Connections BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES Shop Local & Eat Local
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2026
CHEERS TO THE SEASON Plan a Holiday Party to Remember
Features
2 3 5 6 10 13 16 18 20 23
A N OTE FR OM ZAC H ETHER I DGE B/CS Chamber of Commerce Outgoing Board Chair
Calendar OCTOBER
10 . 8 . 26
BU SI N E S S A F T E R HOU R S
Hilton Garden Inn
10 .13. 26 N E W MEMBER S
L O C A L C A N D I DAT E S F O RUM
Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station
The Brazos Center
C H A M BER P R OGR AMS
The Brazos Center
10 .19 . 26
L O C A L C A N D I DAT E S F O RUM
Business After Hours
10 . 20 . 26
C OM M U N I T Y O U T R E AC H HA P P Y HO U R
CH E E R S TO THE SEASON
Plan a Holiday Party to Remember
C H A M BER UP DATE
Pulling Up A Chair
Shipwreck Grill
10 . 26. 26
N EW & P R O SP E C T I V E M E M B E R O R I E N TAT IO N
Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ
10 . 29 . 30
BU SI N E S S A F T E R HOU R S
First Financial Bank
S U P P ORT LOC AL BUSI NESSES Shop & Eat Local
NOVEMBER 11. 9 . 26
A N N UA L BA N Q U E T
Hilton College Station
C H A M BER P R OGR AMS
Celebrating the 2026-2027 Leadership Brazos Class
11.19 . 26
BU SI N E S S A F T E R HOU R S
St. Joseph Health
11. 24 . 26
AG B R E A K FA S T
C OM M UNI TY SP OTLI GHTS
The Brazos County Expo
DECEMBER 12.10 . 26
BU SI N E S S A F T E R HOU R S
First National Bank of Central Texas
C OM M UNI TY EV ENTS
Holiday Happenings
D E LU X E R I BBON C UT TI NGS Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS
To reg i st er fo r C h amb er event s, scan the Q R c ode ab ove o r cal l t h e C h amb er o ffi ce at 979.2 6 0 .52 0 0
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A WORD FROM
ZACH ETHERIDGE
As the year serving as Chair of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce ends, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, for the relationships strengthened along the way, and for the people who continue to invest their time, talents and resources in this community. Most of all, I am grateful to have been entrusted—even for a short season—with helping lead an organization that has served Bryan-College Station for generations. That’s what leadership is: stewardship. The Chamber does not belong to a Chair, a Board or any one generation of business leaders. We inherit what others worked to build, and for a time, we are entrusted with making it stronger for those who will follow us. The same is true of our business community. It’s why the Chamber holds real value and why it’s worth supporting as we continue to grow. It is a table where competitors become collaborators, where our cities unite, and where people with different perspectives can work to serve something larger than themselves: a stronger business community and a stronger Brazos Valley. This year, I have watched people do exactly that. I have seen volunteers give their time without recognition, established leaders make room for the next generation, businesses support one another, and people quietly step forward when something needed to be done. That’s how we grow and ultimately how our community will win. Bryan-College Station is filled with people who still believe that relationships matter. That our word matters. That serving our neighbors matters. And because of that, I believe our best days are still ahead of us. As the Chamber prepares for a new home and a new chapter, I am excited by what it represents— not simply a new space, but a renewed opportunity to bring people together, strengthen our businesses, and serve as a unified voice for Bryan-College