2022 Mar/Apr Connections

CONNECTIONS MARCH - APRIL 2022

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

C OMMUNI T Y I N S I G H TS Restore / Brown & Company Insurance

LO CAL EVENTS Brazos County Youth Livestock Show Sale

LO CAL BUSINESS Chamber Day 2022

The Neighborhood is Growing!

First Financial Bank proudly supports the new and existing businesses in Bryan and College Station.

And, as matter of fact, we are building a new location in 2022 to better “Put You First!”

From personal deposits, interim construction and mortgage loans to commercial deposits, business loans or farm and ranch financing, we’re proud to put Bryan and College Station First.

YOU FIRST | FFIN.com | 979-260-2100

FIRST FINANCIAL AD

Bryan Yung Vice President NMLS# 1943310

Cameron Comire Sr. Vice President NMLS# 1601012

Cal McNeill

Exec. Vice President NMLS# 510054

Nora Thompson President & CEO NMLS# 510467

Joe Salvato

Exec. Vice President NMLS# 509672

Melanie Motley Sr. Vice President NMLS# 510014

Austin Bryan

Exec. Vice President Senior Lender NMLS# 1069606

Features 2 3

Calendar

P R E SI DENTI AL P E R SP EC TI V ES

A Message from Glen Brewer

MARCH

0 3.18 . 22 CRAWFISH B O IL

Brazos County Expo Center

N E W MEMBER S

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

0 3. 31. 22 CHAMB ER DAY 22 022

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Bryan/College Station

C H A M BER P R OGR AMS

Business After Hours March/April

0 3. 31. 22 BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS Allen Honda

5 7 12 16

C H A M BER EV ENT Crawfish Boil

APRIL

0 4 .12. 22 TASTE O F AGGIL AN D Brazos County Expo Center

0 4 . 21. 22

C OM M UNI T Y I NSI GHT

BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS

Restore

Brookshir Brothers

0 4 . 28 . 22 WATER CO O LER 5K

C OM M UNI T Y I NSI GHT

Lake Walk

Brown & Company Insurance

MAY LO C AL BUSI NESS Chamber Day

0 5 . 9 - 0 5 .12. 2 2 WASHINGTO N D. C. DELEGATIO N Washington D.C.

0 5 .11. 22

18 20

COM M UNI TY SP OTLI GHTS

Bryan & College Station Spotlights

JO B FAIR Brazos Center

0 5 .19 . 22 BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS R I B B ON C UT TI NGS

Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS

Arts Council of Brazos Valley

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PRESIDENTIAL

PERSPECTIVES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS WA D E B E C K M A N Board Chair

JASON CORNELIUS Chair-Elect

GREG ZWEIACHER Immediate Past Chairman

WA LT E R H I N K L E

Vice Chair Business Enhancement

K AT Y L E E

Vice Chair Communications

K AT R I N A H A L L

Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

DOUG FRENCH

Vice Chair Administration

A M Y R E S T I V O , C PA

Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

JOHN BUSH

Vice Chair Community Enhancement

ZACH ETHERIDGE Secretary

GLE N B R E W E R P RES I D E NT & C EO

Get letter from Glen ASAP

AGUSTIN TREVIÑO MONICA BROWN BRANDON SEARS ASHLEY SANDERS B AY L O R LY O N SIDNEY BACKSTROM H E AT H P O O L E DR. BELINDA DOBSON A L P H O N S E D AV I S GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN NICOLE MORTEN A J TAY L O R M A R I E P O R TA L E S DEMOND OLIVER

STAFF GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

T O M T I LT O N

Manager of Finance

JORDAN PRIHODA

Manager of Business Programs

RYDER ROBINSON

Membership Investment Representative

KEELIE WENDT

Communications Coordinator

A L L I S O N B AT T E

Special Projects Coordinator

L I N D A E S P I R I Q U E TA Receptionist

SHANON TURNER Executive Assistant

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CONNECTIONS

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.

ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing

New Chamber Members T H E Q UE E N & PAL AC E T H E AT R ES

T H E R AN C H R V

ASH L E Y F UR N I T UR E O UT L E T

150 TX-36 South Caldwell, TX 77836 (979) 530 - 8594 budcrossfordtx.com

E PM C G R OUP, L LC

S C H ULT E R OOF I NG, INC .

110 S Main St. Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 557-8336 queenbryantx.com

4101 State Highway 6 S College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-1669 theranchrv.com

B UD C R OSS F OR D

Bryan, TX 77802

4565 Lake Shore Drive Waco, TX 76710 (284) 262 - 4400

S LUFOSTER , LLC

17 Ozone Avenue Apt. 7 Venice, CA 90291 (979) 412-2793

T RADI TIO NS WEALTH ADVI SO R S, L LC

10842 Hwy 6 Navasota, TX 77868 (979) 412-0613 SchulteRoofing.com

STA R T H ER E M A R K ETI N G

(805) 208-9106

O PER ATI O N SA FE SH I EL D

2700 Earl Rudder Fwy S. Suite 2600 7750 Raymond Stotzer Parkway College Station, TX 77845 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 694 - 9100 (979) 820-1252 INCFIL E

RC I S P ORTS M A N AG E M E N T SOLUT I ONS

17350 State Highway 249 Ste 220 Houston, TX 77064 (855) 829-9090

2200 Bomber Drive Bryan, TX 77801 (657) 274-9207

ACE H A NDYMAN SERVICES BRYA N COLLEGE STATIO N

STI N SO N A N D STI N SO N R O OF I N G L LC

WAT E R P R OJ ECT P OOL & S PA S E R V I CES

LY NCH H E R I TAG E P R OPERTI ES L LC DB A AG Q UA R T E R S

3802 Windridge Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 587 - 8618

3008 Hickory Ridge Circle Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 777-3699

A P R I COT L A NE

L I NDA SA LVATO, R E A LTOR ®

166 Century Court Suite G-40 College Station, TX 77845 (661) 645-4422

4095 SH 6 South Suite C College Station, TX 77845 (936) 349-5641

T-M O BI LE 4792 CR 465 McKinney, TX 75071 (346) 370-3255

J U ST B E T W E E N F R I E N D S AG G I EL A ND

12745 State Highway 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 329-8743

LUC KY PAWS PET SERVICES BC S

AGGI EL A N D TR AVEL

L I V E YOU R M OSA I C

WOL F S P R O CL E A N

1900 Dartmouth St I-3 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 551-3306

(979) 450-3993

17590 Saddle Creek Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 324-4388

6655 Elmo Weedon Rd. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 446-8687

BC S SWIM SCHO O L

L AU R EL L E FA M I LY H EA LTH A ND WEL L N ESS C EN TER

T H E T I LT E D P I N T P U B

HOT WO RX B RYA N , T X

10500 SH 30 Suite 600 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 464-5090

2413 Harvey Mitchell Parkway S College Station, TX 77845 (281) 222-5743

2304 De Lee Street Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 431-5800

4248 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 485-2360

3401 Lochbury Court College Station, TX 77845 (979) 820-4905

3387 University Drive East Suite 413 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 314-1011

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

MARCH 31, 2022 Hosted By:

ALLEN HONDA

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!

APRIL 21, 2022 Hosted By:

BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS

T H A N K YOU TO OU R FE BR UA RY B U SINESS A FTER HOU RS HOSTS! BIGSHOTS GOLD AGGILAND

Crawfish Boil

Thank You

Profits from Crawfish Boil benefit 4-H and FFA students at the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show.

We greatly appreciate everyone coming out and supporting our youth.

BRAZOS COUNTY YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW SETS NEW RECORD The 66th annual Brazos County Youth Livestock Show set a new record at the premium auction this year topping a million dollars. We appreciate the board members, volunteers, parents, judges and exhibitors involved in making the 2022 show and sale possible. We would also like to thank our Title Sponsor Amarillo National Bank and everyone involved in making the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Crawfish Boil a record-setting event. We were able to contribute over $30,000 to youth projects this year because of your support!

