2023 November-December CONNECTIONS

Connections BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SHOP LOCAL B/CS Holiday Gift Guide

COMMUNITY EVENTS Give Back in 2023

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

LOCAL BUSINESS Boost Holiday Morale

UP TO $49,500 FOR A NEW VEHICLE OF YOUR CHOICE OR WIN 1 OF 84 $250 VISA GIFT CARDS.

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023 ANY use of a First Financial Bank VISA® Debit Card enters you to win!

New checking accounts receive 50 entries. Each entrant must be a legal U.S. resident and 18 years of age.

No purchase necessary. Scan QR code or visit FFIN.com/sweepstakes for official sweepstakes rules and other ways to enter. Checking accounts are opened subject to approval.

Features 2

Calendar NOVEMBER

11.13. 23 ANNUAL BANQUET

A NOT E FR OM GLEN BR EWER

Hilton College Station

B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO

11.16. 23 B U SINESS AF TER HOU RS St. Joseph Health

4

11. 21. 23

C HAMBER P R OGR AMS

AG B REAK FAST

Business After Hours

Brazos County Expo

11. 23. 23

6

B / C S GI FT GUI DE

8

CHAMBER P R OGR AMS

HAP P Y THANK S GI V I N G!

The Best Gifts Around Town

11. 25 . 23 SMALL B U SINESS S ATU RDAY

DECEMBER

‘Tis the (Shopping) Season

12.15 . 23 LBAA CHRISTMA S PART Y The George Hotel

12. 25 . 23

12 14 16 20

MERRY CHRISTM AS

COMMUNI T Y EV ENTS

Holiday Happenings

JANUARY

1.11. 24 CO MMU NIT Y OU TREACH SMALL B U SINESS S EM I N AR

COMMUNI T Y I NSI GHTS Giving Back in 2023

Boys & Girls Club of Brazos Valley

1. 24 . 24 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE

D ELUX E R I BBON C UT TI NGS

Hilton College Station

Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS

LO C AL BUSI NESS

Oh What Fun... with the whole team!

To reg ister for Chamber eve nt s , s ca n the Q R cod e above or call t he C ha m be r office at 97 9.260.5 2 0 0

A WORD FROM

GLEN BREWER Howdy, I hope the slight change in weather feels as good to all of our Chamber members as it does to the Chamber staff. It is a gentle reminder that the holidays are here. Be sure and check out ways you can spice up this holiday season in this month’s Chamber Connections Magazine.

You’ll find places to shop for that perfect present, local holiday events, and ways to give back to this community, which is the true reason for the season. 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 in the midst of the holiday season, 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 Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. Jason Cornelius became our immediate past board chair and Doug French took over as our new chairman of the board. I want to thank Jason and express our appreciation for his outstanding leadership and guidance during the year. Through Jason’s leadership, your Chamber hosted record-breaking events, grew our membership to over 1,650 members, welcomed the Young Professionals of Aggieland organization as an official committee of the Chamber, and continued to support our local businesses and nonprofits. Be sure to look for our 2023 Annual Report to be published this December in The Eagle to see more that your Chamber has done for you over the course of 2023. As our immediate past chair, Jason 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 Doug French of Stylecraft begins his year as our Chamber board chairman we are excited about the possibilities, and also the challenges ahead in the coming year. We will be working on building our workforce, tracking specific industry needs, and working closely with city and state officials to continue growth of the Bryan/College Station market. 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 were proud to award the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year to former Judge, The Honorable Travis B. Bryan, III. Our Volunteer of the Year is Bret Richards of Coleman & Patterson, and our Ambassador of the Year is Jerrod Lane with ANCO Insurance. Thanks to their efforts and generosity, we all live in a better Bryan and College Station.

As we head into the 106th 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. Happy Holidays!

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DOUG FRENCH Board Chair

KARLA CASTILLO

Chair-Elect Vice Chair Administration

JASON CORNELIUS Immediate Past Chairman

ZACH ETHERIDGE

Vice Chair Business Enhancement

HANS HAMMMOND Vice Chair Communications

K AT E R I N A H A L L

Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

A J TAY L O R , C PA

Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

TYLER SMITH

Vice Chair Community Enhancement

B AY L O R LY O N

Vice Chair Leadership Division

BRANDON SEARS K AT Y L E E NICOLE MORTEN IRMA CAULEY J AY R U D I N G E R J E N N Y D AV I S MANNY MARTINEZ ROBY SOMERFORD CODY JONES GENERAL JOE RAMIREZ GOERGE MCCOY J A I M E C AVA Z O S JUSTIN MANNING K I M B E R LY S H AW PRENTISS MADISON SUZANNE NUEBERGER

