2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT Celebrating 103 Years of Serving the B/CS Community
A Word from our President It is a pleasure to present the twenty-third consecutive Annual Report of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. I was proud to serve as your President & CEO as the Chamber began our 103rd year in 2021! It was a year where local businesses, and also your Chamber, began the long road to recovery after working through COVID-19 pandemic issues. In terms of both our programs and finances, we ended the fiscal year in good shape thanks to help from government relief programs and the hard work of the Chamber staff. In this report, you will be able to read about many of our accomplishments and hopefully find an area where you can partner with us in the coming year. Our local economy has bent, but it did not break. We continued to safely open for business while taking care of our employees’ and customers’ health concerns. New businesses continue to open and the Chamber itself has grown to almost 1,600 members—a new record for membership. Your Chamber continues to focus on providing opportunities to promote your business and support the economy of our community. Our Chamber fiscal year began October 1st, 2020. In November we had a scaled back Annual Banquet. Due to COVID we spread out across the Hilton ballroom with fewer seats at each table and a shorter program to create a safer environment for our attendees. That was followed by two popular events that were very well received but also altered for health concerns: our Annual Ag Breakfast, with over 300 attendees and our Annual Economic Outlook Conference with 300 attendees, as well. Other events were canceled last year such as our Taste of Aggieland, Job Fair, and Inside B/CS. Our seventh annual Founder’s Night was held at the Stella Hotel in Bryan in the month of July. The event held with inside and outside seating and games and it attracted a crowd of over 400 attendees and received outstanding comments with many looking forward to next year’s event. For the ninth year in a row, our Community Softball Classic, which focuses on our first responders, donated a portion of the proceeds to the 100 Club. We also conducted several successful luncheons this Chamber year, including our annual Community Impact Luncheon, honoring our Historically Underutilized Businesses. During the year, we held 5 Groundbreakings, 45 Ribbon Cuttings—including one virtual ribbon cutting—and 21 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings, and 10 Business After Hours. Our Economic Development agreement with Brazos County was renewed and for the eighth year in a row they sponsored our annual “Chamber Day” in March. The event attracted over 150 volunteers who visited approximately 500 businesses, which was much lower due to COVID, but still quite an accomplishment during a global pandemic! We remain committed to having a major focus on legislative affairs at the national, state and local level. Our legislative trip to Washington D.C. and our Chamber trip to Austin were canceled last year but our legislative committee once again prepared our Federal and State Legislative Action Plans detailing the concerns of local business. These were delivered to all of our Texas state legislators and all of the Texas congressional delegation in Washington D.C. We continued our popular Local Candidates Forum which continues to be a source of great information and education for our local voters. Financially, your Chamber finished the year with a bottom line that exceeded our budget for the twenty-first consecutive year and we continue to maintain a strong cash position. This success is the result of the efforts of so many. I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have, by their commitment, established this Chamber as one of the busiest and most outstanding Chambers in the State of Texas. I particularly appreciate the commitment and dedication of our FY2021 Board of Directors (under the leadership of Board Chair Greg Zweiacker with Zweiacker & Associates Real Estate), our Ambassadors (under the leadership of Katerina Hall with FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies), our Leadership Brazos Alumni Association (under the leadership of Joaquin Cervantes) and our extremely dedicated and committed staff. The Chamber can look forward to another strong year of accomplishments under the leadership of our FY2022 Board of Directors, chaired by Wade Beckman with Shipwreck Grill, Amico Nave, Admiral Catering and 3rd on Main, and Chair-Elect Jason Cornelius with Frost Bank. If you are one of our many outstanding Chamber members, thank you for your commitment to our community and your Chamber. If you are not a member, we invite you to call (979) 260-5200 and join us today as we continue our efforts to provide an environment that gives every business in our community Glen Brewer the best chance for success! President/CEO
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BUSINESS
Throughout the year, the Chamber of Commerce and a hosting Chamber member welcome more than 300 attendees to each Business After Hours. While there, Chamber members and prospective members enjoy an evening of fun, food and networking opportunities. Hosting a Business After Hours is a wonderful opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their business and develop relationships with customers that may not otherwise have a chance to visit their establishments. thank you to our 2020—2021 Business After Hours Sponsors:
Allen Honda Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest Arts Council of Brazos Valley Bryan/College Station Toyota Century Square St. Joseph Health Brenham National Bank The Stella Hotel Mercedes-Benz of College Station Inn at Quarry Ridge
Serving the Brazos Valley Since 1976
Wiring the valley (and beyond) since 1976.
