2021 Sept/Oct. Connections

A Home Team Advantage

Melissa J. Keeling Vice President | NMLS# 1671843 | 979-260-0434 | mkeeling@ffin.com

Melanie N. Motley

Senior Vice President | NMLS# 510014 | 979-260-2153 | mmotley@ffin.com

Melissa J. Keeling

Melanie N. Motley

A WORD FROM GREG ZWEIACKER

GREG ZWEIACKER

BOARD CHAIR

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce has been around for 103 years (est. 1918). And while many past years have included unique and distinct events that have shaped our community’s historic and economic narratives; this past year has been a year like none other.

And while your Chamber was originally created to “...enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in the community it serves”, since mid-March 2020 the Chamber staff, numerous volunteers and committee members, as well as local Chamber members have all been focused on economic survival, support and recovery.

Moving into the role of chairperson just 8 months into a world-wide pandemic was not something I could have ever imagined. And yet, having watched this community react and respond to an event no one had ever anticipated, I am so proud and absolutely amazed at what all of us have been able to achieve in a relatively short amount of time.

When all of this began, your Chamber first embarked upon a factfinding mission to learn about and distribute the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Covid-19; to not only our members, but the general public as well.

This project soon evolved into a community-wide endeavor to then measure the economic impact of this event on our local businesses, local employment and our regional economy. From our initial webpage titled “Community Resources” to live/streaming “Chamber Chats” and virtual ribbon cuttings, to coordinated surveys and remote town-hall gatherings, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce was an active participant (and often the leader) for many businesses to get connected to those resources that offered federal aid, financial support from local and municipal organizations, and even personal assistance from residents and business supporters.

In short, this community is amazing!

So as I begin to wrap up my last few weeks as your Board Chair, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on all that has happened. And this makes me realize just how appreciative and truly grateful I am for everyone I have been blessed to work with side by side.

The Chamber staff, led by our President and CEO Glen Brewer, quickly adapted to event cancellations and logistic modifications. And although the changes were all new to them, they handled the transitions as if they had done it all many times before. So I am very proud of what they have been able to endure and accomplish. They are an incredible team. And they...make the Chamber work.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GREG ZWEIACKER

Board Chair

WADE BECKMAN Chair-Elect

PHIL SHACKELFORD Immediate Past Chairman

JASON CORNELIUS

Vice Chair of Leadership

AMY RESTIVO

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

DOUG FRENCH

Vice Chair of Business Development

WALTER HINKLE

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

BARBIE PATTERSON

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

SIDNEY BACKSTROM

MONICA BROWN

AUSTIN BRYAN

JOHN BUSH

GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN

JOHN C. “JACK” CULPEPPER III

BELINDA DOBSON

ZACH ETHERIDGE

JILL GALLAGHER

BO MILES

DEMOND OLIVER

BARBIE PATTERSON

HEATH POOLE

MARIE PORTALES RODRIGUEZ

ASHLEY SANDERS

PAT SHIELDS

AGUSTIN TREVINO

STAFF

GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

TOM TILTON Manager of Finance

JORDAN PRIHODA Manager of Business Programs

TAYLOR CLARK

New Chamber Members

HARDY’S LANDING RV PARK 6385 W. OSR Road Bryan, Texas 77807 (979) 286-3344 hardyslanding.com

MDX SAFETY TRAINING & CONSULTING 1722 Broadmoor Drive, Suite 202 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 985-5388 mdxsafetyinc.com

OUTFITTERS 303 University Drive East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 775-8855 aggielandoutfitters.com

CORN FUSION

1900 Texas Ave S College Station, TX 77840 (979) 943-1422 cornfusionbcs.com

HARDY’S RV RESORT 3414 Colson St Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 703-1201 hardysresort.com

SOCO BLOW DRY BAR

4438 TX 6 Frontage Rd, Suite 301 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 985-5588 socodrybar.com

THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE

(979) 680-8780 aggielandoutfitters.com

CROSS-TOWN REALTY

104 E Fawn St Caldwell, Texas 77836 (979) 436-3160 crosstownrealtytx.com

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

SUEDE BOUTIQUE

4438 TX 6 Frontage Rd , Suite 302 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5493 suedeboutique.com

VINO BOHEME

(512) 914-7082 cedarcresthospital.com

719 Texas Ave. S. Suite 7173 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-1008

206 W. 26th St. Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 595-0957 vinoboheme.com TACO BAR 1411 Wellborn Rd #100 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 704-6636 tacobarbcs.com THE CELLAR WINE & SPIRITS