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MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BRAND

BECOMING THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF. BUILDING FROM EXPERIENCE, DONNELLY CREATED A PROACTIVE PROGRAM FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS. By: Christina Huang & Logan Lee Hyper Wellness is a proactive approach to improving your body’s defense system, reducing long-term health risk, potentially increasing the lifespan of your health healthspan), and feeling better so you can do more of what you love.

Restore delivers on Hyper Wellness by offering a range of innovative modalities under one roof, helping customers to finally feel their best and meet the highest version of themselves.

We talked about Restore Hyper Wellness with Founder and CEO, Jim Donnelly, and Bryan- College Station owner, Katy Lee. Jim Donnelly, Founder and CEO Can you tell us about yourself? How did you get started?

My father was a consummate entrepreneur. I knew that would be my path. I started my first company when I was in grad school, and I was hooked. But I had a military commitment.

After the military, I spent time in corporate America at several blue-chip companies (Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Citibank) so I could learn and build some pedigree.

Then I jumped back into the entrepreneurial space (for good this time). I cofounded IgoUgo.com, winner of a Webby Award as the top travel website in the US. In under five years, IgoUgo became the leader in user generated content for travel websites and was sold to Sabre Holdings/Travelocity.

After IgoUgo, I focused on areas that were “cool” to work in and good for the community where I lived. For example, I developed luxury condos for homeowners including Michael Jordan, Cam Newton, and Chris Daughtry, as well as salons, spas, and high-end health clubs, including the Charlotte Athletic Club.

The accumulation of these experiences shaped the creation of Restore. Tell us about Restore Hyper Wellness’ history and how many locations you have nation and international.

We started Restore in 2015 when I was training for a triathlon. A friend told me to try Cryotherapy. I loved the way Cryo made me feel, but hated everything else about the experience (i.e. the retail environment wasn’t great, it was overpriced, and it felt like a partial solution). I got my buddy Steve (cofounder) to try it, and he came to the same conclusions.

We believed we could create a better experience, so we opened our own cryotherapy clinic in Austin. We quickly realized we were on the right track and started opening as many locations as we could, testing iterations of the concept along the way.

We expand our services beyond cryotherapy (by adding IV drip, sauna, red light, compression, hyperbaric and esthetic services) and termed the integrated experience, Hyper Wellness®.

In 2017, we launched our first franchise locations in Texas, Virginia, and Connecticut. Now we have 100+ locations across the country. Going forward, we will open one or two locations a week.

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

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Who is your target audience?

Restore is a universal brand. At some point, every human has a need for the things that Restore delivers. We address human performance and optimization. Ultimately, Hyper Wellness allows people to do more of what they love to do.

Whether you’re an Olympian or someone taking the first step on a long overdue journey to improving your overall health, Restore provides a fun, social, transparent environment to address your needs.

How is Restore Hyper Wellness different than others, and could you tell us about your services/program? What is unique about Restore Hyper Wellness?

We’re driven by a deep desire to uplift people – to help them feel better, so they can do more of what they love. We are also experienced entrepreneurs and executives that have built successful companies. This enabled us to create a better, more integrated experience for consumers that is also repeatable and scalable for franchise partners. Restore offers memberships that give clients access to IV drips, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, red light therapy, and compression, while also providing reduced pricing on any additional services they need to optimize their wellness.

Do you offer a new program/services after the pandemic days?

What were the main challenges?

Restore has remained consistent before, during, and soon to be (hopefully) after the pandemic. We were deemed an essential business, and we have provided our services throughout the pandemic. We help people optimize their Wellness so that they are better prepared to handle the health and Wellness issues they face. Interestingly, the solution for addressing the issues during the pandemic is the same solution for addressing many of the other health and Wellness challenges facing society.

Ultimately, we believe the hyper Wellness lifestyle is a proactive approach to health and Wellness. We provide the road map for our customers and live the lifestyle we espouse. That philosophy has allowed us to accomplish amazing things during the pandemic period.

From a leadership perspective, we decided early on that if our team members were going to work in the stores, then our corporate team would work together from our offices. We enhanced our corporate Wellness program and made sure our employees were proactively living the hyper Wellness lifestyle.

