JANUARY 16
Membership Mixer at Hawthorne At Fairmont
JANUARY 21
Lunch Mob! at Savannah Café
Our annual Membership Directory for 2025 is currently in production! Take advantage of our new & improved directory and reserve for your preferred ad space now!
Dear Members,
As we welcome a new year, I am honored and excited to step into the role of Chair of the Board for the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. It’s a privilege to serve such an incredible community of businesses and individuals who are passionate about making La Porte a thriving place to live, work, and grow.
This year, I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation laid by those who came before me. We have a remarkable array of programs in place that continue to uplift our members and strengthen our community, and I am committed to refining and enhancing these efforts to make them even more impactful.
At the same time, I’m excited to bring fresh ideas to the table—initiatives that will address the evolving needs of our businesses and help us embrace new opportunities. Collaboration and innovation will be key as we work
together to ensure the Chamber remains a vital resource and advocate for our members.
Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this journey together. I am eager to roll up my sleeves, listen to your ideas, and work alongside you to make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and success.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
Warm regards,
Angie Thatcher
Angela Thatcher 2025 Chair of the Board La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce
Angela Thatcher Chair of the Board
air products , llc Serving Through 2024
Austin Lloyd VP of Marketing Development cornerstone systems Serving Through 2026
Monica Beynaerts coastal ice & water Serving through 2027
Shannon Cotham fischers hardware Serving through 2026
Scott Gernander san jacinto college Serving through 2025
Kristen Martin
barretts heating & ac Serving through 2024
Alan Robb port houston Serving through 2027
Mayor Rick Helton city of la porte
Jeff Martin President email
Michelle Thomas Chair Elect of the Board
celanese clear lake plant Serving Through 2025
James Perrin VP of Business Development
sulzer turbo services , inc . Serving Through 2025
Mark Bookmyer
lyondellbasell industries Serving through 2024
Clint Dubec kaneka north america Serving through 2026
Kelly Green heat plant services Serving through 2025
Dausha Moore-Wright
vaughn realty & co . Serving through 2025
Alex Solis
dupont bayport Serving through 2027
Chad Warden the wooden spoon kitchen & bakery Serving through 2026
Preston Bearden Past Chair of the Board bayou city industrial contractors , ltd
Mayor Tim Harris city of morgan ’ s point
Dr. Walter Jackson
superintendent , la porte isd
Scott Halbrooks VP of Community Development
oxychem la porte vcm Serving Through 2027
Jackson Wagner VP of Economic Development hca houston healthcare southeast Serving Through 2027
Ali Busch
texas stress , inc . Serving through 2025
La’Jasmine Fitch
kuraray america Serving through 2026
Brandon Lunsford garden of eden floral & tearoom Serving through 2025
Derrin Riddick
enterprise products Serving through 2026
Sheree Turnage
mitsubishi chemical Serving through 2026
Mayor David Jennings city of shoreacres
Megan Weaver Vice President email
Naomi Richison Marketing Coordinator email
Jackie Olvera Administrative Assistant email
Each month we showcase a couple of our board directors giving you the opportunity to know our leadership team
We are pleased to have Dausha volunteer to serve on our board again this year! As a realtor with Vaughn Realty & Co., she gets along with everyone and enjoys helping people however she can.
Dausha is what we like to call a “serial volunteer”, and we are so grateful for that! She can consistently be counted on to help when we need it most, and also serves for the Deer Park Education Foundation, Strawberry Festival, Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo, and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo! She manages with seemingly limitless energy. Thank you for your servant heart, Dausha!
It is our pleasure to introduce one of our executive directors, Amanda, or Mandy as she goes by most of the time. She comes to us representing Community First ER located in Deer Park. Her bright and bubbly personality is a magnet to anyone in the vicinity and oftentimes you’ll hear her before you see her, and we love that about her!
What she loves most about her position is being able to connect with everyone in the community. When she’s not running around town, you might find her playing volleyball or golf, but her favorite way to unwind is spending time with her family.
She just celebrated her birthday on January 11th, so be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday when you see her out and about. Thanks for being a part of our team, Mandy!
Join us at our first Membership Mixer of the new year showcasing the new Hawthorne at Fairmont community. Set your 2025 goals up for success, and don’t forget your business cards for door prizes and networking!
Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served, so kindly RSVP at bit.ly/LPCHawthorneMixer
This event is open to everyone! There is no cost to attend, so please come out and network with your neighbors while enjoying the most important meal of the day and a positive message!