700 University Drive East, Ste. B College Station, TX 77840 (979) 977-4700 theyolk.net

AGGIELAND LIMOUSINES 10500 State Hwy 30, Ste. 110 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-8700

D. LEE PEST SERVICES

3900 State Hwy 6 S., Unit 109A College Station, TX 77845 (979) 446-0404

HAPPY CAMPER LEARNING SERVICES 6134 Imperial Loop College Station, TX 77845 (979) 255-0790

2300 S. College Ave Bryan, TX 77801 (817) 480-5910

HAYNIE’S GENERAL STORE AND RESTAURANT 11035 FM 149 East Richards, TX 77873 (936) 851-2525

BRAZOS VALLEY College Station, TX 77845 (713) 503-9564

ROBERT LASELL D.D.S., P.A. 1605 Rock Prairie Rd., Suite 314 Bryan, TX 77845 collegestation-dentist.com

THE CYCLE STATION 707 Texas Avenue Suite 100 E College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-1386

PBG CS LLC - ANYTIME FITNESS 404 University Drive E College Station, TX 77840 (979) 977-1515

SAINT FRANCIS WOLF SANCTUARY 6731 Pavlock Rd Navasota, TX 77868 (936) 894-9653

GOOD BULL ICEHOUSE 205 University Drive College Station, TX 77845 (210) 387-1406

THORNTON DENTAL 3740 Copperfield Dr, ste 105 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 977-9000 B&K COCKTAILS 104 W. Tindall St. Calvert, TX 77837 (979) 324-2912

BRAZOS VALLEY ROOFING 6152 Whitetail Ln Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 676-2800

FACES BY KIM

305 N. Parker Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 200-8550

HERPS EXOTIC REPTILE AND PET SHOP 2613 East 29th St Bryan, TX 77802 (214) 708-8305

CARE OF B/CS 3201 University Dr. East, Suite 160 Bryan, TX 77802 (979)

PORT SULLIVAN RANCH, LLC 2401 CR 259 Cameron, TX 76520 (979) 676-0543

SKIP’S CUSTOMS 5969 Jones Road Bryan, Texas 77807 (516) 477-3398

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce offers monthly networking opportunities hosted by different businesses each month to connect Chamber members to each other. Socialize, engage and network with the business community from across the Brazos Valley. Our Business After Hours events begin at 5:30 p.m. and wrap up around 7 pm. See you at the next event!

CHAMBER PHOTOS

PROUD TO LIVE HERE AND GIVE HERE

BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES – “GIVING WHERE YOU LIVE!”

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.

Our communities are getting ready for the third annual Brazos Valley Gives day. Despite pandemic restrictions, last year’s giving day brought the Brazos Valley together for one of the most unifying and exciting days of giving for our 7-county region. In 2019, 103 nonprofits participated with 100% of the nonprofits receiving a financial benefit from the $363,686 that was raised. Last year, our communities rallied again and raised $801,462 for 136 nonprofits!

So, what is Brazos Valley Gives?

Powered by the Community Foundation, Brazos Valley Gives is 18-hours of on-line giving that brings the region together on one day and as “one community” to raise

critical funding and awareness for nonprofits throughout the Brazos Valley. This day of giving provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of nonprofits that serve the Brazos Valley – strengthening nonprofits, empowering donors, and building community.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 19 for Brazos Valley Gives— our third annual giving day where a donor can go online to support their favorite nonprofit(s). “To date, over 65 nonprofits have registered to participate in the 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. fundraising extravaganza,” said Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the organization

that powers this annual giving day.

“Brazos Valley Gives provides all nonprofits with an equal opportunity to raise awareness about their programs and seek funding to support their important work. Even more, any community member can be a philanthropist, with a minimum $10 donation going to their nonprofit(s) of choice. “We love where we live, and we show our support for important quality of life needs by “giving where we live.” Donors have an opportunity to give to their favorite nonprofit as well as learn about the good works of other charities in our community --- and 100% of the donation goes directly to the nonprofit.