STAFF GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

H AY L E Y B I S A C R E

Manager of Business Development

TAY L O R H U G H E S

Manager of Marketing & Communications

JENNY BAKER Manager of Finance

VICTORIA MARTINEZ

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

MADISON BOTKIN

Special Projects Coordinator

G LEN B REWER PRESIDENT & C EO

KARISA WILGANOWSKI Inside Sales Representative

J O R D A N YA R B R O U G H Executive Assistant

L I N D A E S P I R I Q U E TA 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 Hughes by email at taylor@bcschamber.org.

ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing

New Chamber Members B RI AU D F I N AN C I AL ADVIS O RS 1611 Crescent Pointe Pkwy Colleg Station, TX 77845 (979)260-9771 briaud.com

H I D DEN C R EEK RV RES O RT

THE GOO D F EET STO RE

4400 State Hwy 6, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 535-5060 goodfeet.com

DIFFER EN T DAY

5780 East Highway 21 Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 778-1200 hiddencreekrv.com

212 N. Bryan, Suite 102 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 571-9468 differentday.com

T HE A N GRY ELEP HANT - CO L L EGE STAT I ON

MANAG EWAY L LC

650 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5110 ttheangryelephant.com

T H E AN GRY ELEP H ANT - BRYAN 4282 Boonville Road, Suite 105 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 485-2450 theangryelephant.com

449 Chimey Hill Drive College Station , TX 77840 (979) 578-3296 manageway.co

FO REST GROV E D B A F O REST P IN ES BRYAN 84 , L LC 3105 Leaonard Road Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 704-5498 forestpinesapartments.com

HE ATUP S F I RST C HOI C E C LEANING SER V I C ES

3416 Parkway Terrace Bryan, TX 77802 (979)571-4748 firstchoicecleaningservices.com

HU DSON OAKS ACTIVE ADULT L IVING 3345 University Dr. E. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 378-6183 livehudsonoaks.com

G OOD LI FE FAMI LY ME DICINE 3995 State Hwy 6 S., Suite 500 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 428-5127 goodlifefamilymedicine.com

J GA LT FI N A N C E

4030 Hwy 6 South, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845 (281) 659-4106 jgalt.io/mfidler/

A L M I GHT Y R EN TAL S

301 Welsh College Station, TX 77840 (512) 868-3788 Almightyrentalstentevents.com

OV ER T HE MOON BE VE RAGES 10745 Harvey Ranch Rd College Station, TX 77840 overthemoonbeverages.com

4207 Wellborn Road Bryan,TX 77801 (979) 703-1130 heat-ups.com

BCS PRO P ERT Y P RO S

2703 Windwood Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 219-3939 bcspropertypros.com

REM ARKAB E REALT Y G ROU P | CO M PASS

5302 Jupiter Hills Ct College Station, TX 77845 (979) 229-8802 compass.com/jodiwarner88bvvetcourtproject.us

EO B RYAN - CO L L EGE STATI ON

7208 Tamarack Rd Benbrook, TX 73116 (605) 212-3281 eonetwork.org/bryan-collegestation

CSTX M O RTAG E

2651 Booneville Rd, Unit 250 Bryan,TX 77808 (915) 780-3599

M ARCO M P RIVATE IN V ESTG AT I VE S ERV ICES , P L LC 2305 Ferguson Cir College Station, TX 77845 (409) 658-1912

H OTEL M CCOY

3702 State Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845 1-866-MCCOY-TX hotelmccoy.com

REGEN TS G ARD EN S GRO UP H OME L LC 1716 Briatcrest Dr. Bryan, TX 77802

B ARKS AN D REC

SWE L L COACH IN G

2208 Bent Oak St. College Station, TX77846 swellcoaching.org

3206 Longmire Dr., Suite C College Station, TX 77845 (415) 725-7514 boardbarksandrec.com

CRUIS E P L AN N ERS

B U STED TEES T-S H IRT P R I NT I NG

3206 Longmire Dr., Suite A-29 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 436-1604 ezgetaways4u.com

1673 Briarcrest Dr., Unit 102A Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 324-9931 bustedteesbcs.com

TUDO R H O U S E CO O KIES

D. R . H O M E IM P ROV EM EN T S ERV ICES

725 E Villa Maria Rd. Unit 2900 Bryan, TX 77802 tudorhousecookies.com

BEACO N RESTO RATIO N

4700 Elmo Wood Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 399-8962 beaconrestorationservices.com

MURDOCH ’S RAN CH & H O M E S U P P LY 1502 Harvey Rd College Station, TX 77840 1-855-232-9104 murdochs.com

