2019 Nov/Dec Connections

CON NEC TIONS BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMB ER PROG R A M S Shop Local 2019

C O MMUNIT Y INSIGHTS Tourism is BIG Business

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

CO MMUNIT Y EVENTS Holiday Happenings

Unlocking Your Dreams At The Bank & Trust, we know that buying a home is the single most important investment we ever make. Although the process can seem intimidating, we are dedicated to providing a rewarding and positive experience that ends with you in your dream home. We offer construction, one-time close, secondary market financing and competitive in-house home loans.

Let us earn your business!

For more information, email us at mortgage@banktbt.com or call 979-260-2100.

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

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N E W ME MB E RS

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I N T RO DUC I N G : T H E AMBASSADO R C H AI R

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A Message from Glen Brewer

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

H E ALT H & WE L L N ESS

THANK YOU TO ROSS BJORK, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, FOR SPEAKING AT OUR OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON, SPONSORED BY AMERICAN MOMENTUM BANK.

Calendar NOVEMBER

Managing Holiday Stress

11.04 .19 B/ C S C HA M BE R OF C OM M E R C E A N N UA L BA N QU E T Hilton College Station

11.12.19

C O MMUN I T Y I N SI GH TS

C OM M U N I T Y OU T R E AC H HA PPY HOU R

Tourism is BIG Business

Casa Rodriguez

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11.19.19

C O MMUN I T Y E VE N TS Holiday Happenings

N ON PR OF I T LU N C HE ON Phillips Event Center

11.21.19 C H AMB E R P RO GRAMS

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

‘Tis the (Shopping) Season

CHI St. Joseph

11.26 .19

MELANIE N. MOTLEY

Senior Vice President MLO ID#510014 Team Member since 2009

SIERRA D. CUNNINGHAM

Member FDIC

Mortgage Lending Representative MLO ID#1824464 Team Member since 2015

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MELISSA J. KEELING

Assistant Vice President MLO ID#1671843 Team Member since 2017

Local bank. Local bankers.

www.banktbt.com

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AG BR E A K FAS T

C H AMB E R SP OT L I GH T

Brazos County Expo Complex

The Floor is Yours...

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

DECEMBER

12.05 .19 BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S George Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002 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.

ChamberConnections/Copyright. © 2019. All Rights Reserved. 9/19

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 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

Welcome

New Chamber Members

J ASON COR N ELI U S

Vice Chair of Leadership

JAM ES L AR K I N

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

SU SAN GI PSON

Vice Chair of Business Development

WA DE B ECK M AN

Vice Chair of Communications

WA LTER HI N K LE

AVO N L E Y H O MES

3900 State Hwy 6 South, Ste. 110 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 635-4800 AvonleyHomes.com

E MMAN UE L T E MP LO DE ADO RAC I O N 4014 Stillmeadow Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 820-7153

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement

Presidential Perspectives

H

owdy, I hope the slight change in weather feels as good to all our Chamber members as it does to the Chamber staff. It is a gentle reminder that the holidays are not too far away. Be sure and check out what is happening this season on our Holiday Happenings page in this month’s Chamber Connection Magazine. It is also the time of year to remind everyone of the Chamber’s shop local campaign. Shopping local is something we encourage the community to do all year, but with holiday shopping just around the corner it is vital to our local businesses that we support them and encourage others to do so as well.

October was the beginning of a new fiscal year for your Chamber of Commerce. Vicki Reim became our immediate past board chair and Phil Shackelford took over as our new chairman of the board. I want to thank Vicki and express our appreciation for her outstanding leadership and guidance as she presided over yet another record year for your Chamber in membership numbers and in attendance at Chamber events. I would also like to thank Bryan Texas Utilities for its support and for allowing Vicki to lead our Chamber this past year.

As our immediate past chair, Vicki will continue on the Chamber board and help the Chamber fulfill its mission of enhancing the economic well-being of the businesses in the communities we serve.

As Phil Shackelford of the Blinn College Foundation begins his year as our Chamber board chair we are excited about the possibilities, and also the

challenges, ahead in the coming year. We will be working on transportation issues, legislative issues, workforce needs, business place health and wellness and many other concerns of our local businesses.

We always need and want input from our Chamber members about these issues, as well as any others, as we work together for the betterment of our community.

At our Chamber Annual Banquet each year we honor individuals who have made a difference in our community. This year we are proud to award the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year to Randy French of Stylecraft Builders. Our Volunteer of the Year is Debbie Holladay of Holladay and Associates.

Thanks to their efforts and generosity, we all live in a better Bryan and College Station.

As we head into the 102nd year of your Chamber of Commerce, we recognize that our businesses are stronger together than apart. Thank you for your membership, and thank you for building a stronger, healthier community through stronger, healthier businesses.

