2020 March/April Connection

CON NEC TIONS BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MARCH - APRIL 2020

A STEP AHEAD H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S I N T H E B R A Z O S VA L L E Y

LOCAL B US I N ESS Equipped for Life

C HAMBER PRO GRAMS Events to Stay Fit

CO MMUNIT Y EVENTS

The MS150 Comes to Town

Local bankers STILL Putting You F RST. At First Financial Bank, relationships are crucial to us. Our name may be different, but our values and our mission to serve Bryan/College Station remains unchanged. That’s why the same local bankers will still greet you at your favorite location, we’ve just added a few more locations throughout the great state of Texas!

Call or stop by today and experience what we mean when we say, “Putting You First.”

Features

Calendar

2

MARCH

P RESI DE N T I AL P E RSP E C T I VES

03.04 .20 G LE N S HE PHA R D LU N C HE ON Hilton College Station

A Message from Glen Brewer

03.05 .20

3 6

BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S

N E W ME MB E RS

Brazos Valley Bridal Association

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

03.19.20 HE A LT H & W E LLN ESS LU N C HE ON Phillips Event Center

WH AT T H E H E ALT H ?

03.20.20 C R AW F I S H BOI L

8 10 14

Brazos County Expo

C H AMB E R P RO GRAMS

03.26 .20

Health & Wellness Committee

C HA M BE R DAY

03.26 .20

LO C AL B USI N ESS

BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S

Equipped for Life

Allen Honda

APRIL C O MMUN I T Y E VE N TS Riding for a Cure

04 .02.20 WAT E R C OOLE R 5 K

LakeWalk Town Center

04 .16 .20

22

BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S C H AMB E R SP OT L I GH T The Floor is Yours...

The Ranch Harley Davidson

04 .27.20 N E W M E M BE R OR I E N TAT I ON B/CS Chamber of Commerce

24 FFIN.COM

DE LUX E RI B B O N C UT T I N GS Celebrate the Start of Something New in B/CS

04 .29.20 S PR I N G J OB FA I R

Hilton College Station

ChamberConnections/Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.1/20

MEMBER FDIC

MARCH - APRIL 2020

1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Presidential Perspectives

H

owdy, The year is off to a great start at the Chamber! We learned about the continuing growth of our community at our Economic Outlook Conference in January, and we got a taste of the some of the best food in the Brazos Valley at our Taste of Aggieland in February. Congratulations once again to the winners of our 2020 Community Impact Awards, Rayne Knight-Zingelmann, Tricia Barksdale, and Salim & Shireen Ismail.

The Chamber recognizes that businesses are only as strong as their employees, and good businesses prioritize the health and well-being of their staff. The Chamber’s Health and Wellness Committee is focused on promoting a healthy workforce through informative luncheons, the Watercooler 5k, and our

BOAR D O F DI R EC TO R S P H I L SHACK ELF OR D Board Chair

GR EG Z W EI ACK ER Chair-Elect

VI CK I R EI M

Immediate Past Chairman

J ASON COR N ELI U S

new Wellness Challenge. This issue of Connections magazine highlights our healthcare related Chamber members and their impact on our community.

We are also gearing up for the 22nd Annual Crawfish Boil, hosted by the Chamber’s Ag Council! We look forward to seeing everyone out at the Brazos County Expo on March 20th for food, drinks, networking, and of course, lots of crawfish! Proceeds from this event benefit our local 4H and FFA students and are used to purchase projects at the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show.

On March 26th, we will be out in the community visiting over 1500 local businesses for Chamber Day. This is our way of touching base with our local businesses and learning about the issues important to them.

Thank you to Brazos County for their sponsorship of this event and to all of our amazing volunteers!

The Chamber is grateful to our members for continuing to build a stronger, healthier business community. Thank you for your membership and everything you do to make our Brazos Valley the best place to live, work, and play.

Vice Chair of Leadership

J A M ES L AR K I N

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

S U SAN GI PSON

Vice Chair of Business Development

WA DE B ECK M AN

Vice Chair of Communications

WA LTER HI N K LE

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

RI CAR DO DI AZ Board Secretary

M ON I CA B R OW N AU STI N B RYAN JOHN B U SH J OH N C. “JACK ” CU LPEPPER I I I Z AC H ETHER I DGE D OU G F R EN CH J I L L GALL AGHER J O R DAN JAN U SE H EATH POOLE M A R I E P O RTALES R ODR I GU EZ A M Y R ESTI VO KOR I R I CH T RAVI S R OLLI N S PAT SHI ELDS

S TAFF GLEN B R EW ER President/CEO

R OYCE HI CK M AN

Community Liaison

CAR R I E AR CHER

Manager of Membership

TOM TI LTON

Manager of Finance

J ORDAN PR I HODA

Manager of Business Programs

TAY LOR SM I TH

TAY LOR CL AR K

Communications Coordinator

A LLI SON BAT TE

Special Projects Coordinator

CONNECTIONS

I H E ART MAC AN D C H E ESE

TAC O C A BA N A

B I GSH OTS GO L F AGGI E L AN D

MAKE SAF E T E C H I N C .

