Chamber Report

2014-2015

ANNUAL REPORT

From the Boardroom It’s easy to look back on any year and gauge the level of success that is measured by numbers. Businesses thrive on knowing their numbers and utilizing valuable resources to improve those numbers. Whether it be an increase in sales versus a year ago, the number of clients contacted and sold to, the number of cars sold per month, or the number of hits on a website. We all look at how we can improve what we are doing.

My year as Chairman of the Board has not been much different as we measure the successes we have had. The number of ribbon cuttings, both standard and deluxe, the number of events, the revenue generated from those events and organizations benefiting from that revenue, turnover, retention, new members, cancelled memberships, budget achievement, etc. And with an accountant as the CEO of the Chamber, you can only imagine the number of charts we were given to measure that success.

As I’ve served as Chairman of the Board, I’ve realized that there is an element in our community that is highly responsible for the success we all enjoy, but that is difficult to measure. We enjoy living in this community and rightfully so. The business community here is strong and vivacious and serves as a backbone to the strength of this community. But the element that I’ve seen time and time again this past year that makes the difference is the spirit of service that is evident everywhere you look.

Every time we’ve needed folks to come together to serve in our community, I have been amazed at the willingness of businesses and individuals to step forward and serve. There are too many to mention and I’d leave vital ones out that should not be omitted, so I will not attempt to recognize any one specifically. But, suffice it to say the difference-maker in our community, versus others, is that service mentality. All it takes is to have lived outside our community to truly appreciate the significant difference we have here and the contribution that service makes to that difference.

Numerous accolades have been given to both communities for growth, development, and friendliness. Both cities have very solid leaders that are moving the cities in very positive directions. And certainly, both have growth measurements of which to be proud of. And yet, in spite of needed differentiation in city government, we still come together united in acts of service in our community that bring our two separate cities together. I can’t help but mention the recent Christmas Parade as an example. In danger of being eliminated, the parade was rescued in an act of service, and was supported and attended by citizens in both communities. We don’t have to look far for great examples of service.

It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the Chairman of the Board for this great Chamber and to have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing our business community. I thank you for that opportunity but even more, I thank you for the service you each give that strengthens and supports our community, keeps our two cities united and makes Bryan/College Station such a great place to live, work and raise our families.

Rich White

2014 - 2015 Membership

Chairman, 2014-2015

New Memberships: 165 Total Membership: 1404 Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Ambassadors participated in 48 Ribbon Cuttings, 2 Ground Breakings, and 29 DELUXE Ribbon Cuttings between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015.

Deluxe Ribbon Cutting Sponsors Paolo’s Italian Kitchen St. Joseph Family Medicine Clinic - Barron Road Memorial Funeral Home Smitty K’s Bar & Grill Lampstand Health & Rehab Massage Envy Springleaf Financial Vista College St. Joseph Family Medicine Clinic - Villa Maria Logistics Trade International Kreuz Market The Collection Boutique Express Employment Professionals Wonderfaux Home Om Grown Yoga Studio & Tea Bar

2

Courtyard by Marriott Hillier Funeral Home Regency Gardens Karsen’s RV Resort WC Tractor Altus Medical Equipment 3rd Day Treatment Center VIP Nail Spa Harvey Washbanger’s HUB Collaborative St. Joseph Family Medicine Clinic - Austin’s Colony United Way of the Brazos Valley Bird’s Nest Gifts & Antiques Aloft Hotel

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

ST. JOSEPH PHYSICIANS. WELL. BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

THOMAS CAMPBELL, MD FAMILY MEDICINE UNIVERSITY DRIVE

ANTHONY CARNELL, DO FAMILY MEDICINE AUSTIN’S COLONY

JOEL COOK, DO FAMILY MEDICINE BARRON ROAD

Thomas Campbell, MD, Anthony Carnell, DO, and Joel Cook, DO are all accepting new patients.

Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make for you and your family. At St. Joseph, we understand that getting quality care that conveniently fits into your busy life is important. That’s why our Family Medicine clinics are located throughout the Brazos Valley…all close to work, home, or play.

Our doctors offer same day appointments. Schedule an appointment today with one of our physicians by calling 979.774.2121 at any one of our convenient locations: University Drive 3201 University Drive East Bryan, TX 77802

Austin’s Colony 2410 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77803

Barron Road 4007 Victoria Avenue College Station, TX 77845

Discover doctors who go above and beyond to keep you well. ST. JOSEPH PHYSICIANS. Call 979.774.2121 or visit st-joseph.org/appointment B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 3

From the Boardroom It’s GREAT to live, work, and play in Bryan/College Station. And your Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce is hard at work in our mission to support and promote local businesses, to sustain a positive economic environment, and to preserve the quality of life for businesses and residents.

Each month, your Chamber provides power lunches, educational workshops/seminars, networking events, and more. All are aimed at fulfilling our mission for our members and our community. While the Chamber is a unifying organization that brings our business community together – YOU are the business that makes the Chamber.

As you know, I have spent most of my career at the Brazos Valley’s largest employer, Texas A&M University. Over the years, the University has transformed itself from a good university to an excellent university. It has done so without abandoning its responsibility to the people of Bryan/College Station and the State of Texas.

But, we are not truly the institution we should be unless we act as if each individual in this community, state and nation is part of our responsibility and in turn, that we convince everyone that our University is an important force for change in their lives.

I see many parallels between what we do as a university and what the Chamber does in and for our community. And I believe collaboration between the two freshens and vitalizes our well-being. It is a top priority of mine to further enhance the close connections between the University and the Chamber.

And by working together- a world-class research intensive university and a thriving community we can continue to leverage our powerful force, energy, innovation, and creativity to public good.

This past year, we continued to unite our efforts that keep Bryan/College Station the great place it is to work, live and raise our families.

2014 - 2015 Ambassadors The Ambassador program is a group of 42 Chamber member volunteers that graciously give their time to support the Chamber in so many ways. Goals of the Ambassador Program include strengthening the Chamber by recruiting new members, fostering healthy relationships with new members by attending ribbon cuttings and Chamber events, and supporting the Chamber by volunteering on committees and assisting with events. It is estimated that over the past year, the Ambassador group donated over 3,500 volunteer hours to the Chamber of Commerce and their community.

Back, from L to R: Agustin Trevino, Chase Moore, J. Paul Teel (Captain), Jared Salvato, Alan Dock, Gene Perez, Renee Wiens, Ben Caldwell Middle, from L to R: Reid Alexander, Teresa Benden, Travis Rollins, Jason Cornelius (Past-Chair), Hans Hammond (Chairman), Scott Rolfsmeyer (Captain), Brooke Mason, Eric Provolt, Kathy Savell, Julie Reese, Mike Connor Front, from L to R: Shannon Palmer, Anita Murillo, Debbie Holladay, Wade VanDerBoom, Zach Etheridge (Captain), Barbie Springer (Captain), Sheree Boegner, Amanda Mancuso-Laird, Christina Hultquist, Markie Grisham

4

Robert “Bobby” Bisor Chairman-Elect, 2014-2015

Service Insurance Group Over 25 years of insuring the businesses that support B-CS

3840 Corporate Center Dr. • Bryan 774-3900 • FAX: 774-3955 • WWW.SIGBCS.COM

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

LOCAL BANK. LOCAL BANKERS.

