2022 June/July Connections

BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JUNE-JULY 2022

Connections LEADERSHIP & LEGISLATIVE

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS WASHINGTON D.C. DELEGATION Mike Connor, Chairman Federal Legislative Action Plan Subcommittee

LEADERSHIP BRAZOS Pat C. Baker, Chairman Leadership Brazos Alumni Association

MEMBER SHOWCASE Julia Mishler, Principal St. Joseph Catholic School

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Features 2 3 4

P R ESI DENT I AL P ER SP EC T I V E

Calendar JUNE

0 6. 0 1. 22 JO B FAIR

A Message from Glen Brewer

Brazos Center

NEW MEMBER S

0 6. 0 8 . 22

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

SO F TBALL CL AS S I C Bomber Stadium

C HAMBER P R OGR AMS

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Business After Hours June/July

BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS C.C. Creations

6 10 12 14 16 18 20

0 6. 30 . 22

LEADER SHI P BR AZOS

What LB is and how to get involved

BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS 7F Lodge & Events

C OMMUNI TY SP OTLI GHT

JULY

0 7.14 . 22 LEADERSHIP LU N CHEON

Bryan & College Station Spotlights

The Stella Hotel

0 7. 25 . 22

LEGI SLAT I V E AFFAI R S DELEG ATIO N

NEW MEMBER ORI EN TATI ON

Washington D.C.

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

0 7. 29 . 22

C HAMBER EV ENT S

FO U NDERS N I GHT

Chamber Pictures

MEMBER SHOWC ASE

Julia Mishler, Principal St. Joseph Catholic School

The Stella Hotel

AUGUST

0 8 .18 . 22 BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS Bryan/College Station Toyota

DELUX E R I BBON C UTTI NGS Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS

C HAMBER EV ENT S

Watercooler 5K, Taste of Aggieland & Community Softball classic June/July 2022

PRESIDENTIAL

PERSPECTIVES Howdy,

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

JASON CORNELIUS Chair-Elect

GREG ZWEIACKER Immediate Past Chairman

WA LT E R H I N K L E

Vice Chair Business Enhancement

I am so proud of the fact that our community is able and willing to come together in support of our local businesses. Historically, we send a delegation of community, education and business leaders annually to Washington D.C., where we stand together and deliver our message from the Bryan/College Station business community with a united front. Last month, our delegation was able to return to D.C. for the first time prior to COVID. In addition to delivering our local Federal Legislative Action Plan to each member of our Texas congressional delegation, our Congressman Pete Sessions brought a group of elected officials to meet with us in person and inform us of what may be going on behind the scenes and also hear what we have to say. Thank you, Congressman Sessions, for working to make this happen!

Earlier this month, our local police and firefighters battled it out at Bombers Park for our 14th annual Community Softball Classic. Our local businesses could not be successful without the protection of first responders, and we honor them and help raise money for the 100 Club at the Softball Classic. This year, despite a late come-back attempt from the police, team “Hot Stuff,” made up of members of the Brazos Valley firefighting community, came out on top but I think the most important thing was our businesses honoring local first responders. Thanks are due to the men and women who risk it all each day for every one of us in B/CS. We also celebrated the graduation of the 39 members of our 39th class of Leadership Brazos. From their overnight retreat at Camp Allen, to each day spent learning more about Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Local Government, Education, Agriculture and more, the class members were able to observe behind the scenes of what makes Brazos County so unique.

Applications for the 2023 Class of Leadership Brazos will be sent out later this month!

Our Washington delegation, Softball Classic and Leadership Brazos are just three of the many ways your Chamber of Commerce is working to create a successful business climate here in Bryan/College Station. If you are new to the Chamber or maybe you just want to learn about the various ways to get involved, please reach out to us at (979) 260-5200 or follow us on Facebook. There is always something going on at the Chamber!

