Chamber Connection - Q2 2024

Connections BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PERSONAL HEALTH Embrace Self-Care with Woodhouse Spa

PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE

A P R I L- J U N E 2 0 2 4

FINANCIAL WELLNESS How To Set Goals with Decker Financial Group

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Features 2

A N OT E FR OM GLEN BR EWER

Calendar APRIL

4 . 9 . 24 TASTE O F AGGIEL AN D

B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO

Brazos County Expo Center

4 .18 . 24 B U SINESS AF TER HOU RS

6

The Ranch Harley Davidson & The Ranch RV

4 . 27. 24

CH A M BER P R OGR AMS

Business After Hours

B/CS CHAMBER O F CO MMERCE 5K The Palace Theater

8

E M P LOY EE WELLNESS

Prioritizing Employee Well-Being In the Workplace

MAY

5 . 30 . 24 BU SINESS AF TER HOU RS

9

Grand Station Entertainment

COM M UNI TY I NSI GHTS

Elevate Your Well-being, Embrace Self-Care

JUNE

14

D E LUX E R I BBON C UT TI NGS Celebrating the Start of Something New in B/CS

6.17. 24 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ

6. 27. 24 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Verabank

16 20

COM M UNI TY I NSI GHTS Financial Wellness

6. 21. 24 FOUNDERS NIGHT The Stella Hotel

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 Vice Chair Communications

With Spring in full swing, we have had a fantastic start to 2024 at the Chamber! I hope that you were able to attend our 2024 Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference. The event was sold out once again this year and we are already looking ahead to 2025 and ways to improve the conference and more ways to distribute the valuable economic information that was presented to our attendees. We are excited about everything we took away from the conference and the many opportunities for success this coming year. I know everyone left the conference with a phenomenal amount of data and new ideas.

Congratulations go out to this year’s Community Impact Award winners: Dr. Jennifer Hathaway, owner of Jennifer Hathaway, DDS; Amelia McCracken, owner of Ment Marketing & Creative Services; and Laura Leon, owner of Laura Leon Law, PLLC. We are happy to be able to acknowledge these minority-owned businesses and the impact they have on the B/CS market through job creation, support for local nonprofits and the goods and services they provide. This luncheon is supported by the Chamber’s Community Outreach Committee, which works to celebrate and grow our Chamber’s diversity. Because of our Chamber’s inclusiveness, we can speak with one voice for all our businesses, and all the individuals that make up the faces and stories behind every B/CS business. We recognize we are stronger together rather than apart, and our Community Outreach Committee and Community Impact Award winners prove this to be correct every day.

I am excited to report that over 150 volunteers who showed up and visited close to 1,000 local businesses on 2024 Chamber Day were excited to do their part to help get us back to business here in B/CS. Our survey results from our visits will be available soon. I would like to thank all our volunteers for their help and enthusiasm! We look forward to visiting even more local businesses next year and thanking them for the jobs they create, the taxes they pay and the goods and services they provide to our community. The Brazos Valley is growing and thriving because of our large and small businesses and the people who work there.

The Chamber recognizes that businesses are only as strong as their employees, and good businesses prioritize the health and well-being of their staff. The Chamber’s Health and Wellness Committee is focused on promoting a healthy workforce through informative luncheons, the Chamber 5K, and other health initiatives to promote health and wellness in the workplace. This issue of Connections magazine highlights our healthcare related Chamber members and their impact on our community.

We encourage everyone to join us on April 27th for our Chamber 5K and Fun Run in Downtown Bryan! Tickets are available at the Chamber office or on our website.

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

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

JENNY BAKER Manager of Finance

VICTORIA MARTINEZ

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

MADISON BOTKIN

Special Projects Coordinator

KARISA WILGANOWSKI Inside Sales Representative

G LEN B REWER PRESIDENT & C EO

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 Victoria Martinez by email at victoria@bcschamber.

ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing

New Chamber Members

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2024 Taste of

Get Your Tickets Today!

April 9, 2024• 5 - 8PM Brazos County Expo General Admission: $35 For questions or to purchase tickets, please call (979) 260-5200 or email hayley@bcschamber.org

WANT TO ADVERTISE IN OUR

CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE? MAIN LINE: 979.822.6467 MENTAL HEALTH ROUTINE SERVICES: 979.361.9815 TOLL FREE: 1.800.282.6467 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REACH OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION:

CRISIS HOTLINE: 888.522.8262 WWW.MHMRABV.ORG

OUR MISSION:

To provide the highest quality of services, which promote dignity and independence, to individuals and their families who are challenged with issues related to mental health and intellectual disabilities.