B/CS Eagle/Copyright Š 2015. All Rights Reserved. 12/15

As the largest locally owned bank in the Brazos Valley, we understand what local banking means and how important it is to the vitality of our community. We believe banking is about people, relationships, integrity and delivering products that meet your financial needs while offering superior customer care. Come see for yourself!

Local bank. Local bankers.

CORPORATE

1716 Briarcrest Dr, Ste 400 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2100

HWY 21

3400 Hwy 21 East Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 260-2145

TX AVE @ VILLA MARIA 2900 S. Texas Avenue Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2100

www.banktbt.com

COLLEGE STATION

2305 Texas Avenue South College Station, Texas 77840 (979) 260-2138

TOWER POINT

4450 State Hwy 6 South College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 260-2100

Member FDIC

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 5

2014 - 2015 Board of Directors

Rich White Chairman HEB

David O’Neil

Robert “Bobby” Bisor

Glen Brewer

Arty Brieden

Paul Atkinson

Chairman-Elect TAMU Office of the Provost

Vice-Chair Business Enhancement Wells Fargo

Vice-Chair Finance & Physical Resources Seidel, Schroeder & Company

Crystal Dupre

Vicki Flenniken

The Eagle

Spring Insurance

Immediate Past Chairman

Kathy Krusie

Vice-Chair Community Enhancement St. Joseph Regional Health Center

Mary Beckman

Vice-Chair Communications Brazos Valley Bombers

Vice-Chair Leadership Shipwreck Grill/ Amico Nave/Admiral Catering

Atkinson Toyota

Beck Construction

Prosperity Bank

Neal Briers

Lori Bruffet

Katie Fox

David Gardner

Rudy Grimaldo

Barron Hobbs

Fox Marketing & Design

Stephen Beck

Uri Geva

David Gardner’s Jewelers

RDM Audio, LP

KBTX

The Hilton College Station

Jody Rodriquez

Vice-Chair Membership Rodriquez & Gimbert, PLLC

Sharon Burt

Kelly Burt Dozer, Inc.

Jason Jennings

Baylor Scott & White

Serving the Brazos Valley Since 1976

Rayne Knight CR Systems, Inc.

Chace Murphy Atmos Energy

Casey Oldham The Oldham Goodwin Group

6

Brandi RingCooper

Caldwell Companies

3002-D Longmire Drive College Station, TX 77845

Ph: 979-693-4076 • Fax: 979-693-9785

6

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

A Word from Our President It is a pleasure to present the seventeenth consecutive Annual Report of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. This past year was a good year for your Chamber of Commerce as it was filled with many accomplishments and much excitement. In this report, you will be able to see that the year has been successful in terms of both our programs and our finances.

Our local economy has continued to fare well overall and therefore many of our businesses have experienced increased sales. The Chamber continues to focus on providing opportunities for our members to both promote their businesses and to network. The year began with a successful and informative Annual Banquet where Dr. Gerald Parker, Vice President for Public Health Preparedness and Response discussed the Texas A&M Center for innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing. That was followed by two popular events that were very well attended: our Annual Ag Breakfast with over 430 attendees (largest ever) and our Annual Economic Outlook Conference with slightly over 400 attendees. Other successful events that remain popular include our Taste of Aggieland, an Epicurean Extravaganza, our annual Job Fair, and our Annual LobsterFest & Golf Classic. This year, our Ladies Nite event was replaced with our first ever Founder’s Night which attracted over 300 attendees and received many favorable comments which caused us to start planning for our second annual Founder’s Night event. Our Community Softball Classic continued to focus on those who protect us each and every day, our first responders. This year the event was part of a double-header with the Brazos Valley Bombers at Cellucor Field. Once again, the game matched our local police officers against our local fire fighters with bragging rights on the line. For the third year in a row, part of the proceeds went to the 100 Club, an organization that has put a substantial amount of financial resources into our community supporting the families of those impacted by tragic events. We also conducted several successful luncheons. Our membership luncheon held on July 2 featured an outstanding presentation by Red Cashion on Leadership and attracted over 135 attendees. Our annual luncheon honoring our Historically Underutilized Businesses was held on July 28 and attracted almost 200 attendees, the largest attendance in the history of the event.

Our Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon on August 20 attracted over 250 attendees and was an interesting and informative discussion on the economic impact of the 84th Texas Legislative Session. In addition, our Lunch & Learn education efforts continue to grow in popularity with our members and we have a waiting list to conduct one of these luncheons in the future. We also conducted Chamber Tank: Discover the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland, which was an evening event for our Inner Circle members that attracted approximately 115 attendees.

During the year we held 2 Ground Breakings and approximately 80 Ribbon Cuttings which included almost 30 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings. Once again, we observed that Deluxe Ribbon Cutting events continue to grow in popularity with our members. Our Economic Development agreement with Brazos County was renewed, and for the third year in a row they sponsored our annual “Chamber Day” in March. The event attracted over 150 volunteers who visited approximately 800 businesses. For the fifth year in a row, a short survey was part of the visit which provided Brazos County and your Chamber with very valuable information. We found that 66% of the businesses surveyed experienced a sales growth over last year, 83% expected our local economy to improve and 49% expected their number of employees to increase.

We remain committed to having a major focus on legislative affairs: national, state and local. In February we had one of our most successful trips to Austin and continue to improve our ability to be effective in the State Capitol. Our trip to Washington D.C. in May was once again the highlight of the year for our Legislative Affairs committee. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Bill Flores and his staff, our delegation had an opportunity to have 30-minute sessions with key members of the leadership in Washington. In addition to Congressman Bill Flores (Chairman of the Republican Study Committee), a few of the other elected officials (with their titles at the time of the meeting) that our delegation had an opportunity to visit with were: Senator John Cornyn (Senate Majority Whip), Congressman John Boehner of Ohio (Speaker of the House), Congressman Kevin McCarty of California (House Majority Leader), Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin (Chairman, House Ways & Means Committee), Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas (Vice Chair, Democratic Steering and Policy Committee), Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas (Deputy Whip and Vice Chair Joint Economic Committee) Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas (Chairman, House Rules Committee), and Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana (House Majority Whip). In addition, members of our delegation visited the offices of all members of the House of Representatives from Texas and were able to visit with either the elected official or a member of their staff. Members of our Legislative Affairs Committee are already working hard on the upcoming trip to Washington D.C. tentatively scheduled for May 9th through 12th. We also continue to host our very popular Local Candidates Forums and it continues to be a source of great pride that a senior executive with the Texas Association of Business referred to our Chamber as one of the top three chambers in the State of Texas from a legislative standpoint.

