2022 Jan/Feb Connections

CONNECTIONS

ERCOT UPDATE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES

Howdy, It was great to see everyone at our 2021 Annual Banquet. Another attendance record was set, but more importantly, the incredible caliber of leadership from our business, professional and educational sectors was on display. The attendees at the Chamber banquet are always a Who’s Who of Brazos Valley businesses. Congratulations once again to Brazos County Commissioner Irma Cauley, our Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year; Mary Mike Hatcher with Bryan Broadcasting, our Volunteer of the Year; and to Joe Foster with Titan Security, our Chamber Ambassador of the Year!

As we celebrated the end of another successful year in the B/CS market, many of those at our banquet were already looking ahead to the exciting potential of the new year. I hope our 2022 Economic Outlook Conference helps our members with their forecasting and planning for business in the coming year as we work to overcome COVID 19, supply chain issues and workforce development. I know that the EOC planning committee works almost year-round to deliver the best and most important business data to our members at this conference. I tell everyone that if you are not at the Chamber Economic Outlook Conference—your competition probably will be. I will see you there!

Matt Prochaska, the President/CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, has an article in this issue of Connections that you do not want to miss. Matt is also a speaker at the Chamber Economic Outlook Conference and we want to thank him for all his help. We also want to thank all of our EOC speakers that are listed later in this issue.

GLEN BREWER PRESIDENT & CEO

Upcoming events that you may want to look into on our Chamber calendar include our Community Impact Award Luncheon and the always popular Taste of Aggieland. We recognize HUB certifiable businesses and the contributions they make to our community at our luncheon, as well as the efforts of our new Community Outreach Committee. The very best of the Chamber’s restaurants are on display with food samples at the Taste of Aggieland. This event is always a favorite, and we help raise funds for culinary scholarships with our local Texas Restaurant Association members.

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.

WADE BECKMAN

Board Chair

JASON CORNELIUS

Chair-Elect

GREG ZWEIACKER

Immediate Past Chairman

WALTER HINKLE

Vice Chair Business Enhancement

KATY LEE

Vice Chair of Communications

KATERINA HALL

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

DOUG FRENCH

Vice Chair of Administration

AMY RESTIVO

Vice Chair of Financial & Physical Resources

JOHN BUSH

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

ZACH ETHERIDGE

Secretary

AGUSTIN TREVINO

DR. MONICA BROWN

BRANDON SEARS

ASHLEY SANDERS

BAYLOR LYON

THERON PARK

HEATH POOLE

DR. BELINDA DOBSON

SIDNEY BACKSTROM

GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN

NICOLE MORTEN

AJ TAYLOR

MARIE PORTALES RODRIGUEZ

DEMOND OLIVER

ALPHONSE DAVIS

STAFF

GLEN BREWER

President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN

Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

TOM TILTON Manager of Finance

JORDAN PRIHODA Manager of Business Programs

TAYLOR CLARK

Communications Coordinator

ALLISON BATTE

Special Projects Coordinator

RYDER ROBINSON

Membership Investment Representative

SHANNON TURNER

Executive Assistant

LINDA ESPIRIQUETA Receptionist

New Chamber Members

CONNECT REALTY 3901 University Drive E. Suite #400

College Station, Texas 77840 (832) 846-3356 connectrealty.com

HILLCO BUILDING SERVICE 22632 Kuykendahl Rd., Suite F Spring, TX 77389 (346) 251-5650 hilcobuildingservice.com

ISP SAFETY SERVICES 2704 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 778-0321 ispsafetyservices.com

LEONARD MOTORS

1207 S. Coulter Dr. Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 704-3068 leonardmotorsbcs.com

MCLANE INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS

4001 Central Pointe Parkway Temple, TX 76504 (866) 551-4628 mclaneintel.com

MORNINGSTAR STORAGE OF FM 2818

425 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 595-5313 morningstarstorage.com

STONEWALL ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

3807 Old College Rd Bryan , Texas 77801 (979) 436-2085 stonewallroofs-construction.com

ACME ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE

6115 E State Hwy 21 Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 778-0575

BACKYARD COMFORT & PEST CONTROL

15645 Whites Creek Lane College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 324-3223

BEAL PROPERTIES

3363 University Dr E Suite 215 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 764-2500

BIOMAT BRYAN 4223 Wellborn Rd Bryan, Texas 77801 (979) 969-9788

COLLINS WELDING AND CONSTRUCTION 10210 FM 2155 Snook, Texas 77878 (979) 219-1630

D4 LAND SERVICES LLC Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 676-1985

