2024 CONNECTIONS - January-March

Connections BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LOCAL BUSINESS Keeping Young Professionals in our Community

CHAMBER PROGRAMS Young Professionals of Aggieland

J A N U A R Y- M A R C H 2 0 24

LOCAL ECONOMY New Year, Renewed Momentum from the BVEDC

Features 2

Calendar JANUARY

1. 3. 24 CO MMU NIT Y O U TR EACH SMALL BU SINESS F ORU M

A N OT E FR OM GLEN BR EWER

B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO

Boys & Girls Club of Brazos Valley

1.18 . 24

6 8

B U SINESS AF TER HOU RS Courtyard by Marriott

C H A M BER P R OGR AMS

1. 24 . 24

Business After Hours

ECO NO MIC O U TLO OK CO NFERENCE 2024 Hilton College Station

CH A M BER P R OGR AMS

Young Professionals of Aggieland

FEBRUARY

2. 8 . 24 BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS Texas A&M Foundation

12

COM M UNI TY I NSI GHTS

16

D E LUX E R I BBON C UT TI NGS

18

2. 27. 24

Nurturing Careers & Communities for Recent Graduates

Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS

CO MMU NIT Y IMPACT AWARDS Pebble Creek Country Club

MARCH

3.15 . 24 CRAWFISH BO IL

Brazos County Expo Center

3. 28 . 24 LO C AL EC ONOMY

New Year, Renewed Momentum

CHAMBER DAY

3. 28 . 24 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Allen Honda

22

CH A M BER SP OT LI GHT The Floor is Yours...

To reg ister for Chamber eve nt s , s ca n the Q R cod e above or call th e C ha m be r office at 97 9.260.52 0 0

A WORD FROM

GLEN BREWER Howdy,

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

It was great to see everyone at our 2023 Annual Banquet. Another attendance record was set, but more importantly, the incredible caliber of leadership from our business, professional and educational sectors was on display. The attendees at the Chamber banquet are always a Who’s Who of Brazos Valley businesses. Congratulations once again to former Judge, The Honorable Travis B. Bryan, III, our Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year; Bret Richards with Coleman & Patterson, our Volunteer of the Year; and to Jerrod Lane with Anco Insurance, our Chamber Ambassador of the Year!

As we celebrated the end of another successful year in the B/CS market, many of those at our banquet were already looking ahead to the exciting potential of the new year. I hope our 2024 Economic Outlook Conference helps our members with their forecasting and planning for business in the coming year as we continue to overcome inflation, supply chain issues, and workforce development. I know that the EOC planning committee works almost year-round to deliver the best and most important business data to our members at this conference. I tell everyone that if you are not at the Chamber Economic Outlook Conference—your competition probably will be. I will see you there!

We have some really great articles in this issue of Connections that you do not want to miss. We are excited to give you more information about the Young Professionals of Aggieland committee and other useful information from Spherion Staffing on keeping young professionals in our community. Susan Davenport, the President/CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation (BVEDC) also has an article in this issue providing insight on what the BVEDC has in store for 2024. Susan is also a speaker at the Chamber Economic Outlook Conference, and we want to thank her for all her help. We also want to thank all of our EOC speakers that are listed later in this issue.

Upcoming events that you may want to look into on our Chamber calendar include our Community Impact Award Luncheon and the always popular Taste of Aggieland. We recognize HUB certifiable businesses and the contributions they make to our community at our luncheon, as well as the efforts of our new Community Outreach Committee. The very best of the Chamber’s restaurants are on display with food samples at the Taste of Aggieland. This event is always a favorite, and we help raise funds for culinary scholarships with our local Texas Restaurant Association members. Check out the Calendar on page 1 for a full list of upcoming Chamber events!

At the B/CS 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. Here’s to a great 2024!

