February 2024
INSIDER
100 w. main street la porte, texas 77571 (281) 471-1123
A La Porte-Bayshore Chamber Newsletter
laportechamber.org
Events at a Glance FEBRUARY 20 Lunch Mob at Ed’s Bistro FEBRUARY 21 Canva 101 Lunch & Learn
Join The Ambassadors! It’s easy to become an Ambassador for the chamber and your business. Join this fun-loving group of networkers and get better involved!
NEW MINI MURAL
Have you seen the sweet new mini mural on the side of our building? Thanks goes to Whitney and the City of La Porte for giving us our own little Main Street photo op!
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LETTER FROM THE
Chair
2024 is already off to a swift start moving into February already. We’re looking forward to some positive growth here at Bayou City Industrial Contractors, and I hope you are too. The chamber is off to a positive start, as well. We’re excited to start rolling out marketing initiatives for the 2024 Sylvan Beach Festival. Hopefully, you’ve already seen some of the information floating around. Furthermore, as new details are confirmed, you can look forward to hearing about all the fun things this year’s festival will bring to La Porte and our surrounding communities. If you’ve never been, it’s a premier La Porte festival that has taken place at Sylvan Beach Park for 68 years now! I invite you to come out and see the crowds of people who are in effect boosting our small businesses and local economy. I applaud the chamber and the festival committee for continuing this historic tradition.
Other ways to get involved can include attending special events, many of which are complimentary with your membership. As Naomi at the chamber likes to say, “chamber memberships are like gym memberships you have to use them to reap the benefits.” I’ve given a lot of thought to that sentiment, and it’s very true. Read through the newsletters thoroughly to see all the great things the chamber is doing for members and the community. If you don’t already follow them on social media, that’s another good way to find out what’s going on. I encourage you to get plugged in and make 2024 the best year yet! Looking forward to all we will accomplish this year!
Preston Bearden
2024 Chair of the Board La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce
Regular committee meetings have commenced, and new events are being added to the chamber’s calendar each week. If you feel like you want to get more out of your chamber membership, or if you just want to get more involved, joining a committee is a great place to start! Reach out to any chamber staff to learn more.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Preston Bearden Chair of the Board
bayou city industrial contractors , ltd
Serving Through 2024
Angela Thatcher Chair of the Board Elect air products , llc
Amanda DeAlejandro VP of Membership Activities
Michelle Thomas VP of Community Development
Serving Through 2024
Serving Through 2024
community first er
celanese clear lake plant
Bob Bradshaw VP of Economic Development ineos olefins & polymers usa
James Perrin VP of Business Development sulzer turbo services , inc .
Austin Lloyd VP of Marketing Development
Serving Through 2024
Serving Through 2025
cornerstone systems
Serving Through 2025
Serving Through 2026
DIRECTORS Mark Bookmyer
Kelly Green
lyondellbasell industries
heat plant services
Chad Warden
the wooden spoon kitchen & bakery
Serving through 2025
Serving through 2024
Serving through 2026
Ali Hager
Beth Brady
Derrin Riddick
texas stress , inc .
public speaker , preacher ’ s kid
enterprise products
Serving through 2024
Serving through 2025
Serving through 2026
Scott Halbrooks
Jack McCarthy
La’Jasmine Fitch
oxychem la porte vcm
mrc global
kuraray america
Serving through 2024
Serving through 2025
Serving through 2026
Brenda Thompson
Dausha Moore-Wright
Clint Dubec
dupont bayport
fathom realty
kaneka north america
Serving through 2024
Serving through 2025
Serving through 2026
Scott Gernander
Shannon Cotham
Sheree Turnage
san jacinto college
fischers hardware
mitsubishi chemical
Serving through 2026
Serving through 2025
Serving through 2026
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Adelina Gomez-Abshire Past Chair of the Board beacon federal credit union
Mayor Louis Rigby
Mayor Michel Bechtel city of morgan ’ s point
city of la porte
Mayor David Jennings city of shoreacres
Dr. Walter Jackson
superintendent , la porte isd
CHAMBER STAFF Jeff Martin President
Megan Weaver Vice President
Naomi Richison Marketing Coordinator
Jackie Olvera Administrative Assistant
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Get
to
Know
the
Board
Each month we showcase a couple of our board directors giving you the opportunity to know our leadership team
Beth Brady We all somehow knew retirement from the insurance world wasn’t going to stop Beth from her dedication and involvement in her community! Beth is well-known throughout La Porte for her enthusiastic volunteerism. Her servant heart was instilled in her as a young child who grew to become passionate about family, community, and Jesus. Even at a young age she dreamed of serving one day, albeit as a Park Ranger! Today, she enjoys retirement by fishing, swimming, golfing, and spending time with her large family of five children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild! Oh, and many, many hours of volunteer work, of course.
