Chamber Express - March 2024 Edition

Opportunity is knocking

Industrial Trade Show & State of Industry Business Luncheon: April 23, 2024

The petrochemical industry is the heart and soul of Texas City and La Marque. It defines what we do and where we live in our community. Some may take for granted the important role this industry plays in the life of our two cities. But the number of jobs created directly by this major industry is in the thousands, and the number of indirect jobs is innumerable. Virtually all businesses in this area depend on the strong economy that is generated by our local plants.

The Industrial Trade Show, hosted by the Texas City-La Marque Chamber and presented by Valero, is designed to bring people together to make valuable connections for their businesses. Meeting a new contact or reconnecting with a client is what this event is all about.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INDUSTRIAL TRADE SHOW?

Guests will learn about the latest industrial trends, gain competitor insights and make key industry contacts to solidify customer relationships.

For Chamber members who do business with industry, this is a unique event to enhance your brand and product visibility, promote new

and existing products, generate leads and drive sales.

Potential buyers, including large corporations from the Galveston County area, will be in attendance. The trade show features all sectors of the local industrial community. It’s a perfect opportunity for Chamber members to exhibit or attend plus invite colleagues from engineering, maintenance, operations, purchasing and general business to discover what this marketplace has to offer.

This year’s Industrial Trade Show will be held on Tuesday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Doyle Convention Center in Texas City. Admission is free for those who conduct business within the industry sector and currently are involved in the local industrial marketplace.

(This event is for business professionals and not the general public.)

NEW THIS YEAR!

Enjoy the addition of the State of the Industry Business Luncheon to the programing of the day This luncheon will feature a fireside chat about updates from leaders of several local industry plants. The luncheon will be held at the Nessler Center, Wing of Heritage Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets

are $35 for Chamber members and $45 for Prospective Member or $350 for a reserved table of eight. (This portion of the event is open to the public). Luncheon Table Sponsors receive a reserved table, recognition at the event and print and online publicity for $1,000. There will be more than 80 vendors

with booths at this show. Vendor spaces are available to Chamber members only. Registration is open now.

For more information, contact Angela Bernard, Director of Events & Operations, at 409-935-1408 or angela@tclmchamber.com.

FROM THE BEACH TO THE BAY TO THE BAYOU

UNITED WAY ANNUAL THANK YOU LUNCHEON

The TCLM Chamber team had a great time at the United Way Galveston County Mainland 2024 annual Tank You Luncheon on Feb. 8 at the Nessler Center in Texas City.

United Way fights for health, education and financial stability and helps empower those who are able to make a meaningful difference in the Galveston County community.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Crystal View @ Lago Mar

3220 Crystal View Blvd., Texas City, TX 7710 281-971-2924

Representative: Sara Freeman

www.tbdhomes.com

crystalviewatlagomar@tbdm.com

Real Estate Rentals – Residential

Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston League City 1144 Pinnacle Park Dr., League City, TX 77573 281-967-8490

Representative: Cesalee Johnson

www.marriott.com/houlg

ffileaguecitysales@lbaproperties.com

Hotels, Motels

Ken Ross – State Farm Insurance 1108 Bayou Rd., La Marque, TX 77568 409-938-8591

Representative: Ken Ross

www.kenross.com

Insurance

Keyworth’s Hardware

2208 FM 517 Rd. E., Dickinson, TX 77539 281-337-4905

Representative: Jason Patton

www.keyworthhardware.com

key1hardware@comcast.net

Hardware

League of Women Voters of Galveston 4037 Conifer Dr., Dickinson, TX 77539 713-899-6585

Representative: Kay Lowell

www.lwvtx.clubexpress.com/lwvgalveston

Non-Profit Organization

Northstar D & R Inc.

16421 Aldine Westfield Rd., Houston TX 77032 281-449-5911

Representative: Justin Wenner

www.northstar.com

Demolition Contractor

Path Environmental Technology

4723 Pinemont Dr., Houston, TX 77092 800-836-9931

www.pathenviro.com

LEADERSHIP MAINLAND

Leadership Mainland held its first session Feb. 22-23 at the Courtyard by Marriott – Galveston Island. The group spent the day doing team-building exercises and participated in personal and professional development activities led by The Daily News Publisher Leonard Woolsey. Also, the group participated in role-playing to practice leadership styles and management skills. The members learned useful tools to help them with building relationships and active listening. Overall, the Leadership Mainland class learned effective skills on how to be a successful leader in the workplace and community.

Thank you to Courtyard by Marriott – Galveston for hosting and providing meals for the class. Also, a big thank you to Galveston Limousine & Transportation for taking to class to and from Galveston.

CENTER FOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCE CONFERENCE

The Texas City-La Marque teams, President/ CEO Tim Culp, Vice President Stefanie Aldrich, Director of Communications Marielle Mascorro, Director of Events & Operations Angela Bernard and Director of Membership Bianca Jenson attended the Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence (CCCE) conference at Texas A&M University from Feb. 18 to Feb. 21.

There, the group had the chance to attend classes with other fellow Chamber of Commerce Executives and learn how to better their individual chamber knowledge. The members learned about the importance of economic development, strategic planning and tips on topics to help them succeed in what they do.

The third night at Texas A&M University, the group was invited to tour the Bush Presidential Library and witness the year three class graduates from the CCCE program. Aldrich had the opportunity to graduate this year from the program. The group learned a lot of valuable information and is ready to apply it to everyday work.

