2022 Oct/Dec Connection

Connections

MORE THAN FR ENDLY SMILES

A WORD FROM WADE BECKMAN

It was truly a great 2021-2022 Chamber year. Although the year seems to have flown by, I am very proud of the overall accomplishments of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and the growth within our community. There is no doubt that 2021-2022 was a “rebuilding” year and it is amazing to see our community rise to the occasion in our normal incredible fashion.

As a small business owner, I certainly realize the challenges we continue to face locally, state-wide and as a nation. Supply chains continue to be a huge issue for many businesses and consumers, and we are all fighting a “newer” challenge with record inflation. Although the challenges remain large, we have made huge strides in continuing to grow our local economy and welcome more people into the Brazos Valley. In addition, while finding and hiring great people continues to be a bigger challenge than in the past, I believe we have seen significant progress as qualified individuals reenter the workforce. I believe the future looks bright for overall employment within our community.

In addition to local strides, for the first time in 3 years the Chamber’s leadership and a total of 29 delegates made our “annual” trip to Washington, DC on behalf of all local businesses. Our Legislative Affairs Committee and overall leadership did an amazing job of putting together a Federal Legislative Action Plan that was well-presented in both form and content. We were very successful in Washington in taking our message to our national leaders and we received great feedback and commitments. There is no doubt that visiting our congressional delegation with a clear and concise message on behalf of business makes a difference. Many thanks to all that were able to attend and help with the enormous effort. We look forward to doing the same with our state legislators in February. Along with our many accomplishments, it is clear that our members have come back out in full support of our Chamber. Our growing membership of the Bryan-College Station Chamber set record attendance for many of our fundraising events, including the Annual Banquet, the Economic Outlook Conference, the Economic Outlook Briefing, The Taste of Aggieland, Founders’ Night, and our biggest fundraiser of the year, Lobsterfest. In addition, our Chamber Members showed their enthusiasm by coming out in full force to the Leadership Luncheon, Community Impact Awards and Ag Breakfast. Obviously, the attendance at all these events helped lead us to a record financial year as well.

The Chamber is so very blessed to have so much support from the community and our many volunteers. Although it would be impossible to thank everyone, I would like to recognize a few groups. Many thanks to all of our Chamber Board members who set new records for activity within our organization. Our Ambassador Program remains very strong and continues to help guide our Chamber to success through activity and helping to grow our membership. Many thanks to each of our Ambassadors, and a special thanks to Cameron Comire for his service as Chair. Thanks to all of the individuals that attend and serve on both the Legislative Affairs and Transportation Committees. These individuals directly affect business, as well as the quality of life in our community. Lastly, I cannot give enough thanks to our Chamber Staff under the leadership of Glen Brewer and Carrie Archer. Words cannot describe the dedication and hard work they put into our community every day. I am very proud of the overall Chamber accomplishments for this past Chamber year and very honored to have served on the board with so many hard-working and distinguished board members. A very special thanks to Greg Zweiacker for his 6 years of service, leadership, and his role-model performance as both Chair and Immediate Past Chair. Greg’s leadership helped us through an unprecedented time in our entire world and set the stage for our very successful recovery. I would also like to welcome our new board members. Success is all about having the right people, and we continue to attract great people to our board that always have the Chamber’s best interest in mind. Under the leadership of Jason Cornelius as Chair and Doug French as our new Chair Elect, our board is poised for another record-breaking year in board activity and accomplishments, as well as a very bright future for our Chamber overall.

WADE BECKMAN

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JASON CORNELIUS Board Chair

DOUG FRENCH Chair-Elect

Vice Chair Administration

WADE BECKMAN

Immediate Past Chairman

KARLA CASTILLO Vice Chair Business Enhancement

KATY LEE Vice Chair Communications

KATERINA HALL Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

DOUG FRENCH

Vice Chair Administration

AJ TAYLOR, CPA Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

JOHN BUSH Vice Chair Community Enhancement

BAYLOR LYON Vice Chair Leadership Division

ZACH ETHERIDGE Secretary

AGUSTIN TREVIÑO AL DAVIS

ASHLEY SANDERS

BELINDA DOBSON

BRANDON SEARS

DEMOND OLIVER

GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN

HANS HAMMOND

IRMA CAULEY

JAY RUDINGER

JENNY DAVIS

MANNY MARTINEZ

NICOLE MORTEN

ROBY SOMERFORD

SID BACKSTROM

TYLER SMITH

STAFF

GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

TOM TILTON Manager of Finance

HAYLEY BISACRE Manager of Business Development

RYDER ROBINSON Membership Investment Representative

KEELIE WENDT Communications Coordinator

KIMMIE BENNETT Special Projects Coordinator

LINDA ESPIRIQUETA Receptionist

SHANNON TURNER

Executive Assistant

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.

