Connect Jan/Feb 2023

Year in Review 2022

A WORD FROM LEADERSHIP

Hello Friends,

The Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce would like to wish all Angelina County residents a Happy New Year! We look forward to exciting times as we continue to make Lufkin and Angelina County the place to live in East Texas. For most of us, each New Year brings a time of reflection, new hope, and new goals. The same applies to the Chamber. Whether your resolution is professional development for your team, increasing your market reach, expanding your business, or making new connections, our team is here to support and advocate for you.

At the Chamber, we’ve reflected on what a great year we had in 2022, and in so many ways, it was truly due to the support of our investors. We continue to offer numerous networking and educational opportunities, great events, advocacy, and business opportunities for you and the community at large.

At the time this article was going to print in December, we had added 95 new investors for 2022! Hopefully, at the 103rd annual Chamber banquet on January 19, 2023, I can announce to you that we hit our target goal of 100 new investors! Please mark your calendars and come celebrate with us in January.

We are excited about what 2023 holds for all of us and have so much planned to help your business but we cannot do it alone. We will need your continued support, volunteerism, sponsorships, and encouragement over the next year. We want to help you achieve your goals and encourage you so please let us know what support you need to achieve them. We do our best work when we hear from you.

Oprah is quoted saying, “Cheers to a new year and another chance to make it right!”

Cheers, my friends.

Tara Watson-Watkins President / CEO

Melinda Moore

Chairman of the Board

Cascade Health Services, LLC

Will Alvis

Incoming Chair Merrill Lynch David Flowers

Immediate Past Chairman Huntington ISD Taylor Haney Secretary Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Kevin Pratt Treasurer Etech Jeff Walker Vice Chairman Stubblefield Learning Center Mary King Vice Chairman Woodland Heights Medical Center Randy George Jr. Vice Chairman William George Company Forest Griffin Vice Chairman Merrill Lynch

MEMBERS

Corry Lankford Brookshire Brothers

Yana Ogletree

Georgia-Pacific

Christian Dempsey Pilgrim’s Pride

Monte Bostwick St. Luke’s Health Memorial Lynn Torres Lufkin ISD Nolan Smith Oncor Electric Delivery

Ashley Berry East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope

Hillary H. Walker Regions Bank Chris Gaw VeraBank

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Michael Simon, PhD President Angelina College Keith Wright Angelina County Judge

Mark Hicks Mayor City of Lufkin Kevin Gee City Manager City of Lufkin

Bob Samford Director Lufkin EDC

Emily Thornton Executive Director

Angelina Beautiful/Clean Burt Hairgrove Executive Director EXPO Center

Tara Hendrix Director of Marketing & Tourism City of Lufkin

CHAMBER

STAFF

Tara Watson-Watkins President & CEO Janice Tidwell Chief Financial Officer Amanda Crocker Director of Events & Engagement

Colleen Murray Director of Membership Amanda Powell Director of Marketing & Communications Donna Parish Recruiter Lyndsey Brawley Director of Programs

Biomat USA

Chrystal Hudson

October

The Movement Dance Company

Temple-Inland Federal Credit Union

A-1 Party Rentals

US Dermatology Partners

Shiver Shack Shaved Ice, LLC

Alzheimer's Association

A.T. Staffing Advance'd Temporaries Inc.

Tracy Nail II

Ace Paint Contracting

Todd, Hamaker & Johnson, LLP

Rose Nails & Spa

XETX Business Solutions

Sandra D. Sorrell, CPA

Jenkins Plumbing Contractors, LLC

Socia Septic Systems

East Texas Powersports

Spruce

AT&T Authorized Retailer

Rubie and Jane Formal Wear

Standpipe Coffee House

Harold's House-East Texas Alliance for Children

Hope ER

Java Jack's Coffee House

Gann Medford Real Estate - Jeff Medford

58 Junction

Billy Ball - Justice of The Peace of Pct. 1

Charter Communications L & S Floor Works, Inc

East Texas Professional Credit Union D & J Roofing L.L.C.

