We are actively participating in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and continuing to work day and night to help our small businesses, communities and economy remain Texas Strong. To date, we have assisted more than 4,000 small businesses across Texas and over 400 in Bryan/College Station.
We are keeping our doors open so you can too, but to protect you and our employees, we ask that you practice good social distancing and use all our alternative banking options, including our drive-thrus, before coming into the lobby. Together, we will keep TEXAS STRONG.
Howdy, It seems unimaginable that our community, along with the entire country, could be so greatly affected by a virus. The damage that COVID-19 has created is staggering. Local residents — our friends and neighbors — have been infected, and some have tragically not made it through the illness. It is a heartbreaking time for us all.
Our businesses have shut down. Our college students have left town. Our tourism sites and hotels are practically empty. Schools, athletic fields, stadiums and gathering spots of all kinds sit quiet and vacant.
Sometimes the unimaginable actually comes to pass. How we respond to this adversity will forever color who we are. Your Chamber of Commerce stands with all of our citizens and all of our businesses during this troubling time. The Bryan/College Station business community will not give up and we will not quit. We will pull ourselves up and we will help our neighbors do the same.
Your B/CS Chamber went looking for ways to help. Here are some of the ways we have been working for you and your business:
• We co-created the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund with United Way of the Brazos Valley, Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, Mercy Project and the cities of Bryan and College Station. The Chamber donated $25,000 to the fund, and the city of Bryan has announced a $500,000 matching grant.
• The Chamber staff created and maintains a COVID-19 resource page on our website to quickly disseminate accurate, up-to-date relief assistance and business information.
• The Chamber worked with industries forced into mass layoffs and/or furloughs (such as hotels and restaurants) to connect their employees with actively hiring industries (medical, grocers).
• The staff has contacted all Chamber members (1,537) individually to assess their needs and direct them to resources.
• The Chamber accepted a request from the cities to begin a Medical PPE Drive. We have since received and distributed more than 1,500 masks, gloves and other items to our Regional Advisory Committee for disbursement to local hospitals.
• The Chamber has partnered with Hero Mask Makers to provide homemade, sterilized masks for local grocers, food suppliers and other essential services.
• We have polled local financial institutions to gauge their participation in the PPP/SBA Relief Loan programs and have shared those who are participating through email and social media.
• Board Chair Phil Shackelford initiated a “Chamber Chats” series to utilize social media to interview elected officials and industry leaders.
• The Chamber has partnered with members to create biweekly webinars that provide interactive informational sessions to members and the entire business community. Topics have included the CARES Act, labor force, health care and IT.
• The Chamber created and disseminated a COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey to Chamber members. The results were shared with both cities and the county.
• I have accepted a standing biweekly appearance on KBTX to discuss current developments and needs in the business community.
• The Chamber has partnered with Experience BCS, BVEDC and the Downtown Bryan Association to kick off the #AtHomeinBCS movement, designed to foster a sense of community during the quarantine and encourage citizens to continue shopping locally from home.
These are just a few of the many things your Chamber of Commerce is working on and accomplishing every single day of this crisis. I hope you are as proud of our Chamber staff as I am for all their hard work. I am also proud of our Chamber Board of Directors for their leadership throughout this crisis.
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. Please be safe and be strong!
GLEN BREWER PRESIDENT & CEO
Momentum Blvd, Suite 1000 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 731-1777
AG-PRO INSURANCE AGENCY 3204 Longmire Dr College Station, TX 77845 (979) 227-5611
BCS CRYO 1718 Rock Prairie Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 587-2887
EUROPEAN WAX CENTER 1414 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-6866
(979) 779-0710 TheBodyLab.net
TRYP BY WYNDHAM 1508 South Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840 (979) 314-7663 WyndamHotels.com
JUICE IT UP 1724 Rock Prairie Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-6112
TEXAS DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS 724 E Villa Maria #500 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 775-5500
M-BEAUX’S 6612 Farm to Market Road 244 Anderson, TX 77830 (936) 873-9918 VERSA BUSINESS PARTNERS LLC 32938 Tamina Road, Ste 102 Magnolia, TX 77354 (832) 497-2396
F45 TRAINING 1904 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 (832) 283-2784
OISHI SUSHI ASIAN FUSION 11667 FM 2154, Suite 100 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 680-0888
Are you celebrating an important milestone? Anniversary? Opened a new location? Re-branding? Let us help you! Call (979) 260-5200 or email Rachel@bcschamber.org to schedule your B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting today!