G LEN B REWER PRESIDENT & C EO

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 GEORGE 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 NEUBERGER

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

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

P O CH E’S S EAF O O D S H O P P E AN D RESTAU RAN T

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KAN G ARO O H O M E L EN D IN G 4090 State Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 268-7772l

ZO CH N ET

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H O L L EM AN TAV ERN

3164 Holleman Dr. South College Station, TX 77845 hollemantavern.com

M E LROSE ASSI T ED L IVING

UNIQU EH R

6 WH IS KEY CO.

HE ALI N G LI V ES I NS PIRATIO N C E N TER

CO L LEG E STATIO N CH IRO P RACTIC

M IM IK ESS EN TIAL S

2311 Morningside Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 429-3710

750 William D Fitch Pkwy, Suite 240 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 696-1996 collegestationchiropractic.com

P. A . SMI TH HOTE L , L LC

Z ARATE CREATIO N S

JO H N N Y M ARTIN EZ CAR R OL L AU TH O R/L IF E COACH

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111 S Railroad St. Navasota, TX 77868 (281) 450-0667 thesmithnavasota.com

E D WARD JON ES - JESS ICA HARMAN 1920 W Villa Maria Rd, Suite 202 Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 775-2025 edwardjones.com

M E THODI ST C HI LDRE N’S HO ME 4001 East 29th Street, Suite 108 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-6691 mch.org

4646 Corona Dr, Suite 100 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (254) 931-7333 uniquehr.com

1408 Western Oaks Ct Bryan, TX 77807 (760) 855-8942 alexgzarate.com

D& D P EST S ERV ICES , L LC 11 Ravens Perch Bryan, TX 75633 (979) 255-4012 ddpestservoces.com

CAND O R RO O F IN G S O LU TIO N S 6322 Spartan Dr College Station, TX 77855 (979) 969-3208

4114 Lake Atlas Dr, Suite 130 Bryan, TX 77807 (512) 734-1789 6whiskey.com 401 North Main Street, Suite 309 Bryan, TX 77803 (512) 635-0305 mimikessentials.com

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

B RAZO S VAL L EY B L ESS I NG Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 595-5618 johnnymartinezcarroll.com

M EYER CU STO M B O OTM A K E R S 209 North Main Street Bryan, TX 77803 (713) 864-3808 meyerranchboots.com

S ECOR E C OMMERC I AL FUNDING 301 E Main Street, Suite B Brenham, TX 77833 (281) 546-9934 securecommercial.loans

M Y SK I N M.T.O. LLC Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 353-1333 myskinmto.com

COM E BAC K P OOLS

1722 Ball Circle College Station, TX 77845 (979) 575-2839 combackpools.com

PR ODI GY LEA R N I N G CE NTER 12661 SH 30 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 739-2223 prodigybcs.com

T HE BEAU T Y L A B SUITES 404 University Dr. E, Suite D College Station, TX (979) 906-1075 thebeautylabsuites.com

P E R F EC TLY YOU BEAUT Y L AB 4075 State Highway 6, Suite 100 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 721-9521

SP O RTS A N D FAMI LY M E DI C I N E OF BC S

3201 Univeristy Dr. E , Suites 245 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 456-3512 sportsfambcs.com

G E T A GR I P C OLLEG E STATIO N 4644 Merlin Dr. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-6863 collegestation.getagrip.com

E L I A CA F E TA PAS BAR 202 South Bryan Avenue Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 485-5595 eliabcs.com

CA N DAC E’S C OOKI E S HO PPE 305 West 27th Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 739-5082 candacescookieshoppe.com

F OU N TAI N OF YOU TH

1121 Briarcrest Dr., Suite 100A Bryan, TX 77802

GLO BAL R EACH FAM ILY EYE CL INIC, P L LC

1815 Bothers Blvd College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-0485 globalreachfamilyeyeclinic.com

S O U TH B RAZO S CO U N T Y ES D 1 2895 Wingfall Millican, TX 77866 (936) 825-3014 brazoscountyesd1.org

ROADSTAR M OV IN G

CO L L EG E STATIO N F IT B O DY B O OT CAM P

3810Harvey Rd. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-1458 roadstarmoving.com

4075 State Hwy 6 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5120 fitbodycootcamp.com

GUARANTEED PAIN TIN G CO M PAN Y

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AG3 PRO PERTIES

7273 Riverside Parkway, Suite 5104 Bryan,TX 77807 (979) 777-6561 investaggieland.com

HTEAO

815 Wellborn Rd. College Station, TX 77845 hteao.com

GREATER FAITH F EL LOWS H IP BAPTISTS CH RCU H 306 Lake Street Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-5438 greaterfaithchurchbryan.com

LUBE RTA’S S O U TH ERN CO M F O RT FO O D & CATERIN G 2828 Highway 21 West, Lot 38 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 900-0720