G LEN B REWER PRESIDENT & C EO

K AT Y L E E

Vice Chair Communications

K AT R I N A H A L L

Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

DOUG FRENCH

Vice Chair Administration

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

Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

JOHN BUSH

Vice Chair Community Enhancement

ZACH ETHERIDGE Secretary

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

STAFF GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

T O M T I LT O N

Manager of Finance

JORDAN PRIHODA

Manager of Business Programs

RYDER ROBINSON

Membership Investment Representative

KEELIE WENDT

Communications Coordinator

MCKENZIE MAXWELL Special Projects Coordinator

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

SHANNON TURNER Executive Assistant

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Chamber Connections is a publication of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and a public service to Chamber members.

Editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Keelie Wendt by email at keelie@bcschamber.org.

ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing

New Chamber Members I B I O, I N C .

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AG G I E L AN D SAFAR I PAR K 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 599-5440 aggielandsafari.com

ALLUM I N E H E A LT H

1144 Midtown Dr. College Station, TX 77845

CO STC O W H O LESA LE

College Station, TX 77845 (651) 324-1111 costco.com

PRO -TEC AUTO RE PA I R

601 Harvey Rd. College Station, TX 77840 (979) 694-4000 protecrepair.net FIELD TO FAMILY, L LC

I N T EG R I T Y UR G AN T CAR E C E N T URY S Q UAR E 1289 University Dr. College Station, TX 77840 integrityuc.com

D -B AT AG G I E L AN D 2205 Bomber Dr. Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 985-3228 dbataggieland.com

3030 University Dr. E Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 836 - 3332 bankbob.com

B AN K OF B RENHAM 501 S. Austin St. Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 836-3332 F R I OS G OU R M ET P OP S

20025 Western Trails Blvd Montgomery, TX 77316 (979) 353-1265 friopops.com

B OOT B A R N

1424 Texas Ave. S College Station, TX 77840 (979) 823 - 7100 bootbarn.com

ODI S J R . B E ASTSQ UA D

A N Y L A B T EST N OW

T E X AS T I R ES #4 6

R A Z E N T H OMAS & R I CKY G RAY, R E A LTOR S ® I P HY L L I S B ROW NI NG COMPA NY

B RAZO S B RIM HAT BA R

AGGI EL A N D GUT T E R S

2707 S. Texas Ave. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 485-9212 texastires46.com

850 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 333-2746 Brazosbrim.com

2502 Clarks Lane Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 314-5582 aggielandgutters.com

M E M C O C O N ST R UC T I O N STA FFI N G & PAY R O LL 2108 Southwood Dr. College Station, TX 77840 memcostaffing.com

HS RO O F ING

PR I D E C L EA N ER S

B OU NCE-A- LOT

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4031 E 29th St. Bryan, TX 77802 (214) 394-2370 pridecleaners.net

2949 Archer Dr. Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 575-0571 bouncealot.net

B RAZO S VALLEY A M ER I CA N HEART ASSO CIATI O N

AGGI EL A N D BO U T I Q U E H OT E L

V I CK Y ’S P I N ATAS Y P R ODU CTOS CE NT R O A M E R I CA N OS

P.O. Box 1975 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 220-4327 Storemskiservicecompany.com

B AN K OF B /C S

5091 Matt Wright Rd. Navasota, TX 77868 (979) 575-2775 ssaoftexas.com 3505 C Longmire Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-9467 anylabtestnow.com/collegestation-77845/

STO REMSKI SERV I C E C O M PA N Y, L LC

14949 Live Oak St. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 702-0145 landmarklandscapetx.com

SUPER I O R SEN I OR A DVO CATES O F TE X AS

6800 Hardy Weedon Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 218-1093 shopfieldtofamily.com

801 Dellwood St, PMB 111 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 268-0068 brazoscountyheartball.heart.org

L AN D M AR K OPERATIONS C OM PAN Y

1508 Texas Ave. S College Station, TX 77840 (979) 314-7663 aggielandhotel.com BR A ZO S VA L L EY CP R T R A I NI N G , L LC

3833 South Texas Ave., Suite 213 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 703 - 6246 brazosvalleycprandtraining.com

4248 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 485-2360 L AT I NO H A ND CA R WAS H & DE TA I L I NG

