kneale, Three Gems Gifts, Crystal Clear Mortgage, Southeast Texas Children’s Dentistry, Starplex Cinemas (upgrade), Riverside Waste Service, Universal Wellness and Health
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Chamber News Chamber establishes collection site for Cell Phones for Soldiers initiative
Do you have an old cell phone (or more than one) just lying around your house or office? If you do, then bring it to the Chamber and donate it for the Cell Phones for Soldiers initiative. Founded in April, 2004 by 13 year old Brittany Bergquist and her younger brother Robbie, Cell Phones for Soldiers has thus far collected over 7.5 million cell phones and provided more than 90 million minutes of pre-paid calling cards to military personnel. It was a rainy morning and little did Brittany know what the impact of that morning’s newscast would have on her and her brother or the thousands of military personnel they have touched over the last seven plus years. She stated that it was the beginning of “positivity” in her life. That morning a news broadcast spoke to a need that military families experience year round. The ability to call home while serving our country is a costly challenge that an approximate 65 percent of families either do not have access to or simply cannot afford. Currently there are more than 6,000 Cell Phones for Soldiers collection sites across the country. The program is not only able to help our military men and women but also keep toxic wastes out of landfills. To donate your old cell phones just bring them by the Chamber and drop them in the Cell Phones for Soldiers collection box. We will get them to the Cell Phones for Soldiers regional collection site for processing. The Chamber is pleased to be able to participate in this great program and encourages all our members and citizens to bring those old cell phones by and help a soldier.
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| October 2011
Chamber Membership through the years
In looking back over the twenty-one year history of the Chamber it is interesting to note the number of members still active from each year and especially the early years. Being a member driven organization the retention of members is vitally important to the Chamber’s continued success. Of the thirty-two members in 1990 twelve are still members today. They include; Amegy Bank, Brookshire Bros., Entergy, Gene Gregory, Guy’s A/C & Heating, Louis Rhoden State Farm Insurance, Northland Communications, Observer Newspapers, Rinehart Trucking, Travis Barber Shop, Trout Tire Center and Wells Fargo Bank. Over the years some of them have changed names but the evolving entity is still involved today. In each year shown below, the number shown represents the number of members joining that year that are still members today. 1990 – 12 1991 – 0 1992 – 1 1993 – 2 1994 – 10 1995 – 4 1996 – 3 1997 – 4 1998 – 3 1999 – 0 2000 – 2
2001 – 2 2002 – 16 2003 – 26 2004 – 34 2005 – 24 2006 – 20 2007 – 47 2008 – 35 2009 – 62 2010 – 83 2011 – 53
Please note that some of the early records have disappeared so we used the best information available to us to make these determinations. We are very appreciative of the longevity of our members and their continued support, year after year.
Distinguished Investors Platinum Level Members East Montgomery County Improvement District Yellow Rose Reception Hall
Chamber members who go the extra mile in their support of the chamber.
Friendswood Development Co. Rosewood Funeral Home
Diamond Level Members Hallett Materials Hearst Media Services Walmart - Supercenter Gold Level Members Backyard Paradise Pools Commissioner Ed Rinehart Kingwood Medical Center Memorial Hermann Northeast The Signorelli Company Silver Level Members Alamo Hydraulics of Houston, Inc. Conroe/Nacogdoches Coca Cola Sales Center Entergy Texas Inc
Bronze Level Members Allied Power Mart Inc. Amegy Bank of Texas American Fixtures Cabinet Co., Inc. ATC Home Health, LLC Buster Brown Propane CenturyLink Costello, Inc. EGA Printing Flagship Car Wash & Lube Center Fred Haas Toyota World FWM Tubular & Equipment Corporation Harley Davidson - Kingwood Hydra Tan Joiner Partnership, Inc. Joslin Texas Kwik Kar Lube & Tune Living Earth
LJA Engineering, Inc Lone Star College-Kingwood Marks Richardson PC, Attorneys at Law Mike Harris, CLTC,CSA Miller Homes and Land My Fit Foods-Kingwood Observer Newspapers Pace Stancil Funeral Home Plains State Bank Republic Waste RICOH Americas Corporation Riverside Waste Service Shank Wealth Management Spirit Exposition Service, LLC Starplex Cinemas State Farm Agent Tim ONeill Sterling Bank Wells Fargo Bank of Texas
CommunityCalendar • Thursday Oct 6 Leadership EMC PFD, 6-9 pm Ribbon Cutting 3 Tesla MRI unit at Memorial Hermann NE 5:30 pm EMCID Board Meeting Board Room, EMCID 5:30 pm
• Monday Oct 10 Education Committee Meeting EMICD, 12 pm Columbus Day Student Holiday in SISD
• Tuesday Oct 11 Rotary Club of EMC Hofrau, Porter TX Noon After Hours Networking RE/MAX Rewards 5:30-7 pm Ribbon Cutting RE/MAX Rewards- Kendra
Dempsey 6 pm Ribbon Cutting RE/MAX Rewards-Shawn Kneale, 6 pm
• Wednesday Oct 12 Observer Networking Lunch One-on-one networking, bring cards and brochures. Door prizes. Hofbrau Restaurant - Porter. 11:30am-1pm, $10 at door.