#athomeinbcs is a collaborative effort to
athomeinbcs.com to partake
and much more.
BOULDER DESIGNS BORDER
By Innovative Landmark Designs 6102 Imperial Loop College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-6555 dudleydunham.com
(979) 324-4940 boulderdesigns.net
OUR
you
Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to support the youth of Brazos County at the COVID-19 Recovery Premium Online Sale.
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 Taylor Clark, Communications Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce at taylor@bcschamber. org or by phone at 979260-5200.
Steve Rians began serving the Brazos Valley with his fire protection expertise in 1982. In 1993, Steve founded Standard Automatic Fire Enterprises (SAFE), which became one of the premier and widely known fire protection companies in Texas. In 2012, SAFE was acquired by American Fire Protection Group, Inc (AFPG), an incorporated group of like-minded fire protection companies from across the country.
Becoming American Fire Protection Group has allowed our team of professionals to provide exceptional customer service as a solutions provider while maintaining the core values on which SAFE was founded. No other fire protection company in the Brazos Valley can match our level of expertise, collaborative approach, or qualifications.
Since 1982, our local fire protection experts have built a reputation for providing quality, safe, and expert service in the Brazos Valley. Our strong values and exceptional results have never wavered, and they’ve allowed us to proudly protect our community for many years.
AFPG-College Station is a division of American Fire Protection Group, which is a subsidiary of the APi Group. Working with AFPG-College Station provides the benefits that come with working alongside a local company, but with the added resources of a larger company.
We are a complete one-stop shop for fire protection services - the only company in the Brazos Valley that can offer every fire protection service required to keep your people and property safe.
AFPG was founded on honesty and integrity, and we are dedicated to ensuring we always maintain caring and enduring relationships with others. We want to work with companies that share these values so we can be true partners in the protection of your facility.
We are also a leader in workplace safety. It’s a part of our culture. You can rest easy knowing your company is in the hands of a reliable, efficient, and safe crew.
Save time and money by working with one company for all your Life Safety needs. From annual in-
spections, to 24-hour service or new installations, we deliver it all. And we do it with the best values and customer service in the Brazos Valley.
Ready to hear more? Call us today at 979-690-0301 and get a full rundown of everything you can expect when working with AFPG for any of your Life Safety needs.
Currently, AFPG is listed as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain open while we adhere to the guidelines set forth for essential businesses, and the safety of our team members, and customers. Because the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we have taken necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. This includes committing to social distancing, limiting crew sizes, wearing face masks and gloves, and eliminating tool sharing. For more information on your life safety inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic, please reach out to us to discuss your options.
As more Brazos Valley residents began facing economic uncertainty in day-to-day life in order to follow CDC, state and city guidelines designed to contain the spread of COVID-19, community nonprofits made the decision to partner with local city governments and area businesses to launch the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
As more Brazos Valley residents began facing economic uncertainty in day-today life in order to follow CDC, state and city guidelines designed to contain the spread of COVID-19, community nonprofits made the decision to partner with local city governments and area businesses to launch the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
The mission behind the fund is to support the Brazos Valley community during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
In early March, Chris Field said he wanted to combine community resources for a common goal.
Founder of the Mercy Project and the BCS Marathon, Field put the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley together with United Way of the Brazos Valley.
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce also joined the community relief partnership. Soon, separate city efforts that were already underway in Bryan and College Station joined the effort, as well.
The Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund’s goal is to support nonprofit organizations by providing funds for rent, food and utility relief for residents impacted by COVID-19, along with small business grants for rent and payroll assistance. Thanks to donations from community leaders, businesses and philanthropists, the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund was launched on March 20 with $80,000 in initial funding.
