Chamber Connection - Q2 2024

PERSONAL HEALTH Embrace Self-Care with Woodhouse Spa

PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE

FINANCIAL WELLNESS How To Set Goals with Decker Financial Group

APRIL

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A WORD FROM GLEN BREWER

Howdy,

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.

GLEN

BREWER PRESIDENT & CEO

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

KATERINA HALL Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

AJ TAYLOR, CPA

Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

TYLER SMITH Vice Chair Community Enhancement

BAYLOR LYON Vice Chair Leadership Division

BRANDON SEARS

KATY LEE

NICOLE MORTEN

IRMA CAULEY

JAY RUDINGER

JENNY DAVIS

MANNY MARTINEZ

ROBY SOMERFORD

CODY JONES

GENERAL JOE RAMIREZ

GEORGE MCCOY

JAIME CAVAZOS

JUSTIN MANNING

KIMBERLY SHAW

PRENTISS MADISON

SUZANNE NEUBERGER

STAFF

GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN

Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER

Manager of Membership

HAYLEY BISACRE

Manager of Business Development

JENNY BAKER

Manager of Finance

VICTORIA MARTINEZ

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

MADISON BOTKIN

Special Projects Coordinator

KARISA WILGANOWSKI Inside Sales Representative

JORDAN YARBROUGH

Executive Assistant

LINDA ESPIRIQUETA

Receptionist

New Chamber Members

CAPROCK CROSSING APARTMENTS 1545 Arrington Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 977-1535

caprockcrossingapts.com

NEUTRAL POSTURE, INC.

3904 North Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 778-0502

neutralposture.com

THRIVENT FINANCIAL thrivent.com/fr/davod.bronstad

JBG PLUMBING bcsplumber.com

GARVER garverusa.com

DRUERY’S FLAT FIXING & ROAD SERVICE (979) 218-0857

COLLEGE STATION TENT & EVENT cstattent.com

PECAN TREE VETERINARY SERVICES

pecantreevet.com

TOTAL COMFORT AIR SOLUTIONS, LLC totalcomfortbcs.com

EVIE + OAK, LLC evieandoak.com

FIRE RECONSTRUCTION INC. firereconstructioninc.com

DIRTY DOUGH dirtydough.com

GFG WEALTH ADVISORS gfgwealth.com

REVELLIR RIDGE RV PARK revellieridgervpark.com

FURNITURE SOUCE INTERNATIONAL furnituresourceintl.com

PINKS’S WINDOWS BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION pinkswindows.com

COOLVU OF BCS

108 Bizzell Street Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 446-2509

coolvu.com/collegestation

EOS - RANDY MCDOUGAL, CERTIFIED

EOS IMPLEMENTER 3028 Barron Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 574-4571 eosworldwide.com

WC CONSTRUCTION 1716 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 325 Bryan, TX 77802 (832) 287-7492

wcconstructioncompany.com

TEXAS CROSSWINDS REALTY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 4058 Hwy 6, Suite 200 A College Station, TX 77845 txcrealty.com

SIMPLICITY REALTY INC.

4058 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 704-5384

simplicityrealtyinccom

RABINE COMPACTED CONCRETE rabiencompactedconcrete.com

SNAP FITNESS BRYAN snapfitness.com/bryan

TRUWIN WINDOWS & DOORS truwin.com

CAROUSEL’S SOFT SERVE ICERY OF BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION carousles.com/bcs

AGGIELAND STORAGE aggielandstorage.com

THE ARC GYM, LLC arcgymbcs.com

SOUTHWEST TRANSPLANT ALLIANCE organ.org

ANYTIME PEST ELIMINATION COLLEGE STATION anytimepestelimnationcollegestation.com

SENERGY, POWERED BY SCHNEIDER ENGINEERING poweredbysenergy.com

ROUTE 6 RV PARK route6rvpark.com

IMAGINE ADVERTISING STUDIO imagineadvertisingstudio.com HIRINGHUB hiringhub.digital