322 Freean Ave. Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 492-6393

B RAZO S VAL L EY B L ESS ING 1016 Baker Avenue Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 291-5276 Bvblessings.org

D RIP P IN G S PAD ES H AT TE RY & LO U N GE 12815 Wellborn Rd, Unit 150 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-1220

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

NOVEMBER 16TH Hosted By:

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce offers monthly networking opportunities hosted by different businesses each month to connect Chamber members to each other. Socialize, engage and network with the business community from across the Brazos Valley.

Our Business After Hours events begin at 5:30 pm and wrap up around 7 pm. See you at the next event!

ST. JOSEPH HEALTH COLLEGE STATION

HOW TO GET IN VOLVED IF YOUR BUSINESS IS INTERESTED IN HOSTING A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS, CONTACT CARRIE ARCHER AT CARRIE@BCSCHAMBER.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION!

GLASS NEEDS!

Extraco Banks is proud to announce Ken Krueger as the new City President for College Station.

Ken comes to Extraco Banks with over 35 years of banking experience in Commercial, Consumer, and Small Business.

We are proud of the value Ken brings to Extraco and the Brazos Valley community!

We’ve got you covered for the holidays!

• Foggy Window Repair • Glass Replacement • Mirrors & Frames • In-Glass Pet Doors • Tabletops & More FREE ESTIMATES!

979-274-0774 .

THEGLASSGURU COM

extracobanks.com | 979.823.8810 | Member FDIC.

®

10% OFF

ANY NEW CUSTOMER PROJECT Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Coupon must be presented at time of job acceptance before initial deposit payment is made. Expires 1/31/24.

DREAMERS SWEATER

B/CS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

$39 This soft material of our Dreamers sweater brings warm and cozy vibes to an essential V-neck knit, perfect for everyday wear!

BUFFALO TRACE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

WALK ON’S GIFT CARD

TRAEGER FLATROCK GRILL

$29.98

PRICE VARIES

$899.95

The taste is rich and complex with hints of vanilla, toffee and candied fruit.

It’s Bonus Season! BUY $50 in Walk-On’s Gift Cards and GET a $10 Holiday Bonus Card on us.

Online or in-restaurant while supplies last.

Great for any backyard grill master! This Traeger Flatrock Grill functions as a propane griddle and Legacy Ace Hardware & Gifts has lots of accessories for your traeger grill to choose from!

WINTER 202 SPRAY

3 BANNER CREW

E NEWTON SIGNATURE CROSS PATTERN BRACELET

$32.95

$38

$59.95

Elevate your everyday style with the 3 Banner Crew, an embodiment of your Aggie pride and the timeless traditions that make Texas A&M special. Don’t wait – make this classic sweatshirt yours today and carry the spirit of excellence with you wherever you go!

Shop E Newton Designs exclusively at Sabi Boutique in College Station. This signature cross bracelet, is E Newton’s original design. The bracelet features 3mm, 14kt gold-filled beads and white crosses.

E Newton is worry-free wear, which means you can sleep, shower and work out in it. The bracelets are hand beaded on high performance elastic for a slight stretch to easily roll on and off your wrist. Start your E Newton stack at Sabi Boutique, located at 520 University Drive in College Station.

Our Winter 202 scent is a special combination of pomegranate, saffron, cascarilla bark, pink peppercorn, atlas cedar, star anise, blood orange, armoise, and African marigold that will elevate any space.

Artfully crafted, be enthralled by the enchanted, seasonal fragrance of Old Bryan Marketplace.

TYLER GLAMOROUS WASH LAUNDRY DETERGENT STARTING AT $7.50

SEASONING KITS

GIFT CERTIFICATE

PRICE VARIES

PRICE VARIES

The perfect luxury laundry detergent. It only takes a splash and will leave your laundry smelling amazing!

Complete any cook’s kitchen with this great gift!

Sure, the clever names will make people laugh, but the flavors of the products are sure to bring a smile to their faces.

Treat Your Loved Ones to Some Well-Deserved Relaxation with Galleria Gift Certificates this Holiday Season! Make gift-giving a breeze by giving the gift of relaxation. Galleria offers gift cards that can be bought in-store, online, or scheduled for pickup.

