2018 Nov/Dec Connections

CONNECTIONS

NOV/DEC 2018

www.bcschamber.org

SHOP LOCAL PA G E 1 0 Connections

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

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Taking care of business, means bringing the bank to you.

CAMERON COMIRE MLO ID#1601012

DAVID STENNIS

MLO ID#584172

MELISSA KEELING MLO ID#1671843

MELANIE MOTLEY MLO ID#510014

NORA THOMPSON MLO ID#510467

JOE SALVATO

MLO ID#509672

NATALIE KIDD

MLO ID#817872

AUSTIN BRYAN

MLO ID#1069606

CAL MCNEILL

MLO ID#510054

ChamberConnections/Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved. 10/18

At The Bank & Trust, we believe an exceptional community deserves an exceptional bank!

Business people are busy. We get that. Changing banks is a hassle. We get that too.

Paying too much is bad business. We can fix that! Let us come show you how!

Call us today at (979) 260-2100.

Local bank. Local bankers.

www.banktbt.com All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, programs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Some restrictions apply. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

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Member FDIC

chamber CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2018 11/08/2018 Business After Hours

CHI St. Joseph Health 11/14/2018 Fall Job Fair

The Brazos Center

11/19/2018 New Member Orientation

B/CS Chamber of Commerce 11/20/2018 Ag Breakfast

Brazos County Expo

11/29/2018 Business After Hours

George Bush Library & Museum

DECEMBER 2018

12/13/2018 Business After Hours

The Stella Hotel

JANUARY 2019

1/17/2019 Business After Hours

Phillips Event Center

1/23/2019 Economic Outlook Conference

Hilton College Station 1/28/2019 New Member Orientation

B/CS Chamber of Commerce

FEBRUARY 2019

2/26/2019 Taste of Aggieland

Brazos County Expo

2/28/2019 Business After Hours

Brazos Valley Bridal Association

www.bcschamber.org

CONTENTS 2 3 4 5 6

board REFLECTIONS new MEMBERS business AFTER HOURS volunteer FOCUS economic outlook CONFERENCE

10 shop

LOCAL

12 spotlight NEWS

17 2019 board of DIRECTORS

18 ribbon

CUTTINGS

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board REFLECTIONS

The B/CS Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Vicki Reim as Chairwoman of the 2018-2019 Board of Directors!

What a fantastic time to be a part of our Bryan/ College Station Chamber of Commerce! Our 100th year has been amazing and it, along with all of our history, sets the stage for the next century of our Chamber. I wish I had the space, and you had the time, to reflect on all of the past accomplishments that formed our Chamber to what it is today and continues to be; the successful and productive organization that benefits local businesses and our community in so many ways.

Our B/CS Chamber is blessed to have supportive members and staff who have vision, who are driven and who make things happen. These dedicated business men and women do so much for our Chamber and in turn, make our community a thriving and prosperous place to live.

Having been actively involved in the Chamber the last few years, I am truly amazed at the amount of work that gets done. Thank you to all of you and your businesses that make the difference by going above and beyond to make our Chamber great.

We have a busy year ahead and I am excited to see what all of us together will accomplish. The variety of events, committee work, educational, legislative, leadership and other Chamber endeavors offers our entire community so many opportunities to lead, grow, learn and meet new people, which ultimately enhances the well-being of our local businesses.

I am extremely honored to step into the role of Board Chair and also very thankful to work with an amazing Board of Directors. I thank each of them for their time and commitment. I especially want to thank Crystal Dupre for her stellar leadership, tireless support and hard work these past 12 months as she led our entire Chamber over a very successful year. She always made it look effortless and always made it fun!

As we bring our momentous 100th anniversary year to a close, it’s an exciting time to begin our 101st year or, “Chamber 101”. I look forward to seeing each of you at many Chamber events over the next 12 months, so, together, we can make a difference. Thank you for all that you do!