DENOVO DESIGNS LLC. 7303 Mesco Dr Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 431-0406

ENCINO TRACE APARTMENT HOMES 2338 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 704-0049

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY 3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, Arizona 85017 (602) 247-4681 LAS PALAPAS 701 Texas Ave. College Station, Texas 77840 (979) 234-0469

LAURA’S CUSTOM FRAMING 3644 Coppercrest Drive Suite. 101 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 485-5475

MAKE-A-WISH TEXAS GULF COAST & LOUISIANA 12625 Southwest Fwy Stafford, Texas 77477 (281) 491-9474

OLIVE + CEDAR DESIGNS Central Texas (979) 595-5085

RAM TAX & MULTI SERVICES 406 N. Main St. Bryan, Texas 77803 (979) 599-6653 SNOOK PIVO POINT 9234 Slovacek Rd. Snook, Texas 77878 (979) 219-1630

TEXAS CASUAL COTTAGES BY PARTNERS IN BUILDING 580 South State Highway 237 Carmine, Texas 78932 (979) 337-8293

THE WENDY FLYNN TEAM, KELLER WILLIAMS BRYAN COLLEGE STATION

2801 Earl Rudder Freeway South College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 324-1138

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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!

CHAMBER PHOTOS

TRANSPORTATION IN BRAZOS COUNTY

Providing a transportation system that meets the needs of Brazos County is important for many reasons. Such a system is key to attracting economic growth to the area and is also important in providing citizens a high quality of life.

As we have all observed, our area has seen noticeable growth in congestion. Texas

A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) data indicate that the cost (which includes traveler delay) of congestion in Bryan-College Station has been increasing at an annual rate of over 5 percent since 1982, essentially doubling every 15 years. We have all observed that roadways that rarely experienced congestion 7 to 10 years ago now are routinely congested during peak periods.

This increase in congestion has gotten the attention of local residents. The City of College Station regularly conducts surveys to allow its citizens to prioritize the issues of greatest concern. The past two surveys, conducted in 2016 and 2019, both identified “managing traffic congestion” as being, by far, the greatest issue. Those findings were further emphasized in a 2018

survey conducted by the Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO asked citizens, “What level of congestion do you want to see maintained in the area, and how much would you be willing to pay to achieve that congestion level?” The MPO received over 5000 responses to that survey, with over 70 percent of the respondents saying they desire to keep congestion at or below current levels, and those respondents expressed a willingness to pay $1200 per household per year to attain that mobility level.

EXISTING TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS IN OUR AREA ARE SIGNIFICANT

These trends are occurring even though our local governments are pursuing major programs to address mobility and conges-

Despite these levels of funding and commitment, TTI data indicate we have become the 10th most congested metropolitan area in Texas. And we must keep in mind that our local governments have many other demands on their limited revenue. Even with this level of state and local commitment, we are seeing congestion continue to increase. To alter the congestion trend, we will need to do more and do some things differently from what we have been doing in the past.

FUNDING WILL ALWAYS BE AN ISSUE; INNOVATION IS ALSO REQUIRED

Not surprisingly, money will always be an issue. The MPO has identified a 2050 Major Thoroughfare Concept. Brazos County, both cities, The Texas A&M University System and TxDOT comprise the MPO Policy Board that adopted this plan. In current dollars, implementation of this entire plan will cost an estimated $3 billion — that’s billion, with a B. With current resources, we are funding about 3 percent of that cost each year. Many of the lines on the thoroughfare plan are just that — lines. Project development has not even been started. This is a challenge because transportation projects can take a long time to get built. Project development and implementation can easily take 10 to 20 years.

HOURS OF DELAY PER COMMUTER IN BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION

tion levels. Annually, the two cities and the county spend approximately $35 million on transportation improvements. State-ofthe-art traffic management strategies are being implemented. In addition, at a cost in excess of $12 million per year funded almost entirely from student services fees, Texas A&M University operates, in terms of ridership, the seventh largest transit system in the state. The Bryan-College Station area has the highest level of transit ridership per capita in Texas.

