2019 May/June Connections

A Decade of Community Service.

Presidential Perspectives

Welcome Welcome NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

time and effort all our volunteers put into the event and we also want to thank all the first responders that showed up and were placed on individual teams.

Founders Night has become a favorite of many Chamber members. This year the event has moved to May 23rd and our Title sponsor is the City of Bryan. Please make plans to attend this year’s event. We will once again be back at the Ice House on Main in downtown Bryan. Of course there will be food, games and entertainment for everyone. I hope to see you there as the Chamber celebrates the people who helped make our community the world class community that it is today.

Howdy,

One of the many ways your Chamber of Commerce works for local business is through our Legislative programs. We have already visited Austin and it is now time for our delegation of community leaders to travel to Washington D.C. to meet with our elected officials. We are bringing a message from our Chamber members to Washington that we continue to need regulatory reform and help with solutions to our transportation and immigration issues. You can read all the issues contained in our Federal Legislative Action Plan that we take to Washington, on the Chamber website “bcschamber.org.”

We will share some details from our trip in our next issue but we need to thank our Congressman Bill Flores and his staff for all the work they do helping our delegation optimize our time in Washington.

We had a fantastic Chamber Day! Records continue to fall with our 220 volunteers visiting 1,348 businesses in our community. We were able to thank these businesses for their contribution to our local commerce, for the employees they hire and the taxes they pay. Our volunteers were able to discover new businesses, meet new people and make many new connections. We appreciate the

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VICKI REIM

Board Chair

PHIL SHACKELFORD

Chair-Elect

CRYSTAL DUPRE

Immediate Past Chairman

JASON CORNELIUS

Vice Chair of Leadership

JAMES LARKIN

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

SUSAN GIPSON

Vice Chair of Business Development

MARY MIKE HATCHER

Vice Chair of Communications

RICARDO DIAZ

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

TAI LEE

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

BRAD BEARD

JOHN BUSH

AUSTIN BRYAN

I have heard from many members that you are enjoying our new Connections magazine. The new look and feel of our bimonthly publication has been provided by Joel Bryan of the Bryan Creative Group. Without the support provided by Mr. Bryan and also that of Louis Newman and Newman Printing Company, this publication would not have been possible. As always, please feel free to share any ideas you may have for future issues with our staff at the Chamber. We look forward to continually enhancing our Connections magazine and I hope you will find it useful and that it will help our members to continue to prosper and expand in our Bryan/ College Station market.

As I have said before, your Chamber works to achieve our mission of “enhancing the economic well-being of the businesses in the B/CS market” in many different ways. If you have some ideas of how we can continue to develop our mission, please come by the Chamber offices or give me a call at 979260-5200. As we celebrate our 101st year, we want to continue to improve and grow as we promote business and commerce in our world-class community.

SPENCER CLEMENTS

JOHN C. “JACK” CULPEPPER III

DAVID DOSS

ZACH ETHERIDGE

JILL GALLAGHER

TRACY KYLE

BARBIE PATTERSON

SHANE PHELPS

KORI RICH

TRAVIS ROLLINS

PAT SHIELDS

GREG ZWEIACKER

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

BRIAN MILLER

Membership Investment Representative

TAYLOR CLARK

Communications Coordinator

ALLISON BATTE

Special Projects Coordinator

RACHEL NAVE

Executive Assistant

LINDA ESPIRIQUETA Receptionist

CAPROCK DEVELOPMENT 4591 Mills Park Circle, Suite 300 College Station, TX 77845

CAPROCK URGENT CAREJONES CROSSING 11659 Wellborn Road, Suite 300 College Station, TX 77845 979-314-2323

HIGGINBOTHAM B/CS PO Box 432 Snook, TX 77878 979-255-6060

KOLACHE ROLF’SEARL RUDDER FREEWAY

800 Earl Rudder Freeway College Station, TX 77840 979-268-7653 www.kolacherolfs.comg

KOLACHE ROLF’SLONGMIRE DRIVE 3525 Longmire Drive, Suite F College Station, TX 77845 979-696-5544 www.kolacherolfs.comg

MCDERMOTT CONSTRUCTION 4649 Potter Lane College Station, TX 77845 979-204-4696 www.mcdermottconstructiongroup.com

PORTER’S DINING + BUTCHER 180 Century Court, Suite 120 College Station, TX 77840 979-977-0700 www.porterscollegestation.com