“I look around and see people who are my neighbors and friends and know they are suffering,” said Field. “I also know there are lots of people who want to help but aren’t sure how. This felt like the perfect way to unite everyone who wants to help and connect them to those around us who can really use it.”
As of April 10, the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund has already granted $432,700 to eight nonprofits to help Brazos Valley residents with rent, utilities and food, and 31 small businesses to assist with employee payroll and rent.
For many small business owners like Mary Beckman of Shipwreck Grill, this small business grant will help them take care of their employees during the shelter in place order.
“[We] cannot begin to express our gratitude for this grant,” said Beckman. “We do not like asking for help. However, we cannot let our pride get in the way of providing any assistance we can to our team of staff and managers. They depend on us, and we are blessed that programs like [the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund] have been created during this crisis.”
The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station, which received a nonprofit grant to provide rent and utility assistance in the first round of funding, has already seen an increase in first-time callers for the month of April. Captain Paul Ryerson, commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station, said many of the callers were laid off or furloughed in March and are looking for solutions for April bills. He said the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund has given him hope.
“When I see a fund such as the COVID-19 Relief Fund – as that’s being hosted by the United Way and supported by the Chamber of Commerce, supported by the City of Bryan, and others –– when I see all this stuff come together, it’s a reminder that in this community we’re going to make it through this,” said Ryerson.
Grant applications and funding cycles will continue until all funds have been dispersed from the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund. As of April 8, the fund has raised over $374,000 from local businesses and philanthropic donors. The City of Bryan will match funds 1:1 up to $500,000 for organizations operating within Bryan city limits. Organizers have set a goal to raise $1 million –including the City of Bryan matching funds – for the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
“When all this is said and done, this is still a caring, still a giving community,” said Ryerson. “Even at our hardest and worst-hit times, people are still caring about others, and this COVID-19 Relief Fund is a testament and proof that that is still a true statement of Bryan/College Station.”
For more information about the Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, visit uwbv.org/ covid19.
Editor’s Note: The Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief fund is a partnership between the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bryan, the City of College Station and the United Way of the Brazos Valley.
KAT GAMMON COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH MANAGER UNITED WAY OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY
has given a new perspective on what a community means.
At the start of 2020, Bryan-College Station residents were accustomed to dining at the countless local restaurants and bars. They visited Downtown Bryan to listen to live music and stroll through local boutiques. They enjoyed supporting their children at sporting events and performances. They walked through city parks, hosted birthday parties, and attended crawfish boils. They did all of these things surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors. Almost overnight, all of this changed with the outbreak of COVID-19. The hustle and bustle of Aggieland came to an unexpected halt. We are reminded that what we all need in the midst of this pandemic is our community. We need to bring BCS into the homes of each and every member of our community and make them feel “at home in BCS.”
To answer this need, the cities of Bryan and College Station, B/ CS Chamber of Commerce, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Bryan Association, and Experience Bryan College Station are collaborating to support the entire BCS community and have joined together to launch “AT HOME IN BCS.”
“Our community is known for coming together in difficult situations, and that’s exactly what we have done through the AT HOME in BCS campaign,” said Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson.
A website has been created to coordinate local resources for businesses and empower the community to shop local and keep BCS strong (athomeinBCS.com). A quick glance on this website illustrates the immense opportunities to actively engage members of our community through virtual events and activities. The message of being “at home in BCS” not only reminds each of us that we are together in this, but it also serves as a reminder that BCS has always been a place for everyone to feel at home.
“The AT HOME in BCS campaign does exactly what Mayor Nelson and I encourage all of our residents to do,” said College Station Mayor Karl Mooney. “It prioritizes staying at home, except under the circumstances and protocols mandated by Governor Abbott’s executive order.
