2023 September/October CONNECTIONS

Connections BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER PROGRAMS Leadership Brazos

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

COMMUNITY INSIGHTS TAMU Corps of Cadets

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Features 2

A NOT E FR OM JASON C OR NELI US

Calendar SEPTEMBER 9 .11. 23 GO LF CL ASSIC

B/CS Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board of Directors

Pebble Creek Country Club

9 .15 . 23

3

LOBSTERFEST The Brazos Center

NEW MEMBER S

Welcoming New Businesses to Bryan/College Station

9 . 21. 23 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Frost Bank

4

C HAMBER P R OGR AMS

Business After Hours

OCTOBER

10 . 6. 23 LEADERSHIP BRA Z OS ALL CL ASS REU N I ON Legends Event Center

6

10 .11. 23

LEADER SHI P AT I T S C OR P S

YO U TH CAREE R FAI R

Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets

Brazos County Expo

10 .19 . 23

8 12

B U SINESS AF T ER HOU RS The Palace Theatre, The Queen Theatre, Billy’s Grille & Bar

C HAMBER UP DATES

Pulling Up A Chair

NOVEMBER

11.13. 23 ANNUAL BANQU ET

C HAMBER LEADER SHI P P R OGR AMS

Meet the Leadership Brazos Class of 2024

Hilton College Station

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

16 18

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

C OMMUNI T Y SP OTLI GHTS

Bryan & College Station Spotlights

To reg ister for Chamb er eve nt s , s ca n the Q R cod e above or call t he C ha m be r office at 97 9.260 .5 2 0 0

A WORD FROM

JASON CORNELIUS

It is so hard to believe that we have made it through an entire Chamber Year. As we approached October of 2022, I wondered what this year for our Chamber would look like, and I couldn’t be happier with all the success we’ve had during this year, and the foundation we have laid for the success of the future.

During my 12-month stewardship of our Chamber, we have continued the success of our events. Events that have been vital to connecting and informing our membership and our community. Starting with our Annual Banquet celebrating the start of our year, to our monthly Business After Hours bringing the community together, each event continuing to highlight the accomplishments of our Chamber and its members throughout the year.

Our Chamber is known to be active legislatively, and this year was no different. We were able to make our annual delegation trip to Washington DC to advocate for our entire community. What makes this delegation trip different than other communities, is that our Chamber brings together both cities, the county, both school districts, Blinn College, and Texas A&M together along with our business community to create a Federal Action Plan that is united and focused on the advocating for the entire community. In addition to our trip to Washington, this year I was honored to lead a delegation to Austin during our State Legislature’s biannual session. With that same united voice, our Chamber was at the forefront of fighting for our Community.

I am proud of our Chamber’s continued efforts to reflect the makeup of our Community. The Community Outreach Committee continues to actively reach out to our local Historically Underutilized Businesses and their employees. Whether that be with bi-monthly happy hours meant to connect this group together, or forums and educational events meant to bring information, this committee continues to be a vital part of our Chamber’s mission to enhance the economic well-being of “all” the businesses in the community it serves.

As we wrap up looking back at this 2022-23 Chamber year, I cant say enough about the amazing Board of Directors I had the privilege of leading this year. They truly made this a special year for me. I want to highlight those that served on our Executive Committee that helped the success of this year by leading each different division of our Chamber. Our outgoing Chairman, Wade Beckman, was a hard act to follow. He had the unenviable task of leading our Chamber out of the uncertainty of Covid and did so with a steady hand. I have always been grateful for our friendship, but will now forever be indebted for his mentorship during my year as Chair. As an organization, we are also very lucky to have so many that volunteer their time and energy. To our Ambassadors, committee members, and others who have helped throughout the year, you each have my gratitude. However, none of the success our Chamber sees would be possible without Glen, Carrie, and the amazing staff that work tirelessly on each event or program. I cannot thank them enough for all the hard work they put in this year.

