Connections




As President & CEO of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, I’m excited to share some recent highlights and initiatives that reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting and advocating for our local business community.
In May, we proudly hosted a successful Federal Legislative Delegation to Washington, D.C. This important visit gave Chamber members the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and key federal decision-makers, allowing us to directly voice the priorities and concerns of the Brazos Valley. We are confident that the connections made and the advocacy efforts will contribute to meaningful progress for both our members and the broader economic growth of Bryan/College Station.
We also recently celebrated the graduation of 40 individuals from the 42nd class of Leadership Brazos. From their retreat at Camp Allen to in-depth explorations of local sectors such as healthcare, education, government, criminal justice, and agriculture, this year’s class gained insights into what drives our community. Applications for the Class of 2026 will open in July, and we look forward to welcoming the next group of emerging leaders.
Additionally, the 11th Annual Founders Night, presented by the City of Bryan, was a success. This event honored the heritage of our twin cities and offered a meaningful opportunity for members of the community to connect, celebrate, and strengthen relationships. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to continuing these community traditions and building new memories together.
To stay up to date on all Chamber events and initiatives, follow us on social media or visit www.bcschamber.org.
Glen Brewer President/CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KARLA CASTILLO Board Chair
ZACH ETHERIDGE Chair-Elect Vice Chair Administration
DOUG FRENCH Immediate Past Chairman
SUZANNE NUEBERGER Vice Chair Business Enhancement
AMELIA MCCRACKEN Vice Chair Communications
MANNY MARTINEZ Vice Chair Membership Enhancement
GEORGE MCCOY Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources
JAY RUDINGER Vice Chair Community Enhancement
GENERAL JOE RAMIREZ Vice Chair Leadership Division
HANS HAMMOND JOHN ALLEN TYLER SMITH
CAULEY RHONDA WATSON
JOHN SEIGLER KANDIS MARTINEZ
LINDA CLARK CODY JONES
DOUG LYLES
JOSH KRUPA
JAIME CAVAZOS
JOEL BRYAN
JUSTIN MANNING PRENTISS MADISON
STAFF
GLEN BREWER President/CEO
ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison
CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership
HAYLEY BISACRE Manager of Business Development
JENNY BAKER Manager of Finance
VICTORIA MARTINEZ Marketing & Communications Coordinator
JAMIE HILL Communications & Events Assistant NOAH LEASURE Membership Sales Representative KELLI SANFORD
FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS
930 N. Earl Rudder Fwy Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 776-3549 freddysusa.com
FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS 913 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-1187 freddysusa.com
BRAZOS VALLEY POOLS & SPAS 4160 State Highway 6 S. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 693-8533 brazosvalleypools.com
K2 SHARE, LLC
1005 University Dr East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 260-0030
k2share.com
THE LAW OFFICE OF FRED A. MEDINA PLLC 216 N Bryan Avenue Suite 110 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 300-6771 fredmedinabrazoslaw.com
TEXAS PROFESSIONAL INSPECTIONS 4423 Toddington Lane College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-9401 texasproinspections.com
CONTAINER SOURCE STORAGE AND ROLL-OFF 12662 State Hwy 36 N Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 830-5350 containersourceinc.com
HEATH FAMILY DENTISTRY 2911 Texas Avenue South Suite 101 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 696-1121 heathfamilydentistrytx.com
KEPT CLASSIC HOMES, LLC 1555 Greens Prairie Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 429-2444 keptclassichomes.com
UNIVERSITY CHIROPRACTIC
404 University Drive E. Suite E College Station, TX 77840 (979) 446-0075 universitychiropractic.com
SOCO HEAD SPA 4020 Stillmeadow Drive Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 261-0499 socoheadspas.com
K2UNITED LLC
1005 University Dr East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 260-0030
k2united.com
ROCK LAKE RETREATS & EVENTS 8203 County Road 192 Anderson, TX 77830 (936) 873-2700 rocklakeretreatsevents.com
DOMAIN NORTHGATE 101 Church Avenue College Station, TX 77840 (979) 608-7001 domainnorthgate.com
VALOR AGENCY 1702 S Texas Avenue Suite D Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 450-7820 valoragencybcs.com
FADE FACTORY BARBER STUDIO 4010 Stillmeadow Drive Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 485-1214 fade-factory.com
BUBBA’S 33 1403 Earl Rudder Fwy. S. College Station, 77845 (979) 810-0070 bubbas33.com
HOUSE DOCTORS College Station, 77845 (979) 493-5074 housedoctors.com/collegestation
THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Bryan- College Station socialbutterflytx.com
BULLSEYE SITE SERVICE
7111 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 587-2021 bullseyesiteservices.com
LUCKY GOAT COFFEE
11667 FM 2154
Suite 800 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 450-7565 luckygoatcoffee.com
AG SOLAR GUARD INC.