RIDGEWOOD CUSTOM HOMES 1645 Greens Prairie Rd. W. #501-B College Station, TX 77845 979-218-2028

www.ridgewoodcustomhomes.com

GAGE GANDY BAIL BONDS 116 N Washington Ave Bryan, Texas 77803 979-821-2663

BRAZOS MOBILE PHLEBOTOMY Byran, TX 77805 979-450-0362

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK 11655 FM 2154, Suite 400 College Station, TX 77845 337-207-9707

GESSNER HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 104 S. Tenth St. Navasota Tx 77868 936-825-2085

HOWDY’S PIZZA 910 William D Fitch, Suite 100 College Station, TX 77845 979-316-4900

979-221-2929 COLLEGE STATION ASSOCIATION OF NEIGHBORHOODS 400 Fairview Avenue College Station, TX 77840 713-548-7927

MASER CONSULTING 4234 Boonville Rd, Suite 300 Bryan, TX 77802 979-574-9700

MCFADDIN, RODERICK PO Box 3021 Bryan, TX 77805 979-822-6631

BOULDER DESIGNS BORDER MAGIC 5969 Jones Road, Units E & F Bryan, TX 77807 979-324-4940 SWEET PARIS CRÊPERIE & CAFÉ

HUDSON TRAILS 4150 Pendleton Dr Bryan, TX 77802 979-703-6318

EBONY ESSENCE 607 W. MLK Bryan, TX 77803 979-574-1821

KRISPY KREME 1312 Harvey Rd College Station, TX 77840 832-392-9596

SANBORN’S TRAVEL - DEBBIE ROBERTSON PO Box 9073 College Station, TX 77842 972-740-4374

979-383-2600

GLEN BREWER PRESIDENT & CEO

Chamber Photos

Ambassadors of the Month

It is a great honor to be named ambassador of the month. It’s a privilege to serve with so many great individuals through our Chamber of Commerce Ambassador program and to have the opportunity to meet and network with all the local business people involved in the Bryan/ College Station Chamber of Commerce. Attending ribbon cuttings and witnessing business owners and managers as their hard work and dedication come to fruition is the most rewarding part of the volunteer experience.

I’m blessed to work at The Bank & Trust alongside a team of bankers who allow me to be involved with the community. The Bank & Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, but the team of bankers have been rooted in the community for

generations. We currently have four past Chamber presidents on our management team, which shows the continued commitment and value we place with the Chamber. The Bank’s slogan is “Local Bank, Local Bankers” and I’m fortunate to see that slogan lived out as we continually serve the needs of the local community.

From free personal and business checking, to consumer and business loans, I’m here to serve your needs. I look forward to seeing all of you at our many, wonderful chamber events and thank the Chamber of Commerce for all that they do to make our community great.

What an honor to be named Ambassador of the Month with 42 wonderful Ambassadors on the team.

It is a privilege to represent the BCS Sister Cities International (SCI)) organization with the BCS Chamber. SCI was organized when Dwight Eisenhower was President to promote peace one community and one person at a time. Our SCI works with three cities: Greifswald, Germany; Salamanca, Mexico, and Bastogne, Belgium. SCI organizes cultural exchange lasting from 6 to 12 days for high school youth and adults. Youth who go to one of the Sister Cities usually stay with families of youth of their own age, then are hosts for the youth from that visited city when they come to BCS. Some of these exchanges have resulted in long-lasting friendships.

Adult exchanges include folks who represent business, government, academia, religion, and non-profit organizations. We are making plans for the next adult exchange to go to Salamanca, Mexico within the next few months. For more information about this people to people program, go to the website at: b-cs sister cities.com or email me at druesink@gmail.com.

CAMERON COMIRE THE BANK & TRUST

DAVE RUESINK B/CS SISTER CITIES

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

MAY 30, 2019

The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce offers a monthly networking opportunity hosted by business owners for business owners just like you! Socialize, engage and network with entrepreneurs across the Brazos Valley. Our Business After Hours events begin at 5:30 PM and wrap up around 7:00 PM. See you at the next event!

JUNE 20, 2019

On Thursday, May 23rd the Chamber will host its 5th Annual Founders Night sponsored by the City of Bryan at the Ice House on Main in Downtown Bryan. This fun, mix and mingle, social evening celebrates the establishment of our twin cities, and the role the Chamber has played in their development. This event offers a unique opportunity to interact with our past, present, and future leaders, and to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of the Chamber and our community over the years.