In addition, we need to realize that many of our major roadways, such as Texas Avenue and Wellborn Road, are owned and maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). TxDOT will spend $228 million in fiscal year 2021 in the 10-county Bryan District.

We will never have all the funds needed to implement the plan. We need to expand and build new facilities, and we must take advantage of opportunities to leverage more funding for our area. We cannot simply build our way out of this problem, and we must continue to find new and innovative approaches to address transportation issues.

CURRENT AND NEAR-TERM INITIATIVES

As prioritized in the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the two cities, the county, TxDOT and Texas A&M have developed an aggressive construction program to address both congestion and safety. Currently, FM 2818 is being improved to a six-lane facility with a wide median and unique intersection improvements. The project will improve travel time between University Drive (FM 60) and Wellborn

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) data indicate that the cost (which includes traveler delay) of congestion in Bryan-College Station has been increasing at an annual rate of over 5 percent since 1982, essentially doubling every 15 years.

A 2018 survey conducted by the Bryan-College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) asked citizens, “What level of congestion do you want to see maintained in the area, and how much would you be willing to pay to achieve that congestion level?” The MPO received over 5000 responses to that survey, with over 70 percent of the respondents saying they desire to keep congestion at or below current levels, and those respondents expressed a willingness to pay $1200 per household per year to attain that mobility level.

Source: Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Road (FM 2154) and greatly reduce the potential for traffic accidents at intersections.

In fiscal year 2022, improvements will begin on William Joel Bryan Parkway (FM 158) and Texas Avenue (Business Route 6) in Bryan. Both projects will install raised medians to reduce travel conflict points and greatly enhance bicycle and pedestrian facilities and safety. These projects also assist the City of Bryan in meeting one of its economic development goals by both creating an enhanced gateway to downtown Bryan (FM 158) and beautifying a major downtown corridor (Business Route 6).

In early fiscal year 2024, by leveraging roughly $13 million in MPO funds, TxDOT will begin work on Brazos County’s largest improvement project to date — capacity and safety improvements to Earl Rudder Freeway (SH 6). The $280 million program includes adding an additional main lane in each direction, interchange improvements, special travel lanes to accommodate local traffic, and the relocation of the left side exit from northbound SH 6 to Texas Avenue to the right side.

But transportation leaders are pursuing more than construction projects. IH 14 from West Texas to Georgia is now officially designated as an interstate highway by the U.S. Congress in the recent federal infrastructure initiative. The loop around Bryan-College Station, identified in the MPO plan, is now officially designated as IH 214. It will take decades to implement these improvements, but this is an important beginning that opens new funding opportunities. A section of IH 14 in Texas from Belton to Huntsville has been given preliminary planning priority by TxDOT, and a portion of that section will pass through Brazos County. TxDOT is now in the process of procuring a consultant to initiate planning activities for this section of IH 14. It is possible that preliminary planning for IH 214 will also be included in this process.

CREATION OF A BRAZOS COUNTY REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY

Recognizing the significance of the transportation issue in our local area, local leaders expressed an interest in exploring the creation of a regional mobility authority (RMA), the one significant tool we did not

have in our toolbox. It was the desire of the leaders to take no action on this matter unless there was widespread support to create such an entity. After two years of detailed discussion at the local level, unanimous support was expressed to pursue the creation of an RMA, an entity authorized by state law. The Brazos County Commissioners Court submitted a petition requesting creation of the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority to the Texas Transportation Commission. The commission approved the creation of the 10th RMA in Texas.

An RMA is a countywide independent local government agency. It is regionally focused on developing and implementing transportation projects. The MPO takes the lead on planning and programming, while the RMA takes the lead on pursuing project implementation. The RMA, under Texas law, has no taxing authority, and most importantly, the board that oversees the RMA is comprised entirely of local citizens.

The RMA can be involved in projects addressing any mode of transportation — for example, the RMA can pursue projects concerning roads, transit, aviation, parking, pedestrian facilities and others. The RMA can initiate the project steps needed to bring projects to reality.

The key role for the Brazos County RMA is likely to be to accelerate the development of projects whose needs have been clearly identified and prioritized by the MPO planning process. The RMA can use its capabilities to bring together different agencies and multiple funding sources to leverage resources and expedite timelines. The RMA, if used properly, can help to flatten the growth in local congestion.

