Howdy,
Once again, your Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as a leading Chamber in Texas. Congratulations to the Chamber staff members for their recent first-place social media award given at the TCCE Conference in Rockwall. Our Chamber is also getting recognized on a national level as we continue to grow and expand our mission through award-winning legislative and leadership programs, while continuing to draw exceptional numbers to our workforce and networking events. We are even sharing the successes of our Community Outreach Committee with other Chambers around the state. This committee is tasked with helping our Chamber of Commerce continue to be welcoming and accessible to all businesses in our community through events such as the recent Minority Small Business Forum, along with friendly and enjoyable networking events. It has been a long hot summer, but your Chamber continues to work to improve the economic well-being of our local businesses.
In this issue of Connections Magazine, you will find information on the new Legends Event Center at Travis Bryan Midtown Park. This facility will be a fantastic addition to our community, and will not only bring in out-of-town events and tourism dollars, but also will host many local events and, I am sure, a Chamber event or two. We also highlight Brazos Valley Gives and the Community Foundation. October 18 is the day to “Give where you live,” and show over 150 nonprofits how generous our local citizens and businesses can be when it comes to taking care of each other. And finally, take a moment to read about our Brazos County Veterans Service Office and the work Pat Patterson is doing for our vets. Our Chamber will never miss an opportunity to share the many ways our veterans’ military backgrounds make them invaluable additions to our workforce. The Chamber is also proud of our veteran-owned business members, and we want to take this opportunity to thank them. At the B/CS Chamber of Commerce, we recognize that our businesses are stronger together than apart. Thank you for your membership, and thank you for building a stronger, healthier community through stronger, healthier businesses. Try and cool off if you can, and let’s continue our Chamber’s 104-year history of businesses working together to achieve our common goals!
GLEN BREWER PRESIDENT & CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WADE BECKMAN Board Chair
JASON CORNELIUS Chair-Elect
GREG ZWEIACKER Immediate Past Chairman
WALTER HINKLE Vice Chair Business Enhancement
KATY LEE Vice Chair Communications
KATRINA HALL Vice Chair Membership Enhancement
DOUG FRENCH Vice Chair Administration
AMY RESTIVO, CPA Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources
JOHN BUSH Vice Chair Community Enhancement
ZACH ETHERIDGE Secretary
AGUSTIN TREVIÑO
MONICA BROWN BRANDON SEARS
ASHLEY SANDERS
BAYLOR LYON
SIDNEY BACKSTROM
HEATH POOLE
DR. BELINDA DOBSON
ALPHONSE DAVIS
GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN
NICOLE MORTEN
AJ TAYLOR
MARIE PORTALES
DEMOND OLIVER
STAFF
GLEN BREWER President/CEO
ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison
CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership
TOM TILTON Manager of Finance
HAYLEY BISACRE Manager of Business Development
RYDER ROBINSON Membership Investment Representative
KEELIE WENDT Communications Coordinator
LINDA ESPIRIQUETA Receptionist
SHANNON TURNER Executive 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 Keelie Wendt by email at keelie@bcschamber.org.
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CAPITAL TITLE OF TEXASBRYAN/COLLEGE STATION 1716 Briarcrest Drive Suite 316-317 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 383-2200 ctot.com
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THE GREATER VISION CONSULTING 1138 Crossing Drive Bryan, Texas 77803 (908) 229-0184 thegreatervisionconsulting.com
AUGUST 18, 2022
Hosted By: BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION TOYOTA
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 p.m. and wrap up around 7 pm. See you at the next event!
SEPT. 8, 2022
Hosted By: SPIRIT ICE ARENA
SEPT. 29, 2022
Hosted By: FROST BANK
THANK YOU TO OUR PAST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOSTS!
7F LODGE & EVENTS & C.C. CREATIONS
Bryan residents will only have to wait a few more months to take their first steps inside Legends Event Center at Travis Bryan Midtown Park. The city-owned facility is on track to open by the end of 2022, supply chain and weather-permitting.