For the best results spray on cotton fabrics, linens, shower curtains, carpets, auto, etc. It is also skin safe and can be used as a personal fragrance.

‘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.

KEEP MONEY LOCAL With 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.

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 distributers tend to prioritize locallyproduced and locally-sourced 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.

When shopping local, community businesses win, AND SO DO YOU! Present this punch card to the B/CS Chamber of Commerce members listed on the reverse side for a special discount. Get at least 4 punches for a chance to WIN! Submit your punch card to the B/CS Chamber before December 20th to be entered. Winner will be announced on the Chamber’s social media platforms.

CUT HERE

When shopping local, community businesses win, AND SO DO YOU! Present this punch card to the B/CS Chamber of Commerce members listed on the reverse side for a special discount. Get at least 4 punches for a chance to WIN! Submit your punch card to the B/CS Chamber before December 20th to be entered. Winner will be announced on the Chamber’s social media platforms.

The Bryan/College Station community is full of UNIQUE COMMUNITY CHARACTER examples of local businesses utilizing local products.

Our local businesses reflect the unique culture of our One local favorite, Mad Taco, exclusively sells community, truly making us a “one-of-a-kind” destination. sodas made by Boots Beverages, owned by Kristen When visitors come from out of town, we have the privilege Distributing, in its two restaurant locations. Bird’s Nest of showing them what makes us special and what sets us Gifts & Antiques, located in the heart of downtown apart from anywhere else in the world. Local polls such as Bryan, houses a vendors market to showcase unique “Best of the Brazos” and “The Eagle’s Choice Awards” prove that our favorite restaurants, cafes, and shops are exclusive products from local artisans. The Village Café prides to the Brazos Valley. It creates a strong sense of pride to itself on sourcing the majority of ingredients directly know that we have amazing from the Brazos Valley dishes and original products and surrounding areas of that can’t be found anywhere Texas. This includes food, else. It is these businesses that coffee, beer, and other Going local does not mean walling off the showcase what it means to products such as local live here. This is what makes outside world.

It means nurturing locally honey and jams. Their an impression on visitors and walls are decorated with owned businesses which use local resources what encourages them to the works of talented local come back again. sustainably, employ local workers at decent artists and they frequently Our local business owners offer live music by local wages and serve primarily local consumers. It each have a vested interest musicians. Businesses in in this community, and they means becoming more self-sufficient and less work hard to see it thrive. the Brazos Valley do an incredible job of embracing dependent on imports. Control moves from the They give back in so many ways, through Little League other businesses in the sponsorships, charitable boardrooms of distant corporations and back community.

“

Our local business owners know the community and the people they serve. They understand the needs of their customers and make it a priority to provide the best products to meet those needs. We are not a cookie-cutter community – we have a unique culture that is best served by people who understand us. Even within our community, we have unique neighborhoods and the needs of people in one area might not be identical to the needs of those in another.

“

CATER TO THE CUSTOMER

donations, volunteer work, and pro bono services. Many are active members of local boards or run for public office in order to better serve our community. These local businesses define us, and we must not forget that their survival depends on our patronage. Make it a priority to shop local this holiday season and throughout the year. Each time you make a purchase, be cognizant of the impact that money has on our local economy. And most importantly, remember to thank our local business owners for their continued dedication to our community.

into the community where it belongs.

Shuman 2000

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15% OFF PURCHASE

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$10 OFF $30 OR MORE PURCHASE AND A FREE TOTE BAG

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20% OFF PURCHASE

___________________________________________

CHAMBER PHOTOS

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN AT THIS YEAR’S B/CS CHAMBER LOBSTERFEST! HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS.

THANK YOU TO FROST BANK FOR HOSTING THE SEPTEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS.

OUR CHAMBER GOLF TEAMS HAD A GREAT TIME AT PEBBLE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB AT THIS YEAR’S

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS

A FUN EVENING CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP

GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT.

YEAR’S YOUTH CAREER FAIR SUCH A SUCCESS!

BRAZOS!

LEADERSHIP BRAZOS CLASS OF 2022 | THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US TO CLEBRATE THE

THANK YOU TO THE PALACE THEATER IN DOWNTOWN BRYAN FOR HOSTING THE OCTOBER

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEADERSHIP BRAZOS!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

NOVEMBER 17

LIGHTS ON! IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRYAN Destination Bryan will kick off the holiday season in Bryan, Texas with the annual Lights On! Help us countdown to turn on thousands of lights along Main Street and Bryan Avenue to illuminate picturesque Historic Downtown Bryan.