For the RMA to be effective, it will need a meaningful and continuing source of revenue. State law allows, with legislative authorization, the vehicle registration fee in the county to be increased by $10, with that money dedicated to the RMA. The Brazos County RMA chose to require a countywide election to take place to give our citizens the opportunity to decide if this should happen. With strong support from our state elected leaders, this election will occur in November 2022. Prior to that date, the RMA will present to the voters a

detailed listing of how and when the funds will be used, if approved.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Perhaps the biggest advantage we have locally in addressing transportation projects is that everyone works well together on transportation matters. A vision document, signed by 16 parties, has been executed in Brazos County. This document states, among other things, that we all recognize that transportation is a major issue locally and that we all realize we need to work together to address this issue. While this may sound simplistic, it isn’t. We are the only county in Texas to have such a vision. Unlike many parts of the state, we are not arguing about how to prioritize and address transportation concerns. This approach makes it far easier to attract funding to our county because people prefer to work in areas where projects can be implemented without unnecessary controversy.

Transportation, mobility and congestion are not going away as issues requiring our attention. The challenges are significant. The progress, commitment and funding that have been provided to date are impressive. The problem is recognized by local leadership, and numerous new initiatives added to the ongoing commitment will be helpful in providing acceptable mobility in our area. It is an issue that will require our continued attention.

The Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) is a new entity, and the RMA board desires to inform the community about this new organization. Members of the RMA board look forward to speaking to groups in our area to describe the RMA and what it can accomplish. If you have a group that might desire such a presentation at your meeting, please contact Lisa Lyon at llyon@ bcsmpo.org.

DENNIS CHRISTIANSEN DIRECTOR EMERITUS

TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE

DANIEL RUDGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

RESTORING TEXANS’ TRUST IN OUR ELECTRIC GRID

Emphasizing Resilience and Reliability along with Environmental Protection, Abundance, and Affordability

BY: BILL FLORES

Whenever we flip a light switch or adjust a thermostat in our homes, businesses, and classrooms, it demonstrates the foundation of why the Brazos Valley and the state of Texas continue to grow and prosper. We are taking advantage of an electric grid that has been the best in the world to provide reliable, clean, affordable, and safe electricity. Since Texas leaders decided in 1935 to control its power grid instead of ceding control to the Federal government, we have had one of the most reliable electric grids in the nation. Today, our grid is managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates over 90% of our state’s power load that is powered by over 700 generating units and connected by over 46,500 miles of managed transmission lines.

Texas leaders over the years have consistently focused on ways to best serve Texans and maintain that growth. This focus worked well – until this past February when Winter Storm Uri caused human suffering, deaths, and untold economic damage. Our experience during the storm was influenced by the actions we took following our 2002 decision to move from Houston after experiencing the impact of hurricanes. During that move, we elected to incorporate resilience and reliability into our Bryan home by installing a whole-house generator to provide electricity to most of our house during power disruptions. My only mistake was not having the plug for our coffee maker on the backup circuit busbars – clearly a minor, “first

world” problem. In addition, we are fortunate to be customers of Bryan Texas Utilities, which generated power admirably during Uri. What I learned from this experience is two-fold – first, that “resilience and reliability” have a cost (which I was willing to pay for by installing a generator when we built our home in 2008), and second, that the lack of resilience and reliability can have HUGE human and economic costs for hardworking Texas families. Since that time, I have dug into everything that went wrong during Uri, what went right, and what Texas can do better. I even testified on my own behalf regarding the importance of grid resilience and reliability during a hearing of the Texas Legislature.

A few months later, in connection with the restructuring of the governance of ERCOT pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 2 which became law following last year’s storm, I applied to join its Board of Directors. I wanted to join the organization because there is an opportunity to make a big difference not just in the Brazos Valley, but also for all Texans.

Over the past 20 years, ERCOT has been a global leader in electric grid operations. After legislative changes in the late 1990s, we developed the healthiest, most competitive electric market in the world. A decade later, we successfully led the nation in integrating renewable energy into the electric grid with one of the largest modern electric transmission buildouts in the nation. During this period many other states were struggling to do a fraction of what we accomplished. I know we can have similar success again and return Texas to the leadership role it has historically enjoyed, but it

will take hard work and a focus on what needs to be accomplished in a dynamic and fast-growing environment.