U PTOW N C HE A PS K AT E

1 McKenzie Terminal Blvd, 102D College Station, TX 77845 (979) 846-9007 Avis.com Budget.com 400 West Villa Maria Rd Bryan, TX 77801 BigShotsGolf.com

11667 FM 2154, Suite 400 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-9488 IHeartMacAndCheese.com

1003 Harvey Road , Suite 200 College Station, TX 77840 (970) 205-9875 MakeSafeTech.org

B L AC KMO N MO O RI N G/ B MS C AT

N AKE D F I SH

F RO ST BAN K

SO UT H E RN S

GO RDMAN S

STAT E RO O F I N G C O MPAN Y

Bryan / College Station (832) 247-7201 BlackmonMooring.com

1645 Greens Prairie Rd. W., Suite 103 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 329-7816 FrostBank.com 1500 Harvey Rd, Space E College Station, TX 77840 (979) 764-0052 Gordmans.com

1808 Texas Ave S, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 485-8888 Naked-Fish.com

2410 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, TX 77802 2410 Briarcrest Drive TacoCabana.com

2410 Texas Ave. S. College Station, TX 77840 (979) 977-5615

UptownCheapskateCollege Station.com

THE WEINB ERG AT WIXON VALLEY 7786 Kurten Cemetery Road Bryan, TX 77808 (361) 765-0968 TheWeinbergatWixon.com

150 Harvey Road, Ste 2036 College Station, TX 77840 (832) 477-8994 SouthernsTX.com 4090 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 260-7663 StateRoofingTexas.com

A A RON AUTOMOTIVE

BLISS

THE HAUSE R GROUP

NATI O NAL M S SOC I ET Y

A FFIRME D ME D ICA L SE RVICE

BRA ZOS COUNT Y VFW POST #46 92 & AUX ILIA RY

IPHO VIE TNA MESE

O RKI N O F BC S

BRA ZOS VA LLE Y A NIMA L HOSPITA L A ND PE T RESORT

INFINIT Y FINA NCIA L GROUP

O UR SAVI O UR’S LUTHERAN C HURC H

A ME RICA N BUSINESS WOME N’S ASSOCIATION (A BWA )

BRA ZOS VA LLE Y MA RINE CORPS LE AGUE

INTE RSE CTIONS TLC

A PLUS NE T SOLUTIONS

THE COT TAGES AT CE NTURY WOOD S

KE Y OF E SE CURIT Y

STARTI NG LI NEUP

13565 County Rd 274, Somerville, TX (713) 376-5565

3708 E 29th St, #207 College Station, TX 77802 (979) 676-4187

4160 State Hwy 6 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 330-5007 7070 Creek Shadows Dr. Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 255-3962

AGGIE L A ND GOLF CA RS Aggieland Golf Cars College Station, TX 77845 (979) 774-5741

Bryan / College Station (979) 436-3166

1736 Rock Prairie Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 693-6424

794 N Harvey Mitchell Pkwy (979) 823-0550

1280 Arrington Road, Suite 300 (979) 500-3040

2104 Rolling Rock Place (832) 785-9162

101 Kleine Ln College Station, TX 77845 (256) 812-1313 2501 S. Texas Ave., Suite C109 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 450-7155 3131 East 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 599-6879

2116 South College Avenue Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 822-5684

8111 N. Stadium Drive, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77054 (713) 394-2933 12649 SH 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-8622

1001 Woodcreek Drive (979) 764-9095

PAT TERSO N I NSURANC E AG ENC Y

101 W. Sabine Street, Carthage, TX (979) 464-6196

RACHEL N AVE

Executive Assistant

PO Box 569 Cameron, TX 76520 (210) 854-7049

L I N DA ESPI R I QU ETA

BCS TOGE THE R

E D IBLE A RRA NGE ME NTS

LONG & SHORT OF IT, LLC

ST EL L A R R O O FING SP EC IA LT IES

BE CK CONSTRUCTION

E PICURES

MI-BOX MOVING & MOBILE STORAGE

THE WI LD G ARLI C WOODFI RED PI ZZA

Receptionist

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 Taylor Clark by email at taylor@bcschamber.org.