This created a super motivated, passionate, and committed team that doubled down on our mission.

We also introduced several innovations. We provided a proprietary, electric-powered whole body cryotherapy chamber that revolutionizes the experience of whole body to be (hopefully) after the pandemic. We were deemed an essential business, and we have provided our services throughout the pandemic. We help people optimize their Wellness so that they are better prepared to handle the health and Wellness issues they face. Interestingly, the solution for addressing the issues during the pandemic is the same solution for addressing many of the other health and Wellness challenges facing society.

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Ultimately, we believe the hyper Wellness lifestyle is a proactive approach to health and Wellness. We provide the road map for our customers and live the lifestyle we espouse. That philosophy has allowed us to accomplish amazing things during the pandemic period.

From a leadership perspective, we decided early on that if our team members were going to work in the stores, then our corporate team would work together from our offices. We enhanced our corporate Wellness program and made sure our employees were proactively living the hyper Wellness lifestyle.

This created a super motivated, passionate, and committed team that doubled down on our mission.

We also introduced several innovations. We provided a proprietary, electric-powered whole body cryotherapy chamber that revolutionizes the experience of whole body cryo. We also introduced new IV drips and intramuscular (IM) shots. For example, when vitamin D became difficult to source for IV drips, we released a vitamin D intramuscular (IM) shot that is fat soluble and helps the body maintain increased levels of vitamin D. We also released our Tri-Immune shot that includes zinc, vitamin C, and glutathione. These micronutrients can help optimize Wellness.

It has been challenging to scale the system fast enough to support customer demand. But I believe we have risen to the challenge and created a potentially society changing concept.

What are the brand’s further national growth plans? What are the brand’s expansion plans in the future?

Our vision is to change the face of healthcare on a global skill.

We believe everyone in the world should have access to real, proactive solutions and the most groundbreaking Wellness modalities. We are prepared to open 500 locations by the end of 2024. We’re here to make hyper Wellness globally accessible, so the world can do more of what it loves.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us about restore hyper Wellness?

What’s your “do more?” Think about it. Think about what your purpose is, and what those moments are that bring you the most joy. It might be making your child laugh, it could be cooking, or scoring goals, or building a business. Whatever it is, we are here to help you do more of it. We’re here to be the bridge that brings people to the best version of themselves.

Katy Lee, Franchisee for Restore Hyper Wellness – BCS Why did you choose Restore? And how did the opportunity come about?

On August 27, 2020, Logan (my husband) and I opened Cryotonics Wellness Studio. We had confidence our business would do well, even during a pandemic, but we had no desire to partner with a franchise at that time. Fast-forward to February 2021 – into our world enters Jim Donnelly, the CEO of Restore.

The next few months were filled with many conversations as to why our existing business would be the perfect fit in the Restore model. On October 19, 2021, we completed our studio’s rebranding and opened our doors as Restore Hyper Wellness – BCS. We were location #106 and since that time, Restore Hyper Wellness is on track to open a new store (on average) every three days.

That was the opportunity, but the “why” is the most important part of our journey. Logan and I played basketball at Texas A&M University. While blessed with fulfilling careers, we both suffered injuries that continue to affect us to this day.

We chose this industry because we desired a way to combat the natural aging process and to live a healthy lifestyle without prescription medication or reactive medical intervention reactive being the focus. Being proactive is key and we believe that we hit the jackpot when the opportunity to merge with Restore became reality.

In your opinion, how does functional wellness affect businesses and work environments today?

In today’s world, functional wellness heavily emphasizes lifestyle changes to positively impact health issues, such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress levels, and many

other aspects of day-to-day life. Without an understanding of your own balancing act through everyday life, it’s near impossible to make changes or to identify a starting point – but that’s where we can help.