• Thursday Oct 13 Twin City Lions Club Hofrau, Porter TX Noon Wags to Whiskers Ribbon Cutting & Fundraiser Party at Los Cucos Mexican Cafe 6-9 pm
• Saturday Oct 15 Sporting Clays Tournament
• Tuesday Oct 18 Rotary Club of EMC Hofrau, Porter TX
Chamber Board Meeting Monthly Meeting. EMCID SE Room, 8:00 am
• Thursday Oct 20 Chamber Golf Tournament Oakhurst Golf Club 8 am Registration, 9 am Shotgun Start
• Saturday Oct 22 3rd Annual FIRE & SAFETY Festival @ PFD 9 am - 2 pm Fall Festival @ Splendora Assembly of God Church 5-8 pm
• Tuesday Oct 25 Rotary Club of EMC Hofrau, Porter TX
• Thursday Oct 27 Beautification Mtg EMCID, 9 am Fall Extravaganza Free Festival and fun for children. EMCID, 5-8 pm EMC Fair Association
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Meeting Sallas Park, 7:30 pm
• Friday Oct 28 Networking Breakfast FREE Early-bird networking sponsored by Kingwood Medical Center. Full hot breakfast. KW Medical Ctr, use back entrance near cafeteria, 8 -9 am
• Saturday Oct 29 Annual Halloween New Caney Fire Dept Open House 5-8 pm
• Monday Oct 31 Halloween SPARTAN FRIGHT FEST at Porter High School 3 - 7 pm
ChamberBoard EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Gary Gardner, FBTET-Splendora…...........Chairman of the Board Angela Allen, Allied Power Mart………........................Chair-Elect Liz Segrest, Segrest HomeLand Realty….........……..........Secretary Gary Southard, RISING STAR People Concepts…..........Treasurer Jody Binnion, Porter Fire Dept.………........Immediate Past-Chair
THREE YEAR TERM (Expires 2013)
Scott Brady..............................Joiner Partnership Rob Burgess………………….Community Print & Copy Megan Marietta……………...Kingwood Medical Center Leonard Rogers………………Let’s Mechanical
TWO YEAR TERM (Expires 2012)
Angela Allen…………………Allied Power Mart Gary Gardner………………..First Bank & Trust East TexasSplendora Mike Harris………………….Long Term Care Partners Gary Southard…………........ RISING STAR People Concepts
ONE YEAR TERM (Terms Expire 2011)
Barbara Egan………………...Individual Member Susanne Kite………………...Mary Kay Cosmetics Teri Kropik ……....................Rhino Financial Mortgage Liz Segrest…………………...Segrest HomeLand Realty
ONE YEAR APPOINTED TERM (2011)
Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden......Pct 4 Constable Gary Hayes..............................HLH Landscaping Juanita Popowitz......................Yellow Rose Reception Hall
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Frank McCrady…………………..EMCID Ed Rinehart………………………Montgomery County Pct 4 Kenn Franklin……………………New Caney ISD Dr. Thomas Price…………….......Splendora ISD Vikki Munoz……………………..City of Patton Village Floyd Jackson, Jr………………....City of Roman Forest Dorothy Welch…………………..City of Splendora Chuck Cardoza………………......City of Woodbranch Village Brandon Creighton………………State Representative District 16 John Otto………………………..State Representative District 18 Tommy Williams…………………State Senator District 4 Kevin Brady……………………...U S Congress District 8
STAFF
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 Bronze
EGA Printing Mike Harris, CLTC,CSA Plains State Bank Republic Waste Shank Wealth Management Starplex Cinemas Wells Fargo Bank
Business
Anderson Ford Mercury Anne Vickery - NE Houston Comm’l Real Est AT&T Cypress Woods Retirement Community
Embody Fitness Center Farmers Insurance - Mike Smith Agency Guy’s A/C & Heating Here’s Yer Sign Shop, LLC JWB Communications LLC Kingwood Funeral Home New Caney ISD Porterwood Apartments Potterosa Cycle & ATV Rhoden Real Estate Rinehart Trucking Co., Inc Silverado Senior Living Spring Chicken Travel Top Hat Catering United Healthcare - TX
Wright’s Fire & Safety
Individual
Cara Wood David Parker Nadine F. Jenkins
Non-Profit
City of Woodbranch Village Grand Parkway Church New Beginnings Youth Ranch