BA RB I E PAT TER SON

Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

RI CAR DO DI AZ Board Secretary

M O N I CA B R OW N AU STI N B RYAN JOHN B U SH S P E N CER CLEM EN TS J OH N C. “JACK ” CU LPEPPER I I I Z ACH ETHER I DGE DOU G F R EN CH J I LL GALL AGHER J OR DAN JAN U SE HEATH POOLE M A R I E P ORTALES R ODR I GU EZ AM Y R ESTI VO KOR I R I CH T R AVI 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

F L AGSH I P C USTO M H O MES

C H I C K- F I L-A JO N ES C RO SSI N G

LO P E Z B OYZ L AWN MAI N T E N AN C E

3501 Kanati Cove College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-9940 BnBCollaborative.com

1700 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5598 AggieAirConditioning@gmail.com

2305 Longmire Drive, Ste. 100 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5565 ZonersPizza.com

14391 South Dowling Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 220-4198 FlagshipTX.com

3715 Stillmeadow Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 204-0680

BACKPORCH VODKA

GR8 L AU NDRY

KP WHOLESALE

CREATE CONS TRU CTION LLC

GU GGENHEIM ACU PU NCTU RE

R ANGER HOME BUILDER S

C OL L E GE HUNKS HAUL I NG JUNK & M OVI NG

HAV ERT YS FU RNITU RE

SHANNON M ORTON PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

2004 Texas Ave S College Station, TX 77840 (979) 329-7068

4095 State Hwy 6, Ste D College Station, TX 77845 (979) 739-2797

DIVADANCE

J & I’S HAIR S TU DIO

STACEY MAINES

DU S T Y ROAD CAT TLE COMPANY

KINDRED HOS PITAL TOMBALL

TEXAS A&M LET TERM EN’S ASSOCIATION

505 Graham Drive Tomball, TX 77375 (281) 255-5600

756 Houston Street College Station, TX 77843 (979) 846-3024

F LOU R I SH AT TEXAS A&M U N I VER SI T Y 202 Student Rec Center College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-7826

K I WA N I S C LU B O F C O L L E G E S TATI O N PO Box 16 College Station, TX 77841 (979) 846-0431

THE BAR N BCS EVENT VENUE

718 Peach Creek Cutoff Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 676-4417

9687 Scarborough Dr Iola, TX 77861 (979) 220-2049

1120 Harvey Rd College Station, TX 77840 (210) 422-3690

1121 Briarcrest Drive, Ste. 302 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 704-5537

8551 Latium Cemetery Rd, Ste B Burton, TX 77835 (254) 482-1085

547 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77840 (979) 255-7526

CAR R I E AR CHER

Manager of Membership

TOM TI LTON

Manager of Finance

J ORDAN PR I HODA

11400 Highway 30, Suite 404 College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 202-4119

Manager of Business Programs

BR I AN M I LLER

Membership Investment Representative

TAY LOR CL AR K

Communications Coordinator

A LLI SON BAT TE

Special Projects Coordinator

R ACHEL N AVE

GL EN BREWER PR ES I DENT & CEO

B & B C O L L AB O RAT I VE , L LC

ZON E R ’S PI Z Z A W I N G S & WA F F LES

Executive Assistant

L I N DA ESPI R I QU ETA 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

501 Graham Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 202-1907

18300 Dusty Rd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 412-9100

3601 E. 29th Street, Ste 13 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 485-2944

3600 State Hwy 6 South, Ste 100 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 268-4710

3939 B Riverside Pkwy Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 200-9912

Publication Design

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CONNECTIONS

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

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Chamber Photos

Introducing: The Ambassador Chair

I

moved to Bryan/College Station in 2009 to attend Texas A&M University, and started working at Copy Corner part-time that same year. After graduation (Class of ’13), I came on full-time to help run our campus store at the MSC. Through retirements and people moving on to follow other dreams, opportunities continued to present themselves for me to advance here at Copy Corner. Working for a small, local business has given me an up-close look at what it takes to not only run a business day to day, but also the planning and execution it takes to achieve long-term success.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 GOLF CLASSIC BEST HOLE SPONSOR, CALIBER COLLISION!

BE N CA L D WE L L C O PY C O R N ER

THANK YOU CHROME; A SALON EXPERIENCE FOR HOSTING OCTOBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. YOUR GLOBAL HAIR FASHION EXHIBIT WAS FANTASTIC!

WE ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST VOLUNTEERS FOR LOBSTERFEST & GOLF CLASSIC! HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2019 VOLUNTEERS.

RETIRED NASA ASTRONAUT, DR. ANNA L. FISHER, SPENT THE MORNING AT YOUTH TO CAREER FAIR SPEAKING TO STUDENTS ABOUT HER CAREER AS AN ASTRONAUT. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, DR. FISHER!