This free, family-friendly event will include holiday photo backdrop stations, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

DECEMBER 3, 6PM, TAMU THE GARDENS

MERRY & BRIGHT, MAROON & WHITE HOLIDAY STROLL Join TAMU for a holiday gathering among the lights at The Gardens.

Enjoy cookies and cocoa as you stroll through The Gardens to the sounds of a jazz band, marveling at the sparkling lights.

This event is free and open to the public. If you’re interested in giving back to the community, TAMU will be collecting non-perishable goods to support the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

Donations will be accepted on the Event Lawn, by parking lot 97, during this event.

DECEMBER 2, 11AM, TRAVIS FIELDS

COLLEGE STATION CHRISTMAS PARADE

DECEMBER 2, 6PM, CENTRAL PARK

WINTER WONDERL AND

DECEMBER 2, 3:30PM

It’s that time of the year and Santa is near! Travis Fields is excited to welcome everyone back to their annual Winter Wonderland at Travis Fields, presented by the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.

Join us Saturday, December 2nd, from 11 am to 4 pm for an afternoon of all kinds of holiday-themed activities, and it’s free! Bring your family, kids, and friends to spend a festive afternoon with us.

Start the holiday season in style at the College Station Christmas Parade.

Get ready to be dazzled by beautifully decorated floats, cheerful music, and the spirit of Christmas in Aggieland!

The parade will start at 3:30PM at Post Oak Mall and travel west down Holleman, turns south on Dartmouth, turns east on Krenek Tap, and ends at Beachy Central Park. To participate in the parade, visit www.cstx.gov/our_ community/christmas_parade for more information.

Join us after the College Station Christmas Parade for the one-mile, untimed Jingle Bell Fun Run through the lights to kick off Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 2. The race starts at 6 p.m. at the hayride line near the tennis courts. Entry fee is $15 and includes a shirt and jingle bells!

DECEMBER 7, 6PM

HOWDY DOLLY DAYS

DECEMBER 9, 11AM, CENTURY SQUARE

DOWNTOWN BRYAN HOLIDAY PARADE

DECEMBER 9, 4PM, NORTHGATE

Experience the magic of holiday season in Downtown Bryan! Enjoy free, family-friendly holiday fun in Bryan, Texas! Stroll around Historic Downtown Bryan for an evening of holiday cheer, merriment, and even mark off some of your holiday shopping list!

Grab your family & friends and head over to the Northgate Patricia Street Promenade on Saturday, December 9th from 4:00 pm - 8:00pm for shopping from 50+ vendors, live music, photo opportunities (including pictures with Santa), food trucks, an ice-skating rink, and even SNOW!

Visit College Station and Century Square are teaming up for another annual Holiday Artisan Market on The Green.

The Parade route will start at the intersection of 24th Street and Bryan Avenue heading south, turn on 28th, and head back north on Main Street.

Best part? It’s all FREE!

JINGLE BELL FUN RUN

HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET

Join us on Saturday, December 16th from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm to enjoy live music and shop for the perfect Christmas gifts, from handmade soaps to holiday decor and more, we’ve got it all!

GIVING BACK This holiday season is a time of giving back to those in need. Grab your neighbor and join the community in the spirit of giving. Numerous Brazos Valley wide fundraising and donation opportunities are available. Check out just a few of these initiatives below. We’ll see you there!

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

RADIO M*A*S*H TOY DRIVE

Please join Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. at College Station, Bryan, and Brazos Valley Cemeteries to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. To sponsor a live wreath for a veteran grave in the Brazos Valley ($17 each), please visit wreathsacrossamerica. org/tx0275p. WAA is “more than wreaths in December,” WAA Brazos Valley remembers, honors and teaches about the service and sacrifice of veterans, military and their families. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information.

Radio M*A*S*H is an annual toy drive to collect toys and funds for less-fortunate children in the Brazos Valley. This year’s Radio M*A*S*H starts Thursday December 2nd and runs through Monday, December 6th. For five days, the corner of Harvey Road and Earl Rudder Freeway in the Post Oak Mall parking lot in College Station resembles an Army camp with the singular mission of ensuring every child in need in the Brazos Valley has a gift under their tree. Brazos Valley Communications radio stations, 98.3 KORA, Radio Alegria 1240AM/100.1FM, 101.9 The Beat, and Classic Hits 102.3/107.3 man the effort and broadcast from the “camp” continuously throughout thevent. This is always a favorite holiday event for the B/CS Chamber as our Board of Directors and Ambassadors come together to donate to the toy drive.

THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREES The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program has been a tradition since 1979. The Salvation Army obtains the name of children or special needs adults in families of the community and a list of desired Christmas gifts.

Angel tags are printed for each individual and placed on Salvation Army Angel Trees at Post Oak Mall and many other local companies and organizations across BryanCollege Station. Generous donors are able to select Angels, purchase gifts, and return them to the Angel Tree by the given deadline on each tag. Upon their return, the gifts are taken to the Bryan-College Station Salvation Army for pickup by the Angel families. For details or to see how you can donate to an Angel, visit www.tsamm.org/angeltree.

KBTX FOOD FOR FAMILIES FOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH BRAZOS CENTER 5 A.M - 7 P.M Please Remember, Non-perishables only!

No homemade or perishable items will be accepted.

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 6th at the Brazos Center in Bryan for the 28th Annual Food for Families Food Drive.

During this event we will broadcast live throughout the day as we work to alleviate hunger in the Brazos Valley. Shop any of your local grocery stores using the list below as a guide to help you support this incredible effort that benefits the mobile pantry operated by the Brazos Valley Food Bank, your local non-profit organization “seeking to eliminate hunger by the distribution of food and grocery products through a network of nonprofit organization while providing education and community awareness on issues of hunger.” Together we can make a difference.

Additional drop sites are located at the SonShine Station in Madisonville, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Pridgeon Community Center in Franklin, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Hearne Railroad Depot in Hearne, 6:00a.m. – 7:00p.m., St. Mary’s, Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church Hall in Caldwell, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00p.m., MidSouth Electric Co-op Operations Facility in Navasota from 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Washington County Expo in Brenham from 6:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

To your family, from our family at KBTX-TV, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

DONATION IDEAS: Beans (canned or dried) Cereal (family size) Chili Flour Fruit cups (shelf stable) Juice Boxes Oatmeal Pudding (shelf stable)

Pasta Toilet Paper Bottled Water Vegetables (canned) Cereal (individual size) Coffee Fruits (canned) Granola Bars

GIVEJOY FOUNDATION: GROW & GIVE BACK HOLIDAY DRIVE The GiveJoy Foundation is thrilled to announce the start of this year’s Grow & Give Back Holiday Drive on Saturday, December 9th, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Bryan ISD Administration building. Founded in 2008, The GiveJoy Foundation started with just 50 students and has since grown, impacting thousands of children in the Brazos Valley and greater Austin area.

The Grow & Give Back Holiday Drive is the foundation’s flagship program, designed to provide Bryan ISD intermediate students and their families with a memorable holiday experience, including $100 worth of gifts for each child in the home and a freshly prepared holiday meal for the whole family. The GiveJoy Foundation’s goal is to bring joy to 1000-1300 students (around 300 families) from the Bryan and Austin communities with gifts and meals.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers, school staff, and the community to establish authentic relationships with the students and their families in their community. To learn more about how to be a part of this event, please visit www.givejoyfoundation.org/ggb.

Ketchup & Mustard Paper Towel Rice Sugar Tuna (regular and pop top) Canned Meats Cereal Bars Diapers (child & adult)

Mac n’ Cheese Jam/Jelly Vienna Sausages (poptop) Peanut Butter Ravioli Soup (regular and poptop) Tuna/Chicken Salad Kits

DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

VISIT COLLEGE STATION 1207 Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840

(979) 260-9898 visit.cstx.gov

PINK ALLIANCE P.O Box 6373 Bryan, TX 77805

(979)229-1200 pinkalliance.org

WOODHOUSE SPA BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION 4115 Lake Atlas Dr. Suite 320 Bryan, TX 77807

(979)676-7193 woodhousespas.com

CHRISSY’S CLOSET- CSISD CLOTHING CLOSET

1812 Welsh College Station, TX 77840

(979)694-5615 givetokids.csisd.org

AGGIELAND OUTFITTERS

100 Fairview Ave. College Station, TX 77840

(979) 775-8151 aggielandoutfitters.com

BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES

1733 Briarcrest Dr. Suite 209 Bryan, TX 77802

(979) 589-4305 cfbv.org

GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 1000 George Bush Dr. West College Station, TX 77845

(979) 691-4010 bush41.org

THE GOOD FEET STORE

4400 State Hwy 6 Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845

(979) 535-5060 goodfeet.com

B/CS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

3091 Univeristy Dr. East Suite 220 Bryan, TX 77802

(979) 260-9842 bcsaa.com

EXPERIENCE THE AGGIE FOOTBALL LEGACY AUGUST 28 - APRIL 28, 2024

1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77845 For more information, please visit BUSH41.0RG or call 979.691.4000 This program made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the city of College Station through the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.