Financially, your Chamber finished the year with a bottom line that exceeded our budget for the fifteenth consecutive year and we continue to maintain a healthy cash position. This success is the result of the efforts of so many. I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have, by their commitment, established this Chamber as one of the busiest and most outstanding Chambers in the State. I particularly appreciate the commitment and dedication of our Board of Directors, under the leadership of Board Chair, Rich White of HEB, our Ambassadors, under the leadership of Hans Hammond with Branding Iron Management, our Leadership Brazos Alumni Association under the leadership of Gary Flenniken of Spring Insurance and our extremely dedicated and committed staff, who, in spite of being shorthanded at times this year, still accomplish so much.

We look forward to another strong year of accomplishments under the leadership of our Board of Directors, chaired by Robert (Bobby) Bisor of Texas A&M University. If you are one of our many outstanding Chamber members, thank you for your commitment to our community and to your Chamber. If you are not a member, we invite you to call 260-5200 and join us today as we continue our efforts to provide an environment that gives every business in our community the best chance for SUCCESS!

Royce Hickman

Chamber Staff

Glen Brewer Vice President

Lori Farrell

Director of Finance

President & CEO

Carrie Archer

Manager of Member Services

Cindy Whorton

Kim Dyer

Executive Assistant

Manager of Business Programs

www.suddenlink.com 4114 East 29th

Kate Chapman Communications Coordinator

Kelli Davis

Business Programs Coordinator

Heather Willis Membership Investment Representative

Linda Espirequeta Receptionist

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

1-888-822-5151 7

Inner Circle The Inner Circle was established in 1988 to provide special recognition and year-round benefits to those members who show extraordinary support for the Chamber and its activities. Membership in the Inner Circle offers an opportunity to attend private luncheons, receptions and events that feature top-level briefings by prominent political, business and community leaders.

The Chamber currently has 428 Inner Circle Members, 61 of which were added this year. Listed below are the Inner Circle events from the past year:

• Chamber Tank: Discover the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Aggieland - April 20, 2015. Sponsored by Ronin Cooking.

• Inner Circle Meet & Greet at the Economic Outlook Briefing which featured Senator Charles Schwertner, Representative Kyle Kacal, and Representative John Raney

• Inner Circle Meet & Greet with Congressman Bill Flores before the Membership Luncheon

Platinum Members ANCO Insurance Atmos Energy Baylor Scott & White EMS, Inc. Baylor Scott & White Health Plan Baylor Scott & White Healthcare BB&T Bryan Texas Utilities C.C. Creations Children’s Miracle Network College Station Medical Center Commerce National Bank The Hilton College Station Lubrizole Specialty Products, Inc. McDonald’s

Prosperity Bank Prosperity Bank Private Investments St. Joseph Express St. Joseph Health System St. Joseph Manor St. Joseph Physicians & Clinics St. Joseph Regional Health Center TAMU Marketing & Communications TAMU Office of the President TAMU Office ofVice President for Finance & Admin TAMU Procurement Services TAMU Provost/Executive VP Tea2Go Texas A&M Health Science Center

Texas A&M HSC - College of Medicine Texas A&M HSC - College of Nursing Texas A&M HSC - Family Medicine Residency Program Texas A&M HSC - School of Rural Public Health Texas A&M Physicians Texas A&M System The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station The Eagle Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course University Pediatrics Association Walmart Supercenter Wells Fargo Bank Whataburger

Garlyn Shelton Imports Generations for Senior Living Hampton Inn & Suites Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham HEB Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Hyatt Place College Station Principal Financial Group Spirit of Texas Bank Square One Downtown Bryan

Staybridge Suites Stripes Convenience Stores Suddenlink Business Services Suddenlink Communicatins Suddenlink Media Services Texas Commercial Waste The Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC University Title Company Vaughn Construction Winding Road Property Management

Gold Members AeroFit Health & Fitness Allen Honda Aloft College Station American Lube Centers, LLC American Momentum Bank Best Western Plus Best Western Premier Bottom Line Bookkeeping Bryan College Station Zoigl Charlotte’s Web Boutique Code Red: A Chrome Experience

Silver Members ABC Home & Commercial Services Acme Glass Company, Inc. Admiral Catering Aggieland Business Park Aggieland Credit Union Aggieland Fitness Dome Aggieland Outfitters Aggieland Spectacles Aggieland Title Company Aggieland War Games, LLC AgniTEK American Overhead Door Co. Amico Nave Ristorante ASCO Audio Video Audio Video Security Avinext B/CS Convention & Visitors Bureau Backstage Bistro BBVA Compass Beck Construction BinarySpace BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Black Swan Retirement Solutions, LLC Blinn College Blinn College Foundation, Inc. Blo Out Blue Baker Boardwalk Hair Salon Boots Beverages Brazos Cotton Exchange Brazos County Brazos County Medicine Chest Brazos Janitorial Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corp Brazos Valley Area-Wide Phone Book Brazos Valley Bombers Brazos Valley Floor and Design Brazos Valley Orthodontic Specialists Brenham National Bank Britt Rice Electric L.P. Broken Arrow Ranch Brown & Company Insurance Services Bruchez, Goss, Thornton, Meronoff, P.C. Bryan Construction Company Bryan ISD Bryan Medicine Chest #119 Bryan Modern Dentistry Bryan Premiere Cinema + IMAX Burger King Busy Bees, LLC BV Bevinco/Sculpture Hospitality BVSWMA, Inc C&J Bar-B-Que Cafe Eccell Caldwell Companies Caldwell Country Candlewood Suites Capital Farm Credit, ACA Capsher Technology, Inc. Carney’s Pub and Grill Casa Rodriguez Chase Bank Cheddar’s College Station Chicken Express Chick-Fil-A Chili’s Restaurant Chrome: A Salon Experience Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant Citizens Bank

8

City Bank Mortgage City Bank Texas City of Bryan City of College Station City of Navasota Cognizant Technology Solutions College Station Ford Lincoln, LLC College Station ISD College Station Modern Dentistry Computershare Conlee-Garrett Moving & Storage Copy Corner Cornerstone Home Health Cotton Patch Cafe CR Systems, Inc. Cracker Barrel / Old Country Store Created by Infinity Crestview Retirement Community Dailey Electric, Inc David Gardner’s Jewelers Dealers Electrical Supply Dealers Lighting Decker Financial Group Diamond Flooring Plus LLC DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Drew’s Car Wash Dudley Construction, Ltd. Econo Lodge Element Retirement & Investment Consultants Elwood Staffing Embassy Records Management and Storage Expressions Dance and Music Extraco Banks Eyemart Express EZ Travel Inn Fabulous Fur Pet Salon First Security Building Maintenance Fish Daddy’s Grill House Fortress Health & Rehab of Rock Prairie Fries Financial Services Gage Telecom Galleria Village Office Building Leasing George Bush Presidential Library and Museum George Bush Presidential Library Foundation Global Event Group Gooseneck Trailer Manufacturing Grub Burger Bar Guaranty Bank & Trust Guardian Healthcare Hawthorne at Traditions HBI Office Solutions, Inc. Hillier Funeral, Cremation and Bereavement Specialists Homewood Suites by Hilton Hungry Howie’s Pizza iMarketing Leader Ingram, Wallis & Company, P.C. Inn At Quarry Ridge Insite Group Isle at Watercrest JBKnowledge, Inc. Kasper Insurance Group KBTX-TV3 Keller Williams Realty Kelly Burt Dozer, Inc. Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd. Kiddie Castle Childrens Center, Inc King Oaks Knife River Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.

