March 2024 | La Porte Chamber Insider Newsletter

MARCH 20

After Hours Mixer with BATP

MARCH 21

Community Business Breakfast

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LETTER FROM THE Chair

The trees are budding with bright green again and the fields are speckled with yellow and white wildflowers. March signals a season of change, and there’s no shortage of positive changes happening all around the Bayshore communities.

The improved weather is bringing people out of the house and together to enjoy local events all around town. If you were able to attend La Porte’s Trade Days this past weekend, I’m sure you can testify. The vendor market marked the 7th year of Trade Days. Events such as these benefit many businesses and individuals and help make our community a vibrant one.

The chamber staff is looking forward to offering members and citizens a variety of social and networking events, including educational workshops like their Lunch & Learn Canva 101 class, which was met with a good deal of praise. Staff will get another similar workshop scheduled soon for those who didn’t get to attend the first one.

We’re also working on incorporating a Young Entrepreneurs Expo in the coming months. Educating our youth will encourage a strong business climate for decades to come.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our newest members. The chamber is up to 18 new members for the 2024 year already; and, if that doesn’t speak to the plethora of benefits the chamber offers, I don’t know what does! Try to get involved as much as you can. If you don’t know where to start, ask the chamber staff or an Ambassador. They’ll guide you in the right direction.

Our nation’s current economic forecast can be scary and intimidating for business owners, but local businesses are growing and thriving. I challenge you to invite one business you work closely with and invite them to join the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. We can all work together to grow this invaluable network so that when one business grows stronger, we all grow stronger together.

Wishing you and your business continued success and prosperity! We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!

Preston Bearden 2024 Chair of the Board La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce

Angela Thatcher

Chair of the Board Elect

air products , llc

Serving Through 2024

Bob Bradshaw

VP of Economic Development

ineos olefins & polymers usa

Serving Through 2024

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Preston Bearden

Chair of the Board

bayou city industrial contractors , ltd

Serving Through 2024

Amanda DeAlejandro

VP of Membership Activities

community first er

Serving Through 2024

James Perrin

VP of Business Development

sulzer turbo services , inc .

Serving Through 2025

DIRECTORS

Mark Bookmyer

lyondellbasell industries

Serving through 2024

Beth Brady public speaker , preacher ’ s kid

Serving through 2024

Scott Halbrooks

oxychem la porte vcm

Serving through 2024

Brenda Thompson dupont bayport

Serving through 2024

Scott Gernander

san jacinto college

Serving through 2025

Mayor Louis Rigby

Kelly Green

heat plant services

Serving through 2025

Ali Hager

texas stress , inc .

Serving through 2025

Jack McCarthy

mrc global

Serving through 2025

Dausha Moore-Wright fathom realty

Serving through 2025

Shannon Cotham

fischers hardware

Serving through 2026

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Adelina Gomez-Abshire

Past Chair of the Board

Mayor Michel Bechtel

Michelle Thomas

VP of Community Development

celanese clear lake plant

Serving Through 2025

Austin Lloyd

VP of Marketing Development cornerstone systems

Serving Through 2026

Chad Warden

the wooden spoon kitchen & bakery

Serving through 2026

Derrin Riddick enterprise products

Serving through 2026

La’Jasmine Fitch

kuraray america

Serving through 2026

Clint Dubec

kaneka north america

Serving through 2026

Sheree Turnage

mitsubishi chemical

Serving through 2026

Mayor David Jennings

Get to Know the Board

Each month we showcase a couple of our board directors giving you the opportunity to know our leadership team

Scott Gernander

Scott comes to us from San Jacinto College where he has worked for twelve years. He enjoys the amazing leadership the college offers and helping to take care of all the students and employees.

As a child, Scott enjoyed watching and supporting the basketball team his father coached so much that he aspired to become an NBA superstar himself. To this day, the athletic elites and their coaches still inspire him. The accomplishments he is most proud of are his Coach of the Year awards for successful basketball coaching, following in his dad’s footsteps.

When he isn’t on the court, you might find him at one of his favorite Tex-Mex restaurants enjoying a margarita!

Brenda Thompson

Brenda has enjoyed working at DuPont for 33 years now! She also loves tending to her flower beds, spending time with her grandkids, and traveling.