SAVAGE OUTDOOR & DEFENSE 4036 FM 974 Bryan, TX

979.429.3414 savageoutdoordefense.com

www.facebook.com/halobcs

979.436.4278 texaslightcrew.com WAXING

HUNTER ROOFING &

1503 Maglothin Ct. Bryan, TX 77802

979.484.7828

ELLIOTT CUSTOM HOMES LLC

8135 Wickson Ridge Dr. Bryan, TX 77808

512.689.7216 elliottcustomhomes.com

3808 Oaklawn Bryan, TX 77801

832.641.6699

DELTA LENDING

1200 S. Main Street Ste. 220 Weatherford, TX 76086

940.745.8553 deltalending.com/weatherford

PINSPIRATION 1553 Greens Prairie Rd. Ste. 101 College Station, TX 77845

979.450.7986 pinspiration.com/collegestation

DJRob.co HUSH

BRAZOS VALLEY CATTLEWOMEN 8788 Camp Arrowmoon Rd Hearne, TX 77859

979.219.9117

979.353.1270 www.liveoakwoodworx.com

ROOFMASTERS, LLC 18078 Retriever Run College Station, TX 77845

512.563.2477 roofmastersbv.com/

SPIRE ROOFING SOLUTIONS 750 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845

979.450.6400 spireroofingsolutions.com

STAMPEDE COLLEGE STATION

1500 Harvey Rd. Suite 2036 College Station, TX 77845 979.777.0283 stationstampede.com

ADVANCED HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC 1733 Briarcrest Dr. Ste. #203 Bryan, TX 77802

979.485.1688 advancedhealthchiropractic.life/

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP 505 University Dr. E. Suite 309 College Station, TX 77840 979.800.5150 capriottis.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

OCT. 20, 2022

Hosted By: CHROME SALON

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!

NOV. 17, 2022

Hosted By: ST. JOSEPH HEALTH CANCER CLINIC

DEC. 1, 2022

Hosted By: GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

& FROST BANK

PULLING UP A CHAIR

GETTING TO KNOW BOARD CHAIR

JASON CORNELIUS

Tell us about yourself and the company you work for in the B/CS.

Howdy, my name is Jason Cornelius and I’m honored to be your 2022-2023 Chairman of the Board of Directors for our Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. Outside of being a volunteer for our Chamber, I am the Group Financial Center Manager and Community Leader for Frost Bank here in Bryan and College Station. I have been lucky to be a part of the inaugural team to introduce our bank and long standing Texas values to B/CS. My role with Frost is to lead our retail banking team along with coordinating all of our lines of business to have a cohesive approach to our community involvement. In addition to working with our Chamber, I volunteer time with some of our other vital local non-profits. I am also privileged to serve our community as a Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of College Station. Outside of the office, my wife Janell and I take care of our 3 children, Wesley (10), our daughter Loghann (4), and Brayden (3).

What are your goals as the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman?

Our Chamber has been a key part of our Community for over 100 years. While my 12 month stewardship will be just a small portion of that, my plan will be to continue in the success of our Chamber and its leaders. Our events have had record attendance coming out of the struggles of the past few years. These events are what connect our membership and community together.

Our Chamber has been an integral key for our business community legislatively with our annual trip to Washington DC. I’m excited that this year I will be able to help lead our delegation to Austin to visit with our legislature as they are in their biannual session.

Our Chamber is leading the way amongst our industry peers when it comes to its outreach to small and minority businesses and their employees. My hope is to continue that work of having our Chamber be the most accurate representation of our entire community. My mission is to raise the awareness of the many awesome things our Chamber does throughout the year for our members and the community.

What are you most excited about as being the board chairman?