Kristen Distributing Co., Inc. Kyle Office Products/XEROX Lakeside Icehouse at Lake Bryan Lampstand Health & Rehab of Bryan, LLC Lawyers Title Co. of Brazos County Liberty Dialysis - College Station Liere Insurance Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Bryan Little Caesars Pizza Livewire Event Group Local VIP Media and Marketing Lone Star Trust & Investment Services Lowe’s MacResource Computers Mad Taco Madden’s Casual Gourmet Magnified Health & Rehab of Anderson, LLC Malek Marr Eye Center Mary Ellen Leonard, CPA maurices McLane Intelligent Solutions Medi-Care Equipment Specialties, Inc Meece & Associates Merrill Lynch Messina Hof Winery and Resort MHMR Authority Of Brazos Valley Mid South Baking Mid Towne Apartments MidSouth Bank Mid-South Synergy Midtown Towers Apartments Monograms & More Must Be Heaven Napa Flats Neutral Posture, Inc. New York Life Nutrabolt International O.I. Corp/XYLEM, Inc. Oakwood Custom Homes Group Optimum Storage Outback Steakhouse P.O.E.T.S. Billiards and Sports Bar Paolo’s Italian Kitchen Park Hudson Place Paychex Inc Pebble Creek Country Club Peterson Law Group Pine Boutique Pitcock & Croix, Inc. Planet Fitness Plygem Windows and Extrusion Post Oak Mall Potato Shack Plus Producers Cooperative Association Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Ramada Regency Properties Sam’s Club Sanderson Farms, Inc. Schaefer Custom Homes Send Out Cards Shipwreck Grill LP Skybreak Church Southern Pointe Southwood Learning Center Specialties Photography, Inc. Spherion Spoons Yogurt Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage

Standards Home Health StarLite Advisory Group LLC StataCorp LP Stephen R.Wright, DDS Sterling Auto Group Sterling Kia Storage Depot Subway Summit Electric Supply Swamp Tails Swearingen Law Firm Sylvan Learning Center Systek Computing T STAR Taco Cabana TAMU College of Architecture TAMU University Club (TAMU Catering) Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery TechBundle Teen Survival Driving Academy, Inc Terrace Pines Apartments TexAgs.com Texas 21 Saloon Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/TEEX Texas A&M Transportation Institute Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Texas Brain & Spine Institute Texas Mutual Insurance Co Texas Utility Locating The Association of Former Students The Collection Boutique The Corner Bar & Grill The Kyle House The Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest The Physicians Centre Hospital The Research Valley Partnership The Reynolds and Reynolds Company The Sleep Station The Tap The Tool Guys The Wealth Management Company Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C. TM5 Properties Torchy’s Tacos Tradition Oil and Lube Traditions Club Traditions Real Estate Co. Trevino-Smith Funeral Home Twin City Properties Mgmt, Inc. United Companies US Army Recruiting Veritas Wine & Bistro Village Foods W. E. Gibson Insurance Waldenbrooke Estates Walmart Neighborhood Market Walmart Supercenter Watercrest at Bryan We Rent Storage West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry P.C. Whiskey Charlie’s Liquor Willis Custom Homes Wind Dancer Retreat Wings ‘n More Witt’s End World of Beer Worth Partners

Dr.Troy Elms Serving Smiles to College Station and surrounding areas Since 1991

2015

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Business After Hours

Annual Banquet

Throughout the year, the Chamber of Commerce and a hosting Chamber member welNovember 3, 2014 come more than 300 attendees to Business After Hours. While there, Chamber memSponsored by the City of College Station bers and prospective members enjoy an evening of fun, food, drinks and networking opportunities. Business After Hours is a wonderful opportunity for Chamber Members The Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is held every fall and is a time to to showcase their business and develop relationships with customers that may not reflect on the past year and recognize outstanding Chamber volunteers. Dr. otherwise have a chance to visit their establishments.

Gerald Parker, Vice President for Public Health Preparedness and Response, Thank you to our 2014-2015 Business After Hours Sponsors CHROME: A Salon Experience St. Joseph Urgent Care Clinic George Bush Presidential Library & Museum Phillips Event Center Easterwood Airport Allen Honda Watercrest at Bryan

The Physician’s Centre Hospital Bridal Association of the Brazos Valley C.C. Creations Wilton’s Office Works Atkinson Toyota Sterling Auto

and Principal Investigator for the Texas A&M University Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing, was the keynote speaker. The 2014 Award Recipients were Judge Randy and Mrs. Brenda Sims for Citizens of the Year, Scott Simpson for Volunteer of the Year and J. Paul Teel for Ambassador of the Year.

Community Impact Awards July 28, 2015 Sponsored by Texas A&M University Office of Procurement Services The Community Impact Award Program was started in 2003 to recognize Hispanic, African-American, Asian, American-Indian, and women business owners who have demonstrated a significant impact on our community.

The 2014-2015 recipients were Charlie Lima with BoomFit/College Station Crossfit, Melissa Hodges with HBi Office Solutions, Inc. and Bobby Gutierrez with House of Tires.

President Royce Hickman with Chairman Rich White, Volunteer of the Year Scott Simpson, Citizen of the Year Mrs. Brenda Sims, Immediate Past Chair Glen Brewer, and Mike Wright of KBTX.

Proud Inner Circle Member

1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77845 979.691.4000 | bush41.org | @bush41 B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 9

Chamber Day

Water Cooler 5K/1M Fun Run

March 26, 2015 Sponsored by Brazos County

April 9, 2015 Sponsored by Texas A&M University & HBi Office Solutions

Over 800 businesses were visited during our Annual Chamber Day, which marked the most successful year to date for the program. Approximately 150 volunteers hit the B/CS streets to thank local businesses, as well as to inquire about how the local economy has afffected them and how their business is doing overall. They also gave the businesses the opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns. An unofficial survey was conducted, which polled local business owners’ attitudes about our local economy. The results are as follows:

• How have sales changed over the past year? “Increase” - 66%

• Do you expect the number of your employees to increase? “Increase” - 49%

• What do you expect our local economy to do? “Increase” - 83%

• How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Brazos Valley? - “Good” 92%

Our Health & Wellness committe continues to expand its efforts to provide an avenue for employers to create a healthy environment for their employees.