Refreshments will be served, so please RSVP no later than January 22nd at noon. RSVP
We’re proud to announce our first Business of the Month for 2025, South Region Driving School - La Porte! South Region is known around these parts for developing safe drivers, and we all know we could use more of those!
South Region Driving School is more than just a place to learn how to drive. Owners Alicia and Thomas Green have made it their
South Region Driving School
911 S. Broadway St. La Porte, Texas 77571
(281) 470-0404
mission to give back through ministries, donation drives, and partnerships with local nonprofits such as Agape Centric, Inc., always finding ways to support the community and its students.
In fact, when La Porte ISD approached the chamber to help kickoff the La Porte ISD Partners in Education program, South Region was the first to offer to help!
We love that they are grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community and remain committed to making a positive impact. Thank you so much, South Region, and congratulations!
Get ready, La Porte! The 69th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival is fast approaching, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars and prepare for an incredible day of entertainment, food, fun, and community celebration at this beloved event!
This year’s festival will feature an amazing lineup of musical talent, including the soulful sounds of Uncle Lucius, the energetic performance of up-and-comer Ty Myers, and the local favorite Big Jordan Band. But that’s not all—there’s more excitement on the way! We’re holding off on revealing the headlining act until next month, so stay tuned for the big announcement!
The festival wouldn’t be complete without its signature traditions. The Miss Sylvan Beach Pageant applications are now available, inviting young women to compete in this historic event. Sponsorship opportunities are also open, offering businesses the chance to showcase their support for the community while gaining valuable exposure. And if you’ve been waiting to secure a vendor spot, applications will be opening later this month, so be sure to check back soon!
We can’t wait to see you all at Sylvan Beach for this unforgettable celebration. Stay tuned for updates as we reveal more details about the festival, including our surprise headliner and other exciting activities. Let’s make this year’s event one to remember!
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is
thrilled to announce its Annual Awards Banquet, a time-honored celebration of excellence and community spirit. This prestigious event will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the iconic Monument Inn. The evening kicks off with a cash bar reception at 5:00 pm, providing an opportunity for networking and camaraderie as we prepare to honor some of the incredible individuals and organizations that make our community shine.
This year’s banquet will recognize the remarkable contributions of our Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year—three awards that highlight the dedication, innovation, and compassion found within the La Porte-Bayshore community.
We’re looking forward to honoring our Volunteer of the Year, Amanda DeAlejandro, a devoted employee of Community First ER, who exemplifies the heart of volunteerism through her tireless efforts to support and uplift our community. She can be counted on time and time again to show up and put a smile on your face.
Our 2024 Business of the Year award will go to OxyChem La Porte VCM, a leader in the industry and a cornerstone of La Porte’s economy. OxyChem has set the standard for excellence in business and community involvement. For instance, their dedication to local schools and educators through the La Porte ISD Partners In Education Program not only provide immediate assistance, but for years to come.
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, our 2024 Nonprofit of the Year, is an outstanding organization who has made a profound impact by providing critical resources and support to those in need and fostering hope in challenging times.
The Annual Awards Banquet is more than a celebration; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and look forward to a future of continued growth and collaboration.
We invite you to join us for an evening of fine dining, heartfelt recognition, and inspiring stories. Seats are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Let’s come together to honor those who make La Porte an exceptional place to live and work.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit bit.ly/LPC-AnnualBanquet25. We look forward to seeing you there!
Your membership directory is being upgraded! Beginning in 2025, the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of La Porte to bring to life the Official Guide to La Porte & Chamber Member Directory!
I'd love to have an opportunity to earn your insurance business! Call, text or email us for a quote! Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I'm ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.
This comprehensive city guide will combine the convenience of the digital age and the practicality of traditional printed media, giving visitors and consumers all the information they want, however they want, about the La Porte-Bayshore communities. The Official Guide will feature general municipal information and demographics, area history, local events and points of interest, lodging accommodations, dining establishments, and so much more! The incorporation of the Chamber Membership Directory makes this guide the only guide you need for the La Porte area!
This is your opportunity to showcase your business to current area residents, visitors from across the state, developers, and more! Since the guide will be produced “in-house”, we can offer all the flexibility without the hassle compared to prior years; plus, more of your investment remains with the chamber, enabling us to put more money back into community and business programs.
Reserve your ad space today at bit.ly/LPC-AdvertiseInGuide! For more information, contact Naomi Richison at naomi@laportechamber.org, or call 281471-1123.
