2018 Sept. Connections

CONNECTIONS

SEPT 2018

www.bcschamber.org

SEPT 16 & 17 S e e PA G E 6 Connections

SEPTEMBER 2018

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Welcoming you home, is what we do best.

Buying a home is the single most important investment we ever make. Although the process can seem intimidating, we are dedicated to providing a rewarding and positive experience for you. We offer construction, one-time close, secondary market financing and competitive inhouse home loans. No one works harder to find a way to say YES! We welcome the opportunity to earn your business! For more information, email us at mortgage@banktbt.com or call 979260-2100.

ChamberConnections/Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.8/18

MELISSA J. KEELING

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT NMLS#1671843

MELANIE N. MOTLEY VICE PRESIDENT

NMLS#510014

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002

Local bank. Local bankers.

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.

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Connections SEPTEMBER 2018

Member FDIC

chamber CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2018 09/16/2018 Lobsterfest The Brazos Center

CONTENTS 2

09/17/2018 Golf Classic

Traditions Club

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OCTOBER 2018

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10/09/2018 Focus on

Philanthropy Luncheon

Hilton College Station

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09/20/2018 Business After Hours

Sterling Auto Group

10/09/2018 Inner Circle Event

Texas A&M University Hotel & Conference Center

10/17/2018 Youth to Career Fair

Brazos County Expo Center 10/18/2018 Business After Hours

Chrome: A Salon Experience

10/29/2018 New Member Orientation

B/CS Chamber of Commerce

NOVEMBER 2018

11/05/2018 Annual Banquet

The Hilton College Station 11/07/2018 Fall Job Fair

The Brazos Center

11/08/2018 Business After Hours

CHI St. Joseph Health

11/29/2018 Business After Hours

George Bush Library & Museum

www.bcschamber.org

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board REFLECTIONS new MEMBERS business AFTER HOURS volunteer FOCUS lobsterfest & GOLF CLASSIC chamber PHOTOS chamber PROGRAMS

10 why I’m a

CHAMBER MEMBER

12 ribbon

CUTTINGS

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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board REFLECTIONS Even the best things must come to an end. After 11 months of serving as the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Chairman, my term is nearly done. It has been an amazing year, one that I will treasure for many years to come.

Having served on the board of directors for a few years and actively participating in the many events sponsored by the Chamber, I only thought I had a good handle on my duties as Chair. I can assure everyone that there is a lot more going on inside and out of the Chamber offices than most everyone realizes. The B/CS Chamber staff are hard-working, dedicated people, and they are constantly looking for ways to enhance the well-being of businesses in our community.

The mission of the Chamber reads as follows: The Bryan/ College Station Chamber of Commerce exists to enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in the communities it serves. This includes regular events such as ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, Economic Outlook Conferences, legislative meetings, and so much more. This is what people see from the outside.

From my year on the inside, I have watched the chamber staff take personal interest in the well-being and success of area business owners. They work together when challenges arise and strive to make a connection with the 1,500 businesses that are members of our Chamber.

As I enter my last month as chairman, I have had people tell me things such as, “Your time is almost done” or “Thank Goodness…you made it! I bet you are happy.”

Actually, I’m really going to miss being your chairman and having the opportunity to represent the chamber in this community. Sure, it has taken quite a bit of time and effort over the past year, but the results make it all worthwhile.

The good news is the incoming chairman, Vicki Reim, is going to be an awesome Chairman for the Chamber. Vicki comes to us from Bryan Texas Utilities and has served on the executive committee for past two years. I joke that Vicki’s nomination was the easiest committee meeting we ever had at the Chamber, as she was such an obvious choice. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure to serve on a committee with Vicki knows that she is a go-getter who strives to succeed. Vicki will make sure every job is well done.

As I close out my term, I want to thank the Chamber staff for the amazing job they do day in and day out. It has truly been both an honor and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. I look forward to working with you in any way I can in the upcoming years.

Cheers to bigger and better things to come!