3410 S Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-5091 agsolarguard.com
CLEAN EATZ
1800 Texas Ave S. Suite B College Station, TX 77840 (979) 485-1340 cleaneatz.com
VALLEY VALVE AND PIPE SUPPLY
3320 South College Avenue Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 779-7042 valleyvalveandpipe.com
DMILM
Bryan & College Station, TX (979) 803-0369 dmilm.com
SOUTHERN STAR ROOFING AND SEAMLESS GUTTERS
12948 Tonkaway Lake Road Suite 220 College Station, TX 77845 (979)721-9983 southern-star-roofing.com
BOCK REALTY GROUP
4438 Texas 6 Frontage Road Suite 502 College Station, TX 77845 979) 325-2134 bockrealtygroup.com
RED’S ICE HOUSE
1025 University Drive Suite 101 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 485-1004 redsicehousetx.com
FEDORA ROOFING CO.
Bryan - College Station (979) 204-8311 fedoraroofingco.com
BLACK TIE CONCIERGE INC
5035 Raymond Stotzer Parkway College Station, TX 77845 (979) 676-1233 blacktiecars.com
GRACE TRAVEL AND MOORE College Station, TX 77845 (832) 286-8404 gracetravelandmoore.com
LEADERSQ CONSULTING LLC College Station, TX 77845 (979) 800-338 leadersq.com
ESTATES AT PANTHER CREEK 12505 County Road #175 Iola, TX 77861 979-574-5158
facebook.com/EstatesAtPantherCreek
BCS PAWN 1673 Briarcrest Suite 100B Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 485-1700 brand.site/bcspawn
LOYALTY PLUMBING LLC
3805 Ranger Drive Suite C Bryan, TX 77801 (832) 447-1941 loyaltyplumbingllc.net
VERITAS ROOFING 511 University Dr E Suite 210 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 810-0199 veritasroofingtx.com
BLUEBONNET EQUINE
HUMANE SOCIETY College Station, TX 77841 (888) 542-5163 bluebonnetequine.org
CAVALIER CIGAR COMPANY
505 University Dr. E Suite 303 College Station, TX 77840 (979)693-6734 txcigar.com
THE JUNKLUGGERS OF BRAZOS VALLEY Bryan- College Station (979) 337-8642 junkluggers.com/brazos-valley
BALLEM HARMONY CLINIC 4500 Carter Creek Parkway Suite 101B Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 316-1849 ballemharmonyclinic.com
TEXAS STAR PROPANE 6086 East State Hwy 21 Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 710-7146 texasstarpropane.com
ORO REALTY
505 University Dr ive Suite 313 College Station, TX 77830 (979) 567-5309 ororealty.com
ALLUMINE HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE 1144 Midtown Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-6684 allumnehealth.com
PEACOCK LEGACY OF HOPE 3708 East 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 777-3911 peacocklegacy.org
SUZIE Q BAKES College Station, TX 77845 (979) 393-3286 instagram.com/suzieq_bakes
COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN 101 Crawfords Corner Road Suite 3400 Holmdel , NJ 07733 (732) 383-1950 colliersengineering.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BRYAN/ COLLEGE STATION, POWERED BY GETDESKY Bryan - College Station (979) 220-5682 getdesky.com/whibcspromos
JULY 10TH
Hosted By: PARC AT TRADITIONS
JULY 31ST
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 pm and wrap up around 7 pm. See you at the next event!