Austin Bank

First Christian Church

Signs By Debbie Texas National Bank

Commercial Bank of Texas - Tulane Branch

Bodacious Bar-B-Q

Casa Ole' Restaurant

Terracon Consultants

Elliott Electric Supply Bodymasters Quality Collision Repair Moore Asset Management, Inc.

AAA Self Storage - 69

AAA Self Storage - Diboll

AAA Self Storage - 94

AAA Self Storage - Southwood

Southland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Polk Energy Partners, LLP

VeraBank

Stella-Jones

Neighborhood STRONG Shepherd Street Yoga Audiological Services

Since 1982, the physicians of The Heart Institute of East Texas have been dedicated to caring for the hearts of East Texans. We incorporate the latest medical technology along with physicians who continue to focus on the most advanced techniques. The Heart Institute provides patients the highest level of care and treatments. Our physicians specialize in many facets of heart care

November

Texas Custom Catering

Fitt Life

Falco Media Services

Morris Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc

Cascade Health Services, LLC

Coaching LLC

Angelina Rotary Club

Integra Insurance Services - Huntington Office Pest Commander

Kwik Kopy Printing

Clyde Partin Monument Company

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas

Chicken Express

Alderman Cain & Neill, PLLC

Dedicated Orthopedic Urgent Care

Premier Nationwide Lending

F.I.F.T.H Quarter Performance

Sutton Beebe Babin Architects, LLC

Texas Size Selfie

Wienerschnitzel #870

East Texas Foot Associates

Junior League of Lufkin

AAA Trophy, T-Shirts & Sport Shop

Hudson I.S.D.

Manhattan Fine Dining Restaurant

Logan's Roadhouse

Fenley & Bate, Attorneys at Law

Welcome

McDonald's - Crown Colony (T. Schuster Ent. Inc.)

October & November NEW INVESTORS

Smitty’s Car Wash

Junk’n Treasures

Oak House Studio

Iserve365

Knotin Top Buck Creek Hall

58J Music Café

MSL Mechanical

Mama Bears Cleaning Crew, LLC

Waukesha-Pearce Industries, LLC

S & T Pit Burgers and More

Century 21 Cota Realty – April Folsom

Gasburner Academy

Mindful Nutrition Counseling Cavender’s Boot City

Hollywood Dental Center

Yoki’s Cakes & More

Blume & Son Construction

Anna Brooks Bridal

to further insure our patients have access to the most recent advances right here in East Texas.

As the largest group of heart physicians in deep East Texas, we are dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being in our communities.

Patients in Lufkin and the surrounding areas will have access to a full continuum of care.

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First Choice Family Medicine Ribbon Cutting

818 W. Frank Ave. | Lufkin 936-699-5275 fcf.health

KBT Tax Ribbon Cutting 1007 E. Denman Ave. | Lufkin 936-632-6412 kbttax.com

Smitty’s Car Wash Ribbon Cutting

1808 S. First St. | Lufkin 936-279-2285 smittyscarwash.com

Grand Luxe Realty Co. Ribbon Cutting 1019 S. Chestnut St. Suite A | Lufkin 936-899-5935 grandluxerealtyco.com

Rise Marketing Ribbon Cutting 541-821-2676 RiseMarketingETX.com

St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School Ribbon Cutting 1115 S. John Redditt Dr. | Lufkin 936-632-1720 saintcyprians.org

Reflecting on 2022 to Build a Strong 2023

By Amanda Powell

Each new year inspires renewed energy and excitement. Now is the perfect time to reflect on the past, plan for the future, set goals, and figure out how to accomplish them. Having a plan can help you kick things off on the right foot and ensure growth for yourself and your business.

Did you meet your goals in 2022 in your business or personal life? Were there lessons learned that will help 2023 to be an exciting year? Are you hoping for growth in your business, better systems, new products, or new skills? There are so many things to think about as business owners or dedicated employees. Not only do you have to reflect on the previous year, but you also must prepare for the future. Have you taken the time to prepare or are you winging it?

