BCS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

100 100 Years CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

of Business and Commerce in Bryan-College Station

Contents Letter from Crystal Dupré ������������������������������������������������������ 2 Letter from Glen Brewer �������������������������������������������������������� 5 Letter from Royce Hickman �������������������������������������������������� 7 History: 1910s–1920s �������������������������������������������������������� 9–11 History: 1930s–1940s ������������������������������������������������������ 12–14 History: 1950s–1960s ������������������������������������������������������ 15–16 History: 1970s–1980s ������������������������������������������������������ 17–18 History: 1990s–2000s ������������������������������������������������������ 19–21 History: 2010s–Present ���������������������������������������������������������� 22 Chamber of Commerce still looking out for B-CS ������������ 25

1729 Briarcrest Dr • Bryan, Texas • theeagle.com Publisher

Display Advertising Manager

Crystal Dupré

Linda R. Brinkman

Advertising Director

content administrator & designer

Sean Lewis

Kelli Weber

A note from the Chairman

T

his is a special year for your Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate 100 years of service. What a huge milestone to accomplish.

Seeing the information that has been culled together for the centennial celebration has been an eye opener as to the how much the Chamber has been involved with the creation of longstanding, strong organizations and businesses that still operate and thrive today. For example, in 1945 the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) was established to encourage more young businessmen to take an active role in their community. The group was organized as a supplement to the main Chamber.

As our community continues to expand rapidly, your Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce is keeping pace with that growth. Over the last year, the Chamber hosted 166 separate events, 86 of which were ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary 2 | July 8, 2018

In 1924 Bryan’s Chamber of Commerce was recognized as “Best in the State” in a survey of 35 other chambers throughout Texas. I argue that is still true today. Your Chamber has been built upon a solid foundation of hard work and is staffed with smart, loyal people who serve over 1,500 business members.

The Board Members, Inner Circle, and Chamber Ambassadors are some of the most dedicated people I know. You don’t get that many people to volunteer their time unless they are excited and believe in what they are doing.

We have accomplished a lot together during the past 100 years. What matters most now is what comes next and I have no doubt that the next 100 years will bring bigger and better outcomes to our business community.

Crystal Dupré Chamber Chairman Publisher, The Eagle

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Here, we stay focused on what’s important.

You.

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 3

Caring for our Community

Primary Care

Breast Care

Heart Care

Surgical Care

Wound Care

Congratulations to the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce on their 100 years!

1918 —2018 From our beginning we have dedicated ourselves to advancing the health and well-being of our community, making leading-edge technology, procedures and specialists available right here at home.

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A note from the President H

appy birthday to the Chamber!

One hundred years young and strong as ever, your Chamber of Commerce is celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year. We trace our beginnings back to 1918 as the Bryan and Brazos County Chamber of Commerce. Every year since that time this group of businesses, business professionals, and others have been working to ensure that the BryanCollege Station market has the best possible climate for commerce.

The Chamber’s Founders Night on July 12th seems like the ideal place to celebrate our past 100 years while we continue to look toward the future. In the heart of historic downtown Bryan in the beautifully restored Ice House, we will have past leaders from Bryan, College Station, Brazos County and of course the business community, mingling with present and future

leaders of the Brazos Valley. It is a great setting to reflect on where our Chamber and our community has been and to get together and create connections that will help us to achieve our goals for the future.

I would like to thank The Eagle for putting together this section on the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce’s 100 years of service to this community. I especially want to thank our 2017-2018 Board Chair Crystal Dupré for her many long hours of service and her leadership this year. Crystal, along with our immediate past chair David O’Neil of Wells Fargo Bank and our chair-elect Vicki Reim of Bryan Texas Utilities, has led a talented Board of Directors that has guided our Chamber to new heights.

In 2018, your Chamber is in great financial condition. We are continually

setting new records in membership and attendance at Chamber events.

Our committees are strong and are working in many different areas to make our community a world class place to live and do business.

One hundred years down and many, many more to come. Your Chamber of Commerce is here for the B/CS business community every day!

This year we glance back to our roots but we are always looking forward to a bright and exciting future for all of our businesses. We look forward to another 100 years of enhancing the economic well-being of the businesses in the Bryan/College Station market!

Glen Brewer President/CEO

At The Bank & Trust, we believe an exceptional community deserves an exceptional bank!

Our bankers are members of the community, just like you. We’re particularly proud to support the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and its dedication to supporting local businesses. Together, we are strengthening our community!

Call (979) 260-2100 or visit us online at www.banktbt.com.