B RYA N CR EATI VE GR OU P Publication Design

2

AVI S B UDGE T GRO UP

BA RB I E PAT TER SON

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

Membership Investment Representative

GLEN BR EWER P R ES I DENT & CEO

New Chamber Members

N E W M AN PR I N TI N G Printing

3811 Old College Bryan, TX 77801 (248) 752-1075

PO Box 12043 College Station, TX 77842 (979) 777-3333

900 Harvey Rd Unit 7 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 268-2300

4700 Elmo Weedon Rd, Suite 103 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 695-0985

8000 Atlas Pear Drive, Suite 3308 Bryan, TX 77807 (216) 570-1719

5432 Elmo Weedon (979) 704-305

5743 Easterling Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 220-2648

8420 Justin Avenue College Station, TX 77845 (979) 324-8227

4339 Spring Garden Rd. (214) 663-6111

MARCH - APRIL 2020

3

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

Chamber Photos

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TURNOUT AT OUR BUSINESS AFTER HOURS WITH PHILLIPS EVENT CENTER.

L TO R: B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD CHAIRMAN, PHIL SHACKELFORD, BCS TOYOTA GENERAL MANAGER, JASON PENNELL, AND B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT & CEO, GLEN BREWER

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: CONGRATULATIONS TO 3RD ON MAIN FOR BEING AWARDED THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AT TASTE OF AGGIELAND THIS YEAR!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPEAKERS, ATTENDEES, AND SPONSORS FOR OUR 2020 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE.

CONGRATULATIONS TO WALK ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR FOR WINNING FRIENDLIEST BOOTH AT THE 2020 TASTE OF AGGIELAND! SUCH A FUN & SUPER FRIENDLY TEAM!

THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT CAME TO OUR FIRST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS OF 2020 WITH BCS TOYOTA!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CULINARY TEAM OF COLLEGE STATION HIGH SCHOOL FOR WINNING FIRST PLACE IN OUR TASTE OF AGGIELAND CULINARY COMPETITION!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 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!

MARCH 5 , 20 1 9 Hosted By:

BRAZOS VALLEY BRIDAL ASSOCIATION MARCH 26 , 20 2 0 Hosted By:

ALLEN HONDA APRIL 1 6 , 20 1 9 Hosted By:

THE RANCH HARLEY DAVIDSON CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2020 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNERS! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO IN THE BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY. AWARD WINNERS: TRICIA BARKSDALE, SALIM & SHIREEN ISMAIL, AND RAYNE KNIGHT-ZINGELMANN

4

CONNECTIONS

DR. JAMES GAINES, CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY REAL ESTATE CENTER, WAS OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE 2020 EOC. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AGAIN THIS YEAR, DR. GAINES!

MARCH - APRIL 2020

5

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Health care remains beyond the reach of thousands of low-income people in the Brazos Valley. Issues of access, deductibles, co-pays and prescription costs that frequently run to thousands of dollars a year equates to neighbors in need - right here and right now.

Unfortunately, due to limited resources and lack of funding, Health For All does not have the capacity to care for all of them. We need to take care of our own. We need the funding to take care of our neighbors. With your help, we can.

ECONOMIC

OUTLOOK CONFERENCE THANK YOU to our 2020 Sponsors!

Health For All’s annual fundraiser, Dancing For the Health of It! Back to the 80s, will be held at the Hilton on Saturday, April 4, 2020 starting at 6:00 pm.

What the Health?

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED? Gain exposure and promote your business with a paid advertorial in the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections magazine.

Email Taylor Clark, Communications Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce at taylor@bcschamber. org or by phone at 979260-5200.

6

CONNECTIONS

Being part of a community means helping to care for our neighbors when they cannot take care of themselves. Health For All serves their neighbors by providing a health care safety net. The clinic provides compassionate care to the low-income, uninsured patients who do not qualify for health assistance programs (Medicare/Medicaid) – acting as a resource for those who have nowhere to turn.

In 1987, the free clinic was started in a Bryan motel. For thirty-three years, Health For All has continued because the need has continued. So, Health For All continues to provide primary and preventative health care through their community-based volunteer free clinic.

Clinic funding comes from donors who live or do business in the Brazos Valley, and no state or federal funding is received. The clinic helps save local hospitals, taxpayers, and business owners more than 3 million dollars every year.

Next time you stroll through your supermarket or take a walk in the park, look around at your neighbors and consider a stark statistic. Here in the Brazos Valley more than 25% of people living among us don’t have health insurance. The uninsured rate in Texas is the highest in our country.