Did you take advantage of the many resources offered by the Chamber in 2022? Throughout the year there are many opportunities to network, grow in leadership, learn new skills, showcase your business, and work within the community. We work hard to help you succeed and join with our investors to make Angelina County a strong thriving community.

No matter how you ended 2022, prepared for 2023, or just started thinking about

what you want this year, we are here to help. We strive to bring new topics each month to our First Friday Luncheon, Women’s Networking Luncheons, and Power Networking Breakfast. Have you participated in one of our Chamber University sessions? The Chamber University Business Seminar Series is an innovative program designed to address critical topics and to help prepare participants to meet the ever-changing demands of the 21st-century workplace. The program provides individualized growth and development opportunities for entry-level to executive leadership covering the entire gamut from "nuts & bolts" to "visionary thinking."

When you participate in Chamber events and activities you can maximize your return on investment and create more meaningful connections. Have you looked at our upcoming calendar? Do you see opportunities to get involved, support other Chamber Investors, and grow your business?

We are committed to being the connector of leaders and influencers, a catalyst for business growth, and a champion for a stronger community. Let us know how we can help you make 2023 your best year!

A YEAR IN REVIEW A YEAR IN REVIEW

2022 in Review

visitors the desire to extend stays and return often. 2022 was an exciting and eventful year for the Lufkin community. Each season was filled with over-the-top events showcasing some of the best and brightest of our businesses and residents. The citizens of Lufkin enjoyed traditional annual events and were introduced to new, even more, exciting events that we hope to continue each year. Take a look at some of 2022’s most successful events and how to get involved for 2023!

Branded as one of Lufkin’s family favorite events, SpringFEST features shopping, community entertainment, live music, local food trucks, car shows, activity zones for kids, and so much more. With events like triathlons, fashion shows, bubble wrangler shows, and an afternoon of live music and street dancing, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor of the SpringFEST 2023? Visit our website (www.visitlufkin.com) to view upcoming events and application deadlines.

July 4th Celebration

What’s your favorite way to celebrate America’s favorite holiday? Visit Lufkin celebrated with a fun-filled day at Ellen Trout Zoo featuring local vendors, food trucks, and a fireworks extravaganza presented by Mike Love & Associates, LLC this year! With an unprecedented community turnout, the July 4th celebration continues to be a local fan favorite for the summer. Mark your calendars for this year as we work to make it even bigger and better than before!

Lufkin’s Bistro

Deemed Lufkin’s “favorite adults-only event,” this annual hometown tasting offers an elegant, entertaining evening on the downtown streets as Lufkin’s finest chefs showcase their tastiest cuisine paired with an incredible selection of wines and craft beers from across the globe. Dance the night away to live music and get in some late-night shopping with our downtown merchants. This fall Lufkin tradition sells out quickly and is the social event of the season! Stroll historic downtown Lufkin with wine in hand at the 12th Annual Lufkin’s Bistro courtesy of Brookshire Brothers on the first weekend in October. (Must be 21 or older to attend)

Heritage Festival

The downtown streets were filled with live cultural entertainment, food trucks featuring different cuisines, artisan vendors, and activities for the kids! This FREE event highlights Lufkin’s African American, Asian American, LatinAmerican, and many other cultures through the educational and inspirational experience of history, music, arts, and civic involvement. Attendees of the Heritage Festival had an experience like no other while shopping for unique creations handcrafted by a variety of cultural artisans who participate in shows and fairs all over the state! Experience what Lufkin is all about with Visit Lufkin’s partnership with the Angelina Arts Alliance, Museum of East Texas, City of Lufkin Parks & Recreation, and numerous community partners to bring you in 2023.