James Perrin If you could describe James in one word, it could very well be ‘driven’, and it’s this drive that draws inspiration from those he encounters. James joins us representing Sulzer Turbo Services, Inc., where he has worked for about 13 years, coinciding with his marriage to his wife, Nicole, with whom he shares two children with. James enjoys boating, beach days, and cycling when he’s not on the job. In fact, the accomplishment he’s most proud of is earning the title of Texas State Champion in cycling and bike racing! We are very pleased to have such a driven individual serving on our Board of Directors through 2025.
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January Business of the Month:
Monument Inn Restaurant
👉 Monument Inn Restaurant
📍 4 406 Independence Pkwy S La Porte, Texas 77571
📞 (281) 479-1521 💻 monumentinn.com
We would be remiss if we continued the year without recognizing Monument Inn Restaurant for being awarded our January Business of the Month! Although some scheduling issues held us back, we were finally able to recognize them at our Annual Banquet event! Monument Inn has been a long-standing part of La Porte history, having weathered a devastating fire just six weeks after opening, hurricanes, multiple renovations, and the covid pandemic. Their service and commitment to their community and employees have relentlessly continued throughout it all. Bob and Ann Laws purchased the Monument Inn in June of 1990 and the restaurant has been in business since 1974 serving up some of the freshest seafood, succulent steaks, and their famous homemade cinnamon rolls, right along the colorful ship channel! Thank you for all you do!
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Featured Business
OF THE MONTH
February Business of the Month:
Main Street Food Truck Park & Entertainment Center
& Entertainment Center
📍 4 02 Main Street
La Porte, Texas 77571
📞 (713) 557-4943
A great, big congratulations to our February Business of the Month, Main Street Food Truck Park & Entertainment Center! Owner Brandy Peres has been on a mission since she purchased the food truck park last year, and it’s turning out to be a prime gathering location for families and groups. With daily specials from the Tiki Bar, a live music and entertainment calendar, and kid and dog friendly deck, it’s no wonder Main Street Food Truck Park has wildly grown in popularity since last summer. Follow their Facebook Page for current updates and plan to bring your crew as the weather warms up! FEBRUARY 2024
👉M ain Street Food Truck Park
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Currently, their rotating lineup of trucks includes KB’s Kitchen, Be Cool Be Calm Eats, and Dang Dats Delicious. All in all, you have your choice in brick oven pizzas, Hawaiian and Puerto Rican-inspired, and comfort foods with their own unique twist - basically, you can make anyone in your group happy with this meal mecca! We are so grateful to Brandy and her team for the lively transformation you’re providing on our beloved Main Street!
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NEWS FROM THE
Chamber of Commerce
Nonprofit Committee Brings in Fundraising Expert The first Nonprofit Committee meeting of the year started off with a bang with the help of Stephanie Clawson, Business and Community Outreach Specialist. Stephanie spoke to a full house on how to increase giving at your large annual fundraiser and gave tips on attendance of C-level employees. Any of our members are invited to join committees of their choosing. The Nonprofit Committee is not only for nonprofits, but also for those who are looking to get involved with nonprofits, making this group a fantastic tool to increase community engagement.
Chamber Recognizes Outstanding Partners at Awards Banquet
This event serves as a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our business community. We honored outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions throughout the year. The highlight of the evening included the presentation of awards for Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, |
The program also featured the swearing-in ceremony for our newly elected Directors, who will play a vital role in steering our organization towards continued success. Additionally, we expressed our gratitude to the outgoing directors by presenting them with well-deserved plaques in recognition of their dedicated service. new lp chamber directors
Our first major event of the year, the Annual Awards Banquet was hosted at Monument Inn Restaurant on January 31, 2024. In attendance were several elected officials, local dignitaries, and some very special guests of honor.
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and Industry of the Year; although the “heads & tails” and Bingo games provided some comedic relief!
Brenda Thompson, 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Please help us congratulate Brenda Thompson for being awarded your 2023 Volunteer of the Year! We greatly appreciate the many hours she has donated to our organization and to our members, among the many others she affects. Thank you for all you do, Brenda!
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Brenda Thompson was born and raised in Beaumont by her parents to be “Servants to God and to their community”. Her Dad, at 86 years old, still today volunteers his time each week, serving on two separate boards, and working part-time. As the oldest of 3, her brother and sister also continue to serve others.
attend Bayshore Elementary and Thomas is ready for Kindergarten next year.