In the paragraphs below, I will share some of the major areas where the Board of Directors and the nearly 800 employees of Team ERCOT are focusing our attention to improve Texas’ electric grid.

NEW LAWS & REGULATIONS REGARDING TEXAS ENERGY

During the 2021 Texas Legislative session, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature created a new framework of laws to ensure the stability of our state’s energy supply and to enhance accountability. The three state entities that are responsible for the oversight and deliverability of energy in the state include the Railroad Commission (RRC) which is responsible for oil & gas, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) which is responsible for electricity and other resources, and ERCOT which operates our electric grid. Each of these entities was significantly impacted by new laws and guidance following the February event. The RRC has issued new rules to improve the deliverability of fuel for natural gas-powered electric generating plants. There are new Commissioners at the PUC and new leadership at ERCOT – including all-new independent members of the Board. Usually, with so many new people in governance following a restructuring, progress moves slowly. But that is not what is happening in the Texas energy space. Everyone knows how important our work is, and that we must get it right every day.

The new ERCOT leadership team immediately laid out a comprehensive 60-point plan to improve grid reliability. The new PUC Commissioners have already made major changes to improve Texas grid resilience and reliability. In addition, ERCOT’s recently selected Board of Directors and new CEO met with team members and stakeholders to identify important initiatives to be implemented quickly to better serve the families and businesses of Texas – not only for this winter but for the long term. This list of initiatives is thoughtful, robust, and comprehensive. Now it is up to ERCOT to implement these changes, integrate them into the electric market, and ensure there is enough reliable power every day – regardless of the weather.

POWER PLANT WINTERIZATION

ERCOT does not own any power plants, but we are responsible for balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. Last winter, almost half of the generation into the Texas grid failed due to cold weather or lack of fuel. These failures affected all our sources of electricity – wind, solar, coal, natural gas, and nuclear. These failures are clearly unacceptable, so the Legislature and the PUC gave ERCOT the authority to do more. As a result, we just completed the most sweeping power plant inspections that our state has ever seen – inspecting more than 300 power plant units during the month of December alone, including about 85% of the generators that failed during Uri. These inspections will help ensure power plants are meeting new regulations, and that they have mitigated the problems they faced last February. We are reporting inspection results to the PUC, and they can impose fines of up to $1 million a day for each violation of the new rules. It is fair to say that the recent imposition of millions of dollars of fines in this regard got everyone’s attention. From what I have seen, industry participants got the message, and I am optimistic that Texas generators will be ready for winter.

AGGRESSIVE GRID MANAGEMENT

We have directed ERCOT management to oversee our electric grid much more aggressively than in the past by not waiting until there is a problem to act. The legacy approach depended too heavily on waiting for the power market to respond. Our new approach is to be proactive and to prioritize electric reliability by adding power reserves when we see a problem on the horizon. As discussed earlier, we created the “Roadmap to Improving Grid Reliability” that details 60 specific grid operation improvements. They include initiatives like studying interconnections with other power grids, ensuring dispatchable generation, and establishing better procedures for working with market and government partners. These are short-term initiatives to protect Texans this winter as well as longterm initiatives to create a grid that will attract new business for years in the future. You can find the Roadmap on ERCOT’s homepage at www.ercot.com.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION

The first thing everyone wants to know if the power goes out is when it will be back on. In February of last year, no one could answer that question – causing needless frustration, uncertainty, and suffering. That is changing, and today we have designed a new process to communicate more quickly and effectively. From the new statewide “Power Alert System” enacted by the Legislature to improving coordination with state agencies and the public, we are committed to improving how we communicate with Texans if there is an electric grid problem.

INTEGRATING NEW TECHNOLOGY

We have set our sights on solving the technical and demand growth challenges of the next few years by evaluating our internal processes as a catalyst for innovation. We are working on how to best integrate resources like battery storage and distributed generation. Also, we need to dramatically improve the resilience, reliability, and availability of intermittent power sources. This latter challenge will become increasingly complicated as significant wind and solar resources are added to the Texas grid in the future.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The Lone Star State is an exciting, dynamic, and fast-growing enterprise, with new families and new businesses deciding to call Texas “home” every day. It is critical that we work hard to deliver resilient, reliable, clean, affordable, and abundant power not only for today, but also to accommodate our limitless future opportunities.