Hosted By: WOODLAND COTTAGES
AUGUST 21ST
Hosted By: KOLL OFFICE INTERIORS
SEPTEMBER 11TH
Hosted By: FROST BANK
IF YOUR BUSINESS IS INTERESTED IN HOSTING A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, CONTACT CARRIE ARCHER AT CARRIE@BCSCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION!
One of the most important roles of the Chamber is advocating for its nearly 1,700 members. One way we do this is through our annual legislative trip to Washington, D.C. This year, our delegation traveled to the nation’s capital from May 13–16.
In preparation for the trip, a group of local expert volunteers helped develop our Federal Legislative Action Plan (FLAP). The FLAP outlines our key requests to federal lawmakers on behalf of the Brazos County business community.
The major topics included in the Federal Legislative Action Plan are as follows:
1. Economic Development & Fiscal Responsibility
2. Healthcare
3. Transportation, Mobility & Infrastructure
4. Higher Education & Workforce Training
On the first evening of the trip, we visited the Texas A&M Bush School in Washington, where we received legislative updates from representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Texas A&M System.
The group, which included several small business owners, was able to ask direct questions about issues affecting their operations. Manny Martinez, owner of Manny’s Appliance, engaged in a conversation with a
lobbyist from his industry about how upcoming policies might impact workforce availability and parts access.
Flexibility is always a key theme of our annual trip to Washington. Since we can never predict exactly what we’ll encounter, we remain ready to adapt and make the most of our time, meeting with as many lawmakers as possible. We aim to connect with all Texas lawmakers and/or their staff—many of whom look forward to a “Howdy” from fellow Texans each year.
Flexibility was especially important the next day, when our teams dispersed across Capitol Hill to share the FLAP. Despite the busy schedule, as lawmakers were in committee meetings and working on budget reconciliation, our teams efficiently delivered the FLAP talking points. Offices visited included those of Senator John Cornyn, Senator Ted Cruz, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Randy Weber, Rep. Jodey Arrington, Rep. Sylvia Garcia, and more. We visit both Democratic and Republican offices, as we advocate for the needs of our entire community.
On Thursday, we spent the day inside the Capitol, where we heard directly from lawmakers including Senator Cornyn, Rep. McCaul, Rep. Pete Sessions, Rep. Michael McCloud, Chairman Mark Green, Rep. Brian Babin, Jeff Freeland from the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, and Senator Cruz.
During these sessions, another member of our delegation, Reagan Manning, co-owner of C&J Bar-B-Que, asked Senator Cruz for clarification on the “No Tax on Tips” measure under consideration. It was a valuable opportunity to get detailed information directly from a policymaker.
The federal legislative trip is impactful for many reasons. The delegation includes passionate individuals representing a wide range of industries, and we arrive with one unified message on behalf of businesses and residents in Brazos County, Bryan, and College Station. Beyond the meetings, the trip also provides meaningful opportunities for bonding. Whether dealing with flight delays or enjoying evening activities, we get to connect on a deeper level with fellow community leaders—building professional and personal relationships that leave a lasting impression.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredibly talented delegation members who took time to advocate on behalf of their neighbors. We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors for their support: C&J Bar-B-Que, Patterson Architects, Comcast/Xfinity, Copy Corner, Blinn College, Texas A&M University, Twin Oaks Landfill.
Written By: Karla Castillo B/CS Chamber Board Chair
For those interested in contributing to the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, the B/CS Chamber Legislative Committee offers an opportunity to help shape policy at the local, state, and federal levels. The committee forms subcommittees focused on a range of issues—from economic development and infrastructure to workforce training—and plays a key role in planning the Chamber’s legislative trips to Austin and Washington, D.C. It also ensures Chamber representation at local council meetings and organizes forums where candidates can share their views on business-related topics.
To learn more or to get involved, please contact Kelli Sanford at kelli@bcschamber.org.
To the Members of the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Constituents of House District 12,
Serving as your state representative is one of the greatest honors of my life. As someone who calls this district home, I understand the pride we take in our communities, our values, and the hardworking spirit that defines the Brazos Valley and surrounding areas.
This legislative session has been a time of learning, focus, and real progress. I came to the State Capitol with a clear goal: to be a strong advocate for the people of House District 12. That means listening to your concerns, putting our communities first, and advancing policy that reflects the priorities we share.