This is my 5th year as an Ambassador. I’ve served two years as a Captain and now I’ve been given the distinct privilege to serve as Chairman. My absolute favorite thing about being an Ambassador is the people I’ve met and the relationships that have flourished from this program (I had a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at my wedding!!). As a new college graduate, this program allowed me to introduce myself as a young professional to the local business community. Through that, I’ve been able to build relationships with new customers as well as strengthen relationships with our long-time customers.

THANK YOU STERLING AUTO GROUP FOR HOSTING A FUN FIESTA FOR OUR SEPTEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!

My goal as Chairman this year is to continue to promote camaraderie amongst the Ambassadors, as well as to get our group further plugged into the community. As a group, we will strive to find fun and creative ways to champion our member businesses with our patronage and support. We want to continue to be a resource for the Chamber as we look to bring value to our current membership, as well as recruit new members. Come join us and see what the B/CS Chamber of Commerce is doing for our business community!

8TH GRADE STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE BRAZOS VALLEY SPENT THE DAY WITH US AT YOUTH TO CAREER FAIR LEARNING MORE ABOUT FUTURE CAREER PATHS.

2019 - 2020 Ambassador Captains

JARED SALVATO IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR GUARANTY BANK & TRUST LOBSTERFEST WOULD NOT BE SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS WITHOUT THE HELP OF OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEE!

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CONNECTIONS

KAT ERI NA HALL CAPTAIN BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH

DEB B I E HOLLADAY CAPTAIN HOLLADAY & ASSOCIATES

CAMERON C OM IRE CAPTAIN THE BANK & TRUST

KATH Y LANG STON CAPTAIN SERVICE INSURANCE GROUP

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 GOLF CLASSIC WINNERS WITH TEXAS FARM BUREAU INSURANCE!

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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CHAMBER PROGRAMS

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!

Ag Breakfast

The B/CS Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Council Presents

21st Annual Taste of Brazos Valley

November 26, 2019 7:00 a.m. • Brazos County Expo Admission: $20

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

NOV EM B ER 21, 2019 Hosted By:

CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH DEC EM B ER 5, 20 1 9 Hosted By:

Recognizing the winners of:

Agricultural Impact Award

Jason Wendler

Agricultural Business Award

& WRI Tractors

2020

GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM January 29, 2020 • 8:00 a.m.

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

2020 B U S I N ES S A FT E R H O U R S DAT ES 01 . 0 9 . 2 0 B RYA N C O L L E GE STAT ION TOYOTA • 01 . 3 0.20P HI LLI P S EV ENT CENTER • 03.05.20BR AZOS VALLEY BR I DAL ASSO C I ATI O N 0 3 .2 6 . 2 0 A L LE N H ONDA • 04. 1 6. 20T H E RANC H HAR LEY-DAV I DSON • 05.21.20EXP ER I ENCE BRYAN/ COLLEGE S TAT I O N 0 6 .1 8 . 2 0PARC AT T RAD IT IONS • 07. 09. 2 0THE STELL A HOTEL • 07.30.20BAY LOR SCOT T & W HI TE HEALTH 0 8 . 2 0 .2 0 T HE PH YSIC IANS C E NT RE H OSPITAL • 09.17.20S TER LI NG AUTO GR OUP • 10.08.20BR ENHAM NATI ONAL BA N K 10. 29.2 0 C HR O ME: A SA LON E XPE RIE NC E • 1 1 . 1 9. 20C H I S T. JOS EP H HEALTH • 12.03.20GEOR GE BUS H P R ESI DENTI AL LI BR A RY & M USEUM 6

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Featuring Keynote Session by: Dr. James Gaines, Chief Economist Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Ask others for assistance. For example, ask a relative to host the family get-together, or make it a potluck and have everyone contribute to the meal.

• Make a to-do list in chronological order to minimize stress.

• Limit your alcohol intake.

• Stay active and continue to eat a balanced diet.

TIPS FROM LOCAL GYMS TO STAY HEALTHY & ACTIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON “Holidays are all about staying committed to what you have been doing before the holidays started. If the good habits are in place and you have accountability with a place you workout at every week, you will make it through and enjoy this time of year.”

• Create a new tradition, such as volunteering, especially if you feel lonely.

• Make time for yourself and your needs, even when hosting guests in your house.

• Keep tabs on your holiday spending. Make a budget and stick to it, no exceptions.

WILL CHAMBERS

ORANGE THEORY FITNESS

“Avoid having two poor quality meals back to back. If you have to splurge for lunch...commit to making sure your dinner meal is on point!”