Annual Banquet CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 AWARD WINNERS

Volunteer of the Year

bret richards coleman & Patterson

Citizen of the Year Ambassador of the Year

The Honorable Travis B. Bryan, III

JERROD LANE ANCO INSURANCE

Experience the magic of the most wonderful time of year right here in the Brazos Valley!

Looking for ways to treat your staff this holiday season? There are so many opportunities right here in the Bryan-College Station to make your holidays merry and bright. A time to be cheerful, a time to spend with family and a time to show others how much you care about them. Not just your family and friends, but those you work alongside as well.

Here are 5 ways to make this holiday season the best yet for your team!

OH W

W IT H

ONE HOLIDAY TEAMBUILDING

Team-building activities are another way to foster engagement amongst employees. Activities should allow team members to connect with each other, and especially those they might not work with regularly. Check out a few ideas below for your team!

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

Get festive and create fun custom holiday ornaments. Provide your employees with decorating kits or have a crafts table with all the supplies you may need. Play some Christmas music and get started on customizing your own personal ornaments with your team!

W HAT FUN...

H T HE W HOLE T EAM! COOKIE DECORATING

The holidays are always filled with delicious treats. Make things fun with a cookie contest! You can make it simple and provide employees with their own decorating kit that comes with sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles. You could have a lead showcase how to successfully decorate the perfect cookie, or have your employees get creative! Bonus is you get to eat the cookies afterwards if you choose.

TREAT YOUR TEAM TO A FUN ACTIVITY OUT OF THE OFFICE. Take a break from the office and spend an afternoon at one of the many fun activities around town!

Grand Station Entertainment Rent The Queen for a private moving screening of your favorite Christmas film.

Pinspiration Escape Room BCS/Padlock Escape Games BCS Axe House or The Cut Axe Throwing Painting with a Twist BigShots Golf Aggieland

T WO SECRET SANTA Nothing screams Christmas more than Secret Santa! This gift giving opportunity fosters a sense of togetherness and boosts morale.

Have all your employees pull names from a bowl and limit the gift price to a reasonable amount. Once you know your office Secret Santa, it’s time to go shopping!

Your office could even put a fun spin on the gift giving that every gift has to be from a local business in the Brazos Valley. This is such a fun way to support our local businesses!

Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further! Head to page 6 for the official B/CS Chamber Gift Guide with tons of options for anyone in your life.

T HREE GIVING BACK There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than giving back and there are so many opportunities to lend a helping hand in the Brazos Valley this holiday season. Decorate holiday cards with your team and deliver them to local nursing homes. Take a day to volunteer. Donate. There are so many opportunities to give back this holiday season. Check out more information on giving back in the Brazos Valley on page 14.

FIV E SUPPORT A LOCAL RESTAURANT. Support local restaurants by using one to cater your holiday party! Or treat your employees to lunch or dinner out of the office. Here are just a few places around the Brazos Valley that offer private dining rooms.

1860 Italia Amico Nave C&J BBQ Café Capri Casa do Basil Gate 12 Maria Mia Messina Hof Rail & Rye The Toasted Yolk Urban Table Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux FOUR A THOUGHTFUL GIFT Show your team that you appreciate their work by a thoughtful gift that boosts motivation and productivity and reminds each employee that they are a valued part of your team. Recognize a job well done with custom company swag or a gift card for them to use this holiday season.

CUSTOM COMPANY SWAG

Give the gift of personalized company swag with the help of C.C. Creations or Monograms & More.

Located in College Station, these custom apparel and promotional product companies have hundreds of products to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your team.

GIFT CARDS

Want to know what your team really wants for the holidays? Gift cards! And what another great way to support local businesses this holiday season. Give the gift of a gift card to a local grocery store, coffee shop, or restaurant. Any amount helps and will be appreciated by your employees.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community

Spotlight COLLEGE STATION CELEBRATES 85TH BIRTHDAY

The Community Spotlight shares company news with the community. New leadership, major changes, anniversaries, employee achievements - celebrate milestones with a message!

If you would like to feature a Community Spotlight contact taylor@bcschamber.org

record and their goal for the 2023 year. Brazos Valley Gives is an annual month-long giving initiative that culminates on the 3rd Tuesday of October with 18 hours of online giving that brings the region together on one day and as one community to raise critical funding and awareness for nonprofit organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. Powered by the Community Foundation, Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses with an easy platform to support the mission and good works of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley.