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Inner Circle
SILVER Members cont.
The Inner Circle was established in 1988 to provide special recognition and year-round benefits to those members who show extraordinary support for the Chamber and its activities. Membership in the Inner Circle offers an opportunity to attend private luncheons, receptions and events that feature top-level briefings by prominent political, business and community leaders. The Chamber currently has 559 Inner Circle Members. Inner Circle Exclusive Event: Meet & Greet with Coach Jim Schlossnagle Inner Circle Members, their staff and guests were invited for an evening of networking with other Inner Circle members and a keynote and Meet & Greet with new TAMU Baseball Coach Jim Schlossnagle at the Diamond Club at Blue Bell Park on September 14th sponsored by BB&T. There were 95 attendees.
Platinum Members Adam Development Properties Aloft College Station Amarillo National Bank American Momentum Bank ANCO Insurance Atmos Energy Baylor Scott & White Health Blackmon Mooring/BMS CAT BMW of College Station Brazos Valley Mazda Brazos Valley Volkswagen Bryan Broadcasting Bryan Texas Utilities C.C. Creations Children’s Miracle Network City of Bryan City of College Station College Station Ford Lincoln,
LLC College Station Hyundai College Station Utilities First Financial Bank Frost Bank Hampton Inn & Suites Higginbotham Bryan/College Station Hilton College Station Holiday Inn Express - Bryan Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Aggieland Madison Construction, L. P. Mercedes-Benz of College Station Miramont Country Club
St. Joseph Health Staybridge Suites TAMU Marketing & Communications TAMU Office of the President TAMU Office of Vice President for Finance & Admin TAMU Procurement Services TAMU Provost/Exec. VP TAMU University Club The Eagle The Texas A&M University System Truist Walmart Supercenter Wells Fargo Bank Whataburger
GenSolutions, LLC HEB Home2 Suites College Station Lake Walk MLN Service Morningstar Storage Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC Paolo’s Italian Kitchen Peach Creek Ranch Polar Bear Pools and Patios LLC Prosperity Bank Public & Main Shipwreck Grill LP SoCo Blow Dry Bar Suddenlink Communications Suede Boutique
Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center Texas Commercial Waste The Stella Hotel Threads Boutique Top Line Homes LLC TownePlace Suites by Marriott Traditions Club University Title Company Urban Table Vaughn Construction William Cole Companies Wyndham Garden Hotel College Station
Gold Members 3rd On Main a4 media Admiral Catering Aerify A/C Contractors Ag Town Property Maintenance Aggieland Credit Union Aggieland Financial Solutions Allen Honda Amico Nave Ristorante BBVA Burger Mojo #2 Capital Construction Services CapRock Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station Fairfield by Marriott
SILVER Members 4.0 Cuts Barber Salon 7F Lodge and Events ABC Home & Commercial Services Acme Glass Company, Inc. Aggieland Business Park Aggieland Carpet One Aggieland Outfitters Aggieland Roofing Aggieland Spectacles Aggieland Title Company Allen Academy Alltran American Fire Protection Group, Inc. American Overhead Door Co. ANY TIME ANALYSIS Audio Video Avinext Avis Budget Group Avonley Homes Axis Pipe and Tube, Inc.