Station and the Brazos Valley. If we continue to lead with a spirit of service, work across city lines, and recognize that our greatest successes are the ones we achieve together, I am confident there is no limit to what this Chamber and this community can accomplish. To our Chamber staff, Board of Directors, Ambassadors, members, and the entire Bryan-College Station community: thank you for the extraordinary privilege of serving as your Chair. It has been an honor I will carry with me. May God bless this Chamber, our businesses, and the community we are so fortunate to call home—may we always have the courage to serve something bigger than ourselves. With sincere gratitude,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS J AY R U D I N G E R Board Chair
J O S H K R U PA
Chair-Elect Vice Chair Administration
ZACH ETHERIDGE Immediate Past Chairman
E VA R E A D - WA R D E N
Vice Chair Business Enhancement
R H O N D A WAT S O N
Vice Chair Community Enhancement
AMELIA MCCRACKEN Vice Chair Communications
CAMERON COMIRE
Vice Chair Membership Enhancement
ALEX TRAN
Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources
D O U G LY L E S
Vice Chair Leadership Division
JOHN ALLEN ANDREW ARIZPE MEGAN BOCK J O E L B R YA N LINDA CLARK DELORES CRUM ANNA DUDLEY REBEKKAH DUDENSING ROSS GUNNELS NICOLE LEWIS SCOTT LOGAN R O D E R I C K M C FA D D I N JOHN MAGRUDER KANDIS MARTINEZ RICARDO REYNA JOHN SEIGLER JARED STEFFEN
STAFF GLEN BREWER President/CEO
ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison
CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership
JENNY BAKER Manager of Finance
VICTORIA MARTINEZ
Manager of Marketing & Communications
JAMIE HILL
Manager of Business Development
PEGGI ONDRASEK
Membership Investment Representative
BECKY SERNA Executive Assistant
L I N D A E S P I R I Q U E TA Receptionist
SANA ASKARI
Z ac h Ethe ri dge I mme di ate Pa st B/ CS Cha mber Boa rd Ch air
Programs & Marketing Assistant
PAY T O N W I L L I A M S
Communications & Events Assistant Chamber Connections is a publication of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and a public service to Chamber members. Editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Victoria by email at Victoria@bcschamber.org ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS FORTRESS NURSI N G & REHABI LI TAT I O N
N AVAS OTA N UR S I N G & R E H AB I L I TAT I ON
OAKWO O D MANUFAC T U R E D H O ME COMMUNI T Y
UP WAR D C OUN S E L I N G C OL L EC T I V E
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L A MPSTAND HE A LT H & R E H A B O F BRYAN, LLC
PAR A DY N AM I C E N T E R P R I S ES
1105 Rock Prairie Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 695-0763 fortressnursing.com
2001 E 29th St Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 822-6611 lampstandnursing.com
IN TER NATI O NAL LE A DE R S H I P OF TE XAS 3610 Longmire Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-6027 iltexascsk8.org
BL ACK MO N MO OR I N G / B MS CAT 11400 Highway 30, Suite 1302 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 324-4390 bmscat.com
ILTEXAS AGGI E L A N D H I G H S C H O O L 2611 Texas Ave S. College Station, TX 77840 (979) 701-2455 aggielandhs.iltexas.org
FIV E PO I NTS NUR S I N G & R E H A B 3105 Corsair Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 213-6105 fivepointsCS.com
FRANKLI N NURSI N G H O ME 700 N Hearne St Franklin, TX 77856 (979) 828-5152 franklincare.com
1405 E. Washington Ave. Navasota, TX 77868 (936) 825-6463 navasotanursing.com
3515 Longmire Dr., Suite B-185 College Station, TX 77845 (630) 881-9777 bobpara.com
M OJ O TOR T I L L A C O.