The National Institute of Medicine reports that people without health insurance rarely receive preventative care. They are more likely to die from treatable illnesses. And, they are less likely to receive care for symptoms that if untreated, have serious consequences Studies have continually demonstrated that uninsured adults have fewer doctor visits, receive less preventive care and have worse health outcomes. When people receive care from Health For All instead of the emergency room, everyone benefits. The patient gets the necessary care before his or her health reaches emergency status and the cost of an emergency room visit is saved by the community.

This event is modeled after the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars. Local celebrities and community leaders hit the dancefloor with professionals from three local studios (Brazos Ballroom, Susan’s Ballroom and The Dance Barre) to compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy, bragging rights, and to raise funds for Health For All’s free clinic.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme from wardrobe to transportation.

It is a fully immersive experience for all in attendance. Last year one guest said, “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at one of these events.”

Supporters can ‘vote’ for their favorite dancers by donating - $1 equals 1 vote. Every dollar donated is 100% tax- deductible and 100% will stay here and will help local men and women in the Brazos Valley.

Tickets are $50 or sponsor a table of 8 for $500. Dust off your leg warmers and tease up your hair- whatever you do, plan to be there! Let’s dance our way to a healthier community.

Want to do more to help? Ask your doctor(s) if they volunteer at Health For All. If so, say thank you. If not, encourage them to join the team.

Want more information? Call (979-774-4176) or email (info@hlth4all.org) to set up a tour.

ELIZA BET H DICKEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEALTH FOR ALL

Session Sponsors

Break Sponsors

Lunch Sponsor

Media Sponsors

Additional Contributors

Notebook Sponsors

American Momentum Bank, Atmos Energy, Binkley & Barfield, Civil Engineering Consultants, D.R. Horton, Extraco Banks, Kyle Office Products

SAVE THE DATE! 2021 EOC: JANUARY 27, 2021

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

The Chamber of Commerce created the

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE with the goal of “creating a culture of wellness in the workplace”. The committee hosts three major events each year to encourage workplace wellness and emphasize the importance of healthy habits among employees. We encourage our Chamber members from all areas of healthcare and wellness to participate in these events to showcase the unique products and services they offer.

A L L I S O N B ATTE SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

8

CONNECTIONS

WATERCOOLER 5K FUN RUN & WALK

HEALTH & WELLNESS LUNCHEON

CHAMBER WELLNESS CHALLENGE

The Health & Wellness committee will host its 7th Annual Watercooler 5k Fun Run & Walk, sponsored by Texas A&M University, on April 2nd at Lake Walk Town Center. This event was created to encourage employees to get out of the office and do something active together rather than just hanging out around the watercooler. In an effort to promote a healthy workplace, many businesses allow their employees to leave work a few hours early to participate as a group. People of all fitness levels enjoy taking part in the Watercooler 5k, from experienced marathon runners to firsttime 5k walkers. A selection of Chamber businesses set up booths for participants to visit before and after the race, and raffle prizes are drawn at the end. If you have never participated in a 5k, this is the perfect laid-back event to get your feet wet!

Once a year, the Chamber hosts a Health & Wellness luncheon to spotlight current topics in healthcare and how they relate to business. Past luncheons have covered topics such as “The Future of Medicine,” “How to Create Healthy Work Culture,” and “Nutrition: Eating Healthy On The Go”. Last year, Dr. Bryan Parrent brought a robot used to perform minimally invasive surgeries and demonstrated how it is used to cut healthcare costs and reduce patient recovery time. This year’s luncheon, sponsored by CHI St. Joseph Health, will be held Thursday, March 19th at Phillips Event Center. It will feature a panel of healthcare professionals with expertise in primary care and stress management.

Additional panelists will include a Texas A&M athletic trainer and the Director for the Center of Population Health & Aging at Texas A&M University.

The Chamber Health & Wellness Committee is excited to announce the launch of a newly restructured Wellness Challenge, sponsored

by Baylor Scott & White Health! This program aims to highlight our Chamber members from all aspects of health and wellness, including gyms, training facilities, and group fitness classes, as well as spa treatments, massages, acupuncture, and more. The Challenge will last six weeks, kicking off on Thursday, April 2nd with the Chamber’s Watercooler 5k, and concluding on Thursday, May 14th. Participants will receive a punch card with offers or activities from participating businesses, and they will accumulate points by collecting punches, as well as tracking physical activity and completing various other wellness challenges. Gather your coworkers and make it a friendly competition!

If your business would like to participate by including an offer or activity on the punch card, email Allison Batte at allison@bcschamber.org.