Of all her travels, she especially loved going to Louisiana as a child where her aunt and uncle had an old country store on the bayou. There she would spend hours on end playing dominoes, pool, and music on their old juke box.

You’ve probably met Brenda at one point or another because she volunteers at most chamber functions, as well as with Rotary Club of La Porte, the HeLPs Mentoring Program, the DuPont CARE Team, San Jacinto College Foundation Board, and more! It’s no wonder she was our 2023 Volunteer of the Year!

NEWS FROM THE Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Supports Members at HASC Tailgate Extravaganza

The Houston Area Safety Council hosted their much anticipated Tailgate Extravaganza on February 9, 2024. Area industries, including several chamber members, celebrated the Safety On The Strip theme with Vegas-themed tents featuring over-the-top decorations, great food and drinks, and impressive entertainment! Chamber staff was joined by directors of the board to support members and recruit new members.

The HASC annual Safety Awards will take place on May 17, 2024 - we wish all participating chamber members good luck! To view all the finalists and more from the HASC Tailgate, visit https://hubs.li/Q02hM8FH0

Full House For Lunch & Learn: Canva

101 Class

Marketing your business can be tough, especially in this age of social media, apps, and a million other confusing tech things! That’s why we partnered with Sarah Coupland with The Social Hive to host the first Lunch & Learn of the year with a focus on Canva, a popular marketing tool.

Sarah walked attendees, some equipped with their laptops or tablets, through some Canva basics before taking some more in-depth requests and teaching some valuable hacks!

We will be partnering with The Social Hive again soon, so keep an eye on our calendar at https://bit.ly/LaPorteCalendar for upcoming dates.

Ed’s Bistro Mobbed by Chamber Members

Don’t let the headline fool you; our Lunch Mob is a cordial gathering of chamber Ambassadors, board directors, and members at various local dining establishments. We host these casual monthly get-togethers with the simple end goal of garnering a little attention for our restaurant business members.

The February Lunch Mob at Ed’s Bistro On Main was well attended, and with good reason. Since their opening, Ed’s Bistro has been a popular dining destination for locals and out-of-towners. Their rotating menu featuring masterful culinary creations offer a unique dining experience. The same can be said of their artistic bartending. Ed’s boasts a comprehensive wine list and adult libations, and even offers occasional wine pairing classes.

Lunch Mob is open to anyone in our membership who wishes to join. All you need to do is RSVP online through our website calendar or shoot an email to megan@laportechamber.org. Each attendee is responsible for their own tab.

Join us for our next Lunch Mob on March 26, 2024 at 11:30am at Tortillas Mexican Restaurant located at 9602 Spencer Hwy in La Porte.

Congratulations to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters on their Grand Opening of The Bridge for Kids!

The Bridge For Kids will provide a safe and secure environment offering specialized, trauma-informed childcare to foster recovery and healing for both the child and their family.

LEARN MORE

Don’t miss out! Make plans to attend Sylvan Beach Festival on April 27!

Scan the code for event info & tickets!

Over the last 18 years, Casey Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 #1 singles, to a nationally hot touring act who consistently sells out venues all across the country. For Donahew, who was largely inspired by Garth Brooks and his mammoth live show and ability to whip a crowd into a frenzy onstage, the songs were always the main thing – and still are to this day.

In the proudly independent Texas-country scene, it’s not easy to separate yourself – or to evolve once you have. But for almost 15 years, William Clark Green has done both with a nod to his home state itself, both rooted in the past and barreling toward the future. Boasting sandpaper vocals and country-rock sound at the crossroads of back-alley grit and gravel-road grace, WCG appeals to a wide audience.

Casey Donahew

William Clark Green

VISIT SITE

VISIT SITE

For years we have brought some of the best Texas Country music artists to Sylvan Beach Festival, as well as many up and coming artists we’re excited to share with you. This year, we are pleased to bring headliner Casey Donahew, supported by William Clark Green, William Beckmann, and local favorite, Big Jordan Band. Learn all about the 2024 artists here and make plans to attend April 27th!