The “AT HOME in BCS” campaign debuted on Friday, April 3 with Downtown Bryan’s Virtual First Friday. The Downtown Bryan Association transformed their signature event into a virtual experience through videos that included step by step DIY projects with Bird’s Nest Gifts and Antiques and Burr’s Unfinished Furniture, an art lesson with the Purple Turtle Art Studio, a cooking demonstration with Ronin, a history lesson with the Carnegie History Center, and even a virtual concert featuring local singer-songwriters.
“Creating a virtual First Friday experience was a great way to kick off the “AT HOME in BCS” campaign, said Sandy Farris, Executive Director of the Downtown Bryan Association. “This effort solidifies what we’ve always known - we are one community with a legacy of stepping up when it’s needed.”
Promoting the community to shop local and support small businesses in Bryan-College Station during the sheltering-in-place is an important aspect of the campaign. The community can learn about local virtual events that they can enjoy at home such as educational
lessons, wellness activities, cooking demonstrations, DIY projects and much more. Beyond promoting these virtual events, the AT HOME in BCS website has details on take-out and delivery options at local restaurants and retail shops.
“The AT HOME in BCS movement is such a great example of the creativity, resilience and community spirit in Aggieland” said Glen Brewer, President and CEO of the BCS Chamber of Commerce.
“At the Chamber of Commerce, we are getting calls daily asking for ways to give back and continue supporting businesses. The website is a place where all businesses can showcase their brands, and where potential customers can look first for restaurant deals, live concerts, online shopping and more. Even when we are at home, we are still a community!”
Local businesses and organizations can submit their events to the virtual event calendar, download AT HOME in BCS signage, and find information about local grants.
“AT HOME in BCS supports our incredible locally-owned businesses when they need our help the most, ‘’ said Matt
Prochaska, President and CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. “These businesses make up so much of the heart and soul of the Brazos Valley and its excellent quality of life. This campaign helps residents discover and connect with their neighbors in a way that will enhance life in our growing community now and for years to come.”
“AT HOME in BCS represents a different way to experience the best of what our community has to offer during these extraordinary times,” said Nelson.
Follow and share the #athomeinBCS hashtag on social media and follow along at athomeinbcs.com for more information.
KATELYN BROWN
SENIOR EVENTS COORDINATOR
DOWNTOWN BRYAN ASSOCIATION
THE QUEEN THEATRE
Nothing new...
Long-established B/CS Chamber of Commerce members have weathered a storm or two.
Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Robert H. Schuller
In 1946, the Morehead brothers, Leonard and Bruce, moved to the Bryan–College Station area and opened ACME Glass in downtown Bryan. The duo specialized in auto glass service, working long hours answering phones, installing glass, and bookkeeping. They quickly expanded their workforce and were able to branch into commercial and residential glass in the 1960s. ACME has prided itself on offering quality products, unsurpassed customer service, and competitive pricing since it opened. Still locally owned and operated by the Morehead family, ACME Glass is now under the direction of Leonard’s sons, Mitchell and Leonard Jr. The company has grown to three locations in the Brazos Valley, including a builders showroom in Bryan. Today the company can not only replace your windshield, but can take your shower from simple to spectacular with custom glass doors or even create a showstopping storefront for your business, and much more. ACME Glass’s downtown Bryan location continues to specialize in auto glass services, as well as their College Station location right across from Texas A&M campus. The builders showroom location specializes in commercial and residential glass and can even complete large contract jobs to serve the community. Their expert staff can help you with your glass projects from start to finish. ACME Glass has been voted best glass company in the Brazos Valley for almost two decades and continues to be the trusted place in the community for all your glass needs.