Brenda has worked for DuPont for 33 years and has no doubt, when transferred to the Bayport site in 2001, that moving to La Porte was the perfect fit for Brenda and her family. Her husband Ed used to say they live in “La-Mayberry, the friendliest town on the Bay”. Brenda and Ed were married for almost 30 years and their daughter, Sarah, has blessed them with three amazing grandchildren. Adam and Freya
Brenda says it’s an honor serving on the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2018, watching the chamber bounce back to a flourishing business while giving back to those in need. She serves as a Hospitality Minister at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic church in Clear Lake, has been a member of Rotary Club of La Porte Texas since 2008, joined the San Jacinto College Foundation Board in 2022, and strives to be wherever she can to lend a hand; such as HELPS Mentoring Program in LPISD, Early Act at Baker, and DuPont Bayport CARE Team under the direction of RodRick Moore, Plant Manager. Brenda loves the variety of tasks that she’s assigned to at DuPont Bayport. It’s never dull and
FEBRUARY 21 at 12:00 PM Learning the tools offered by Canva can help jump start your small business marketing efforts! Join the chamber in partnership with The Social Hive for a Canva basics Lunch & Learn. Bring your laptops or tablets and learn as you go. Registration is required and seating is limited - so, what are you waiting for?
SIGN UP
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THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL BANQUET SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR
EXECUTIVE SPONSORS
AWARDS SPONSOR
to know that she has an instrumental role by supporting her co-workers all the way up the channel to their customers and beyond is very rewarding.
Coastal Ice & Water, 2023 Business of the Year
Congratulations to Coastal Ice & Water, LLC for being awarded your 2023 Business of the Year! There are a number of times Coastal has come to our rescue when we needed it or simply donated to keep our guests hydrated during the Texas heat. We appreciate everything they do not only for us but for our citizens, too! Coastal Ice & Water, a local, family-owned business, has grown as an innovative industry partner by listening and meeting needs of customers and local commu-
nities for nearly 35 years. The more than 35 diverse families employed by Coastal Ice & Water gratefully deliver superior customer service to partners who have made the local, woman-owned business the largest commercial wholesaler of hydration safety in the Houston area, allowing Coastal to employ seven second and now two third-generation family members to distribute more than bag ice and bottle water – they deliver sustainable hydration and safety solutions. Symbolic of Coastal’s commitment to evolve, when industry adopted sustainable goals to eliminate plastic waste, Coastal Ice proactively developed initiatives to recover and recycle plastic bottles and target proceeds to improve skilled workers needed by an expanding petrochemical industry and its industrial contractors. Coastal Ice gives back and strengthens local communities by supporting industry values such as diversity, through Economic Alliance Women’s Leadership; workforce education, through EHCMA’s golf tournament, multiple industry and chamber events, and, of course, safety solutions, including a new Hydration Safety Seminar presented on location. These efforts warranted ABC Greater Houston acknowledgment of Coastal Ice as new member of the year, and Texas Chemistry Council’s recognition of Coastal Ice as regional business of the year and recipient of the 2022 Leadership Award.
Air Products, 2023 Industry of the Year
Congratulations to Air Products for being awarded your 2023 Industry of the Year! Air Products has actively reached out to our school district, local businesscontinued on next page… FEBRUARY 2024
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GROWTH MANAGEMENT TRAINING & LABS for
VETERAN BUSINESSES LEARN HOW TO ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH IN 2024! Harris County Precinct 2 is now accepting online applications for the Biz2Empower Small Business Accelerator. You Must Apply Now. The application period ends on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, and classes start on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, through April 16, 2024. Seating is limited for the training classes, so allocations are provided on a first-come, firstserved basis only. Here’s How to Apply Online Visit https://www.hcp2.com/biz2empower A Hybrid Learning Model The Accelerator is a multi-week training series that will be conducted live both online and in “handson” training labs. Training Labs Description The training labs are designed to provide an in-person instructor led interactive learning experience for business owners. You’ll have the opportunity to meet, interact, and network each week with other business owners from your area in a positive and fun class environment. All business loans or other financing are subject to credit approval. Attendance or completion of Biz2Empower Accelerator program does not imply or in any way guarantee a contract or other award at any time.