CAL McNEILL

JERRY E. FOX

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT VICE CHAIRMAN SENIOR RETAIL OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PAST CHAMBER CHAIRMAN 2002 PAST CHAMBER CHAIRMAN 2005

MIKE A. HOLMGREEN

VICE CHAIRMAN CHIEF DEPOSIT OFFICER PAST CHAMBER CHAIRMAN 1996

ROBERT S. DAVIS, JR.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CHIEF CREDIT OFFICER PAST CHAMBER CHAIRMAN 2001

www.banktbt.com T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

Local bank. Local bankers.

Eagle_Chamber100th/Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.6/18

Strengthening our community, by doing our part.

Member FDIC

July 8, 2018 | 5

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Celebrating the Chamber’s 100th anniversary

I

t is impossible for me to express to you what an honor it has been for me to have been a part of the BryanCollege Station Chamber of Commerce for 20 of the 100 years it has been in existence. It has certainly been 20 of the most rewarding years of my career.

When I joined the Chamber in January of 1998, the Chamber was struggling financially and was in the middle of a long range planning process to improve the organization’s success.

The Board of Directors was evaluating every Chamber program and measuring how those programs helped accomplish the Chamber’s mission statement – “To enhance the economic well-being of the businesses in the communities we serve.”

Programs that helped accomplish the mission were enhanced and many new programs were initiated during that process.

In 1999, the Chamber initiated several new programs, including our Job Fair, the Youth-to-Career Fair, the Local Candidates Forums, the Crawfish

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Boil and the award winning Economic Outlook Conference. In 2000, we made our first trip to Washington, D.C., which has allowed the Chamber to make great strides in promoting business-positive legislation.

In September of 2005, we began Lobsterfest, which has turned out to be one of our most popular events and also our major fundraiser. During these last eight years, we started several programs, including Chamber Day and Founders Night, but our main focus has been on improving the quality and effectiveness of our existing programs such as our Legislative Trips and our Ambassador Program, which is the best in the State of Texas.

The Chamber has always emphasized the importance of shopping locally, and we also remind everyone that the jobs are with our local businesses! As a group, we have been very committed to encouraging everyone, particularly our members, to do business with fellow Chamber members.

Those who have joined the Chamber

have demonstrated a commitment to our community that should be rewarded.

As I look back on the last 20 years, I have such great admiration for that 1997-1998 Board of Directors for their almost nine months of effort to develop an effective Long Range Plan that I used to guide most of the decisions I made during my nineteen years as your President/CEO. It continues to be a privilege for me to have the opportunity to serve the outstanding businesses in our community on a part time basis. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to those who have served on our board of directors, our incredible Ambassadors and the numerous other volunteers for the many hours they have devoted to our community through the Chamber of Commerce. I also want to lift up those dedicated and talented individuals who have served on the Chamber staff; their commitment and support has been second to none. I am very excited to see the continued growth of this incredible organization!

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

Royce Hickman Community Liaison and Former Chamber President

July 8, 2018 | 7

Congrats to the B/Cs ChamBer of CommerCe for 100 years of great Business

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary 8 | July 8, 2018

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A look back at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

MHMR Authority of Brazos

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 9

1910s High Co�on

Bryan’s continued growth prompts citizens to form a new organization – the Bryan Commercial Club.

Agriculture, particularly cotton, was Bryan’s biggest industry from the late 1800’s into the early 1900’s.

In 1910, the Bryan Cotton Oil Mill & Fertilizer Company was the city’s biggest source of commerce. John Lawrence, a local grocer, urged farmers to “Bring us your cotton.

We receive the market every hour and know what it is worth.” The city continued to flourish as an industrial hub, largely thanks to its position along two major railroads.

1910

FAST FACTS: 1910  47 years – average life expectancy

 Improve engineering and access to sewer, water and electricity throughout the city  Continue to grow Bryan’s primary industry, cotton, by facilitating trade between neighboring counties 1 0 | July 8, 2018

1918

 $450 – average annual salary  92.2 million – U.S. population  95% – births that occurred at home  32¢ – cost for 1 gallon of milk  46 – number of states in the U.S.

The talk radio station WtAW is established. It becomes one of the first radio stations to air a live football game in real time, and it is now home to the longest running radio show in Brazos County.

1922

1

$

Monthly Chamber membership dues

 Increase Bryan’s population by advertising the area as a prosperous, rapidly growing community

 Bring new industries to the area such as a cannery, creamery or other industrial factories

1920s The Commercial Club officially changes its name to Bryan & Brazos Chamber of Commerce.