BIO RAMICS

5207 Straub Rd. College Station, TX 77845 (703) 332-9122 bioramics.com

BRICKS & M IN IF IGS

2406 Texas Avenue South, Suite A College Station, TX 77840 bricksandminifigs.com/collegestation-tx/

RE L IABL E AU TO M O OTIV E

12700 State HIghway 30, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 393-0444

JAB EMBR RO ID ERY L LC College Station, TX 77845 www.jabtexas.com

3030 East 29th Street, Suite 119 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 721-4225 fyzical.com/bryan-central-tx

TAM U - V ICE P RES ID EN T O F STU D EN T AF FAIRS 1256 TAmu, Suite 117 College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-5728 studentaffairs.tamu.edu

80 8 TECH N O LO G IES

4375 Roans Chapel Rd, Suite C College Station, TX 77845 (979) 314-7824 808tech.net

M CCU L LO CH H O M ES 5 Raven Dr. Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 317-4046 mccontructionbcs.com

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RESTO RE H YP ER WEL L N ESS 1255 B Arrington Rd. College Station, TX 77845 restore.com

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M CCU L LO CH H O M ES 5 Raven Drive Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 317-4046 mcconstructionbcs.com

2024 BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Session l: Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Dr. Tim Harkrider, College Station ISD Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M University

Session ll: Brian Piscacek, City of College Station Joey Dunn, City of Bryan Judge Duane Peters, Brazos County

Session lll: Susan Davenport, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Dan Rudge, Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization Michael Parks, Brazos Valley Council of Governments

Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Gaines Former Chief Economist, Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

JANUARY 18th Hosted By:

Courtyard by Marriott

FEBRUARY 8TH

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

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

Hosted By:

TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION MARCH 28TH Hosted By:

ALLEN HONDA

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!

CHAMBER PHOTOS

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US FOR THE B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL

AG BREAKFAST 2023 | THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL FARMERS, WHO COOKED A

BANQUET!

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ELEVATING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

The Young Professionals of Aggieland’s Integration into the B/CS Chamber of Commerce

In the bustling community of Bryan/College Station, the Young Professionals of Aggieland (YPA) is evolving into a powerhouse for young professionals seeking personal and professional growth.

Recently becoming an official committee of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, YPA has expanded its influence, opening new possibilities for members, and solidifying its role in the local business community.

History of the Young Professionals of Aggieland YPA was conceived by a handful of friends who recognized a gap in the community for those embarking on their careers or relocating to the area. This visionary group aimed to create a platform where college graduates and young professionals could not only network and meet each other, but also grow and develop themselves personally and

professionally and give back to the community they call home. Jason Cornelius, the current Immediate Past Chairman of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a founding member of YPA, reflects on its inception, stating, “YPA was started because a group of friends realized there was a need in our community for those just starting in their careers, or just moving to our community to be able to connect, grow

professionally, and give back to our community.”

Jason emphasizes the pivotal role played by key individuals in YPA’s formative years, saying, “I was very lucky to have been involved in those early moments and can say without a doubt, YPA affected my professional career. Having Zack Morgan, Jordan Meserole, and Shel Winkley be so dedicated in those early years is what made the Young Professionals of Aggieland what it is today.”

Now more than ever, as the two cities continue to grow, it is important that there is a place to foster forward thinking and build a community that continues to get better and become closer as time goes on.

Integration into the B/CS Chamber of Commerce As YPA officially joins forces with the Bryan/ College Station Chamber of Commerce, Jason sees this collaboration as a natural progression.

He believes that this new partnership will propel YPA to even greater heights. Jason notes, “Now, with this new partnership with our Chamber, I see YPA ascending to even greater heights! Having the additional reach and network of our Chamber will allow YPA members a greater opportunity to both expand their own professional network, but also connect and grow roots here in our BCS Community.”

Jill Ross, the current President of YPA, expresses her excitement about the integration, stating, “My involvement in YPA helped me decide to put down roots here in BCS, and I feel grateful and excited to be a part of its path forward. Since 2011, YPA has provided an inclusive space for young professionals in BCS to meet, connect, grow, and serve. We are excited to expand the types of events we offer, increase our involvement within the community, and connect even more young professionals in the area as a new committee of the BCS Chamber.”