Christmas in the Pines

Every tradition has to start somewhere. Whether you have a family that has a lot of holiday routines — favorite dinner recipes to make, cookies to bake, songs to sing, and ornaments to put on the tree — or you're a group with just a few, cherished traditions, it's always fun to try something new. And, if it's a rousing success, you can add it into the rotation for next year and look forward to doing it again for the next 12 months. From shopping the downtown merchants & vendors at Christmas in the Pines to counting down at the lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit, driving through the Living Nativity, or spending the evening in Old Bethlehem, Lufkin is full of wonderful traditions and Christmas magic. The 2022 holiday season also brought a new and exciting tradition to the residents of Lufkin. Ice Skating in the Pines debuted at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center for the first time in December and many Lufkin families have added this event to their favorite holiday traditions list.

Vendor and community participation hit an all-time high in 2022 and we’re shooting to break that record in 2023! Visit Lufkin is the driving force behind Lufkin’s thriving visitor industry. Successful visitor promotion includes partnerships and a concerted effort by all interested parties. Visit our website at www.visitlufkin.com for information on upcoming events, how to get involved, and partnership opportunities. Stay social: @visitlufkin on all social media platforms!

Lufkin, TX:  2023 is here and the performing arts are ALIVE and WELL and thriving in East Texas! Not only is the number of shows impressive, the quality and range of the performances are equally impressive.

The theme ‘Toast of the Town’ is appropriate on many levels including the Arts Alliance efforts to rally the various cultural entities in Lufkin/Angelina County to work together to create awareness of our rich, colorful heritage. A perfect example is the 2023 SIGHTS & SOUNDS SERIES. In collaboration with the Museum of East Texas, Angelina Arts Alliance created a familyfriendly series intended to highlight the beauty and importance of the visual and performing arts together. The first of three performances will be January 29, featuring the Marion Anderson Quartet. All performances will be free to the public and will take place at 2 PM on Sunday afternoons. Light refreshments will be served. “Our goal is to expose more people to the visual and performing arts. To create more awareness of both organizations by giving the community something great to do on a Sunday afternoon with the entire family,” said Ginger Trotter, Operations Manager of the Angelina Arts Alliance.

PINK MARTINI – Jan. 20, 7:30 pm, an international phenomenon, eclectic, energetic and unforgettable. Their stunning blend of jazz, cabaret, world music, lounge, and ‘40’s and ‘50’s film music has garnered fans around the globe! / Temple Theater

DAVINA & the VAGABONDS – Jan. 28, 7 pm, “Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul here, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there.”…Rolling Stone

#LivefromLufkin

The Performing Arts in Lufkin are Thriving in 2023

Magazine…"This music, as retro as it may be at times, feels fun, frisky and alive.”…American Songwriter… A PERFECT DATE NIGHT! / Pines Theater

ON YOUR FEET – The Story of Emilio & Gloria EstefanJan. 31, 7:30 pm, the inspiring true story about heart and heritageand each other – to become an international sensation. This musical will have YOU on your feet, with songs like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”, “Conga” and more. / Temple Theater

THE PURPLE XPERIENCE – Feb. 11, 7 pm, featuring Marshall Chaloff, bringing the greatest most authentic production of Prince and the Revolution in the world! / Pines Theater

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA – Feb. 19, 2 pm & 7 pm, this world-famous orchestra is legendary, the most popular and sought-after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements. / Pines Theater

2023 DISCOVERY SERIES offers three outstanding performances for the young and the young at heart, starting Friday March 3, at 6:30 pm with DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS. Come see the amazing CIRQUE KALABANTE’S AFRIQUE EN CIRQUE on Sunday May 21, at 2 pm. On Sunday June 11, at 2 pm, the curtain goes up on MADAGASCAR – the MUSICAL. All Discovery Series performances are 60-90 minutes long and will take place at the Temple Theater. General admission tickets are just $6 for youth (ages 17 and under) and $11 for adults. You will find show descriptions at www. AngelinaArts.org.

The 2023 Pines Classic Film Series starts January 13 at 7 pm with The Wizard of Oz. The series continues with a notable film once a month through December. Tickets are just $5 each, so bring a date or bring the whole family!