1900-1920 CHAMBER GOALS

 Improve transportation and commerce by prioritizing the paving of roads, sidewalks and highways to connect Bryan to major cities

t�

1910

An interurban line is constructed connecting College station to Bryan, greatly increasing the interaction between the two communities.

ALSO KNOWN AS...  Bryan Business League  Bryan & Brazos Commercial Association  Civic League  Industrial League

1913

The Queen theatre opens in Downtown Bryan. Entry fee: 7¢.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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1910s

t�

1920s

The Chamber sponsors the city’s first santa Claus parade, featuring over 100 floats and exhibits and a crow of over 12,000 people.

Bryan’s Chamber of Commerce is recognized as “Best in the state” in a survey of 35 other chambers throughout Texas.

1924

1926

northgate circa 1920

10,000

$

Chamber budget for 1927

1928

The La salle hotel opens in Downtown Bryan on April 26.

Standing seven stories tall, it was the tallest building in Bryan for many years.

1926

mrs. Lee J. rountree is elected president of the Chamber, making her the first woman in the U.S. to become a Chamber of Commerce president.

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The Great Depre�ion The stock market crash of October 1929 sparked the beginning of the worst economic depression in history. Bryan and Brazos County continued to thrive despite national economic tragedy, and the Chamber helped to facilitate community and industry growth throughout the 1930’s.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 11

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A look back at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

Congratulations Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce on

100 years!

A Taste of

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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1930s

t�

1940s

1930'S CHAMBER GOALS  Work to increase enrollment at Texas A&M and Allen Academy  Construct a ‘sanitary’ Farmer’s Market  Emphasize fire safety and fire prevention  Initiate campaign to secure bonds for the construction of concrete highways and continued improvement of county roads

state highway 6 was built, running directly through College Station and Bryan, greatly increasing travel and trade in the area.

1936

 Establish a Chamber health committee focused on providing community access to vaccinations (diphtheria, typhoid fever)

Bryan farmer's market

Bryan, TX

1935

A group of Catholic Sisters assume ownership of Bryan Hospital and change the name to st. Joseph’s hospital. Under their management the hospital was able to drastically increase in size.

7,814 Population in 1930

1941

The U.S. enters WWII following the attacks at Pearl Harbor. Bryan and College Station are designated as military training centers.

WORLD WAR II

The United States economy suffered dire consequences as a result of U.S. involvement in WWII. Government projects and funding were frozen, war needs took priority, and the workforce lost a large percentage of its employees when men were drafted. Texas A&M produced over 20,000 combat troops, greatly impacting the community and economy of Brazos County. The Chamber created the Special War Projects Committee in 1942.

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 13

1930s the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) is established to encourage more young businessmen to take an active role in their community. The group was organized as a supplement to the main Chamber.

1945

1943

The Chamber establishes a committee for post War planning, “to make practical plans to absorb our many Service Men back into civil life when they are discharged.”

1 4 | July 8, 2018

Texas A&M Cadets

20,000 Served in WWII

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1940s

The city of College Station is incorporated into the Chamber, and the name is changed to Bryan & College station Chamber of Commerce. The cities later decided to form separate chambers in 1948.

1946

1949

The new sevenstory Varisco Building opens in Downtown Bryan, and it becomes home to several local businesses, including the Chamber.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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A look back at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

Serving the

BrazoS Valley for over 30 years!

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Proud Inner CIrCle MeMbers, CoMMItted to servIng the ChaMber eRIC WYlIe - WeAltH MAnAgeR 1997 – Graduate, Leadership Brazos 2004 – Volunteer of the Year 2007 – Leadership Brazos Outstanding Alumni Award 2008-2011 – Board member/Executive Committee member 2004-2005 – Chairman, Leadership Brazos Alumni Association 1997-1998 – Chairman, Ambassador Program

JARROD HIX  WeAltH MAnAgeR Rodney Hurt ‘77 • Bradley Hurt ‘00 • Nick Lutz • Ryan Carr • Gary Griffin Donna Beeler • Kathy Savell ’04

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2005 – Graduate, Leadership Brazos 2007 – Volunteer of the Year 2009 – Leadership Brazos Outstanding Alumni Award 2009-2014 – Board member/Executive Committee member 2007-2008 – Chairman, Leadership Brazos Alumni Association 2008-2009 – Chairman, Ambassador Program

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 15

1950s On May 22 at 5:30 p.m., the newly established KBtX news station airs its first program.

The station originally intended to air starting May 1, but heavy rains delayed construction of the satellite tower.