Hailing from the small border town of Del Rio, TX, William Beckmann was raised on classic country as well as the mariachi and Norteño sounds of northern Mexico. He delivers a fresh blend of vintage country, Americana and Latin music with a timeless baritone and an old soul maturity that belies his youth.

Big Jordan Band is a high-energy red dirt country rock band hailing from La Porte, Texas, just outside of Houston. Performing classic covers, popular hit songs with a Big Jordan twist, and their own originals, you will be up on your feet before you even know it.

William Beckmann

Big Jordan Band

VISIT SITE

VISIT SITE

RIBBON CUTTING

Kings BBQ La Porte

�� 521 W. Main Street

Pasadena, Texas 77505

�� (281) 470-8358

�� kingsbbqcatering.net

There is an enticing, ever-present aroma as you stroll down Main Street in La Porte. The kind that makes your nose tingle and your stomach growl simultaneously. That’s how you know you’re close to King’s BBQ!

Kings has been serving La Porte, Deer Park, Baytown, and the surrounding areas for over 15 years! This family-owned establishment offers the best juicy cuts of brisket, smoked turkey, sausage, loaded baked potatoes, all the fixins, and more! In fact, Kings BBQ sounds like a great option for lunch with your crew today!

Congratulations on their official Ribbon Cutting and welcome to the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce family! Be sure to think of them when you’re hungry or for your next catering needs!

NEWS FROM OURChamber Members

OxyChem Donates $50,000 for LPISD Energy Saving Upgrades

La Porte ISD received a $50,000 donation from OxyChem to go toward energy saving upgrades at The Academy of Viola DeWalt High School. OxyChem worked with Texas A&M University to conduct an energy audit at the campus to help La Porte ISD save money on energy costs and lower energy usage. The district will use the donation to install LED lighting and a building automation system, which will allow for scheduled lighting and HVAC operation.

superintendent for administration and support services; Billye Trader, LPISD executive director of special programs; Scott Halbrooks, OxyChem La Porte VCM plant manager; Renee MacAulay, OxyChem Battleground technical manager; Dr. Walter Jackson, LPISD superintendent of schools; Jorge Pino, OxyChem Battleground plant manager; Dr. Rebecca Brown, LPISD deputy superintendent for academics; Bryan Oliver, OxyChem Battleground maintenance manager; and Adam J. Holland, LPISD director of communications and community relations.

“We are grateful for OxyChem’s generosity,” said La Porte ISD

Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “These upgrades will help us use less energy and save on energy costs for years to come.” OxyChem and Texas A&M will conduct an energy audit at a district elementary campus in the near future.

Mini-Mural Trail in the Works in La Porte

Get ready for a fun and artistic way to explore La Porte’s Main Street! The City of La Porte has partnered with local artist and La Porte High School alumna, Whitney Hayden, owner of Murals By Whitney, to

Pictured from left are Andrew Verga, OxyChem Battleground safety manager; Dr Dustin Bromley, LPISD deputy

create a unique mini-mural trail that ties the bayfront location of the city into the Historic Main Street district.

A Celebration of Main Street and Sylvan Beach

La Porte is one of very few cities in Texas who have a historic Main Street only a few minutes from the coastline. To bring the bay vibes and the seagulls on the City seal to Main Street, a plan was hatched to incorporate the birds in a creative mural trail, themed for each installation. This is where Whitney really shined, creating a seagull at a local saloon that looks like it just walked off the soundstage of an old western film and another who could be a chef from the kitchen at a local restaurant where it was painted. The match between the gulls and their locations brings them to life in truly inventive ways.

Submit your press release to naomi@laportechamber.org

“Ever since I started painting murals, I’ve wanted to create art in my hometown,” Whitney says. “I am thrilled to be working with the City of La Porte on this project. I think this is the perfect little project to kickstart public art installations that will strengthen our community’s character, tell our story, inspire, and just make people smile! I’m looking forward to more projects in the future.”

Unleashing the Inner Explorer

The Mini-Mural Trail promises engaging experiences for all ages. Participants can download a dedicated map online or pick one up at the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce to plot their course and document their discoveries on social media using the hashtag #LPgulls. Prizes await those who complete the entire trail, adding extra excitement to the adventure! Winners will be randomly selected from

social media posts that use the #LP gulls and #VisitLaPorteTX hashtags.