122,416 Square Feet
16 Volleyball 8 Basketball # of Courts
600 Parking Spots
The 122,416 square-foot building is fully enclosed, and the air conditioning was turned on the last week in June, which has allowed the maple wood floors for the volleyball/basketball courts to be installed and they should be completed by midOctober. Construction crews have completed the masonry on the exterior façade, and interior work continues to progress. Inside, the volleyball nets and basketball goals are installed in the gym.
Once complete, Legends Event Center will feature a large indoor court/event space with space for up to 16 volleyball/8 basketball courts that can be used for a variety of activities, including gymnastics and wrestling meets, meetings, pickleball tournaments, archery and cheerleading competitions, boxing and soccer matches, dance and martial arts competitions, e-gaming conventions, trade shows, markets and other special events. The facility also will include concessions, an arcade, party rooms, an e-sports room, turf space and a flex space for smaller events.
More than 600 parking spots are planned in a main parking lot and a satellite parking lot for the facility. The main and satellite parking lots are complete with the exception of landscaping.
• Work is substantially complete on Midtown Park Boulevard, and the roadway is planned to be open to through-traffic by the end of the summer.
• The western half of the walking trail is open for use. Lighting has been installed, and it will soon be energized, so residents can use the trail after dusk. Construction on the eastern portion of the trail is estimated to begin in spring of 2023.
• The earthwork portion of the lake construction is nearing completion, but passers-by will not see a substantial amount of water in the lake until 2024. The permit for the lake is under a 355-day review process by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and is on track for final approval in summer of 2023. Additional construction work will take place on the dam itself as well as reconstruction of the lake’s spillway prior to the lake reaching its planned final water elevation.
The Chamber of Commerce staff was awarded first place in Social Media Campaign for the 2022 Crawfish Boil at this year’s Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference.
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 contactkeelie@bcschamber.org
Congratulations to Chamber members Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage, Deitz Consulting, Arrow S Pest Control, Aggieland Roofing, and Ridgewood Custom Homes for receiving the Bryan Rotary 10 award which recognizes the 10 fastest-growing small businesses in Brazos County.
West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry received the Anco Insurance Award for Lifetime Business Achievement at the Bryan Rotary 10 Luncheon.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize and welcome new staff member Hayley (Pennesi) Bisacre, who will serve as the Manager of Business Development.
Destination Bryan has been awarded many midmarket Texas Travel Awards, including First Friday for community event, Bryan, TX Legends for Destination Marketing Campaign, Bryan Taco Trail for Under the Radar Activity, The Stella Hotel for Destination Hotel, and Ronin Farm & Restaurant for Destination Restaurant.
The City of Bryan’s newly renovated Travis Fields at Travis Bryan Midtown Park has been selected as an APWA Project of the Year – Structures by the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
The Salvation Army hosted their 13th annual Back To School shopping event at the Bryan Walmart in early August. They gave $100 to thirty children participating in the Salvation Army’s character building program to spend on back-to-school items. Adult volunteers helped children shop for clothing, school supplies and other items that are needed for the upcoming school year.
The Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley is happy to invite everyone in our community to the 19th Annual Dash for Down Syndrome awareness walk. This year’s event will take place Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 11am to 4pm with the walk happening at 2pm. Every October we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness month and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. This event seeks to raise awareness and educate the community about persons with Down syndrome while celebrating our members and their families. We will have food trucks, games, raffle prizes, bounce houses, music, and fun for all!