1957

Annual Salary in 1954

7,200

$

Chamber Manager

After a brief period of separation, the citizens of Bryan and College Station vote to merge and form the Bryan-College station Chamber of Commerce.

t�

1960s

Bryan holds its Centennial Celebration to commemorate 100 years since the town’s founding, with a centennial parade on June 23.

1962

1960

24

$

1962 Annual Dues for Businesses

1958

Mr. J.C. Culpepper, local businessman and Chamber member, announces plans for the construction of townshire, the area’s first major shopping center.

1 6 | July 8, 2018

1963

Under the leadership of James Earl Rudder, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas is officially renamed texas A&m University. This is also the first year the university begins admitting women. The following year A&M welcomes its first African-American student.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

1969

Construction begins on Brazos County industrial park, making a huge step towards an industrial future for the Bryan-College Station area.

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A look back at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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1970s

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1980s

The Bryan Blazers are introduced to serve as a membership committee and handle public relations duties for the Chamber.

1970

Following the completion of the West Loop (FM 2818) and extensive lobbying by Pat Mann and the Chamber, Texas Governor Briscoe designates B-CS as an economic growth area. This qualifies the cities to receive federal highway funding, a huge step for expanding the area’s economy.

The Organization Committee develops a “Business After hours” program for Chamber members on a quarterly basis.

1975

1972

J.C. Culpepper opens his latest real estate venture, manor east, the area’s first enclosed shopping mall. The project attracts large businesses such as Kroger, and continues to pull business away from Downtown Bryan.

1 8 | July 8, 2018

1974

Construction begins for the AnCo Building on Texas Avenue.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

1987

1983

The Chamber introduces Leadership Brazos, a program to identify and provide developmental opportunities for outstanding men and women in Bryan-College Station.

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A look back at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

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Congratulations, On 100 Amazing Years Baylor Scott & White would like to thank the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce for their 100 years of service. Together, we can help ensure the health and wellness of our community.

BSWHealth.com/CollegeStation Follow us on Twitter @BSWHealth_BCS 979.207.3300 Š2018 Baylor Scott & White Health. BSWCOLLEGE_176_2018 CC

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 19

1990s

t�

2000s

The Chamber of Commerce moves its offices to their current location on east 29th street.

Fred A. Patterson, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and in 1981 with a Master’s degree in Architecture. Mr. Patterson spent several years practicing architectural services in the Brazos Valley before founding patterson Architects in 1991.

1993

The Chamber hosts an Executive Briefing (inside B-Cs) designed to offer community leaders and management level executives an exclusive look inside Bryan-College Station.

1995

1991

1992

The incredible success of the Chamber’s Leadership Brazos program prompts the creation of Junior Leadership Brazos, a program for outstanding high school students.

1994

The Chamber Ambassador program is introduced to “build a better Chamber through volunteer leadership, to strengthen the Chamber by recruiting new members, to increase retention of membership by opening the lines of communication between the Chamber and its members.”

AMBASSADOR CHAIRS  1994-1995: Ron Steedly  1995-1996: David Hill  1996-1997: Mark Lanier  1997-1998: Eric Wylie  1998-1999: Drew Johnson  1999-2000: Jack Adams  2000-2001: Richard Kasper  2001-2002: Glen Brewer  2002-2003: Scott Lingren 2 0 | July 8, 2018

 2003-2004: Whitney Wolf  2004: Michael Neely  2005: Mike Connor  2005-2006: Jennifer Pratt  2006-2007: Travis Rollins  2007-2008: John Seigler  2008-2009: Jarrod Hix  2009-2010: Shannon Martin  2010-2011: Mathew Chalmers

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

 2011-2012: Amy Supak  2012-1013: Teresa Benden  2013-2014: Jason Cornelius  2014-2015: Hans Hammond  2015-2016: Barbie Springer  2016-2017: Scott Rolfsmeyer  2017-2018: Mike Connor

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1990s

tďż˝

2000s

The Chamber publishes its first monthly magazine, Connections.

1998

Together with the Brazos Valley Association, the Chamber coordinates the first taste of Aggieland – epicurean extravaganza.

Local government leaders and business executives join the Chamber on the first annual legislative trip to Washington D.C.

2000

1996

1997

The first annual softball Classic is held at Nutrabolt Stadium to benefit the 100 Club.

2009

2005

Texas A&M receives national attention with the official opening of the George h.W. Bush presidential Library.

1999

In conjunction with the Golf Classic, the Chamber hosts its first annual Lobsterfest, featuring a steak and lobster dinner, silent and live auctions and live music.

The first annual Crawfish Boil is held in February to benefit the Brazos County Youth Livestock Show.