In addition to the online giving

last year

136 nonprofits

$801,462 in donations

1,545 first-time donors to new nonprofits

platform, the Community Foundation is partnering with The Eagle to host a drivethru donation site at 1729 Briarcrest Drive [Bryan, Texas] from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for individuals wishing to drop off a check or monetary donation on Tuesday, October 19. Early giving begins on September 19 [https://brazosvalleygives.org].

Brazos Valley Gives organizers have set a lofty goal of raising over $750,000 for participating nonprofits. The Community Foundation does not receive any portion of the donation or transaction fee associated with Brazos Valley Gives. ALL donations, except for event/credit card fees, go to the participating organizations. These minimal fees are passed to the donor, or the donor can opt-out.

FIVE WAYS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES TO GET INVOLVED

• Host an event: Host a profit share anytime from September 19 thru October 18.

Then drop off your donation with a “big check” presentation at The Eagle drive-thru donation site on October 19.

• Be a business sponsor or sponsor an hour during BV Gives!

• Engage in social media by hosting a peerto-peer FUNdraiser in support of BV Gives or a participating nonprofit.

• Host a BV Gives FUNdraiser with your employees and participate in a big check presentation on BV Gives Day.

• Invite your employees to be a champion for their favorite nonprofit by hosting a FUNdraiser [https:// www.brazosvalleygives.org/content/ fundraising]

Visit www.brazosvalleygives.org to make sure your favorite nonprofit organization is participating and see how easy it is to donate. If your nonprofit organization is interested in participating, please contact Patricia Gerling at 979.589.4305 before the September 15 registration deadline. For more details, contact Patricia at brazosvalleygives@gmail.com.

Brazos Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. We are a Bryan-based nonprofit focused on strengthening the 7-county Brazos Valley region through philanthropy as we raise and steward a $12.1M+ community endowment for donors and charitable organizations.

MOLLY WATSON

CO-CHAIR BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES

IN COLLEGE STATION’S MIDTOWN, THE

“ROAD TO NOWHERE” LEADS TO REMARKABLY BRIGHT FUTURE

About a decade ago, the City of College Station began installing infrastructure north of William D. Fitch Parkway between Rock Prairie Road and State Highway 6. The plan was to create a business park to transform hundreds of acres of city-owned property into a lively commercial, office, and light manufacturing development that would enhance the entire community.

The investment of millions of dollars in an undeveloped area drew plenty of criticism. Many thought the site to be best suited for residential development. The fact that commercial developers showed little interest at the time seemed to underscore that sentiment.

When the city invested $15 million to extend Lakeway Drive across vacant land from Fitch to Highway 6, it would

have been easy for detractors to dub it as College Station’s “Road to Nowhere.”

Fast forward to the spring of 2021 as College Station and the world began emerging from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, shovel-ready development sites in one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities are a hot commodity.

The 252-acre business park’s proximity to State Highway 6 – not to mention a rapidly growing community and the dominating presence of Texas A&M – makes it an ideal location for College Station’s next generation of commercial, light manufacturing, and office development.

Successive city councils had a clear vision for what has become the Midtown Business Park, a development that incorporates retail stores, office space, and recreational opportunities. It all started with the city’s purchase of 373 acres in the area in 2000.

The wisdom and foresight of city leaders to stay the course and resist calls for other land uses have paid tremendous dividends –with much more to come.

Costco Wholesale Corporation is purchasing about 19 acres of city-owned property along State Highway 6 for a massive, 160,000-square foot retail store and fueling station to anchor the entire business park. Since then, other pieces have started to fall into place.

“Past city councils deserve credit for making Midtown Business Park shovel-ready by building the necessary infrastructure, and now we’re reaping the benefits of those decisions,” Mayor Karl Mooney said. “Costco is just the beginning, the first domino in what will be a very fruitful development.”

In addition, the city is working with a commercial broker to help market and sell the remaining 29 acres for premier commercial development directly adjacent to Costco.