1425 S. Texas Ave. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 739-1594 latinohandcarwash.com

5956 CR 252 Caldwell, TX 77836 (979) 599-1068

P.O. Box 4511 Bryan, TX (903) 646-1813 phyllisbrowning.com A L L G R E E N L AW N CA R E SER V I CES

3815 Springfield Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 739-9737 H OT WOR X COL L EG E STATI ON ( SOU TH)

1295 Arrington Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 703-1545 hotworx.net/studio/collegestation-south AG A P E S E NI O R L I V I NG L LC

1716 Briarcrest Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 492-8850 agapeseniorliving.org T H E P H YS I CIA NS CENTR E OFFI CES

93201 University Dr. E. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 731-3906 JUNE/JULY 2022 physiciancentreoffices.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

JUNE 9, 2022 Hosted By:

C.C. CREATIONS

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!

JUNE 30, 2022 Hosted By:

7F LODGE & EVENTS

TH A N K YOU TO OU R PAST B U SINESS A FTER HOU RS HOSTS! ALLEN HONDA I BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS

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B L S

T p m 2 A o co

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

LEADERSHIP BRAZOS WHAT IS LEADERSHIP BRAZOS IS AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

I’ve had the privilege of being a Bryan / College Station resident my whole life but the experience I had, the relationships I gained, and the things I learned about my community while participating in the Leadership Brazos (LB) program has made a profound impact on how I live in and enjoy my community. The Leadership Brazos program is a 9 month dive into many impactful areas of the Bryan / College Station community including health and wellness, higher education, local government, agriculture and much more. Not only does this program open opportunities to learn and explore these sectors in onsite / first-hand ways, but it also fosters networking opportunities with like-minded local leaders and is a lot of fun.

Although LB is a marquee program and experience for leadership in our community some might not know that it’s actually bookended by two equally as impactful programs, Junior Leadership Brazos (JLB) and the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association (LBAA).

This suite of programs offers opportunity for personal and professional growth from junior year of high school to after retirement.

Junior Leadership Brazos is designed to give high school juniors an inside look at how local government, banks, law enforcement, and other local entities operate in their community. JLB provides an awareness of local history and resources that will interest students hoping to become future community leaders here in Bryan / College Station or wherever their journey may take them in life. This special program is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, generous chamber members, and the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association. Additionally, a very special benefit was added in 2022 for students who graduate from the Junior Leadership Brazos program byway of the Royce Hickman Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of the JLB program as they head off to their next chapter in college. Over the years we have seen that, much like the Leadership Brazos experience, these young people enter the program with excitement and an open mind and leave with lifelong friendships, a stronger network and a drive to make a positive impact in their community.

12TH MAN PRODUCTIONS

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ASTIN AVIATION

WHITTEN FLYING SERVICES On the other side of the Leadership Brazos experience, from Junior Leadership Brazos, is the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association (LBAA). The Leadership Brazos Alumni Association is a continuation of the LB experience after the graduating classes walk the stage. Much like all alumni association, the goal of this program is to provide opportunities for LB alumni to reconnect, strengthen their networking throughout all LB alumni, and financially support the programs associated with LBAA’s mission. LBAA hosts seasonal events that include presentations from nationally recognized leaders to fun events like a putt-putt tournament. These events not only bring LB graduates together, but they raise money for important contributions to things like JLB scholarships, The Royce Hickman Leadership Scholarship, LB scholarships, and the mission of the Chamber of Commerce. For many, LB is something that was so fun and unique they do not want it to end. By joining and getting involved with LBAA not only does that energy continue in so many ways they also have the opportunity to positively impact those experiencing the program for the first time.

I’m proud to be a graduate of the 2018 Leadership Brazos Class, I enjoyed the opportunity to coordinate for the classes of 2019 and 2020, and currently I have the privilege of serving on the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association Board. It would be an understatement to say that LB has made an everlasting and positive impact on my personal and professional life. I encourage anyone with an interest to look more into these wonderful programs, including keeping an eye out for the 2022/2023 Leadership Brazos applications launching this July, and staying engaged and involved with your Chamber of Commerce.