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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A look back at the BryanCollege Station Chamber of Commerce and community through the years

s 0 1 20 t�

t n e s Pre

2015

The Chamber hosts its first founders night to celebrate the establishment and development of our twin cities, as well as the leaders who continually work to make B/CS the best place to live.

2018

The Chamber celebrates 100 years of service to the Bryan-College Station community. Since its humble beginnings as a small group of downtown Bryan merchants, the Chamber has been instrumental in facilitating the economic growth and community development of our twin cities.

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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Happy 100tH to the

Bryan/College Station Chamber!

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

July 8, 2018 | 23

Congratulations to the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce on your 100 year milestone!

(979) 836-4477 • collierconstruction.com B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary 24 | July 8, 2018

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HOME FRONT Chamber of Commerce still looking out for B-CS after 100 years “In a way, we still have a goal of protection – protection we get from fighting for laws that are good for When the first chambers of businesses and against laws bad for commerce were created in the United business that might cause job loss,” States, the small groups were not only said Royce Hickman, who served as concerned about the promotion of the president of the B/CS Chamber of goods and services, they also wanted Commerce for 19 years before retiring protection – physical protection from at the end of 2016. He still serves parttime as the community liaison. ruffians.

Adding an active Legislative Affair Fast forward to today – the B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s focus Committee is one change of many the is still advocating for local businesses, chamber has made since its inception but instead of worrying about rowdy in 1918. Over the past 100 years, it cowboys or mobs, they seek another has become one of the most active chambers in the state with more kind of protection.

By Jenny Twitchell jenny.twitchell@theeagle.com

than 1,400 members in an area that is experiencing exponential growth.

The committees, the events, the leadership programs, the 27-board members and nine hired staff – they all have one purpose: to promote business.

Because business is the engine that keeps a community running, said current B/CS Chamber of Commerce President Glen Brewer.

“The chamber is here for local businesses and will always be here for them,” Brewer said. “The chamber is the 1,500 businesses joined together to promote businesses in Bryan, College Station. It’s nothing more than that, so

Eagle staff photo Glen Brewer speaks at a Business After Hours event.

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

what we can do is to help them succeed and help the community thrive.”

Because the well-being of the businesses is connected to the wellbeing of the community and vice versa, Hickman said.

“I often say we believe in building a stronger, healthier community by building stronger, healthier businesses and business growth,” Hickman said.

That is why the legislative trips have become such an integral part of the chamber. Members of the chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee meet with health care, education, transportation and other community workers to learn about which bills they should support and oppose and which bills will encourage job growth.

“The legislative work is what we’ve done in the past, present and will continue to do into the future,” Brewer said. “That is very important because we are the only entity or group that actually works locally on the state level and national level for business.”

The chamber has become the voice for not only large but also small businesses in the area, Brewer said.

“When you’re a small business, you can’t hire a lobbyist, but you can join a group of 1,500 plus and have a voice, have a power,” Brewer said. “We are the place you can unite. … We also work locally to educate our local officials on what is good and what is important for the business community.”

Transportation has become a hotbutton topic in the area because of the growth, so it’s been on the forefront of the legislative trips. The chamber’s monthly transportation committee meetings have also become the place to be for everyone in the transportation community, including representatives

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from TxDOT, Texas A&M University, College Station, Bryan, the airport or local businesses.

Those discussions include planning infrastructure to deal with the growth, the high-speed rail and ideas for getting Interstate 14 built through the community. The designation for I-14 is there, but the funds aren’t there yet.

Getting the designation for I-14 is one of the biggest success stories to come out of the chamber’s legislative trips and transportation meetings, Brewer said. He acknowledges the designation isn’t just due to the chamber’s efforts, but said it took a lot of work.

“You can’t imagine how many communities and places in the U.S. are trying to work for an interstate,” Brewer said.

When businesses are looking for a place to start their business, they have a checklist, and an interstate is at the top of that list for most businesses.

Bryan-College Station gets looked over

And it finally did this year.

“So, the good news is we are on an interstate route; the bad news is it isn’t actually built, but it is far, far harder to get a designation than to get it built,” Brewer said.

With a highway will come even more growth, another focus for the chamber’s future. Some people love growth, some people don’t, but one thing is for sure – it’s good for business, Hickman said.