Sunday September 16, 2018 The Brazos Center Monday September 17, 2018 Traditions Club

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Crystal Dupre Chairman Vicki Reim Chair-Elect David O’Neil Immediate Past Chairman Jason Cornelius Vice Chair of Leadership Tom Wallis Vice Chair of Finance & Physical Resources Melanie Motley Vice Chair of Business Development Mary Mike Hatcher Vice Chair of Communications Phil Shackelford Vice Chair of Community Enhancement Grant Graham Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement Brad Beard Ricardo Diaz David Doss Gabriel Garcia Susan Gipson Bobby Gutierrez Tracy Kyle James Larkin Tai Lee Sylvia McMullen Shane Phelps Jay Primavera Kori Rich Travis Rollis Claudia Smith Greg Zweiacker STAFF President/CEO Glen Brewer Community Liaison Royce Hickman Manager of Membership Carrie Archer

Crystal Dupre B/CS Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Publisher of The Eagle

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Manager of Finance Tom Tilton Acting Manager of Business Programs Jordan Prihoda Membership Investment Representative Brian Miller Communications Coordinator Kaley Crump Special Projects Coordinator Allison Batte Executive Assistant Haley Galloway Receptionist Linda Espiriqueta 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 Kaley Crump by email at kaley@bcschamber.org.

new MEMBERS

New Inner Circle Members Brazos De Dios Harley Owners Group Foundation Caliber Collision

Chef Fitzgerald, Inc.

4101 Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-1669 www.bddtoyrun.com 4480 Highway 6 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 985-2831 www.calibercollision.com

3515 B Longmire Drive, Suit 299 College Station, TX 77845 (214) 226-8888 www.cheffitzgerald.com

St. Nick’s Pub

Tru by Hilton BryanCollege Station

19191 Highway 6 South, Suite A College Station, TX 77845 (832) 465-7867 www.stnicksgreen.com

1933 Austins Colony Parkway Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 704-6015 www.trubryancollegestation.trubyhilton.com

Wonderland Winery

18898 Highway 6 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 690-7212

New Members

1721 Birmingham Drive, Suite 204 Arthritis & College Station, TX 77845 Osteoporosis Clinic (979) 696-8000 of Brazos Valley

HomeSpark Caregivers, LLC

Choate Monument Company

2801 Earl Rudder Freeway South Keller Williams College Station, TX 77845 Realty- Jeff Rudy/ The (979) 777-4990 Shellenberger Team

Cedar Frame

511 University Drive East, Suite 206 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 922-5544

Delta Disaster Services Greater Brazos Valley

1108 North Texas Avenue Bryan, TX 77807 (979) 7757907

5400 Elmo Weddon Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 731-1424

4235 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 260-0320

Justin’s Dreamz

PO Box 986 Navasota, TX 77868 (979) 650-5156

Nam Cafe

Dinosaur Egg 1645 Greens Prairie Road West, Suite 502 Bryan, TX 77845 Float & Massage Studio

Office of Senator Charles Schwertner

Dunkin & Associates

Sunspace Texas

Fusion Peru

H2B, Inc.

Hemline

www.bcschamber.org

(979) 704-3203

511 University Drive, Suite 208 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 922-5662

2501 Texas Avenue, Suite C 111 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 676-2603

3001 Earl Rudder Freeway, Suite 400 College Station, TX 77845 (979) 324-5323 166 Century Court, Suite 108 College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-1498

110 Nagle Street College Station, TX 77840 (832) 766-3060

3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 202 Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 776-0222

4280 Bentwood Drive College Station, TX 77845 (979) 324-8596

The Golf Club at Texas A&M

1 Bizzel Road College Station, TX 77843 (979) 845-1723

This Little Piggy Sanctuary TouchDown Productions

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12626 Sisco Lane Bryan, TX 77808 (936) 422-9670 6405 FM 1179 Bryan, TX 77808 (530) 263-2482

SEPTEMBER 2018

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business after HOURS

BUSINESS after hours

Business After Hours is the perfect opportunity to network with hundreds of Chamber Members, while allowing event sponsors to showcase their businesses! For more information about Business After Hours, please contact Carrie Archer at carrie@bcschamber.org.

