2019 Sept/Oct. Connections

CON NEC TIONS BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

PULLING UP A CHAIR NEW BOARD CHAIR PHIL SHACKELFORD DIVES DEEP INTO 2020

CHAMB ER PROG R A M S Brazos Valley Gives

C O MMUNIT Y INSIGHTS Meet the Board of Directors

L EGISL ATIVE UPDATE Footing The Bill

10 Years of Housewarmings At The Bank & Trust, we’ve worked hard over the past decade to gain both your business and your trust! Over the past 10 years, we have contributed to the development of Bryan/ College Station by financing the construction of more than 5,000 new homes and provided loans to turn 1,000 home buyers into homeowners. It’s been our pleasure to help our customers become our neighbors and we’re honored to call this community home!

If you’re in the market for a new home, call 979-260-2100!

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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES

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NEW MEMBERS

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AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

8 MELANIE N. MOTLEY Senior Vice President MLO ID#510014 Team Member since 2009

A Message from Vicki Reim

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

(LEFT TO RIGHT) CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR ELECT, PHIL SHACKELFORD, CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR, VICKI REIM, WHATABURGER CHIEF RESTAURANT OPERATING OFFICER, ROB RODRIGUEZ, AND CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO, GLEN BREWER

Calendar SEPTEMBER

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

09.16 .19

Brazos Valley Gives

G OLF C L ASS I C

The City Course at Phillips Event Center

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COMMUNIT Y INSIGHTS

09.19.19

Filling the Seat

BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S Sterling Auto Group

SIERRA D. CUNNINGHAM

Mortgage Lending Representative MLO ID#1824464 Team Member since 2015

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Local bank. Local bankers.

Member FDIC

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002

www.banktbt.com

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, programs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Some restrictions apply. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

ChamberConnections/Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved. 8/19

LOBS T E R F ES T

The Brazos Center

MELISSA J. KEELING Assistant Vice President MLO ID#1671843 Team Member since 2017

09.15 .19

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09.30.19

LEGISL ATIVE UPDATE

LU N C H & LE A R N W I T H N A M I BR A ZOS VA LLE Y

Footing the Bill

COMMUNIT Y SPOTLIGHT The Floor is Yours...

DELUXE RIBBON CUT TINGS Celebrate the Start of Something New in B/CS

B/CS Chamber of Commerce

OCTOBER

10.08.19 M E M BE R S HI P LU N C HE ON W I T H TA M U AT HLE T I C D I R E C TOR , R OSS BJ OR K

10.16 .19 YOU T H TO C A R E E R FA I R

Brazos County Expo Complex

10.17.19 BU S I N ESS A F T E R HOU R S Chrome: A Salon Experience

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOAR D O F DI R EC TO R S

Presidential Perspectives

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nother successful Chamber year is coming to a close.

Most notably because of everyone’s involvement! As with any successful organization, business, or worthwhile endeavor, it takes dedicated people. I am very proud to say that our Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce has an abundance of very dedicated, hard-working people!

VI CK I R EI M Board Chair

P H I L SHACK ELF OR D Chair-Elect

CRYSTAL DU PR E

Immediate Past Chairman

The Chamber is an amazing organization for many reasons. First and foremost, we are comprised of a wide variety of business people and businesses, we have more than 1,550 Chamber members.

We are fortunate to have a huge number of very involved and interested individuals, an amazing Ambassador Committee, an effective Board of Directors and an extremely hard-working and dedicated staff. A combination of these people run our many productive committees, are involved with our leadership endeavors, are active in our legislative events, and support the many networking and business events we host. This combined effort throughout the year allows us to make a direct impact in our community. These are just a few of the many reasons that our Chamber of Commerce is, the BEST! It is impossible to thank everyone enough for their expertise and time given to our Chamber. We truly appreciate our members and we are here to help each one succeed. I must recognize the remarkable work of our Chamber staff. You can imagine the level of detail that is required to coordinate over 200 events in one year!

Your Chamber staff did that and did it well every time! To me, their dedication and drive resonates from the solid leadership of our Chamber President and CEO, Mr. Glen Brewer. Respect and appreciation go a long way--thank you to Glen and to all of our Chamber employees and volunteers!

J ASON COR N ELI U S JAM ES L AR K I N

Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources

SU SAN GI PSON

Vice Chair of Business Development

M A RY M I K E HATCHER

Vice Chair of Communications

RI CAR DO DI AZ

Vice Chair of Community Enhancement Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement

B R AD B EAR D JOHN B U SH AU STI N B RYAN S P E N CER CLEM EN TS J OH N C. “JACK ” CU LPEPPER I I I DAVI D DOSS Z ACH ETHER I DGE J I L L GALL AGHER TR ACY K Y LE BA R B I E PAT TER SON S HAN E PHELPS KOR I R I CH T RAVI S R OLLI N S PAT SHI ELDS GR EG Z W EI ACK ER

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman during this “Chamber 101” year, it has been extremely rewarding. Thank you for your kind words and support, and especially for your time and commitment to make so many positive things happen. Cheers to our very bright future, on to our 102nd!

President/CEO

AE RI F Y A/ C C O N T RAC TO RS

ST E I N B E RGE R I N SURAN C E & F I N AN C I AL

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

P.O. Box 11334 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 224-4537 AggieAirConditioning@gmail.com

MYC O N GE N E RAL C O N T RAC TO RS I N C .