MARCH - APRIL 2020

9

LOCAL BUSINESS

EQUIPPED FOR LIFE A PICTURE If you walk through the front door of CardioQuip’s shiny new headquarters in Aggieland Business Park, you might miss it. Hanging in the lobby, above the polished concrete floors, potted plants, and leather reception chairs is a framed picture. It is not what you would normally expect to find in this setting, like corporate artwork or a decorative painting— it is a picture of an infant clinging to life in the ICU amid a sea of tubes, sensors, and monitors.

The picture greets each CardioQuip employee with a poignant reminder each time they

10

CONNECTIONS

walk through the door.

“It’s there to remind us,” says CEO Doug Platt, “the work we do every day is connected to a precious life. It reminds us everyday that somewhere, someone is sitting in a waiting room depending on us and the work we’ve done to get their loved ones back and healthy.”

The work Platt describes is what made College Station-based CardioQuip the leading U.S. manufacturer of a medical device known as a cooler-heater. Many types of medical procedures, especially those involving the heart and lungs, require cooler-heaters to regulate the patient’s temperature. A cooler-heater is a critical device that ensures the health and safety of a patient during heart surgery, and CardioQuip has positioned itself as the cooler-heater expert.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

DISRUPTION

Founded in 2003, CardioQuip began as a two-person medical device refurbishing company. Platt and his brother-in-law and co-founder Allen Pate would scour the internet to locate used cardiovascular equipment, refurbish and re-sell it to hospitals all over U.S. This often required Platt and Pate to make long arduous road trips all over the United States to pick up and deliver equipment.

“We drove all over everywhere,” Pate remembers with a wry smile. “I must have put forty or fifty thousand miles on my car per year, but it was fun.”

All the late nights refurbishing medical equipment, the thousands of miles put on the odometer, and conversations with medical professionals had an unintended result: Pate and Platt realized they had the knowledge, experience, and market insight to make their own device. Their sights were soon set on developing a cooler-heater device that was safe, compact, and simple to use. They had the vision, but it didn’t take shape until they connected with local engineer Jon Gardner.

“He’s basically MacGyver,” jokes Platt about Gardner, “If you give this guy a paper clip, he can turn it into a computer. The amount of ingenuity and skill he brings has taken CardioQuip to the next level. We were so lucky to find him in our own backyard.”

With Gardner in the fold, the goal was now in sight. After numerous prototypes and a mountain of regulatory hurdles, the three man team received FDA clearance in 2011 to sell their first cooler heater, the MCH-1000(i). Two years later, CardioQuip introduced an even smaller unit, the MCH-1000(m). As more clinicians were introduced to CardioQuip’s powerful and space-saving technology, the company achieved moderate success in a crowded cardiovascular market.

“It was essentially David versus Goliaths—we were David in the midst of several giant medical manufacturer Goliaths,” laughs Platt. “But we knew if we continued to make a great device that people liked, we could do great things.”

The plan moving forward was to chart a path of slow and steady growth, but things don’t always work according to plan.

Sometimes giants fall.

In 2016, a major disruption shook the industry. U.S. regulatory officials raised quality concerns for the leading coolerheater on the market, the LivaNova 3T. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned of the risk of infections associated with open-heart surgeries in which the 3T was used. At the time, the devices were used in about 60 percent of heart bypass procedures in the U.S. Mounting deaths linked to the 3T device caused hospitals to seek an alternative cooler-heater.

The panic in the market led numerous other cooler-heater brands to exit the market. What looked like risk to the giant medical manufacturers looked like an opportunity for CardioQuip. As hospitals began searching for a safe alternative to the 3T, many made the switch to CardioQuip. In a matter of months, CardioQuip had more than 400 units on backorder. The resulting flood of orders posed many challenges for CardioQuip, but building a team that could handle the onslaught was of utmost importance to leadership.

With a herculean obstacle in front of them, Platt and Pate did what it took to survive.

“We were basically facing a mountain,” Platt remembers, “but we knew in order to succeed, we had to take one step at a time.

There were hospitals that would shut down their heart programs if we couldn’t produce.”

So they began building the team around them.

“We started by bringing the right people on board and letting them add their experience and expertise to the mix,” says Platt, “we realized we had to expand our operation if we were going to succeed.”

LOOKING AHEAD CardioQuip managed to weather the storm of 2016, and in a matter of 3 years has grown from 8 employees to 30. As market share has grown, so has the need to stay at the top. This meant investing in a 10x commitment to research and development, hiring a bevy of Aggie Biomedical Engineers, and building a new 10,000 square foot facility in Aggieland Business Park. Soon, CardioQuip will receive a CE

MARCH - APRIL 2020

11

LOCAL BUSINESS

mark, which will give them the ability to sell their machines internationally.