The future of our Chamber is bright as well. I’m pleased to have been a part of setting the stage for our Chamber’s future and permanent home. I’m looking forward to new programs on the horizon that will continue to connect our Chamber to larger parts of our community and be a beacon to attract a stronger workforce. I am very excited to turn the reins over to my successor, Doug French. I have no doubt that he will continue to take our organization to new heights.

To each member of our Chamber, thank you for your faith and support of me as Chair, our Board, and our staff during this year. I am so appreciative of my time this year and look forward to stepping aside to see what new successes that are sure to come.

JASON C ORNELIU S C HA IRM A N OF THE B OARD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS JASON CORNELIUS Board Chair

DOUG FRENCH

Chair-Elect Vice Chair Administration

WA D E B E C K M A N

Immediate Past Chairman

KARLA CASTILLO

Vice Chair Business Enhancement

K AT Y L E E

Vice Chair Communications

K AT E R I N A H A L L

Vice Chair Membership Enhancement

A J TAY L O R , C PA

Vice Chair Financial & Physical Resources

JOHN BUSH

Vice Chair Community Enhancement

B AY L O R LY O N

Vice Chair Leadership Division

ZACH ETHERIDGE Secretary

AGUSTIN TREVIÑO A L D AV I S ASHLEY SANDERS BELINDA DOBSON BRANDON SEARS DEMOND OLIVER GEOFFREY CHRISTIAN HANS HAMMOND IRMA CAULEY J AY R U D I N G E R J E N N Y D AV I S MANNY MARTINEZ NICOLE MORTEN ROBY SOMERFORD SID BACKSTROM TYLER SMITH

STAFF GLEN BREWER President/CEO

ROYCE HICKMAN Community Liaison

CARRIE ARCHER Manager of Membership

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

Manager of Business Development

TAY L O R H U G H E S

Manager of Marketing & Communications

JENNY BAKER Manager of Finance

VERONICA MARTINEZ

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

MADISON BOTKIN

Special Projects Coordinator

KARISA WILGANOWSKI Inside Sales Representative

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

L I N D A E S P I R I Q U E TA Receptionist

Chamber Connections is a publication of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and a public service to Chamber members. Editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Taylor Hughes by email at taylor@bcschamber.org.

ALPHAGRAPHICS Publication Printing

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New Chamber Members R A I L & RY E

CA MI NO S MEXI CAN CAFE

MI K E SO U THER L AND

GLS

OA KS O N R I VER SI D E

CLEAN EATZ CO LLEG E STAT IO N

S OU T H E R N DI STRICT S OTH EBY ’S I N TER N ATI ON A L REA LT Y

KIM WO LFE ( THE BAR BER SHO P)

APPLI ANCE FI X

W IC K MAI NTENANCE

AQ UA-TOTS SWI M SCH O O L S BRYAN CO LLEG E STAT IO N

102 East Washington Avenue Navasota, Texas 77868 (936) 227-4400 railandrye.com 4077 Cross Park Drive Suite 100 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 776-9700 glstexas.com

4030 State Highway 6 S. College Station, TX 77845 (979) 446-7235 teamsoutherndistrict.com

T EX AS B U SI N ESS EXCH A N GE, L LC 2147 Big River Street College Station, TX 77840 (979) 412-1875 texasbizx.com

T H E R E AC H PROJ ECT

1700 Research Parkway College Station, TX 77845 (832) 622-4718 REACH4home.org

STA R L I G H T B AR & E VEN T S ER VI CES

211 W. 23rd Street Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 255-4286 starlightbarandevents.com

B I L L G U T I E R R EZ

5303 Bloomsbury Way Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 777-8018

11907 FM 2154 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 485-2055 caminosmexicancafe.com

1301 S. Cap of TX Highway Suite A-134 Austin, TX 78746 (512) 529-0455 teeplepartners.com 2553 Texas Avenue South Suite C College Station , TX 77840 (979) 229-1671 1251 Barron Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 353-2567 maintenanceBCS.com