Pat C. Baker Pat C. Baker, Chairman Leadership Brazos Alumni Association

For more information on how to apply for Leadership Brazos, visit our website!

Applications go live at the Leadership Luncheon on 07.14.22 979.260.5200 HTTPS://WWW.BCSCHAMBER.ORG/LEADERSHIP/

JUNE/JULY 2022

JUNE/JULY 2022

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JUNE/JULY 2022

ADVERTISE WITH THE

B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Are you looking to promote your business or event? Look no further!

The B/CS Chamber of Commerce would love to promote your business through the Connections magazine, Insider Report, Ribbon Cuttings and so much more.

If you are interested, contact Ryder today!

RYDER@BCSCHAMBER.ORG

979.260.5200

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Community

Spotlight Keep Brazos Beautiful KBB is excited to name Allison Batte as the organization’s new Executive Director. Allison previously served as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and earned her Bachelor’s from Texas A&M University in 2016 and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sam Houston University.

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

If you would like to feature a Community Spotlight contact keelie@bcschamber.org

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Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley Tribute Luncheon Becky and B. Don Russell, Keith Halsell & Lina & Kenny Lawson were honored at the Community Foundations of the Brazos Valley’s Tribute Luncheon. The Tribute Luncheon serves as the Foundation’s annual celebration of philanthropy to honor the ongoing good works of civic leaders and volunteers for sharing their time, talents and financial resources in support of a better community.

Stella Hotel - Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award The Stella Hotel – Bryan/College Station’s premier destination hotel – is excited to announce the award-winning property’s inclusion in the 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Last

year, The Stella Hotel earned the number #12 spot in all of Texas and was the only hotel to rank in BryanCollege Station.

The Reader’s Choice Awards are the longestrunning and most prestigious honors in the travel industry, voted on by guests, these rankings are seen as one of the best measures of the quality a service a property offers. Guests of the Stella Hotel are encouraged to visit cntraveler.com/rca/vote and share their own experience in staying at The Stella.

One lucky reader will win a European Viking River Cruise for two, full details on entry rules and prize details can be found here. Voting ends on June 30.

- Insite BV Editorial Staff

American Momentum Bank American Momentum Bank has hired Small Business Administration (SBA) lending veteran Mark Urbaniak to serve as SBA Credit Administrator. The hire is a critical component of further strengthening the leadership team as the community bank embarks on a national expansion of its SBA Lending Division.

VeraBank Welcomes Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Vice President of

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Commercial Lending to College Station Branch VeraBank welcomes Melanie Becka and Baylor Lyon to its lending team. Becka will serve as Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Lyon as Vice President of Commercial Lending.

“We continue to grow our talented team of bankers in Bryan-College Station,” said Senior Vice President – Regional Manager Joel Jackson. “Melanie brings extensive mortgage experience with a focus on area homeowners, realtors and builders. Baylor is extremely involved in the community and understands the value of relationships with commercial clients.”

“We are excited to welcome Melanie and Baylor to our Bryan-College Station team,” said VeraBank President and CEO Brad Tidwell. “Their commitment to building lasting relationships and collaborative approach to finding the best solutions for our customers make them both excellent additions to our bank.

John E. Anderson, ‘22 Anderson recieved his Masters degree in International Policy from The Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Congratulations John!

The Eagle The Eagle has been named Newsroom of the Year by Texas Association of Managing Editors.

Congrats!

Brazos Valley Museum Trail Opens Again According to KBTX, “there are 15 participating locations across the Brazos Valley inclusing museums, historical sites, libraries, and art galleries. “It’s a great time to go around into the community whether you’re doing a staycation or you just have an odd day off, it’s a chance to explore all that the Brazos Valley has to offer,” explained Mullins.