This year marked our second annual Water Cooler 5K and 1M Fun Run. Committee Chair: Charlie Lima Event Location: Wolf Pen Creek Number of Attendees: over 400

Taste of Aggieland

Community Softball Classic

March 3, 2015 Sponsored by HEB

A Tribute to Our First Responders June 4, 2015 Sponsored by St. Joseph Health System

Hosted with the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, The Taste of Aggieland: An Epicurean Extravaganza showcases restaurants from around Brazos County. A portion of the proceeds go toward scholarships for culinary programs at local schools.

This year’s event had 30 booths and over 800 attendees.

Committe Chair: Clayton Rhoades Committee Members: Abbie Krolczyk, Autumn Spivey, Mark Torres, Kim Fox, Amy Simoneaux, Tai Lee, and Tap Bentz Location: Brazos County Expo Title Sponsor: HEB Gold Sponsor: Texas Mutual Insurance Group

Silver Sponsors: Atmos Energy, Kesco, Copy Corner, and Alphagraphics Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, The Eagle, KBTX, Brazos Valley Communications, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, iHeart Media Inc, KTEX 106.1, KBTX, and Brazos Monthly

The Chamber’s Community Softball Classic continues to be a flagship community building event which raises money and awareness for the 100 Club, which supports the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. Over 500 fans came through the gates of Cellucor Field to welcome and pay respects to our 1st Responders.

Location: Cellucor Field (Bombers Baseball Field) Title Sponsor: St. Joseph Health System Additional Sponsors: Brazos Valley Fire & Apparatus Services, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Branding Iron Management, C.C. Creations, College Station Modern Dentistry, and Boneheads Event Chairmen: Jason Cornelius and Louie Robinson

Players Team Cold Steel (Bryan & College Station Police, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Public Safety): Kevin Harris, Seth Waller, Scott Jackson, Blaine Urbanczyk, Todd Van Dresar, Jonathan Huth, John Campbell, Ignacio (Nacho) Pena, Ryan Bona, James “Woody” Woodward, Kary Shaffer, Tommy Lyons, Jake Cawthon, Jason James Team Hot Stuff (Bryan & College Station Fire Departments and St. Joseph EMS): Bryce Campbell, Jeremy Engel, Chris Roraback, Tyler Franklin, Cory Kruse, John Lubanski, Chase Jones, Charles Almanza, Daniel Buford, Patrick Dugan, Dustin Nash, Brett Carsey, Heath Dozier, Charles Landun, Sean Bunch

Makes a Difference

Economic & Workforce Development •Fire & Emergency Services Infrastructure & Safety •Law Enforcement & Security •Homeland & Cybersecurity

TEEX.org 10

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Baylor Scott & White Health Primary Care Clinics. Your needs are covered.

When you enter a Baylor Scott & White clinic, you enter an entire health care network with access to primary and specialty care. In our integrated system, doctors communicate with each other seamlessly to give you the right diagnoses and treatment. And with MyChart – our online patient portal – you can manage your care at all times. So don’t trust your family’s health to just any clinic. Get just what you need at Baylor Scott & White.

6 convenient locations. bswdocs.com | 969.691.3300

MyChart® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2015 Baylor Scott & White Health SWClinic_205_2015 CE 11.15

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 11

Golf Classic & LobsterFest Golf Classic: September 14, 2015 LobsterFest: September 20, 2015 Sponsored by: The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station The Chamber’s LobsterFest and Golf Classic serve as one of the largest annual fundraisers for the non-profit organization. The event kicked off on Monday, September 14 with the Golf Classic tournament held at Traditions Club, and concluded on Sunday, September 20 with LobsterFest which was held at The Brazos Center.

Title Sponsor: The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station Platinum Sponsors: C.C. Creations, Aggieland Title Company, Guaranty Bank & Trust Gold Sponsors: Prosperity Bank, Sculpture Hospitality, West End Elixir Co. Silver Sponsors: Commerce National Bank, Elite Electric, Spirit of Texas Bank Golf Classic is chaired by Scott Rolfsmeyer of Lamar Outdoor Adversting and committee members include: Barbie Springer, Bill Thompson, Brooke Mason, Debbie Holladay, Loretta Foster, Peggi Goss, Kerry Beck, Stephen Beck, Wade VanDerBoom, Zach Etheridge, Zack Morgan, Chris Dawson, Jared Salvato, Sheree Boegner, Theresa Clark, Nancy Dee Johnson, and Kim Rank The LobsterFest committee includes Barbie Springer, Bill Thompson, Rich White, Mike Connor, and Stephanie Brister. This year’s event featured over 75 auction items and 8 major live auction items. Dave Ruesink was this year’s Silent Auction Chair.

Media Sponsors The Eagle, Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, Brazos Valley Communications, iHeart Media, Brazos Monthly, KAGS, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and Suddenlink LobsterFest Sponsors HEB, Stylecraft Builders, Brenham National Bank, Texas A&M Office of the Provost, and Outback Steakhouse Beverage Sponsors Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Chicken Express, Kristen Distributing, Messina Hof Winery, Pepsi Co.

Additional Sponsors Admiral Catering, Insite Printing, Copy Corner, Texas Commerical Waste, Admail, RDM Audio, Swico Auctions, Cotton Patch Café, Copy Corner, Texas Commercial Waste, Village Foods, Wind Dancer Retreat, Fred & Fred Seafood, Congressman Bill Flores, Representative Kyle Kacal, Branding Iron Management, Avinext, CTWP, Fancy Flushes, Polaris, Service 1st Mortgage, Tradition Oil & Lube, Allen Honda, BTU, Beck Construction, Dunlap Financial Services, Kelly Services, Open Door Realty, Perry Office Plus, Ingram, Wallis & Co, Twin City Properties

Founder’s Night An Evening of Southern Charm July 17, 2015

Sponsored by CHROME: A Salon Experience and Lone Star Trust & Investment Services Held at The Astin Mansion, this year’s first Annual Founder’s Night was a fun mix and mingle social event which celebrated the establishment and development of our twin cities, Bryan and College Station.