Founded in 1886 by John H. Allen and Rivers O. Allen as a co-educational day school, Allen Academy originated in Madisonville, Texas, as Madison Academy. Over the years it evolved, becoming Madison College in 1895 and then Allen Academy in 1896. ¶ Because of the town’s growing rail connections, central location, and because the Allen brothers envisioned it becoming a preparatory school for the Texas Agricultural & Mechanical College, the school relocated to Bryan, TX in 1899. Several prominent citizens encouraged the move and helped establish Allen Academy as a boarding school for boys, where it quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding college preparatory school. ¶ In 1917, as the nation prepared for World War I, Allen once again adapted to the needs of the times: military training was added to the academy’s academic programs. For more than 60 consecutive years, Allen Academy held a reputation unmatched by any other military school in the nation, earning the United States Army’s highest rating as an Honor Military School with Distinction between 1922 and 1983. ¶ Allen Academy relocated to the corner of Highway 1179 and Boonville Road in Bryan in 1988, where it stands today. Adapting once again to the times, 1986 saw the end of the Academy’s military training and by 1988, the school returned to the founders’ original concept of a co-ed, college preparatory school. ¶ Today, Allen Academy is the preeminent independent school in the Bryan-College Station area serving 340 students in Pre-K through 12th grade from Brazos and surrounding counties.
The entity that became what we call BTU began as a privately owned ice, water, and light company in 1909 before being purchased by the City of Bryan in 1919. Over the last 100 years, BTU has grown from serving just 768 customers in the early 1900s to over 60,000 today. That growth includes expanding service to the rural areas of Brazos County in 1938, as a result of the Great Depression. Today, with more than 650 square miles of territory, over 2,300 miles of line, and 31 substations, we have grown right alongside the Brazos Valley and will continue to serve BTU customers with reliable power and rates that are designed only to cover BTUs expenses. Local control and regulation by the Bryan City Council and oversite with a BTU Board of Directors, with members from both the Rural and City electric systems, ensure that you always have representation and a voice in your utility.
In 1937, John Cecil Culpepper, believing Texas A&M would reverse its orientation and turn to face the new highway 6 rather than the railroad tracks, developed College Hills Residential subdivision. His belief came true and this project was the beginning of Culpepper Realty. For the ensuing 35 years this man of vision continued to lead his company in pioneering the development of land and real estate in the Brazos Valley.
¶ During the next decade the Culpepper Family completed the first enclosed shopping mall in Bryan and two major retail shopping centers in College Station. For 45 years Cecil and his son John Cecil Jr. developed and expanded Culpepper Realty to include development and ownership of more than three million square feet. ¶ One of the more recent major projects was the tearing down of Manor East Mall in Bryan, which the family built in 1969, and replacing it with the regional Tejas Center, completed in 2005. Committed to conservative development and management of real estate and dedicated to the potential for growth and prosperity in the Brazos Valley, it is our goal to maintain the vision with which Culpepper Realty was begun.
¶ Culpepper Realty has adapted with the evolving commercial real estate industry over the last 82 years and will continue to do so in the next chapter of the company’s history. The first phase of our next major project was completed in 2013, The Stack: Student Living, adjacent to Texas A&M. The following phases are currently being planned for this project with the goal of creating a unique experience for the community Culpepper Realty has lived in and believed in since 1937.
The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station resulted from a 2009 merger of Texas Enterprise Bank, chartered in 2006, and the Bryan/College Station branches of The Bank and Trust of Del Rio, Texas which began business in this market in 2009. TB&T began operating in this market in January of 2009 with the top 21 former members of The First National Bank of Bryan’s management team. ¶ The merger created the community’s largest locally owned community bank until the September 2019 announcement of the merger with First Financial Bankshares of Abilene, Texas. ¶ January 1, 2020 our name changed to First Financial Bank, N.A. but our people and commitment to serve our community remain the same.
Since 1890, First Financial has been serving the financial needs of customers just like you. ¶ It goes without saying, First Financial is not your everyday bank. Our “One Bank, Multiple Regions” concept combines the best of “Big Bank” customer benefits with the local decision making and involvement of a community bank. And because we’re one bank, you can visit any of our 78 convenient locations throughout Texas and receive the same friendly service.
John Cecil Culpepper and John Cecil Jr.