CALL OUR OFFICE AT 979.260.5200 FOR OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

APRIL 18th Hosted By:

The Ranch Harley Davison & RV

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!

MAY 30th Hosted By:

Grand Station Entertainment JUNE 27th

Verabank

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENTS | THANK YOU TO THE TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION FOR HOSTING THE FEBRUARY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS.

DR. JENNIFER HATHAWAY, LAURA LEON WITH LAURA LEON LAW AND AMELIA MCCRACKEN WITH MENT MARKETING & CREATIVE SERVICES

THANK YOU DR. JAMES GAINES FOR BEING THE KEYNOTE

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED US FOR THE MINORITY

SPEAKER AT THE 2024 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE.

SMALL BUSINESS FORUM!

THE FIRST NEW MEMBER ORINTATION OF THE YEAR!

THANK YOU TO COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT FOR HOSTING THE FEBRUARY BUSINESS AFTER WE ARE TRILLED TO SEE OUR JUNIOR LEADERSHIP BRAZOS CLASS OF 2024 SUCCEED THIS YEAR!

HOURS.

PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the well-being of employees has never been

more crucial. Prioritizing employee well-being creates a healthy and thriving workplace.

Not only does it contribute to managing stress and building strong relationships among

team members, but it improves productivity while reducing the risk of burnout. As we begin to understand the impacts that stress and exhaustion can have on the body, it’s

becoming more important that we address mental health in the workplace. After all,

when employees feel supported, they are motivated to deliver exceptional work.

Implementing wellness activities is a proactive approach to fostering employee engagement, which reduces turnover.

Promoting Physical Health in the Workplace Promoting physical health in the workplace can be done by designing fun fitness

challenges that encourage healthy competition among employees. These challenges

should not only promote physical activity but also drive the turnout for other wellness initiatives such as health screenings and assessments. To get you started, we are

thrilled to bring back the B/CS Chamber Wellness Challenge this April. Throughout the

month, stay tuned on our socials to discover exclusive deals with the partnership of local health and wellness businesses. From joining a running club to booking a group workout

class, together we can focus more on our health.

Supporting Mental health As we navigate various transitions at work or in

our personal lives, we are likely to feel or see our

colleagues’ burnout quickly. As always it is

important to voice your support. By being honest with our own mental health, we open the door for

our employees to feel comfortable talking as well!

Build a connection with your employees by

conducting regular check-ins. By simply asking

“How are you?” we reach a conversation on how

we can support one another to be successful at

work. In addition, popular de-stress activities that

When prioritizing employees’ well-being, we create a

workplace

supported

where to

professionally.

A

employees

succeed team

both

of

feel

valued

personally

happy

and

and

and

healthy

employees leads to higher employee engagement,

lower turnover, increased productivity, and an overall better

company

culture.

Begin

with

creating

appropriate challenges that appeal to different

employees. These health and wellness challenges

should be a fun and easy way to drive employees to develop healthy habits

can be done are yoga and meditation. For

personal

and

ongoing

support,

counseling

resources and support hotlines are a wonderful source.

Month-long yoga challenge for

Fostering Emotional health Fostering emotional health in the workplace can

begin with a simple practice that just takes minutes. Encouraging employees to take short breaks, even 5 to 10 minutes can significantly help

reduce stress. Activities such as taking a walk

during lunch breaks or practicing relaxation

techniques such as washing your face or rinsing

your hands in cool water can alleviate tension and

calm

Start prioritizing your health with these challenges:

nerves.

Additionally,

creating

a

comfortable work environment where employees

spend the majority of their day can contribute to

physical wellness 3-month automated savings challenge for financial wellness 7-day meditation challenge in the office for mental and emotional wellness One-time “pay it forward” challenges for social wellness, like volunteering for community clean-ups.

their overall well-being. Make your office as

comfortable as possible since we spend the

majority of the day there. Encouraging volunteer

opportunities is another way to help employees

tap into their personal meaning. While social

By: Victoria Martinez Marketing Coordinator B/CS Chamber of Commeerce

challenges encourage employees to step outside

their comfort zone, working on social connections helps find a healthy supportive system.

Financial health With our daily responsibilities, it is easy to overlook the

importance

of

creating

financial

goals.

Whether it’s saving more or budgeting, these are

objectives we all share. So, how can a workplace help

their

employees

achieve

these

goals?