“We’ve had a good deal of interest from a variety of business sectors at a local, national, and international level interested in locating at these sites,” Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz said. “We’ve also seen a notable increase in the number of biotherapeutic manufacturing companies interested in Midtown.”

The City of College Station works closely with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation to entice businesses to Midtown and the community at large. City staff work with the BVEDC team to respond to request for proposals and other leads, using sites at Midtown as prospective options when appropriate.

Midtown’s development plan capitalizes on College Station’s vigorous growth, diversifying the local economy with good jobs and significantly boosting the city’s tax base. In addition, the development instills a sense of community and place that attracts and retains innovators, creators, manufacturers, and scientific researchers. The plan also takes advantage of the area’s inherent natural beauty without compromising its integrity.

Planned building uses include commercial retail, light manufacturing, professional offices, and innovation “maker” spaces that complement each other and provide site development options. The commercial uses lay the groundwork for a highly distinctive district with prime access to the existing trail system. Moreover, a growing variety of schools, daycare centers, residences, shopping, entertainment, and recreation exist within a 10-minute drive.

The business park is divided into subdistricts, with Corporate Parkway and Midtown Drive serving as dividing lines in conjunction with the property’s adjacent

uses. The user-specific sub-districts each address the anticipated needs of different market sectors.

“Many of these companies are looking for a large footprint of over 100 acres, and the Midtown Business Park meets those needs by combining the land in subdistricts west of Midtown Drive, Ruiz said.

Sub-District A is the commercial gateway to the business park, integrating a mix of small offices, retail shops, restaurants, and parks. Development ranges from contemporary, walkable, urban-oriented mixed-uses to destination retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues.

Sub-District B is home to large corporate build-to-suits with parcels ranging from 10-25 acres. The custom buildings and small campuses with tenant-driven finishouts benefit from natural beauty, future trail access, and easy walking distance to stores and restaurants, helping tenants attract and retain talent.

Sub-District C is intended to rejuvenate light industry and manufacturing with an urban styling that contributes to the overall sense of community. Sub-Districts D and E are reserved for surface parking and lower density speculative and build-to-suit office development.

Midtown caters to those seeking an urbanoriented work lifestyle. A private developer is creating Midtown City Center and Midtown Reserve, consisting of about 690 single-family homes, 1,750 multi-family units, offices, and mixed-use town center retail stores and entertainment venues. More than 200 homes and 265 apartment units already have been built or are under construction, and 28,000 square feet of office space is complete.

Multiple projects are in the design phase, with construction set to begin in early 2022. Meanwhile, discussions with potential restaurants and entertainment providers are underway.

Midtown’s Lake Park is the hub of a fully connected park system, continuing off-site and joining the 5-mile Lick Creek Hike and Bike Trail, which leads to the gorgeous

Lick Creek Park and Lick Creek Nature Center. A trail system is also planned for adjacent Spring Creek, doubling the length of accessible concrete trail surfaces. The connected park system makes Midtown the city’s most pedestrian-friendly area with beautiful parks and walkable streetscapes.

“Midtown Business Park is surrounded by great residential developments, schools, medical facilities, and parks,” Ruiz said.

“When we show these amenities to prospective businesses, they’re extremely impressed and interested because they know that their employees will have a high quality of life here.”

The city is also building Texas Independence Ballpark Midtown College Station, a $16 million regional baseball and softball complex, as part of the development’s overall concept. The 8-field complex will

attract large-scale tournaments to boost the local hospitality economy. Construction of the first phase is set to start in 2022. College Station has grown to more than 126,000 residents – a 35 percent increase since 2010 -- with Texas A&M boasting more than 65,000 students. That extensive growth has created new neighborhoods, schools, parks, and trail systems. Midtown embodies that fresh sense of identity that has established College Station among the nation’s most opportunity-rich places.

The Midtown Business Park and City Center represent more than millions of dollars of investment and boundless opportunities – it also stands as a testament to the prudence of city leaders who stood firm and saw an ambitious vision for College Station become a reality.

We’re at our best when you are.