Hillier Funeral Home was established in 1918 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Hillier. Their son, C. Russell Hillier, carried out its reputation for service for many years. Their accomplishments were highlighted with numerous funeral home “firsts” in the Central Texas community. ¶ In 1947, the funeral home moved to 502 W. 26th St., to what was then one of Texas’ most beautiful and modern facilities. On April 20, 1998, after almost eight decades of service, and a half century at that location, Hiller Funeral Home held an open house for the current, state-of-the-art, 12,000 square foot funeral home facility located at 2301 E. 29th St. in Bryan. ¶ In 2015, a second location opened at 4080 State Highway 6 in College Station. This facility continues the tradition of providing a top-of-theline funeral home while allowing them to serve a larger area of the Brazos Valley. ¶ In 2016, Hillier Funeral Home installed a state-of-the art crematory within the walls of their Bryan location and also included a large viewing chapel. This chapel can accommodate services including final military honors prior to or during the cremation process. ¶ In 2019, Hillier Funeral Home remodeled and expanded the Bryan location to allow a more open atmosphere to accommodate larger gatherings and full service receptions. ¶ All Hillier facilities and its professional staff welcomes ALL with a warm, inviting atmosphere where families receive the highest level of funeral service. They are committed to being the most professional, ethical and highest quality funeral home in the industry. Hillier Funeral Home and its employees take pride in their honesty, integrity and quality in all that they do, continuing a well-known “tradition of service.” KBTX
Since May 7, 1957, KBTX has been telling the stories of the Brazos Valley from our studios on East 29th Street in Bryan.
In the early days, the four-room building was at the end of a dirt road and sandwiched by pastures—the smallest television station in the country. Harry Gillam, KBTX’s first general manger, pledged the station’s full services “to make Bryan better known as a good place to live and work.” ¶ In 2020, that fourroom building has been substantially expanded to meet the size and needs of the community that now surrounds it, and its staff have gained national recognition for serving the needs and sharing the stories of our community. ¶ KBTX remains the only full-power, fully staffed television station in the Brazos Valley, airing more than 27 hours of local news weekly. The station’s news department is consistently recognized among the best in the nation. In 2019, KBTX was honored with 3 regional Edward R. Murrow awards for outstanding achievement in broadcast journalism and has been recently honored by the Lone Star EMMY Foundation, the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, and as the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters’ Station of the Year. ¶ Over more than 60 years, KBTX’s commitment to the community has not wavered. In 2019, the Texas Association of Broadcasters recognized KBTX as its Bonner McLane Public Service Award winner. Each year, KBTX donates more than a million dollars in advertising and sponsorships to dozens of community partners. The station’s Food for Families Food Drive brings the equivalent of more than a million pounds of food to the Brazos Valley Food Bank each year. KBTX also presents the annual Jefferson Awards for Public Service, which recognize the best in volunteerism from our community. ¶ KBTX is proud to serve the Brazos Valley and looks forward to doing so for decades to come.
The Salvation Army, an international organization established in 1865, opened work in Bryan in 1949 after the Second World War. The Salvation Army came to Bryan after the local community showed interest based of the “Army’s” work in the War. Some of the earliest accounts of service in Brazos County was sending young boys to summer camp. In 1957, Travis Bryan Jr. took an interest in The Salvation Army and became one of its biggest and longest supporters for the next 48 years. Mr. Bryan allowed The Salvation Army to operate out of his bank, First National Bank, which was located in Downtown Bryan. In 1960, The Salvation Army and the LaSalle Hotel partnered to help transient individuals and families with a place to stay and a hot meal. In 1969, a separate Salvation Army was established in College Station under the leadership of Col. Walter H. Parsons, Jr. As the two communities grew, the two separate chapters would join to form The Salvation Army of Brazos County in 1991. At this time, the support of the “Army” grew and commissioned officers started being sent to run operations instead of local volunteers. The first officers sent to lead the work was Majors Roy & Mary Dell Tolcher. In 1992, the first Board of Advisors was formed. Members included Travis Bryan Jr., John Velazquez, and many other community leaders. The growth and support of our local Salvation Army grew to allow enough funds to purchase the current property it operates at on Cavitt Ave. Today, The Salvation Army is led by Captains Paul & Analese Ryerson. Under their leadership, the first Salvation Army student organization, The Aggie Salvation Army, was formed on the campus of Texas A&M University to engage the next generation of leaders into the work of The Salvation Army. Local services provided by The Salvation Army today include emergency food, rent, and utility assistance; emergency disaster services, clothing assistance, bus passes, ID replacement, and much more. The local officers also act as chaplains and lead worship every Sunday morning at The Salvation Army.