Committee Chair: Amy Simoneaux Committee Members: Hans Hammond, Mike Connor, and David O’Neil

Title Sponsor: CHROME: A Salon Experience and Lone Star Trust & Investment Services Program Sponsor: Buppy’s Catering Ribbon Sponsor: Baylor Scott & White Health Bar Sponsors: Bevinco and The Sleep Station Entertainment Sponsor: HEB Gaming Sponsors: Trevino-Smith Funeral Home, New Republic Brewing Co., CTWP Document Imaging Solutions, Cashion Dental, and Whiskey Charlie’s Sticker Sponsor: Kristen Distributing Company Photo Booth Sponsor: Texas Best Selfie Events Hospitality Sponsor: David Weekly Homes

Food Sponsors: The Astin Mansion, Pebble Creek, and Admiral Catering Dessert Sponsor: Blinn College Valet Sponsor: City Bank Raffle Sponsors: Astin Mansion, HUB Collaborative, Right at Home, Elements Massage, McAllister’s Deli, Clair de Loon, Cotton Patch Cafe, The Collection Boutique, Fred & Fred Seafood, American Classifieds, The Hilton College Station, Om Grown Yoga Studio & Tea Bar Grand Prize Donor: Ronin Cooking Media Sponsors: Brazos Valley Communications, Bryan Broadcasting, The Eagle, iHeart Radio, Lamar Adversting, KBTX, KTEX, KAGS

Membership Luncheons Membership Luncheons are hosted by the Chamber throughout the year to perform a variety of functions, such as networking, education or updates on community issues. The following were luncheons or speakers featured by the Chamber: December 3, 2014 Community Health Briefing Sponsored by: St. Joseph Health System Texas A&M Health Science Center May 28, 2015 Read by 3rd Luncheon Sponsored by: TB&T July 2, 2015 Leadership Luncheon with Red Cashion Sponsored by: LBAA

August 31, 2015 Lunch & Learn with Om Grown Yoga September 2, 2015 Congressman Bill Flores Luncheon Sponsored by: Chuck & Tedi Ellison September 28, 2015 Lunch & Learn with Black Swan Retirement Solutions

M. Glen Brewer, CPA • April L. Eyeington, CPA J. Jared Patout, CPA • Amy N. Restivo, CPA Kenneth W. Chumchal, CPA

Title Sponsor TB&T’s golf team at this year’s Golf Classic which was held at Traditions Club on Monday, September 14, 2015.

12

Ambassador Barbie Springer and husband Andy Springer enjoy fresh Maine lobster at this year’s LobsterFest.

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

For more than 140 years, BB&T has earned the trust of our clients with a local approach to banking. Understanding the fabric of our community. Being there when our neighbors need us. Encouraging what makes our community unique. That’s why we are proud to support The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Bryan/College Station Community.

B A N K I N G

.

I N S U R A N C E

.

I N V E S T M E N T S

Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. BBT.com Š 2014, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 13

Legislative Affairs Committee The Chamber is the only local organization that advocates for businesses at the local, state and federal levels. Through the Legislative Affairs Committe, the Chamber plans legistlative trips to Austin and Washington D.C., ensures Chamber presence at local council meetings, provides opportunities to be proactive on business-related issues, provides forums for candidate views on business issues, and coordinates programs with area legislators.

Committee Co-Chairs: Jason Ogle & Mary Lynne Stratta Committee Members: Lisa Aldrich, Steve Aldrich, John Allen, John Anderson, Jarrod Azopardi, Daniel Beamon, Kerry Beck, Stephen Beck, Teresa Benden, Tap Bentz, Nancy Berry, Jason Bienski, Bobby Bisor, Cathy Boeker, Glen Brewer, Sharon Brown, Jack Buckley, Marty Cangelose, Debra Capps, Kim Casey, Jackie Christman, David Coleman, Mike Connor, Deborah Cowman, Will Cropper, Glen Davis, Liz Dickey, Clark Ealy, James Edge, Tedi Ellison, Gary Flenniken, Jerry Fox, Dena Gaskin, Ron Gay, Patricia Gerling, Jill Giroir, Jessica Gonzalez, Manuel Gonzalez, John Happ, Tracy Holland, Glenda Hoon, Celia Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Chris Jarmon, Jim Jones, Sally Jurica, Lee Kavanagh, Roy Kirkpatrick, Kathy Krusie, Judy LeUnes, Kristen Luera, Kenny Mallard, Sherry Mashburn, Todd McDaniel, Sylvia McMullen, Jay Meador, Elizabeth Miller, Kathy Merrill, Joel Mitchell, Barry Moore, Chace Murphy, Barry Nelson, David O’Neil, Michael O’Quinn, Tim Ottinger, Shannon Overby, Michael Parks, Hayden Paul, Duane Peters, Randall Pitcock, Alison Prince, Eric Provolt, Julie Porter, Shannon Palmer, John Raney, Linda Ravey, Kean Register, Shawn Rhodes, Andrew Robison, Dave Ruesink, Michael Schaefer, Phil Shackelford, Ron Schmidt, Julie Schultz, Christina Shumaker, Scott Simpson, Ryan Skrobarczyk, Claudia Smith, Robert Swearingen, Kelly Templin, Doug Thornton, Martha Tyroch, Susan Vestal, David Werley, Julian Whitley, Terra Willett, Gentry Woodard, Mike Wright, Eric Wylie, and Bob Yancy.

Government Affairs Sponsor: Regency Apartments

Economic Outlook Conference January 28, 2015 The Hilton College Station Sponsored by Wells Fargo The Economic Outlook Conference has evolved into the premier economic conference in the Brazos Valley. Every year, the conference gives attendees insights into topics and trends that are, or will be, impacting the area during the upcoming year.

The conference has grown to welcoming attendees from other communities, including many elected officials from the seven county region that comprises the Brazos Valley.

This year’s Economic Outlook Conference featured speakers Jonathan Meer, Joey Dunn, Kelly Templin, Dr. Jerry Strawser, Dr. James Gaines, and Cindy Yang.

Committee Co-Chairs: John Happ and Rayne Knight Committee Members: Mike Connor, John Bush, Al Scott, Angelique Gammon, Jim Pillians, Russell Dempsey, Chuck Martinez, Shannon Waddell, Shannon Overby, and Mariana Schoeneman Title Sponsor: Wells Fargo Bank Hospitality Sponsor: The City of College Station Session Sponsors: BTU and Texas A&M University Notebook Sponsors: American Momentum Bank, Atmos Energy, CR Systems, Kyle Office Products/Xerox, and Copy Corner Break Sponsor: St. Joseph Health System Pencil Sponsor: Brenham National Bank Lunch Sponsor: BBVA Compass Media Sponsor: WTAW, InSite Printing, and The Eagle

Washington D.C. Legislative Trip The B/CS Chamber of Commerce has been recognized state-wide as one of the most active legislative driven Chambers. Various business, civic and community leaders traveled to the nation’s Capitol last May to speak with all the offices of the elected Texas Senators and Congressmen, as well as legislative members from other states that have major roles in business policy.

Dates: May 11-14, 2015 Federal Legislative Action Plan Chair: Jason Ogle

LIGHTING

by Craftmade

A full list of government officials the Chamber met with can be found at bcschamber.org

Supporting the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the economic well being of Bryan & College Station dealers lighting

Chairman Rich White with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Immediate Past Chair Glen Brewer, and Board Member Kathy Krusie.