I was proud to pass my first bill into law, House Bill 2217 which creates a statewide grant program to help local law enforcement install bullet resistant components in patrol vehicles. This legislation was inspired by a successful local initiative and is now set to benefit departments across Texas. My other legislation focused on local initiatives that respond directly to the needs of our communities, including measures to strengthen public safety, support rural healthcare, and improve local governance. Additionally, I supported efforts to reduce regulatory barriers, support small businesses, improve public safety, and expand economic opportunity for working families.
Every decision I make is guided by the input I receive from residents across the district. Whether I am visiting with local officials, attending community events, or reading the messages sent to my office, I am always listening. Your voice shapes my work, and I take that responsibility seriously.
This job is about more than voting on legislation. It is about building relationships, solving problems, and making sure our communities are seen and heard in every conversation that impacts our future. That is what I show up to do every day.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I will continue to work hard, stay grounded in the values of this district, and deliver results we can all be proud of.
Sincerely
Trey Wharton
State Representative,
Texas House District 12
Dear Members of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce,
Serving as your state representative in my first term has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your trust and for the warm welcome I’ve received from so many of you across the district.
As a lifelong resident of this community and a proud graduate of Texas A&M, I’ve always known Bryan/College Station to be a place where small businesses thrive, families put down roots, and neighbors look out for one another. Now, having the chance to serve our community in the Texas House, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply that spirit of service and enterprise runs through everything we do.
During the recent legislative session, my focus remained clear: keep our community safe, grow our economy, invest in education, and support the hardworking families and businesses that make this region strong. I’ve had the chance to meet with many of you, hear your concerns, and bring your ideas to the table in Austin. That’s a responsibility I take seriously every day.
As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue partnering with local leaders and the Chamber to strengthen our business climate and ensure Bryan/College Station remains one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family in Texas.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to many more conversations and partnerships as I continue serving our community.
Sincerely,
Paul Dyson State Representative House District 14
TRACEY SCASTA, O D (979) 695-2020
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J. CRAIG SCASTA, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. (979) 260-2626
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There’s something magical about discovering the hidden gems of your hometown—the people, the history, the systems, and the opportunities that shape our home. For me, Leadership Brazos was just that: a deep dive into the soul of the Brazos Valley. The experience was eye-opening and something I recommend to anyone curious about the inner-workings of our community. Leadership Brazos is more than a leadership program—it’s a nine month experience that introduces you to the leadership, industries, and challenges shaping our community and introduces ways to make a difference amidst these challenges. From behindthe-scenes tours of the local government and economy to in-depth conversations about education, agriculture, infrastructure, and quality of life, each session connects you more deeply with the people and systems that keep us running.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was meeting and getting to know my classmates. Our class was made up of passionate, driven individuals from all walks of life—nonprofit leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs—all bringing unique perspectives and a shared love for our community. Through bus rides, meals, and secret activities, we didn’t just become classmates, we became more - a lifelong network of future collaborators, cheerleaders, and friends.
People often ask what Leadership Brazos is like and I tell them it’s essentially monthly field trips for adults with retreats and happy hours sprinkled in. And even more so, Leadership Brazos inspired me to look at our town with new eyes. I left each session with a stronger sense of pride and a deeper commitment to being part of the solutions that make our area thrive. Whether you’re new to town or a lifelong resident, this program gives you the tools, connections, and motivation to lead in the Brazos Valley.
When next year’s applications open, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. If you care about our community, want to learn more about how to help, and want to meet new friends, become a part of Leadership Brazos.
- Amelia McCracken
I don’t even have words to describe what a year it was. I feel so honored to be a part of Leadership Brazos Class of 2025! I’m so sad for it to be over, but so happy to know that I gained lifelong friends from this experience.
Proud to be a part of this great group of leaders!
Absolutely honored to have been part of such an incredible program and group! If you’re considering joining the next Leadership Brazos class, do it— you won’t regret it. It’s an unforgettable experience that comes with lifelong friendships!
I can’t describe how much this program has meant to me! I’ve gotten to see and learn so many things about the Brazos community that I never knew about. Now, I have 40 new besties & a great appreciation for BCS!!