There’s no question everyone needs time to do the things they love, including our Aggie partners. So we o er primary care with convenient same-day appointments and virtual visits with a $5 co-pay for Texas A&M faculty and sta . Because we’re at our best when you can do what you love. To learn more, visit St-Joseph.org/Services/Primary-Care.

PULLING UP A CHAIR PULLING UP A CHAIR

GETTING TO KNOW INCOMING BOARD CHAIR WADE BECKMAN

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESSES IN B/CS

Although I wish I could tell you about some amazing things- like when I won my first gold medal in the Olympics or when my spaceship landed here in Bryan/College Station- my life is just not that exciting. Everyone will have to settle for a less-than-rousing story.

I moved to Bryan/College Station in the fall of 1986 as a young freshman at Texas A&M University. Not only did I make the right decision in attending the finest institution of higher learning in the country, but I was also blessed to meet the love of my life and my partnerin-crime, Mary Howell, at the end of my sophomore year. We met at the Deluxe Burger Bar in Northgate, and it was clear from the beginning that we were going to be a thing!

Mary and I both graduated from Texas A&M in December of 1990 and were married in June of 1991. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and, at the objection of many, chose to follow my passion and begin a career in restaurants. Like many students, I left B/CS with the intention of only coming back to Aggieland for football games.

It never crossed my mind that I would ever live in Bryan/College Station again. That said, God had a very different plan for my future life in this community.

I started my restaurant management career with Bennigan’s Tavern in San Antonio in January of 1991. I was quickly promoted through the ranks and within 2 years was offered a promotion back to Bryan/College Station. I had no idea what to expect coming back as a non-student and came back kind of kicking and screaming along the way. It did not take long to fall in love with the town in the same way I had fallen in love with Texas A&M years before. Mary worked for Dillard’s, and I was quickly promoted to General Manager of the College Station Bennigan’s located in Culpepper Plaza. Our first son, Collin was born in College Station in 1994 and we purchased our first home that same year from Randy French; our home was one of the first Stylecraft homes in Bryan. We truly loved everything about living back in B/CS, but unfortunately, I had reached the top career position in the market and after 3 years I was promoted to a higher volume restaurant in Austin. I am sure it goes without saying that we then left kicking and

screaming as well! We knew that if there was any way possible, we would come back to Bryan/College Station for good.

Following my career with Bennigan’s and the birth of my second son Carson in 1996, I moved on to working for Schlotzsky’s Deli as Director of Restaurant Operations, which eventually led me to my first restaurant ownership position as a franchisee in Humble, Texas. Although things did not work out in the long run with the Schlotzsky’s system, I continued to move toward my ultimate goal - owning my own restaurant concept. Before attaining that goal, I went on to become an equity partner in a small restaurant chain in Houston, and following the sale of the business, I had a short stint as a Vice President of Sales for a restaurant-oriented company.

My passion has always been restaurants, and although a brief career in sales allowed me the ability to spend time raising my sons and caring for my terminally ill father,

I always knew I would get back to what I loved. Ironically, while in sales I adopted Bryan/College Station as my own territory and quickly remembered all the things I loved about the community. Following the passing of my father, Wade W. Beckman III “Bill” (Texas A&M Class of 1964) and while in Bryan, I stumbled onto the old Captain’s/The Boat restaurant on Villa Maria. The restaurant had been closed for 3+ years. Just looking in the windows and talking briefly with the broker, I knew it would soon become my first restaurant concept. I called Mary on the way home to Kingwood that same day and said, “Pack your bags, we are going back home to open Shipwreck Grill!”

Our family opened Shipwreck Grill, a dive oyster bar and seafood restaurant in August of 2009. After several years of successful operations, we had the opportunity to purchase the building across the street from Shipwreck and opened Amico Nave Ristorante (loosely translated in Italian as “Friend of the Ship”) in 2013. Amico

Nave is a mid-scale Italian restaurant largely themed from the heritage of my stepfather, Tony Salvaggio. Tony’s family immigrated to Bryan from Sicily and Tony is Texas A&M class of 1956. In 2015, we officially launched Admiral Catering, a full-service catering company serving food and fare from both of our restaurants as well as creations unique to catering. Our final restaurant, 3rd on Main Kitchen, was opened in Downtown Bryan in October of 2018. It is a counter-service restaurant featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a concentration on “comfort” food.