Join us Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at:

205 N Earl Rudder Fwy Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-5555 www.sterlingautogroup.net 4

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volunteer FOCUS

Ambassador of the Month I am extremely honored to be named July Ambassador of the Month, even though I have been in the program for 3 months. I can easily say that being an ambassador has given me the opportunity to grow in a professional and personal level, and it has allowed me to build relationships with key members of the business community. I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve the community with an amazing group of people who care about the growth of this wonderful place.

Advertise With the Chamber!

See your business featured in publications sent to our 1500+ Chamber membership!

Being the Digital Marketing Specialist at The Eagle has given me the opportunity to help various businesses and business owners to navigate the digital marketing space. I love what I do and enjoy helping business find solutions that fit their needs, maximize ROI, and achieve their goals. I welcome the possibility to sit down and talk about your marketing needs to find the best way to help grow your business.

I look forward to meeting you at future chamber events and spreading the word about your business.

Daniela Hardin

The Chamber produces several different publications throughout the year including: ● Weekly Insider Report eNewsletter ● Monthly Connections magazine ● Annual Directory

Place Your Ad TODAY! For details and options, call (979) 260-5200 or contact brian@bcschamber.org.

great message save time & money

dependable

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

969.779.7788 979.779.7788

427 Dellwood, Bryan help@admailtx.com www.bcschamber.org

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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chamber PROGRAMS

LOBSTERFEST

Sunday, September 16, 2018 The Brazos Center

GOLF CLASSIC

Monday, September 17, 2018 Traditions Club

Thank you to our sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR Bucket Sponsor

Beverage Cup Sponsor

Hole In One Sponsors

Bar & Breakfast Sponsor Lobster Cracker Sponsor GOLD SPONSORS CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

Awards & More, Chicken Express, Copy Corner, Farm Patch, Half Pints Liquor, Hilton College Station, Insite Printing, Outback, Pepsi, RDM Pros, Swico Auctions, Texas Commercial Waste, TNT Security Solutions, Wells Fargo, WRI Outdoors

HOLE SPONSORS

Stafford Barrett, Oliver Brothers, Transmissions Specialties Photography, CubbyHole Texas, Berkshire Hathaway

MEDIA SPONSORS

Admail, Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, iHeart Radio, KAGS,KBTX, KTEX 106.1, Lamar Advertising, Suddenlink, The Eagle

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS

The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station, First State Bank of Bedias, Aggieland Title Company, Tradition Oil & Lube

Reserve your tickets today!

Visit www.bcschamber.org or call (979) 260-5200.

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Connections SEPTEMBER 2018

chamber PHOTOS RIGHT: Leadership Brazos Class of 2019 gathers for the first time at orientation before beginning their journey together. B/CS Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Glen Brewer and Board Chair Elect Vicki Reim welcome the class by sharing their experience in LB. LEFT: The 2018 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon at the Hilton College Station had a packed ballroom!

Thank you to our title sponsor, Mission Ranch, for helping the Chamber make this event possible.

Additional thanks to Commerce National Bank for sponsoring our keynote speaker, Karr Ingham.

LEFT: The ambassadors gather for their annual pool party. Thanks to Zach & Andrea Etheridge for hosting at the Indian Lakes community pool!

RIGHT: Texas Economist, Karr Ingham, of Ingham Econ, LLC, delivers his presentation at the 2018 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon. Ingham’s presentation can be viewed at www.bcschamber.org.

www.bcschamber.org

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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chamber PROGRAMS

2018 YOUTH TO CAREER FAIR Wednesday, October 17 t 9:00 am - 2:30 pm BRAZOS COUNTY EXPO SPONSORED BY:

qSCIENCE xTECHNOLOGYuENGINEERINGwMATH rBUSINESSyPUBLIC SERVICEnARTS zHUMANITIES What is the Youth to Career Fair?

It is an educational fair put on by the B/CS Chamber of Commerce and our title sponsor Sylvan Learning Center to expose 8th grade students to future career paths.

Who is it for?

Any 8th grade student from Brazos Valley area schools (public, private, or other).