Vicki Reim Board Chair B/CS Chamber of Commerce Bryan Texas Utilities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vicki Reim Chairman Phil Shackelford Chair-Elect Crystal Dupre Immediate Past Chairman Jason Cornelius Vice Chair of Leadership James Larkin Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources Susan Gipson Vice Chair of Business Development Mary Mike Hatcher Vice Chair of Communications Ricardo Diaz Vice Chair of Community Enhancement Tai Lee Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement Brad Beard John Bush Austin Bryan Spencer Clements John C. “Jack” Culpepper III David Doss Zach Etheridge Jill Gallagher Tracy Kyle Barbie Patterson Shane Phelps Kori Rich Travis Rollis Pat Shields Greg Zweiacker STAFF President/CEO Glen Brewer Community Liaison Royce Hickman Manager of Membership Carrie Archer Manager of Finance Tom Tilton 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 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 Kaley Crump by email at kaley@bcschamber.org.

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new MEMBERS

New Inner Circle Members Nift

U.S. Army College Station Recruiting Center

400 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy South, Suite 401 College Station, TX 77840 (781) 264-2321 www.gonift.com 175 Century Square Dr Galleria Spa Salon College Station, TX 77840 Century Square (979) 822-5756 www.galleriaspasalon.com

Brazos County RV Park

Cocktails 4 U

Brazos WiFi

Ment Marketing & Creative Services

2401 E Briargate Dr Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 725-2210 www.mentservices.com

3833 South Texas Avenue, Suite 217 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 219-4727

Trilogy Senior Living: Sodalis Senior Living Community

New Members

BCS Hand

3201 University Drive East, Suite 435 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 774-0411

Precision Eye Care

Sunseri Aviation LLC

3975 Highway 6 South, Suite 900 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 985-5305

Board & Brush Creative Studio College Station Allied Universal Security Services South 40 Veterinary Hospital Miles Pusateri State Farm Let Us Events

www.bcschamber.org

11495 FM 1486 Road Richards, TX 77873 (817) 504-0729

TEX Storage

Engel & Völkers Bryan College Station College Station Dental & Orthadontics

900 Harvey Road, Suite 13 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 987-1300

Pure Barre College Station

4495 Lakeway Dr College Station, TX 77845 (979) 229-7845

Omega Builders

1776 Woodstead Ct, Suite 224 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 763-1502

3900 State Highway 6 South, Suite 107 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-0500

205A FM 1696 W Huntsville, TX 77320 (936) 662-3306

Your BCS Assistant

Aggieland Scuba

1500 Harvey Road, Suite 2000 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 764-0418 www.goarmy.com

3211 Harvey Road College Station, TX 77845 (830) 624-1044 www.sodalissenior.com

3480 W Highway 21 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 446-7262 www.brazoscountyrvpark.com 12135 State Highway 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 985-5912 www.brazoswifi.com

3262 Rock Prairie Road W College Station, TX 77845 (254) 739-3442

206 N Main Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 4460946

11671 FM 2154, Suite 400 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 399-5101

915 William D Fitch Pkwy, Suite 100 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 200-6440 4301 Willowick Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 324-9337

2534 Kimbolton Drive College Station, TX 77845 (254) 773-9966

2151 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy South, Suite 109 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-7949

1605 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 300 US Dermatology College Station, TX 77845 Partners College (979) 485-0995 Station Mohs Surgery Connections

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business after HOURS

BUSINESS

Business After Hours is the perfect opportunity to network with hundreds of Chamber Members, while allowing event sponsors to showcase their businesses! For more information about Business After Hours, please contact Carrie Archer at carrie@bcschamber.org.

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Thursday November 8, 2018 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday November 29, 2018 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday December 13, 2018 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

4401 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 731-5200 www.chistjoseph.org

1000 George Bush Dr W College Station, TX 77845 (979) 862-2251 www.bush41.org

4100 Lake Atlas Drive Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 421-4000 www.thestellahotel.com

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volunteer FOCUS

Ambassador of the Month I am honored to be named Ambassador of the Month of September. Being an ambassador has allowed numerous opportunities to serve our community, welcoming and building relationships with other businesses in Bryan/College Station. It’s always a highlight of my day to serve as a BCS Ambassador with such a wonderful group of individuals that are dedicated to the betterment of our community.