In the early 1900s, the Brazos Valley experienced an extended period of rapid economic growth. The construction of two major railway lines through Downtown Bryan and the increasing enrollment at Texas A&M made the area a hotspot for new business opportunities. Eventually, several of the city’s businessmen recognized the need for a business-focused organization, and in 1900, they formed the Bryan Business League. The organization held many titles over the years (Bryan & Brazos Commercial Association, Civic League, Merchant’s Association), but their primary objective remained constant—to promote business and work to improve the quality of life for its citizens. In 1918, the Bryan Commercial Club officially

changed its name to the Bryan and Brazos Chamber of Commerce.

Over 100 years later, the Bryan/College Station area is still rapidly developing, and the Chamber continues to play a vital role within our business community. Our members recognize the value of a strong Chamber and the benefits of businesses working collectively for the well-being of our local economy. Founders Night allows the opportunity for us to celebrate our past as we continue to embrace the future. This event supports the Chamber’s leadership programs, Leadership Brazos and Junior Leadership Brazos. These programs encourage professional development and emphasize

the value of community involvement. They also help to cultivate future leaders who can continue our community’s proud tradition of economic excellence. Join us at Founders Night for an evening of great food, drinks, gaming, music, and prizes, and celebrate the success of our Bryan/College Station community!

For sponsorship or ticket information, contact Jordan Prihoda at jordan@bcschamber. org or call (979) 260-5200.

1866

CITY OF BRYAN IS OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED SIX YEARS AFTER WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN, NEPHEW OF STEPHEN F. AUSTIN, SELLS ONE SQUARE-MILE TRACT OF LAND TO HOUSTON & TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD CO.

1889

THE BRYAN WATER, ICE, & ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. IS ESTABLISHED AND WORKS TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC WATER AND ELECTRICITY FOR A RAPIDLY GROWING COMMUNITY. THE COMPANY WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD TO THE CITY OF BRYAN AND NOW OPERATES AS BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES.

1900 LOCAL BUSINESS MEN FORM THE FIRST BUSINESS LEAGUE TO “PROMOTE THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF BRYAN”.

1935

A GROUP OF CATHOLIC SISTERS ASSUME OWNERSHIP OF BRYAN HOSPITAL AND CHANGE THE NAME OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL. UNDER THEIR MANAGEMENT THE HOSPITAL WAS ABLE TO DRASTICALLY INCREASE IN SIZE.

1941

THE U.S. ENTERS WWII FOLLOWING THE ATTACKS AT PEARL HARBOR. BRYAN AND COLLEGE STATION ARE DESIGNATED AS MILITARY TRAINING CENTERS.

1957 ON MAY 22ND AT 5:30 PM THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED KBTX NEWS STATION AIRS ITS FIRST PROGRAM.

1962 BRYAN HOLDS ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS SINCE THE TOWN’S FOUNDING.

1997

TEXAS A&M RECEIVES NATIONAL ATTENTION WITH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE GEORGE H.W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY.

1876

TEXAS’ FIRST PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS, OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS DOORS FOR CLASSES ON OCTOBER 4.

1889

THE BRYAN EAGLE PUBLISHED ITS FIRST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. OVER 140 YEARS LATER, THE EAGLE IS STILL THE BIGGEST NEWSPAPER IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

1910 AN INTERURBAN LINE IS CONSTRUCTED CONNECTING COLLEGE STATION TO BRYAN GREATLY INCREASING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES.

1936 STATE HIGHWAY 6 IS BUILT, RUNNING DIRECTLY THROUGH COLLEGE STATION AND BRYAN, GREATLY INCREASING TRAVEL AND TRADE IN THE AREA.

1946

THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION IS INCORPORATED IN TO THE CHAMBER AND THE NAME IS CHANGED TO BRYAN & COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

1958

MR. J. C. CULPEPPER, LOCAL BUSINESS MAN AND CHAMBER

MEMBER, ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TOWNSHIRE, THE AREA’S FIRST MAJOR SHOPPING CENTER.

1975

FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF F.M. 2818 AND EXTENSIVE LOBBYING BY PAT MANN AND THE CHAMBER, TEXAS GOVERNOR BRISCOE DESIGNATES B/CS AS AN ECONOMIC GROWTH AREA, QUALIFYING THE CITY TO RECEIVE FEDERAL HIGHWAY FUNDING.