Training provided by:
Procurement Basics for Contractors Learn how the government procurement process works so that you can access more opportunities. Government Contracting Made Simple In this training, you’ll learn how access online tools and ecommerce strategies to add new revenue streams to your existing business model. Credit Smart for Small Business In this training segment you will get direct access to small business lenders to access startup loans, business credit, and get debt-free working capital credit lines. Competitive Bid Pricing Strategy If you’ve ever lost a bid – don’t miss this class. Learn how to increase your win rates by up to 70% and yes – still earn a profit. Resource Referrals Available Referrals are available for those who need accounting, legal, I.T. or other supportive services.
Loans provided by:
Class Location: V.V. Ramsey Veterans Services 16003 Lorenzo Street Channelview, Texas 77530
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La Porte First Church, 2023 Non-profit of the Year
Please help us congratulate La Porte First Church for being awarded your 2023 Nonprofit of the Year! Pastor Shane Klinkerman and La Porte First Church has been a true friend to our chamber and the La Porte community for many years.
es, and various charitable organizations in our area to help where they can. We want to recognize them for the hard work their team is doing to embrace growth in the community! Thank you, Air Products and Angela Thatcher! Founded in 1940 by Leonard Parker Pool, Air Products quickly became a leader in the gas industry. In their 84 year history, Air Products has been building relationships and contributing to the well-being of host communities around the world. They do this in many ways: through employee volunteerism, employee-directed matching gifts, financial contributions from the Air Products Foundation, and in-kind donations. The theme for Air Products’ community outreach efforts is “Working here. Living here. Giving here.” Air Products has been operating in the city of La Porte since 1972. Their employees work and live close to
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The mission at La Porte First Church is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community. They believe they have been strategically placed here in La Porte for this time and this season. Pastor Shane and his team believe in the community and know when it succeeds, we will all succeed. They want people to see Jesus in all they do. In 2023, Shane and his team hosted monthly Community Business Breakfasts for our members where he provided them with a brief message of encouragement and a delicious meal. More importantly, his team answered the call to help feed approximately 75 students from across La Porte ISD who get their primary nutrition from school provided breakfast and lunch during the school week, but have little to no nutrition over the weekends. La Porte First Church sends backpacks of food home with the children every Friday. Additionally, the church supports numerous outreach projects within LPISD that include HELPS Mentoring, BAM, feeding the LPHS football team each week
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CHAMBER NEWS, CONTINUED…
their facilities, providing not only economic benefit to the community, but also a deep commitment to contributing to the health and vitality of this community. They embrace the opportunity and responsibility to be good neighbors and an integral part of the communities in which they live and work.
CHAMBER NEWS, CONTINUED… during the season and helping to establish a Student Life ministry that meets weekly with over 500 students across the district. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the outstanding dedication, hard work, and social impact that La Porte First consistently delivers. Their commitment to community service, philanthropy, and the betterment of society has truly set La Porte First Church apart within the nonprofit sector. This accolade reflects the significant contributions and positive change that their organization has facilitated, not only in the La Porte-Bayshore community, but also in the lives of those being served.
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Joint Social Mixer Exceeds Expectations When one of our members reaches out and has a need, we try our best to fill it! Morgans Landing Apartments wanted a way to showcase their beautiful property to the community while giving their guests some interaction with chamber members. Sounds like a win-win, right? It was! The apartment staff went above and beyond making sure every attendee enjoyed themselves, making them wonderful hostesses. With about 50 members, guests, and residents in attendance, we all walked away feeling like we gained either a friend or a potential business partner. We’ll definitely be scheduling another Membership Mixer soon!
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CHAMBER NEWS, CONTINUED…
Aloha! The Children’s Pageant applications for Sylvan Beach Festival are now being accepted! Click to download the application and return it to the chamber office to register your littles!
Join the parade! We’re now accepting registrants for the Sylvan Beach Day Parade! Learn more and submit your registration to get in front of hundreds of people!
Community Business Breakfast Welcomes All With Motivational Messages The Community Business Breakfast is a monthly event hosted through a close partnership between the chamber and La Porte First Church. Each meeting features a light breakfast paired with a positive message anyone is welcomed to take advantage of.
these monthly community breakfasts, so keep an eye out for the next one and thank you to everyone for helping make this special event such a great success!
A record-breaking number of attendees, neighbors within the community and business members, showed up during the January meeting. Guest speaker, Joseph Ingram, was delighted to share his discussion on integrating biblical truth into our marketplace success. There is no cost to attend L A P O RT E - B AYS H O R E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Vendors, it’s your time! We still have some vendor spots available for Sylvan Beach Festival! Get your applications in to naomi@laportechamber.org to lock in your spots!