“The thing I’ve always preached, and I personally believe, is you’re either growing or you’re dying because if you’re staying the same, someone is passing you up,” Hickman said. “You Eagle staff photo don’t have to go far from our area to Glen Brewer, right, speaks before the ribbon cutting outside the historic Queen Theatre in Downtown Bryan see cities that want growth, so growth is good.” during the grand opening celebration this past May. With growth comes better health because there’s no interstate, Brewer higher than specific demographics care, employment, education and would suggest, we are knocked off the funding, said Hickman, who was born in said.

“We are one of the biggest list because we don’t have an interstate. Bryan and remembers his grandmother communities in the state of Texas that That’s why businesses have really needing to go to Dallas when she fell is not on the interstate; we are just off wanted an interstate, so we’ve been seriously ill. of Highway 6,” Brewer said. “So, the going to Washington for at least five See home front fact we are not on an interstate, despite years or more trying to get designation page 27 a huge university, and operate much to go through.”

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“We don’t have to go somewhere else now – growth has provided improved health care and educational opportunities, so growth is good,” he said. “What’s not good is growth when it’s not responsible. We need responsible growth. So, let’s not attack growth, let’s attack things we aren’t keeping up with as we grow.”

The future of the chamber also includes technology – some, anyway.

Brewer said he expects the chamber to increase its online presence, but some things will always stay the same.

“With networking, some things just don’t go away,” he said. “There’s something to be said about going to events and meeting people face to face, shaking someone’s hand and talking to them.”

Using the internet to meet people can only go so far, Brewer said.

“When you shake someone’s hand and sit and talk back and forth, that’s a connection you can make,” Brewer

said. “And you’d be surprised when a few months later and your sprinkler system goes out, you remember you just met a guy that just started a business – you have a connection. And guess what, he’s there the next day because he remembers you.”

A big part of the networking is so that chamber members are happy in the area and want to stay here, said Crystal Dupré, publisher at The Eagle and the B/CS Chamber of Commerce board chairwoman.

“We make sure that you get connected, get discovered, and I think this chamber does an amazing job with its many functions that cater to what you’re interested in,” Dupré said. “On a personal note, I’ve been here for only six years, and I feel like being involved in the chamber and being at chamber events has opened doors to me to meet leaders in the community and be a part of things in the community that I wouldn’t have been a part of. It’s been amazing for The Eagle because it’s seen as a community partner.”

The events raise money for the

Taste of Aggieland, held at the Brazos Expo Complex in Bryan, is just one of many community events hosted by the chamber.

Eagle staff photo chamber, which is funded half from membership fees and half from the events. Events include the annual Taste of Aggieland, LobsterFest and Golf Classic, Crawfish Boil, Founder’s Night, ribbon cuttings, Ag Breakfast, membership luncheons, Business After Hours and more.

This year’s Founders’ Night is the chamber’s centennial celebration and

begins at 6 p.m. on July 12 at the Ice House on Main. Guests will experience 100 years of the chambers’ history.

Tickets are $50.

“I encourage people to come out and attend the event,” Dupré said. “It’s the capping point of the 100th anniversary events.”

For more information, visit bcschamber.org.

Happy 100th Anniversary to the Bryan–College Station Chamber of Commerce!

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B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

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2017-18 Board of Directors Crystal Dupré

Jason Cornelius

Chair The Eagle

Vice Chair Leadership Division BB&T

Vicki Reim

Melanie Motley

Chair Elect BTU

David O’Neil

Immediate Past Chair Wells Fargo

Vice Chair Business Enhancement The Bank & Trust of Bryan/ College Station

Brad Beard

James Larkin

Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C.

Tai Lee

Sylvia McMullen

Research Valley Partnership

Jay Primavera

The Hilton College Station

Vice Chair Finance & Physical Resources Ingram, Wallis & Co., P.C.

Ricardo Diaz

Shane Phelps

Mary Mike Hatcher

Brazos Valley Women’s Center

Vice Chair Communications Bryan Broadcasting

Grant Graham

Vice Chair Membership Enhancement ANCO Insurance

Phil Shackelford

Vice Chair Community Enhancement Blinn College Foundation, Inc.

CHI St. Joseph

David Doss

Gabriel Garcia

Tradition Oil & Lube

Susan Gipson

The Ranch Harley Davidson

Bobby Gutierrez House of Tires

Tracy Kyle

The Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C.

Kori Rich

The Physicians Centre Hospital

Travis Rollins

Downtown Event Services, LLC

Claudia Smith

Aggieland Carpet One

Greg Zweiacker

Zweiacker + Associates

Kyle Office Products

Chamber Team Glen Brewer President/CEO

Royce Hickman Community Liaison

Carrie Archer

Manager of Membership

Call 979.846.4988 • www.sylvanlearning.com

Veritas Wine & Bistro

Enercon, LLC

Tom Wallis

Education is everything!