V E R A BA N K , N . A .

4282 Boonville Road, Ste 200 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-6556 VeraBank.com

100 N. Parker Ave., Ste 112 Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 398-2690 SteinbergerAgency.com

T E X AS A& M UN I VE RSI T Y VE T E RI N ARY ME DI C AL ME DI C AL T E AC H I N G H O SP I TAL

1702 Ponderosa Drive, Ste D College Station, TX 77845 (979) 429-4005 Mycon.com

Hwy 60 Bldg 508 College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-9108 VetHospital.tamu.edu

O N LY 1 RE N TAL S, L LC 9782 S. Business Hwy 6 Navasota, TX 77868 (936) 825-2444 Only1Rentals.com

ALZHEIMER’S ASS OCIATION

FAJITA PETE’S C OL L EG E S TATION 711 University Dr, Suite 100 College Station, Texas 77840 (830) 708-0331

KR I S HA S E ATON I N S U R A N C E AGENC Y 2205 Longmire Dr, Suite B College Station, TX 77845 (979) 258-0160

PIE IN THE SKY PIE CO BCS

BOUNDS COMMERCIAL CONS TRUCTION 1620 W Loop 340, Suite A Waco, Texas 76712 (254) 732-1363

GRANDCHAMP RENOVATIONS

MICROTEL INN & S U ITES

TEXAS A&M VENTUR ES

C A R R I AG E I N N

ICC NTA , LLC

MIKES KA CONTRACTORS , LLC

THE JOINT CHIR OPR ACTIC

A LLI SON BAT TE

4235 Boonville Rd Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 731-1300

R ACHEL N AVE

C LUB PIL ATES C OL L EG E S TATION 910 William D Fitch Pkwy, Suite 600 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 999-1896

IN TER L IN C M ORTGAGE SER VICES, L LC 1645 Greens Prairie Rd W #403 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 307-7667

ONWARD RES ERV E

THR IVE AGAIN MINISTR IES

DAV ID’S JE W E LRY AND COIN E XCHANGE

JANET DU DDING, MBA , CPA

PAU LIN RES EARCH GROU P

UNLIMITED POTENTIAL (UP) MENTORING

R OYCE HI CK M AN

Community Liaison

CAR R I E AR CHER

Manager of Membership Manager of Finance

J ORDAN PR I HODA

Manager of Business Programs

6055 South Loop East Houston, TX 77807 (713) 314-1313

5792 Andert Road Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 215-7330

1820 Ponderosa Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 202-4770

4344 State Hwy 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 977-3795

166 Century Court, Suite 200 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 315-7892

BR I AN M I LLER

Membership Investment Representative

TAY LOR CL AR K

Communications Coordinator

6151 Mumford Rd Bryan, TX 77807 (574) 773-7975

3707 Sweetbriar Dr Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 255-6165

11671 FM 2154 Rd, Suite A150 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 250-5000

Special Projects Coordinator Executive Assistant

L I N DA ESPI R I QU ETA Receptionist

Chamber Connections is a publication of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and a public service to Chamber members.

Editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Taylor Clark by email at taylor@bcschamber.org.

Publication Design

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RE E C E H O MES, L LC

9764 S. Business Hwy 6 Navasota, TX 77868 (936) 825-2441 3CDisposal.com

GLEN B R EW ER

B RYA N CR EATI VE GR OU P

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3 C DI SP O SAL

S TAFF

TOM TI LTON

Our fabulous Chamber will continue to make great things happen. I can assure you that our incoming Chairman, Mr. Phil Shackelford, is stepping in with great ideas and will lead us with tremendous passion. Phil is a mover and shaker with the Blinn College Foundation and is a well-respected leader in our community, I am honored to give the reins to Phil and he will do an outstanding job leading our great Chamber!

New Chamber Members

Vice Chair of Leadership

TAI LEE

VICKI REIM BOARD C HA I R

Welcome

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

522 University Drive East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 846-2400

811 N Rosemary Dr Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 436-2229

166 Century Court, Suite G-30 College Station, TX 77840 (404) 618-0751

110 Lincoln Ave., Suite 101 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 422-0028

404 Jane St, Suite 100 College Station, TX 77840 (888) 548-2750

3806 S. Texas Ave. Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 492-3610

JULY - AUGUST 2019

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Chamber Photos Ambassador of the Month

B/CS CHAMBER AMBASSADORS, CHRISTINA SEIDEL AND KATHYRN LANGSTON, “TWINNING” AT BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!

I MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP BRAZOS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE WITH ROB RODRIGUEZ, WHATABURGER’S CHIEF RESTAURANT OPERATING OFFICER, AFTER THE ANNUAL LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON.

THANK YOU TO PARC AT TRADITIONS STAFF FOR HOSTING SUCH AN AMAZING BUSINESS AFTER HOURS EVERY YEAR. WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

OUR ANNUAL INSIDE B/CS EVENT HAD AN AWESOME TURNOUT. THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPANTS AND SPEAKERS FOR MAKING THIS DAY SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS!