BOE ’S ELECTR I C, LLC

1102 South San Felipe Street Hearne, TX 77859 (979) 217-1548 boeselectric.com

GUILD MO R TG AG E

6593 Waterway Drive College Station, TX 77845 (903) 987-3416 guildmortgage.com/ashleycoston

GRAZE & G AL A CHAR CU TER I E 3304 Willow Ridge Drive Bryan, TX 77807 (940) 535-4459 grazeandgala.com

T R U E TEX A N PRSS URE CL EA N IN G

VORENK AMP TR AVEL AG ENCY, LLC

L EG ACY OU TDOOR S ERV ICES

DA NNY BOY PR I VATE IN V ESTI G ATI O NS

3705 Elliot Street Unit B Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 248-3869

1723 Gooseneck Drive Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 575-6019 legacyoutdoortx.com

4506 Lapis Circle College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-8280

2826 Brandywine Circle Bryan, TX 77807 (702) 219-0076 dannyboyprivateinvestigations.com

3401 Parkway Terrace Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 229-7805 bvvetcourtproject.us

1800 Texas Avenue South Suite B College Station, TX 77840 (832) 262-0499 cleaneatz.com 424 Narrow Street College Station, TX 77840 (979) 326-8407 appliancefixbcs.com

3153 Wildflower Drive Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 314-9879 aqua-tots.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

CHAMBER PROGRAMS

SEPTEMBER 21 Hosted By:

FROST BANK

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!

OCTOBER 19TH Hosted By:

THE PALACE THEATRE THE QUEEN THEATRE BILLY’S GRILLE & BAR

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!

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LEADERSHIP AT ITS CORPS

Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets developing leaders right here in the Brazos Valley

F

or over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has served as Texas A&M’s oldest, largest and most recognizable student organization. Deeply rooted in its iconic, military based cultural model, the Corps of Cadets has consistently taken young men and women from all walks of life and developed them into some of our nation’s finest leaders.

Though the training that cadets receive while in the Corps is military based, the lessons and skills that students develop are applicable in every setting, whether it’s professional or personal. In fact, around 60% of all graduating cadets go on

to pursue careers in the public and private sectors, using what they’ve learned in the Corps to serve those around them at every level.

MEET THE COMMANDANT

“The Corps of Cadets provides every student, no matter their goals, with a developmental experience that’s like no other. We work to ensure that the Aggie core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service are deeply ingrained in each of our cadets, because ultimately, these values are what they’ll use to guide the decisions they make as leaders at every level,” Brigadier General Patrick Michaelis ‘93, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said.

For many cadets, their leadership skills and abilities are put to use in the local BryanCollege Station community. No matter what industry they enter, each cadet brings a unique skill set and passion for service along with them.

“The Corps has one central mission. We are developing well rounded leaders of character who are prepared to serve our communities, our state and our nation across all sectors.

Through this one of a kind experience, each cadet graduates not only ready to serve, but excited to seek out opportunities to make an impact wherever they go. The end product, the leaders that we build, are invaluable assets to the fields they choose to serve in,” Michaelis said.

Patrick R. Michaelis ’93, Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) Commandant

ROBIN NELSON Communications Coordinator, Marketing and Communications Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets

PULLING UP A CHAIR NEW BOARD CHAIR DOUG FRENCH DEEP DIVES INTO 2024

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I have been the Owner, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Stylecraft since 2017. After earning a master’s degree in business administration from Baylor University and my undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University Magna Cum Laude, I decided to make a career in the family business.

My passion for equipping and developing strong employees has helped continue to define Stylecraft’s reputation as a company dedicated to

integrity and quality. In addition to leading Stylecraft, I also operate Leading Realty Group, a company that develops, owns, and manages single family residential rental properties in Bryan, College Station, and Temple.