On the trail, visitors will discover the birthplace of the Republic of Texas, the first county seat in Brazos County, a Presidential Museum, and numerous art galleries at Texas A&M. With everything from cotton gins to tanks to educational hands-on learning for children to the African American history of the Brazos Valley to the heritage of Brenham and Chappell Hill, there’s something everyone will find interesting.

At each location, visitors will receive a stamp on a card, which they can turn in when they reach six. By visiting six of the participating sites, attendees will become eligible to win a special gift basket that includes items from local museums, galleries, and other Brazos Valley businesses. The musem will end on Labor Day.

C.C. Creations Celebrates 40 Years!

According to KBTX, “C.C. Creations is the number one screen printer in the state of Texas and the eighth largest screenprinting business in the country. They customize apparel, awards, and banners.”

C.C. Creations once started with a 1,500 square-foot building in downtown Bryan and is now adding a 210,000 square-foot facility in north Bryan. The company currently has 6 buildings that they work out of and this one will be by far the largest. On behalf of the Chamber, we are excited to see this business grow and prosper in the Brazos Valley.

Congratulations C.C. Creations.

Voices for Children hosts summer clothing drive for kids in foster care.

- KBTX

Texas A&M Former Student Gifts $8 Million for Aggie Park - The Association of Former Students VWayne Roberts ’85 has made a generous lead gift of $8 million to the Aggie Park project in memory of his late wife, Shannon Lia Roberts ’86.

The project to transform 20 acres in the heart of Texas A&M University’s campus broke ground in February 2020 and will be completed later this summer, with an estimated $35 million in funds coming from generous donors to The Association of Former Students, which is leading the project.

“Shannon was an outstanding Aggie,” said Texas A&M President Dr. M. Katherine Banks. “She excelled as a biomedical sciences major and also received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award for her numerous contributions to student life. To her clients in the pharmaceutical industry and to her family and friends, she was known for her warmth and compassion. I can think of no one more worthy of commemoration at Aggie Park, and we are grateful to Mr. Roberts for this tremendous gift.”

The Aggie Park project grew from a vision by Association President and CEO Porter S. Garner III ’79 to develop the underutilized park acreage into a premier green space that would bring the Aggie Network together for celebration, relaxation and inspiration. Garner lauded Roberts for his commitment to Aggie Park.

Voices for Children has kicked off its annual “Shop for CASA Kids” back-toschool clothing drive. It’s an effort to get new clothes for every child in the foster care system across the Brazos Valley. For more information on how to donate items visit vfcbrazos.org JUNE/JULY 2022

MAY 9 - 12, 2022

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS WASHINGTON D.C. DELEGATION

A

fter a two-year absence, the Chamber made its annual trip to Washington, D.C. May 9-12, to advocate for local businesses in the Bryan/College Station community. A group consisting of 28 Chamber members and staff visited with every member of the Texas Congressional delegation along with other key Congressional leaders and presented the Chamber’s Federal Legislative Action Plan for 2022. Since January, the Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee has been hard at work to develop the Legislative Action Plan to take to Congress.

The major topics included in the 2022 Federal Legislative Action Plan are as follows: • Economic Development • Health Care • Higher Education & Workforce Training • Transportation Upon arriving in DC, the Chamber delegation had a briefing with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to learn about the hot topics on Capitol Hill. Items of discussion were transportation, infrastructure, and workforce. Following the U.S. Chamber briefing, the delegation was treated to a reception at the new Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service campus located in DC.

our Congressman and Senators, but with other key leaders who recognize the value of a unified message when it comes to business issues. But most important, it gives the over 1,600 B/CS Chamber members a voice in our nation’s capital.

As always, the Chamber couldn’t make the trip without the help of our generous sponsors.

• Twin Oaks Landfill BVSWMA, Inc • C&J Barbeque • Blinn College District • Copy Corner • Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation • Cotton Global Disaster Solutions The topics in the Legislative Action Plan are the product of a survey of all Chamber members to find out the issues that were of highest importance to them. For more information about the Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs Committee, visit www.bcschamber.org/ LegislativeAffairs.