I don’t think its overstating that the Chairmanship of our Chamber is looked at to be a leader of our community. As I step into this role, it is something that I take great pride in. I have spent the majority of my life in B/CS. I am now choosing to grow my family in our community. Being a banker, I not only have a responsibility to my employer, but also to the customers we serve in Bryan and College Station. Being the Chairman of our Chamber for this year allows me to help in the success of our members, their employees, the growth of our business community, and the overall success of our entire community. You know what...that’s kinda cool!

Favorite chamber event and why?

I’m probably a little biased as I also serve as the committee Co-Chairperson, but my favorite Chamber event is our Annual Chamber Day. This day began more than a decade ago after the economic struggles of 2008 and 2009. Starting with just a few volunteers, and few questions, our Chamber just went out to ask businesses how they were doing. Fast forward to now, and we average over 150 volunteers, to visit over 1000 businesses on that day. Notice I said businesses...not members. That is a day to celebrate all of our local businesses! We also partner with the title sponsor for the day, Brazos County, to have a questionnaire that can give us measurable data for year over year tracking. It is such a fun day to get out in the community and meet members of our business community that you might not otherwise get a chance to.

Why do you think the chamber is such an asset to our community?

I’ve been a part of our Chamber for more than 10 years now. Either through its volunteer arm as an Ambassador, or now on the Board of Directors. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Brazos. I’ve met lifelong friends, made important business contacts, grown professionally, and matured personally through different interactions within our Chamber. I mention all of these examples, not to highlight myself, but because I know I’m not the only one to have the same types of stories. Our Chamber offers more to our community than to just host events. It connects our members, develops their employees, advocates for our community, and so much more!

Community Spotlight

OPAS Celebrates 50 Seasons

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 contactkeelie@bcschamber.org

The 50th Anniversary Season of OPAS at Texas A&M University is in full swing with a variety of programs coming to the Brazos Valley for 2022-23. The season-long celebration got off to a rockin’ start in September with Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll. But, that’s just the beginning! Shows coming up in the next six months include the national tours of “STOMP,” “My Fair Lady,” “Legally Blonde,” “Anastasia,” and more! The golden anniversary season reflects on the past, delights in the present and looks toward the future. OPAS Executive Director Anne Black explains, “We have been at the forefront of several industry shaping programs – presenting events and artists that went on to become cultural phenomenon. We felt it was important to include ‘STOMP’ on our season because we were on the very first tour in 1994.” Anne continues, “That’s just one story on this season. Several of these programs hold a special place in our hearts highlighted by the return of Tom Becker with his John Denver tribute, the return of The Swingles who are celebrating their 60th anniversary and an all-new show based on a Netflix hit ‘Our Planet Live in Concert’.” Tickets to all of the performance on OPAS Season 50 are on sale now at MSC Box Office.

For more information, including how your business can get involved through sponsorship and group ticket purchase, please visit OPAStickets.org.

Kristi Fox Real Estate Group Brokered by Real Broker, LLC

Kristi Fox shared that recently, God called her to GROW her business abundantly to give back more to this community in a bigger way and she is proud to announce that the Kristi Fox Real Estate Group is now brokered by Real Broker, LLC. Kristi says, “My passion for helping others expanded into my leadership and mentoring other agents, so that my team and I can best support the clients that we know and love! We are so excited to now hang our licenses under Real Broker, LLC, with our own local branch to serve our clients! The Real Brokerage is a global company with award winning agents throughout North America, and we are proud to represent the values and culture of this company. We cannot wait to continue serving our clients with leading technology, forwardthinking techniques, and 22 years of experience to assist you!” The Kristi Fox Real Estate Group hopes that if you know someone, or if you need real estate services, you will consider them as your real estate team! Also, don’t forget the Homes for Heroes® rewards program and the financial savings it can do for clients.

B/CS Chamber of Commerce Names Award Winners At Annual Banquet

The Bryan/College Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate our 2022 Citizen of the Year former Congressman William “Bill” Flores, our Volunteer of the Year Patrick C. Baker with Cotton Global Disaster Solutions and our Ambassador of the Year. The winners were announced at our Annual Banquet on November 14th. We would also like to thank our out-going Board Chairman Wade Beckman for his hard work and dedication over the past year and welcome our new Chairman of the Board, Jason Cornelius with Frost Bank.

