Why Small Business Week matters
Small Business Week is a time to honor the entrepreneurs, innovators and risk-takers who drive our local economy and bring life to our community.
The Texas City-La Marque Chamber is dedicated to creating opportunities for education, connection and innovation. During Small Business Week, we’re partnering with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to bring you a dynamic lineup of webinars focused on growth, strategy and the future of small business success.
Join the Chamber for a threepart Small Business Webinar Series — practical, powerful, and completely free for Chamber members and local entrepreneurs. Learn from experts and walk away with actionable tools to elevate your business.
Free webinars to power up your business
AI-POWERED MARKETING: SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER
Join us and discover how to unlock ChatGPT’s potential across your marketing lifecycle and watch your business thrive. We’ll talk about how to craft effective prompts, leverage AI-powered insights, execute personalized campaigns, and evaluate performance all while saving time and resources.
CUSTOMER SERVICE RE-IMAGINED
The customer experience must remain a top priority to stay ahead. Today, consumers demand a perfect mix of efficiency, convenience, and personalization in every interaction with your product or service. This means your customers are no longer basing their loyalty on price or product. Instead, it’s the quality of experience that will overtake price and product as the key brand differentiator.
MARKET LIKE THE BIG BRANDS
Small business owners might not have the large marketing budgets of giant corporations, but that doesn’t have to stop them from effectively marketing their businesses to their target audiences.
Small Business Summit
Discover how development shapes our community
The Texas City-La Marque Chamber, in partnership with the La Marque Economic Development Corporation and the City of La Marque, is proud to launch an exciting new event — the Small Business Summit, happening May 28
This summit is designed for Developers, Commercial Contractors, Commercial Realtors and aspiring business owners who want to tap into opportunities in La Marque.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Insights from topic experts on Economic Development and Development Processes
• Information on potential development sites within the City of La Marque
• Opportunities to connect with local leaders and industry professionals
Whether you’re ready to invest or just exploring possibilities, this event is your chance to “Come See the Potential” in La Marque.
Community, culture and commerce
La Marque continues to shine as a vibrant hub of activity, with a variety of events and programs designed to spark community engagement, attract visitors and drive economic growth. These events are the perfect opportunity engage with neighbors strengthen community ties and create lasting memories. Take a look at some upcoming events deigned to bring the community closer together.
GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN-UP
Help us keep Texas City beautiful! From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3, there will be clean-ups at multiple community locations, including Carver Park, Sanders Park and The Bell House in the historic 1867 Settlement District, and volunteers are needed. If you can help with planting, painting, removing litter and keeping our community beautiful, sign up today at www.texascitytx.gov. Refreshments will be provided, as will all clean-up materials, including trash bags, gloves and trash grabbers.
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the City of Texas City and LULAC Council 255 on Saturday, May 3. Prepare for a full day of festivities, starting with a parade. Line up is at 10 a.m., and the parade starts at 11 a.m. The route begins at Guajardo Elementary School, travels south on 21st Street and ends at Rotary Pavilion in Nessler Park. After the parade, stay in the park to enjoy the Cinco de Mayo Festival. There will be vendors, food trucks, music, performances and much more. Free admission.
THE ART OF FREEDOM STUDENT EXHIBIT AT THE TEXAS CITY MUSEUM
Students from Texas City ISD and College of the Mainland are invited to be part of the upcoming Art of Freedom exhibit at the Texas City Museum, as part of the City of Texas City’s Juneteenth celebration. Students’ original artwork will be displayed at the Texas City Museum throughout the month of June as part of a special temporary exhibit. Artwork must be submitted by May 6 to museum@ texascitytx.gov, so get creative and show everyone what Juneteenth means to you. Plus, save the date for all of Texas City’s Juneteenth festivities. From a golf tournament to a poetry slam to a paint & sip, there’s something for everyone.
Summer Hire Internship Program (SHIP)
The S.H.I.P. is about to set sail, and college students, if you haven’t applied already, hurry and get your application in before May 11 for your chance to be part of it. The City of Texas City is looking for talented college students for the Summer Hire Internship Program (SHIP). This eightweek summer internship allows students to get handson, real-world experience in the field of their choice. All SHIP interns receive a $50/ week meal stipend, participation in career coaching and, upon successful completion of the full eight-week internship,
a $5,000 scholarship. To be eligible, students must be a junior or senior in college or a graduate student. They also must be a Texas City resident or a graduate of Texas City ISD. Internships are from June 2 to Aug. 1 (with June 30-July 4 off). For more information and/or an application, visit www.texascitytx.gov.