A Lasting Legacy

The Mini-Mural Trail is not just a temporary artistic endeavor; it aims to leave a lasting impact on the community and encourage more public art in the community. The City of La Porte plans to continue adding seagulls to Main Street and beyond.

Businesses in La Porte that are interested in becoming a part of the Mini Mural Trail may send a request to Communications@ LaPorteTX.gov.

Mitsubishi Chemical-SoarnoL volunteers start chess club at College Park

Mitsubishi Chemical volunteers Jerry Curtis, back left, and Reggie Delaney gather with some of the students who participate in College Park Elementary School’s Chess Club, which was created by Delaney and Curtis at the start of the 2023-24 school year. At right is College Park Principal Camilla Whitlock. Read the full story about this fun after-school learning activity here

Gringo’s La Porte & Jimmy Changas

Pasadena Display

Stunning Act of Generosity

On January 29th, Gringo’s La Porte and Jimmy Changas Pasadena came together to host a fundraising event in honor of Sherri Moody, a beloved member of our community facing significant challenges. In a display of solidarity, Gringo’s and Jimmy Changas dedicated 100% of their restaurant sales for the day to support Sherri and her family. The generosity of their patrons, combined with the company’s commitment to the community, resulted in a total donation of $50,000, presented to Sherri to assist with her medical needs.

PV

This donation was only made possible because of the incredible and unwavering support of the La Porte and Pasadena communities.

Rentals La Porte Thanks Community for Decade of Service

PV Rentals has been in Business for over 40 years in the Houston area. We have branches in Houston, Galleria, Corpus Christi, Nederland, and near IAH Airport. We rent 15-passenger vans, pick-up trucks, box vans with lift gates, gooseneck trucks and more, plus we deliver anywhere in the USA.

PV Rentals is celebrating 10 Years in La Porte, Texas. We wanted to Thank all our customers and businesses in La Porte and the surrounding areas. We really appreciate all of you.

We also wanted to thank the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce for all they do for us.

Stop by and check out our new fleet of trucks, vans, gooseneck trucks & Box trucks. Reserve yours today at:

PV Rentals

302 Hwy 146 South La Porte, TX 77561

713-295-7177

Branch Manager: Lonnie Williams

Pictured are Account Manager Sherry Berg alongside Operations Manager Nelson Tamez

Personal Injury Attorney

Joe I. Zaid & Associates Law firm is a Personal Injury Law Firm located in Pasadena, Texas seeking an attorney that is experienced in handling pre-litigation and litigation cases.

Send resume and cover letter via email hr@joezaid.comtoor on our career page at joezaid.com

Intake Specialist

Must have great communication skills, active listening skills, empathy and compassion, interpersonal skills, organization and attention to details, problem solving abilities, some legal knowledge, computer proficiency, time management skills, and the ability to work as a team.

If this fits you, please email us your resume at hr@joezaid.com

Bilingual

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.

Anchored Properties Group

Shelly Green 11715 N. H Street

La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 222-8389

shelly@anchoredproperties.org

Candlewood Suites

Justin Gorashko 1250 S. 13th Street

La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 471-0555

gm@candlewoodlaporte.com

Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation

Blair Williamson 2950 East X Street

La Porte, Texas 77571 (281) 478-3900

b.williamson@cmefhouston.org

Orbital Engineering

Jessica Hitchcock 718 FM-1959

Houston, Texas 77034 (713) 385-4820

jhitchcock@orbitalengr.com

Bayshore Dodge

Baystar

Blackmon Plumbing

Custom Gifts and Promos

Cyberlytics

Dana Transport, Inc.

The Discipline Coach

Empower Financial Group

Faust Distributing Company

Fraternal Order of Eagles; Bayshore Aerie 2753

Gold Star Car Ports

Harbour Bay Apartments LP

Hawthorne at Bay Forest

Houston Yacht Club

La

La Porte Police Officers’ Association

Port City Process

March 20, 2024 @ 4:30pm

La

March 26, 2024 @ 11:30am

La

Turner Industries surprised us with their wild drink concoctions!

Jeff

Megan

Naomi

JACKIE Olvera

@LaPorteChamber