14

an employee owned company Corner of S. College @ Koenig Bryan, TX 77803 (979) 775-1697

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Inside Bryan/College Station A Briefing by Community Leaders September 9, 2015 George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Sponsored by American Lube Centers & Texas Commercial Waste

Local Candidates Forum September 29, 2015

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Moderated by: Scott DeLucia Broadcast live on WTAW Radio and KBTX.com Before each local election, the Chamber of Commerce hosts candidate forums to help promote an educated voting community.

Founded in 1995, Inside B/CS is a one day briefing designed for individuals seeking an update on current community topics. The briefing also provides information concernBefore the November election this year, the Chamber invited candidates running ing the many resources or opportunities available in Brazos County. for contested positions in the Bryan City Council, Bryan Independent School District School Board, and College Station Independent School District School Board.

Breakfast Sponsor: KAGS Audience members were able to ask questions in order to be more informed of the Lunch Sponsor: C&J Barbeque candidate’s positions before the election.

Bryan ISD School Board Single Member District 4: Jimmie Ann Arnold, Ruthie Wilkins Waller

2015 Speakers: Jason Bienski Blanche Brick Shannon Overby Rep. John Raney Office of Congressman Bill Flores Joey Dunn Kelly Templin Duane Peters Chad Wooten Sylvia McMullen Jeff Adkinson Thomas A. Wallis

Clark Ealy Jason Jennings Larry Rodgers Jim Serratt Jim Schuessler Kori Rich Chris Kirk Scott McCollum Mike Reagan Ben Downs Mike Wright Kelly Brown

Bryan ISD Schoool Board At-Large Place 7: James “Mark” McCall College Station ISD School Board Place 1: Phillip Garrett, Mike Nugent City of Bryan Single Member District 5: Jarrod Hamlin, Ben Hardeman City of Bryan At-Large Place 6: Ethan Brisby, Kevin Davenport, Buppy Simank

Economic Outlook Briefing August 20, 2015 Sponsored by Caldwell Companies

Women’s Haircut/Blowdry Style $12.00

Featuring Guest Speakers: Senator Charles Schwertner Representative Kyle Kacal Representative John Raney

Men’s Haircuts & Children under 12 $8.00

The Hilton College Station

Haircolor $26.00 & up

Highlights $34.00 & up

(979) 776-4375 | 1711 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan

www.charlesandsues.com

Nationally Accredited Cosmetology School Representative John Raney, Senator Charles Schwertner, and Representative Kyle Kacal answer questions from the crowd at the 2015 Economic Outlook Briefing sponsored by Caldwell Companies.

*All Services Performed By Students Under The Supervision Of Instructors

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 15

Agribusiness Committee

Annual Crawfish Boil

Committee Chair Jim Mazurkiewicz

March 20, 2015 Sponsored by College Station Utilities Brazos County Expo

Committee Members Barron Hobbs, Bill Thompson, Dave Ruesink, David Elbel, David Ohendalski, Dusty Tittle, Elmer Schneider, Jesse Wright, John Anderson, Lonnie Cammack, Patricia Gerling, Pat Shields, Debbie Holladay, Andy Vestal and Tom Quarles

At this year’s Crawfish Boil, over $8,000 was raised to support the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show through Crawfish Boil ticket sales.

Crawfish Sponsor: Shipwreck Grill and Crawfish Hole Facility Sponsor: Producers Cooperative Association Band Sponsor: Brazos Valley Recycling

Ag Breakfast

Platinum Sponsors: College Station Ford, We Rent It and Collier Construction

November 25, 2014 Sponsored by Capital Farm Credit & Producers Cooperative Association Brazos County Expo Sponsor Level II: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum & BCR Realtors Media Sponsor: The Eagle/Land & Livestock Post & KBTX

Silver Sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Knife River and Brown & Company Insurance Services Bronze Sponsors: Feather Crest Farms, Anco Insurance and Ingram, Wallis & Company, Inc. Contributing Sponsors: AgniTek, Bailey Catering & Concessions, Bryan Coca-Cola, HEB, The Eagle/Land & Livestock Post, College Station Hilton, Insite Group, PepsiCo, Sam’s Club, Kristen Distributing, Lamar Advertising, Global Event Group, The Farm Patch, and Slovacek Sausage

Local Agribusiness Sponsors: Brazos Bottom Crop Care, Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, J.Cody’s, Feather Crest Farms, Inc., H-E-B, Monsanto, Ruffino Meats, Sam’s, Scarmardo Distribution/The Farm Patch, Slovacek Sausage Co., Ruffino Meats, West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry P.C., What’s the Buzz Coffee Co., Tri-County Extension Field Crops Committee and a special thanks to all those who participated in preparing and serving the food!

Agribusiness Awards The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Agribusiness Council since 1982.

Brazos County is proud to boast that it is a regional hub for Agriculture Business and Commerce with over 375 agribusinesses that employ over 8,000 local residents and contribute to an economic impact of over $1 billion.

Agricultural Business Award Shipwreck Grill/Amico Nave Agricultural Impact Award The Honorable Al Jones 16

First United Methodist Church Bryan Christmas Eve Services:

Children’s Service rvice 4:00pm in the Christian L Life Center gym al Services: 6:00 & 8:00pm in the sanctuary Traditional Advent sermon series: All of Jesus in All o of Advent 506 East 28th St. Bryan, Texas 979-779-1324 www.fumcbryan.org

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Youth to Career Fair

Education Committee

October 22, 2014 Sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center Brazos County Expo

Committee Chair Anthonette Ruffino

For over 16 years, the B/CS Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Youth to Career Fair. The Career Fair offers 8th graders from schools all across the Brazos Valley the opportunity to visit with numerous booths featuring the various jobs and career paths available upon graduation.

This year’s Youth to Career Fair featured over 58 booths and welcomed over 2,500 students from 15 schools in the Brazos Valley.

Committee Members Elaine Abshire, Luann Argersinger, Karen Ferguson, Martha Green, Linda Edwards, Shannon Williford, Ken Dupre, Lindsey LeBlanc, Vonda Morrison

Title Sponsor: Sylvan Learning Center Facility Sponsor: Texas A&M University Lunch Sponsor: Program Insurance Group Additional Sponsors: : Blinn College, Bryan ISD, City of College Station, College Station ISD, Copy Corner, H-E-B, KTEX, TDI-Brooks International, Iola ISD, Mumford ISD, Buffalo ISD, What’s the Buzz Coffee, Reynolds and Reynolds AGGIELAND PREMIERE CINEMA & D-BOX FOLLOW US ON Present this ad when visiting Aggieland Premiere for a free medium popcorn with the purchase of a large drink

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 17

W o r k fo rc e Devel op ment & Job Fair

Lea dersh i p Bra z o s

Committee Members Jason Vogel, Hanna Jackson, Jennifer Cabeza, Vonda Morrison, Peggi Goss, and Jana Bowers

In an effort to promote and foster the development of community leaders for Brazos County, the Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Leadership Brazos program.