TEXAS CITY TEEN IDOL Teens, get ready to sing, joke or dance your way into hundreds of dollars in prize money at the first-ever Texas City Teen Idol competition. Submit your audio or video audition before May 5 to dasiamoore@texascitytx.gov for your chance at a spot in the competition on May 16. If you are between the ages of 13-18, live in Texas City and/ or are a Texas City ISD student and you can sing, dance, perform music, comedy, poetry, magic or have another talent to share, we want to hear from you! We can’t wait to watch the teens in this community shine! Prizes and major bragging rights are on the line!
MEET THE CHIEFS
Everyone in the Texas City community is invited to stop by to meet the chiefs and some of the officers of the Texas City Police Department, and enjoy refreshments and conversation. Stop by from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at 6901 Park Ave. (the building at the corner of Park Avenue and Westward Street.) Finger foods will be served.
MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE
Join Mayor Dedrick Johnson for a free fitness day with aerobics, yoga, step exercises and more. It’s all happening from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the Carver Center as part of Movement is Medicine: The Mayor’s 2025 Health Initiative. The program is free, and all ages and fitness levels are welcome to attend.
SUMMER FUN STARTS NOW
The weather is heating up, and so is the line-up of fun activities at the City of Texas City! On May 3, the Nessler Family Aquatics Center opens. Featuring a lazy river, flume slides, a cool water spa, a children’s area and much more, the Aquatics Center is the perfect way to beat the heat. And set your alarms — registration for Texas City’s popular Summer Camp opens May 5. Packed with activities like games, crafts, field trips and fun, Summer Camp is open to ages 6-12 and is only $75 per week for Texas City residents and $125 per week for non-residents.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without the Summer Reading Program at Moore Memorial Public Library! Kickoff the celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 31 and “color your world” with a celebration full of treats, fun and games. For more information, visit www.texascitytx.gov.
Mainland Pawn & Jewelry named Business of the Month
Mainland Pawn & Jewelry
106 state Hwy. 3 La Marque, TX 77568 409-935-6673
Mainland Pawn & Jewelry opened in December 1974. We are now in our 51st year in the same location and under the same family ownership.
We make confidential loans on personal property. We are licensed and governed by the Texas Consumer Credit Commission, the same organization that oversees banks in Texas. Unlike banks, our loans are instant and, without having to sell your personal property, you walk out with cash and a contract for redemption.
We are also a new firearms dealer. We are an authorized dealer of Glock, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Colt, Henry, Canik, Sig, Taurus, Tisas and Springfield, among others. We have pistols, shotguns, rifles, revolvers and more specialty types. Of course, all firearms sales and loan redemptions are after a federal background check has been run through ATF, the same as any firearms dealer must do.
Mainland Pawn & Jewelry has eight showcases of pre-owned, estate, and NEW jewelry. We go to market several times a year to bring back the newest styles and customer favorites. We do custom designs and redesigns along with jewelry repair. We also replace watch batteries. Our stock includes tools, electronics and musical instruments. We like to call ourselves “La Marque’s mini-mall.”
Seeing is believing, so come see us. Talk firearms and reloading with owners, Mike and Mac and the rest of our knowledgeable staff, Mikey, our manager, Bob and Graham. Then let Betty, Ginny and Ane help you decide on your next piece of beautiful jewelry. You will love the personal way you are treated at Mainland Pawn & Jewelry with 51 years of experience serving three generations of customers.
Catherine Sachko wins 2024 Chamber Champ of the Year
Building community and business through dedication and heart
When you meet Catherine Sachko, it’s clear she is passionate about two things: helping people and giving back to her community. As an independent insurance agent with Texas Strong Insurance and Investment Services, Catherine has spent the past two years building not just her business, but also her strong connections throughout Texas City and beyond.
Catherine began her journey with Texas Strong two years ago.