Down syndrome is the most common survivable genetic difference, affecting one in every 733 live births, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Trisomy 21”, the most common type of Down syndrome, is caused by an extra (third) copy of the 21st chromosome. The genes on the extra chromosome cause varying degrees of learning difficulties as well as physical disabilities. The learning difficulties or degree of intellectual disability can be mild to severe, but most commonly falls somewhere in the moderate area. Children with Down syndrome are educated in many different ways. Many infants and toddlers usually participate in “early intervention” programs developed for an individual child that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. School age children with Down syndrome are included in the typical classroom with typical peers, sometimes with the help of a personal aid or assistance by special educators. Some also participate in many extra-curricular programs; typical athletic programs like soccer and swimming, and also in programs developed just for individuals with disabilities like Special Olympics. Many adults with Down syndrome live independently or in supported living programs. Others choose to live with their parents. An increasing number marry, while others have meaningful relationships and friendships throughout their lifetime. Many individuals with Down syndrome have jobs; some work independently while others have job coaches to assist them. There are also opportunities for continued education for adults with Down syndrome in the form of post-secondary schools particularly focused on life skills and vocational training. More and more individuals also go on to college, just like their typical peers.
Founded in 2002, the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley is a group of individuals and couples with Down syndrome, self-advocates, families, friends and professionals. Our community-based support allows us to host and sponsor regular social activities, educational programs, conferences, advocacy training, workshops and community events. We strive to foster friendships and offer mutual support for our members. Relationships matter, and we work to build partnerships with parents, educators, medical professionals, community leaders, agencies and disability support groups nationwide. We work to provide the opportunity, education, and resources to empower our members so they may realize their lives’ aspirations and ambitions. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support and celebrate the gifts of people with Down syndrome, all are welcome for our day of celebration! We look forward to seeing you at the 19th Annual DSABV Dash for Down Syndrome! For event details and sponsorship information please go to www.dsabv.org, or contact us at 979-778-7080
Give Where You Live and help raise $1M for our local nonproÞts ~
Co-Sponsored by West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry
Our community is getting ready for the fourth annual Brazos Valley Gives day. Last year’s giving day proved to be one of the most unifying and exciting days of giving for our 7-county region. Our community raised $928,190 dollars that directly went to 154 nonproÞts. An additional donation of 11,006 volunteer hours were pledged. Since its inception in 2019, Brazos Valley Gives has generated $2.1M in gifts to support the work of participating nonproÞts.
So, what is Brazos Valley Gives? Brazos Valley Gives is a month-long community giving effort that culminates in 18 hours of online giving on the third Tuesday of October, bringing the region together on one day and as Òone communityÓ to raise critical funding and awareness for nonproÞt organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. This day of giving provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and good works of local nonproÞt organizations that serve the Brazos Valley Ð strengthening nonproÞts, empowering donors, and building community.
Powered by the Community Foundation, Brazos Valley Gives also gives businesses an opportunity to be involved in Brazos Valley Gives. Last year, Brazos Valley Gives awarded over $36,000 in sponsorship prizes to participating nonproÞts during a post-celebration event. Business leaders are empowered to come together to support causes closes to their hearts. Supporting Brazos Valley Gives is a great way to strengthen your corporate social responsibility efforts while engaging your employees and customers in a meaningful way. Local individuals, corporations and businesses can take part in sponsoring each hour of giving—to offer over $36,000 in incentive prizes for the participating nonproÞt raising the most donations per hour, or having the most donors, among other categories.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 18 for Brazos Valley Gives—the fourth annual giving day where a donor can go online to support their favorite nonproÞt(s). ÒWe anticipate a record number of nonproÞts to participate in the 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. fundraising extravaganza,” said Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the organization that is powering this annual giving day. “These 18 hours of giving will provide all nonproÞts with an equal opportunity to raise awareness about their programs and seek funding to support their important work. Even more, any community member can be a
philanthropist, with a minimum $10 donation going to their nonproÞt(s) of choice. This yearÕs needs are signiÞcant, and our nonproÞt community needs your continued support.Ó Donors have an opportunity to give to their favorite nonproÞt as well as learn about the good works of other charities in our community --- and 100% of the donation goes directly to the nonproÞt.
In addition to the online giving platform, the Community Foundation is partnering with The Eagle to host a drive-thru donation site at 1729 Briarcrest Drive [Bryan, Texas] from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for individuals wishing to drop off a check or monetary donation on Tuesday, October 18. Given the great need within our nonproÞt community, early giving will begin on September 19.