See your business featured in publications sent to our 1500+ Chamber membership!

I am proud and blessed to work at Elms Orthodontics as office manager for the 27 years that Dr. Elms has been in B/CS. We love creating new smiles for our patients and enjoy the work we do each day.

The Chamber produces several different publications throughout the year including:

I look forward to meeting and talking to you at future chamber events and sharing with others about your business.

Place Your Ad TODAY!

Elms Orthodontics believes in giving back to our community. We also understand the importance of having a strong chamber community to give support to our local businesses.

Brenda Ponzio Elms Orthodontics

● Weekly Insider Report eNewsletter ● Monthly Connections magazine ● Annual Directory

For details and options, call (979) 260-5200 or contact brian@bcschamber.org.

Congratulations to our 2018-2019 Ambassador Chair and Captains!

Ambassador Chair Jared Salvato, American Momentum Bank Ben Caldwell, Copy Corner ● Kathy Savell, Service Insurance Group Debbie Holladay, Holladay & Associates ● Brooke Mason, Sawed Off Crossfit www.bcschamber.org

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chamber PROGRAMS

2019

Respo nd i ng to G r owth

January 23, 2019 • 8:00 a.m.

Hilton College Station Title Sponsor Hospitality Sponsor

Presented by the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo Bank, this conference offers an overview of factors effecting the economy of the Brazos Valley.

This year’s theme, Responding to Growth, will provide valuable insights into the business climate of our community through speakers and panel discussions.

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chamber PROGRAMS

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY: FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.BCSCHAMBER.ORG

Ag Breakfast

The B/CS Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Council Presents

20th Annual Taste of Brazos Valley

November 20, 2018 7:00 a.m. • Brazos County Expo Admission: $15

Featuring food grown, produced & donated locally Breakfast prepared & served by local farmers

Recognizing the winners of:

Agricultural Impact Award

Sammy Catalena

Agricultural Business Award

& The Bank & Trust

Call (979) 260-5200 or visit www.bcschamber.org to purchase tickets

www.bcschamber.org

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chamber PROGRAMS

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Connections 2018 Connections NOVEMBER/DECEMBER OCTOBER 2018

chamber PROGRAMS

Thank you to our sponsors!

www.bcschamber.org

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Shop Local...

It’s Where Our Jobs Are! The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce supports our local business members by shopping local year-round! We would like to remind you to do the same this holiday season. Making the switch helps support our community on many levels. Read below to see how every dollar spent locally makes a huge impact!

1. Local Economy Stimulus

The money you spend locally is more likely to stay in the community. Locally-owned businesses put more of their revenue back into the local economy.

2. Small Business Is Big Business

Small businesses are the largest employers in the U.S. They are also responsible for a large portion of all new jobs created. Supporting them creates a better business climate which, in turn, supports local job opportunities

3. Think Green

Lighten your carbon footprint! Local businesses typically make more environmentally friendly choices by using less land, carrying local products, and creating less pollution. By choosing local, you’re helping to reduce environmental impact through consumerism

4. Community Character

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Local businesses give each community its own special flare that makes it different from anywhere else. They work hard to offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Foster and celebrate their creativity with your continued support.

Connections NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

5. Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Local businesses put in a lot more effort to deliver personalized customer service.

Owners take a hands-on role, pay attention to local trends, and are more likely to have (or get) what their customers want.

6. Giving Back

Local businesses donate more to charities and non-profits.

7. Community Investment

Local business owners understand the community’s investment in their success, so they are more likely to invest themselves into the community’s prosperity, as well.

8. Healthy Competition

Having many local businesses providing a diverse range of products and services offers consumers a variety of choices and better prices.

9. Ultimate Networking

Building relationships by connecting with and supporting local business owners is one of the best ways to promote your business.

10. What Goes Around Comes Around

Every time you shop local, it contributes to the overall health and vitality of the community which benefits everyone, from suppliers, to retailer, and all the way back to you.

Kaley Crump Communications Coordinator B/CS Chamber of Commerce www.bcschamber.org

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Chamber Spotlight H-E-B welcomes their fifth store to the B/CS area.