I am dedicated to community involvement and have served in numerous capacities in our community. I am a past Board Chair for United Way and SOS Ministries, a member of the Advisory Council for Bush School Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, and a member of Declaration Church.

I am eager to serve as the next Board Chair for the B/ CS Chamber of Commerce.

The most important parts of my life are my relationship with God, my wife, Kara, and our two children, Hadleigh and Benton. We enjoy travelling and watching the Fightin’ Texas Aggies! Away from work, my family is my focus.

Getting to Know Your 2024 Board Chair: Doug French WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE INCOMING B/CS CHAMBER BOARD CHAIRMAN I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to lead and serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. With over 1,600 members and over 105 years of service to businesses in our community, the B/CS Chamber is assured to serve our business community in more ways than ever before.

As the 2023-2024 incoming board chair, I have the pleasure of preparing the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce through a huge milestone – our very own Chamber building.

This building is crucial to the important work of our local chamber and the mission to enhance the well-being of our business community. It will lead to great opportunities and experiences for our Chamber members. I am grateful to be able to put forth the knowledge I have gained in my family business toward building this new building just as we do in Stylecraft—with integrity and quality.

WHAT MAKES YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT TAKING ON THE ROLE AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE B/CS CHAMBER Shortly after graduate school, I became an ambassador with the Chamber. It was such a great experience and helped me get plugged into the local business community. 13 years later, having the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our local chamber is exciting. I am excited to work with others to continue to make a positive impact in our community.

Doug with his wife, Kara, and their two children, Hadleigh and Benton.

Stylecraft Executive Team, March 2023

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHAMBER EVENT AND WHY My favorite Chamber event is definitely the Economic Outlook Conference. This conference offers an overview of factors affecting the economy of the Brazos Valley and provides valuable insights into the business climate of our community. The Economic Outlook Conference brings together many key players in our community, from Texas A&M University, Brazos County, both cities, and our business community, to give valuable information on the state of our economy and predictions for what is to come. There is a ton of great information packed into one full day!

WHY DO YOU THINK THE CHAMBER IS SUCH AN ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY We can do more together than alone! Our Chamber, through events, education, and community outreach continues to bring together the business community, Texas A&M University, Blinn College, both cities, and our county for one common goal, to enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in our community. Collectively we have a much louder voice, and I am eager to continue the work the B/CS Chamber of Commerce does every day to improve our local economy right here in the Brazos Valley.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

WORK WITH HOOP

B

rother and sister team, Nate and Alycia Hooper, are leading the Bryan -College Station market with all things real estate.

At the end of 2016, the two collaborated to form Hooper Custom Homes.

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED? Gain exposure and promote your business with a paid advertorial in the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections magazine.

Email Taylor Hughes, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Chamber of Commerce at taylor@ bcschamber.org or by phone at 979-260-5200.

“Nate approached me and asked if I still had any interest in real estate. It was always a passion and something I was exploring. Without hesitation, the answer was, Yes! I took the required classes and earned my Texas Real Estate license in 6 weeks. We launched Hooper Custom Homes in January 2017. I was still in Corporate America, and I officially made the jump to entrepreneurship in March 2017 as a full-time REALTOR® and home builder.”

Hooper Custom Homes is the foundation for the Work With Hoop initiative.

They focus on building high-end spec and custom homes in the Bryan-College Station market and surrounding areas.

“The journey has always been designed to keep the client first. We aim to create win-win scenarios, and with that, we are constantly growing and adapting to the market and clients who play an integral part in our success.” What remains constant for the home-building business are their core values of honesty and transparency in an enjoyable, professional environment.

Nate shared the three major initiatives to create this successful partnership

with clients are operating on a flat-fee; holding his irrigation license; and Alycia as a REALTOR®. “These three together allow us to work more closely with the client and their budget needs. Having well-established relationships with local subcontractors is a big factor in our system as well.”