City of College Station celebrated its 85th birthday on October 19 at City Hall. A new history wall was unveiled, complete with a detailed timeline that spans from the city’s birth (1938) to the present day.

City residents also shared their historic artifacts to put on display as well. Mayor John Nichols remarked, “85 years is a good place to mark our successes and our history, but it’s also a base for looking forward to the future.” While the city’s official incorporation occurred in 1938, its roots trace back to the founding of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M, which opened its doors in 1876. Happy Birthday, VeraBank is pleased to welcome Kyler City of College Station!

Crenshaw to its commercial banking team.

Kyler will serve as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banker in the Bryan – College Station market.

On October 17, 2023, the Brazos Valley “Kyler is an excellent fit for this role and we’re community came together to support excited to have him on our team,” said Joel local nonprofits and collectively raised Jackson, Senior Vice President and Regional over $1,251,621. This broke the 2022

VERABANCK WELCOMES AVP, COMMERCIAL BANKER TO BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES SUCCESS

Manager. “His tight focus on helping business clients grow and succeed, and his passion to serve and connect with customers will help further our footprint in this region.”

“Our customers will really enjoy working with Kyler,” said VeraBank President and CEO Brad Tidwell. “His experience and financial industry knowledge will serve business customers in the Bryan – College Station community well.”

A recent graduate of the Leadership Brazos Class of 2023, Kyler has been in banking for over a decade and he chose VeraBank because of its excellent reputation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his kids, playing golf, and hunting whitetail deer. He is also active in the community and serves on committees for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Folds of Honor.

Working from the bank’s College Station branch, Crenshaw will help VeraBank business customers with all their financing and cash management needs.

BRYAN ISD TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALIST RECEIVES RECOGNITION FROM ESPN

On September 22nd, Naveen Cunha, a teacher at SFA Middle School, was in for a surprise. Roman Harper, a Super Bowl Champion and SEC Nation analyst, visited the school and presented Mr. Cunha with a check for $3,000. This recognition was welldeserved, as Mr. Cunha was recently named one of the best secondary teachers in Texas by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Thanks to ESPN’s partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers, Mr. Cunha received three digital gift cards worth $1,000 each to help support his classroom, programs, and school.

Congratulations to Naveen Cunha, an outstanding educator at Bryan ISD!

REV UP THE ARTS AGGIELAND MURAL FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF ART AND COMMUNITY

The Arts Council has launched the Rev up the Arts Aggieland Mural Festival in collaboration with the City of College Station. This festival showcases a collection of unique murals created by both local and international artists, which can be found in different locations across College Station. These

murals are displayed in various establishments and communal spaces, providing an opportunity for the community to appreciate and connect with art.

The festival serves as a platform for artists to exhibit their creativity and masterpieces, with an aim to inspire and engage the community through art.

50 YEARS OF PARSONS MOUNTED CAVALRY

The Parsons Mounted Cavalry is a special unit within the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. The unit is known for its military horse training and operates the well-known field gun, the Spirit of ‘02. The special unit held a celebratory event with current and former cadets on Saturday, October 21st at Fiddlers Green, home of Parsons Mounted Cavalry to celebrate their 50th year anniversary.

PINK ALLIANCE: 20 YEARS OF SURIVING & THRIVING BREAST CANCER

Pink Alliance, an organization that supports breast cancer patients and breast health awareness efforts in Bryan-College Station Community, recently celebrated 20 years of Surviving & Thriving Breast Cancer by hosting their largest fundraising event.

Over the years, Pink Alliance has raised over a million dollars towards breast cancer research and support for patients. From January to May, they provided over $53,000 in direct financial support for patients. If you would like to support Pink Alliance’s efforts, please visit www.pinkalliance.org for more information.

TAMU System Wins Jack Donnelly Award

Congratulations to Texas A&M University System for receiving a significant accolade as Major General Daniel J. Lecce, USMC (Ret.), the acting director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency of the U.S. Defense Department, presented A&M with the coveted Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence. The award recognizes A&M’s outstanding commitment to national security and its unwavering dedication to protecting sensitive information.

C ON N ECT I O NS B RYAN / CO L L EG E S TAT I O N CHA M B E R O F C OM ME R CE P.O. B OX 3 57 9 B RYAN , T X 7 7 80 5 -3 57 9

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