Angelina Arts Alliance box office / administrative operations is at 108 S. First Street, Lufkin TX. Tickets are on sale now for every show, online, inperson, and by phone. For the latest information, and full show descriptions, and to buy tickets please visit wwwangelinaarts.org. Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which collectively enrich, engage and educate the community. To receive e-mail updates or brochures by mail please contact:

Angelina Arts Box Office, Monday – Friday 11 am -5 pm, 936-633-5454

Greetings from the Expo!

By Burt Hairgrove

I am hopeful that everyone reading this had a great Christmas and New Years’ celebration. 2023 is off to a great start for us and our calendar is already getting full. I will be attending the League of Agricultural and Equine Centers’ Annual Symposium in Ocala, Florida on February 6-10. Managing and operating a facility like the Expo has its unique challenges. Having the opportunity to gather with others in the industry over the past few years has become a great resource that helps me do a better job here in Lufkin. The relationships and great contacts made through the LAEC have become invaluable. There are several cases where I was struggling with some issues related to our daily operation and thought… “Let me find out how they handle this at another facility” … and then pick up the phone. In every case, my counterpart at each Expo Center or Fairground understood my issue and was more than willing to offer any advice or contacts they had available. Hopefully, I’ll meet some new friends and possibly be able to help others in our business.

On January 6-8, we are proud to welcome back the Region V Jr. High division of the Texas High School Rodeo Association for their first event of 2022. They are halfway through the 2022-23 season and will compete for points to qualify for the State Finals and from there to Nationals.

On January 13-15, the Texas High School Rodeo Association will be back for more rodeo action. January 20-22 will see the return of the Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association for 2 days of rodeo. Free admission. 9 AM start each day.

As Lufkin is steadily becoming the headquarters for youth rodeo in East Texas and Western Louisiana, we continue to attract new events. We were flattered when approached last year by Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson about hosting one of their Vegas Tuffest World Championship Junior Events along with Lawrence McCulloch and NextGen Roping Productions. We are over the top proud to announce that we will have two of their events here in 2023. Young contestants will have the opportunity to come to Lufkin for a chance to compete in Las Vegas! Come out and see some great roping and barrel racing on January 27-29. We will announce more dates soon. Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association will return to get February off to a great start on the 3-5.

A Lufkin tradition for 31 years returns! On February 11th, Bull Bash is back! Come out for a Saturday night filled with the best bull riders and bucking bulls in the rodeo business. Call the Expo for more information.

Region V of the Texas High School Rodeo Association returns on February 17-19. Go to www.thsra.com for more information. Make plans to come out and attend.

As always, See you at the Expo!

Now Accepting Nominations For 2023 Beautification Award Recipients

Angelina Beautiful/Clean recognizes businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to invest in the beautification of the community with our Beautification Award. Lufkin, Diboll, Huntington, Hudson, Zavalla, and Angelina County residents may nominate any business or organization located within the Angelina County limits.

Winners will receive a Beautification Award sign to display in front of their business during the winning months, will be recognized on social media, and on our website (angelinabeautifulclean.org). A submission will also be made to local news outlets to inform the community of the award recipient. A framed award will be presented to display and keep at the establishment.

To nominate, contact AB/C at ethornton@lufkintexas.org or call 936-632-5326

How Landing Pages Are Different Than Websites

By Amanda Powell

All business owners and managers, whether operating a large or small business, know how important web presence is for any organization. However, implementing a web presence for a small business can be challenging as not all managers and owners have the knowledge required to build compelling websites and landing pages. At your local Chamber of Commerce, we realize that this knowledge gap needs addressing for our members, so we aim to support them with some blog posts outlining some basic concepts. We begin by discussing the difference between landing pages and websites.

What Is a Website?

A website is designed for exploration; when someone comes across your website or homepage, they may not have a specific purpose in mind. Therefore, the homepage will contain a little information about your company, its goals, and general services, with links to more detailed information, such as contact sections, "about" sections, and landing pages for specific purposes, as we will outline in the next section.