At the core of Work With Hoop success lies a unique leadership and community approach that has propelled the companies forward. “The ultimate goal is to be the one-stop shop for all things real estate. Creating those win-win scenarios for the client, and offering the option to work with us - Work With Hoop - is what we appreciate when we are on the flip side as clients. It’s a comforting approach to know when you hire us, you get us,” Alycia shared.

From dirt, to house, to investing in real estate, the Hoop Team has you covered.

Dust to Lawn Irrigation & Landscaping, the Alycia Hooper Real Estate Team and Hooper Custom Homes are the first three companies for the Work With Hoop vision. “We have our ideas to grow this platform even more for our clients,” Nate said. “We are here to stay, and we are excited to grow with this market and area.”

While operating the businesses is instrumental to the Hoopers’ goals, investing back into the community is a large part of what makes up the Hoop Team. “Supporting local schools, the food bank and

various organizations around BCS is important to us,” Alycia shared. “We are blessed and strive to give back and pay it forward. When you Work With Hoop, you Give With Hoop!

To be part of the Work With Hoop journey, please contact Nate at (979) 402-2749 or Alycia at (979) 255-3947.

You can also explore their websites to learn more: www.hoopercustomhomes.com; www.alyciahooper.com; www.dusttolawntx.com.

B/CS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Leadership Programs LEADERSHIP BRAZOS Participants in Leadership Brazos spend one day per month, over the course of nine months, in this program. Forty participants are selected to be in the program each year in a highly competitive application process.

Leadership Brazos is a fantastic way to get involved and learn more about the Bryan/College Station community. Through this program, you will learn about the different industries ranging from agriculture, emergency management, education, local government and much more.

How the application process works: Applications, not applicants, are chosen by a review panel made up of the Chamber Board of Directors and the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association's leadership council.

The applications are evaluated in an anonymous/redacted (i.e., blind) process.

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP BRAZOS Through this nine-week commitment, high school juniors across the Brazos Valley will take a deep dive into learning about local businesses and corporate work. Topics range from local government to the medical field and much more. This is one way that our youth can explore career opportunities for their future.

LEADERSHIP BRAZOS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION For graduates of B/CS Chamber of Commerce Leadership Brazos Program.

This year we are celebrating 40 years of Leadership Brazos!

Join the Chamber on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Legends Event Center for live music by the Texas Unlimited Band, food & cocktails!

Visit www.bcschamber.org/leadership/ to learn more or call 979.260.5200

CONGRATULATIONS LEADERSHIP BRAZOS

CLASS OF 2024

Alaina Jalufka

Carney’s Pub, Corner Bar & Kyle House

Amy Kujawa

Ashley Brister

Blaine Decker

Caroline Ask

Premiere Events

C.C. Creations

Decker Financial Group

City of College Station

Christopher Weingart

Clay Schroeder

David Smith

Deanna Hyman

Blackwater Draw Brewing Company

Walker Partners, LLC

Edward Jones

Guaranty Bank & Trust

Destinee Vargas

Brazos Valley Food Bank

Ali Ivins

Erica Fisher

Garrett Cline

Hayden Tuley

The Arkitex Studio

GMH Communities

MYCON General Contractors

Hayley Harrison

Junior League of BCS

Eric Tate

Congressman Michael McCaul

Atmos Energy

Jason Starkey

Jessica Lane

Letterman Title

TAMU System

Joe Hill

Terracon Consultants, Inc

Kristin Wilson

Walsh & Mangan Premier Real Estate Group

Meme Adams Snelling Staffing

Jordan Yarbrough B/CS Chamber

Logan Cline

Madison Hankins

The Association of Former Students

Melba Galls

Melissa Brunner

Rhonda Watson

United Way of the Brazos Valley

Boys and Girls Club of Brazos Valley

Sarah Chilton

Shawna Walker

Chilton Bacak Group

The REACH Project

Prosperity Bank

Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services

Peggi Goss

Katherine Moore

Extraco Banks

Bret Richards

Coleman & Patterson

Katie Aupperle KBTX

Manny Martinez M.A.R.C.S.