Benefits for Members and the Community The integration of YPA into the Chamber brings substantial benefits for members and the broader

PAST EVENTS SOCIAL & NETWORKING

SIP & SOCIALS HOLIDAY PARTIES INTRAMURAL SPORTS PAINTING WITH A TWIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGES WORKSHOPS • • • •

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community. YPA members gain access to an extended network of businesses, mentors, and resources, fostering both personal and professional growth. Simultaneously, the Chamber benefits from the dynamic energy and fresh perspectives that YPA members bring, enhancing its ability to cater to the diverse needs of the local business community.

Moving forward, YPA is excited to continue to serve young professionals in our community by focusing on its core pillars:

Social & Networking • •

Cultivating an open and welcoming social environment for all.

Providing networking opportunities that foster the establishment of long-standing professional relationships between YPA members.

Professional Development • •

Enhancing and expanding the personal and professional skill sets of YPA members, helping them grow and succeed in their current roles, and preparing them for their future success in work and life.

Provide professional development for members and make the young professionals’ presence in BryanCollege Station an even greater asset to both the current and future success, stability and growth of the local economy.

Service & Community Involvement • •

Enhancing YPA members’ knowledge and understanding of local community needs, challenges, and opportunities.

Providing members with opportunities to give back to the Bryan/College Station community.

The Young Professionals of Aggieland’s integration into the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce is a testament to its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. With a rich history, visionary founders, and enthusiastic members, YPA has become a driving force for positive change in the local business community. As YPA continues to evolve within the Chamber, the organization is poised to elevate the aspirations of young professionals in the Bryan/College Station area, creating a lasting impact on both their careers and the community at large.

By: Taylor Hughes Marketing & Communications Manager B/CS Chamber of Commerce

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To find out this year’s award recipients, visit bcschamber.org To register for this event, contact Carrie at carrie@bcschamber.org or call the Chamber office. 979.260.5200.

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NURTURING CAREERS & COMMUNITIES FOR RECENT GRADUATES By: Katherine Kleemann

O

ver the past few years, the labor market has been a bit of a roller coaster. Through it all, our community has been resilient, and Brazos Valley continues to be a stronghold for career opportunities.

Through my work with Spherion Staffing and Recruiting, I’ve witnessed first-hand the demand for degree-holding professionals in fields ranging from education and government to biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and more.

As a community, our goal should be to retain the exceptional talent from our local colleges and universities to fill our growing workforce.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the unemployment rate in College Station-Bryan, as of October, stands at a mere 3.9%, which is excellent compared to Texas’s unemployment rate (4.1%) and outshines nearby metropolitan areas such as Houston (4.5%). These figures highlight the existence of abundant job opportunities in our region; however, despite this, it can be challenging for our local businesses to entice graduates from the area to actively pursue these positions. As a whole, younger Millennials and older Gen Z working professionals are growing more and more difficult to attract to companies, according to a recent Forbes article. More often than not, this may be the result of outdated recruiting and retention strategies that do not align with what younger professionals are looking for in the workplace.

Photo Courtesy Of: Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications

Together, we’ll explore how our community can better attract soon-to-be and recent graduates from institutions like Texas A&M College Station, Texas A&M RELLIS, and Blinn College by creating an environment that entices job seekers and persuades graduates to establish roots in the towns where they earned their degrees.

Fostering a Professional Ecosystem Our community is not just a dot on the Texas map; it is the center of the Texas Triangle, the region of Texas that contains the state’s five largest cities and is home to over 70% of the state’s population. Due to this, and access to a highly educated workforce, the region’s economic landscape has flourished and the need to hire skilled professionals has grown, as well.

Area businesses have the unique opportunity to hire graduates from local institutions, including Texas A&M College Station, Texas A&M RELLIS and Blinn College, and help them step into careers that not only align with their academic pursuits but also contribute to the livelihood of the communities they’ve called home for four or more years.

As an active recruiter, I’ve observed a gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the engagement of our local talent pool. Make sure, as a business, that if you have a story to tell, ensure that you are telling

that story where the young people will hear it. Studies show Gen Z job seekers are increasingly using referral sources and referral boards, like Glassdoor and Reddit, over standard job boards and always research employer brands through social media channels to ensure companies are living their mission, vision and values.