Facilitating lunch-and-learn events is a great

way to help employees understand money

management. By providing employees with the

knowledge and tools needed to manage their

finances, we empower our colleagues to take

control of their financial well-being. When we understand how we can effectively manage our

spending, it becomes easier to improve other areas in our lives.

Join the B/CS Chamber of Commerce for a timed run through Downtown Bryan for the 2024 annual 5K on April 27th. The race will begin and end at The Palace Theater with food, drinks, and live music.

Visit bcschamber.org to register !

Elevate Your Well-Being: Embrace Self-Care BY: TERIN GRAHAM

In today's fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life. Yet, prioritizing selfcare is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing and happiness. Whether it's indulging in a relaxing skincare routine, sinking into a warm bath, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, self-care practices rejuvenate us from the inside out.

Ways to Implement Self-care in Your Daily Life: Commit to a daily skincare routine.

Be mindful about quiet time with meditation, journaling, or reading.

Make yourself a tea or enjoy a sweet treat.

Take a nap and allow your mind to reset.

Invest in routine massages.

Take a warm and relaxing bath.

Add aromatherapy and calming music to your day.

Skincare Skincare Routines: Routines: Starting your day with a nourishing skincare routine sets the tone for self-care throughout the day. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin not only enhances your physical appearance but also boosts your confidence and selfesteem.

Quiet Time: Quiet Time: Carving out moments of silence amidst the noise of daily life is essential for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Whether meditating, journaling, reading a book, or simply sitting in stillness, quiet time fosters self-awareness and inner peace.

Drinking Tea Tea&&Enjoying Enjoyinga Treat: a Treat: Sipping Drinking on a cup of herbal tea is a simple yet effective way to unwind and soothe the senses. Whether it's chamomile to calm the nerves or green tea for its antioxidant properties, tea time offers a moment of tranquility on a busy day. Indulging in a treat, such as sharing a glass of wine with friends or enjoying a quiet evening alone with chocolates, can be a delightful form of self-care. It's a chance to unwind, savor the moment, and indulge in life’s simple pleasures.

Taking Taking a Nap: Nap: In a world that glorifies productivity, taking a nap may seem counterintuitive, but it's a vital aspect of selfcare. A short nap can recharge your energy levels and improve cognitive function, allowing you to tackle challenges with a refreshed mindset.

Routine Routine Massages: Massages: Incorporating regular massages into your self-care regimen relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and reduces stress levels. It's a luxurious indulgence that pays dividends in both physical and mental health.

Taking Taking aa Bath: Bath: There's something undeniably soothing about submerging oneself in a warm bath after a long day.

Adding essential oils or bath salts can elevate the experience, promoting relaxation and easing tension in both body and mind.

Aromatherapy Calming Music: Aromatherapy and and Calming Music: Harnessing the power of scent and sound to influence mood and emotions, aromatherapy and music are valuable tools in any self-care toolkit. With lavender for relaxation and eucalyptus for relief, infusing your surroundings with essential oils creates a space of relaxation. Meanwhile, tuning into the gentle melodies of a calming soundtrack easily soothes the soul and helps melt away stress.

While integrating these self-care practices into our daily lives is paramount, sometimes we need a little extra help to truly pamper ourselves. This is where Woodhouse Spa steps in, offering a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.

At Woodhouse Spa, self-care isn't just a concept—it's a lifestyle. Upon entering the spa, you are immediately immersed in an atmosphere of relaxation. The air is infused with soothing scents of aromatherapy, while the gentle melodies of spa music create a calming ambiance throughout the space.

After being provided with a plush robe and slippers, you are invited to unwind in the Quiet Room, a peaceful haven featuring chaise loungers and a fireplace. Enjoy the solitude by sipping on a complimentary hot tea, wine, or mimosa, and warm up with a heated lavender neck wrap. In the Quiet Room you can steal a moment for a restorative nap, or unwind with a good book.

Woodhouse Spa offers a diverse array of treatments designed to cater to every aspect of self-care. From Salt Therapy Treatments aimed to promote lung and skin health, to luxurious massages that alleviate tension and stress, each service is designed with your well-being in mind. Skilled estheticians are available to provide personalized skincare consultations and facials, ensuring that every guest receives tailored treatments and recommendations to enhance their natural beauty.

Woodhouse Spa also offers body treatments and rituals, such as a signature tub soak featuring aromatic bath salts and oils. Every service is curated with care to give your mind and body a break from the busyness of life.