Tom Tilton

Jordan Prihoda

Manager of Finance

Manager of Member Services

Brian Miller

Linda Espiriqueta

Membership Investment Representative

Kaley Crump

Communications Coordinator

Receptionist

Haley Galloway Executive Assistant

Allison Batte

Special Projects Coordinator

Congratulations BCS Chamber of Commerce on 100 Years of Service!

Congratulations on 100 Years!

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Past Board Presidents and Chairs 1910-1915

1924-1926

1936-1938

Louis Lowry McInnis

John M. Lawrence

Chairman of Faculty at A&M and namesake of McInnis Hall dormitory (demolished)

Mayor of Bryan, President of Lawrence Grocery Co., Vice President and Director of City National Bank

1915-1916

A.W. Wilkerson Banker at City National Bank and owner of the Wilkerson House 1916-1918

A.M. Waldrop Owner of A.M. Waldrop & Co. 1918

M.E. Wallace Manager of The Eagle

1926-1927

Mrs. Lee J. Rountree First woman to represent Brazos County in the Texas Legislature, first female head of the Texas Editorial Association, Vice President of National Editorial Association, President of Carnegie Library board (established the Children’s Education Foundation), write and managing editor of the Bryan Daily Eagle

1919-1920

J.S. Doane Alderman for Bryan City Council 1920-1921

1927-1930

J. Webb Howell Manager of the Bryan Oil Mill, farmer, chairman of Chamber agricultural committee

E.J. Jenkins

1930-1932

Bryan mayor and city councilman, drug store owner and owner of the E.J. Jenkins House

George Chance

1948

R.C. Fussell

Banker, farmer and owner of Owner of R.C. Fussell Food Store George Chance plantation, 1949 member of Texas Agricultural Association, chairman of Chamber Brazos A. Varisco agricultural committee Owner of cotton compress and gin, lumber company and developer of 1938-1939 the Varisco Building

Ivan Langford Mayor of Bryan 1939-1940

1950

R.I. Bernath

Owner of Bernath Motor Co.

W.R. McCullough

Owner of W.R. McCullough Funeral Home 1940-1941

1950-1951

Bernard F. Swindler

Manager of F.W. Woolworth Co. and A.M. Waldrop Co.

E.E. Yeager

Owner of E.E. Yeager Hardware Co., Mayor of Bryan 1941-1942

1951-1952

L.E. Ellwood

Manager of Knowles and Locke Seed Dealer

D.W. Williams

Professor, head of animal husbandry department at Texas A&M

1952-1953

E.R. Bryant

Direct Commissioner for Boy Scouting Brazos Valley

1942-1943

1953-1954

Vice President of First State Bank & Trust

Agent at Southwestern Life Insurance Co.

Owner of Brazos County Motor Co.

1932-1934

1943-45 & 1947-48

Mike Barron

W.S. Higgs

W.C. Mitchell

W.L. Whitley

1921-1922

Tyler Haswell

J.E. Stanford

Alderman for Bryan City Council

Texas editor of Southern Agriculturalist

Manager of Southwestern States Telephone Co.

1934-1935

1945-1946

1922-1923

W.H. Cole Director of First State Bank, president of Bryan Building & Loan Association

Fred Hale

J.F. Casey Owner of Casey’s Confectionary, president of Bryan Rotary Club

1923-1924

1935-1936

Jack M. Gordon

C.C. Todd

Co-owner of McCulloch-Gordon Furniture Company

Commandant of Texas A&M, president of Bryan Rotary Club

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M.C. Atkins

Chief of swine division at Texas Agricultural Experiment Station

1954-1955

Owner of Mike Barron Insurance Co.

J.D. “Jack” Conlee

Owner of Conlee Brothers Moving & Storage, president of Lion’s Club 1959-1960

John Naylor Mayor of Bryan 1960-1961

Travis B. Bryan, Jr.

President of First National Bank 1961-1962

C. Russell Hillier

Owner of Hillier Funeral Home 1962-1963

Gene Sutphen

Owner of College Station Studio 1963-1964

Ford D. Albritton Owner of Albritton Engineering Corp.

1964-1965

M.L. “Red” Cashion

Chairman of the board at ANCO Insurance, partner in BurgessCashion-Haddox Realty, NFL football official 1965-1966

Freddy Wolters

1955-1956

Vice President of City National Bank

U.S. Marshal, Little League Commissioner

1966-1967

Clifton Carter

1956-1957

I.N. Kelley

1946-1947

Manager of Howell Lumber Co.