BRAD TILLERY BCS FITNESS

Health & Wellness Howdy from your new Health and Wellness Committee Co-Chairs, Bunny Pratt with Brown & Company Insurance Services, and Reyann Davis with CHI St. Joseph Health Partners! We are excited to carry out the mission of the committee to provide informational resources and health-focused events that support and promote whole body wellness initiatives to benefit B/CS Chamber member businesses and employees. Our goal is to continue to build member-to-member engagements at the WaterCooler 5K, Annual Fitness Challenge, and the Health & Wellness luncheon. We are recruiting new committee members to help with these endeavors and invite you to join our efforts to make these events purposeful and fun. Read each issue of Chamber CONNECTIONS as we aim to enlighten and inform you about unique community resources available from Chamber members, build awareness of the local wellness continuum, and encourage a culture of active bodies and minds for Chamber and community members alike. If you are interested in joining the Health & Wellness committee, contact us at bunny@bcins. net and rdavis@st-joseph.org.

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CONNECTIONS

HOLIDAY STRESS While many look forward to the holidays, others dread the season. If you feel stressed, obligations during the holiday season can take their toll on even the most cheerful people. Here are some tips to help you minimize holiday stress:

CAUSES OF STRESS Ask yourself what exactly about the season makes you feel stressed. Your feelings may be triggered by the following: • Unhappy childhood memories • Difficult family relationships • Negative feelings about your life over the past year • Seasonal monotony – seeing the same faces, eating the same food and going through the same motions • Lowered immune defenses because of colder temperatures, high incidence of the flu, eating more and sleeping less

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Consider the following tips to help reduce stress this holiday season: • Enjoy the present and try not to worry about what may be lacking.

• Don’t feel you must meet all family obligations. Do not simply do something or go somewhere because of tradition, especially if it makes you unhappy.

CAELA GIBSON

“

PLANET FITNESS - BRYAN

is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – alternating with high periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year. It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.

- NAM I. O RG

• Financial Stress

MINIMIZE HOLIDAY STRESS

“While everyone is busy having a FEAST, you could be working out like a BEAST in an empty gym! Don’t wait for a New Year’s Resolution to start working on being the healthiest, fittest version of yourself. #youbelong”

RESOURCES

”

GriefShare Connect with others during difficult experiences – find support groups at Brazos Fellowship or First Baptist Church of Bryan!

NAMI Brazos Valley Check out Mental Health Support Groups for teens and families with NAMI BV.

®

“No one has time during the holidays. To stay healthy and active you have to MAKE TIME for your fitness. If not, November and December will make your January comeback that much harder.

Stay ahead of the curve and stay active!”

TERRANCE SMITH

SAWED-OFF CROSSFIT

“Holidays aren’t just about loving others, love yourself, eat what you love, in moderation and workout as much as you can... healthy mind, healthy body and hallmark️.”

ANITA GRAZIANO

DELTA LIFE FITNESS – COLLEGE STATION

“Staying healthy and active during the holidays is challenging, but what’s more challenging is getting back into the routine of a healthy lifestyle after the holidays are over.”

CALEB RILEY

D1 TRAINING – COLLEGE STATION

The Salvation Army Find resources during hard times or volunteer to help others this holiday season.

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COMMUNITY INSIGHTS

TOURISM IS

BIG BUSINESS

FOR BRYAN COLLEGE STATION

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COMMUNITY INSIGHTS

preferences. That is where we started— using data collected from digital ads. We geo-fenced events and retargeted those people once the event was over. Those event attendees were then shown our ads based on their personal preferences from Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other websites. In conjunction with digital marketing efforts, we also conducted more site visits. Our vibrant community sells itself. By bringing the potential clients to our community and showing them what we have to offer, we were able to convince them to host future events in our community.

EXPERIENCE BRYAN COLLEGE STATION works hard to market our cities as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions/ conferences, and sports events. Unlike most destinations, we are at an advantage because we may be composed of two cities, but boundaries do not define us. We market our two unique cities as one beautiful community. In fiscal year 2019, we saw an increase in those who were interested in visiting Bryan/College Station.

Our location makes us a prime destination for state associations, regional events and in some cases, national and international business. Our affordability makes us a strong contender for those same events to choose our area. When you pair that with our unique amenities like the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Messina Hof, Aggieland Safari, multiple museums, arts and culture, stateof-the-art facilities, delicious restaurants and Texas A&M University—we are a desirable location to a diverse range of people making tourism big business in our community.

According to research conducted annually by the State of Texas, travel and tourism made a huge impact on our community in 2018.

For example, the College Station-Bryan MSA saw a 9.4% increase over last year in direct travel spending at $584 million. The local tax receipts generated were approximately $20 million which was an 11.71% increase, while the industry employment generated by travel spending was 7,204 jobs which equals a 9.67% increase from the previous year. In fact, these figures put the travel and tourism business in the top five industries in Bryan/College Station.

Experience Bryan College Station witnessed great success in fiscal year 2019 in regard to bringing business to the community. The conventions and sports teams brought in/ assisted with bringing in a little over 200 groups generating more than 78,000 room nights*!