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RIBBON CUTTING Round Up
👉 Joe I. Zaid & Associates At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, you won’t be settling for less than you deserve because their team will fight tirelessly to turn your setback into a major comeback! From car accidents to dog bites and slip-and-falls, you can count on their compassionate staff to ensure you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Joe Zaid is not just any attorney; he is a dedicated personal injury attorney in Houston with a specialization that gives him an edge. His practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, which means he has an in-depth understanding of Texas law and how it applies to your case. Having worked within the insurance indus-
📍 4 710 Vista Road, Suite E Pasadena, Texas 77505
📞 (281) 990-5200 💻 www.joezaid.com
try, Joe brings a strategic advantage to the table, offering insights that can be pivotal in negotiating fair settlements. This experience is just one reason why Joe I. Zaid & Associates is often rated among the top personal injury attorneys in Houston! Contact them today for your completely free, no-obligation case review so that you can understand whether hiring a personal injury attorney is in your best interest.
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👉M ark McVey,
Loan Originator
📞 (832) 407-6181 💻 www.mmgoodloans.com
We want to welcome Mark McVey, Loan Originator to the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce! This Loan Daddy knows the ins and outs of mortgage loans and wants to make your home
buying experience the BEST experience! He loves helping new home owners and those looking to refinance. Mark believes anyone can get the power to buy a home no matter your circumstances, so that you can start building equity today! Even when you think it might be better to wait for more favorable interest rates, he advises to “date the rate, marry the house”, meaning rates will change over time and can be adjusted during the life of your mortgage. However, your home is a long-term investment that you should LOVE! Let Mark McVey help you determine your buying power and how to get more if you want it! It all starts with a phone call!
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RIBBON CUTTINGS, CONTINUED…
👉 Christina Boles,
Keller Williams Clear Lake
📞 (281) 705-3208 📧 christinaboles@kw.com 💻 christinaboles.kw.com
Congratulations to Christina Boles, Keller Williams Clear Lake on your official Ribbon Cutting! With a creative passion for helping others, a deep-rooted commitment to community, and a strong sense of moral responsibility, Christina brings a unique blend of skills and values to the world of real estate. Armed with a degree in Art & Graphic Design, her keen eye for aesthetics and attention to detail are invaluable assets when it comes to marketing and showcasing properties. In addition, Christina holds over 17 years of experience in church leadership and ministry where she learned the importance of effective communication, and the power of building meaningful relationships.
She approaches every real estate transaction not just as a business deal but as an opportunity to help families find their perfect home, where they can build cherished memories. Coming from a law enforcement family background, this heritage instilled in her a strong sense of integrity, and trustworthiness - qualities that naturally translate into safeguarding your real estate transactions. This rich tapestry of experiences has equipped Christina with a unique set of skills that sets her apart in the real estate industry. As your trusted real estate agent, Christina is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the home buying or selling process. Be sure to save her info for your next real estate needs!
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Presented By
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Congratulations to La Porte Roofing and Remodeling LLC on joining the chamber! At La Porte Roofing and Remodeling they prefer to take an individualized approach to your roofing and construction projects. Take the worry out of your home project knowing they’re bonded and insured, and they’re your neighbors - they’ve been a part of the La Porte community for over 30 years! Built on honesty and integrity, this company puts the customer first, completing your projects and standing behind every job they complete. With high-quality materials and a variety of services, from commercial to residential, remodel to new construction, you can count on La Porte Roofing every time! Schedule your appointment for a free roof inspection today!
👉 La Porte Roofing & Remodeling
📞 (281) 699-9123 📍 312 W Main Street
La Porte, Texas 77571
💻 www.laporteroofing.com
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👉 Industrial Safety Training Council
📞 (832) 514-7541 📍 3166 Decker Drive
Baytown, Texas 77520
💻 www.istc.net
We’d like to extend a warm welcome to one of our newest members, Industrial Safety Training Council! ISTC is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit training and education organization delivering safety training and site specific job safety orientations to contractors and employees across the nation. From Southeast Texas and serving beyond the Gulf Coast, their proven methods have helped to equip top energy providers in oil, gas, construction, and petrochemicals. ISTC responds to the challenge of these industries by combining their acquired knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards within the industries with their expertise in training, and they are proud to train the best in the business! Drop by their facility and Melissa will be happy to give you a tour! Congratulations on your ribbon cutting, ISTC!