This year, other giving days in Texas continue to show great success, as our community continues to deal with economic disruptions associated with the impact of COVID-19. The Communities Foundation of Texas hosts North Texas Giving Day Ð the largest community-wide giving day in the nation Ð which raised $66 million in one day last year. Earlier this year, East Texas Giving Day raised more than $2.9 million, according to the event's website.
Each participating nonproÞt can rally their constituency for a matching gift, which provides an added incentive for donors. Matching gifts also stir the hearts of donors to give, too. If a donor makes a match, the organization will try to raise the same amount from the public during Brazos Valley Gives. Gerling said ÒBrazos Valley Gives is our gift to the community.Ó The Community Foundation does not receive any portion of the donation or transaction fees associated with Brazos Valley Gives. All donations, except for a 5.1% event/credit card fee, goes to the participating organizations. These minimal fees are passed to the donor, or the donor can opt-out.
Brazos Valley Gives organizers have set a lofty goal of raising over $1M for participating nonproÞts. CoChair Julie Porter explains, ÒThe Brazos Valley is known for its generosity and support of our nonproÞt community. We live here and we want to give HERE! Last year was an incredible year of giving. We are ready for a banner year.Ó
Media partners KBTX, The Eagle and Bryan Broadcasting are rallying around our community to support Brazos Valley Gives. ÒAll of our media partners are an essential part of promoting the day, our nonproÞts and unifying our community as we encourage giving where we live,Ó noted Molly Watson, Co-Chair. ÒOur hope is that this October 18 online event will once again transform our community to give and ensure the quality of life needs that are so important to our counties. Everyone has the opportunity to be a philanthropist to build a strong, vibrant community.Ó
Visit www.brazosvalleygives.org to make sure your favorite nonproÞt organization is participating and see how easy it is to donate. If your nonproÞt organization is interested in participating, please contact Patricia Gerling at 979.589.4305. There are multiple ways for businesses to get involved, too! You can host a business giving day or fundraising page, provide matching funds, or sponsor a monetary incentive prize. For more details, contact Patricia at brazosvalleygives@gmail.com.
July 26, 2022
By: Molly Watson, Co-Chair, Brazos Valley GivesBrazos Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. We are a Bryan-based nonproÞt and the Brazos Valley’s trusted leader in philanthropy as we raise and steward a $12.1M community endowment for donors and charitable organizations. The Foundation works with charitably minded individuals, families, and businesses to establish donor-advised funds and other endowments to fulÞll a donor or businessÕs unique and personal giving goals. The Foundation also strengthens nonproÞt organizations through grants and sustaining endowment initiatives, serving as a funding source that is responsible to the community's needs now -- and into the future. As a steward of the communityÕs resources, the FoundationÕs mission statement reßects the primary goal of ensuring growth of the fund, while protecting the assets to meet the needs now and well into the future.
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Tucked away on the first floor of the Brazos County administration building is an ordinary office, run by a seemingly ordinary man. But, the work done by this man in this office is anything but ordinary.
Alfred “Pat” Patterson is the Veterans Service Officer for Brazos County. He spends his days, and many of his nights, working tirelessly on behalf of all Brazos County Veterans (he prefers to use a capital “V” out of respect). It is a job he considers more of a calling than just a way to earn a paycheck. You see, Patterson is, himself, a Veteran, with a capital “V”. He served twenty years in the United States Marine Corps as a Marine artilleryman. He was an enlisted service member for his first ten years, and an officer the second ten. As a disabled combat Veteran of the first Gulf War, he has a practical understanding of what his fellow heroes have done to earn the benefits he helps them acquire.
Patterson is quick to stress the point that the Veterans he serves have, in fact, earned these benefits; through their actions either in foreign lands or on U.S. soil, whether in combat or behind a desk. Patterson believes the very fact that these men and women took an oath to serve this great country and were willing to face whatever assignment they received is enough to warrant the gratitude of a nation and the help it can bestow in return. However, he is also one of the first to concede that accessing this help can be confusing, at best. He has made it his mission to help make sense of all the paperwork and government forms so Veterans can receive their earned benefits.