After nearly 40 years of decay and abandonment, the Queen Theatre, an Art Deco era movie house, opened in May, 2018, and is once again a thriving center of community on Main Street in Downtown Bryan. ¶ Owned and renovated by the Downtown Bryan Association, the Queen is serving up such classic film house fare as Casablanca, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Wizard of Oz. Blockbusters, westerns, musicals, film noir and the occasional silent film round out the programming mix that caters to film fans across the Brazos Valley and beyond. ¶ A movie theatre has been at the location since 1913 and named “The Queen” since 1914. It was originally located in the three-story Stoddard Hotel built here in 1889. The Schulman Family purchased the theatre business in 1926 and the building in 1938. It was replaced by a modern structure with steel framework, air conditioning and indirect lighting designed by Pettigrew and Worley of Dallas. The tall, white facade was topped with a revolving, neon-lit crown. It reopened on November 21, 1939 and continued for over 30 years. Vacant and in disrepair, the building was purchased by the Downtown Bryan Association in 2010 and restoration began. The Queen is the only example of Streamline Moderne architecture on Main Street. ¶ The Queen is also available to rent for special events, business meetings and other private events. The single screen theatre seats 130 and features a state of the art audio/video system.
Newman Printing Company is proud to be the only major printing firm from here to Houston to have operated under continuous single-family ownership for over six decades. Over the years, Newman Printing has remained at the forefront of the commercial printing industry through the continuous enhancement of the company’s printing equipment and technology. All of this was done in line with one of the guiding principles of our founder, Louis M. Newman, Jr. who says “good people and good equipment make their own market in the printing industry.” Mr. Newman has been active in the B/CS business community throughout his career, including serving as the leader of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 1984. He also devotes much of his time and resources to supporting local organizations. Newman Printing Company has always prided itself in having the best people and the best equipment. Our continued growth, says Mr. Newman, has placed us among the twenty largest printers in the area. Our work has received hundreds of awards for print quality on local, state, national and international levels.
WTAW was one of the first 100 radio stations licensed in the United States. October 2, 1922 it signed on from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. The chief engineer and advisor was Dr. Frank Bolton who was the head of the Electrical Engineering Department. ¶ The station actually preceded that date by several years. Students in the EE Department built an experimental station named 5XB then 5YA dating back to 1919. The photo above is a picture of 5YA and student enthusiast W.A. Tolson. ¶ A review of the old logs from that era shows a totally different way of broadcasting. Many stations shared the same frequency and would only broadcast when they had something to say. WTAW shared 1180 then 1070 KHz with KTBC in Austin and broadcast shows like the morning agriculture report and the Noontime Homemaker. ¶ The special programs are all documented because the FCC at the time required a notice of nighttime broadcasting and why. The card files from that era give us a look into what was important at the time: “Intercollegiate Games”, talk from the President (maybe the US?), baseball, and the “Agricultural Engineering Ball.” ¶ WTAW is probably most famous for getting credit for the first play-by-play broadcast of a football game. But that point is contested by KDKA in Pittsburg. Unfortunately the date given for the WTAW broadcasting was not a game played at Kyle Field so until more data becomes available, we’re happy to share the honor. ¶ In 2000 the station moved to its present home at 1620 and added 94.5 FM this year. It operates now with 10 times the power it did in the decades before. It’s also one of the few digital hybrid AM stations in the world. Our cutting edge is still sharp as we close in on our 100th anniversary.
Rose has been growing her garden for over thirty years. The best part of my day is hearing all of Rose’s memories rooted in her backyard. The slam of the garden gate reminds her of her kids running home from school. As a Home Instead CAREGiver, I can help Rose keep hearing that gate slam shut, because that is home.