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR CHAIRMAN, JARED SALVATO, STOPS FOR A QUICK PHOTO WITH CASH AT GUARANTY BANK AND TRUST BUSINESS AFTER HOURS! PHOTO CREDIT: BOB MORRIS WITH SPECIALTIES PHOTOGRAPHY

L TO R: B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR ELECT, PHIL SHACKELFORD, REPRESENTATIVE JOHN RANEY, B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR, VICKI REIM, SENATOR CHARLES SCHWERTNER, REPRESENTATIVE KYLE KACAL, B/CS CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO, GLEN BREWER

KATE RIN A H A L L BAY LO R SC OT T & W H I TE H EA LTH

am honored to be recognized as ambassador of the month for both July and August. I am grateful to be a part of an organization that promotes volunteerism, networking and a sense of community. I enjoy being a part of the ambassador program for a few reasons.

First, I have the opportunity to volunteer with a great group of other community members. This group has helped me develop both professionally and personally.

Secondly, I have the privilege to learn about and help promote businesses that are vital to our community.

As the Marketing and Public Relation Manager for Baylor Scott & White Health College Station Region, the ambassador program allows me the opportunity to share the work Baylor Scott & White Health is providing to the community through highlighting our physicians, service lines and philanthropic initiatives. To me being an ambassador means being part of a support system that helps you to grow both as an individual and to further develop your profession.

Baylor Scott & White Health mission is to promote the well-being of all individuals, families and communities.

Baylor Scott & White Health strives to be the trusted leader, educator and innovator in value-based delivery, customer experience and affordability. Healthcare is changing, and at Baylor Scott & White, we are changing it for the better. In addition, we are a non-profit organization committed to bringing awareness to philanthropic endeavors that benefit our community in College Station.

From numerous locations to extended hours and services, Baylor Scott & White Health is here to care for all of your healthcare needs. Visit BSWHealth.com or call 979-2073300 to learn more about Baylor Scott & White Health.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TURNOUT AT OUR BUSINESS AFTER HOURS WITH GUARANTY BANK AND TRUST! PHOTO CREDIT: BOB MORRIS WITH SPECIALTIES PHOTOGRAPHY

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THANK YOU BRYAN COLLEGE STATION TOYOTA FOR HOSTING SUCH AN AWESOME BUSINESS AFTER HOURS.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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CHAMBER PROGRAMS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

S EP TEM B ER 19 , 20 19

2019 YOUTH TO CAREER FAIR Wednesday, October 16 t 9:00 am - 2:30 pm brazos county expo complex qSCIENCE xTECHNOLOGY uENGINEERING wMATH rBUSINESS yPUBLIC SERVICE nARTS zHUMANITIES

Hosted By:

STERLING AUTO GROUP TO REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL OR SIGN UP FOR A BOOTH, CONTACT JORDAN PRIHODA AT JORDAN@BCSCHAMBER.ORG OR CALL (979) 260-5200.

OC TOB ER 17, 20 19

The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce offers a monthly networking opportunity hosted by business owners for business owners just like you!

Socialize, engage and network with entrepreneurs across the Brazos Valley. Our Business After Hours events begin at 5:30 PM and wrap up around 7:00 PM. See you at the next event!

Hosted By:

CHROME: A SALON EXPERIENCE NOV EM B ER 21, 20 19 Hosted By:

CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH

great message dependable

save time & money target market

proven results professional image

Let us solve the Marketing Problem for you!

Direct Mail * Mailing Lists Printing * Fulfillment our professional staff can handle it from start to finish

increase marketshare

979.779.7788 969.779.7788

427 Dellwood, Bryan help@admailtx.com 6

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Brazos Valley Gives Have you heard the buzz about an upcoming event called Brazos Valley Gives? This buzz is evolving into what is sure to be one of the most unifying and exciting days of giving for our 7-county region.

S

o, what is Brazos Valley Gives? Brazos Valley Gives is 18-hours of on-line giving that brings the region together on one day and as “one community” to raise critical funding and awareness for nonprofit organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. This day of giving will provide citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley – strengthening nonprofits, empowering donors and building community.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 22 for Brazos Valley Gives—the first annual giving day where a donor can go online to support their favorite nonprofit(s). “To date, over 65 nonprofits have registered to participate in the 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. fundraising extravaganza,” said Patricia Gerling, president of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the organization that is powering the first annual giving day. “These 18 hours of giving will provide all small and

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large nonprofits with an equal opportunity to raise awareness about their programs and seek funding to support their mission.

In addition, any community member can be a philanthropist, with a minimum $10 donation or more going to their nonprofit(s) of choice.”

In addition to the online giving platform, the Community Foundation is partnering with The Eagle to host a drive-thru donation station at 1729 Briarcrest Drive [Bryan, Texas] from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. for individuals wishing to drop off a check or monetary donation on Tuesday, October 22. Donors can also begin prescheduling their contributions on October 8, but the transactions will not be processed on their credit card until Tuesday, October 22.

Other giving days in Texas have shown great success. Communities Foundation of Texas hosts North Texas Giving Day – the largest community-wide giving day in the nation – which raised over $48 million in one day last

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES

where we live,” noted Molly Watson, media and marketing chair. “Our hope is that this online event on October 22 will transform an idea to help raise awareness of nonprofits, into a broad movement and culture of communitywide giving. During Brazos Valley Gives, everyone has the opportunity to be a philanthropist to build a stronger and more vibrant community.”

year. Earlier this year, East Texas Giving Day raised more than $1.3 million, according to the event’s website.