Leadership Brazos was an incredible experience—one I’ll never forget. I gained valuable knowledge and had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring people. While I’m sad to see it come to an end, I’m excited for what lies ahead.
4466 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 693-9852 bnbank.bank
Oakmont Subdivision Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 977-5803 rnlhomes.com
5998 Imperial Loop Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 426-1088 summitcompanies.com
1403 Earl Rudder Fwy. S. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 810-0070 bubbas33.com
GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
1000 George Bush Drive West College Station, TX 77845 (979) 691-4000 bush41.org
703-4421
4160 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 314-3344 bcspurewater.com
BRAZOS VALLEY AC SERVICES & REPAIR
1132 Midtown Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 589-7816 southernsmilesbcs.com BCS PURE WATER & BRAZOS VALLEY POOLS & SPAS
Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 202-0076 bvacservices.com
3991 East 29th Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 595-2800 bvcog.org/programs
Bryan - College Station alz.org
SOUTHERN SMILES FAMILY AND COSMETIC
Greens Prairie Reserve College Station, TX (979) 341-6065 rnlhomes.com
3410 S. Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-5091 agsolarguard.com
Congratulations to KBTX Evening News
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 contactvictoria@bcschamber.org
Anchor Rusty Surette on celebrating 10 years on the air! As the anchor and executive producer of KBTX’s evening newscasts, Rusty has become one of the Brazos Valley’s most trusted voices and influential media personalities. With nearly 25 years in local television, his career spans award-winning work as an anchor, investigative reporter, and photojournalist. Rusty is also deeply involved in the community, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and emceeing major events like the Hispanic Forum Scholarship Gala and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor Gala. A proud Leadership Brazos alum, Rusty’s commitment to service shines both on and off the screen.
Congratulations to Kristi Fox Stasky and the Kristi Fox Real Estate Group for receiving the Be Remarkable Award, presented by Daniel Stark! Their commitment to the Homes for Heroes program has made a powerful impact—since 2015, they’ve closed 553 hero transactions and returned over $1.1 million in Hero Rewards to those who serve our communities. From first responders and military personnel to healthcare workers and educators, the group’s dedication to giving back has helped change lives and strengthen the Brazos Valley in remarkable ways.
A heartfelt congratulations to Kristen ’83 and David Cox, owners of 12th Man Technology, on being named Texas A&M University’s Parents of the Year for 2025–2026! This distinguished honor recognizes their steadfast devotion to family, community, and the Aggie Spirit. Nominated by their son Kyle Cox ’18, a doctoral student, the Coxes exemplify the values of service, integrity, and loyalty. Their ongoing support of Texas A&M and the wider community continues to inspire, making them truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
VeraBank is proud to welcome William “Billy” Brannon as the new Senior Vice President & Commercial Banker at their College Station location. A Sam Houston State University graduate with an MBA in Banking & Financial Institutions, Billy brings years of experience in commercial banking, including SBA lending, land development, and homebuilder finance. His passion for supporting local businesses aligns perfectly with VeraBank’s mission. As VeraBank prepares to open a second College Station branch this June at 3000 Barron Rd., Billy looks forward to making a lasting impact. Outside of work, he enjoys giving back through community service and spending time with his family.
The lights are coming up on another unforgettable year as OPAS proudly announces its 53rd season lineup! This
year’s theme, “The Power of Story and Song,” brings a dynamic array of performances to Aggieland, including Broadway favorites The Music Man and Mrs. Doubtfire, the return of the electrifying Blue Man Group, Mark Twain Tonight, the globally acclaimed Choir of Man, and more. Don’t miss the chance to experience these worldclass performances right here in the Brazos Valley. For tickets and more details, visit opastickets.org.
American Momentum Bank has appointed Casey Oldham, CEO and chief investment officer of Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC, to its Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate and a strong record of community involvement, Oldham brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role. A proud Texas A&M graduate, he co-founded Oldham Goodwin Group in Bryan-College Station, growing it into a statewide firm managing over $3 billion in property assets. His appointment reflects not only his professional achievements, but also his ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and serving the communities of the Brazos Valley and beyond.