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NEWS FROM OUR
Chamber Members
Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Receives Transformational $50,000 from Celanese Foundation Clear Lake, Aiding Construction of Affordable Home in La Porte In a significant step towards addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the Bay Area, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce a generous $50,000 donation from Celanese Foundation Clear Lake. This transformative contribution from Celanese will directly support the construction of an affordable home for a family in need in La Porte, embodying the commitment of both organizations
to build stronger, more resilient communities. “We are so grateful to Celanese for helping us build a home for a deserving family in La Porte,” said Megan Scheffer, Interim Executive Director at Bay Area Habitat for Humanity. “We are excited to start building with this team soon and continuing our partnership to help future families!”
The La Porte home will be constructed with the help of volunteers, the future homeowner, community members, skilled professionals, and the Celanese team, working collaboratively to bring a family’s dream of affordable homeownership to reality.
“Our site is thrilled to not only be making a financial contribution, but also to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity on the future build of a home in the La Porte area,” said Jim Pictured left to right: Eboni Gordon, Jim Barrington, Sheila Reeves, Shannon Jackson, April Jimenez, Kayla Barrington, Site Director at Kwan, Megan Scheffer, Charles Broussard, Greg Goodman Celanese Clear Lake. This partnership between Celanese and Bay Area Habitat for Humanity exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing community needs. The construction of the La Porte home will stand as a tangible manifestation of their shared commitment to improving the quality of life for families in the communities where they live and work. For more information about Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, please visit bahfh.org. L A P O RT E - B AYS H O R E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Submit your press release to naomi@laportechamber.org
For more information about Celanese Foundation Clear Lake, please visit celanese.com. About Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Bay Area Habitat for Humanity – Houston, Inc. is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and making adequate, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. Since its founding in 1991, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity has built over 171 new homes and repaired or renovated hundreds of others, giving members of our community a better place to live. About Celanese Foundation Clear Lake Our vision at Celanese is to improve the world and everyday life through our chemistry, innovation and experience, which is why the Celanese Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our neighbors in the communities where we live and work.
Six Campuses Named Among Best Elementary Schools Six La Porte ISD elementary schools have been named among the 2024 Best Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The six honored elementary schools are College Park, Heritage, Jennie Reid, La Porte, Leo A.
Rizzuto and Lomax. The U.S. News & World Report ranking methodology focuses on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts while accounting for student
backgrounds, achievement in core subjects, and how well schools are educating their students. “The Board of Trustees’ bold vision for our school district reflects a commitment to excellence, and these achievements are a result of that vision,” Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson said. “It is a huge source of pride knowing that the dedication of our teachers, students and parents has resulted in national recognition for our schools.” The 2024 Best Elementary Schools honors are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education. Parents, educators and students can see how La Porte ISD’s honored schools compare to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.
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LPPD Remembers Chief Doug Ditrich We want to thank everyone for your overwhelming support during the passing of Chief Doug Ditrich. It truly warmed our hearts, and it was very touching to see so many residents, local businesses, and other law enforcement agencies showing support and sharing stories about how Chief had impacted their lives. On this sad occasion, silver linings were found in the many relationships established by Chief Ditrich. Chief Ditrich was well-liked and respected. His character as a man and as a law enforcement servant was evident to everyone. It was often stated Chief Ditrich was a man after God’s own heart. As an agency, we are in mourning, and we do so alongside our community. It is an incredibly sad time for those who considered him so much more than just “Chief.” With that said, we are going to carry on proudly. Chief Ditrich was an excellent mentor and passed down a great deal of knowledge and wisdom to his officers and other employees. He may not be here, but we can still hear him telling us, “Do your best… and let God do the rest.” We will carry on his legacy by serving the City of La Porte with continued on next page…
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BAY AREA TURNING POINT PRESENTS
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
ART
GALLERY This event is open to all teens who want to express their artistic creativity! You can enter any kind of artwork including paintings, drawings, music, poetry, and much more! Your theme is “Love Like That” where “THAT” represents what a healthy relationship looks like.
LOVE LIKE THAT ! FEBRUARY 21, 2024
6 PM
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WEBSTER RECREATION CENTER 311 Pennsylvania Ave, Webster, TX
www.bayareaturningpoint.org Bay Area Turning Point
BayareaTurningPointInc 24 HR CRISIS HOTLINE - 281.286.2525
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: MPRENTICE@BAYAREATURNINGPOINT.ORG L A P O RT E - B AYS H O R E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
him in our hearts. Again, thank you for the prayers you’ve prayed, the food you’ve shared, the coverage you provided for our city, and the kind words you’ve spoken. Your gestures mean the world to us. In the coming days, we ask that you continue to remember the Ditrich family in prayer. Rest in peace, Chief. We will take it from here.