PICTURE THIS 360 picturethistx.com

COMFORT SUITES choicehotels.com

BEAUTY FOR ASHES GARMENT OF PRAISE bfagop.square.site

OPIFEX opifexenterprises.com

THE LASALLE HOTEL lasallehotel.com

EMRG RESTRATION SOLUTIONS emrgrestoration.com

J&R ST. JAMES PLACE, LLC (281) 732-0840

BRAZOS COUNTY ARCHERY CLUB brazoscountyarchery.com

CINNAHOLIC (COLLEGE STATION) cinnaholic.com

SKY CRAFTED IMAGING skycraftedimaging.com CLEANER LIVING, LLC cleanaptlife.com

GOOD COMPANY CONSTRUCTION goodcompanyconstruction.com

HUSH & WHISPER DISTILLING hushandwhisper.com

BOGOST, NICKOLAI Bryan, TX 77802

THOMAS, WES College Station, TX 77845

BOUNCE-A-LOT bouncealot.net

GOOD PRESS goodpress.io

CATEN CONSULTING GROUP, LLC catenconsulting.com

AGAVE CATERING agavecatering.org

ARAMBULA LAW FIRM, P.C alfpc-law.com

POSTQUAM CS bodywork-massage.business.site

FIVE & TWO MARKETING fiveandtwomarketing.com

EOS WORLWIDE eosworldwide.com/charlie-rhea

SHINER POOLS & SPAS, LLC shinerpools.com

REGINA RANCH EVENT VENUE reginaranchvenue.com

REV’D UP NUTRITION (979) 218-8266

CORLEY & CO LAWN CARE corleyandco.com

LONE STAR PROPERTY SERVICES ilovelonestar.com

KASPAR OUTDOORS horizonfirearms.com

BROTHERS PLUMBING brothersplumbingco.com

TODARO PLUMBING todaroplumbing.com

BRAZOS VALLEY CARES brazosvalleycares.org

TEXAS FARM BUREAU txfb-ins.com/county/details/bra-

PEAS IN A POD LEARNING CENTER peasinapodbcs.com

DSC WEB SERVICES dsc-webservices.com

SITEPRO RENTALS COLLEGE STATION siteprorentals.com

AGGIELAND LIGHTING & DESIGN aggielandlighting.com

PEACE AT HAND MASSAGE THERAPY peaceathandmassagetx.com

REVELXP revelxp.com/tamu

URBAN RUBBISH, LLC urbanrubbish.com

TRANSYSTEMS transystems.com

SCENTAIR - HEIDI EWALD scentair.com

TRI TEX GRASS tritexgrass.com

LUXE 20X50 STORAGE 20x50storage.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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 INVOLVED

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

CHAMBER PHOTOS

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 can be done are yoga and meditation For personal and ongoing support, counseling resources and support hotlines are a wonderful source

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 nerves. Additionally, creating a comfortable work environment where employees spend the majority of their day can contribute to 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 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

When prioritizing employees’ well-being, we create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported to succeed both personally and professionally

A team of happy 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

S t a r t p r i o r i t i z i n g y o u r h e a l t h w i t h t h e s e c h a l l e n g e s :

M o n t h - l o n g y o g a c h a l l e n g e f o r

p h y s i c a l w e l l n e s s

3 - m o n t h a u t o m a t e d s a v i n g s

c h a l l e n g e f o r f i n a n c i a l w e l l n e s s

7 - d a y m e d i t a t i o n c h a l l e n g e i n t h e

o f f i c e f o r m e n t a l a n d e m o t i o n a l

w e l l n e s s

O n e - t i m e “ p a y i t f o r w a r d ” c h a l l e n g e s

f o r s o c i a l w e l l n e s s , l i k e v o l u n t e e r i n g

B y : V i c t o r i a M a r t i n e z

M a r k e t i n g C o o r d i n a t o r

B / C S C h a m b e r o f C o m m e e r c e

f o r c o m m u n i t y c l e a n - u p s . Join the B/CS Chamber of Commerce for a timed run

Elevate Your Well-Being: Embrace Self-Care

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.

BY: TERIN GRAHAM

Skincare Routines:

Skincare 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 & Enjoying a Treat:

Drinking Tea & Enjoying a Treat: Sipping 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 a Nap:

Taking a 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 Massages:

Routine 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 a Bath:

Taking a 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 and Calming Music:

Aromatherapy 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.

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

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

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.

Community Spotlight

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

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

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 contactvictoria@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

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.

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

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.

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!

2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD RECEPIENTS

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

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.