2018 Jan/Feb Connections

At The Bank & Trust, we believe an exceptional community deserves an exceptional bank! As a locally owned community bank in the Brazos Valley, we will take the time to get to know you and your financial needs while offering superior customer care.

Our bankers are members of the community, just like you. We are also proud members and volunteers of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce because, together, we support the businesses that serve our community.

Your continued patronage makes that possible. If you are already our customer, THANK YOU. If you are not, we invite you to become one today.

Call (979) 260-2100 or visit us online at www.banktbt.com.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Crystal Dupre

Chairman

Vicki Reim

Chair-Elect

David O’Neil

Immediate Past Chairman

Jason Cornelius

Vice Chair of Leadership

Tom Wallis

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

Melanie Motley

Vice Chair of Business Development

Mary Mike Hatcher

Vice Chair of Communications

Phil Shackelford

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

Grant Graham

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

Brad Beard

David Doss

Gabriel Garcia

Susan Gipson

Bobby Gutierrez

Tracy Kyle

James Larkin

Tai Lee

Sylvia McMullen

Shane Phelps

Jay Primavera

Kori Rich

Travis Rollins

Claudia Smith

Greg Zweiacker

STAFF

President/CEO

Glen Brewer

Community Liaison

Royce Hickman

Manager of Membership

Carrie Archer

Manager of Finance

Tom Tilton

Acting Manager of Business Programs

Jordan Prihoda

Membership Investment

Representative

Brian Miller

Communications Coordinator

Kate Chapman

Communications & Business

Programs Assistant

Katy Jo Richards

Executive Assistant

Bonnie Loehr

Receptionist

Linda Espiriqueta

Howdy!

presidential PERSPECTIVES

It looks like another great year for business here in Bryan/ College Station. It seems appropriate, because your Chamber is celebrating its 100th birthday this year! We will be talking more about our birthday celebration in the coming months. (Hint: Circle July 12th on your calendar.)

As we celebrate our 100th year, we want to remind this wonderful community who your Chamber actually is. As I have said at several events recently, the Chamber is not the offices you visit at 4001 East 29th Street. The Chamber also is not the terrific staff we have assembled, or myself as President and CEO. The Chamber is approximately 1,500 businesses and professional organizations that have chosen to join together to promote business and commerce in this community. We believe in building a strong and healthy community through building strong and healthy businesses and job creation. We know that commerce is the engine of our community, and when our businesses thrive our schools will also thrive, our non-profits are successful and our cities benefit from increased revenue.

Your Chamber works to achieve our mission of “enhancing the economic wellbeing of the businesses in the communities we serve” in many different ways. We work to provide networking opportunities through our successful Business After Hours events and Chamber luncheons. We make networking an important part of all of our Chamber events.

Your Chamber works to provide educational opportunities for our businesses through free or low-cost accounting, tax, and general business classes through our partnership with the Research Valley Small Business Development Center. The Chamber’s Economic Outlook Conference is one of our largest events and helps to provide local businesses with historical and forecasted numbers on our economy on a national, state and most importantly, a local level. Chamber luncheons are also utilized to provide access to important information on timely topics that affect our local businesses.

Your Chamber works to ensure our community is producing current and future leaders through our Leadership Brazos program and our Jr. Leadership Brazos program. Graduates of Leadership Brazos continue to give back to B/CS through the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association.

One of the most important ways your Chamber works for business is legislatively. When our local businesses come together, our voices can be focused through the Chamber and be heard directly in Washington D.C., Austin, and locally at our county and city level. Your Chamber is voicing the concerns of business at every level! See page 8 for more information on our current legislative activitieszz.

We are so lucky to live in the best community in the best state in the best country on Earth. Your Chamber of Commerce is proud that for 100 years we have played our part. Businesses joining together to promote business. The Chamber of Commerce is all of YOU.

Glen Brewer President/CEO

chamber CALENDAR

January 2018

01/18/2018 Business After Hours The Phillips Event Center

01/24/2018 Economic Outlook Conference Hilton College Station

01/29/2018 New Member Orientation Chamber of Commerce

February 2018

02/06/2018 Glen Shepard Seminar Hilton College Station

02/15/2018 Business After Hours Watercrest at Bryan

02/20/2018 Taste of Aggieland Brazos County Expo

02/26/2018 Lunch & Learn Sponsored by Rentsys

March 2018

03/08/2018 Business After Hours

Bridal Association of the Brazos Valley

03/16/2018 Crawfish Boil Brazos County Expo

03/29/2018 Chamber Day 2018

03/29/2018 Business After Hours Allen Honda

2 presidential PERSPECTIVES

4 new MEMBERS

5 business AFTER HOURS

6 volunteer FOCUS

7 economic OUTLOOK CONFERENCE

8 legislative AFFAIRS

9 chamber PROGRAMS

11 chamber PHOTOS

13 ribbon CUTTINGS

Axis Pipe and Tube, Inc.