Mike Connor, Chairman Federal Legislative Action Plan Subcommittee

The first day began with a breakfast and briefing with Larry Meyers from Meyers & Associates. Larry and his team offered their thoughts on the Chamber’s Legislative Action Plan and other topics of the day. The rest of the morning was spent at the Dirksen Office Building where the group met with representatives from Senator Ted Cruz’s office and Senator John Cornyn. The afternoon was spent at the Rayburn Office Building, where the group met with Congressman Pete Sessions and other Congressional leaders, including Kevin Brady, Brian Babin, and representatives from Michael McCaul’s office. The day concluded with a wonderful dinner cruise on the Potomac River, seeing the sights of DC along the way.

The second day, the group split up into seven teams and spent the day meeting with every Texas Congressional member in their individual offices. Each group presented the Chamber’s Legislative Action Plan to either the Representative or a member of the Representative’s staff.

After a busy day on The Hill, Congressman Pete Sessions hosted a dinner for the delegation at the Capitol Hill Club, followed by a very interesting tour of the Capitol at night.

The annual trip to Washington, DC is important for many reasons. It keeps the B/CS Chamber engaged with not only JUNE/JULY 2022

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JUNE/JULY 2022

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Wooden.

Brown.

Lencioni.

Summit.

Kranz.

St. John Paul II.

These are only a few of the influences I’ve come to value through my experience as a leader. It is reading and learning from others that gives the opportunity to reflect and glean options for decision making. The pursuit of knowledge as a fundamental component to growth. My color coded bookshelf is full of books that have allowed me to ask questions, to explore, to be curious. Reading the stories of others who have experienced trials and tribulations, brought a vision to life, and served others is incredibly inspiring. Their lives have much to offer in the way of wisdom. Moreover, it is perhaps most pertinent to my leadership style that I remember the lessons I’ve learned in real life to make me who I am as a leader today. So, who is Julia Mishler?

We’ll begin in the summer of 1993 in Ruston, Louisiana at the Lady Techsters basketball camp. Coach Leon Barmore was beginning his climb to success with this program and it was the place to be for young girls looking to be great basketball players. I was scared to be away from home, but I loved basketball more than that fright and focused deeply on soaking in all I could. I have vivid memories of riding the bus back to the dorms after the morning session, getting a straw and a Gatorade, untying my shoes to let my feet breathe, and laying on my back with my feet propped up against the wall. The older girls told us this would help to drain the lactic acid

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out of our legs so we could be fresh for the session right after lunch. This was just the first morning, but I was willing to do whatever it took to be the best I could possibly be even if that meant losing feeling in my legs while they were suspended in the air. I remember telling myself, “You can do hard things. Be brave. Be strong.

Don’t quit.” This was the start of my courageous spirit and competitive edge.

After playing so many years on the hardwood, I still have uncomfortable memories of a whistle blowing and Coach yelling, “Get on the line.” When running a line drill, the entire team starts on one baseline and when the whistle blows, a full sprint takes place toward each horizontal line on the court returning back to the baseline each time. Every line, down and back, had to be touched with hand and foot in less than 30 seconds. If a teammate failed to touch the line, Coach would call us all back to do it again. The conditioning part of practice always happened at the end and it was magnificently painful.

However, it taught us as players that we are capable of doing hard things and we learned how to encourage one another to bring out our collective capacity for greatness. It taught me how accountability is necessary for the team to grow. More than anything, it taught me about the power of balance — knowing when to pull my own weight and when to allow others to step forward into greatness. Through this experience, I learned the value of setting expectations and holding true to them for myself and those I serve.

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For me, that vision is made up of five primary components: culture, systems, instruction, wellness, and faith. And, within each of those areas are the small things that make the vision become reality. Using a continuous improvement cycle of reflection is absolutely integral to compare year over year to be ever learning and growing.