Destination Bryan Brings Home DMO of the Year and Two Other TACVB Awards

Destination Bryan is thrilled to announce they received three Texas Destination Excellence Awards at the 2022 Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) annual conference in South Padre Island last week. The Texas Destination Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions to destination management in Texas. Bringing home top honors of DMO of the Year, in the $1 million and up budget category, Destination Bryan was also awarded 2nd place for Best Website Design and the Peer Choice Award for Best Video, Story & Podcast Series for the Legends Video Series. The Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) of the Year and Best Website Design awards were voted on by a panel of tourism professionals and the Peer Choice was selected by TACVB membership.

Bryan ISD Partners with B/CS Habitat for Humanity

Bryan ISD is partnering with Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a deserving family. In the coming months Bryan ISD students, teachers, staff and community members will help raise money, volunteer and build a new Habitat home. Campuses will help with the project in various ways while also showcasing the Essential 8 in Bryan ISD. Bryan ISD Superintendent Ginger Carrabine announced the new effort to teachers and staff during Convocation on August 10, and this is a first-of-its kind partnership for Bryan ISD and B/CS Habitat for Humanity. Fundraising has already started and there are lots of ways to help. Learn more at bryanisd.org/build.

Centennial Arts - caShopping

Centennial Arts would like to present caShopping to you for this holiday season! When it comes to managing your online store, caShopping offers a variety of features and benefits to ensure your online store is a success. You do not have to worry about setting up an online shopping website. Our online shopping platform allows you to simply input your products without the hassle of having to create a whole new website. Selling online via caShopping is a great chance to expand your presence and reach more customers. For more information, give us a call at 979-209-0774

2022 - 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN JASON CORNELIUS FROST BANK

CHAIR Elect

anotherbrokenegg.com/location/college-station-tx

Thank You A Special

T O G L O B A L C A T E R I N G C O .

T h e B / C S C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e t h a n k s G l o b a l C a t e r i n g

C o . f o r t h e w o n d e r f u l f o o d t h a t t h e y p r o v i d e d a t o u r

a n n u a l L o b s t e r f e s t f u n d r a i s e r W e a p p r e c i a t e a l l t h e h a r d

w o r k y ’ a l l d i d t o h e l p m a k e t h i s e v e n t a s u c c e s s !

5 TIPS WHEN SHOPPING LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce always encourages its members to shop local and to spend money with companies who prioritize giving back to our Brazos Valley Community. This year, it is more important than ever to patronize our local businesses. Local businesses are the cornerstone of our community, and spending money locally benefits our community in a variety of ways.

SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN

The earlier you start shopping for your Christmas gifts, the better. By starting your shopping earlier than you normally would, or by spreading your Christmas shopping throughout the year, you may be able to avoid some of the inventory issues that retailers anticipate. You will also alleviate much of the stress that comes with last-minute shopping. Best of all, you will spread the financial burden of Christmas shopping throughout the entire year, rather than spending large amounts all at one time. Early shopping also provides gift assurance – once the popular items are gone, they likely won’t come back until after the holidays. By shopping now, you are making sure to get the exact toy, gadget, or trinket your loved ones are wishing for.

PRACTICE PATIENCE AND KINDNESS

Have patience with your local businesses as their ability to meet your needs might be impacted by interruptions in their supply chain. Almost every industry is experiencing inventory shortages at the moment, so it is especially important to be patient and understanding. Don’t be afraid to cultivate a relationship with your local shop owners; oftentimes they are able to special order items just for you, as long as they are given ample time. Local businesses thrive on their personal relationships with their customers, and they will go above and beyond to maintain those relationships. In the Brazos Valley, we are so fortunate to have quality local options for any product or service imaginable, allowing us to spend our money at home. If you have an issue with an item or a service, be sure to bring it to their attention so they can make it right. Shopping local means supporting your friends and neighbors, maintaining jobs within the community, and spending our money where we live.