Tanaka Ramen

Beltrand Pavement Markings, LLC

Orangetheory Fitness CS

RE/MAX BryanCollege Station

ProActive

Chiropractic

Cornerstone Sports Medicine

RE/MAX Select

Cherry Blow Dry Bar

Blake’s Steaks

new MEMBERS

New Inner Circle Members

1451 Louis E. Mikulin Rd. Bryan, TX 77807 (281) 628-5797 www.axispipeandtube.com

1617 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 704-5060 www.tanakaramen.com

Morningstar Storage of Bryan/College Station

Image Solutions

Honolulu Poke House

6631 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 779-4613 www.imagesolutions.us

1619 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 704-5054

2704 Boonville Rd. Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 985-5450 www.morningstarstorage.com

New Members

3810 Harvey Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 776-7785

1025 University Dr., Suite 103 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 213-5696

3030 University Drive E College Station, TX 77845 (979) 764-6000

900 Harvey Road, Suite 9B College Station, TX 77840 (979) 704-3064

3201 University Drive, Suite 320 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-5029

750 William D. Fitch, Suite 210 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 846-4500

3975 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (409) 790-2399

700 University Drive East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 676-7885

Stephen Gustitis, Criminal Defense Attorney

Metroflex BCS

The Vintage

CityView Southwest, LLC

Sunshine Fun Pools

BVAmerican Heart Association

Walker Partners

Perry Properties

102 E 26th Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 823-9111

1517 South Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-6911

1101 Southwest Parkway College Station, TX 77840 (979) 693-0804

12633 State Highway 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 776-9105

4200 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-3343

801 Dellwood, PMB 111 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 268-0068

2700 Earl Rudder Fwy, Suite 1600 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 599-9870

3009 Hummingbird Circle Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 775-4448

Visit www.bcschamber.org for program details and an Ambassador application or contact carrie@bcschamber.org.

volunteer FOCUS

Ambassador of the Month

It’s an honor being named ambassador of the month for October and November. Being a part of such a wonderful group of individuals dedicated to the betterment of Bryan/College Station is truly a blessing. Bryan-College Station is unique in so many aspects, and our ambassadors are a part of that. I am very thankful to be acknowledged and a part of our BCS Ambassadors.

As a financial professional, I understand that my ability to help you reach your goals rests on the trust you place in me—a trust that has to be earned. Because I’m with New York Life, you can rest assured that I conduct my business in a way that reflects the values and beliefs that have guided our company for more than 170 years. We believe that being good at what we do defines our character. That’s why I’m proud to say, “I’m an agent with New York Life.”

economic OUTLOOK

2018 Economic Outlook Conference

Sponsored by Wells Fargo

January 24th • Hilton College Station

Presented by the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo Bank, the 2018 Economic Outlook Conference will be held on Wednesday, January 24th at the Hilton College Station beginning at 8:00 am.

This year’s theme, Challenges & Opportunities, will provide valuable insights into the business climate of our community through speakers and panel discussions. Individual tickets and reserved tables are still available. For more information, or to RSVP, call (979) 260-5200 or email jordan@bcschamber.org

COFFEE WITH THE LEADERS

7:00 a.m. Sponsored by Hilton College Station

2018 EOC Sponsors

Brazos County Judge Duane Peters

City of Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson

City of College Station Mayor Karl Mooney

Bryan ISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck

College Station ISD Superintendent Dr. Clark Ealy

REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST

WELCOME

LEADERSHIP MOMENTS

SESSION I

Harnessing the MomentumMarketplace & Employment Outlook

7:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Texas Commercial Waste

8:00 a.m.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo

8:15 a.m.

8:45 a.m. Sponsored by Texas A&M University

BREAK 9:15 a.m. Sponsored by CHI St. Joseph Health

SESSION II

A Look Ahead: 2018 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by BTU

BREAK 10:45 a.m. Sponsored by Aggieland Carpet One

SESSION III

Managing Growth & Expectations 11:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C.

LUNCH 12:15 p.m. Sponsored by Guaranty Bank & Trust

KEYNOTE

SPEAKER

Case Studies of Successes 12:35 p.m.