Now with an estimated 60% market share nationwide, CardioQuip’s MCH1000 cooler-heater is found in nearly 900 U.S. hospitals in all 50 states. CardioQuip’s rise from underdog to industry leader has been fueled by a steady commitment to innovation and growth. In 2019, CardioQuip delivered its 4000th device into the field. If you spend more than 5 minutes with Doug Platt, you will realize that CardioQuip is not just about growth and numbers; it is also about stories—stories like Abi’s.

ABI’S STORY Abi’s story began where most newborn’s life began—cuddles, family visits, and photos, but for Abi’s parents, Rebecca and Greg Bradford, an unexpected diagnosis changed all that. Shortly after her delivery in a Dallas area hospital, a nurse noticed that Abi showed signs of labored breathing.

After ordering tests and scans, the doctors indicated a valve in Abi’s heart was not closing like it should. Abi was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

“We just didn’t see it coming,” Abi’s father Greg says about that day, “we were immediately filled with questions, and fears, 12

CONNECTIONS

and anxiety. It was a powerless feeling. All we could do is put our faith in God and the team of doctors to make Abi right.”

At just 2 days old, Abi would need heart surgery to survive, and a CardioQuip coolerheater would be in the operating to regulate her temperature during the procedure.

What could have been a fatal diagnosis for Abi a few short years ago is now treatable through advances in modern medicine.

Although Abi has undergone multiple surgical procedures to keep her heart working correctly, her parents are thankful for each day they get with Abi. Today, Abi is a healthy and active first grader.

Platt gushes when he tells stories like Abi’s. Sitting in his corner office in West College Station, he leans back in his chair, looks around, and cracks a smile.

“It really gives you a sense of awe,” he says, “that this little company in College Station, Texas is helping people all over the world. We have a big part to play in the cardiovascular world.”

From the looks of things, this is only the beginning.

This afternoon, after they log off their computers, clean their work benches, or finish their service reports, CardioQuip team members will file out of the building one by one, past the picture of the infant

in ICU, and out the door. They’ll do so knowing the work they do matters. They’ve helped someone’s grandmother get back to watching her grandchildren play. They helped someone’s father walk his daughter down the aisle. And somewhere in Dallas, they’ve helped a little girl named Abi dance around the living room, full of life.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK .

WILL OT TO DIRECTOR OF MARKETING CARDIOQUIP

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Cure

RIDING FOR A 14

CONNECTIONS

MARCH - APRIL 2020

15

COMMUNITY EVENTS

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR A love of Texas A&M isn’t the only thing the Joubran family has in common.

The family has also rallied around the Society’s mission to create a world free of multiple sclerosis after Rita’s diagnosis in 2009.

The then 33 year-old mother of three had suffered for eight years with various symptoms such as fatigue, mobility and vision problems. Eventually, a family friend diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis.

“He said, ‘You have a chronic disease, which they don’t have a cure for.’ Getting a diagnosis like that – it’s devastating,” Rita says. “I had a 10-year-old, 9-year-old and 8-year-old. I was so worried about the impact of this on my children. Am I going to be able to go to their games and take them to their activities? Who is going to braid my daughter’s hair if I’m disabled?

“You mourn the life you once thought you had, and you have to get used to a new life. I never knew how strong I was until I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

This disease gave me a lot of perspective.

It makes you realize what’s important.”

Brazos Valley Born, Brazos Valley Proud.

www.CardioQuip.com

RIDING FOR A CURE

F

From left to right, Rita, Anees (AJ), George, Nabil and Tanya Joubran. AJ and George currently attend A&M, and Tanya is a sophomore at the University of Houston.

16

CONNECTIONS

or devoted Aggie fan Rita Joubran, riding onto Kyle Field surrounded by her family and friends will be the experience of a lifetime.

“My husband was given two college applications when applying for college in the United States, and they were both for Texas A&M,” Rita says with a laugh. “He is a die-hard Aggie, and he made sure our kids ‘drank the Kool-Aid’ at a young age. Two of our three children now attend A&M.” The Joubran family will be among the approximately 10,000 participants and 2,300 volunteers to roll into town May 3 with Bike MS: Texas MS 150, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s largest fundraiser, which for the first time will finish in BryanCollege Station.

The Joubran family was introduced to Bike MS by an acquaintance named Nate. After hearing about her diagnosis, Nate said he wanted to do something to help, so he found the ride online and signed up in her honor.

“He brought me an orange bandanna and asked me to sign it,” Rita recalls. “I just started bawling. That he’d do this in my honor was just overwhelming.”

The Joubran family made their first visit to Bike MS’ then Finish Line in Austin to cheer on Nate.