Opposites Are Not Always Attractive Series by Gary Southard at Rising Star PEOPLE Concepts The old proverbial expression, “Opposites Attract” is a frequently heard reflection on the way things are. In Dr. Robert A. Rohm’s book: Positive Personality Profiles, he states the following: “The ancient Greeks had a powerful idea, presented in the form of a myth. They said that in order to render humankind less powerful, the gods split him in two and made male and female. As a result, our lives have become one long search for our missing ‘other half.’ But when we do find our ‘other half,’ most of us set about the ironic and frustrating task of remaking that mate into an image of ourselves. As experience proves, the effort is futile! Without a blending of personalities, through efforts to communicate and understand each other, one mate’s personality will find expression at the expense of the other’s. Then the more probable question becomes: which of us will our marriage most likely come to resemble?” Isn’t this strange, because at first we are attracted to others who are different than us as we like the change of a different and new personality type. What are the opposites types? The opposite of a “D” is an “S” type person. The opposite of a “C” is an “I” type person. The opposite of a “S” type person is a “D” and the opposite of a “I” type person is a “C.” It is these opposites that are the hardest to communicate effectively with on the job, in a relationship, in a marriage, or even in a family. So the question becomes, how can I effectively communicate in a positive way? 9
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Leadership EMC ...continued Trenton Dickey Student – Porter High School Leland Fleming College Park Church of Christ Lourdes Garcia Student – Caney Creek High School Adam Gilliam Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7010 Jake Gollihar Student – Splendora High School Jacque Gonzalez Student – Splendora High School Amanda Hill Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office James Loving Student – New Caney High School Morgan O’Neal Student – Caney Creek High School Troy Reynolds Peach Creek Elementary Principal, Splendora ISD Michael Sanders Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7010 Gary Southard RisingStar P.E.O.P.L.E. Concepts Anna Vidaurri The Friendship Center Clisty Vaden New Caney ISD Hannah von Gonten Student – Porter High School
at the May Chamber luncheon. Sessions will include Infrastructure, Education, Public Safety & Criminal Justice, Health & Human Services, Economic Development, Local/State & National Government, and an overview of the Chamber. For information about the program and how you can register for the 2012-2013 class contact the Chamber.
Sessions will continue monthly through April with graduation
Rising Star continued Since I am a “D/C” type person what can I choose to emphasize that will get their attention? What can I listen for so I know what they are thinking about? If I can just behave in this way, it will be easier for us to communicate. It is a matter of choice!
“C”s have very high expectations, so the “I” needs to listen for these. “I”s find many things interesting, so if the “I” shows interest in the area of expertise of the “C”, they will find something to start talking about!
When a “D” talks to an “S” emphasizing the support system is practical. A “D” can choose to wait for the “S” to talk and not interrupt, showing the “S” sincere interest. A “D” can help the “S” relax by being more personable.
When an “S talks to a “D”, the “S” can emphasize what they could do together, because the “D” loves to do things! If the “S” listens for their drive, the “S” will get a sense of where the “D” is going. If the “S” will be sure to show the “D” results, the “D” will be more willing to slow down and notice the “S” so they can really talk!
When a “I” talks to a “C”, the “I” can emphasize common interests, which will make the “C” more comfortable talking.
When a “C” talks to an “I”, the “C” can tell the “I” that they like them. While the “C” finds this unnecessary, following
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.
this rule sets the “I” at ease. The “C” can listen for a line of reasoning as the “I” tells a story, and then the “C” can choose to be more willing to listen a bit longer. The “I” will tell you amazing things when you least expect it! At RISING STAR we offer business workshops, church seminars and couples’ enrichments that teach you how to enhance your work force, your relationships, your marriages and parenting skills. When applied these communication skills can make your workplace and your home life much easier. Let us help you by calling RISING STAR at 832-231-6506 or visit our website at www.people-concepts.net.