Glen Brewer President/CEO, B/CS Chamber of Commerce

Chad E. Wootton Associate Vice President-External Affairs, TAMU Office of the Provost

Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez, Ret. Commandant, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Matt Prochaska President/CEO, Research Valley Partnership

Russell Dempsey CEO, Express Employment Professionals

Natalie Ruiz Director of Economic Development, City of College Station

Kevin Russell Director of Economic Development, City of Bryan

Judge Duane Peters Brazos County

Kindra Fry President, Experience Bryan College Station

Dr. Jim Gaines Chief Economist, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University

Dr. James Nelson Director of Special Academic Initiatives, RELLIS Campus

Spencer Clements Principal, ATLAS and Traditions Development

Tim Crowley Project Director, Tower Point

2018 Federal Legislative Action Plan legislative AFFAIRS

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs committee is currently seeking input on local economic issues that concern you and your business, as we develop our 2018 Federal Legislative Action Plan (FLAP). In the past, this action plan has taken topics such as, tax code reform, medicare and social security reform, and higher education research funding, to government leaders in Congress. To participate in this survey, and as your business’ voice to our Washington D.C. delegation, visit www.bcschamber.org/legislativeaffairs.

The 18th Annual Federal Delegation will travel to Washington D.C. on May 7th until May 10th to meet with federal legislators on behalf of local business, education and government. The delegation, through the assistance of Congressman Bill Flores and his staff, meet with all 36 House of Representatives members from Texas and our two state senators where they present the 2018 Chamber of Commerce Federal Legislative Action Plan. Congressman Flores’ office also arranges meetings with senior leadership members of the House of Representatives, including the Speaker of the House, House Majority Leader and several committee chairs. If you are interested in joining the Chamber delegation this year, contact Bonnie Loehr at bonnie@bcschamber.org.

Legislative Affairs Committee Chairs

Mary Lynne Stratta—City of Bryan Ron Schmidt—Texas Commercial Waste

Federal Legislative Action Plan Chair

Mike Connor—Bryan Texas Utilities

chamber PROGRAMS

Glenn Shephard Leadership Seminar

Tuesday,

February 6th • Hilton College Station

We are excited to announce that Glenn Shepard Seminars, a Chamber of Commerce Member, will be conducting a special seminar offered to all Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce members. Glenn Shepard Seminars is a wellknown and respected company throughout the nation, and we are excited that they have chosen our community to host this special seminar. This year’s seminar will focus on how to “be the manager other managers envy and bosses can’t wait to reward”.

Held at the Hilton College Station, this leadership seminar will begin at 9:30 am and last until 3:30 pm. The program will include real world strategies needed to improve workplace skills and teach tips and tricks needed to build a happier, more productive workplace environment. Additionally, this seminar will cover three principles critical to the success of a star manager: starting with the best people, managing Generation Y, and delegating your way to success.

This is the 5th time the Chamber of Commerce will host Glenn Shephard. Attendees always leave excellent reviews and leave the seminar inspired. At the seminar, Mr. Shepard will be giving away free management tools and he will be available

Lunch & Learn with Rentsys

Monday, February 26th • Chamber Boardroom

Join the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce and Rentsys for a Lunch and Learn with the FBI on Monday, February 26th from 11:45 am until 1:00 pm.

Intellectual property theft and insider theft are just fancy words regarding the process when someone steals information from your company, which can compromise your company and possibly the security of our nation. Many experts suggest every employer assume their business is already compromised, but many just don’t understand. This lunch and learn will explain three things:

1. What are the ways you are being compromised?

2. Who can you talk to if you have questions or reason to suspect a problem?

3. How can you mitigate the problem and protect your company?

This event is free to attend, however seating is limited. To RSVP, please email Carrie Archer at carrie@bcschamber.org. This event is brown-bag style (lunch will not be provided).

after the program to answer any specific questions you may have.

Tuition for this seminar is $197 for Chamber Members and $247 for non-members. When three or more attendees register, the fourth attends for free. To register, please contact Carrie Archer at (979) 260-5200 or carrie@bcschamber.org.

Community Impact Awards

Tuesday, February 27th • Phillips Event Center

Nominations are now being accepted for the 16th Annual Community Impact Awards. The Community Impact Award program was started in 2003 to recognize Hispanic, AfricanAmerican, Asian, American-Indian, women, and/or service disabled veteran business owners who have demonstrated a significant impact in our community.