Bloom HTX Media
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The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Stephanie Tunchez with Bloom HTX Media as our newest member!
Bloom HTX Media is a professional digital marketing business that helps elevate brands through a wide array of services, including social media management, content creation, website design, and photography. You can count on Steph’s extensive experience to bring a fresh perspective to digital marketing, ensuring businesses make a lasting impact online.
In addition to her digital expertise, Bloom
HTX Media also offers photo booth rentals for events, adding a fun and interactive touch to special occasions. Whether you’re looking to boost your online presence or create unforgettable event experiences, Bloom HTX Media has you covered.
We’re thrilled to have Bloom HTX Media as part of our Chamber family and look forward to the innovative ideas and energy they’ll bring to our community! Be sure to connect with them for all your digital marketing and event needs. Welcome aboard, Bloom HTX Media!
Rebecca Collins, the Owner/Editor of the Bay Area Observer community newspaper is putting up a fight. She is currently facing the biggest challenge of her life as she bravely battles Stage Four Lymphoma and kidney failure. Her unwavering deter mination to overcome these health hurdles is truly inspiring. Despite the ongoing dialysis and chemotherapy treatments she’s undergoing, Rebecca’s spirit remains strong and hopeful. The sudden and unexpected nature of this health crisis has placed a significant financial burden on their family. Rebecca is under the care of a dedicated team of medical professionals at Memorial Hermann - TMC spanning various specialties including oncology, nephrology, hematology, and cardiology. The
journey towards recovery. Your generosity will not go unnoticed, and the family will be forever grateful for your love and support. Together, we can help lift the burden of medical expenses and bring hope and healing to Rebecca and our family. Thank you for your kindness and for being a beacon of hope in our time of need.
Scan the QR code to donate today!
Representatives from DuPont Bayport presented the Rotary Club of La Porte with a $2,500 community grant for the La Porte ISD Partners in Education program. The club serves as a Partner in Education with James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus. From left are Rotary President Derick Meadows; Rotarians Dr. Walter Jackson, La Porte ISD superintendent; Brenda Thompson, DuPont Bayport site admin/technical services technician; and Terri Cook, La Porte ISD Partners in Education coordinator; Alex Solis, DuPont Bayport plant manager; and Rotarian Shawn Kominek.
The La Porte Education Foundation awarded $136,676.59 in innovative project grants to La Porte ISD teachers and staff during the annual Dollar Patrol Nov. 21. Representatives of area businesses and industries, La Porte Education Foundation Board members, La Porte ISD trustees and administrators, and La Porte High School band members, Chatos, cheerleaders and video production team members traveled throughout the district awarding the grants. The La Porte Education Foundation appreciates the corporate partners, employee giving participants, 500 Club members, and other generous donors who made this year’s grant program successful.
In this photo, STEM facilitator Shannon Fanning is surrounded by La Porte High School representatives and members of the James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus Spirit Team as the Dollar Patrol presented grants at Baker. Fanning and elementary STEM facilitator Michael Newman received a $2,600 grant for “Ozo-Mazing Learning: Engaging STEM with Ozobots.”
The following businesses have realized the importance of economic growth and development for the La Porte-Bayshore area and have pledged their support to this cause by investing in their Chamber of Commerce. Please support your community by calling on these businesses when you are in need of products and services.
BLOOM HTX MEDIA
Stephanie Tunchez Houston, TX 77087
713-253-4838
www.bloomhtxmedia.com
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
Arthur Surette 5008 Fuqua St. Houston, TX 77048
281-872-6412
www.trainingtechs.com
Advance Services
ALTIVIA Specialty Chemicals, LLC
APS FireCo
Aspendora Technologies, LLC
Bayshore Financial Advisors
Beth Brady, Public Speaker, Preacher’s Kid
Celanese Chemicals - Clear Lake Plant
Coastal Exterminating Company
Cornerstone Systems
Coupland Signs
CR International
Eagle Energy Resources, LLC
Edward Jones Investments
Firetrol Protection Systems
INEOS Oligomers USA LLC
Kings BBQ La Porte
Kona Ice of La Porte
The Krist Law Firm, P.C.
La Porte Roofing & Remodeling LLC
La Porte Vision Center
Lubrizol Corporation - Bayport
Medders Construction
Monument Chevrolet
Mr. Electric of Bay Area
Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo
Sharp Eyes Vision Center
Thank you for your continued support!