USE YOUR VOICE! LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE

Most small, local businesses depend heavily on social media to reach their current and potential clients. If you have a pleasant experience at a business, take the time to write a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Be sure to follow the business social media pages and share their posts to your followers as well. Many local businesses rely on their social media pages to showcase their products and interact directly with customers. By tagging businesses and writing reviews, you are showing your own friends and family that you love and trust these companies. Studies show again and again that people are highly influenced by recommendations from trusted friends and family members. If you’re unsure of who to use for a particular service, ask for recommendations on Facebook. Your friends are sure to have some local businesses they enjoy working with. Show your support by tagging the business in your post and using hashtags such as #ShopLocal and #ChooseBCSChamber. The official B/CS Chamber Gift Guide will also be available on all Chamber social media platforms. We encourage you to search for ideas and share to help others brainstorm for gifts!

HOST HOLIDAY PARTIES LOCAL

If your organization is hosting a company holiday party, be sure to choose a local venue. We are blessed to have dozens of exceptional event spaces in the Bryan College Station area that are perfect for office parties and holiday get-togethers. Many of your favorite restaurants have private dining rooms that can be rented out for your group. Think outside the box and take your office to enjoy an interactive activity such as axe throwing, an escape room, or a painting class. If you choose to have a family party at your home, ask one of our local restaurants to cater the event. Many local restaurants also provide holiday meals if you do not feel like cooking everything for yourself. Your local businesses are here to make the holidays as fun and stress-free as possible!

THINK LOCAL WHEN YOU'RE FEELING UNINSPIRED

The holidays are a season of giving, and the many boutiques and unique retail stores of Bryan-College Station make shopping for your loved ones fun and easy. If you find yourself feeling uninspired as you shop for gifts, be sure to think local. Make a day of it! Venture into Downtown Bryan and visit their many shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Enjoy the atmosphere at Century Square, where you can find dozens of local businesses filled with great gift ideas. Find a restaurant you love? Buy a gift card so your loved one can enjoy it as well.

ALLISON BATTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KEEP BRAZOS BEAUTIFUL

I N T R O D U C I N G T H E

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r e p r e s e n t s t h e i r o w n c o m p

t t e n d g r o u n d b r e a k i n g s , r i b b o n c u t t i n g s , a n d a f t e r h o u r s f u n c t i o n s T h e y h e l p r e g i s t e r a n d g r e e t m e m b e r s a t

C h a m b e r s p o n s o r e d b r e a k f a s t s a n d l u n c h e o n s T h e y a r e t h e c o r e g r o u p o f v o l u n t e e r s t h a t h e l p p l a n a n d o p e r a t e t h e C h a m b e r ’ s e v e n t s a n d t h e y a r e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r r e c r u i t i n g n e w m e m b e r s

B e i n g a n A m b a s s a d o r i s n o s m a l l t a s k , b u t i t r e a p s b i g r e w a r d s t h r o u g h n e t w o r k i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s , k n o w l e d g e o f n e w p r o d u c t a n d s e r v i c e o p t i o n s , a n d s t r e n g t h e n i n g o f t h e

b u s i n e s s e n v i r o n m e n t i n o u r c o m m u n i t y T h e i r o v e r a l l g o a l i s f o r b u s i n e s s

o w n e r s / m a n a g e r s t o u n d e r s t a n d h o w m u c h t h e C h a m b e r a p p r e c i a t e s t h e i r i n v e s t m e n t n o t o n l y i n t h e C h a m b e r , b u t a l s o m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y i n o u r c o m m u n i t y

1488 Stokes Circle College Station, TX 77845 (281)841-3581 peachcreekassistedliving.com

William D. Fitch Pkwy Suite 500 College Station, TX 77845 411 Texas Ave. South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 314-5995 stretchlab.com chiltonbacakgroup.com/contact-us

4524 Mills Park Cir. College Station, TX 77845

B/CS Gift Guide

Texas A&M Maroon Wagon

$299.99

Here at Aggieland Outfitters, we like to bring you exclusive items that are followed by superior quality! This is the only maroon wagon around that is officially licensed through Texas A&M. The memories are endless. From football, holidays, and even that spring break trip you have planned!

The Tipsy Trinket Gift Basket

$99

Featured Gift Basket includes a bottle of wine, salami, sourdough crackers, candied pecans, bath bomb, soap and a candle for only $99!!

You can create your own gift basket for the holidays or any day and for any budget!! We will gift wrap any basket over $50 in value for FREE!!