Owner of Ford Munnerlyn Insurance Agency, developer of Munnerlyn Village subdivision

Green Buchanan

Ford Munnerlyn

1958-1959

1957-1958

Manager of Dr. Pepper Bottling Co.

B-CS Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary

James D. Ingram

Partner in Durst, Wood & Ingram CPA firm, Vice President of Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Past Board Presidents and Chairs presidents from page 29

1967-1968

J.B. “Dick” Hervey

Banker with University National Bank 1968-1969

Bookman Peters

President of City National Bank 1969-1970

E. Ridley Briggs

1976-1977

Mervin D. Peters Vice President of City National Bank 1977-1978

Armand D. Frank Manager of Sears Roebuck & Co.

1989-1990

David Shellenberger

Owner of Shellenberger’s, The Suit Club and real estate agent, investor and broker assistant at Keller Williams 1990-1991

Chris Kling

1978-1979

Attorney and owner of Law Office of Chris J. Kling

Vice President of student affairs at Texas A&M

1991-1992

Dr. John J. Koldus III

Art King

Senior Vice President at First Bank & Trust

Judith Rychlik

Owner of The Figure Salon

Realtor and broker at Re/ Max Select, owner of Art King Auctioneers

1970-1971

1980-1981

1992-1993

Lynn Stuart

Partner in Vance & Thurmond Construction Co.

1979-1980

W.S. “Dub” Pearson

Publisher, president of The Eagle 1981-1982

1999-2000

Celia Goode-Haddock Founder of University Title Company

2009-2010

Tedi Ellison

Office manager of The Ellison Firm 2010-2011

2000-2001

Jan Lee

Mike Gentry

Business manager of Dealer’s Lighting Center

2001-2002

Tap Bentz

Attorney and partner at West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C.

2011-2012

Robert Davis

Proprietor at Outback Steakhouse

Chief credit officer at The Bank & Trust

2012-2014

Ben Downs

2002-2003

General manager of Bryan Broadcasting

J.C. “Cal” McNeill Senior Vice President at The Bank & Trust

John Willingham

2014-2015

Glen Brewer

2003-2004

1993-1994

Senior relationship manager at American Momentum Bank, president and CEO of B-CS Chamber of Commerce

Ron Gay

1971-1972

Owner of Central Texas Hardware

Switzer L. Deason

Robert Walker

Registered representative for Ron Gay Financial Services

President of University National Bank

1982-1983

1994-1995

2004-2005

2015-2016

Assistant director of development at Texas A&M Foundation

Unit director at H-E-B

2005-2006

Robert “Bobby” Bisor

Joe R. Sawyer

1972-1973

Ronald E. Hale

Senior Vice President at City National Bank 1973-1974

James T. Wright

Senior Vice President at BB&L 1974-1975

J.E. “Jocko” Roberts

Brazos County chairman for the Citizens for Open Government committee 1975-1976

B.A. Erwin

Manager of General Telephone & Electric Co.

J. Stephen Arden

Owner of Central Texas Hardware

William Thornton

Lawyer and co-owner of Lawrence Title & Abstract

Don J. Fazzino, Jr.

1983-1984

James E. Scarmardo 1984-1985

Louis M. Newman III Owner of Newman Printing 1985-1986

Lee Cargill 1986-1987

John T. Williams

1995-1996

Harold Dean 1996-1997

Mike Holmgreen

Vice chairman and chief deposit officer at The Bank & Trust 1997-1998

Tom Aughinbaugh

1987-1988

President of City Bank Texas – College Station

1988-1989

Andrea Derrig

H. Ray Smith W.R. “Bill” Vance Court of Appeals judge

2016-2017

Jerry Fox

Vice chairman and CFO at The Bank & Trust

Director for community and economic development for the Office of the Provost at Texas A&M

2006-2007

2016-2017

Owner and supervisory appraiser at M.G. Cangelose & Associates

Region bank president at Wells Fargo Bank

2007-2008

2017-2018

Community bank president at Wells Fargo Bank

Publisher at The Eagle

2008-2009

Vicki Reim

Marty Cangelose

Carol Gravis

1998-1999

CPA and partner at Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C.

Rich White

David O’Neil

Crystal Dupré 2018-2019

Manuel Gonzalez

President of Sterling Auto Group

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Division manager of customer operations at BTU

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Founders night The Chamber’s Centennial Celebration Experience 100 Years of Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce History

July 12, 2018 at 6:00 PM

the icehouse on Main $50 per ticket Purchase tickets at bcschamber.org or call 979.260.5200

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