DuPont Bayport Awards Funding for 2023 Community-Impact Grants to Local Community Partners DuPont Bayport, a global leader in innovation and technology, generously donated funds to local community partners who consistently make an impact
to residents of the La Porte, Pasadena, Webster area.
San Jacinto College Foundation
San Jacinto College Foundation to support the Promise at San Jac Scholarship Program where the last-dollar scholarship covers tuition and fees for eligible high school seniors who enroll at San Jacinto College. DuPont’s donation will improve the community’s future economic outlook by increasing college credentials and raising potential household income. Together, DuPont and San Jacinto College are making a difference in the lives of students and the local community.
Pictured from Left to Right: Morris Guy, San Jacinto College student; Sebastian Gonzalez, student; Andrea Nguyen, San Jacinto College Foundation, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; Mayra Hernandez, student; Brenda Thompson, Site Administrator and Technical Service Technician over Special Programs for DuPont Bayport; Kerry Haner, Maintenance Manager for Dupont Bayport; Jeffrey Magill, student; Robert Cage, San Jacinto College Foundation Executive Director; Charles House, student; and Cassandra Limas Karson, student. FEBRUARY 2024
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DuPont shares the College’s vision of empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals regardless of their financial circumstances. By investing in ‘The Promise Program’, DuPont joins in this commitment to create a more diverse and skilled workforce. Thanks to DuPont’s generosity, San Jacinto College will increase awareness of higher education and job training opportunities. Promise Scholars will make steady progress toward
MEMBER NEWS, CONTINUED…
their desired degree or certificate, without earning unnecessary credits, and graduate debtfree and ready to join the workforce. Brenda Thompson, a DuPont Bayport employee, joined the San Jacinto College Foundation Board of Directors in 2022 and shared the value she had for ‘The Promise Program’ with the Bayport CARE Team. Brenda is excited to partner with community Representatives of the DuPont Community Impact Fund awards a $2500 grant to the Rotary Club of La leaders on a committee Porte in support of the La Porte ISD Partners in Education program. From Left to Right are Terri Cook - cofor the 2024 Hollywood ordinator of the LPISD Partners in Education program, Tanisha Williams - DuPont Quality Engineer and CARE Nights Gala on May 17 to Team leader, Brenda Thompson - DuPont Site Admin/Technical Service Technician, RodRick Moore - DuPont Plant Manager, and Dr. Walter Jackson - La Porte ISD Superintendent of Schools. Jackson, Thompson, and support the work of ‘The Cook are all La Porte Rotarians. Promise Program’ at the Hollywood Nights Gala Partner in Education with the James H. Baker Sixth San Jacinto College Foundation. Join us as a guest or Grade Campus, and Rotarians are involved in a a sponsor. wide variety of volunteer activities in La Porte ISD schools.
Rotary Club Of La Porte
DuPont Bayport awards Rotary Club of La Porte for the club’s participation in the ‘La Porte ISD Partners in Education’ program. The Partners in Education program connects businesses, industries, community organizations and volunteers with La Porte ISD schools to positively impact the education of students. The Rotary Club of La Porte serves as a
In addition to its partnership with the Baker campus, the Rotary Club of La Porte sponsors several community service organizations for youths—the Interact Club at La Porte High School and the EarlyAct Clubs at Jennie Reid Elementary and Baker.
Congrats, Bay Forest! We’re thrilled to share that Bay Forest has been ranked as the 5th Most Popular Golf Course in Texas by Golfers’ Choice in 2023!
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“On behalf of the La Porte Rotary Club, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to DuPont for the company’s unwavering support,” said Mason Peres, President of the club. “DuPont’s commitment empowers us to make a lasting impact in education with La Porte ISD through Partners in Education. Together, we build a stronger community for generations to come. Thank you for being a beacon of corporate responsibility and community collaboration.”
mission of Bay Area Turning Point is directly aligned to Dupont’s Community Impact strategy to Empower Communities with the Basics to Thrive. BATP empowers the under/voiced and under/ privileged to reach their full potential; and to drive economic opportunity towards self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life; and by leveraging employee volunteerism by supporting Bay Area Turning Point in community activities.
One of DuPont Bayport’s employees, Brenda Thompson, has been a member of the Rotary Club of La Porte since 2008. In addition to attending weekly Rotary meetings and events, Brenda dedicates her time to the ‘HELPS Mentor Program’ at Bayshore Elementary, one more segment of the La Porte ISD Partners in Education program; the EarlyAct Club at Baker Sixth Grade and assists the LPHS Interact students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.