3125 Texas Ave S College Station, TX 77845 (979) 773-7374 mojotortillaco.com
P OOL I E
1517 Crosswind Dr Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 250-6000 poolie.com/cities/college-station
H I G H WAY 30 B US I N ESS PAR K 11400 SH 30, Suite 1005 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 778-2222 hwy30bp.com
OD I N H E AV Y I N D UST R I ES 3922 FM 2223 Bryan, TX 77808 (919) 523-1914 odinhi.com
H UN TON G R OUP
4930 Lakeway Drive, Suite 200 College Station, TX (281) 486-8661 huntongroup.com
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS READFIELD MEATS AND DELI 2701 S Texas Ave Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 822-1594 readfieldmeats.com
ZEDCOR SECURIT Y SOLUTIONS 806 Tradesman Park Loop Hutto, TX 78634 (512) 718-3720 zedcor.com
CHANDLER 4242 Koppe Bridge Rd, Suite 210 College Station, TX 77845 (936) 522-8547 chandlerla.com
PAPA PEREZ MEXICAN CUISINE, INC. 200 South Main Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 775-7272 papaperez.net
PRAT T HOMES 1333 N Earl Rudder FWY Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 721-5000 prattmodular.com
LIBERT Y HEARING CENTER , PLLC 2405 Texas Ave South, Suite 307 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 450-7996 libertyhearingcentertx.com
BRAZOS VALLEY COMMUNIT Y ACTION PROGRAMS - HEADSTART 4001 E. 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 326-1990 bvcapheadstart.org
TEXAS ROADRUNNERS HOCKEY 1703 Stone Ridge Dr Navasota, TX 77868 (315) 297-6521 roadrunnershockey.com
KORE PAYMENT College Station, TX 77845 (832) 490-5109 korepayment.com/home TUG’S PLUMBING 540 Graham Road College Station, TX 77830 (979) 431-8661 maroonplumbers.com DJ JOHNATHON VERMAELEN Bryan/College Station, TX (713) 548-4700 instagram.com/vermaej
MACHNINE LLC 6811 McHard Road, Building 8 Houston, TX 77053 (346) 601-7170 mach-nine.com
REDBUD TIMBERWORKS 4293 County Road 310 Caldwell, TX 77836 (979) 487-6748 redbudtimberworks.com
SHINER POOLS 3105 Broadmoor Dr Bryan, TX 77802 (830) 263-1464 shinerpools.com
NEW MEXICO GREEN CHILE COMPANY, LLC 9444 White Creek College Station, TX 77845 (505) 503-0996 greenchileco.com
MAYNE PROPERTIES 4270 SH-6 South, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 985-5161
EMAILMENOW IT CONSULTING 1255B Arrington Rd, Suite 6000, Pmb 117, College Station, TX 77845 (979) 472-3693 emailmenow.com
GL AMOUR HAMMER CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE LLC 3805 Chaucer Ct, Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 224-3232 glamourhammerclean.wixstudio.com/ glamourhammerclean
LINE-X OF BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION 8415 Parameter Court College Station, TX 77845 (210) 268-7475 line-x.com
CLUB4 FITNESS 1901 S Texas Ave Bryan, TX 77082 (979) 307-7581 club4fitness.com/location/bryan-tx
REAL PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT AGGIEL AND 3206 Longmire Dr., Suite A29 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 200-3034 rpmaggieland.com
NATIONAL LIFT TRUCK 11900 State Hwy 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 282-0001 NLT.com
ARCSECUREAI LLC 1255 Arrington Rd., Suite 600 Pmb 125, College Station, TX 77845 (979) 589-8200 arcsecureai.com
AGGIEL AND CAR SERVICE 2207 Truman Street Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 393-2150 aggielandcarservice.com
TAYLOR LEGAL STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS | BRAZOS VALLEY MEDIATION 1551 Greens Prairie Rd. W, Suite 101 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 596-5647 robinktaylor.com INNOVATIVE MINDS PRESCHOOL 1163 Clear Leaf Dr Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 217-1114 impreschool.net REMARKABLE HOSPICE 1645 Greens Prairie Rd., Suite 401B College Station, TX 77845 (979) 314-2620 remarkablehospice.com HARAZ COFFEE HOUSE 2711 Texas Ave South #400 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 450-7470 harazcoffeehouse.com
CHAMBER PROGRAMS
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
OCTOBER 8TH Hosted By:
HILTON GARDEN INN
OCTOBER 29TH Hosted By:
FIRST FINANCIAL BANK
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce offers monthly networking opportunities hosted by different businesses each month to connect Chamber members to each other. Socialize, engage and network with the business community from across the Brazos Valley. Our Business After Hours events begin at 5:30 pm and wrap up around 7 pm. See you at the next event!
NOVEMBER 19TH Hosted By:
ST. JOSEPH HEALTH
DECEMBER 10TH Hosted By:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CENTRAL TEXAS
HOW TO GET IN VOLVED IF YOUR BUSINESS IS INTERESTED IN HOSTING A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, CONTACT CARRIE ARCHER AT CARRIE@BCSCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION!