The struggle for talent does not end with attracting recent graduates; it extends to talent retention as well.

Even though Bryan-College Station has been a home to these young adults, as well as acted as a launchpad for their academic and early professional endeavors, this is not enough to keep them here. The allure of larger Texas cities often draws them away with the promise of new sights and scenes. So, the question remains, how can we get them to recognize that the Brazos Valley region offers a wide range of possibilities for career growth and personal fulfillment?

As we know, in recent years, Bryan-College Station has undergone a transformative wave. This is something

that employers should capitalize on and utilize as a selling point to new hires. Numerous nightlife spots, dining establishments, shopping centers and a revitalized Downtown Bryan have expanded the opportunities for young professionals seeking a blend of metropolitan vibrancy and community intimacy. The Brazos Valley, provides everything major Texas cities offer while retaining the warmth of a close-knit community. Additionally this past year, Forbes Advisor ranked College Station as the #4 city to live in Texas, citing that its proximity to all three major cities (Dallas, Houston and Austin) makes it a unique living opportunity. On top of this, according to Home and Money, College Station is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

The Call to Small Businesses According to the Texas Economic Development Corporation, 99.8% of the state’s 3.1 million businesses are small businesses. Small business success is crucial to the local economy, as well as the overall stated economy.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that larger companies attract more attention from candidates, making it harder for small businesses to break through the noise with their unique offerings. But the tides appear to be changing. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, one in five job postings on indeed.com are posted by American small businesses, the largest share on record, meaning it is small business’s time to shine-- something our local businesses can benefit from. The advantages of working for a smaller company should be promoted in your job postings and brought up frequently during the recruitment process. These include a stronger sense of community, increased growth opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on training. It’s vital to make sure that your candidates know how much you will value them as members of your team, which could make all the difference with younger job seekers who will be making a decision that has a lasting impact on their professional journeys. Working for smaller mom-and-pop organizations also allows employees to have more independence in their work, which is something that can lead to growth in their careers and professional development.

Additionally, smaller organizations must figure out their footing in the remote work world. Although there are some shifting opinions in the younger workforce about fully remote, according to Forbes, hybrid work is an increasingly sought-after perk and could be a pivotal aspect that local companies should consider integrating into their workplaces.

Recognizing that not every field of work can go hybrid, evaluate your other benefits and attendance policies.

For example, other enticing perks are good worklife balances, employee-centered vacation policies and simply showing employees your appreciation — most of which can be achievable at even the smallest of organizations.

Nurturing Roots in the Brazos Valley Brazos Valley possesses all the ingredients for a thriving professional community. It is not only a starting point for young professionals but a place where careers can flourish and residents can lay down long-lasting roots. Strategic efforts by businesses, coupled with an effort to showcase the region’s diverse recreational and economic opportunities, will not only attract but also retain the exceptional talent that our educational institutions cultivate. The path forward lies in creating environments that speak to the aspirations and preferences of our graduates, ensuring that Brazos Valley becomes a permanent home where they can go on to become distinguished professionals in their careers and raise their families.

As we navigate the changing needs of our workforce, it is crucial to invest in the vision of a Brazos Valley where college students not only thrive but leave a lasting mark.

DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

HYPERBOLE BOOKSTORE

1275 Arrington Road College Station, TX 77840

(979) 575-5979 hyperbolebookstore.com

MENT MARKETING & CREATIVE SERVICES

2401 E. Briargate Drive Bryan, TX 77802

(979) 725-2210 mentservices.com

KRISTI FOX REAL ESTATE GROUP

2651 Boonville Rd Suite 250 Bryan, TX 77808

(979) 777-7369 kristifox.com

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE MEDICAL CENTER

15195 Wellborn Rd. College Station, TX 77845

(979) 207-6700 bswhealth.com

PRODIGY LEARNING CENTER

12661 SH 30 College Station, TX 77845

(979) 739-2223 prodigybcs.com

ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY

4180 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845

(979) 696-2787 acbv.org

PINSPIRATION

1553 Greens Prairie Rd Suite 101 (979) 450-7986 College Station, TX 77845 pinspiration.com

GOOD LIFE FAMILY MEDICINE

DR. JENNIFER HATHAWAY, DDS

MORGAN VIRTUAL PSYCHIATRY

TRU BY HILTON

3995 State Hwy 6 S. Suite 500 College Station, TX 77845

(979) 704-3033 imbarbering.com

TUDOR HOUSE COOKIES

(979) 776-6884 drhathaway.com

725 E. Villa Maria Rd. Unit 2900 (281) 691-5630 Bryan, TX 77802 tudorhousecookies.com

3201 Univeristy Dr E Suite 240 (888) 360-7587 1933 Austins Colony Parkway (979) 704-6015 College Station, TX 77840 morganvirtualpsychiatry.com Bryan, TX 77802 hilton.com