Restore offers a variety of wellness modalities and services to meet the growing demand for proactive care. Our services are science-backed and proven effective as evidenced by clinical studies, which I find critical in my effort to positively impact the Brazos Valley and our workforce. I want someone to choose Restore because they have confidence that what we do can make a positive impact in their life. From the sedentary office worker, to the factory worker, to the entrepreneur, to the neverstop-moving worker, I want to bring value, a healthy lifestyle and positive change to BCS. And while our services at Restore are not for medical diagnosis or the treatment of illnesses, there is a great chance they may help the body improve its natural defense system, optimize sleep, decrease stress, improve mental acuity – amongst many other positive outcomes. So now the question becomes, “why not try it?”

What is one thing you would tell someone who is interested in what Restore Hyper Wellness does but is on the fence about trying it?

Change is never fun. I can tell you from my Type A personality that change is the absolute opposite of what I enjoy.

But what if that change can functionally alter the way you live your life? By you taking control of your stress levels or recovery routines, you can create a positive transformation in yourself.

I could list the reasons why I love what I do but I can also undoubtedly confirm the #1 reason why I love Restore Hyper Wellness is because I am a better version of myself than I once was.

Restore Hyper Wellness - BCS 3121 University Drive E, Suite 125 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 485-9563 | www. restore.com

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centennial arts

Centennial Arts

Using Technology to Help Businesses Grow and Connect with Their Customers

Bounce back quick from COVID! Scan the QR code below to hit the ground running.

Family and Aggie Owned Helping businesses in the Brazos Valley with their Online Presence since 2004

Website Design & Development • Hosting • Marketing ‣ Helped over 1000 businesses build and grow their online presence ‣ Sell products and services online with Online caShopping increasing revenue Streamline Integrated Services • Online bill pay • Filters by location • Online directories • And more - HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant ‣ Our clients earned a combined of more than $1.5 billion - Combined digital platform servicesrevenue and CMS for easy staff management - Protect seniors using our Telehealth technologies ‣ Setupour Remote Policies helping many businesses work from home - Build your online presence and reputation management ‣ Building lasting relationships through A+ support

- Dramatically reduce overhead using integrated online solutions: ‣ Integrated online solutions to reduce overhead  Online bill pay  Filters by specialties  Appointment scheduling

25% OFF New Website Design Call 979-209-0774 and mention that you saw this ad! https://www.centennialarts.com

thank you to all of our 2022

Crawfish Boil sponsors!

Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to support the youth of Brazos County Youth Livestock Show Auction.

aggieland autism center ] aggieland carpet one ] another broken egg ] bcs toyota first financial bank ] grand station entertainment insureberry ] kc fisher state farm ] landscaping ninjas lone star roofing system ] Brown & company insurance ] Brazos Valley livestock

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

Employee Wellness Matters By: Bunny Pratt, Brown & Company Insurance Services

“Why is it that employees at other companies always seem to pay less for their insurance?”

“Our insurance premiums go up every year, and we are a very healthy group of employees!”

“I’ve never used my insurance and my premiums just keep increasing!”

D

oes this sound familiar? These are statements that we hear from many employers. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was passed into law in March 23, 2010 brought many changes in the health insurance industry.

One of the key components of the ACA law is community rating, and this rating method is specific to small organizations with under 50 employees. Premiums for community rated groups are determined by the company zip code and the ages of the enrolled employees and their enrolled dependents. The type of business, enrolled member genders, and health status cannot be considered under this rating methodology. This can be good for unhealthy groups so they can still qualify for insurance protection for their employees but, for super healthy groups there is no real incentive to pursue healthy choices.

Insurance carriers then began launching self-insured products often referred to as “Level Funded” plans that feel like traditional insurance to the employee, but have administrative differences that are beneficial to the employer. Under this type of plan, the rating methodology can look at all demographics and health history of each member and rate accordingly. This could result in potential premium savings for a healthy group or a declination to cover an unhealthy group. A healthy group also produces fewer medical claims, and that reduction in claims is reflected in the overall success and total cost of a self-funded plan. It is not a good fit for every employer, but it is worth exploring.