PLANNING THE
Perfect Holiday Party The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate your team and all their hard work. From food and music to décor and activities, BCS Chamber members have everything you need to plan a memorable office holiday party right here in the community!
Start With the Right Setting Before you think about the menu or decorations, decide where you want to celebrate. The Bryan/College Station community has venues that can accommodate everything from an intimate gathering to a large company celebration. Legends Event Center, The Brazos Center, Brazos County Expo, Veranda, Astin Mansion, The Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest and The Kimbell Cultural Event Center are all Chamber-member options worth considering. Once you have the location, an event planner can help bring all the pieces together. Wonderful Events, Ashley & Co. and Premiere Events can help take some of the stress out of planning and make sure the details are taken care of.
Let the Food Be Part of the Celebration Of course, no holiday party is complete without good food. Depending on the style of your event, you can keep things casual with a buffet or go all out with a catered dinner. Local Chamber members including Admiral Catering, Buppy’s Catering, Global Foodcraft, C&J Barbeque, J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ, Hartt’s Barbecue and McAlister’s Deli offer catering options for office gatherings of all kinds. If drinks are part of your celebration, professional bartending can make the evening run a little smoother. Cocktails 4 U, Starlight Bar & Event Services, Aggieland Bartending, To the Walls Bar & Event Services, and Tap & Tumbler provide great bar services for events.
Add Some Holiday Cheer A little décor can completely change a space. Think Christmas trees from The Farm Patch, greenery or festive table settings from Urban Rubbish, a photo backdrop, or a fun balloon display in your company colors from Bubblelloon. For larger events, Premiere Events offers everything from tables, chairs, and linens to glassware, staging, and dance floors. The goal doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a few thoughtful details can make the event feel different from an ordinary night out.
Keep the Party Going
After dinner, give your team a reason to get out of their seats. Music is an easy way to set the mood, whether you want background music during dinner or a packed dance floor later in the evening. Downtown Event Services, DJ Rob, Jam DJ Entertainment and DJ Johnathon Vermaelen are local Chamber-member options for bringing music to your celebration. Want to capture the perfect moment? Add a photo booth from Downtown Event Services and let your team take home a few memories from the night. Or, skip the traditional party and plan an activity around your celebration. Padlock Escape Games, Dave & Buster’s, Grand Station Entertainment, and The Cut Axe Throwing offer interactive options that can turn a holiday gathering into a team experience.
Make It Your Own The best office holiday parties are the ones that feel like they were made for your team, whether that’s a formal dinner, a casual barbecue, or an evening of drinks and activities. However you choose to celebrate, working with local businesses helps create a great party while supporting the businesses that make our community special.
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PULLING UP A CHAIR
GET TO KNOW THE 2026-2027 B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF As a 2003 graduate from Texas A&M University, I always dreamed of returning to Aggieland to live in Bryan- College Station and enjoy its growing community. After working in a downtown law firm in Houston for five years, I got just that opportunity. Along with my wife Jami and our two sons, Cortland and Chance, we settled into our wonderful community. I joined West, Webb, Allbritton and Gentry, where I became a partner in 2020. In addition to practicing law, you can find me (or more accurately, Drake Durden) in the ring for Lions Pride Sports throughout the Brazos Valley.
Jay Rudinger, B/CS Chamber Board Chair
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE INCOMING B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRMAN Our Chamber does an incredible job of bringing our business community together. All of our business community—from large corporations to nonprofit organizations to our higher education institutions—build connections that not only grow their
organization, but also enrich our community. The permanent building the Chamber is building will only enhance those opportunities. I am excited to work on achieving that goal and building the living room for our business community.