The Women in Business networking group met Feb. 22 and heard from guest speakers Anita Jones, of Linde Inc., and Stefanie Aldrich, of the TCLM Chamber. The theme was “Living Unapologetically You” and was sponsored by Linde Inc. Jones and Aldrich spoke about how to be your true self. They had the group participate in an exercise that helped everyone learn about her personal vulnerabilities and how to overcome them. The class broke into groups and shared not only their triumphs but also their insecurities with one another and gave each other advice on ways to overcome any insecurities. This luncheon was truly a powerful event! The next Women in Business Luncheon will be Thursday, March 28 in the TCLM Chamber Conference Room. The theme will be “Life-Giving Leadership” with guest speaker Suzanne Ricketts, of Bravenly Global. Find more details online at www.TCLMchamber. com under “Events.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

The TCLM Chamber Young Professionals Network had its Coffee Fusion: Uniting Forces networking event Feb. 8 at the Galveston County Health District.

Everyone in attendance had the chance to make valuable connections and have insightful conversations with community partners.

Thank you to Galveston County Health District for hosting this great event! The next Young Professionals event will be March 15 at High Horse Saloon for an after-hours and grand opening event. Find full details online at www.TCLMchamber.com/youngprofessionals.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

832-706-3326

Representative: Daniel Salvato

www.heightsskin.com

houstonheightsderm@gmail.com

Medical

Ken Ross – State Farm Insurance 1108 Bayou Rd., La Marque, TX 77568 409-938-8591

Representative: Ken Ross www.kenross.com

Insurance

Southern Bell Food Company 199 Vauthier Rd., Unit D, La Marque, TX 77568 409-203-3711

Representative: Clarence Bell

www.facebook.com/southernbellfoodcompany southernbellfood@gmail.com

Restaurants

Grease Monkey

Texas City

3010 FM 1765, Texas City, TX 77590 409-419-1200

The Grease Monkey Texas City location opened in 2021, and it has been a proud family-owned business dedicated to serving Texas City and La Marque communities with car maintenance services. From its humble beginnings, the business has grown to become a trusted cornerstone.

At Grease Monkey Texas City (GMTC), community involvement is at the heart of everything the company does. The business believes in giving back and actively participating in local initiatives, charity events, and sponsorships to support the growth and well-being of the community. GMTC’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond its products and services; it’s about fostering meaningful connections and making a difference where it matters most.

In 2023, GMTC participated in more than 25 community events, including investing in sponsorships with the Erica Allen Memorial, cancer awareness, drug awareness and domestic violence awareness. GMTC also helped sponsor

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

local football and baseball teams.

GMTC collaborated with the City of Texas City and City of La Marque offices in the Fall Sweep and donated bikes to the Family Bike Festival organized by the Texas City Police Department. The business also participated in fall festivals with local churches.

The company also has participated in community parades, including the Mardi Gras, Juneteenth and Christmas parades, along with the Texas City High School and La Marque High School homecoming parades. GMTC also invests in school sponsorships at Heights Elementary School. GMTC provided school supplies supporting the Galveston County Health District back to school drive. The business also participated in The Daily News Press Run, which helps provide newspapers for schools.

GMTC participates in sponsorship for

several community nonprofit organizations, such as The Penny Foundation, Rose Mary Ministries, Galveston County Food Bank and LULAC’s Rally for Recovery with ROSC.

The partnership with The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce not only has facilitated its growth but also has allowed the business to contribute positively to the economic development of the region. Through collaborative efforts, the company has been able to create synergies and exchange ideas to keep GMTC’s involvement in the community. With a legacy built on integrity, quality and customer satisfaction, the company takes pride in every interaction and strives to exceed expectations.

Grease Monkey Texas City is a dedicated supporter of the TCLM Chamber of Commerce. Kudos to this Business of the Month!

Learn more online at www. greasemonkey.com/texascity.

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ramiro Barba CHAIRMAN

Port of Texas City

Lori Carnes

Carnes Funeral Home

Lisa CashbaughSanchez Dow Chemical

Desoto Clark ROBCO Services

Chris DeVries

Standard Steel Supply

Ryan Doyle Texas First Bank

Lavelle Edmondson Marathon Petroleum

Bill Etheridge Etheridge Realty

Alex Getty La Marque EDC

Robert Grimsley Exodus Consulting

David Grissom DBG Services

George Hill

Tolunay-Wong Engineers

Anita Jones TREASURER

Linde Inc.

Brad Jones

Mainland Tool

Stacey Malbrough VICE CHAIR AMOCO Federal Credit Union

Mandie McMillan Crowder VICE CHAIR RE/MAX Coastal

Frank Mistretta

Houston Hurricane & Security Products

Cory Moss CHAIR-ELECT Valero

Dr. Warren Nichols PAST CHAIRMAN

College of the Mainland

Aric Owens Frost Bank

Jason Pollard Grand Prize Barbeque

Stacy Putman INEOS Styrolution

Philip H. Roberts SECRETARY

Roberts, Johnson & Cain

Patrick Tarpey

Hugh Patrick Construction

Becky TroutUnbehagen UTMB Health

Carla Voelkel Dickinson ISD

Andrew Warren Ashland

Adam Wheeless Gallant Industrial

Peter Wuenschel Communities in School

Chamber Staff

Tim Culp, President/CEO

Stefanie Aldrich, Vice President

Marielle Mascorro, Director of Communications

Bianca Jenson, Director of Member Services

Angela Bernard, Director of Events & Operations

Texas City-La Marque

Chamber of Commerce

9702 E.F. Lowry Expressway Texas City, TX 77590 409-935-1408

www.TCLMchamber.com

Chamber Mission

To serve members and foster economic and community development.

Chamber Vision

To be recognized as a vital resource, providing relevant, innovative and impactful programming that produces a healthy business climate and an enhanced quality of life.

Chamber Express Newsletter

The publication of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce is published monthly (second Sunday of the month). Some content and photos provided as a courtesy by The Galveston County Daily News.