Each participating nonprofit can rally their constituency for a matching gift, which can give them a goal to shoot for. Matching gifts can give donors a goal, too. If a donor makes a match, the organization will try to raise the same amount from the public during Brazos Valley Gives. Gerling said the Community Foundation will not receive any portion of the transaction fee or profit from Brazos Valley Gives Day. All donations, except for a 5.1% event/credit card fee per transaction goes to the participating organizations.

These minimal fees are passed to the donor, or the donor can opt-out.

The Community Foundation has set a lofty goal of raising $500,000 for participating nonprofits during Brazos Valley Gives. Chair Julie Porter explains, “The Brazos Valley is known for its generosity and support of our nonprofit community. We live here and we want to give HERE! We have no doubt that this event will be well supported, and we will make our goal.” Local individuals, corporations and businesses are also taking part in sponsoring each hour of giving—to offer over $20,000 in incentive prizes for the participating nonprofit raising the most money per hour, or having the most donors, among other categories.

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The Prenatal Clinic in Bryan, Texas which was founded in 1985, is participating in Brazos Valley Gives because it is trying to increase awareness of the mission and work of the Clinic, said Lynn Clary Yeager, executive director of the clinic.

She said the organization’s mission of ensuring that all babies have the best chance for a healthy start in life begins before that baby is born. Early entry to prenatal care, and controlling factors like diabetes and hypertension, can prevent low birth weight and reduce the incidences of a premature birth. We are all about having healthy babies at The Prenatal Clinic. The clinic has set a goal of raising $15,000 during Brazos Valley Gives.

Visit www.brazosvalleygives.org to make sure your favorite nonprofit organization is participating and see how easy it is to donate. If you are interested in participating or supporting Brazos Valley Gives or need more information, please contact Patricia Gerling at 979.589.4305 or brazosvalleygives@gmail.com.

MO L LY WATS O N MEDIA & MARKETING CHAIR BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES

“WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT WE LIVE IN A GENEROUS COMMUNITY WHICH BELIEVES THAT WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER”

“It will go into supporting what we already do and help us plan for the future,” Yeager said. “We are grateful that we live in a generous community which believes that we are all responsible for taking care of each other.”

Media partners KBTX, The Eagle and Bryan Broadcasting are rallying around our community to support Brazos Valley Gives. “All of our media partners are an essential part of promoting the day, our nonprofits and unifying our community as we encourage giving

Brazos Valley Gives Day is powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. We are a Bryan-based nonprofit focused on strengthening the 7-county Brazos Valley region through philanthropy as we raise and steward a $8.4M community endowment for donors and charitable organizations.

65 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR GIVING PORTAL OR HAVE INITIATED REGISTRATION FOR THEIR BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES PORTAL. www.brazosvalleygives.org 88.5 FM RED-C Radio Aggieland Humane Society Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, Inc. Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley BCS Sister Cities International Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Brazos Valley Books and a Blanket Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley Brazos Heritage Society Brazos Maternal & Child Health Clinic, Inc d/b/a The Prenatal Clinic Brazos Valley African American Museum Brazos Valley Chorale Brazos Valley Community Action Programs Brazos Valley Community Band Brazos Valley Food Bank Inc Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center Brazos Valley Worldfest CASA for Kids of South Central Texas Catholic Charities of Central Texas CHI St. Joseph Health Coach Blair Charities College Station ISD Education Foundation Community Foundation - Infinity Fund for Community Grants Covenant Presbyterian Church Dabney Hill Missionary Baptist Church Encore SCHR Orchestra Family Promise of Bryan-College Station Fun For All Playground Girl Scouts of Central Texas Habitat for Humanity Health For All Hispanic Forum of Bryan-College Station Hope Pregnancy Center of Brazos Valley Hospice Brazos Valley, Inc.

Names listed in bold are members of the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce.

Junction 505 K9s4COPs Miracle Farm Mobility Worldwide Brazos Valley Mothers Against Drunk Driving Museum of the American G.I. OnRamp Pink Alliance Project Unity Rebuilding Together Bryan / College Station Refresh Lam Moi Richards Volunteer Fire Department Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America Scotty's House Sexual Assault Resource Center SHIP International St Joseph Catholic School St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store of B/CS Texas Ramp Project B/CS The Arts Council of Brazos Valley The BEE Community The Bridge Ministries The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley The Queen Theatre (Downtown Bryan Association) The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station Tiny Hope Village Twin City Mission Unbound BCS Wienerspiel •

An additional 25 nonprofits have indicated their interest and are in the process of submitting their eligibility information for registration.

•

Deadline for Nonprofit Registration is 9/30/19.

As of 8/28/2019

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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PULLING UP A CHAIR NEW BOARD CHAIR PHIL SHACKELFORD DIVES DEEP INTO 2020

An interview with 2020 Board Chair: Phil Shackelford We take a seat with Associate Director of the Blinn College Foundation and Alumi Relations, Phil Shackelford to highlight his aspirations as he steps into his new role as Board Chair for the B/CS Chamber of Commerce.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I grew up in Plainview Texas and from as early as I can remember have fond memories of working in my grandparent’s clothing store, Masso’s Department Store, which was founded in 1963 and is still in existence. Starting out, I shined shoes, cleaned showcases and mirrors, and swept the floor. In my middle school and high school years, I came to work after school helping with inventory, sales, accounting, and many other facets of the business. While I am confident that child labor laws were skirted, this opportunity provided me with invaluable experiences that helped form my opinion of the importance of small businesses and the impact they have on our local economy.

After achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and graduating from Plainview High School in 2002, I left Plainview for Texas A&M and have lived in Bryan/College Station, with exception to a couple of years, ever since. I then was hired to work for Congressman Chet Edwards as a field representative in a five county area including Burleson, Grimes, Madison, Robertson and Brazos Counties.

Each day in the Congressional Office could range from working with local officials on transportation or public safety projects, to providing aid for a

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downed grain elevator in Calvert, to tracking over $243 million dollars in innovative research at Texas A&M. The project I am most proud of is when I worked with Brazos County, the City of Bryan, and the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation by way of the B/CS Chamber to secure a $1.5 million dollar Economic Development Administration Grant for a Rail Spur for the Next Generation Industrial Park in Northern Brazos County. Today the park is branded Texas Triangle Park and is home to Axis Pipe and Tube, one of the largest private sector investments in Brazos County with a significant number of jobs among others.

After Congressman Edwards lost his race in 2010, I established a consulting firm that managed or assisted with almost fifty political races as well as a few non-profit consulting projects across the Brazos Valley and state of Texas. I currently serve as the Associate Director of the Blinn College Foundation and Alumni Relations at Blinn College where I raise funds for special projects, scholarships, and initiatives in support of the Blinn College District. I married the love of my life, Kyndra, in 2012 and she works for Texas A&M University in the Sponsored Research Office as a Senior Project Administrator. We have a schnauzer named Kennedy and we enjoy traveling.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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PULLING UP A CHAIR

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS OUR INCOMING BOARD CHAIR? I consider it an absolute honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. With over 1,500 members and over 100 years of service to businesses in our community, the B/ CS Chamber is poised to chart a path forward with an even brighter future than its historic past. There are three important communication initiatives that I hope to highlight throughout our many events and activities. Having been a small business owner and being raised in a small business family, I hope to promote the significance of small businesses by drawing attention to and recognizing long-term family owned small businesses. As we take time to promote long time and family owned small businesses, we must also ensure that start up small businesses receive as much support as possible enhancing the chances that they will succeed beyond the crucial “make or break” benchmark of their first five years in business. I also look forward to the continuing success of our “Why I’m A Chamber Member” campaign. This effort shares what draws businesses and organizations to the B/ CS Chamber, and I believe is extremely effective in communicating the value of our Chamber.

The B/CS Chamber is the principle and historic organization where influence can be leveraged in support of business in our community.

Bryan/College Station is a great place to live, work, raise a family, and conduct business and the B/CS Chamber continues to be positioned to positively affect businesses, influence governments, and ensure that our local economy remains strong. Together we as an organization must share the benefits of membership with new businesses that have been attracted to our community and continue to grow our chamber.

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WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS BEING THE NEXT BOARD CHAIR? I am excited to work with others to continue to make a positive difference in our community.

The B/CS Chamber has had leaders in business, government, and philanthropy in its ranks for over 100 years, and it was a humbling experience to join the board, much more so to have been nominated and elected Chair. I am excited about the potential that our organization has to become even better then we already are. Whether it is the Ambassadors, Board of Directors, staff, our working committees, or our general membership; we are all one team focused on our business community, the strength of our local economy, and the positive trajectory of Bryan/ College Station.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE CHAMBER IS SUCH AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY?

projects I highlighted as one I was most proud of having a role in, the rail spur for the Texas Triangle Park in Northern Brazos County, was initiated in a meeting with the Department of Commerce on a B/CS Chamber Legislative Trip to Washington, D.C. The reason why I choose to highlight this project again, is it is a small example of what can happen when local governments, private industry, and the U.S. Government all work together utilizing the B/CS Chamber of Commerce and local partners. This is an example of what can happen when everyone works together to improve our local economy right here in the Brazos Valley.

“THE CHAMBER IS THE PRINCIPLE AND HISTORIC ORGANIZATION WHERE INFLUENCE CAN BE LEVERAGED IN SUPPORT OF BUSINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY”

With over 100 years of history, leadership, and precedent, the B/ CS Chamber is best positioned to confront the challenges that our business community, and our community as a whole face. Our Transportation Committee is at the forefront of working with government and the private sector to allow our regional leaders to invest in transportation infrastructure to catch up and plan ahead for the future growth of the Brazos Valley. Every year, our Legislative Committee plans a trip to Washington, D. C. to meet with our elected leaders about issues that are important to our business community and local governments. One of the

TAYLO R CL A RK COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 - 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PHI L S HACKELFORD BOARD CHAIR BLINN COLLEGE FOUNDATION

GREG ZWEI ACKER CHAIR - ELECT ZWIEACKER + ASSOCIATES

VI CKI REI M IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR BRYAN TEXAS UTILITIES

WADE BEC KM AN 3RD ON MAIN, AMICO NAVE, ADMIRAL CATERING, SHIPWRECK GRILL

M ONICA BROWN MONICA D. BROWN, DDS

AU ST I N B RYAN THE BANK & TRUST OF B/CS

J OHN B U S H EXTRACO BANKS

S PENCER CLEMENTS WILLIAM COLE COMPANIES

JAS ON C ORNELIUS BB&T

JOH N C . “JAC K” C ULPEPPER III CULPEPPER REALTY CO.