Additionally, Woodhouse Spas retail offerings provide an opportunity to extend the benefits of self-care beyond the spa visit. Whether it's indulging in luxurious skincare products or treating yourself to aromatic candles, these retail items serve as gentle reminders to prioritize self-love and pampering in your everyday life.

In today's whirlwind of obligations, it’s all too easy to neglect our own well-being. But amidst the chaos, prioritizing self-care isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. It's about reclaiming those moments to nurture our bodies and minds, replenishing what the world takes from us each day. From the simple joy of a daily skincare routine to stealing a quiet moment for reflection, selfcare is a profound act of kindness to ourselves. Allow yourself to take a break from life’s demands, because when we prioritize our own well-being, we're better equipped to show up for ourselves and others, shining our brightest light into the world. So let's embrace the transformative power of self-care, remembering that it's not selfish—it's essential. So go ahead, indulge in a little self-love—you deserve it.

Woodhouse Spa Bryan College Station 979-428-4772 collegestation.woodhousespas.com 4115 Lake Atlas Dr, Ste 320. Bryan, TX 77807

DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

AGGIELAND LIGHTING & DESIGN 12850 Old Wellborn Rd, #400 College Station, TX 77844

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HTEAO 815 Wellborn Road College Station, TX 77845

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ROW HOUSE COLEGE STATION 4001 Texas 6 Frontage Road College Sttaion, TX 77845

(979) 599-9319 therowhouse.com

BRENHAM NATIONAL BANK

2470 Earl Rudder Freeway S. (979) 693-9852 College Station, TX 77840 bnbank.bank

MURDOCH’S RANCH & HOME

1502 Harvey Road College Station, TX 77840

(979) 977-4672 murdochs.com

ST. JOSEPH HEALTH HOSPITAL

2801 Franciscan Drive Bryan, TX 77802

D.R HORTON

15168 Cactus Bloom Ct College Station, TX 77845

THE BEAUTY LAB SUITES

COSTA VIDA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL ELIA CAFE TAPAS BAR

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POSTQUAM CS

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STONE CO. CLIMBING

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777 Graham Road College Sttaion, TX 77845

(979) 325-2580 drhorton.com

4180 Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845

(214) 908-8320 stonecoclimbing.com

ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY (979) 696-2787 acbv.org

FIRE RECONSTRUCTION INC.

404 University Dr. E, Suite D (979) 906-1075 2404 N. Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840 thebeautylabsuites.com Bryan, TX 77803

202 S. Bryan Avenue Bryan, TX 77803

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REVEILLE RIDGE RV PARK

549 Marino Road Bryan, TX 77808

TEXAS FILMWORKS

308 George Bush Drive College Station, TX 77845

(979) 777-6167 reveilleridgervpark.

(979) 446-0560 txfilworks.com

GREATER BRAZOS VALLEY BUILDER ASSOCIATION

230 Southwest Pkwy East College Station, TX 77840

CLEAN EATZ

(979) 696-0272 gbvbuilders.org

(979) 219-5066 1800 Texas Avenue S, Suite B (832) 262-0499 firereconstructioninc.com College Station, TX 77840 cleaneatz.com

FINANCIAL WELLNESS BY: BLAINE DECKER, MSF LINKEDIN.COM/IN/BLAINE-DECKER

DECKER FINANCIAL GROUP |

Finances are a stressful topic and conversations about ‘the books’ are rarely comfortable. But financial wellness is a critical piece of wholistic personal wellness. Just like a physical health routine, it’s important to have a fiscal health routine. Just as there are levels of care for our physique – physical trainer, general practitioner and specialist, there are similar levels of care in personal finance.

The first place to start is to have a plan. Will it go to plan – not always, but it is still more effective than making it up as you go along. That’s why a process for developing or adjusting a plan is also critical. A good plan isn’t a step-by-step procedure, a good plan is a roadmap with a route or direction we want to go, but a good plan is flexible enough to see the world’s largest ball of twine while still making it to the hotel to let the kids swim before bedtime. In my time in the Army, I became very proficient at planning. Because, as they say “practice makes perfect”, and every time we would make plan, we would have to plan again because conditions changed. However, the process I learned in the Army, and has served me well in the private-sector: analyze the current situation first, set goals; then align those goals available tools and assets; nest those goals with a timeline; review and re-evaluated regularly.

Content disclosures: Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person's situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Investing involves risk regardless of the strategy selected.

1. KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU HAVE IT.

To put this in the context of physical fitness, it’s important to have an annual physical to review labs and vitals and check-in with a professional.