2018

THE CHAMBER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY, CONTINUING ON THE PROMISE TO FACILITATE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF OUR TWIN CITIES.

ALLISON BATTE SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Understanding Business Email Compromise

Last year, American businesses lost over $3 billion due to business email compromise (BEC) scams. What is BEC and how do we protect ourselves?

WHAT IS BUSINESS

EMAIL COMPROMISE?

BEC scams are a highly targeted form of social engineering utilizing what appears to be a legitimate email to convince victims to transfer money or provide banking information to the threat actor. This might sound a lot like phishing, and indeed they are very similar, however the primary difference between phishing and business email compromise has to do with the level of targeting and sophistication.

BEC threat actors (aka the bad guys) will often use what appears to be a legitimate email address from someone the victim would expect to receive emails from. Threat actors use a multitude of methods to appear legitimate from spoofing a legitimate email address, setting up an email address and domain name that is very similar to the legitimate address, or

by compromising a real email account. Business email compromise threat actors typically do their homework before launching an attack. In many cases the threat actors will research the organization they are targeting and learn the names and contact information of employees within the organization that they might be able to scam as well as vendors that they work with. Due to open records laws, municipalities are especially vulnerable to this sort of attack as specific information such as the name of a contractor, the specific amount of the contract, and payment terms are typically public information once the project has started.

BEC IS ON THE RISE.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, BEC has been steadily on the rise in the past few years. New campaigns are discovered

The attackers will typically impersonate a vendor or contractor and request to have their banking information changed. In many cases the emails will appear to come from someone familiar and may even replicate details such as the person’s email signature to appear more legitimate. In many cases, the attacker will create a sense of urgency, claiming that they might get in trouble with their supervisors if this isn’t handled immediately or that there is a big deadline that they are up against. In some, but not all cases, the attackers may not be native English speakers and so grammatical mistakes and misspellings might be present. Some attackers hide their spelling issues by claiming to be sending the email from mobile (because who hasn’t miss-typed something on their phone before). It is important to pay close attention to details and become suspicious if a request comes through with one or more of these red flags.

HOW TO DEFEAT THE BAD GUYS:

In most cases of business email compromise, the threat actors have worked hard to cover their tracks and make their requests seem legitimate. You should become suspicious if:

• The email contains multiple spelling and grammar mistakes

• There is a sense of urgency to the request

• The email address or domain name does not exactly match

• The email is originating from a generic account like “Administrator” or “Accounts Receivable”

Despite all this, there is always the chance that the email address is legitimate because they have hacked the email account of the vendor and mirrored previous correspondence to avoid suspicion.

So, that’s all fine and good, but what if you catch the BEC too late? Fret not as there is some recourse if you catch it quickly. Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI can activate what is called the Financial Fraud Kill Chain to stop a wire transfer in it’s tracks. In addition, your bank may have some options for stopping checks and ACH transfers as well but remember; the longer it has been since the transaction, the harder it becomes to reverse. When in doubt, contact law enforcement and your bank immediately.

Check out cyberready.org for more great tips, training, and professional services to keep you cyber-ready!

daily targeting everything from small businesses and real estate to academic institutions and municipal governments.

Recent attacks in Texas include:

Harris County in September, Galveston County in June and the City of Bryan in March of last year totaling over $2 million! Combine that with numerous other unreported incidents with private businesses and you get a growing worldwide threat.

WHAT DOES BEC LOOK LIKE?

Although methods vary, typically business email compromise attacks target specific people within an organization such as accounts payable or comptrollers with the authority to transfer money or make changes to vendor electronic payment methods.

ANDREW “AJ” JARRETT

The Floor is Yours...

THE CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT SHARES COMPANY NEWS WITH THE COMMUNITY. NEW LEADERSHIP, MAJOR CHANGES, ANNIVERSARIES, EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENTS - CELEBRATE MILESTONES WITH A MESSAGE!

The City of Navasota

has recently hired Jonathan Sosebee as our Economic Development Specialist. He is (or will be next month) a Texas A&M graduate, class of 2020. We are very excited and proud of Jonathan from being an intern to now a full-time employee with the City!