RI CARDO DI AZ CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH

ZACH ET HERI DGE HBI OFFICE SOLUTIONS

DOU G FRENCH STYLECRAFT BUILDERS, INC.

J I LL G ALLAG H ER 1ST ALLIANCE MORTGAGE

SUSAN G IPSON THE RANCH HARLEYDAVIDSON

WALT ER HI NKLE LASER ANSWERING SERVICE

J ORDAN JANU S E AMERICAN MOMENTUM BANK

JAMES LARKI N THOMPSON, DERRIG & CRAIG P.C.

B ARB I E PATTERSON PATTERSON ARCHITECTS

H EATH POOLE HOELSCHER, LIPSEY, ELMORE & POOLE, P.C.

MARI E PORTALES RODRI GU EZ RODGERS, MILLER & RODRIGUEZ, P.C.

AMY REST I VO BREWER, EYEINGTON, PATOUT & CO.

KORI RI CH THE PHYSICIANS CENTRE HOSPITAL

T RAVI S ROLLINS DOWNTOWN EVENT SERVICES, LLC

PAT SH IELD S CAPITAL FARM CREDIT

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

15

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Footing The Bill: Big Budgets, Property Tax Reform, & Public School Funding The 86th Session of the Texas Legislature ended on May 27, 2019. While the official work of the Legislature may be finished, the work of implementing the new legislation is just beginning.

T

he 86th Session proved to be a very busy time. Overall, there were a total of 10,877 bills and resolutions filed. Of those filed, 4,581 were passed into law and the Governor vetoed 58. In looking at the bills that passed, several will have a direct impact on our local economy.

Those items include the state budget, property tax reform, and finally public school finance.

The first bill, and arguably the most important, is the state budget or House Bill 1. Under the Texas Constitution, the only bill the Legislature is required to pass is the budget. Further, the Constitution also requires that the Legislature pass a balanced budget.

Since the Texas Legislature meets every other year, the budget covers the next biennium for the state. House Bill 1 appropriates approximately $250.7 billion for the 2020-2021 biennium.

Of that $250.7 billion, state general revenue makes up roughly 50% of the total. Further, federal funds represent 34.5% while the remaining 15.6% or so comes from other funds such as the state highway fund and the economic stabilization fund.

The budget contains funding for all of the state’s priorities. We all know that Texas is a growing state. By 2060, the population of Texas is projected to

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increase by almost 80%. Because of this growth, the Legislature must ensure that the state continues to provide adequate funding for items such as transportation infrastructure, public education, and development of the state’s natural resources. House Bill 1 is the vehicle that attempts to accomplish these goals.

Another important element included in the budget are several economic development tools. One of the main economic development tools is the Texas Enterprise Fund, also known as the TEF. The TEF is a business incentive tool used to attract companies considering a new project in Texas.

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House review all applications and must unanimously agree to support the use of TEF funds for each applicant. Currently, the TEF has a balance of around $76 million.

House Bill 1 adds an additional $74 million to bring the total balance of TEF funds to $150 million. TEF continues to be a major tool in attracting new businesses to the state of Texas.

One of the other focuses of the Legislature in the 86th Session was property tax reform. These items were addressed under Senate Bill 2 and the bill contains three main components. First, the bill adds restrictions on property tax

increases for cities, counties, and other special districts beginning in 2020.

Second, the bill provides for improved ‘real time’ tax notices. Finally, the bill makes improvements to the process of disputing property values. By far, the most discussed portion of Senate Bill 2 involves the tax increase restrictions.

In order to understand the changes found in Senate Bill 2, we must first briefly discuss the history surrounding property tax increases. Before this bill, the standard rollback rate for property taxes was 8%. This meant that if a taxing unit adopted a tax rate that included an increase of more than 8% in the effective maintenance and operation rate, the citizens had the ability to petition to call an election to either approve or reject that increase. This election is commonly called a rollback election.

Under Senate Bill 2, the rollback rate was changed from 8% to 3.5%. Further, if the proposed rate increase goes over the 3.5% amount, the bill creates an automatic rollback election without the need for a petition. This means that going forward, if a taxing unit that is subject to the rules of Senate Bill 2 adopts a tax rate that exceeds the 3.5% cap, there is an automatic rollback election without the need for the citizens to submit a petition. One very important thing to remember about Senate Bill 2 is that it regulates the property tax rate.

The bill does not regulate the appraised value of property. That value is set by the local appraisal district. As you know, generally speaking, in order to determine the amount owed in property taxes, you multiply the appraised value of a piece of property by the tax rate.

Senate Bill 2 only addresses the tax rate side of this equation and does not alter the appraised value of property.