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

2018

l a u Ann uet q n a B The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the 2018 Annual Banquet on

Monday, November 5, 2018

Six o’clock in the evening •The Hilton College Station 8

Connections SEPTEMBER 2018

chamber PROGRAMS

EMBRACING

BUSINESS:

the

The Successes & Challenges of Public/Private Partnerships An Inner Circle Exclusive Event

Sponsored by:

October 9, 2018 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center Complimentary valet parking

2018

For Inner Circle Members & Their Staff *Limit of 4 attendees per company

<< HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRYAN >>

Featuring Phillip Ray Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs

WYNONNA

SATURDAY NIGHT STEAK DINNER

AND THE BIG NOISE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets are $50 each To register, email Carrie Archer at carrie@bcschamber.org.

www.bcschamber.org

TexasRedsFestival.com

Connections

FRIDAY NIGHT! CITY OF B RYAN The Good Life, Texas Style.

TM

SEPTEMBER 2018

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why I’m a CHAMBER MEMBER When Businesses Come Together:

Producing ‘Why I’m A Chamber Member’ If you were to ask the question, “Why are you a Chamber member” to the more than 1,500 members of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, chances are you would receive 1,500 different responses! During the Centennial Celebration of the B/CS Chamber, the Communications Committee made it their charge to ask a cross-section of the membership, “WHY” they chose to become a B/CS Chamber member.

So we posed the question to John Anderson with Merrill Lynch, Claudia Smith of Aggieland Carpet One, Zach Etheridge with HBi Office Solutions, Wade and Mary Beckman, owners of Shipwreck Grill, Amico Nave, and Admiral Catering, and Kyle Doliver with Ryan’s Challenge. Their responses were as varied as their professions. They told us they were looking for networking opportunities and a chance to meet new business partners.

Some were looking for a chance to participate in legislative issues. Others wanted to make contacts for businesses and for non-profit organizations.

Why are you a Chamber of Commerce Member?

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 Smith, Aggieland Carpet One

A special salute goes to Gregg Phelps, owner of Frame by Frame and Essential Media, for the professional look and feel of our campaign.

Another shout out goes to our media partners: The Eagle, KBTX TV3, Bryan Broadcasting, Suddenlink, KAGS-TV, Brazos Valley Communications, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and iHeart Media.

For more information on becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce visit BCSChamber.org or call 979.260.5200

The Chamber’s Communications Committee helped frame these testimonials to the values of Chamber membership. Thanks to committee members, Travis Rollins, Roby Somerford, Sean Lewis, Stacy Colvin, Zack Morgan, and Laura Atkinson Wagner ⎼ your creative think-tank sessions and commitment to this project are greatly appreciated!

And a final “THANKS” to you, members of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, for your help in celebrating 100 years of making Bryan/College Station a great place to live, work and play. For more information, log on to bcschamber.org.

Article by:

Mary Mike Hatcher

Vice-Chairman/Communications Division Bryan Broadcasting

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Connections SEPTEMBER 2018

why I’m a CHAMBER MEMBER

Why I’m a Chamber Member:

AN INSIDE LOOK The B/CS Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Chamber members, will be airing the “Why I’m a Chamber Member” Campaign beginning this month!

Look for some familiar faces sharing their Chamber story!

BELOW: (From left to right) We would like to thank Claudia Smith from Aggieland Carpet One, Zach Etheridge from HBi Office Solutions, Kyle Dolliver from Ryan’s Challenge, John Anderson from Merrill Lynch, and Wade & Mary Beckman from Shipwreck Grill & Amico Nave Restaurants and Admiral Catering for their participation in the making of this campaign.

Special Thanks To:

www.bcschamber.org

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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ribbon CUTTINGS

Deluxe Ribbon Cutting

Casa Do Brasil 1665 Greens Prairie Road College Station, TX 77845 (979) 5965586 www.casadobrasil.com

Are you celebrating a milestone? Anniversary? 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!

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Connections SEPTEMBER 2018

ribbon CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

Half-Pints Liquor

Nam Cafe

Fusion Peru

Mo’s Irish Pub

Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center

Delta Disaster Services Greater Brazos Valley

www.bcschamber.org

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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CONNECTIONS Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3579 Bryan, TX 77805-3579

Alphagraphics Ad Goes Here!

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Connections SEPTEMBER 2018