How exactly do we attract this business to our community? In fiscal year 2019, we narrowed the focus of our marketing and sales efforts by focusing on digital marketing. We went to where our potential clients were. For example, you are probably familiar with pop-up ads on social media and other websites that are related to things you have viewed, or similar to things you have purchased online. Today, people want a more authentic experience that speaks to them and caters to their personal 12

CONNECTIONS

THE LOCAL TAX RECEIPTS GENERATED WERE APPROXIMATELY $20 MILLION WHICH WAS AN 11.71% INCREASE, WHILE THE INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT GENERATED BY TRAVEL SPENDING WAS 7,204 JOBS WHICH EQUALS A 9.67% INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

One of the keys to our success was partnering with other organizations in our community. By working with Texas A&M, the community hosted the Texas Science and Engineering Fair for the first time. This event brought in around 3,000 room nights for our community and has opted to return in the future.

We also worked with Brazos County in securing the Texas 4H Horse Show that had been held in Abilene for the past 30 years. Tough Mudder, an event that has a national following, chose to move their event from the Smithville area to Bryan/College Station, generating an additional 2,000 room nights for the community. Another unique event that

chose to come to Bryan/College Station was the North and East Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Annual Conference, which generated around 560 room nights. While all of these events are just a snapshot of what was hosted in our community this past year, each one had visitors who stayed in our hotels, ate at our restaurants and shopped in our stores. This in turn makes a lasting impression on our community through overall economic impact.

Now you may be asking, what will fiscal year 2020 look like? We know that our hotels are always looking for more room nights, and our restaurants and shops would like to see more people buzzing in and out. So, how do we plan to generate more business for our community and help businesses? What are some of the larger tourism events coming to Bryan/College Station? First, we have teamed up with a marketing firm to assist efforts targeting meeting planners, sports event owners and leisure travelers. We have already kicked off a holiday marketing campaign and again focused our advertisements to speak specifically to audiences that want to experience our community. In addition, the Experience Bryan College Station team is working diligently to host more site visits and client events in our community to showcase our location, affordability and hospitality.

The Bryan College Station Sports + Events Team is continuing to put our community on the map by hosting new events like the USA Pickleball Association Mid-South Regional Tournament that is predicted to bring approximately 650 competitors, and potentially 1,500 room nights for three days during Spring Break 2020. Bryan College Station Sports + Events was also instrumental in working with organizers of the MS150 that will now start in Houston and Austin and end at Kyle Field. This event alone has the potential to bring approximately 10,000 people to our community in May 2020.

The best news here is that the MS150 has already talked about remaining in our community for multiple years. We also continue to work with groups who come every year, including State 7on7, NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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Great American Shootout, Special Olympics Fall Classic, PrimeTime 7on7 Tournament of Champions, Budweiser Softball Tournament and a multitude of others, both big and small. At the end of the day, all of these events love coming back to Bryan/College Station because of the experience they have and the memories their participants make in our community.

The Experience Bryan College Station Conventions Team has already had success in securing multiple events for 2020. The Texas Science and Engineering Fair that was held in March 2019 will be returning and expects to see growth. It generates around 3,000 room nights, and we look forward to hosting that city-wide event each year.

The team has also secured three conferences with the Correctional Management Institute of Texas. The Texas Association of Counties and their associations have already booked three events as well; Justice of the Peace and Constables Association, County and District Clerks and the Leadership Conference. Each of these events will generate hundreds of room nights for our community and produce direct visitor spending.

Experience Bryan College Station is committed to making a positive impact on the Bryan/College Station community through partnering with other community organizations to market the community as a place to visit, work and live, while also attracting meetings and events that will continue to add to the quality of life of the residents and businesses in our great community. Our ultimate goal for 2020 is to attract visitors to Bryan/College Station so that we may share our love for our hometown and make tourism an even bigger business for years to come. *Room Nights refers to the total number of rooms generated over the length of an event/events.

K I N D RA R . F R Y, C SE E , SM P PRESIDENT/CEO EXPERIENCE BRYAN COLLEGE STATION

BY THE NUMBERS TOTAL DIRECT TRAVEL SPENDING 2018 2017 2016

$584,647,828 $534,423,864 $491,057,235

Purchases made by travelers during their trip, including lodging taxes and other applicable taxes paid by the traveler at the point of sale.

INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT GENERATED

BY TRAVEL SPENDING 2018 2017 2016

7,204 JOBS 6,569 JOBS 6,174 JOBS

Employment associated with travel.

LOCAL TAX RECEIPTS GENERATED BY TRAVEL SPENDING 2018 2017 2016

$584,647,828 $534,423,864 $491,057,235

Tax receipts collected by municipalities as levied on applicable travel-related purchases, including lodging, food and beverage service, retail goods and motor fuel.