Finally, the Legislature also addressed public school finance in the 86th Session. These changes were made in House Bill 3. There are two general sources of funding for public education in Texas: state appropriations and local property tax dollars. From a historical perspective, the amount of the state’s contribution to public education in Texas has fluctuated. Over the years, the state contribution to public education

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

17

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

in Texas has varied between roughly 30% and 60%. Recently, the state’s contribution has been consistently closer to the 30% mark. Since there are only two main sources of this funding, when one source reduces, the other source must increase. Because of the reduction in state funding, the local property tax side of the equation has shouldered the vast majority of the funding of public education in Texas as of late. For instance, if you look at your property tax bill from last year, you will notice that around 53% of the total amount goes to funding public education. This is the main reason there has been a steady increase in property taxes in Texas over time. Simply put, as the amount the state contributes decreases, the contribution from local property taxes must increase.

This is the situation that House Bill 3 attempts to remedy. The bill increases the state’s contribution to public education by $11.6 billion. Of that amount, $6.5 billion is new funding for public education and $5.1 billion is for property tax reductions. The bill itself is over 300 pages long and contains numerous provisions that relate to public school finance and other related matters. While everyone may not agree with the bill, it is a direct attempt by the Legislature to invest more state funding in public education. This investment is vitally important to the economic future of the state of Texas. We have mentioned the incredible growth rate of our state. The public education system also experiences this growth. Each year, the state of Texas adds around 80,000 students to our public school system.

Without additional investment, the public school system simply cannot keep up with this growth. This growth is the future workforce of our state and we must have the resources to prepare them for the demands of tomorrow’s economy. Truly, this future workforce holds the key to the continued economic prosperity of Texas.

I applaud the Legislature for investing in the future of our great state. Texas is a special place. And in the 86th Session, the Legislature demonstrated its commitment to keeping it that way.

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HOUSE BILL

1

ADDRESSES STATE BUDGET FOR 2020-2021 $250.7 BILLION

86TH SESSION: AT A GLANCE

50% PROVIDED BY STATE REVENUE

34.5% PROVIDED BY FEDERAL FUNDS

15.5% OTHER

TO TEXAS $74 ADDED ENTERPRISE FUND MILLION ($150 MILLION TOTAL)

SENATE BILL

2

ADDRESSES PROPERTY TAX REFORM I. RESTRICTIONS ON PROPERTY TAX INCREASES II. PROVIDES FOR IMPROVED “REAL TIME” TAX NOTICES III. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROCESS OF DISPUTING PROPERTY VALUES

ROLLBACK RATE REDUCED

8%

3.5%

HOUSE BILL

3

ADDRESSES PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE LEIGHTON S CHUBER T VICE CHANCELLOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC RELATIONS BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLAN

INCREASES THE STATE’S CONTRIBUTION TO PUBLIC EDUCATION BY $11.6 BILLION $11.6 BILLION $6.5 BILLION

$5.1 BILLION

NEW FUNDING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

FUNDING FOR PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS

bush41.org 979.691.4000 @bush41

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN B RYAN

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(979) 775-6036 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

21

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCING

THE 2019 LEADERSHIP BRAZOS CLASS The Physicians Centre Hospital

I A N A ND E RS O N S I D NE Y BAC KSTROM

G-CON Manufacturing, Inc.

SAR A BA K A LI AN

Oak Forest Management, LLC

ALLIS O N BAT TE

B/CS Chamber of Commerce Dailey Company, Inc.

C H ANCE B LO ODWORTH

Bruchez & Goss

S C OT T B R AY

Downtown Bryan Association

K ATE LYN B ROWN

KBTX Media

K AR L A C ASTIL LO STUMPF AB B CAUTH O RN

ANCO Investment Services

G EO F F R E Y C HRISTIAN

Baylor Scott & White Health

C A RO L C OT TER

City of College Station

PA ME L A D E GRACA

The Arkitex Studio, Inc.

J O E F O STE R

Titian Security Solutions

R ANDY GIB B S

The Physicians Centre Hospital

DESIRE E GO N ZAL ES

Wells Fargo Bank

L I N DSAY H ACKET T

City of Bryan

AN DR E W H A R PER

Evolve Impact Group

K AR E N H A R R I S STORY

UP Mentoring

J I L L JO NES

RE/MAX 20/20

N ATA LI E KID D

The Bank & Trust of B/CS

G R EG L A NTI NG

Binkley and Barfield Inc.

BR E T T L AWLER

C.C. Creations

G AI L L A ZA RINE

CHI St. Joseph Health

EVE R E T T LOW E

Producers Cooperative Association

BAYLO R LYO N

Commerce National Bank

J U STIN M A NN ING

C&J Barbeque

C H ASE M C C L AIN

Prosperity Bank Caring Transitions

R I SA M E YE R

New York Life Insurance Company

DE MO ND O LI VER

Jones | Carter

ALE X P F E F F E RKORN BAI L I R H O D ES

West, Webb, Albritton & Gentry, P.C.

C . T YLE R SMITH

Higginbotham Insurance

Z AC STE VE NSON

Cleary Zimmerman Engineers Guaranty Bank & Trust

R OB I N TAYLO R

AM Y TH O M P SON Corps of Cadets/Texas A&M University BR A ND I TR UJIL LO

Texas Title - The Pearson Firm

C E L INA VAS Q UEZ

Brazos County Justice of the Peace

S Y LVI A NNE VEL ASQUEZ-MISZTAL J O B E TH WO L FE K ELLY WO O D

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Integ

Experience Bryan College Station CHI St. Joseph Health

WHYARE YOU A

The Floor is Yours...