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B&B Collaborative, LLC Backstage Bistro BCS Stop & Go Potties Big’s Spirits & Wine BigShots Golf Aggieland Biomat USA Plasma Blinn College Blinn College Foundation, Inc. Bluebonnet Place BodyLab Athletics Boots Beverages Branding Iron Management Brazos County Expo Brazos County RV Park Brazos de Dios Harley Owners Group Foundation Brazos Transit District Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corp Brazos Valley Bombers
Brazos Valley Cavalry FC Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Brazos Valley Floor and Design Brazos Valley Orthodontics Brazos Valley Recycling Brazos Valley Restaurant Association Brazos WiFi Brenham National Bank Bridgeway Home Health Britt Rice Electric L.P. Brown & Company Insurance Services Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, Inc. Bruchez, Goss, Thornton, Meronoff & Briers, P.C. Bryan ISD Bryan Modern Dentistry Bryan Premiere Cinema + IMAX
Buppy’s Catering Burger King BVSWMA, Inc C&J Barbeque Caldwell Companies Caldwell Country Caliber Collision Capital Farm Credit, ACA Caprock Construction Caprock Development Capsher Technology, Inc. Carney’s Pub and Grill Casa do Brasil Casa Rodriguez Cavalry Court Hotel CENTURY 21 Beal Century Square Chase Bank Chicken Express Chicken Oil Co. Chick-fil-A Chili’s Restaurant Chrome: A Salon Experience at University Drive Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant Citizens Bank City Bank Mortgage City Bank Texas City of Navasota College Station ISD College Station Modern Dentistry Conlee-Garrett Moving & Storage Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que Aggieland, LLC Copy Corner Crestview Retirement Community Dailey Company, Inc David Gardner’s Jewelers Dealers Electrical Supply Dealers Lighting Decker Financial Group Dixie Chicken DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Duddley’s Draw Dudley Construction, Ltd. Easterwood Airport Management Element Retirement & Investment Consultants Elwood Staffing ErgoGenesis Workplace Solutions, LLC Extraco Banks Eye Care Center - Tower Point Flooring Services of Texas Fortress Health & Rehab of Rock Prairie Four Downs Sports Bar Fries Financial Services, LLC Frontier Communications FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Galleria Spa Salon Boutique Galleria Village Office Building Leasing G-CON Manufacturing Inc. George and Barbara Bush Foundation George Bush Presidential Library and Museum George’s Paint & Body LLC Global Event Group Gooseneck Trailer Manufacturing Grub Burger Bar Guaranty Bank & Trust Guardian Healthcare GuardTexas, LP Hancock Whitney Financial Center HBi Office Solutions, Inc. Hillier Funeral, Cremation and Bereavement Specialists Homewood Suites by Hilton Hopdoddy Burger Bar House of Tires Howdy’s Pizza Howell Service Corporation Hudson Trails Image Solutions Ingram, Wallis & Company, P.C. Inn At Quarry Ridge Integ International Leadership of Texas Isle at Watercrest
ISP Safety Services Jersey Mike’s Subs Joe’s Place Johnstone Supply of College Station K9s4COPs Kasper Insurance Group KBTX-TV3 Keller Williams Realty Kelly Burt Dozer, Inc. Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd. Kept Property Group Kiddie Academy Kiddie Castle Childrens Center, Inc Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc Knife River Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Kristen Distributing Co., Inc. Kyle Office Products/XEROX Lampstand Health & Rehab of Bryan, LLC Lawyers Title Co. of Brazos County Legacy Ace Hardware Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation Liberty Dialysis Liere Insurance Lisam America Inc Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Bryan Lone Star Realty Lone Star Trust & Investment Services Lowe’s M&M Apparel Mad Taco Marketing Heroes Marr Eye Center Martin Marietta Memorial Funeral Chapel Merrill Lynch Messina Hof Winery and Resort MHMR Authority Of Brazos Valley Mid South Baking Mid Towne Apartments Mid-South Electric Co-op Midtown City Center Midtown Towers Apartments Mission Ranch Modern Barber & Beauty Institute Morgan Stanley Motel / Studio 6 Mr. Hamburger Mustang CAT Mustang Rental Services MYCON General Contractors, Inc. Naked Fish Napa Flats Neutral Posture, Inc. O.I. Corp/XYLEM, Inc. Oakwood Custom Homes Group Only 1 Rentals, LLC P.O.E.T.S. Billiards and Sports Bar Paolo’s Italian Kitchen Paragon Financial Advisors Parc At Traditions Park West Party Time Rentals Pebble Creek Country Club Physician’s Premier ER PlanNorth Architectural Co. Plygem Windows and Extrusion Porters Dining+Butcher Post Oak Mall Priority Demolition & Remediation Producers Cooperative Association ProStar Industries, Inc. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers ReconMR Reece Homes, LLC Refrigeration Vessels & Systems Corporation Reliant, an NRG Company Ridgewood Custom Homes Right At Home Rough Draught Whiskey Bar Rx Pizza & Bar Sabi Boutique Sam’s Club Sanderson Farms, Inc. Scasta Family Eyecare & Dentistry Signature Care Emergency CenterCollege Station Sodalis Senior Living Community