Cue the creativity! Many insurance providers initiated wellness perks centered around healthy activities, nutrition awareness, health assessments, biometric screenings, and more. Some carriers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, even provide “redeemable reward points” for members to encourage engagement. Humana offers similar reward perks for engaged members through their Go365 wellness

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Caption: BVOMS team members participate in a blood drive which earns them activity points under their Humana Go365 wellness program.

program, but, a primary differentiator is that Humana rewards the members and offers employers direct premium credits on their bill once reachable targets are met by each employee. Support from upper management is key to driving this savings opportunity.

According to a Humana five-year study published in 2019, in year 5 of employees enrolled in their Go365 wellness program, highly engaged members paid a per member per month average of $116 less in healthcare than low-engaged members. And, between years 3 and 5, biometric data showed that members were more likely to have healthy ranges of HDL cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure and triglycerides (factors that influence expensive chronic health conditions like diabetes).

Our group quickly reaches savings through easy to organize wellness events or friendly competitions in the wellness app.”

Health insurance is an expensive line item for all businesses, so be willing to explore other options with your broker and ask about existing resources, communication pieces, and programs that may already exist within your own health insurance plan to inspire and build healthy habits among your employees. They are your greatest asset!

One of our clients who is reaping the financial benefits of promoting a culture of wellness by actively developing fun and engaging challenges through their Humana Go365 program is Brazos Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Bryan Garrett says, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to partner with Brown and Company Insurance Services to find a plan for our small business that rewards us with lower premiums and our employees with gift cards to enjoy. At BVOMS, we prioritize the wellness program by rewarding the employee as they earn new tier-level statuses.

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

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COMPANY MISSION

The Agency’s mission is to provide quality, reliable services to you. Our professional staff delivers the highest standards in home care nursing, therapies, and medical social work. Our Paraprofessional staff work tirelessly to assist you with those activities of daily living that are so critical to your independence and ability to stay in your own home as long as possible. Our administrative and office staff coordinates all services to provide seamless, effortless service for you. There is always someone for you to call when you have changes or need questions answered. Sotera Health is locally owned and operated and offers a variety of services to meet our patients needs in 13 surrounding counties. Our patients, family members and physicians can be assured that we provide a high level of quality care that will be delivered in the comfort of your home.

AVAILABLE SERVICES        

NURSING

Our nurses are trained to manage, evaluate, and teach on various diagnosis that include but are not limited to:

Bilingual Staff Home Health Aides Medical Social Worker Mobile Resources Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Skilled Nursing Speech Therapy

PAYER SOURCE

 Medicare Traditional/Advantage  Private Insurance  Self-Pay  Contract Traditional Medicare pays for home health care services at NO COST to the patient.

COUNTIES WE SERVICE      

Bastrop Bell Brazos Burleson Falls Grimes

 Lee  Williamson  Leon  Madison  Milam  Robertson  Washington

CONTACT INFORMATION Office Phone: (979) 693-3208 Fax Number: (979) 314-9002 Toll Free: 1-844-276-6330

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                

Cardiac Catheter Care Dementia Diabetes Diet & Nutrition Gastro IV Therapy TPN IVIG L-VAD Medications Musculoskeletal Neurological Orthopedic Ostomy Pain Management PT/INR Monitoring Pulmonary Renal Wound Vac & Wound Care

Address: 1121 Briarcrest Dr. Suite 102 Bryan, Tx 77808 Email: soteracare@gmail.com Website: soterahomehealth.com

Chamber Day Thursday, March 31st, 2022

Every year on Chamber Day, teams of volunteers visit with local businesses in the Bryan/College Station area to show their thanks and support. Chamber Day provides volunteers the opportunity to visit with business owners to inquire more about the businesses in our area and to learn what role the economy plays in affecting business performance. In the past, volunteers have been able to visit nearly 1,000 local businesses in just ONE day!

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED? Gain exposure and promote your business with a paid advertorial in the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections magazine.

Email Keelie Wendt, Communications Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce at keelie@bcschamber.org or by phone at 979-260-5200.

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Keeping Facilities Clean & Safe for 26 Years AGGIE Owned & Operated WHAT DO WE SELL? ✓ Cleaning Chemicals ✓ Janitorial supplies ✓ Paper Products ✓ Dispensing Systems ✓ Hand Soap ✓ Degreasers

Janitorial Supplies & Equipment

✓ Ware-wash ✓ Floor care ✓ Equipment Sales ✓ Equipment Rentals ✓ Equipment Repairs ✓ MORE!