Men’s Cliff in Chocolate

$795

Hand-crafted in Texas since 1883, Lucchese Bootmaker is another tradition to add to your holiday season. Find lasting gifts for your loved ones at the College Station Lucchese located in Century Square

Kendra Scott

$75

Launching November 2nd

Get your holiday shopping done early with gifts they’re sure to love.

Stocking Stuffer Sauces & Jams

$9.99

Messina Hof Winery has the perfect stocking stuffers for this holiday season! From sauces to our jams, these all make the perfect addition to your meals and desserts. We have a gourmet food item for everyone on your Christmas shopping list!

Give the lady in your life the gift of AMAZING HAIR! Stop by SoCo Blow Dry Bar to purchase a gift card to treat your loved ones this Holiday Season. We can’t wait to “blow” you away! SoCo Blow Dry Bar Gift Card

Natalie Wood Designs Necklace

$44

We love this initial necklace style by Natalie Wood Designs. It features a chic toggle and a paperclip chain. This necklace will quickly become your new favorite. Shop Natalie Wood Designs locally, only at Sabi Boutique in College Station.

Our, made in Texas, Tyler Candles and luxury laundry detergent make the best stocking stuffers! TYLER CANDLES

STARTING AT $7.50

LEADERSHIP BRAZOS CLASS OF 2023

JAY RUDINGER

SENIOR COORDINATOR WEST, WEBB, ALLBRITTON & GENTRY

REILLY KING BCS TOGETHER

JASON MORGAN LEATHERNECK FINANCIAL SERVICES

CRISSY SAYERS

SENIOR COORDINATOR BIRD’S NEST GIFTS & ANTIQUES

KLEIBER FIRST FINANCIAL BANK

CHRISTOPHER ORTEGON DESTINATION BRYAN

BRET RICHARDS

JUNIOR COORDINATOR COLEMAN & PATTERSON

KUBECZKA EXP REALTY

POWERS TEXAS FILM WORKS/ TEXAGS

HAYLEY BISACRE

JUNIOR COORDINATOR B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LAMME C.C. CREATIONS

PUSATERI MILES PUSATERI STATE FARM

LEWIS CITY OF COLLEGE STATION

ALAN DOCK THOMPSON, DERRIG & CRAIG

JUSTIN

MELISSA

DAVID

RANDALL

MARANDA

MILES

LAUREN RICE BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE

GIVING BACK

This holiday season is a time of giving back to those in need. Grab your neighbor and join the community in the spirit of giving. Numerous Brazos Valley wide fundraising and donation opportunities are available. Check out just a few of these initiatives below. We’ll see you there!

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Please join Wreaths Across America on December 17th at 11:00 a.m. at College Station, Bryan, and Brazos Valley Cemeteries to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. The Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held at Aggie Field of Honor at 11 a.m., however, wreath placements will also be done at noon at other cemeteries across the Brazos Valley. You can honor fallen veterans by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, and inviting friends and family to join you. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information.

THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREES

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program has been a tradition since 1979. The Salvation Army obtains the name of children or special needs adults in families of the community and a list of desired Christmas gifts. Angel tags are printed for each individual and placed on Salvation Army Angel Trees at Post Oak

Mall and many other local companies and organizations across Bryan-College Station. Generous donors are able to select Angels, purchase gifts, and return them to the Angel Tree by the given deadline on each tag. Upon their return, the gifts are taken to the Bryan-College Station Salvation Army for pickup by the Angel families. For details or to see how you can donate to an Angel, visit www.tsamm.org/ angeltree.

RADIO M*A*S*H TOY DRIVE

Radio M*A*S*H is an annual toy drive to collect toys and funds for less-fortunate children in the Brazos Valley. This year’s Radio M*A*S*H starts Thursday December 3rd and runs through Monday, December 7th. For five days, the corner of Harvey Road and Earl Rudder Freeway in the Post Oak Mall parking lot in College Station resembles an Army camp with the singular mission of ensuring every child in need in the Brazos Valley has a gift under their tree. Brazos Valley Communications radio stations, 98.3 KORA, Radio Alegria 1240AM/100.1FM, 101.9 The Beat, and Classic Hits 102.3/107.3 man the effort and broadcast from the “camp” continuously throughout thevent. This is always a favorite holiday event for the B/CS Chamber as our Board of Directors and Ambassadors come together to donate to the toy drive.