Thanks to the diligent work of Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the RRC, the PUC, and ERCOT, Texas has the tools to restore the Texas grid to its pre-eminent status as a world leader. It will take time to regain public trust and confidence, and all of ERCOT’s Board, management, and employees are committed to doing what it takes to accomplish these actions over the coming months and years. The future of Texas is bright, and we are working hard every day to keep it energized!

Bill Flores is an Independent Board Member & Vice Chairman of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. He is the former United States Congressman for the 17th Congressional District of Texas during 2011-2021. Bill is also an entrepreneur, business leader, volunteer, energy nerd, husband, father, grandfather, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), airplane pilot, ninth-generation Texan, and proud Texas Aggie.

ost Creek Gallery has made its home in the quaint little town of Calvert, 35 miles north of Bryan / College Station. In this lovingly restored 1878 building you will find artwork of award-winning Texas artists. Representational art is their style. Step into the gallery and feel welcomed and comfortable while enjoying walls hung with fantastic original artwork and sculptures sitting elegantly on pedestals. Upon entering, visitors are pleasantly surprised at the quality of artwork in the gallery of small historic Calvert.

“The gallery is truly a gem of Central Texas” says a recent guest. As a bonus, owner/artist June Cates may be seated at her easel creating another work of art.

ON THE RISE

2021 marked a year of significant growth for the Brazos Valley business sector with the leadership of the BVEDC. With no signs of slowing down, we gear up for a promising 2022.

The Brazos Valley, like every community in the world, continues to face economic challenges from the global pandemic. To all our local business leaders and employees continuing to persevere through these times, we salute you for your efforts. You make this place great.

That greatness is part of why we are facing something else: the most significant interest from companies looking to launch, grow and locate here in our history.

2021 concluded with an incredible announcement. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) has more than doubled its employment at its Brazos Valley Biocorridor campus over the course of the pandemic. Plus, in October, the company opened its new gene therapy innovation center, part of a $120 million investment announced in 2019. Then, in December, FDB announced a new commercial manufacturing facility with an approximately $300 million investment and approximately 150 jobs to be added. The FDB slogan is “Partners for Life,” and our region holds that sentiment when it comes to the company.

Spread throughout the year were quite a few more great victories for the Brazos Valley. Like FDB, Matica Biotechnology’s arrival to produce even more life-saving products continues our region’s growth in that globally growing sector. G-CON Manufacturing, which has been producing cleanrooms for the world’s leading bio companies, continues to expand with new facilities and employment. SkywriterMD,

which located its virtual medical scribe services here in 2019, relocated to a larger location in our community and announced expanded employment. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Houston-area healthcare offerings will now be supported by hundreds of Brazos Valley employees at the company’s new contact center.

None of these wins are possible without the combined efforts of government and the private sector working in concert on multiple fronts from a company’s first contact through the lifetime of its partnership with our region. Essential in their influence and impact on companies looking to do business here are The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University, Blinn College District and our local school districts with their collaborative opportunities and endless workforce pipelines. Plus, an exceptional Chamber of Commerce with a dedicated staff, volunteer-fueled efforts and massive membership cannot be underestimated and is a crucial component in making this location as prime as it has become.

These factors, combined with our advantageous geographic location and outstanding and improving quality of life, have continued the increase in attention

the Brazos Valley has received in recent years.

2022 begins with approximately 175 open projects – companies considering our community for operations, investments and jobs – for the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation and its partners.

The largest sector these businesses occupy is manufacturing. A little more than half of the BVEDC’s projects started in 2021 involved manufacturers, and a number of these projects involve hundreds of millions of dollars in investments and hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs. We expect this trend of high manufacturing interest to continue in this new year.

The aforementioned biotechnology sector remained a big piece of the project pie and involved among the largest projects for which our community has ever competed. The technology, professional services and distribution sectors also continue to factor heavily in our project work.

Be on the lookout in the coming years for increasing opportunities in the defense sector, driven heavily by what is happening at the A&M System’s RELLIS Campus with Army Futures Command and the Bush

Combat Development Complex. Also, late in 2021, a joint effort by the Texas A&M Experiment Station (TEES), the BVEDC and others landed Texas a U.S. Department of Defense designation as a Defense Manufacturing Community, with the Brazos Valley as the hub. TEES, with continued assistance from the BVEDC, will work collaboratively over the next five years to increase the aerospace manufacturing industry’s presence here and throughout the state.