Independence Coffee Co.

co-owners Christi and Ragan Bond, have been selected as Texas’ Small Business Persons of the Year for 2019 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They will be attending ceremonies with fellow state winners in Washington, D.C., May 5-6, where they will be honored with their award. Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates National Small Business Week (May 5-11, 2019) by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States.

Sylvan Learning Center

is celebrating forty years of providing quality supplemental and enrichment education to over four million students throughout North America. Our Center in Bryan-College Station has served students in the Brazos Valley for thirty-one of those years. We continue to transform how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with the right tools for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey including STEM, college prep, writing, and of course, reading and math. Give us a call at 979-846-4988 for more information.

Fibertown

Data Centers and Disaster Recovery Offices have a new Vice President and Business Unit Manager. Tony Froelich joined FIBERTOWN in January after careers with Dell and AIG. Froelich will split his time between the Bryan and Houston Data Centers.

Decker Financial Group

David Decker and Matthew Chalmers are excited about celebrating the 20th anniversary of Decker Financial Group and its’s affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Our existence and success is only possible because of our clients and we are eternally grateful for their confidence, friendship and trust.

Aggieland Humane Society

would like to announce two generous donations this month! Sterling Subaru presented AsHS with a $12,500 check raised over a 3 month period by donating a portion of all car sales. Petco recently awarded a $20,000 grant through the Petco Foundation to help provide FREE spay/neuter procedures for certain Brazos County residents. Thank you to all of our generous donors!

Harmony Science Academy

Bryan is celebrating their continued growth!

Beginning the 2019-2020 school year, we will incorporate full-day, tuition-free Pre-Kindergarten for eligible families. We’re happy to provide a high-quality, STEM-based early childhood program to local kids and give them a great start to their education!

Bush Presidential Library

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is excited to present two new exhibits. Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America is no on display through May 20. This exhibition uncovers the forgotten stories of domestic terrorists and foreign agents, militant radicals and saboteurs, who have threatened America’s sense of security over the past 200 years. The exhibit provides historic perspectives on acts of terror that have taken place on American soil through artifacts, replicas, photographs, film footage and more. The Museum is also excited to welcome its newest exhibit, “Grand Canyon Photographs: Celebrating the Centennial 1919-2019.” This photography exhibit by American Photographer Mark Burns will feature some interesting “vintage looking” panoramic images shot on film, as well as some night photography shot with modern digital equipment. The exhibit will be on display through June 9, 2019. For more information visit bush41.org

Century 21 Beal

would like to welcome our newest real estate agents! These motivated individuals are stepping into one of the most awarding careers anyone could have. CENTURY 21 Beal is one of the top agencies in the BCS area. We thrive because of our agents that go above and beyond with every client. Join us in welcoming Deborah Stepanek, Regina Budzizsz, Ginger Herbert, and Claudia Moreno to the CENTURY 21 Beal family! Whether you are buying, selling, or renting, you will be in the most capable hands with any of these agents!

WHY

ARE YOU A CHAMBER MEMBER?

Wilton’s OfficeWorks

is proud and excited to announce that Scott Bishop is now an owner/partner alongside Stan & Marlo Wilton after Locke Pachall’s retirement in October 2018. Scott joined Wilton’s OfficeWorks shortly after it began in 1995 and has been an integral part of the business ever since. While Locke will be missed and we wish her the best, we’re excited for Scott and can’t wait to see where this next chapter will take us!

Asset HERO Property Management

has transitioned smoothly since the rebranding of TNT Properties on January 1, 2019. Asset HERO Property Management is affiliated with TM5 Properties and the relationship has enabled the company to fortify and strengthen its local services, accomplishing local growth objectives and aggressively fostering new client relationships throughout the region. Asset HERO Property Management continues to provide complete property management services, including rent collection, bookkeeping, property maintenance and inspections which provides property owners with the peace of mind that their investments will always be well cared for and profitable.

UPS Store - Bryan

Elizabeth and Steve Sullivan, owners of The UPS Store in Bryan, are pleased to announce the promotion of Jonathan Haven to Store Manager effective January 1, 2019. Jonathan has been employed at the store since September 2017.

“ I moved here from North Texas and through the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber, I’ve not only been able to build a strong client base for my company, I’ve become involved with other civic and non-profit organizations through connections made at Chamber of Commerce events.

ZACH ETHERIDGE HBi OFFICE SOLUTIONS

Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings

Louis M. Newman, Jr. Founder