During the nine-month program, participants are shown the many different aspects of Brazos County, from government to agriculture to human services.

Every spring, with the help of the Workforce Development Committee, the B/CS Chamber of Commerce hosts a job fair to help residents of the Brazos Valley find employment, and to help businesses in the Brazos Valley find employees.

Many of the past Leadership Brazos alumni have gone on to become actively involved within our community.

This year’s spring Job Fair was held at The Hilton College Station on April 8, 2015, was sponsored by Reynolds & Reynolds, and featured 50 booths and welcomed 475 attendees.

Class of 2015: April Bonifazi, Ashley Muller, Barry Moore, Bill Thompson, Brenna Wilkins, Brian Piscacek, Cathy Boeker, Chris Chapman, Cody Kerr, David Overton, David Stennis, Doug Bramwell, Duane Muehlbrad, Emily Ivey, Eric Walley, Erich Birch, Gerald Popp, Hayden Paul, Jessica Jones, Jimmy Turner, John Friebele, Kathleen Cooke, Kathy Savell, Lara Clark, Lesley Tomaszewski, Lucia Cropper, Mary Walker, Melissa Mora, Melissa Ortiz, Melissa Teeter, Miky Sodhi, Miranda Henderson, Omar Espitia, Laurie Rath, Rusy Adams, Stephen Beck, and Tracy Paine

Title Sponsor: Reynolds & Reynolds Survey Sponsor: HEB Title Media Sponsor: Bryan Broadcasting Silver Sponsors: iHeart Media, Inc., KBTX, The Eagle, and Brazos Valley Communications

J un i or Lea ders hi p Brazos

Coordinators: Amy Simoneaux, Zach Etheridge, Hans Hammond, and Amber Kologinczak

Sponsors: Gary Flenniken, Andrew Kilzer, Hans Hammond, Amber Kologinczak, Sara Alvarez, Cindy Giedtaitis, Kailee Carver, James Edge, Dave Coleman, Tim Douglas, Lauren Hargis, Steve Fullhart, Joe Patranella, Tricia Von Gonten, Carole Crutchfield, Glenda Russell, Charles Stover, Jenny Morris, Jeff Mann, Stormy Hickman, Randi Boleman, Sarah Buenger, Sonia Winney, Priscilla Miller, Rene Graham, Brooke Mason, Debbie Holladay, Katerina Hall, Jeff Capps, Steven Van Buren, Tom Pool, Jon Agnew, Scott McCollum Program Sponsors: AgniTEK, Wells Fargo Bank, B/CS Apartment Association, Blinn College, Fuego Tortilla Grill, The Bank & Trust, C.C. Creations, Chick-fil-A, What’s the Buzz Coffee, Brazos Valley Bank, Prosperity Bank, Sam’s Club, PepsiCo, Village Foods, City Bank Texas, RDM Audio, Allen Honda, Aggieland Title Company, City of Bryan, City of College Station, Outback Steakhouse, and Global Event Group

Co-Chairs: Cal McNeill and Kristiana Hamilton 2014 - 2015 Coordinators: Hugh Walker, Sally Jurica, David Worley, Arty Brieden, Eric Wylie, Lacey Lively, Sherry Mashburn, Jeff Kersten, Molly Hitchcock, Wayne Dickey, Ben Downs, Charlotte Green, Randi Mays-Knapp, Le Hale, Dr. Frank Ashley, Dr. Bill Lanzenby, Robert Barrett, Chrissy Hester, Paula Deal, and Beth McNeill 2014-2015 Graduates: Odalis Alvarado, Drew Baker, Alexis Bullard, Joanna Chambers, Cody Collins, Madison Cooks, Cassidy Crawford, Kendall DeWitt, Madelyn Dudley, Priscilla Fang, Dominique Foght, David Gan, Jessika Harris, Victoria Hermann, Morgan Hill, Taylor Holland, Sadiq Iqbal, Mengtain Ke, Cassie Lewis, Destiny Lewis, Olga Mariela Limon, Myles Martinez, Amy Scott, Yash Singh, Brighton Solvacek, Anna Solcher, Hannah Spacek, Hope Spacek, Lauren Steines, Sullivan Strohmeyer, Rohen Sukkawala, Shelby Sumlin, Matthew Wilke, Garrett Wilson, and Esther Yi Sponsors ANCO Insurance, Aggieland Credit Union, American Momentum Bank, Atmos Energy, BB&T, Blinn College, Bryan Construction, Bryan Rotary Club, BTU, C.R. Goodman Companies, Cal & Beth McNeill, Capital Farm Credit, Charles A. Ellison, P. C., City of Bryan, City of College Station, BBVA Compass, C.C. Creations, Copy Corner, Doggett Auto Parts, InSite Group, Kelly Burt Dozer, Leadership Brazos Alumni Association, Producers Cooperative Association, Prosperity Bank, Representative Kyle Kacal, Rodrigo & Christina Chavez, Royce & Mary Hickman, Schaefer Custom Homes, Texas Commercial Waste, The Bank & Trust, The Eagle, Thompson, Derrig & Craig, Tom Light Chevrolet, University Title Company, Wells Fargo Bank, WTAW/Candy 95.1 Meal Sponsors McDonald’s, Shipley’s Donuts, Brazos County Jail, Chicken Express, Blue Baker, HEB, Cotton Patch, Fish Daddy’s, Outback Steak House, Hilton, and Producers Cooperative Association 18

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Le ad e r s hi p B ra zos Al umni A ssociation Officers Chairman: Gary Flenniken Chair-Elect: Jason Cornelius Treasurer: John Flynn Secretary: Amber Kologinzack

Committee Chairs Activities: Sally Jurica Fundraising: Erin Gage Leadership Brazos: Hans Hammond Junior Leadership Brazos: Cal McNeill Inside B/CS: A Briefing by Community Leaders: Rhonda Seaton Policy & Procedures Revision: Scott Simpson

M embers hi p Di rectory Every year, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce publishes its Membership Directory & Buyers Guide. This year’s directory will be published in April of 2016 and distributed to all Chamber members. The directory includes alpahbetical and categorical listings of all current and active Chamber members. Also included in the Directory are overviews of the Chamber as well as community and county information.

Directories are available to the public for $20.

For more information about any of the events, committees, or programs seen in this report, please visit www.bcschamber.org or call (979) 260-5200.

Chamber of Commerce Bryan/College Station 4001 East 29th Street, Suite 175 Bryan, TX 77805

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 19

shop local. choose chamber. www.bcschamber.org

20

B r y a n /C o l l e g e S t a t i o n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e : 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t