All of these sectors fit perfectly into the economic development strategy created nearly five years ago, one based on the previously noted advantages our community offers to companies. Our combined efforts are allowing us to proactively pursue opportunities and quickly compete when company representatives come knocking on the Brazos Valley’s door. The competition we enter for these projects is significant, especially as our projects continue to grow in investment, square footage and employment size as they did in 2021.

What we have shown and will continue to show is resilience and teamwork. In fact, we were recognized for that in the state’s most prestigious economic development

honors. Each year, the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) gives out its Community Economic Development Awards (CEDAs) to communities across Texas. In the 2021 edition, a special award was given for “Resiliency and Recovery” through the heat of the pandemic in 2020. On behalf of all, the BVEDC entered our community-wide efforts for consideration. This included Operation Restart, the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, the At Home in BCS marketing campaign and more, all of which involved multiple entities and individuals working together to assist businesses and employees struggling through the crisis. The Brazos Valley won the CEDA for our population category, topping all Texas regions with more than 250,000 residents.

On a daily basis, we demonstrate that, together, the Brazos Valley achieves great things for our residents and, in turn, the greater Texas marketplace, and we will certainly continue to do that in 2022 and beyond.

Pictured L to R:

Joe Elabd, Ph.D., Texas A&M University System Vice Chancellor for Research; Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M University Vice President for Academic & Strategic Collaborations; Clint Cooper, Brazos Valley EDC Board Chair; Mayor Andrew Nelson, City of Bryan; Gerry Farrell, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas COO; Mayor Karl Mooney, City of College Station; State Representative John Raney; Judge Duane Peters, Brazos County

DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

Are you celebrating an important milestone? Anniversary? Opened a new location? Re-branding? Let us help you! Call (979) 260-5200 or email ryder@bcschamber.org to schedule your B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting today!

THE FLOOR IS YOURS...

THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER STUDENTS

The Association of Former Students’ 12 Under 12 Young Alumni Spotlight was created to recognize the contributions of young alumni. Award recipients must have graduated from Texas A&M University within the last 12 years and be leading by example in business and service. Congratulations to Amelia McCracken ‘10, owner of Ment Marketing & Creative Services, for being one of this year’s award recipients. “Her engagement with others and her ability to serve is key to not only her achievements, but also her ability to engage in selfless service.”

BIGSHOTS GOLF AGGIELAND

BigShots Golf Aggieland is officially open! The newest entertainment venue brings more than just a virtual golf experience to the Brazos Valley. BigShots Golf Aggieland is a 40,000-square-foot dining and entertainment venue that features 60 high-tech tee boxes located in the City of Bryan’s Travis Bryan Midtown Park. Congratulations to Leadership Brazos graduate, Jim Butler, and his family on bringing this new concept to Bryan-College Station!

THE BRYAN/COLLEGE SALVATION ARMY

The Bryan/College Salvation Army thanks those who contributed to record holiday giving this year. According to commanding officer Tim Israel, as of December 23rd, red kettle collections topped a record $201,000. The goal was $200,000.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2021 B/CS Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Award Winners.

• Clinton Dempsey with D4 Land Services

• Claudia Smith with Aggieland Carpet One

• Kristy Petty with The Village Café and Vino Boheme

• Debbie Holladay with Holladay and Associates

B/CS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

B/CS Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for their annual Community Builders Breakfast on February 23rd from 7:30am-8:30am at Hilton College Station. This event is absolutely free, and breakfast will be provided. The intent of this event is to engage and educate our community on the mission of Habitat. To RSVP, please email Hayley Pennesi at hpennesi@habitatbcs.org.

ALIGNABLE

Alignable announces Debbie Holladay of Holladay and Associates and a B/CS Chamber Ambassador, as a 2021 Local Business Person of the Year. Congratulations, Debbie!

MASTER OF THE CRAFT

WILDER SALES MANAGER

NPC is thrilled to welcome back one of our own! The NPC family grows as Amanda Wilder, who began her career with us in 1997, comes back to her roots in Bryan, Texas. Throughout her 25 years of extensive printing experience, Amanda has worked in all facets of the printing industry, most recently dedicating 14 years at the largest print manufacturer in the country. Her mastery of advanced print techniques and estimating expertise fortifies the unparalleled experience Newman Printing Company is ready to provide to you, our valued customer.