“We service a lot of areas,” Catherine explained. “We started in Brazoria County, and now we’re in Galveston County, too. We have policyholders all over Texas and are licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and several other states.”
Texas Strong’s main office is located in Lake Jackson, but recently, the company celebrated the opening of a second office in Texas City at the Urban Works building on 6th and 9th streets.
“As soon as I saw the building, I fell in love with it,” she said. “We started with one office suite and now we’ve expanded to a second — it’s a beautiful space.”
What sets Catherine apart from many in the insurance industry is her flexibility and independence.
“We’re independent agents,” she said, proudly. “That means we can shop around with many different insurance carriers to find the best policy for each client. We’re not tied to just one company.”
Her involvement with the Texas CityLa Marque Chamber of Commerce has
been instrumental in her success. Catherine first connected with the Chamber more than a decade ago when she attended “Ladies Who Lunch” events while working for Guaranty Bank (now PNC). After returning to the area with Texas Strong, she immediately got involved again.
“I love everything the Chamber does,” she said. “The networking events, ribbon cuttings, the gala and all the opportunities they give us to meet new people — it’s made a huge difference for my business. We’ve seen 25 percent growth one year and 33 percent the next.”
In just two years, Catherine has become a standout member, participating in the Ambassador Program, Young Professionals and Women in Business groups. Her commitment and enthusiasm recently earned her the title of 2024 Ambassador of the Year as well as, a Small Business nomination for Women in Leadership Awards (W.I.L.A).
Receiving that award was an emotional moment for Catherine.
“I was shocked,” she admitted. “I work hard, but to be recognized like that — it meant the world to me.”
Despite her success, Catherine described herself as naturally introverted.
“You can do anything you put your mind to. It might not be easy, but perseverance pays off. Some days I wake up and can’t believe where I am — and it’s amazing.”
CATHERINE SACHKO
“It’s not easy for me to put myself out there,” she shared. “But I know it’s necessary for business. Every day, I push myself to talk to new people, to get involved. It’s gotten easier, and when people recognize the effort, it encourages me to keep going.”
Catherine’s future goals include joining the Chamber Board of Directors and participating in the Chamber’s Leadership Program. Long-term, she even dreams of running for City Council.
“I just want to keep learning and giving back to the community,” she said. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Catherine reflected thoughtfully.
“Never give up,” she said. “You can do anything you put your mind to. It might not be easy, but perseverance pays off. Some days I wake up and can’t believe where I am — and it’s amazing.”
For Catherine Sachko, it’s clear: success isn’t just about growing a business. It’s about building relationships, serving the community and leading with heart.
Exciting YP events tailored to ambitious professionals
Story by Charlie Mascorro
TCharlie Mascorro Young Professionals Committee Chair
he Young Professionals’ Pickleball Night was a great success, with a strong turnout of attendees ready to enjoy a lively evening of dinking and drinks. We were happy to see so many new faces ready to network at this after-hours event. Special thanks to Higginbotham for their generous support. We were able to put on a spectacular event because of the time and sponsorship they offered. We have several exciting events coming up this summer! Starting off on Tuesday, May 13, join us for our first Lunch and Learn of the year. This event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the conference room at the TCLM
Chamber. The Young Professionals will have the opportunity to hear Smart Family Literacy speak about hurricane preparedness. The organization’s staff will teach us how to stay prepared and what to pack in your bag in case of an emergency. Lunch will be provided at this event, so please register on the Chamber event page to save your seat!
Then on Tuesday, June 10 the Young Professionals group will be heading to Del Papa Distributing to experience what we consider our favorite event of the year, the Young Professionals Speed Networking Happy Hour. Attendees
will have the opportunity to chat with several community leaders, including Leonard Woolsey, President and Publisher of The Daily News. Young professionals will have the opportunity to ask leaders about their experiences and the decisions that led them to where they are today. Thank you to The Daily News for sponsoring this event and to Del Papa Distributing for hosting the Young Professionals group.
To stay up to date with the latest YP events, check out the group’s landing page on the TCLM Chamber’s website.
The year of influence and who needs to be inspired
Story by Doreen Hughes
The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee held its “Influence in Action” — A Roundtable with the Women in Leadership Award (WILA) recipients.