The new H-E-B, located on Wellborn and FM 2818, opened September 12th.

The store team is led by A&M Graduate, Frank Hidalgo.

US Dermatology Partners Mohs Surgery welcomes Brandon Velasquez as new office manager. He will coordinate all Mohs surgery appointments with new receptionist, Angel Parks, to ensure patients Scotty’s House facility dog, are scheduled as soon as Sawyer, passed his final round possible. of tests this past weekend.

Staff will continue to provide Dermataloge, now a part of a unique opportunity for child U.S. Dermatology Partners, clients to feel comfortable introduces their new licensed and confident as they pursue aesthetician, Joy Land. justice and healing!

Stop by the office to meet Joy and learn about their Ed Slovacek CPA PLLC services and products. introduces Shana Weaver CPA as their Client Kesco Restaurant Supply in Accounting Services Bryan recognizes Cathy Bond manager. Shana is a Texas in celebrating 43 years with native and graduated from them. She is a crucial part Texas A&M University in 1990 of their business. They are with a BBA in Accounting. grateful to have her on the She has been providing team. Thanks for her loyalty income tax and QuickBooks and commitment to the best services since 2005. customer service!

Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen is proud to announce hiring Chris Kehl as General Manager and Mandy Lavender as Special Event/ Catering Manager. Check out their new merchandise and latte flavors.

Aggieland Scuba celebrates its 4th birthday in College Station with a new, larger location just steps from its original shop. Original owner, Nathan Blanchard, welcomes Tom Sanborn and Jennifer Opiela-Miksch to the ownership team.

The floor is yours...

White Elm Day Spa celebrates their first anniversary in November 2018. They appreciate the Brazos Valley’s support in helping their wellness center blossom. Owner Hanna Hayes Hart and her amazing team look forward to many more exciting years!

Lake Walk Town Center announces Destination Christmas, the ultimate holiday experience in B/CS. They invite the community to enjoy a variety of events and holiday experiences throughout December.

Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center names Chef Jason W. Jonilonis as executive chef. He will oversee the development and creation of all culinary offerings, including at the property’s signature restaurant, Brazos Proper Texas Kitchen.

Element Retirement & Investment Consultants announces Gene Perez, CFP as a Wealth Manager, along with other Wealth Managers, Eric Wylie and Jarrod Hix. Welcome Gene!

The Chamber would like to invite your company to submit news that you would like to share with the community—this could be new leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements, etc. This section is to help you celebrate! Please email submissions and questions to kaley@bcschamber.org

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chamber SPOTLIGHT The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 37th season of outstanding live performances. They are thrilled to bring “An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr.” to the community, featuring the actor who originated the role of Aaron Burr in Broadway’s HAMILTON. HUB Collaborative recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary. They continue to meet needs for flexible office and co-working space, and conference room rentals.

They offer large and small conference room options.

TNT Properties Real Estate will rebrand to AssetHERO Property Management effective January 2019! Their caring team is growing more POWerful with additional ownership and superior services for rental properties in the B/CS area.

Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery, LLC was purchased

by Renegade Bakery & Culinary Studio. New owner, Isabel McParltin, will continue to supply great tasting gluten free products to 597 grocery stores and 37 restaurants.

BBB serving the Heart of Texas welcomes Lauren Galley as the new regional director for the B/CS area.

Lauren carries out BBB’s mission of supporting an ethical marketplace through educational programs and events for local consumers and businesses. www.bcschamber.org

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chamber PHOTOS

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chamber PHOTOS

Leadership Brazos Class of 2019 visits Nutrabolt for their Local Economy Day.

2018 Non-Profit Luncheon at the Hilton College Station featuring The Center for Non-Profits & Philanthropy at The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University, sponsored by the Office of the Provost. (From left to right: Will Brown, Royce Hickman,Chad Wootton,Vicki Reim, Glen Brewer, Irma Cauley, Neil Bush, and Dr. Kenny Taylor)

B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held their year meeting at Grand Station Entertainment. (Left to right: Vicki Reim, Scott Rolfsmeyer, Gene Perez, Kathy Savell, Mike Connor, Jared Salvato, Ben Caldwell, Crystal Dupre, and Glen Brewer.)