Data from Traveltexas.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRYAN COLLEGE STATION SPORTS + EVENTS

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Holiday Happenings

NOVEMBER 4 - 22 NOVEMBER 9, 10 AM - 5 PM

NOVEMBER 22, 6 PM, GLORIA SALE PARK

Tricia Barksdale Open House

Downtown Bryan Lights On

Bring a friend and party while you shop! Have some complimentary beverages and enter for a chance to win a beautiful wreath ($125) or brimming gift basket ($200). This year, The Wild Garlic Pizza will be bringing their wood-fired pizza for our guests to enjoy. PLUS, for every in-store purchase of $50 or more, receive an extra raffle entry and FREE personal pizza while you’re here! The event will be held at our brand new location in South College Station!

Downtown Bryan will kick off the holiday season with its annual Lights On! A special guest will flip the switch to illuminate Christmas trees which anchor the north and south ends of Downtown Bryan, along with thousands of lights along Main St. and Bryan Ave. This free, familyfriendly event will include activities such as, picture with Santa Claus, live Christmas music, bounce house, a kids holiday craft and more!

Be a part of a unique, family Thanksgiving tradition and join us for the 10th annual BCS Turkey Trot 5k and 1 Mile Family Fun Run. This is the largest non-marathon BCS Race Series race with over 1500 participants last year and has something to offer for everyone! All proceeds of the race will benefit Mercy Project, a local nonprofit organization working to rescue children from slavery in Ghana, Africa.

Visit bcsturkeytrot.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 30, 4 - 8 PM

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 13, 6:30 PM

DECEMBER 15 & 21

Downtown Bryan Wine & Wassail

24th Annual KBTX Food for Families Food Drive

Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade

School of Rock Fall Season Showcase

Kick off the holiday season with the ONLY lighted Christmas Parade in Bryan-College Station! The parade will begin at 24th and Bryan Street heading south, turn on 28th, and head back up Main Street. Downtown streets will close at 5:30 p.m. and re-open at the conclusion of the parade. Floats, vehicles, fire engines and more, all complete with lights, of course, will join us for this night of fun! It’s been rumored that SANTA CLAUS will also be making an appearance at the end of the parade!

Sunday December 15th The Grand Stafford Theatre Doors at 1PM. Featuring students 7 Adults performing a Very 90’s Themed Set! Wear your flannel, and come ready to rock out with us!

All ages welcome, $10 at the door

Primrose School of College Station Canned Food Drive We will be having a canned food drive to fill our Primrose Bus for the Brazos Valley Food Bank. We have partnered with the Texas A&M Volleyball team to go on a Field trip with our Pre-K and Kindergarten students to spend the money they collected doing chores around the house on canned food for the Brazos Valley Back Pack Program.

We are looking for local businesses who would also like to donate canned food to fill the bus, last year we collected over 1,300lbs of food for the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

It’s that time again! Downtown Bryan is hosting its annual Wine & Wassail holiday sip & shop event on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 4-8 p.m.

During this time of year, Downtown Bryan is covered in thousands of Christmas lights and the stores are decorated for Christmas! Each store will feature one wine tasting and one holiday beverage (hot chocolate, wassail, cider, or something warm!).

One Wine & Wassail ticket includes a keepsake holiday wine glass, a chance to sample wine at the participating locations, a shopping bag, and a map of all of the participating merchants in Downtown Bryan.

Wine & Wassail is a 21 and over only event.

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The holidays are a time when family and friends come together. As the family of KBTX prepares for the holidays, we invite you and your family to join us Wednesday, December 4th at the Brazos Center in Bryan for the 24th annual Food for Families Food Drive.

Street Closures begin at 5:30 p.m. Both Main St. and Bryan Ave. will be closed from 28th St. to MLK. All vehicles MUST be removed from parking spaces along the parade route by 5:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 28, 8 AM BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH CENTER

B/CS Turkey Trot

Saturday December 21st Hurricane Harry’s Doors open at 12 p.m. Featuring students 7 - Adults performing a Very 90’s Themed Set! Wear your flannel, and come ready to rock out with us!

All ages welcome, $10 at the door SchoolofRock.com for more details

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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CHAMBER PROGRAMS

‘TIS THE (SHOPPING) SEASON Throughout the year, and particularly during the holiday season, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce encourages its members to shop local and spend money with companies who prioritize giving back to our Brazos Valley community.

W

ith the continuing rise of massive online retailers, small local businesses must work harder than ever to maintain and expand their customer base. Local businesses are the cornerstone of our community, and spending money locally benefits our community in a variety of ways.

