2018 July Connections

The Chamber’s Centennial Celebration

night Experience 100 Years of Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce History

Strengthening our community, by doing our part.

At The Bank & Trust, we believe an exceptional community deserves an exceptional bank! Our bankers are members of the community, just like you. We’re particularly proud to support the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and its dedication to supporting local businesses. Together, we are strengthening our community!

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

JERRY

A.

ROBERT S. DAVIS, JR.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CHIEF CREDIT OFFICER PAST CHAMBER CHAIRMAN 2001

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

Ricardo Diaz

David Doss

Gabriel Garcia

Susan Gipson

Bobby Gutierrez

Tracy Kyle

James Larkin

Tai Lee

Sylvia McMullen

Shane Phelps

Jay Primavera

Kori Rich

Travis Rollis

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

Kaley Crump

Special Projects Coordinator

Allison Batte

Executive Assistant

Haley Galloway

Receptionist

Linda Espiriqueta

presidential PERSPECTIVES

Happy birthday to the Chamber! 100 years young and strong as ever, your B/CS Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary this year. We trace our beginnings back to 1918 as the Bryan and Brazos County Chamber of Commerce. Every year since, this group of businesses, business professionals, and others has been working hard to ensure that the Bryan/College Station market has the best possible climate for commerce. Founders Night, on July 12th, seems like the ideal time to celebrate our past 100 years while we continue to look toward the future. In the heart of historic Downtown Bryan, in the beautifully restored Ice House on Main, we will have past leaders from Bryan, College Station, Brazos County, and of course, the business community, mingling with present and future leaders of the Brazos Valley. It is a great setting for reflecting on where our Chamber and community have been and create connections that will help us achieve our goals for the future.

This past month, we were able to have some fun and say thank you to our local first responders at our 11th Annual Community Softball Classic and Profit Share. Our business community could not be as successful as we are without the safety and security that our local first responders provide. We had a record crowd come see some terrific softball between the local fire and police departments. We were able to raise funds for The 100 Club and also raise awareness about the fantastic individuals and departments we have protecting us in B/CS.

100 years down and many more to come -- your Chamber of Commerce is here for the B/CS business community every day! This year we glance back to our roots, but we are always looking forward to a bright and exciting future for all of our businesses.

President & CEO

Glen Brewer

chamber CALENDAR

JULY 2018

07/12/2018 Founders Night A Centennial Celebration

07/19/2018 Business After Hours Parc at Traditions

AUGUST 2018

08/09/2018 Business After Hours Atkinson Toyota

08/28/2018 Business After Hours The Hilton College Station

08/29/2018 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon The Hilton College Station