KBTX FOOD FOR FAMILIES FOOD DRIVE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7THBRAZOS CENTER

5 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Please Remember, Nonperishables only! No homemade or perishable items will be accepted.

The holidays are a time when family and friends come together. As the family of KBTX prepares for the holidays, KBTX invites you and your family to join them Wednesday, December 1st at the Brazos Center in Bryan for the 26th Annual Food for Families Food Drive.

During this event KBTX will broadcast live throughout the day as they work to alleviate hunger in the Brazos Valley. Shop any of your local grocery stores using the list below as a guide to help you support this incredible effort that benefits the mobile pantry operated by the Brazos Valley Food Bank, your local non-profit organization “seeking to eliminate hunger by the distribution of food and grocery products through a network of nonprofit organization while providing education and community awareness on issues of hunger.” Together we can make a difference.

Additional drop sites are located at the Son-Shine Outreach Center, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Pridgeon Community Center in Franklin, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Hearne Railroad Depot in Hearne, 6:00a.m. – 7:00p.m., St. Mary’s, Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church Hall in Caldwell, 6:00a.m – 7:00p.m., Citizens State Bank in Navasota from 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and Washington County Expo in Brenham from 6:00a.m.- 7:00p.m. To your family, from our family at KBTX-TV, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

DONATION IDEAS:

Beans (canned or dried)

Cereal (family size)

Chili

Flour

Fruit cups (shelf stable)

Juice Boxes (individual size)

Oatmeal

Pudding (shelf stable)

THE RANCH HARLEY-DAVIDSON 34TH ANNUAL TOY RUN

Join The Ranch Harley-Davidson and Harley Santa to deliver presents to this years’ toy run families across the BryanCollege Station area! Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the way on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle along with toy run volunteers, sponsors, police escorts and hundreds of motorcycles! The Toy Run Foundation began in 1988 when Russ & Sharon Welch (previous Harley-Davidson dealer in town) wanted nothing more than to help needy families during the Holidays. Over the years, it’s blossomed into what it is today with the growing support from the local community and the very generous sponsors! Each year, The Toy Run Foundation partners up with local schools, churches, and social organizations to receive nominations of families. They

Pasta

Toilet Paper

Bottled Water

Vegetables (canned)

Cereal (individual size)

Coffee

Fruits (canned)

Granola Bars

Ketchup & Mustard

Paper Towel

Rice

Sugar

Tuna (regular and pop top)

Canned Meats

Cereal Bars

Diapers (child & adult)

Mac n’ Cheese

Jam/Jelly

Vienna Sausages (poptop)

Peanut Butter

Ravioli

Soup (regular and pop top)

Tuna/Chicken Salad kits

focus on those that might be a struggling veteran/single-parent household, those that might have gone through a traumatic event recently, families with disabled children, and families that are just down on their luck. Once all nominations are turned in, an extremely thorough interviewing process begins. It includes an initial phone interview, an in-home interview, and a final committee selection meeting that ensures the foundation choose the right families. After receiving roughly 70 nominations each year, we select between 12 and 15! Toys are a very small piece to the puzzle. Typically, the families that are selected lack basic necessities such as beds, blankets, clothing, and furniture, so we are able to provide major items that’ll help them back on their feet. The Ranch does not accept clothes and/or toy donations simply because we choose different families each year that will have different needs. (For those who aren’t sure

how to help, monetary support is the best way! Absolutely 100% of the money raised is used to buy the children in each family their needs, and of course some toys from Santa! No electronics!)) Major sponsors include: Ashley HomeStore donates all of the furniture needed (bunk beds, dressers, couches, kitchen tables, desks, etc.) and The Sleep Station BCS donates the mattresses, box springs, and frames. Another sponsor, Ruffino Meats & Food Service, donates turkeys! The foundation committee shops for each family, wraps each gift individually, and finally load the gifts in the D & D Moving & Storage Inc. truck the day before. On Toy Run day, The Ranch will ride motorcycles to each home and hand-deliver each gift with the help of those who join them! Visit theranchhd. com today to see how you can get involved and additional information for the Toy Run.