Doreen Hughes
Realtor at The Sears Group
It was the first gathering of the WILA recipients since being recognized last October. The engaging luncheon brought together six exceptional women leaders who shared their personal stories, insights and experiences on how they influence in their workplace, community, and beyond. Becky Trout Unbehagen, Tucon LLC; Natalie Picha, RHP Wealth Management; Latisha Mobley, The Beauty & The Barber Hubb; Melissa Tortorici, Texas City Independent School District; Hillary Gramm, Higher Up Texas; and Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, Valero Refinery, Texas City. Renee Etheridge, Meador Staffing,
welcomed guests and set the tone for the luncheon theme “Influence in Action.”
Amy Reid, SBDC Galveston County, introduced the WILA panel. Each woman represented her respective category: large business, small businesses, women-owned businesses, educational, non-profit, and young professionals. Brandi Jo Smith, a member of the WIB advisory committee, conducted the prayer.
The luncheon moderator and committee chairwoman, Stefanie Aldrich, Chamber Vice-President, kicked-off the luncheon by sharing her own powerful story of overcoming a catastrophic health scare and how it impacted and shaped her.
Aldrich asked each WILA recipient
prepared questions. The women spoke about overcoming personal and professional challenges, many defeats, and some experienced impostor syndrome despite their accomplishments. They shared how mentoring, decision-making or simply showing up has changed lives.
The WILA recipients shared their experiences of adversity and how they now are intentionally using their influence to uplift other women, especially those early in their journey or underrepresented in the room.
Several women spoke about understanding the weight of their responsibility as they are building relationships, advocating, collaborating, guiding, supporting and serving others.
WILA was organized in 2021 to recognize women who are vital to the success of current Texas City-La Marque Chamber members’ businesses and organizations, with the belief that leadership embodies integrity, passion, humility, empathy, fostering collaborations, servant leadership, uplifting others and adding value to others. Doreen Hughes, The Sears Group, delivered closing remarks. Catherine Boudoin, Account Executive at The Galveston County Daily News, and April Ciccarello, of UTMB Health, made announcements and gave away door prizes. Lunch was catered by Chamber member, Luna’s Mexican Restaurant.
Pictured, from left, are Stefanie Aldrich, Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, Hillary Gramm, Melissa Tortorici, Latisha Mobley and Becky Trout-Unbehagen.
Top left: Brenda Mireles and Jackie Rivera. Top right: Pam Schwertner, Amy Magnuson Reid and Maggie Albrecht Bottom left: Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, Alexis Galvan and Genevieve Bacak McGarvey. Bottom right: Latisha Mobley and Renee Brantley
Group of gift bag winners and donors
Stefanie Aldrich and Maggie Albrecht
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Helen Brewer College of the Mainland
Brandon Brooks Welby Financial
Dr. Rebecca Brown
Dickinson I.S.D
Lori Carnes
Carnes Funeral Home
Lisa CashbaughSanchez Dow Chemical
Kedge Cook Cook Ford
Shane Day CMC Recycling
Chris DeVries
Standard Steel Supply
Wesley Dossett Equipment Share
Ryan Doyle Texas First Bank
Bill Etheridge Etheridge Realty
David Grissom DBG Services
Brad Jones Mainland Tool
Matthew Mahler Marathon
Mandie McMillan Crowder
CHAIR-ELECT RE/MAX Coastal
Tommy Minder BWC Terminals
Cory Moss
CHAIRMAN Valero
Aric Owens Frost Bank
Trey Pruitt Del Papa Distributing
Tracy Pryor HCA Mainland
Amy Reid SBDC Galveston County
Patrick Tarpey Hugh Patrick Construction
Becky TroutUnbehagen Tucon/Unbehagen Construction
Adam Wheeless Gallant Industrial
Leonard Woosley The Galveston County Daily News
Peter Wuenschel Communities in School
Chamber Staff
Tim Culp, President/CEO
Stefanie Aldrich, Vice President
Bianca Jenson, Director of Membership
Angela Bernard, Director of Events
Renee Brantley, Director of Membership Engagement
Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce
9702 E.F. Lowry Expressway Texas City, TX 77590 409-935-1408
www.TCLMchamber.com
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.