Fast forward to the summer of 2002 after my freshman year of college. I unfortunately had a career-ending injury and had to hang up my Nikes for the last time. As I was finding my way in an identity that didn’t include basketball, I fell to my knees and rekindled my faith and desire to serve others. I was accepted as a counselor at the Christian camp, Kids Across America, and took off to Missouri for a few weeks to teach young, underprivileged kids about Jesus while hanging out in the woods and exploring nature. This was my first responsibility leading others who were not in my peer group. These kids had a much different experience than I did growing up. Many came from broken homes. Some had never been out of Texas before. And, some were hardened to the joys of life because of the trauma they had lived at the young age of ten.

As soon as they got off the bus, their little eyes looked to me for guidance and assurance. I had to make sure we stayed on schedule with kayaking and lunch time while simultaneously pausing to take in the beauty of the creation around us. They were so eager to see and do all the activities while searching for something bigger than themselves. It was my first chance to talk about Jesus and share my faith journey on a personal level with others. After those moments of vulnerability, my campers seemed to open up and connect on a deeper level with me. I remember getting my hair braided into tight rows and listening to the girls in my cabin share their dreams and worries. I remember the joy on their faces as they truly understood that Jesus was their Savior and the never ending smiles as they ran the bell acknowledging their new belief in redemption. I remember their hugs and tears as they said goodbye and headed back to their hometowns. Even though I hadn’t seen what they had seen in their lives, I got a glimpse of their reality that week and it changed me to the core. Like the treetop obstacle course at KAA, so much of what a leader is responsible for sways between the forest and the trees.

The leader must have the big picture and conceptual view of the organization.

Even deeper than the procedural and structural components of the organization are the humans that make it up. I believe that we are humans first. We are wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, children and siblings. In leadership, one must strive to understand others–to know them. Listening to the worry of sending a daughter off to college, hearing a student share their worries about a report card grade, or a teacher mourning the loss of a loved one are difficult moments to witness. However, it is in these moments that our sense of belonging is captured. The most human desire is to belong to something. My desire as a leader is to provide an environment where people are valued as humans and can communicate with respect. In school and in life, our job is to teach how to be good humans and provide that sense of connection to all those who come across our paths.

As my leadership journey has continued over the last several years, I had the privilege of leading in multiple arenas that each taught me even more about the world of education, the psychology of organizations, and people in general. I have brought all this learning forward to my new role as the Principal at St. Joseph Catholic School where each lesson I’ve learned and book I’ve read have allowed me to be grounded in who I am as a leader in this outstanding school.

So, who is Julia Mishler? I am a wife. I am a mom. I am a daughter and sister. I fail daily. I strive to learn daily.

I believe in servant leadership with a team mentality.

I reflect often to consider what I can do to make the experience of work, school, and life even better for others.

God created me to build capacity in others through my faith, education, and leadership. I accomplish this each day by acquiring knowledge, being brave, maintaining balance, and modeling a culture of empathy and belonging.

Julia Mishler, Principal St. Joseph Catholic School St. Joseph Catholic School is now enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit www.stjosephschoolbcs.org.

JUNE/JULY 2022

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14TH ANNUAL a tribute to our first responders

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce's 14th Annual Community Softball Classic: A Tribute & Salute to our 1st Responders raises money and awareness for the 100 Club. This year’s game was played at Bombers Stadium – the home of your Brazos Valley Bombers. This game featured the Bryan & College Station Police Department’s “Cold Steel” team, playing the Bryan & College Station Fire Department’s “Hot Stuff” team.

Our community is very blessed to be served by exceptional 1st Responders and a world-class health care system. These often unsung heroes save lives every day and are the first link in the chain of emergency care in our community. This special game gives the Chamber the opportunity to recognize the important role crime prevention, fire safety and other 1st Responders play in protecting our citizens and the positive impact they have on economic development in our community.

The game provides a time for all of us to honor the local fallen heroes from our area and provides financial support to the 100 Club which has helped several local families. We appreciate all of the sponsors that also helped make this event possible.

JUNE/JULY 2022

CO NNEC T I O NS B RYA N / CO L LEG E STAT I O N CHAMB E R O F CO M M E R C E P.O. B OX 3 57 9 B RYA N, T X 7 7 805-3 57 9

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