750 William D Fitch Pkwy Suite 240 (979) 696-1996 College Station, TX 77845 collegestationchiropractic.com

URBAN OPTICS

4081 Hwy 6 S. Suite 301 College Station, TX 77845

HOTEL MCCOY

3702 State Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845

(979) 485-9449 1719 Broadmoor Drive goodlifefamilymedicine.com Bryan, TX 77802

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WOODHOUSE SPA BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

NEW YEAR, RENEWED MOMENTUM. The Brazos Valley is increasingly recognized as “an emerging region” for companies looking to start, relocate or grow their enterprise. A combination of positive business metrics—including steady growth in the regional workforce as well as the area’s gross domestic product (GDP)—combined with enhanced livability factors makes our area extremely attractive for increased economic development and investment.

Over the past few years, Bryan and College Station have seen an influx of private employers. These include:

Working together, we can make the Brazos Valley “the place to be”

•

FUJIFILM, which is now home to approximately 900 employees and has broken ground on a $300 million expansion.

• MYCON General Contractors, which grew a local office from one to over 200 employees and now serves as one of the preferred contractors corporate Walmart.

• Amazon’s Drone Facility, where first-in-the-nation “pharmaceutical drone deliveries” recently began.

• CertainTeed, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, which held a groundbreaking ceremony in November for its new location in Texas Triangle Park.

These company launches, expansions and relocations are assisted by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation (BVEDC), which is dedicated to developing and executing a proactive economic development strategy to assist companies as they locate, put down roots and thrive in the Brazos Valley.

BVEDC’s New Approach Initially established in 1987, BVEDC was reimagined and reorganized in 2023, with amended bylaws as well as a new executive board, advisory board, and CEO/ President. The new structure is enabling the BVEDC to execute a modern and nimble approach related to the core components of corporate recruitment, retention, and expansion of existing employers, as well as the enhancement of the regional innovation ecosystem.

This new structure is already supporting numerous exciting possibilities and opportunities that are rapidly emerging. As a result, we have quantified a pipeline of

approximately 160 projects that have expressed interest in the Brazos Valley. In addition, the Invest Brazos Valley (IBV)’s group of 86 private corporate investors is poised to increase in number in 2024.

The BVEDC is focused on executing strategic economic development initiatives in five key industry sectors— semiconductors, life sciences, aerospace, energy transition, and professional services—that directly align with key strengths found within Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS).

Our success is measured in the number of projects that commit to operations and expansions in the Brazos Valley, the number of new jobs and capital investment created in target industry sectors, as well as the overall enhancement of regional GDP. Attracted By Talent So, what attracts economic development? It all starts with talent, the currency of economic development-- and few areas in Texas are as talented as the Brazos Valley.

Our area is home to a young and educated population.

Additionally, with almost 80% of the area’s growing population between the ages of 18 and 65 (the traditional age range of the workforce), the area has a strong pool of talent to draw upon. In addition, approximately 60% of our population has at least some level of college education, another strong metric for growing companies in our target sectors.

Much of the credit for the quality of talent goes to the area’s outstanding educational institutions, starting with highly rated K-12 school districts—Bryan Independent School District (ISD) and College Station ISD. These two school districts help students build a solid academic foundation, thanks, in large part, to an outstanding group of educators, including Bryan ISD’s Naveen Cunha, who was recognized as the 2023 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Access to a wide range of higher education opportunities also is an integral part of growing and maintaining the area’s depth of talent—and again, the Brazos Valley is fortunate to be home to some of the best. For example, Blinn College—which has a stellar reputation based on its academic transfer, workforce training, and continuing

education—has innovatively developed joint degree programs with partnering regional universities at TAMUS’s RELLIS Campus.