Michaela Baca

Kaylie Jordan

Kimberly Shaw

VeraBank

St. Joseph Health

Marca Ewers-Shurtleff Law by ME

Ranger Home Builders

Myles Sheffield

City of Bryan

De Baca Steakhouse

UBEO Business Services

Rob Mwandia

Ross Brady

Ryan Key

Robwiththehat, LLC

City of College Station

Summer Handy

Taylor Charanza

First Financial Bank

Hayley Bisacre B/CS Chamber

Plan North Architecture Co.

Martha Vilas

Nash Porter

BlueForge Alliance

Sam Wigley

Pilgrim Mortgage, LLC

Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage

Chris Evans

Taurus Technologies

Shannon Huchingson Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED?

Gain exposure and promote your business with a paid advertorial in the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Connections magazine.

Email Taylor Hughes, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Chamber of Commerce at taylor@bcschamber.org or by phone at 979-260-5200.

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DELUXE RIBBON CUTTINGS

VISIT COLLEGE STATION 1207 Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840

(979) 260-9898 visit.cstx.gov

MORROW ENERGY 2690 SH 30 Anderson, TX 77830

BODY20 AGGIELAND

937 William D. Fitch Suite 301 College Station, TX 77845

(806) 853-4583 morrowenergy.com

REECE HOMES, LLC (979) 216-9524 body20.com/aggieland

4007 Cross Park Drive Bryan, TX 77802

(936) 404-4960 reece-homes.com

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

6055 South Loop East Houston, TX 77087

(713) 314-1313 alz.org

PURE BARRE COLLEGE STATION 915 William D. Fitch Suite 100 (979) 220-0499 purebarre.com/tx-collegestation College Station, TX 77845

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU!

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

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

2023 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon

Pictured L to R: Jason Cornelius, Representative Kyle Kacal, Senator Charles Schwertner, Representative John Raney, Glen Brewer

ANCO Insurance celebrates 150 years of business by hosting a Business After Hours in August.

2023 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon

Representative John Raney speaking at the Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon.

Community Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Texas A&M Foundation

Bryan ISD Sadberry Intermediate School Dedication

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Community

Spotlight UNITED WAY OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY JOHNNY BURNS IMPACT AWARD

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

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

United Way of the Brazos Valley is excited to announce the first recipient of the Johnny Burns Impact Award is Debbie Eller! Debbie is the Director of Community Services at the City of College Station and has worked in Community Development for the city since 1999. In addition to her career, she has over 20 years of experience with local service organizations and nonprofits, including 12 years on the UWBV Board of Directors.

Debbie was presented with the Johnny Burns Impact Award by Brigadier General Ramirez at the UWBV Campaign Kickoff Tailgate on August 18th.

HOPDODDY BURGER BAR

Congratulations to Garrett McKenzie for 5 years serving as the General Manager of Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Hopdoddy opened in Century Square in 2017 and most days since then you can find Garrett greeting customers and serving his guests. Hopdoddy Burger Bar is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

THE SALVATION ARMY NEW CORPS OFFICERS

The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station would like to welcome Captains Luis and Marianne Villanueva as its new Corps Officers.

They are looking forward to getting to know the community and moving forward the ministry of The Salvation Army. For more information about the programs and services available at The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station, please visit salvationarmybcs.org.

40 YEARS OF DAVID GARDNERS

Congratulations to David Gardner’s Jewelers as they celebrate 40 years of creating handcrafted fine jewelry in Bryan/College Station. David and his wife Julia have a heart for giving and have been involved in many charities over the years.

You can follow their story on social media at #40yearsofDG.