SEPTEMBER 2018

09/16/2018 Lobsterfest The Brazos Center

09/17/2018 Golf Classic Traditions Club

09/20/2018 Business After Hours Sterling Auto Group

1 presidential PERSPECTIVES

3 new MEMBERS

4 business AFTER HOURS

5 volunteer FOCUS

6 founders NIGHT

7 legislative AFFAIRS

8 lobsterfest & GOLF CLASSIC

10 chamber PHOTOS

12 ribbon CUTTINGS

new MEMBERS

New Inner Circle Members

12th Kan Portable Restrooms

20 Nine 20 Offroad

Eye Care CenterTower Point

Frios Gourmet Pops - Aggieland

Ag Town Property Maintenance

1713 Summerwood Loop Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 229-8795 www.12thkanrestrooms.com

1306 S Texas Ave Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 820-7100 www.20nine20.com

903 William D. Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 779-9000 www.youreyecarecenter.com

3606 E 29th St. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 446-6067 www.friospops.com

6762 Batts Ferry Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 799-6686

New Members

Andrews Financial Services

Balance & Wellness Clinical Massage

BCS Lawn And More

Dat Dog

Drifting Creatives

GMA Restoration Inc

Holley’s Window Fashions

Howdy Marketing

1716 Briarcrest Ste. 300 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 203-3606

505 University Drive E College Station, TX 77840 (936) 419-6293

1913 E Wm J Bryan Pkwy Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 705-5296

100 Church St. Ste. 1200 College Station, TX 77840 (817) 733-6320

909 Harvey Rd, Suite A College Station, TX 77840 (801) 473-4873

3515 Longmire, Suite 3515 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 446-2821

4091 Highway 6 South, Suite A College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-8889

Motel / Studio 6 - Bryan

Polar Bear Pools and Patios LLC

1601 S Texas Ave Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 822-6196 www.motel6.com

6762 Batts Ferry Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 571-9088 www.polarbearpoolsandpatios.com

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

TM5 Properties

Wyndham Garden Hotel College Station

177 Joe Routt Boulevard College Station, TX 77843 (888) 65-GIGEM (44436) www.texasamhotelcc.com

3091 University Dr East, Ste 230 College Station, TX 77802 (979) 703-1979 www.tm5properties.com

2829 Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77845 (877) 999-3223 www.wyndham.com

Mike Evans Family Foundation

Mike’s Barber Studio

Mo’s Irish Pub

Reyes Communication Consulting

Staffing Texas LLC

The Break Room

Tru Fit Athletic Clubs

PO Box 271850 Tampa, FL 33688 (620) 680-0152

607 University Dr East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-7648

1025 University Dr , Suite 101 College Station, TX 77840 (469) 617-1512

2124 Dumfries Drive Bryan, TX 77807 (901) 412-9002

712 E. Villa Maria #106 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 268-5511

1400-A Creek Circle Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 822-7325

2412 Texas Ave South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 599-9080

2307 Pheasant Ln College Station, TX 77845 (210) 273-7357

White Elm Day Spa

214 Elm Ave Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 575-9292

volunteer FOCUS

Ambassador of the Month

What an honor to be named the May Ambassador of the Month with so many wonderful Ambassadors on the team of 42 of us. It is a privilege to represent the BCS Sister Cities International (SCI)) organization with the BCS Chamber.

SCI was organized to promote peace, one community and one person at a time. Our SCI works with three cities: Greifswald, Germany; Salamanca, Mexico, and Bastogne, Belgium. SCI organizes cultural exchange lasting from 6 to 12 days for high school youth and adults. Youth who go to one of the Sister Cities usually stay with youth of their own age, then are hosts the next year for the youth from that visited city when they come to BCS. Some of these exchanges result in long lasting friendships after the exchange is completed.

Dave Ruesink

BCS Sister Cities

chamber PROGRAMS

Founders Night is a fun, mix and mingle event with great food, beverages, casino games, music and prizes in support of the Chamber’s leadership programs. By celebrating the establishment and development of our twin cities, the event provides an opportunity to interact with our past, present, and future leaders.

This year, in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, we invite you to join us in walking through the history of our service to this community.

2018 D.C. Delegation Trip

One of the most important functions the B/CS Chamber of Commerce performs is representing our local business community to elected leaders in our state and national capitals. Each May, a delegation of business and community leaders travels to Washington, D.C., to present our Federal Legislative Action Plan (FLAP). It addresses areas identified by Chamber members as the most important issues to the operation and future of their businesses.

Along with the entire Texas Congressional delegation, we also meet with elected officials from other states, committee chairs, federal agency representatives, U.S. Cabinet members, the House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House. Our Congressman, the Honorable Bill Flores, with help from his wife and staff, arranges for the Bryan-College Station delegation to spend a day with federal officials discussing issues of national, state and local importance. Having this opportunity gives our business community a direct voice to express concerns, make suggestions, and gather feedback about the future of business in Texas and in the U.S. as a whole.

is spent during this legislative trip working in teams, visiting as many legislator offices as possible to review the FLAP.

By maintaining a regular presence in our nation’s capital and voicing a consistent probusiness legislative agenda, our delegation has become known as one that is succinct with information that federal legislators view as important and timely.

Members of the B/CS Chamber delegation pay for this trip out of their own pockets, demonstrating their commitment to good business through good government. I would like to extend a special thanks to Mike Connor of BTU for chairing the FLAP Subcommittee.

For more information about the Legislative Affairs Committee and to download the FLAP, visit www.bcschamber.org/legislativeaffairs.

Our delegation also meets with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to gather insight into business and legislative trends impacting businesses across the country. A day

City of Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson, Congressman Bill Flores, and Chef Tai Lee enjoy dinner at D.C. local hot spot, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant.