To be eligible for this awards, businesses MUST: 1. Be a member of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce

2. Meet HUB Certification requirements of at least 51% minority ownership 3. Have been in business for a minimum of five years

To download a nomination form and to see previous winners, please visit www.bcschamber.org/CommunityImpactAwards.

Award winners will be honored at a luncheon on Tuesday, February 27th at the Phillips Event Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Carrie Archer at (979) 260-5200 or carrie@bcschamber.org.

This event is sponsored by Texas A&M Procurement Services.

Taste of Aggieland

Tuesday, February 20th • Brazos County Expo

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and title sponsor The Taste of BCS, in partnership with the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, will host the 23rd Annual Taste of Aggieland on February 20, 2018 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Brazos County Expo.

Attendees will be able to sample entrées, desserts, and drinks from restaurants, caterers, hotels, and beverage companies from all over the Brazos Valley.

Tickets, available for $30, include all you can eat samples from participating restaurants and can be purchased at the Chamber offices, KESCO Restaurant Supply, and online, if you are a Chamber member, at www.bcschamber.org. Tickets will also be available the night of the event.

For more information, please contact Jordan Prihoda by phone at (979) 260-5200 or by email at jordan@bcschamber. org.

Is your restaurant interested in participating? Visit www. bcschamber.org/a-taste-of-aggieland to download the restaurant registration form.

chamber PROGRAMS

2017 Taste of Aggieland Winners

Best Overall Shipwreck Grill

Best Appetizer Napa Flats

Best Dessert Cake Junkie

Best Entrée Outback Steakhouse

chamber PHOTOS

(LEFT) Golf Classic Committee Members Jared Salvato, Kathy Savell, Renee Wiens and Ben Caldwell worked hard and played hard at the Chamber’s annual tournament.

(RIGHT Golf Classic Committee Co-Chairs Scott Rolfsmeyer and Theresa Clark planned all year to host one of the Chamber’s most successful tournaments to date. Thirty-eight teams competed at a sold out Pebble Creek

Lobsterfest volunteers Jared and Amber Salvato and Rachel Crane.

(LEFT) John Anderson, with Merrill Lynch, ready to enjoy his Lobsterfest dinner.

Volunteers Theresa Clark, Brenda Ponzio and Sheree Boegner take a break from serving over 400 lobster and steak dinners.

The BB&T Golf Team (Glen Davis, David Helms, Michael King and Mark Bearden) had a great day on the course and placed third overall.

(LEFT) Rich White with HEB Villa Maria concentrates on his short game during the 2017 Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic.

The Brenham National Bank Team (Tee Dippel, Nathan Van Noord, Windol Cook and John Haskarl) pose beside a 2018 Ford Mustang, courtesy of College Station Ford, the Hole-in-One Sponsor.

KBTX’s Courtney Burris takes a pretty swing at the 2017 Golf Classic.

Country Club.

(LEFT) Drayton McLane, Jr., founder of the McLane Group and former owner of the Houston Astros, greets Inner Circle chamber members at the 2017 Annual Banquet on behalf of Texas Central Rail, who sponsored the Annual Banquet Inner Circle Reception.

Over 475 attendees were present at the 19th Annual Ag Breakfast to celebrate the farmers and ranchers that contribute to our local Ag Economy, and to honor Agricultural Impact Award recipients Judge Duane and Bettie

Also honored was the Agricultural

Banquet Keynote Speaker General Mark Welsh poses with Chamber Board Chairman Crystal Dupre, Immediate Past Board Chairman David O’Neil and Chamber President/CEO Glen Brewer.

Peters (pictured ABOVE).

Business Award recipient, The Eagle Land & Livestock Post.

Representatives with TDI-Brooks International meet with students at the 2017 Youth-to-Career Fair. Over 3,000 eight graders traveled to the Expo Center to learn about local businesses and help choose their future career paths.

The 2017 Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet honored (from LEFT to RIGHT) Ambassador of the Year Debbie Holladay, Citizen of the Year Judge Al Jones, and Volunteer of the Year Hans Hammond.

Chamber President Glen Brewer and Board Chairman Crystal Dupre congratulate the winning 2017 Chamber Fitness Challenge Team, Debbie Smith, Teresa Van Hyfte, Cindy Frenzel and Cindy Buban, and Coach Henry Hall with D1 Sports Training. The winners were announced at the Fall Health & Wellness Luncheon sponsored by CHI St. Joseph Health and Elms Orthodontics.

CONNECTIONS

Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 3579

Bryan, TX 77805-3579

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