“It was the most amazing experience.

We were able to be there and see thousands of volunteers and riders,” Rita recalls. “It was really the moment that I felt like I was going to be alright.”

Her husband, Nabil, rode the following year, and Rita joined him the next. She says the variety of mile options, rest stops and support the Society offers along the routes makes it accessible for anyone.”

“This is a ride – not a race.” Rita says.

“It’s something anyone can do.”

MARCH - APRIL 2020

17

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Get back to what’s most important.

This year will mark the Joubrans’ ninth anniversary of completing Bike MS together, and they couldn’t be more excited about this year’s changes.

Society President Linda Bates said this year’s ride will feature two start lines – in Houston and Austin – before cyclists come together to spend the night in LaGrange and finally finish on Kyle Field.

“When we were looking for a new iconic place to move this ride, Kyle Field kept coming up,” Bates says. “We have riders from several different countries and from across the U.S. so we wanted to be in a community that would partner with us to create an extraordinary experience.

The university and local businesses 18

CONNECTIONS

have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive.”

Bates says she is excited for the ride’s participants and volunteers to experience the area’s legendary hospitality and unique culture and for the Bryan-College Station community be part of Bike MS’ festival atmosphere.

“It’s a great opportunity to join us for a fun day and learn what we’re doing to fight MS,” Bates says. “We encourage the community to come out and be part of our community as we come into theirs.”

To learn more about Bike MS: Texas MS 150, visit bikemstexasMS150.org.

LA UR A PEMBER TON DIRECTOR OF CONTENT NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

When it comes to your health, it’s essential to have a team you trust by your side to keep you well, help you bounce back, and celebrate the little victories. At CHI St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network, we work together so you can get back to what’s most important.

Wellness Exams|Preventive Care|Sick Visits|Chronic Disease Care|Sports Physicals|Screenings

Find your physician CHI.TAMUHealth.org

Rose has been growing her garden for over thirty years.

The best part of my day is hearing all of Rose’s memories rooted in her backyard. The slam of the garden gate reminds her of her kids running home from school. As a Home Instead CAREGiver, I can help Rose keep hearing that gate slam shut, because that is home.

– Gloria L. Rose’s CAREGiver

What Can We Bring You?

The best home to be in is your own.

Home Instead offers personalized in-home services.

Aerial Lifts - Excavators - Forklifts - Trenching - Earth Moving - Concrete Tools - Landscaping - Electrical - Plumbing

(979) 696-5696

979.268.6880

HomeInstead.com/BCS

Book Online at

www.redtailrental.com

PERSONAL CARE | MEMORY CARE | MEALS AND NUTRITION

Locally Owned & Operated

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise is independently owned and operated. © 2019 Home Instead, Inc.

693-ROLL

(979) 693-7655 1501 Earl Rudder Fwy S. College Station, TX 77845

great message dependable

save time & money target market

Climate Controlled & Non-Climate Units Sizes from 5’x5’ up to 10’x30’ R/V, Boat, & Vehicle Storage

locknrollstorage.com

proven results professional image

Let us solve the Marketing Problem for you!

Direct Mail * Mailing Lists Printing * Fulfillment our professional staff can handle it from start to finish

increase marketshare

979.779.7788 969.779.7788

427 Dellwood, Bryan help@admailtx.com 20

CONNECTIONS

MARCH - APRIL 2020

21

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

Twin Cities Properties

The Floor is Yours...

Centennial Arts

The Chamber Spotlight shares company news with the community.

New leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements - celebrate milestones with a message!

is releasing a new service called caShopping!

This is a low-cost Small Business Marketplace to help businesses sell their products to the online community. There are NO monthly costs to sellers and they only pay 5% per transaction. This is an affordable solution to businesses looking for more exposure for their products and stress-free experience during the setup process. To learn how to become a seller, contact one of our representatives at 979-209-0774.

Copy Corner is proud to recognize Ben Caldwell for 10 years of service with the company! Ben currently serves as the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Chairman.

Health For All Inc

was recognized as the first-place recipient at the 2020 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Awards, presented by the Texas Medical Association Foundation. Health For All provides low-income, uninsured community members with free basic medical care. The first-place winner received $7,500 to help sustain and enhance their program.

22

CONNECTIONS

KBTX and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers proudly presented $500 to Brandi Trujillo in their ongoing Be Remarkable campaign. Brandi works for Express Employment Professionals and is a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Congratulations Brandi!