The same goes for financial wellness, an annual, or even semi-annual review will help provide a comprehensive picture of where you stand and where you should be going.

Financially speaking, have you been maximizing employee benefits? Are there underperforming assets? Are there financial or administrative efficiencies to consolidating accounts? Everyone – executives, owners and full-time or part-time employees should be maximizing the tax-deferral and matching benefits of employer-sponsored retirement plans.

These are a great start, but depending on your personal goals, you may require additional investment. For underperforming assets, consider if it is a bad asset that will never perform, is it bad timing or will it take time to perform, or is it performing, but there are better options? Often, consolidation provides clarity and efficiency (when done in a tax-smart method) to the overall portfolio. Many advisory firms will offer a financial review for a nominal fee or complimentary to see if there is a fit between your family and their firm.

2. SET GOALS, NOT BENCHMARKS As we age but try and maintain physical fitness, we set goals relative to our personal health and age. For instance, maybe I’m at the age where I’ll never fit in my high school gear (even though I’ve lived long enough for it to come back in fashion), but maybe a better goal is to make sure I’m staying active for the right number of minutes or at the right heart-rate. The same goal-setting mentality is true for financial wellness. Household are not hedge funds, returns matter, but so does consistency. There is a relationship between, but not guarantee of, risk and reward.

Risk is part of life and the markets. So, when you see big returns, understand there were equal or greater risks associated. The risks we take and returns we capture should only be to achieve our goals. So set goals beyond the S&P 500 or NASDAQ. A solid foundational plan provides the framework to truly evaluate to what degree, if any, the environmental changes affect your path to achieving your goals. For instance, maybe you’re a runner, and your goal is to achieve a certain heart rate for a given period of time, but you sprain your ankle. So, instead of running you have to swim for a few weeks. Having a solid financial plan may be as simple as (while still being a runner) if it’s raining for days, that doesn’t affect your fitness, you just hit the treadmill while the weather passes.

3. KNOW WHEN TO GET ENGAGE A FIRM WITH THE ESPERTISE YOU NEED. For our annual check-up or routine colds, we go see our family doctor or general practitioner. But sometimes, of our own accord or by referral, the situation calls for a specialist. Or, like with a trainer, you have outgrown what used to work and need a fresh routine. So just like with physical health, it’s never wrong or untimely to seek a second opinion. For instance, your long-time financial planner may have done such good job that now the volume of your assets and evolved life-goals need a differentlycredentialled investment manager or financial advisor to reach the next set of goals. As with many professions, there is a multitude of industry credentials or academic specialization that demonstrate a practitioner’s expertise. Many share the fundamentals, but some are more specific to unique goals or scenarios.

Today, as individuals, we have access to a bevy of resources and information. But this can also be confusing. There comes a point when, because of volume of information or volume of questions, that a finance professional becomes needed.

What is important is that the firm has a process than can provide you clarity on the status of your assets and how to achieve your goals. Many firms have tailored planning software or processes and different firms specialize in different aspects of financial wellness. Planning is implicit to strategy and asset management. Each firm will have a different methodology for planning and investing, make sure the one you work with listens to you goals and communicates the analysis and plan in a way you can understand.

CPWA: “Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute is the owner of the certification marks “CPWA and “Certified Private Wealth Advisor”. Use of CPWA or Certified Private Wealth Advisor signifies that the user has successfully completed IMCA initial and ongoing credentialling requirements for wealth advisors.

CIMA: Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CIMA” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.

CFA: CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

CFP: CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.

Finances don’t have to be complicated, but they are important part of total wellness for individuals and families. So just like we schedule an annual check-up with our doctor, and make sure we stay active, we must be mindful of our financial well-being. While we may not want to ‘open up the books’, I can assure you it’s less uncomfortable than an annual physical, but almost as important. It’s not an everyday activity like going to the gym, but having a plan, knowing the status of your assets and working with someone who fits your goals and unique needs is paramount.

CONNECT WITH US

979.693.7600 | DECKERFINANCIALGROUP.COM 526 UNIVERSITY DRIVE E. SUITE C, COLLEGE STATION 77840 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Decker Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community

Spotlight CHICK-FIL-A JONES CROSSING - EMPLOYEE RECEIVES $25,000 SCHOLARSHIP

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 victoria@bcschamber.org

Chick-fil-A employee, Caden Rainwater, at the Jones Crossing location is student a Texas A&M University and was awarded a $25,000 scholarship to help him continue his education. He is one of 14 Chick-fil-A employees across the country to receive the True Inspiration Scholarship. Restaurant CEO, Andrew Cathy, presented Rainwater with his scholarship. After he graduates in May 2024 with his degree in Business Management, he plans to join Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program and become a local owner and operator of his own Chick-fil-A restaurant.