2018 D.C. Delegates in front of The White House.

Mary Lynne Stratta serves as City Secretary and Communications-Legislative Director for the City of Bryan.

Mary Lynne Stratta Co-Chair of Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee

Lobsterfest Golf Classic chamber PROGRAMS

Sunday, September 16, 2018

The Brazos Center

Monday, September 17, 2018 Traditions Club

Dust off your golf clubs and bust out your lobster bibs, because it’s time for the Chamber of Commerce’s largest annual fundraiser, Lobsterfest & Golf Classic, sponsored by The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station! As a non-profit organization, the Chamber relies heavily on this two-day event to fund our many educational, leadership and community programs.

ALobsterfest will be held on Sunday, September 16 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at The Brazos Center. Join your Chamber and enjoy fresh Maine lobster, steaks from Outback Steakhouse plus all the trimmings! This event also features a live and silent auction.

Golf Classic will be held on Monday, September 17 at Traditions Club where teams of four will tee off at 9:00 a.m. Participating Golf Classic teams will receive polo shirts from C.C. Creations, goodie bags, plus four tickets to Lobsterfest. Breakfast, including a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, and lunch will be provided. A limited number of golf teams are available.

Sponsorships are available for this event. For more information please visit www.bcschamber.org or contact Jordan Prihoda by email at jordan@bcschamber.org or by phone at (979) 260-5200.

AA A

EconomicOutlook Briefing

MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018

11:30 AM-1:00 PM • THE HILTON COLLEGE STATION

The Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend an Economic Outlook Briefing to hear an overview of the 86th Texas Legislature. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Wednesday, July 11

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Hilton College Station

To purchase tickets, call 979.260.5200 or visit www.bcschamber.org

Leadership Luncheon

To purchase tickets for $30 or tables for $350, please call (979) 260-5200 or visit www.bcschamber.org.

chamber PHOTOS

LEFT: Members of the Chamber Washington D.C. delegation are briefed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

RIGHT: Chamber

President & CEO Glen Brewer, Board

Chair-Elect Vicki Reim and Board

Chair Crystal Dupre share the Federal Legislative Action Plan to the House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Congressman Bill

to the B/CS Chamber of Commerce delegation.

Congressman Flores and his staff scheduled a full day of meetings with high level elected officials, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, during the trip to Washington D.C.

ABOVE: Chamber President & CEO Glen Brewer, City of Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson, Congressman Kevin Brady, Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, Board Chair Crystal Dupre, Congressman Bill Flores, City of College Station Mayor Karl Mooney, review the FLAP together.

LEFT:

Flores speaks

LEFT: Chef Tai Lee poses with Senator Ted Cruz during the annual trip to D.C.

ABOVE: Congressman Bill Flores and his wife, Gina, join the members of the Washington D.C. delegation for dinner.

Right: The Leadership Brazos Class of 2018 poses with their graduation plaques alongside B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Glen Brewer, Community Liaison Royce Hickman, Board Chair Crystal Dupre, and LB Coordinators Vicky Recek, Elisabeth Reyes, Jill Gallagher, and JD Wood.

ABOVE: An applicant speaks with event sponsor The Reynolds & Reynolds Company at the 2018 Spring Job Fair held at The Hilton College Station. There were over 50 companies from the Brazos Valley area that participated in the search for new employees.

LEFT: Fire team Hot Stuff gathers with police team Cold Steel to celebrate another great Community Softball Classic. Congratulations to team Cold Steel on their win! Check out the 2018 Softball album on Facebook for more pictures from the day!

BELOW: Staff from Texas A&M University stopped by to thank Chamber members for participating in the 6th Annual Staff Appreciation Week.

LEFT: B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Glen Brewer joins Bryan Chief of Police Eric Buske Officer Melinda Fox, Officer Jim Berndt, and Bryan Fire Chief Randy McGregor at the Freddy’s Profit Share benefiting The 100 Club.

BELOW: Fire team Hot Stuff and police team Cold Steel battle it out on the field for this year’s bragging rights of winning the Community Softball Classic.

Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 3579

Bryan, TX 77805-3579