They say that “The third time’s the charm,” and it certainly has been for getting back to the place we love. We are thrilled to be back at home in Bryan/College Station and cannot imagine living anywhere else. We truly believe that we live in the best community in the world and are VERY appreciative of the amazing support of our restaurant concepts in Bryan.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE INCOMING B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRMAN?

Overall, my goal as incoming Board Chairman is to continue to uphold the amazing job the Chamber does for the businesses in our community. I want to follow Greg Zweiacker and the amazing Chairs prior to his term in providing the leadership to allow all of those involved with the Chamber to continue to capitalize on current as well as future endeavors and to continue to create an environment that will be of value to all businesses now and in the future.

The Chamber has done a tremendous job in navigating the world health crisis/ pandemic along with the huge challenges within the economy. My goal is to continue to lead the Chamber and local businesses through these obstacles as they continue to unfold. Some of the challenges are completely unknown and others are recurring as we continue to live with

a worldwide pandemic. My goal is to navigate the obstacles in the best possible way and to have the Chamber poised to come out ahead on the other side.

In addition, I would like to continue to capitalize on the tremendous assets we have within our community and with students of Texas A&M University, Blinn College and others by starting an intern program within the Chamber. I believe that motivated young students can help drive the Chamber forward now as well as help mold the organization into the future. At the same time, the Chamber staff and those in leadership positions within the Chamber have much to offer students with high ambitions for their future careers. I believe it will overall be a win-win for all involved.

Lastly, the Chamber is clearly in a temporary office after leaving its former office on 29th street this past year. Although a final permanent home may not come to fruition within my year as Chairman, it is my goal to be as active as possible in helping to move toward finding the best possible future home for this great organization.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS BEING THE NEXT BOARD CHAIR?

As cheesy as it might sound, I am truly excited about all aspects of my Board Chair term. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work more closely than ever with the Chamber staff and our amazing President and CEO, Glen Brewer. I am excited to work with our diverse and distinctive Board of Directors along with the Vice Chairs, Co-Chairs and Committee Chairs that are all so incredibly active within the Chamber and the community. Most of all, I am very excited to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has been so very good to me. It is my hope that I can make positive contributions in as many places as possible during my term.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE CHAMBER IS SUCH AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY?

The Chamber IS quite literally a representation of the business community of B/CS. A huge part of my intention in coming back to Bryan/College Station was not only to open businesses, but to immerse myself within the community and to give back. The Chamber is the perfect avenue for individuals as well as small, medium, and large businesses to find avenues to participate in all levels within our community while at the same time driving commerce and revenue to everyone involved. The Chamber is truly the place to be involved to increase your success in business and to know that you have an advocate in business, not only at the local level but the state and federal level as well.

FAVORITE CHAMBER EVENT?

As a restaurateur, the event I have participated in the most over the years is Taste of Aggieland, however my favorite Chamber Event is Founder’s Night. Although I still get to participate as a restauranteur by showcasing some of our signature items, I also get to enjoy the overall social event that seems to be growing every year. Overall, Founder’s Night does an amazing job of bringing a large diverse group of business folks together from the entire community for a great social evening with little other overall agenda. Nothing wrong with just having a good time for the sake of having a good time!

VIEW THE ENTIRE 2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Future Chamber Board Chairman, Wade Beckman (left) enjoying an evening at the 2021 Founders Night with past Chairwoman, Vicki Reim (middle), and current Chairman, Greg Zweiacker (right).

2021 - 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONGRESSMAN: PETE SESSIONS CONGRESSMAN: PETE SESSIONS

A proven conservative leader, Pete Sessions has combined hard work, innovative thinking, and common-sense principles to successfully serve Texas in Congress.

Born and raised in Waco, Pete attended Waco public schools until the ninth grade, playing sports, becoming an Eagle Scout, and throwing newspapers for the Waco Tribune – Herald. Pete left Waco when his family moved to Washington D.C., where his father began his career at the Department of Justice.