Contact Us: 979-779-9399 or Shop Online 24/7 Visit Our Showroom

prostarindustries.com

1430 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy, Bryan, Texas 77803 FREE NEXT DAY LOCAL DELIVERY

*Ask about our Solid Chemical Dispensing Program!*

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community

Spotlight Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

The Community Spotlight shares company news with the community. New leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements - celebrate milestones with a message!

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On April 15th, experience The Living Passion of Christ from your car! Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of BCS will present a drive through “Living Passion of Christ” from 6:30pm - 8pm on Good Friday, April 15th. Beginning at the corner of Woodcreek and the Hwy 6 NB access road, just north of Rock Prairie, passersby will see a series of scenes featuring live actors that takes you from Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the days leading to the crucifixion, and, ultimately, to the empty tomb representing the resurrection of Christ. Pastor Elaine Gomulka says the goal is to offer the entire community a chance to experience the story of Christ’s journey to the cross in a fresh way that will be both memorable and meaningful.

This unique departure from a traditional Good Friday service will feature life size sets constructed by volunteers and an all-volunteer cast in colorful costumes depicting the time of Christ. Drivers are offered QR codes as they approach so they can hear the accompanying scriptures being read on their

mobile devices in English or Spanish. This free, covid safe, family friendly event will take place at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church,1001 Woodcreek Dr, in College Station. Those interested in getting involved by helping with sets or donating goods or services may contact Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at office@oursavioursbcs.org or call Our Saviour’s at 979-764-9095.

Music Friendly Community - Bryan, TX Governor Greg Abbott has declared the City of Bryan as a designated Music Friendly Community.

The city completed a multi-step process to become part of the program that seeks to foster music business-related economic development within Texas cities and communities. “Music binds friends and strangers together, punches at our guttural instincts while simultaneously touching our soul,” said Mayor Andrew Nelson. “It’s also the glue connecting Downtown Bryan’s designated cultural district, Lake Walk and Midtown, with residents, businesses, and visitors.” Bryan joins 30 other Texas cities that have received the designation.

Bryan-based ANCO Insurance Announces The City of College Station National Night Out - University Police New President has announced the launch of a new Department Ross Gunnels, who joined the company in 2004, takes over for Sid Cauthorn, who will remain ANCO’s chief executive officer.

Gunnels is part of the second generation of ANCO employees. His father came to work in 1982 and his brother has been with ANCO joined ANCO in 1993.

Sammy Catalena Named Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductee Sammy Catalena, Late County Commissioner and owner of Catalena Hatters and Texas Rose Boutique, was selected to the Rodeo Cowboy Hall Of Fame and will be inducted in April and honored with the “Empty Saddles” Award.

First Financial Bank Congratulations to Cameron Comire (Senior Vice President), Brian Yung (Vice President) and Austin Bryan (Executive Vice President, Senior Lender)who all received promotions at First Financial Bank earlier this month. All three are active in the Chamber and many other local nonprofits.

program designed to attract more tourists to local businesses and entertainment venues. It’s called the Heart of Aggieland Visitor’s Pass, and it features discounts and coupons at a number of local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. This program is available exclusively for events booked through the City of College Station Tourism Department. For businesses, the program is entirely voluntary and requires no fee to participate. To opt-in, determine the special or discount you’d like to offer, complete the form, and you will be added to the pass. For questions regarding the program, email Economic Development Coordinator Stacey Vasquez at svasquez@cstx.gov.

Century Square and Visit College Station

College Station Public Works Director Emily Fisher named Engineer of the Year by the Brazos Chapter of TSPE - Texas Society of Professional Engineers!

plan to host the inaugural “Dine Around” celebrating College Station restaurants.

Ticket proceeds will go towards the Brazos Valley Food Bank. The event will take place Saturday, May 15 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Century Square in the Green and surrounding areas. Guests can expect craft coctails, gourmet food, live music, shopping, and more during the event. Fifteen bars and restaurants are participating in the event. Tickets to the event are $15 and can be purchased at view. ceros.com/midway/dine-around.