CREATE MORE LOCAL JOBS According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for a staggering 99.9% percent of all United States businesses and employ 47.5% of all United States employees. In 2015 alone, small businesses created over 1.9 million jobs, with 1.1 million coming from firms employing less than 20 employees. In fact, small local businesses are responsible for the creation of every two out of three new jobs nationally.

Additionally, when small businesses utilize other small businesses such as plumbers or electricians, it creates a ripple effect which helps sustain even more local jobs.

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KEEP MONEY LOCAL Our local businesses invigorate the local economy by recirculating and multiplying the money spent within our community. For every dollar spent at local business, 2 to 3.5 recirculates in the local economy, creating a “local multiplier effect”. Independent local retailers and distributors tend to prioritize locally-produced and locallysourced goods and services. Many of our local restaurants purchase their meat and produce from local farmers and ranchers.

Our bars are proud to serve regional craft beers and locally sourced spirits. Boutique shops and retailers showcase local artisans and unique fares. These business owners recognize the value of working with their neighbors and cultivating professional relationships based on trust and mutual respect. They enlist the services of other locals throughout each phase of business, from architecture and construction to marketing and advertising. In the Brazos Valley we are so fortunate to have quality local options for virtually any product or service imaginable, allowing us to spend our money at home.

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When shopping local, community businesses win, AND SO DO YOU! Present this punch card to any of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce members listed on the reverse side for a special discount. Get all 7 punches for a chance to WIN!

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

neighborhoods and the needs of people favorite restaurants, cafés, and shops are The Bryan/College Station community is in one area might not be identical to the exclusive to the Brazos Valley. It creates a full of examples of local businesses utilizing needs of those in another. strong sense of pride to know that we have local products. One local favorite, Mad amazing dishes and original products that Taco, exclusively sells sodas made by Boots can’t be found anywhere else. It is these Beverages, owned by Kristen Distributing, UNIQUE COMMUNITY CHARACTER businesses that showcase what it means to in its two restaurant locations. Bird’s Nest live here. This is what makes an impression Gifts & Antiques, located in the heart Our local businesses reflect the unique on visitors and what encourages them to of downtown Bryan, recently opened a culture of our community, truly making come back again. vendors market to showcase unique products from local Our local business owners artisans. The Village Café each have a vested interest prides itself on sourcing in this community, and they the majority of ingredients work hard to see it thrive. directly from the Brazos They give back in so many Valley and surrounding ways, through Little League areas of Texas. This includes sponsorships, charitable food, coffee, beer, and other donations, volunteer work, products such as local honey Going local does not mean walling off the outside and pro bono services. Many and jams. Their walls are world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses are active members of local decorated with the works of which use local resources, sustainably, employ local boards or run for public talented local artists and they workers at decent wages and serve primarily local office in order to better serve frequently offer live music by consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient our community. These local local musicians. Businesses and less dependent on imports. Control moves from businesses define us, and we in the Brazos Valley do an must not forget that their incredible job of embracing the boardrooms of distant corporations and back survival depends on our other businesses in the into the community where it belongs. Shuman 2000 patronage. Make it a priority community. to shop local this holiday season and throughout the CATER TO THE year. Each time you make a CUSTOMER purchase, be cognizant of the impact that money has on Our local business owners our local economy. And most know the community and importantly, remember to the people they serve. They us a “one-of-a-kind” destination. When thank our local business owners for their understand the needs of their customers visitors come from out of town, we have continued dedication to our community. and make it a priority to provide the the privilege of showing them what makes best products to meet those needs. We us special and what sets us apart from are not a cookie-cutter community – we anywhere else in the world. Local polls have a unique culture that is best served AL L IS O N BATTE such as “Best of the Brazos” and “The by people who understand us. Even SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Eagle’s Choice Awards” prove that our within our community, we have unique B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

DREAM BUILDERS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

Extraco Banks announces the addition of Steve Boswell as SVP, Commercial Banker to our team in Bryan/College Station.

Steve has 30 years of experience with financial services. He is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU and holds a BS in Business Administration, Risk STEVE BOSWELL Management from Cal State University at Fresno. He is a USA Hockey level 5 certified coach and continues to play recreationally and coach competitive youth hockey. Steve serves as Board Member of the College Station ISD Education Foundation, is part of the Texas A&M Commercial Banking Program and the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corp., and is a Leadership Brazos Alumni. We encourage our friends to drop by our College Station branch to meet Steve.

The Floor is Yours...

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The Stella Hotel

Leadership Brazos Alumni Association

was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as the #15 of Top 20 Hotels in Texas.