Pete’s parents have always been an example to Pete. As Bill Sessions (Baylor BA and JD) rose from the Department

of Justice to U.S. Attorney, then Federal Judge and, finally, to Director of the FBI, he impressed upon Pete a sense of duty and integrity for all positions of public service – elected and unelected. Pete moved back to Texas as his father became the U.S. Attorney in San Antonio, where Pete graduated from Churchill High School.

After graduating from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Pete joined the Southwestern Bell Telephone company, where he worked for 16 years, never missing a day of work and taking early retirement as District Manager, just prior to running for Congress.

Above:

Throughout his professional life, Pete has been very involved in community activities, serving in various leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, disability assistance and local conservation groups, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater for twelve years.

In 1994, Pete ran for Congress by challenging Democrat congressman John Bryant in a district that stretched from east Dallas to many counties now in the 17th Congressional District. Falling just shy of pulling off an upset, Pete ran again in 1996, winning that year and serving in Congress from 1997 to January of 2019. While in Congress, Pete was part of the Republican House majority that balanced the federal budget four years in a row from 1998 to 2001. He led the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) as its Chairman from 2009

through 2012, directing the party to regain the House majority with a net 63-seat victory in 2010, which removed Nancy Pelosi as Speaker.

Pete returned to the private sector in 2018. He began receiving calls from activists in Central Texas and encouraged him to run for his hometown seat.

Congressman Sessions believes the United States of America is the greatest nation on earth with a democracy based on a Constitution and three equal branches of government. He believes that in order for our legislative system to work it requires elected representatives to respect each other as a show of respect for all citizens. From the start of this new 117th Congress, he has set out to be a balanced member that will listen with open ears and commit to actionable solutions.

Left: Congressman Pete Sessions

Pictured Left to Right - Senator Brian Birdwell, State Rep. Doc Anderson, Bill Johnson and Congressman Pete Sessions

CONGRATULATIONS LEADERSHIP BRAZOS CLASS OF 2022

Interstate 14/Loop 214

A big win for Bryan/College Station! Thanks to our B/CS Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs and Transportation Committees, City of Bryan - Government Mayor Andrew Nelson and City of College Station - Government Mayor Karl Mooney, Brazos County Judge Duane Peters, Congressman Pete Sessions, and everyone who worked to get Interstate 14/Loop 214 designation advanced through the U.S. House and Senate.

Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen of Navasota

Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen of Navasota has been recognized as a 2021 Travelers’ Choice restaurant award winner! This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to local diners and travelers around the globe, having earned great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. Congratulations Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen!

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!

CEO Zach Hester was recently named to the Automotive News 40 under 40 list. The program recognizes aspiring talent at new dealerships across the nation. Congratulations Zach!

West Webb Allbritton & Gentry P.C.

Congratulations to West Webb Allbritton & Gentry P.C. Partner Roy Brantley for being awarded the Certificate of Merit for outstanding service to the legal profession by the President of the State Bar of Texas.

First Financial Bank

First Financial Bank has announced the promotion of Nora P. Thompson to chief executive officer of the bank’s Bryan-College Station region. Thompson has more than 30 years of experience in financial services and mortgage industries in Bryan-College Station. Congratulations!

Fun For All Playground Phase 2

Community leaders and members gathered in August for the Fun for All Playground Phase 2 grand opening and ribbon cutting. The all-access playground made for children of all abilities is located in Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. This is a wonderful addition to our community and we are excited for the children of the Brazos Valley to enjoy this park!

Southwest Homes, a custom homebuilder based in Bryan-College Station, announced a rebranding

to LaFollette Custom Homes. “Southwest Homes is no longer building the same style of homes we built when the company was founded in 1984,” said Jason LaFollette, the owner and founder of LaFollette Custom Homes, in a press release announcing the change. “We are reinventing the building experience, harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to bring our clients’ dream homes to life.” Congratulations to the LaFollette Custom Homes team!

Bryan ISD

Congratulations to Bryan ISD on their 3rd Intermediate School groundbreaking celebration! The school is set to open its doors to the community in about two years and will be the home to fifth and sixth graders. Those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony included third grade students from nearby Bonham elementary.

Caldwell Country Chevrolet

LaFollette Custom Homes

DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

FAMILY LOCALLY AGGIE & VETERAN OWNED