celebrate our Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Our Chamber staff does a wonderful job, but the engine of the Chamber is its volunteers. Seeing our whole community gathered to honor them is a great reminder of the camaraderie and relationships we get to experience day in and day out in Bryan-College Station. WHY DO YOU THINK THE CHAMBER IS SUCH AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY Many people know our Chamber provides connections to grow our local businesses. But to me, the biggest impact our Chamber has is in how it advocates and educates our local businesses and sets
The Rudinger Family
WHAT MAKES YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT TAKING ON THE ROLE AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE B/CS CHAMBER Our Chamber serves a business community that is a fantastic conglomeration of industries and people in the heart of the Texas triangle that know one thing for certain—Bryan-College Station is a great place to work and live. The growth and development over the last decade shows that this truth is no secret across our state and our country. I am most excited to be able to engage with those that worked tirelessly to build our community into what it is and be a bridge to those coming in to build Bryan-College Station into what it will become. It is humbling to be entrusted with the opportunity to be a small piece in the future of our community.
the table for their success long before the networking begins. This includes the legislative lobbying efforts made at the local, state, and national levels, and the committees that give insight into developments and trends of our community. Every member that joins knows they aren’t facing important business issues alone, but are uniting with 1,600 other businesses to effectuate real change to enhance and grow our community.
West, Webb, Allbritton and Gentry
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY Our Annual Banquet is one of my favorite events because not only do we get to see the community join together to support our businesses, but we get to 50 Men Who Can Cook
CHAMBER PHOTOS
Unwrap the gift of community spirit
SHOP LOCAL The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate the businesses that make Bryan–College Station feel like home. From unique boutiques and locally owned jewelry stores to Aggie favorites, our community is filled with places where shoppers can find meaningful gifts while supporting the people who help Bryan-College Station thrive. Shopping locally means more than simply checking gifts off your list. Every purchase is an opportunity to support local business owners, employees, and families while keeping more of our holiday spending within the community. Local businesses also bring something special to the shopping experience: personal service, unique finds, and a connection to Bryan–College Station that you may not find at a large national retailer. This year, shoppers have plenty of Chamber-member businesses to explore. Find Western-inspired clothing and accessories at Texas Rose Boutique & Catalena Hatters, Cowgirl Country Club Boutique, and Apricot Lane, or shop for game day looks and maroon and white gear at Aggieland Outfitters and The Warehouse at C.C. Creations, perfect for the Aggie fans in your life. Browse the latest styles at JD Ranch Boutique, Giddy Up Glamour, and Sabi Boutique, or hunt for one of a kind finds at Bird’s Nest Gifts & Antiques. For something that sparkles, Fifth ‘C’ Fine Jewelry and David Gardner’s Jewelers offer gifts for someone special. As you make your holiday shopping list this season, consider starting close to home. A gift purchased locally does more than brighten someone’s holiday; it supports the businesses and people who make our community unique.
First Friday at Downtown Bryan
The Howdy Holly-Days at Northgate
Looking for more places to shop local? Scan the QR code to explore our Membership Directory and discover more Bryan–College Station Chamber member businesses to support.
Treat yourself with holiday flavors
EAT LOCAL The holiday season is all about gathering together, and some of the best memories are made around the table. Whether you are meeting friends for lunch, celebrating with family, or simply taking a break from holiday shopping, Bryan-College Station has local restaurants to satisfy every craving. Eating locally is also a simple way to support the community during one of the busiest times of the year. A meal at a local restaurant helps support the owners, chefs, servers, and employees who make up the Bryan-College Station hospitality community. At the same time, diners get to experience the flavors and atmosphere that make our area unique. This holiday season, start your morning with breakfast tacos and bakery favorites from Jesse’s Taqueria & Bakery or fresh bagels from Sunbeam Bagels & The Owl. For a meal in Downtown Bryan, stop by Rx Pizza & Bar, Casa Monarca Mexican Cantina, Elia Cafe Tapas Bar, or Caffe Capri. Crossing to College Station, 1860 Italia and De Baca Steakhouse offer great options for gathering around the table, while Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux serves up casual favorites. And, of course, no Texas food guide would be complete without barbecue; C&J Barbeque and 1775 Texas Pit BBQ are great local options to add to your list. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between errands or sitting down for a holiday meal, choosing a local restaurant is an opportunity to enjoy great food while giving back to the community you call home.