$432,700 to eight nonprofits to help with rent, utilities, food, and 31 small businesses to assist with employee payroll and rent. The Brazos Valley COVID-19 Community Relief fund is a partnership between the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bryan, the City of College Station, and the United Way of the Brazos Valley. To donate, text BVCOVID19 to 41444 or visit uwbv.org/covid19.
Chamber members award recipients:
Brazos Valley Food Bank
Catholic Charities of Central Texas
The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station
Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley
Aggieland Autism Center
Ashley & Co.
Brazos Valley
The Chamber Spotlight shares company news with the community. New leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements - celebrate milestones with a message!
is a local group of local community members working to meet the high demand for face masks in the Brazos Valley. Their primary focus is to give these masks to healthcare workers and first responders in our area. According to Sarah Quinn, they have already donated over 600 masks. They’re working to create a community coalition and meet the needs of doctors and nurses as well as our community. They have reached out to the Brazos County Emergency Management, Chamber of Commerce, and Brazos Valley Coalition of Governments to create partnerships and see where the masks are most needed. They are asking for anyone with extra time on their hands to donate masks, and they are also accepting materials for masks as well. You can drop-off and pick-up masks and materials from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
donated 900 PPE masks to the Chamber office to be distributed to local healthcare workers and first responders! PPE donations of medical/surgical masks, surgical and isolation gowns, and medicalgrade gloves are still being accepted at the Chamber
office. The Chamber will turn all donations over to the Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council to divide supplies between our hospitals.
is now offering a COVID-19 program that includes screening, testing and treatment entirely free of charge to first responders. The program includes a Telehealth screening and COVID-19 testing if necessary. Once the results come back, doctors take it from there. CapRock Health Medical Director, Dr. Andy Wilson, teamed with Bryan Police Chief Eric Buske to develop an accelerated protocol to get first responders safely back to work and back in the community in about half the time of the national standard. Since the Bryan Police Department joined, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, constables offices, and more have joined as well.
The Brazos Valley Covid-19 Community Relief Fund
was established to support the Brazos Valley Community during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. As of April 10, the fund has granted
Rehabilitation Center
Museum of the American G.I.
Nam Café
Painting with a Twist BCS Pride Cleaners
Salata
Shipwreck Grill
Smitty K’s
The Prenatal Clinic
Urban Table
The Village Café
4.0 Cuts Barber Salon
7F Lodge and Events
Awards & More
Birds Nest Gifts & Antiques
Carney’s Pub
Longhorn Tavern
Steakhouse
Sweet Paris Creperie and Café
Witt’s End
“As a member of the chamber for over 30 years, I’ve served on countless committees from the Blazers to the Board, and what I’ve seen in that time is how the Chamber brings together people from diverse industries to promote the collective common good of the business community in Bryan/ College Station.
”MIKE HOLMGREEN FIRST FINANCIAL BANK
has teamed up with local restaurants to launch Brazos Feed It Forward, an organization raising money to help fund, prepare, and deliver free meals to hospitals and first responders in the Brazos Valley. According to their website, Brazos Feed it Forward seeks to leverage the generosity of Bryan and College Station to support the frontline workers in the battle against COVID-19 by providing them with nourishing meals prepared by our locally-owned restaurants and provide a means for everyone to connect to and support the important work being done by our healthcare workers. For more information and to donate to their cause, visit bcslocalflavor.com.
Chamber members participating in this effort are:
3rd on Main
Amico Nave
Shipwreck Grill
The Village Café
C&J BBQ
Nam Café
Casa Rodriguez
Smitty K’s
J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ
MAD Taco
Chicken Oil Company
Northgate Juice Joint
Rx Pizza
Veritas
Newman Printing Company is committed to providing our clients with the most professional and comprehensive printing experience. Reliable delivery is just another opportunity to demonstrate our pride in providing exceptional service. Wherever your print project takes you, NPC will meet you there.
Trust Newman Printing, we’ve been getting it right for seventy years.