Earlier in the summer, Alex Hoodenpyle, Site Engineering Lead & Contract Administrator for DuPont Bayport, rallied Bayport’s CARE Team to assemble over 100 backpacks with toiletry items to have available for their client’s first night’s stay.
Tanisha Williams is the DuPont Bayport Site CARE Team Leader and participated in the 2023 La Porte’s Sylvan Beach Pageant. Tanisha had so much fun getting to know everyone involved and found out why the La Porte community is vibrant and active. RodRick Moore, DuPont Bayport Plant Manager, is Vice President of La Porte Education Foundation Board of Governance, which is also supported by the Rotary Club of La Porte and Partners in Education. The La Porte Education Foundation raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to fund innovative and creative instructional projects for students and teachers in the La Porte ISD to make learning more exciting for students of all ages.
Bay Area Turning Point (BATP) was established in 1991 and has 65 beds available as a 24-hour Crisis center for domestic and sexual violence that shelters women, children, and sometimes men. BATP is a safe and confidential place to talk, to come to when in trouble and needing a safe haven. They offer shelter, food and clothing, childcare & parent education classes, will connect clients to crisis intervention & counseling, provide interview & job assistance. BATP will assist with locating transitional housing once a client is confident and self-sufficient. Their hotline number is 281-286-2525.
Bay Area Turning Point
The Bay Area Turning Point is pleased to share our appreciation to the DuPont Bayport site in Pasadena, TX for a Community Impact Grant. “The funds arrived at a time when funding was at an all-time low, and we were in the midst of planning our Annual Gala”, said Katherine Swanson (BATP). “When we received the invitation to complete the financial application for the Community Impact grant on behalf of DuPont, it was as if a miracle were happening.” The Bayport CARE Team believed that the FEBRUARY 2024
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Left to right are Brenda Thompson, Tanisha Williams, RodRick Moore of DuPont Bayport; and Katherine Swanson of Bay Area Turning Point WWW.LAPORTECHAMBER.ORG
New Members 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.
Christina Boles, Keller Williams
Joe I. Zaid & Associates
Christina Boles La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 705-3208 christinaboles@kw.com
Samantha Zaid 4710 Vista Road, Suite E Pasadena, Texas 77505 (281) 990-5200 samantha@joezaid.com
Edward Jones Investments Jesse Oliva 10407 W. Fairmont Pkwy, Suite A La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 941-7047 jesse.oliva@edwardjones.com
Empower Financial Group Lisa Burgett (713) 594-9394 lburgett@empowerfingroup.com
Industrial Safety Training Council Melissa Thompson 3166 Decker Drive Baytown, Texas 77520 (832) 514-7541 melissa.thompson@istc.net
La Porte Roofing & Remodeling Hector Orellana 312 W. Main Street La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 699-9123 info@laporteroofing.com
Mark McVey, Loan Originator Mark McVey (832) 407-6181 mmcvey@hancockmortgage.com
Monument Chevrolet WC Smith 3940 Pasadena Fwy Pasadena, Texas 77503 (713) 473-7601 marketing@monumentchevrolet.com
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Renewals ALTIVIA Specialty Chemicals,LLC
Heavenly Hands Personal Home Care
Amegy Bank of Texas
InkSpot Printing
Around La Porte Community Newspaper
Kuraray America - Eval
Braskem Americas
La Porte Rail & Terminal
Brock Services, Ltd - Region 3
Lubrizol Corporation - Bayport
Carol Spruiell Keller Williams Clear Lake
LyondellBasell Industries La Porte Complex
Ceres Gulf, Inc.
OxyChem La Porte VCM
Clayton Funeral Home of La Porte
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant
Coastal Exterminating Company
Pfeiffer & Son, Ltd.
Fathom Realty
RE/MAX Excellence
Firetrol Protection Systems
Simply Sleep, LLC
The Gates on Main Street
Taylor Morrison
Goodyear Bayport Chemical Plant
Texcellent Heating & Cooling LLC
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union
Tracey Bookkeeping Services LLC
Gulf States Materials, Inc.
Thank you for your continued support!
FEBRUARY 2024
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Upcoming Events February 20, 2024 @ 11:30am Lunch Mob Ed’s Bistro
February 21, 2024 @ 12:00Pm Canva 101 Lunch & Learn
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Jeff Martin President jeffmartin@laportechamber.org Megan Weaver Vice President megan@laportechamber.org Naomi Richison Marketing Coordinator naomi@laportechamber.org JACKIE Olvera Administrative Assistant info-lpcc@laportechamber.org
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