Sunseri Aviation LLC is excited to announce that the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) recently recognized Matthew W. Sunseri as NACD Directorship CertifiedÔ. NACD Certified Directors, who earn NACD Directorship CertificationÔ, signal to boards, investors, and other stakeholders that they possess the highest commitment to continuing director education available in the United States.

The NACD Directorship Certification program, the only program of its kind in the United States, provides a tangible assessment of a director’s understanding of the essential knowledge required to lead in today’s boardrooms. Certification also facilitates continuous learning, and allows directors to showcase their governance knowledge to the companies they serve and to other stakeholders in the broader governance community.

one of Bryan/College Station’s most successful real estate management companies, is celebrating 30 years of excellence in the community. Since 1989, the company has invested more than $100 million purchasing and renovating more than 1000 properties in the area and consistently maintains one the highest occupancy rates in Aggieland. In addition to celebrating 30 years of success, Twin City Properties is also looking to the future with the announcement that Alex Sezer, Jr. has been named the company’s president. Sezer is a 2017 magna cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University and was a standout on the Texas A&M Football team. Team captain and winner of the Aggie Heart Award, Sezer was also recognized with The Distinguished Letterman Award his senior year. Throughout its 30-year history, Twin City Properties has become known for purchasing distressed and dilapidated properties in the community and turning them into quality rental homes. The company received attention for its $10 million-dollar project purchasing and renovating Bryan’s MidTown neighborhood, for which Twin City Properties received an award from the Bryan/College Station Apartment Association. The new award was named the Pederson/Threadgill Award in honor of company owners Doug Pederson and the late Jack Threadgill.

WHYARE

YOU A CHAMBER MEMBER?

“

The Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce provides resources for small businesses to grow and develop. In addition to lunch and learn sessions and networking opportunities like ribbon cuttings and the crawfish boil, the chamber also has a small business advisor to offer further guidance to its members.

”

JUSTIN M ANNING C& J BARBEQUE

Kristi Fox Satsky Kristi Fox Satsky with Unlocked Realty Group was inducted into the 2020 Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame. The award is one of the highest honors in the company and is only presented to the most elite independent sales professionals in the Century 21 System. The award is given to one real estate agent in the Century 21 worldwide system each year, and she was chosen out of 135,000 agents worldwide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISIT BCSCHAMBER .ORG OR CALL 979.260.5200

Deluxe

Ribbon Cuttings

Are you celebrating an important milestone?

Anniversary? Opened a new location? Re-branding?

Let us help you! Call (979) 260-5200 or email Rachel@bcschamber.org to schedule your B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting today!

D.R. HORTON 964 Toledo Bend Drive College Station, TX 77845

(254) 778-8500 drhorton.com/texas/brazos-valley

WE THINK INSIDE THE BOX. MAIN LINE 979.822.6467 MENTAL HEALTH ROUTINE SERVICES 979.361.9815 TOLL FREE 1.800.282.6467 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CRISIS HOTLINE 888.522.8262

HAVERTYS FURNITURE 2004 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840

(979) 329-7068 havertys.com

WE'RE RELOCATING! SPRING 2020

Newman Printing Company is ready to help you discover a variety of print solutions and production methods that transform outside of the box ideas into beautiful print solutions. And when your project is complete, the care and attention to detail we dedicate to your concept will be represented by the product that we proudly place inside the box.

HOSPICE INPATIENT FACILITY RENOVATIONS ARE UNDERWAY AT CHI ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE STATION

LA QUINTA 1195 Earl Rudder Freeway College Station, TX 77845

(979) 704-5570 wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta

Trust Newman Printing, we’ve been getting it right for seventy years.

HBV Inpatient Facility's Memory Tile Wall

UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE 2410 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 24

CONNECTIONS

(979) 977-5615 uptowncheapskatecollegestation.com

Memory tiles are created in partnership with U-Paint-It. Finished tiles are displayed on the walls of the inpatient facility. All proceeds benefit HBV patients. hospicebrazosvalley.org/inpatient-facility Questions? Call 979.821.2266 COMMERCIAL PRINTING

DISPLAYS, SIGNS & BANNERS

ONLINE PRINTING

ON-TIME DELIVERY

www.newmanprint.com / (979) 779-7700

C ON N EC TI O N S BRYAN / C O L L E G E S TAT I ON CH A M BE R O F C O MMER C E P. O. BOX 35 7 9 BRYAN , T X 7 7 8 05 -35 7 9

CELEBRATING

Central Texas Endoscopy Center’s dedicated physicians and staff are proud to celebrate 20 years of serving it’s valued patients and the community with specialized GI services.

To request an appointment with a physician at Central Texas Endoscopy Center call

(979) 341-6380

or request an appointment online at

www.centraltexasendoscopy.com.