More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a record-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” The 176room, AAA Four Diamond boutique Stella Hotel opened in 2017 as the anchor of the vibrant Lake Walk community in Bryan-College Station. Located next to a 5-acre lake, waterfront park and pavilion, the hotel serves as the city’s hub of events and activities throughout the year. The Stella’s management company, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, is a hotel ownership and management group with an upscale portfolio of 20 distinct properties spanning the United States. This year, eleven of Noble House’s hotels earned high rankings in the Readers’ Choice Awards, continuing to set the standard for bespoke guest experiences and high-touch service. The 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions. Congratulations to The Stella Hotel!

celebrated its 35th anniversary with an event on October 23rd. LBAA raises money for scholarships for Leadership Brazos and Junior Leadership Brazos.

CONNECTIONS

Brazos Valley Gives hosted by The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, raised nearly $300,000 for 103 local non-profits on October 22! Over 1,800 individuals donated to their favorite charities and organizations. Thank you for your generous donations!

The Chamber Spotlight shares company news with the community.

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

f

in

BLOG

MEMBER FDIC

extracobanks.com 254.761.2000

WHYARE

YOU A CHAMBER MEMBER?

“

The Chamber provides a platform to interact with other business owners and community stakeholders from Texas A&M and other governmental offices, creating an environment where we all have the ability to be good community partners and support one another. All it takes is participation on our part.

LARRY HODGES COPY CORNER

”

bush41.org 979.691.4000 @bush41

3rd On Main celebrated its first anniversary in October! This unique restaurant located in Downtown Bryan features an array of delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is the fourth local business for Wade and Mary Beckman, who also own Shipwreck Grill, Amico Nave Ristorante, and Admiral Catering.

The Ellison Firm Tedi & Chuck Ellison of The Ellison Firm were honored on October 22nd for their involvement with Blinn College and the Blinn College Foundation. The luncheon also recognized the legacy of the late F.W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler. Congratulations and thank you for contributing to our community!

in the Ansary Gallery of American History

On Display October 7, 2019 through January 5, 2020

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

Advertise

Congratulations!

WITH THE CHAMBER!

The following Chamber members were named 2019 Best of the Brazos Valley Winners:

See your business featured in the Chamber's Publications:

● Weekly Insider Report eNewsletter ABC Home & Commercial Services ACME Glass Aggieland Apartment Finders Aggieland Credit Union Aggieland Roofing Aggieland Spectacles Allen Academy ANCO Insurance, Ross Gunnels Ashley HomeStore Barrack’s Townhomes Baylor Scott & White Health BCS Fitness Bird’s Nest Gifts & Antiques Brazos Moving & Storage Brazos Valley Floor & Design Brazos Valley Pediatric Dentistry Britt Rice Electric Bryan College Station Toyota Buddy’s Appliance Budget Blinds Buppy’s Catering BVR Waste & Recycling C&J Barbeque C.C. Creations Callaway-Jones Funeral & Cremation Centers CapRock 24-Hour ER Casa Rodriguez Cashion Dental Celebrity Spa & Salon

Chef Tai’s Mobile Bistro CHI St. Joseph Health Chick-fil-a Childs Dermatology Christopher’s World Grille Chuys Climate Doctors of B/CS Cocktails 4 U Coldwell Banker Apex, REALTORS® Comfort Keepers® Copy Corner Cornerstone Home Lending Inc David Gardner’s Jewelers Drew’s Car Wash Ed Phillips Plumbing Ellis Custom Homes LLC Elms Orthodontics First Watch Café Frito & Katy - Candy 95 Galleria Spa, Salon & Boutique George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Grand Station Entertainment Hospice Brazos Valley Integrity Urgent Care Learning Express Toys of College Station Legacy Business Suites & Solutions Light Pediatric Dentistry Luke’s Bartending Service Mad Taco

Maroon U Marr Eye Center Merry Maids Messina Hof Winery & Resort Parc at Traditions Party Time Rentals Planet Fitness Polaris Fun Center Pride Cleaners Prosperity Bank Readfield Meats & Deli Reece & Jouett Exceptional Dentistry Rusty Surette - KBTX-TV3 Rx Pizza Sabi Boutique Shannon Morton Photography Shipwreck Grill Systek Computing Texas Farm Bureau The Dixie Chicken The George Hotel The Sleep Station The Tool Guys Tiff’s Treats Traditions Golf Club Tricia Barksdale Designs Urban Table Waggie Pet Zone Wind Dancer Retreat Wings ‘N More

● Bi-monthly Connections Magazine ● Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide

For more information, call (979) 260-5200 or email taylor@bcschamber.org.

annual banquet 2019 Award Winners

Ambassador of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Katerina Hall

Randy French

Debbie Holladay

Baylor Scott & White Health

Stylecraft Builders, Inc.

Holladay & Associates

For a full list of winners, visit brazoslife.com/best-of-the-brazos 26

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

27

Deluxe

Ribbon Cuttings

BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES

1733 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 203 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 589-4305 brazosvalleygives.org

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Are you celebrating an important milestone?

Anniversary? Opened a 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!

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