CHAMBER MEMBER?

The Chamber Spotlight shares company news with the community.

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

“

David Gardner’s Jewelers

Birds Nest Gifts & Antiques

On Sunday, July 28, Julia and David Gardner with David Gardner’s Jewelers were inducted into National Jeweler’s 2019 “Retailer Hall of Fame” in New York City under the category of Single-Store Independent.

National Jeweler’s “Retailer Hall of Fame”, first introduced in 1989, recognizes jewelers who have inspired their peers and made significant contributions to jewelry retailing.

has opened the second floor of our shop for a new and exciting Vendor Market! The Vendor Market will feature local artisans and entrepreneurs showcasing their antiques, artwork, boutique clothing, and craftsmanship. The vendors in the new upstairs market have been carefully selected by the owners of Bird’s Nest Gifts and Antiques so that the inspiring atmosphere and quality of merchandise will be continued throughout the store. We encourage you to drop by Bird’s Nest Gifts and Antiques and browse through our new vendor market on the second floor. Bird’s Nest is open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 117 North Main Street in Downtown Bryan, Texas.

Aggieland Printing is excited to celebrate the retirement of Johnny Stimson after 40 years in business in Bryan/College Station. Mr. Stimson joined the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce when he opened his business almost 40 years ago, and he has been a longtime supporter of the business community. For years he has printed the “Chamber Member” decals that welcome customers through the doors of over 1,500 Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce members. Congratulations Johnny!

Bryan Texas Utilities is proud to announce that Vicki Reim, Division Manager of Customer Operations and current B/CS Chamber of Commerce board chair, was awarded the Paula J. DiFonzo Industry Achievement Award at the Texas Public Power Association Meeting in August. Vicki has been at BTU, and serving the community, since 1986. Thank you for your service Vicki!

TDI - Brooks International Inc and Drs. James Brooks and Bernie Bernard celebrate 23 years in business serving Oil & Gas clients worldwide. We continue to enjoy hosting the CS Noon Lions Club, sponsoring the Youth to Career Fair, and supporting a variety of other BCS organizations.

TDI-Brooks maintains a state-of-the-art laboratory facility in College Station, Texas providing high-quality analytical services and scientific interpretation staffed with several Texas A&M College Station Alumni.

Brightway Insurance, The Thomas Hall Agency The Thomas Hall Agency is proud to celebrate its 1st anniversary in Bryan/College

Station! Also, we welcome Elvira Maynard to the team as a Bilingual Licensed Associate.

Elvira, TAMU Class of ’16, is passionate about educating clients and finding the best coverage tailored to their needs.

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Bryan/College Station Charter Chapter would like to congratulate Debbie Holladay with Holladay & Associates for being named a 2020 Top Ten Business Woman in the nation. The Top Ten is the highest honor awarded to a member of ABWA.

By participating in Chamber events, I have been able to network, exchange ideas, and form long lasting relationships with other businesses and community leaders. It has been a great way to show everyone what Aggieland Carpet One has to offer, as well as a way to volunteer and give back to this great community.

”

CLAUDIA SM ITH AGGIEL AND CARPET ONE

Brazos Valley Pediatric Dentistry congratulates Dr. John H. Case on his nomination for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s Texas Dentist of the Year Award. The award is considered the most prestigious honor a Texas dentist can earn.

Dr. Case was nominated by the Brazos Valley Academy of General Dentistry, and he will be honored at the Texas Academy Awards on September 20th during the annual Lone Star Dental Conference in Austin. Dr. Case has volunteered with numerous local organizations, including Texas Mission of Mercy, Brazos Valley Dental Clinic, Give Kids a Smile, and Brazos Valley District Dental Society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISIT BCSCHAM BER .ORG OR CALL 979.260.5200 JULY - AUGUST 2019

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Ribbon Cuttings

STYLECRAFT BUILDERS SOUTHERN POINTE Are you celebrating an important milestone?

Anniversary? Opened a new location? Re-branding?

Let us help you! Call (979) 260-5200 or email Brian@bcschamber.org to schedule your B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting today!

6326 Eldorado Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-1222 southernpointe.com/stylecraft-builders

WALK TO END ALHEIMER’S ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

CAPROCK URGENT CARE JONES CROSSING

6055 South Loop East Houston, TX 77087 (713) 314-1313 alz.org

11659 Wellborn Road, Suite 300 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 314-2323 caprockhealthsystem.com

POKE STOP MICROTEL INN & SUITES

1734 Rock Prairie Road College Station, TX (979) 704-3281 www.pokestopco.com

1820 Ponderosa Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 202-4770 wyndhamhotels.com/microtel

DREAM BUILDERS

CARTER CREEK CONDOS 1451 Associates Boulevard College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 484-7506 cartercreekcondos.com

SABI BOUTIQUE

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

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

VISIT 2405 TEXAS AVE S, SUITE 302 COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 CALL (979) 272-8870 f

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in

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MEMBER FDIC

extracobanks.com 254.761.2000

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019

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C ON N EC TI O N S BRYAN / C O L L E G E S TAT I ON CH A M BE R O F C O MMER C E P. O. BOX 35 7 9 BRYAN , T X 7 7 8 05 -35 7 9

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