What Is a Landing Page?

In short, a landing page is a conversion page. This is the place where you want your customers to come to learn about your products and services and hopefully make a purchase or send in an inquiry. A landing page is fantastic for describing exactly what your business is about and invites visitors to take action. How often it achieves this is called its conversion rate.

However, conversions are not necessarily sales. Instead, you might use a landing page to test new ideas for your business.

For example, you can use one to test out a new offering. If the offer doesn't come across very well and you don't get many conversions in the form of inquiries or requests for more information, you might want to tweak it and change the landing page. This relatively inexpensive way to test out new

offerings can provide invaluable data.

What Makes a Good Landing Page?

A good landing page will have a familiar, simple layout that is easy for visitors to follow with content writing that puts over the information they need succinctly and accurately. Most visitors to landing pages have seen many landing pages before and will, on some level, have an idea of what to expect and where the important information will be.

A standard landing page will be constructed like this:

• A Navigation Bar (or navbar) with links to other parts of the website at the top.

• The Hero Section. Use this section to briefly explain your offering, what problem it solves, and how it does it.

• Social Proof. In this part, your landing page needs to convince visitors why they should believe in your offering, with evidence to back up your assertions, such as testimonials and outside links.

• Call to Action (CTA). This will be a compelling piece of copy inviting visitors to do what you want, such as buy your product, ask for information or send an inquiry.

• Features. This will include more details on your offering, usually broken down into small sections.

• CTA. Repeat the Call to Action above.

• Footer. This is where you will find various links to other parts of the website.

Keeping all the information on your landing page concise and clear is essential to achieving the conversions you are looking for. By doing this and keeping to the structure above, you will be able to make the most of this powerful, multi-use business tool.

2022 Chamber Board Chairman

I have heard it said "the days go slow, but the years go fast." For me, as the 2022 Chamber Board Chairman, I can assure you the 2022 year has flown by in a hurry. I cannot believe I am approaching the end of an amazing year serving in this role. Tony Dungy says, "it's about the journeymine and yours-the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better." Lufkin and Angelina County epitomizes this quote and I have watched our Chamber Staff, Chamber Board/Executive Board, and Chamber Investors live it out daily.

As I reflect on the year, I have had the privilege to attend numerous Ribbon Cuttings, Cheers with the Chamber, Special Events, and so many other Chamber functions. It is incredible to see all of the great things happening in Lufkin and Angelina County. I have had a "ringside" seat with our County officials, City officials, Chamber CEO, Economic Development leaders, and others as we discussed "Regionalism" to make Angelina County even better. We have

honored businesses with our Celebrate Business awards. The Texas State Forest Festival had a record breaking year. Over a two-week period, I watched as we honored Atkinson Candy for 90 years, Casa Morales for 50 years and Ferrara's Heating and Air with 40 years of being in business. Their stories are incredible, as is the history of all our Investors' businesses. Tara and her team are committed to making a difference and work tirelessly on behalf of all our investors. It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the 2022 Chairman and I look forward to 2023 and all of the great things in store for us. Lufkin/Angelina County is the greatest place on earth to live, work, play, raise a family and grow your business.

Love. Serve. Care.

David W. Flowers 2022 Board Chairman Huntington ISD

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce offers sponsorship opportunities, which allows your company to market your business, gain publicity, brand recognition, and reach local business and community leaders while aligning your business with the Chamber. Through key events throughout the year, we introduce, recognize, and connect you with like-minded companies and individuals committed to quality growth and expansion in our area.

Women's Networking, a series of 4 quarterly luncheons and 2 breakfasts, has a goal to connect women of all career levels and strengthen their professional networks, and engage them in the Lufkin/Angelina County business community. The Women's Network will achieve this vision through offering prominent speaker programs, spotlight women leaders, and promote the positive impact women have made in the Lufkin/Angelina County Area.