Innovation also is an integral part of Texas A&M University, which is not only the area’s educational jewel, but holds the title as the nation’s largest university and largest engineering school. In addition to its academic strength, Texas A&M is a prestigious Tier 1 research institution that now expends $1.15 billion on research, much of which focuses on engineering and life sciences. Texas A&M’s research expenditure is the largest in the State of Texas and ranks in the top 20 nationally.

The work of Texas A&M’s statewide network of 11 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies and the RELLIS campus are guided by TAMUS, which is also headquartered in College Station. The system’s efforts play an impressive and impactful role on the quality of life all across Texas, whether that’s emergency management or developing and protecting the state’s forested areas.

An Enhanced Quality of Life Yet, these notable educational institutions alone do not account for the area’s attractiveness to companies and investors. Many other regional assets support the Brazos Valley’s livability, making it an attractive place to live and work.

For one, the Brazos Valley is advantageously located in the center of the Texas Triangle, the area comprised of the state’s five largest and most populous cities. This setting--which includes plentiful land, greenfield options, and natural resources--makes our area especially conducive to economic development because of its easy access through a growing network of transportation options, including the Aggie Highway, Class 1 freight railroads and Easterwood Airport. Our accessible location

also means that our labor force can readily expand to meet new employers’ needs since over 19 million people in Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio are in relatively close proximity to Bryan-College Station.

Our area’s quality of life also is attractive to potential residents, resulting in a 17% growth of the labor force population over the past decade.

That growth can be attributed to a combination of factors: • A cost of living that is well below the state and national average.

• A safe environment that enjoys less violent crime per capital than other Texas metros.

• Enhanced healthcare options, as evidenced

by Baylor Scott and White Health’s recent decision to invest $90 million in new projects, including a new 100,000-square foot medical office building, new primary care clinics and an expanded emergency department.

• A vibrant small business community, as evidenced by the rejuvenation of downtown Bryan and the expansion at Century Square.

The BVEDC’s mission focuses on all aspects of economic development, including this enhanced quality of life and small businesses. By creating more primary, well-paying jobs in the region, area residents will have more disposable income to spend in local retail businesses, restaurants, and quality of life activities.

Ringing in 2024 As we enter a new year, BVEDC is looking forward to being even more proactive in our efforts, including our marketing and outreach.

We are working to coordinate more workforce training opportunities so we can be ready to meet the demand of future technology sectors that are now emerging around the world.

Additionally, we are analyzing all of our efforts to ensure we can effectively compete to recruit new companies to our area.

Moving forward, we encourage all businesses and regional residents to stay alert for corporate announcements. BVEDC is excited about the work of our four IBV committees that are working in the areas of real estate, transportation, quality of life and marketing.

These committees are led by outstanding regional business representatives, and all IBV businesses are invited to participate in this work to help grow the regional economy.

We will also be launching a new BVEDC regional brand, message and website in the new year. In addition, we will share our outbound travel schedule for business recruitment purposes, which starts with a trip to Silicon Valley in February 2024 to meet with target sector companies and investors.

This ongoing proactive approach will ultimately benefit not only major companies, but also small businesses. Working together, we can make the Brazos Valley “the place to be”—a place where major employers as well as mediumsized companies, small businesses, non-profits, government organizations and residents thrive in a livable environment with a highly desirous quality of life. The BVEDC is excited to lead this effort, and we look forward to collaborating with each and every business, educational institution and organization within our region.

Susan Davenport CEO/President

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community

Spotlight GENERAL MARK WELSH III NAMED PRESIDENT OF TAMU

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

The Texas A&M System Board of Regents has named General Mark Welsh III the 27th President of Texas A&M University.

Welsh has served as the Interim President since July 2023 and was previously the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service before leading the Office of the President. He acceptance of this official role has been met with a widespread approval from the Board of Regents, Chancellor John Sharp, and many faculty. Welsh said, “It has been an unbelievable privilege to represent Texas A&M as Interim President over the last few months — one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me, and I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible faculty, staff, and students to map out the road ahead for Texas A&M. I’m ready to get started.”