Endowment to support Bryan ISD

Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee

There is a new endowment to support the Bryan ISD career and technical education center. Bryan city councilman Bobby Gutierrez brought up the new “cars for careers” 501c3 fundraiser involving four businesses (Caldwell Country, John Harvey Slocum, House of Tires, and Coleman and Patterson Auctioneers) during the council’s March 8 meeting. Gutierrez says donated vehicles will be auctioned every 60 days.

The first auction generated $10,000 dollars for the CTE center.

On March 18th, the Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee and Title Sponsor Amarillo National Bank hosted the 24th annual Crawfish Boil. The event raised over $30,000 which was used to purchase student projects at the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show. Projects purchased included two steers, five pens of broilers, five barrow, one pen of rabbits, one lamb, 3 goats, one turkey and other additional add-ons.

College Station Public Works

National Night Out is a nation wide event bringing law enforcement and communities together in an atmosphere of education and fun. On Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 9am to 1pm at the Annenburg Presidential Conference Center, local law enforcement agencies in the BCS area will host National Night Out Kickoff. A kickoff to the event for National Night Out that will taken place the first Tuesday of October. This event will concentrate on education, resources and extracurricular activities; linking families, Aggies and our youth to activities to improve their lifestyles and provide information for all ages.

In Addition, this event will host corporate community members, local and corporate security resources, safety demonstrations and so much more. Even Miss Reveille is joining in on the fun for an appearance for her Aggie Community.

If you and your organization would like to be a part of this community event, please contact Sergeant Jennifer Enloe with the Texas A&M Police department at jenloe@tamu.edu.

We hope to see you there!

Queen Theatre in Downtown The Queen Theatre in Downtown Bryan has officially reopened under new management. The newly renovated theatre includes a main screening area with large comfortable seats, a bar space with balcony seats, and a dining and private screen seating area. To purchase tickets and view showtimes, visit queenbryantx.com.

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

19

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!

ANYTIME FITNESS 951 William D. Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845

LAS PALAPAS 701 Texas Ave College Station, TX 77840

ASHLEY FURNITURE OUTLET (979) 234-0469 laspalapas.com

MR. HAMBURGER 20

3706 Texas Ave Bryan, TX 77802 CONNECTIONS

(979) 690-8463 anytimefitness.com

(979) 260-0616 hamburger.com/menu-bryan

11907 Farm to Market Rd 2154 #101 College station, TX 77845

(979) 431-3838

COLEMAN & PATTERSON REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONEERS 425 Marino Road Bryan, TX 77808

(979) 703-1863

ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY

BIKE MS150 756 Houston St. College Station, TX 77843

1 (855) 372-1331 mssociety.donordrive.com/

1515 Shiloh Avenue Bryan, TX 77803

RAM TAX & MULTI SERVICES

D.R. HORTON

406 N. Main St. Bryan, TX 77803

1515 Shiloh Avenue Bryan, TX 77803

(979) 599-6653

(979) 314-9965 houstonmachinery.com

YELLOWSTONE LANDSCAPING

POST OAK MALL 1500 Harvey Rd College Station, TX 77840

(979) 314-9965 houstonmachinery.com

(979) 764-0060 postoakmall.com

1515 Shiloh Avenue Bryan, TX 77803

(979) 314-9965 houstonmachinery.com

Benefiting of Central Texas

PRESENTED BY

February 24-25, 2022 THANK YOU TO OUR BRAZOS VALLEY COMMUNITY FOR KEEPING FAMILIES WITH HOSPITALIZED KIDS TOGETHER!

balance • restoration • harmony

Providing holistic healing through Acupuncture and Chinese medicine featuring a full line of dietary and herbal supplements for the Brazos Valley

restoration within reach

Dana Guggenheim, L. Ac. (979) 704-5537 1121 Briarcrest Dr. Ste. 302, Bryan, TX 77802 guggenheimwellness@gmail.com www.guggenheimacupuncture.com 22

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