Generally held on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, Cheers with the Chamber is an opportunity for approximately 50 guests to visit the sponsor's business location. A brief program allows the CEO of Host Sponsor company to tell about the organization and offer tours of the facility, if appropriate. Business leaders from around the community attend giving the Host Sponsor exposure and potential new customers. A Cheers with the Chamber guideline packet is available upon event scheduling.

First Friday Business Lunch is held monthly and features the opportunity for businesses and their employees to network while dining buffet style and hearing from a different guest speaker each month. Some months are designated for standing awards such as Silver Spike Award, Small Business of the Year Award, Teacher of the Year Award and the State of the City, State of the County and State of the Schools. Average attendance for this event is 150 to 200 and normally held at Crown Colony Country Club or the Pitser Garrison Convention Center.

The Power Networking Breakfast (PNB) provides Investors an opportunity to network and promote their business in a relaxed social atmosphere. The PNB is held from 8:15 am until 9:15 am on the fourth Friday of each month at the Chamber of Commerce in the Community Room or a designated location. Breakfast is provided and the event is free. The PNB features a different speaker each month who gives a short program relative to issues in the business community. The PNB is a great way to make new business contacts and build up business referrals. All Chamber Investors are welcome to attend.

The Chamber University Business Seminar Series is an innovative, program designed to address critical topics and to help prepare participants to meet the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace. The program provides individualized growth and development opportunities for entry level to executive leadership covering the entire gamut from "nuts & bolts" to "visionary thinking." Partners benefit through a minimum of 4 quarterly seminars throughout the year which provides applied learning opportunities.

The Chamber now offers online advertising through the Chamber website, LufkinTexas.org. With the great online presence and SEO that the Chamber website has, this is a fantastic opportunity to maximize exposure for all especially within our Business Directory landing page!

We invite you to join them and take advantage of the opportunities to partner with us as a sponsor of these engagements. Sponsorships provide an excellent sales and marketing opportunity to highlight your business by increasing visibility of your products and/or services and by increasing your exposure to and knowledge of local decision-makers.

Congratulations to our 2022 Celebrate Business: Chamber Business Award Winners!

Nonprofit

Diplomat Stars

-Bonnie Dowdy with Music World

-Brian Hammond with UBank US

-Jennifer Gage with Axley & Rode, LLP

-Josh Ridings with Goosehead Insurance

-Karen Stubblefield with Workforce Solutions Deep East TexasAmerican Job Center Network

-Lisa

-Melissa

-Michelle

-Staci

-Nolan

-Wendy

Crow with Timber Country Real Estate

Roberts with Integra Insurance

Briley with Commercial Bank of Texas

Smith with Oncor Electric

Hodges with Junior Achievement of Angelina County

Walker with Cadence Bank

Diplomat of the Year Melissa Roberts with Integra Insurance Chamber Champion Michelle Briley with Commercial Bank of Texas Chamber Catalyst Angelina College

Newcomer of the Year TSS Photography of Deep East Texas

Large Business of the Year (51+ employees) Brookshire Brothers

Individual of Merit Mrs. Demetress Harrell with Hospice in the Pines

Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees)

Party Rentals of Lufkin

of the Year The East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope

Healthcare Professional of the Year Tina McDonald with St. Luke’s Health - Memorial Lufkin

Lifetime Achievement in Medicine Dr. George Fidone with The Children's Clinic of Lufkin

Nurse of the Year –Mr. Willie Spikes with St. Luke’s Health - Memorial Lufkin

Medium Business of the Year (11-50 employees) CENTURY 21 Cota Realty

October Power Networking Breakfast presented by SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches & sponsored by McWilliams & Son Heating, Cooling and Plumbing

November Power Networking Breakfast presented by SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches & sponsored by Angelina Beautiful/Clean

November's First Friday Luncheon presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola

December’s First Friday Luncheon presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Family Crisis Center of East Texas

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by Lee Trans

Breakfast with Santa presented by Whataburger

Cheers with the Chamber hosted by The Heart Institute of East Texas