KBTX FOOD FOR FAMILIES FOOD DRIVE

The 28th annual KBTX Food for Families Food Drive took place on Wednesday, December 6 at the Brazos Center. This food drive is the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s largest collection event, raising thousands of dollars and pounds of food. KBTX hosted donation sites in Bryan, Madisonville, Franklin, Herne Caldwell, Navasota, and Brenham. Throughout the day, they raised over $207,000 and over 116,000 pounds of food. All food and money collected goes to the Food Bank and its partners across the region. The Brazos Valley Food Bank is a food distribution site that utilizes millions of pounds of food, millions of dollars and volunteers to bring the Brazos Valley closer to hunger-free by utilizing strategies that educate, empower and prevent hunger.

TEXAS A&M RANKS IN 100 TOP COLLEGES FOR CREATUN LEADERS

TIME Magazine has recently published its rankings of the top 100 colleges in the United States that produce leaders. Among the schools in Texas, Texas A&M University in

College Station received the second highest score.

Texas A&M ranks at No. 25, which is just below the University of Texas at Austin, ranked at No. 14, but ahead of Baylor University at No. 40.

According to TIME, the schools that made the list are distinguished not by teaching leadership skills to their students, but by the fact that their alumni receive more opportunities and are seen as desirable hires by many companies. The Mays Business School is cited as an example of leadership-building abilities with a score of 82 out of 100, just one point below the University of Texas.TIME added that an elite diploma from these schools signals to potential employers that the individual has passed a rigorous admissions process and is highly intelligent, regardless of what they may have learned in school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE RUESINK

Please join the Chamber in wishing Dave Ruesink a very happy 90th birthday! Dave, a former College Station City Council member and Professor Emeritus in Sociology at Texas A&M University, has volunteered for the Chamber Ambassador Program for the past 10 years and was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year in 2015. Dave and his wife Lou Ellen stay busy volunteering for many local non-profits and traveling the world together. If you see Dave at a Chamber event—wish him Happy Birthday!

DAVID GARDNER’S JEWELERS: 40TH ANNIVERSARY

David Gardner’s Jewelers and Gemologists celebrated their 40th year in business this December.

David and Julia Gardner have been making BryanCollege Station more beautiful since 1983! Active Chamber members since 1993, David has served on the Chamber Board of Directors and generously donate to event auctions for the Chamber and many, many more nonprofit organizations.

Congratulations to 40 years in business and still growing! The Gardners plan to renovate their University Drive storefront in 2024.

AN EVENING WITH YO-YO MA

The world-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, will perform in Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University. On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM, OPAS will present “An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma,” a 75-minute

recital and conversation to be performed with no intermission. OPAS Executive Director Anne Black states, “It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly 20 years since Yo-Yo Ma last appeared on the Rudder stage. Yo-Yo Ma plays few solo performances and we are honored that Texas A&M University will be one of his stops.” Yo-Yo Ma’s multi-faceted career is a testament to his belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. Whether performing new or familiar works for cello, bringing communities together to explore culture’s role in society, or engaging unexpected musical forms, Yo-Yo strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity. Tickets can be purchased on the OPAS website.

NEW FESTIVAL COMING TO THE B/CS AREA

The City of Bryan and Destination Bryan are excited to announce that they will be bringing Micheal Hearne’s “Big Barn Dance Music Festival” to Bryan in 2024. The annual festival has taken place in Taos, New Mexico for the past 21 years and for the first time will come to Texas. The festival, described as “bringing the best Americana, Country, Folk and Bluegrass music” will come to Midtown Park on May 3-4, 2024. Tickets are already on sale!

US Space Force chooses Texas A&M University to lead new project

The United States Space Force has chosen Texas A&M University to lead the Space Strategic Technical Institue for In-Space Operations (SSTIISO), a grounbreaking initiative to advance technologies for in-space operations. SSTI-ISO will develop new in-space operations, infuse new technologies into industrial efforts and government laboratories and provide access to workforce, talent and subject matter experts for defense space missions. Dr. Robert Ambrose, J. Mike Walker ‘66 Chair Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M and Director for Space and Robotics Initiatives for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, will lead SSTIISO as director. “No university is better equipped for aeronautics and space projects than Texas A&M,” said John Sharp, chancellor of Texas A&M University System. “We thank General B. Chance Saltzman and the U.S. Space Force for trusting us with this important responsibility.”

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