Casa Monarca Mexican Cantina
RX Pizza & Bar
Looking for more places to shop local? Scan the QR code to explore our Membership Directory and discover more Bryan–College Station Chamber member businesses to support.
CONGRATULATIONS LEADERSHIP BRAZOS
CLASS OF 2027
Austin Ullrich Fundamental Wealth Advisors
Auston Fertak
Lone Star Recreation of Texas
Bonnie Poldo
Declaration Church
City of College Station
Spherion
Rollo Insurance
Chasitdy Love
Cullen Turney
Dakota Lindemulder
Brooke Arellano
Cameron Smith
Casey Barone
Keep Brazos Beautiful
First Financial Bank
Visit College Station
Drew Cain
Elizabeth Cobb-Robles
SpawGlass Construction
Edward Jones
Brian Shillings
Bobbie Lehrmann
Blake Chilton
Jamie Scheiner
Capstone Realty Partners
NextHome Realty Solutions BCS
Terracon Consultants
Jason Bohnet
Jennifer Lewis
Precision Packouts
BrightStar Care
1st Alliance Mortgage
Joe Cook
Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra
John Knauer
Justin Schroeder
C.C Creations
Kim Dooley
The TECH Training Group
Macey Cangelose R.E.C Industries
Extraco Bank
Kaitlyn Valek
Brazos Valley Council of Government
Lance Snider
Lindsey Quisenberry
State Farm
Magruder Homes
City of College Station
Madeleine Maltais
Mary Timoney
Nathan Turek
City of Bryan
Preston Gromer
Kaitlin Watson
VeraBank
Sara Hadley Chosen B/CS
Timoney Media
Thao ShaBazz
BCS Laundry Mom
Victoria Martinez B/CS Chamber of Commerce
Prosperity Bank
Lydia Vidales
Copy Corner
Thomas Kyle
Capital Farm Credit
Karrian Chambers
Kat Gammon
VIVERE Life
Heart of Texas Goodwill
Lylah Taylor
Lynn Robinson
First National Bank of Central Texas
The Rudder Association
Patrick Koenning
Paul Lucas
Gilmore Electric Express
Tina Rosati
Amarillo National Bank
Frost Bank
Trevor Santana Arrow S Pest Control
Will Thornhill
West, Webb, Albritton & Gentry
LEADERSHIP BRAZOS COORDINATORS
Chance Allen
Bullseye Site Services
Christina Richardson
Texas A&M Women’s Basketball
Nadia McFaddin
First Security Janitorial
Andrew Arizpe JP Morgan Chase
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Community
Spotlight SOLVING PEST PROBLEMS FOR 25 YEARS For 25 years, Venus Pest Company has helped protect homes and businesses throughout Bryan, College Station and Brazos County. Founded in October 2001 by Dr. Scott Lingren, Venus has grown from a local pest management company into a trusted part of the community it serves. For Scott, the path to Venus began long before the company opened its doors. His interest in entomology started at age 10, when he assisted his father, fellow entomologist Dr. Pete Lingren, with cotton pest research in Arizona. That early experience developed into a lifelong interest in understanding insects and finding effective, responsible ways to manage them. Scott earned a Bachelor of Science in entomology from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science in entomology from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1999, he worked in agricultural product development in California, conducting research involving insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and nematicides. He later returned to College Station and founded Venus Pest Company. Today, Venus provides residential and commercial pest management programs developed under Scott’s direction. His scientific training, combined with decades of practical experience, allows the company to address the pest pressures unique to Central Texas. Venus emphasizes thoughtful, responsible treatment strategies designed to protect homes, businesses, families, pets and the surrounding environment. The company’s work has also received industry and regional recognition. Pest Control Technology magazine named Venus one of its Top 25 Pest Control Companies to
The Community Spotlight shares company news with the community. New leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements celebrate milestones with a message! If you would like to feature a Community Spotlight, please contact victoria@bcschamber.org
Watch in 2011. Venus was also recognized as one of the 10 Fastest Growing Businesses in the Brazos Valley in both 2008 and 2010. As Venus celebrates its 25th anniversary, the milestone represents more than the passage of time. It reflects the trust of generations of local customers, the dedication of the Venus team and the value of building a business around knowledge, service and longstanding relationships.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BODY20 AGGIELAND! We are proud to recognize Dory and O.J. Howell for receiving the Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers “Be Remarkable” Award in recognition of their 25 years of serving the Brazos Valley community. From delivering Thanksgiving meals to homebound residents to continuing to give back year after year, their dedication is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Congratulations, Dory and O.J., on this well-deserved recognition!