LONGHORN TAVERN STEAK HOUSE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS Eddie and Rita Whitley founded Longhorn Tavern Steakhouse on February 15, 1984, in the heart of Downtown Bryan. Thanks to the unwavering support of the community and the dedication of its employees, Longhorn Tavern has been serving the community for

40 years! Come celebrate this milestone with your family and friends by joining Longhorn Tavern for a special dinner.

NEWMAN PRINTING CO. CELEBRATES 75 YEARS Newman Printing Co. has been delivering highquality printing solutions and customer service since 1950. With the best people and equipment in the industry, they have become one of the top twenty printers in the Houston area. The B/CS Chamber of Commerce congratulates Newman Printing Co. for serving the B/CS community for 75 years.

TWO LOCAL TEACHERS SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR THE H-E-B EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS H-E-B selected both a Bryan and College Station teacher who went the extra mile for their students in 2023. Paula Martinez, a 2nd-grade teacher at South Knoll Elementary School in College Station, and Christi Byerly, a 1st-grade teacher at Mary Branch Elementary School in Bryan, were recognized as finalists for H-E-B’s 2024 Excellence in Education Awards. H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are given to recognize the great

things that are happening in public schools and to award teachers and educators for going above and beyond in their classrooms. The finalist will be competing in May in their category in the 2024 State-Wide Competition.

2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD RECEPIENTS

10 YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STATION CHEF BREAKS BARRIERS ON MASTERCHEF JUNIOR SEASON 9

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Miles Platt is a 10-year-old boy from College Station who has secured a spot on Season 9 of MasterChef Junior.

Despite facing physical challenges, Miles has overcome them and developed a special love for cooking, inspired by his family. He started his culinary journey at the age of five, and with only one arm, he quickly adapted and learned to master kitchen tasks. Miles’ participation in the show is not only a personal triumph but also an opportunity to inspire and encourage others facing similar challenges. You can watch MasterChef Junior on Monday’s at 8pm eastern time one FOX.

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Congratulations to our 2024 Community Impact Award Winners!

Laura Leon with Laura Leon Law Amelia McCracken with Ment Marketing & Creative Services Dr. Jennifer Hathaway, DDS

The Community Impact Award program was started in 2003 to recognize Hispanic, African-American, Asian, American-Indian, Women, and/or Service Disabled Veteran business owners who have demonstrated a significant impact on our community. We are proud to see our recepients give back to the community and look foward to seeing more businesses grow and serve the B/ CS Community.

For a list of all winners, visit bcschamber.org

BRYAN ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES HEADLINER FOR HOMETOWN REUNION The Bryan ISD Hometown reunion is returning this August for its second annual fundraising event. On March 5th, Bryan ISD Education Foundation announced John Michael Montgomery as the headliner for the event.

The Hometown Reunion is the Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Mark your calendar for August 17th at the Legends Event Center to show your support for the students and teachers at Bryan ISD. The Hometown Reunion experience will feature a raffle, live auction, cash bar, dinner, legendary headliner with full band, dancing, and after party with DJ Franco.

SHIPWRECK GRILL IS SET FOR NEW RENOVATIONS COMING SUMMER OF 2024 After closing Amico Nave Ristorante, Mary and Wade Beckman are thrilled to announce their future plans for the Amico Nave Ristorante building. Coming to you late summer of 2024, the Amico Nave location will reopen as Shipwreck Grill with new renovations. These renovations will feature a climate-controlled patio and new menu items from Amico Nave, such as Pasta Diablo and Salmon. The B/CS Chamber of Commerce would like to extend their congratulations on this new chapter, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

TEXAS A&M HOSTING A CONCERT AND AN INTERNATIONAL SOCCER MATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME! On June 8th, Kyle Field will host the first-ever international soccer event featuring two global powerhouse teams, Mexico and Brazil. This friendly match is part of their preparation for the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America Tournament starting on June 20th. A week after this announcement, Texas A&M revealed that they will be hosting a concert featuring an iconic performer, George Strait, on June 15th. Texas A&M Assistant Athletic Director of Special Events, Kindra Fry, is working to bring more non-football events to Kyle Field. With the concert and soccer match, she believes it will attract promoters to bring more events to the stadium. For more information on tickets, visit 12thman.com.

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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