The Gardens at Texas A&M University hosted Leadership Brazos Alumni Association for a presentation on Growing the Brazos Valley’s Agriculture

by Cady Auckerman Mark Brock, Director of Business Affairs at Texas A&M University, spoke on public and private partnerships at the 2018 Inner Circle exclusive event, sponsored by BB&T, at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center.

2018 Local Candidates Forum held at George Bush Library & Museum. Local Candidates for all offices were invited to this forum to answer questions and discuss local issues as early voting begins for this midterm election. www.bcschamber.org

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chamber CONNECTIONS

SEE THE ANNUAL REPORT IN THE EAGLE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30

2017-2018

ANNUAL

REPORT

The Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Chamber’s accomplishments in the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

The report will include information on:

● Our Board of Directors ● The Ambassadors ● Recap of major events ● Ribbon Cuttings ● Business After Hours For more information, contact the Chamber at (979) 260-5200 great message

dependable

save time & money target market

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

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979.779.7788 969.779.7788

427 Dellwood, Bryan help@admailtx.com

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Connections NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

chamber CONNECTIONS

2018-2019 Board of Directors

Vicki Reim Chairman of the Board Bryan Texas Utilities

Phil Shackelford Chair-Elect Blinn College Foundation

Crystal Dupre Immediate Past Chair The Eagle

James Larkin Thompson, Derrig, & Craig, P.C.

Mary “Mike” Hatcher Bryan Broadcasting

Tai Lee Chef Tai’s Restaurant Group

Susan Gipson The Ranch Harley Davidson

Ricardo Diaz CHI St. Joseph Health

Jason Cornelius BB&T

Brad Beard Enercon, LLC

John Bush Extraco Banks

Austin Bryan The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station

Spencer Clements Lakewalk & Traditions

John C. “Jack” Culpepper, III Culpepper Realty Co.

Dr. David Doss Brazos Valley Women’s Center

Zach Etheridge HBi Office Solutions

Jill Gallagher 1st Alliance Mortgage

Tracy Kyle Kyle Office Products

Barbie Patterson Patterson Architects

Shane Phelps The Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C.

Kori Rich The Physicians Centre Hospital

Travis Rollins Downtown Event Services

www.bcschamber.org

Pat Shields Capital Farm Credit

Greg Zweiacker Zweiacker & Associates

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ribbon CUTTINGS

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Dat Dog

Golden Corral

Star Cinema Grill

Board & Brush Creative Studio College Station

Embassy Suites

LegalShield |IDShield Business Solutions

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ribbon CUTTINGS

Twin Liquors - Jones Crossing

Bryan ISD Read by Third

Aggieland Scuba

Are you celebrating a milestone? Anniversary? New location? Re-branding?

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

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deluxe ribbon CUTTINGS

Brazos County Bank 3971 University Drive East Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 776-3088 www.fnbhuntsvilletx.com

Stylecraft Builders, Inc. 4090 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 589-5517 www.stylecraftbuilders.com

Lone Star Roof Systems 18476 Highway 6 College Station, TX 77845 (800) 317-1939 www.lonestarroofsystemsllc.com

Colonial Life

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3206 Longmire Drive, Suite A10 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 845-1216 www.benefits2018.com/ colonial-life-bcs.html Connections Connections NOVEMBER/DECEMBER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 2018

deluxe ribbon CUTTINGS

Coldwell Banker AGTOWN Realtors 411 Texas Avenue South College Station, TX 77840 (979) 846-8400 www.coldwellbanker.com

Legacy Ace Hardware 2501 South Texas Avenue, Suite B100 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-6058 www.acehardware.com

Northwestern Mutual 1711 Crescent Pointe Parkway College Station, TX 77845 (979) 846-3100 www.caseywright.nm.com

Brazos de Dios Harley Owners Group Foundation

www.bcschamber.org

4106 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-1669 www.bddtoyrun.com Connections

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CONNECTIONS Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3579 Bryan, TX 77805-3579

Alphagraphics Ad Goes Here!

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