happy holidays
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON D ON AT E TO B VCA P HEAD START AND SHARE THE GIFT OF Q U A L I T Y E A R LY CHILDHOOD E D U CAT I ON A N D FA M I LY S E R V I C E S !
BRAZOS VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS HEAD START
Holiday Happenings OCTOBER 25, 3 - 6PM
NOVEMBER 20, 5 - 10PM
NOVEMBER 26, 8AM
TRICK-OR-TREAT STREET IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRYAN
LIGHTS ON! IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRYAN
BCS TURKEY TROT
Downtown Bryan will transform into a Halloween wonderland with trick-ortreating, costume contests, kids’ crafts, and themed photo ops for the whole family to enjoy. Presented by Bryan Broadcasting and Destination Bryan, this family-friendly event invites the community to enjoy trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, strike a pose at photo booths, and show off their best moves on the lively dance floor. Costumes are encouraged for all ages, making it a festive celebration everyone can join.
Destination Bryan will kick off the holiday season in Bryan, Texas with the annual Lights On! Help us countdown to turn on thousands of lights along Main Street and Bryan Avenue to illuminate picturesque Historic Downtown Bryan.
Be a part of a unique family tradition and join us the Annual BCS Turkey Trot!
NOVEMBER 22, 10AM - 4PM
DECEMBER 5, 4PM
This free, family-friendly event will include holiday photo backdrop stations, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY MARKET
COLLEGE STATION CHRISTMAS PARADE
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at the annual holiday shopping event! Discover unique artisan, handmade, homegrown, vintage, and Aggie themed treasures crafted by local vendors. Whether you’re crossing off names on your list or treating yourself to something special, you’re bound to find the perfect gift. Plus, admission is FREE, so bring your friends and family for a festive shopping spree you won’t want to miss!
Start the holiday season in style at the College Station Christmas Parade. Get ready to be dazzled by beautifully decorated floats, cheerful music, and the spirit of Christmas in Aggieland! The parade will start at Post Oak Mall and travel west down Holleman, turns south on Dartmouth, turns east on Krenek Tap, and ends at Beachy Central Park.
The race will start promptly at 8am on Thanksgiving morning. Post-race fun will include music, apple pie and pecan pie from our friends at HEB, beer from local breweries. All proceeds of the race will go directly to local non-profit organizations.
DECEMBER 6, 6 - 10PM
HOLIDAY NIGHT BAZAAR WITH THE LOCAL AT L AKE AWALK Tis the season to shop local! Join us at Lake Walk for a unique shopping experience with over 50 vendors, live music, and more to highlight the talented vendors in our community. Free and open to the public to attend. Follow The Local at Lake Walk for updates including the vendor lineup, parking, musical acts, and more!
Photo Courtesy: City of Bryan
DECEMBER 17, 5-9PM
DOWNTOWN BRYAN HOLIDAY STROLL & LIGHTED PARADE
For more holiday fun with family and friends, be sure to check out the Destination Bryan and Visit College Station!
Experience the magic of holiday season in Downtown Bryan! Enjoy free, familyfriendly holiday fun in Bryan, Texas. Stroll around Historic Downtown Bryan for an evening of holiday cheer, merriment, and even mark off some of your holiday shopping list! The Parade route will start at the intersection of 24th Street and Bryan Avenue heading south, turn on 28th, and head back north on Main Street.
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