15 YEARS OF WIENERSPIEL

After 15 wonderful years, Wienerspeil as an organization will retire. Wienerspiel quickly become a valuable organization in our community and had great impact locally and statewide. Wienerspiel successfully with the

City Council of College Station and their staff and the City Council of Bryan and their staff to help pass the Humane Retail Pet Store Ordinance placing these cities as the 8th and 11th cities respectively in the state of Texas to have such an ordinance to help stop puppy mills from selling puppies or kittens in pet stores in each city. Wienerspiel worked successfully with other state nonprofits to pass Legislation successfully during our Texas Legislative Sessions and had fundraisers and held our wiener dog and wanna’ be races to raise funds to award to heavily vetted animal nonprofit organizations in the Brazos Valley. Thank you to everyone who has helped Wienerspiel over the years.

ROYCE HICKMAN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Congratulations to Truett Mars, the recipient of the 2023 Royce Hickman Leadership Scholarship!

The Royce Hickman Leadership Scholarship is awarded to just one of the 40 students who participated in 2022 Junior Leadership Brazos. Royce Hickman, B/CS Chamber of Commerce Community Liason, started Junior Leadership Brazos as a high school adaptation of Leadership Brazos in 1992. Junior Leadership Brazos provides high school juniors of the Brazos Valley the opportunity to become familiar with our community and to develop their leadership potential.

The Royce Hickman Leadership Scholarship is awarded to the applicant who exhibits exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to make our community better. Truett showcased his dedication to making a positive difference in the community. His essay demonstrated how he has not only applied the lessons learned from his experience with Junior Leadership Brazos but also consistently served the community while honing his leadership skills over the past year.

Truett will be recognized at the 2023 Leadership Brazos Alumni Association Luncheon on July 13th. We wish him the best of luck on his future endevours!

150 YEARS OF ANCO INSURANCE

For over 150 years ANCO Insurance has been serving clients and supporting the communities where we live and work. Today ANCO is a privately-owned independent insurance agency and strives to be an industry leader by offering a variety of solutions to help protect what matters most. Our team is committed to understanding the unique needs of every customer and offers a variety of coverage options for employee benefits, business insurance, and personal insurance. At the core

of ANCO Insurance lies our mission: to provide strategic, thoughtful insurance solutions that create consistent value and long-term relationships. Proudly serving all 50 states from multiple office locations across Texas, let us work alongside you to find solutions for your insurance needs. ANCO Insurance: Independent. Client-Focused.

Value Driven.

Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History - Fall Highlights As autumn’s golden hues replace the sweltering summer, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History prepares for its peak season: the annual Boonville Days Living History event. This cultural cornerstone, drawing over 5,000 attendees from both the Brazos Valley and beyond, stands as one of the twin city area’s grandest gatherings.

The Boonville Days festival aligns with Texas Archeology Month, offering Texans a chance to delve into the depth and richness of our heritage while exploring the pioneer history of Brazos County. To kickstart the festivities, the Buffalo Stampede Half Marathon & 5K Race takes off at 7:30 am from the Brazos Center, welcoming participants of all ages. Following Boonville Days, “Owl-O-Ween” an enchanting Halloween celebration unfolds at the Museum on Friday, October 27th. This immersive event will feature educational booths, live animals, carnival games, and more. Before Thanksgiving arrives, a fresh inhouse exhibit highlighting railroad history and evolution will premiere, succeeding the current hit “Shells: The Elegant Armor of Mollusks.” Come December 5th, the Museum will host the Holiday Showcase, providing a platform for local artisans and cultural organizations to unveil their creations within the Museum’s ambiance.

Attendees can engage with talented local artists and acquire beautifully crafted items, just in time for the holiday season. The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History remains committed to promoting science, cultural and natural history, and integrating art across its exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach endeavors.

5th ANNUAL BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES DAY

Save the date for the 5th Annual Brazos Valley Gives Day on Tuesday, October 17th! Brazos Valley Gives is a month-long community giving effort that culminates in 18 hours of online giving. Giving together as one community to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits in 7 Brazos Valley counties. In 2022, Brazos Valley Gives raised over $1,176,760 benefitting 161 nonprofits.

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