There are numerous for-profit companies advertising to Veterans. Companies which claim to help Veterans get the benefits they deserve – for a price. Patterson wants all Veterans to know they
have already paid that price through their service. They have already earned these benefits. There is no reason to pay anyone else.
The Brazos County Veterans Service office exists to assist Veterans in understanding the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) law and facilitate Veterans obtaining VA benefits to which they are entitled. These can include monetary compensation for injuries incurred in service, monetary pension for low income wartime Veterans or Surviving Spouses, VA health care, VA home loans, and VA education benefits.
Zachary Horn is one such Veteran who has benefitted from working with Patterson. Horn served as an Army sergeant at Fort Stewart. Now, living in Brazos County and working toward his degree, Horn is one of the younger Veterans in need of assistance. And, navigating government paperwork and processes required guidance.
“After transitioning out of the Army I waited a while to start a claim for my disability benefits. I did not know who to contact or how the process worked. Getting in contact with Pat Patterson at Veterans Services was the best decision I made,” Horn said. “He was of much help and expedited the process. He cares about the Veterans in his community and goes out of his way to do what he can to help those who have served.”
Patterson truly has a heart for “his” Veterans, as he calls them. Where VA benefits may stop, Patterson keeps going. He helps Veterans find jobs. He has a deep concern for finding shelter and housing for homeless Veterans. And, he desperately hopes to someday see an end to the epidemic of Veteran suicide. Patterson works passionately to hasten a future where all Veterans are treated with the honor and respect they have earned.
“The passion has displayed itself to a degree of being overassertive and even confrontational in support of my Veterans,” Patterson admits. “Especially in support of my Vietnam Veterans who did not get a parade when they returned home.”
Patterson interacts with local, state and federal officials on behalf of Brazos County Veterans. His many years of experience have garnered personal relationships and built trust within the Veteran community. It is that network of trust that enables Patterson to be so effective. If there is a question he doesn’t know the answer to, he knows who to call. If there is a particular issue that falls outside his purview, he can make a referral. He wants each Veteran to feel comfortable asking him for help. He considers it his honor to do so.
The Brazos County Veterans Service office is a taxpayer funded department within the Brazos County government. According to the VA Global Distribution of Expenditures, the work done through this office resulted in Brazos County Veterans or Surviving Spouses receiving more than $63-million in tax free federal dollars in fiscal year 2021.
Brazos County Judge Duane Peters recognizes the value of the work on behalf of local Veterans, and knows they have a steadfast advocate in Patterson.
“Our community is fortunate to have the wealth of knowledge and service provided by having Veterans choose to live and work here.
Brazos County is proud of the work done by the Veterans Service office, and we are all grateful for the way Pat truly cares for our local Veterans,” said Peters.
Patterson is accredited by the Department of Veteran Affairs and maintains that accreditation annually. This makes him fully qualified by the VA to assist Veterans in preparing and presenting their claims.
If Brazos County Veterans need to meet with Patterson, he does request they make an appointment and bring their discharge papers (DD-214) with them if possible. He shares a lot of information during the hour-long meeting, so Patterson also recommends each Veteran have a family member or friend attend with them as, he says, “two sets of ears are twice as good as one.”
Patterson’s desire to make sure every Veteran is heard contributes to the length of the meetings. He says many Veterans have never had someone with VA experience listen to their story. And, Patterson loves a good story.
“I do not have clients,” he said. “I have fellow Veterans and, as has been said by many, friends I just haven’t met yet.”
Written by: Barbara SmithPublic
Communications OfficerOffice of the County Judge Brazos County, TX
To schedule an appointment, contact: Pat Patterson
Brazos County Veterans Service Office 200 South Texas Ave., Suite 167 Bryan, TX 77803
Phone: (979) 361-4360
Email: APatterson@brazoscountytx.gov