Solt Specialties Photography, Inc. Spherion Spirit of Texas Bank St. Joseph Outpatient Rehabilitation Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage Standards Home Health StataCorp LLC State Roofing Company Sterling Auto Group Sterling Kia Stylecraft Builders, Inc. Subway Suites On 6 Swearingen Law Firm Sylvan Learning Center Taco Cabana TAMU Athletic Department TAMU College of Architecture Teksys Net LLC Terrace Pines Apartments TexAgs.com Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/TEEX Texas A&M Physicians Texas A&M Rural & Community Health Institute, College of Medicine Texas A&M Transportation Institute Texas Brain & Spine Institute Texas Mutual Insurance Co The Angry Elephant The Bear Mountain The Brazos Center The Corner Bar & Grill The Deanna Room The Gardens at Texas A&M University The George Hotel The Kyle House & Savage Brew Lab The Langford at College Station The Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C. The Payne Law Group The Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest The Physicians Centre Hospital The Queen Theatre The Ranch Harley-Davidson The Sleep Station The Weinberg at Wixon Valley Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C. Titan Security Tradition Oil and Lube Trevino-Smith Funeral Home Tru by Hilton Bryan College Station Twin City Properties Mgmt, Inc. Twin Liquors Ubeo Business Services United Companies United Rentals Uptown Cheapskate College Station Urban Table US Army College Station Recruiting Center VeraBank, N.A. Village Foods & Pharmacy Visiting Angels Home Care VoiceSurge Von Miller’s Von’s Vision Foundation W3IT Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Warrior Fleet Services Watercrest at Bryan Wayfair, LLC WebUnlimited West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry P.C. Whiskey Charlie’s Liquor Wind Dancer Retreat Wings ‘N More Witt’s End Worth Partners
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Chamber Staff
Greg Zweiacker Board Chairman
Kelly Agent Sidney Backstrom Monica Brown, D.D.S. Austin Bryan John Bush Geoffrey Christian John C. “Jack” Culpepper III Dr. Belinda Dobson Zach Etheridge Jill Gallagher Jordan Januse Bo Miles Demond Oliver Heath Poole Marie Portales Rodriguez Ashley Sanders Pat Shields Agustin Trevino
Glen Brewer President & CEO
Wade Beckman Chair-Elect Phil Shackelford Immediate Past Chairman Jason Cornelius Vice Chair of Leadership Amy Restivo Vice Chair of Finance and Physical Resources Doug French Vice Chair of Business Development Walter Hinkle Vice Chair of Community Enhancement Barbie Patterson Vice Chair of Membership Enhancement
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
Royce Hickman Community Liaison Carrie Archer Manger of Membership Jordan Prihoda Manager of Business Programs Tom Tilton Manager of Finance Taylor Clark Communications Coordinator Ryder Robinson Membership Investment Representative Allison Batte Special Projects Coordinator Shannon Turner Executive Assistant Linda Espiriqueta Receptionist
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2020 - 2021 Membership
Deluxe Ribbon Cutting Sponsors
Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings: South 40 Veterinary Hospital, FedEx, RNL Homes, D.R. Horton, Houston Heavy Machinery, Texas MS150, Another Broken Egg, Aaron Automotive, Heart of Texas Goodwill, Aggieland Roofing, Brookshire Brothers, Angry Elephant, Brazos Valley Welding Supply, Inc., Relax the Back, The Reserve at Cottonwood Creek, VeraBank, Frost Bank, Buff City Soap, Thornton Dental, SoCo Blow Dry Bar, Suede Boutique, The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley, Hardy’s RV Resort, Barker’s Heating & Cooling, Inc., Spa Lucia, Juice Joint, Brazos Valley Gives
New Memberships: 182 • Total Membership: 1,579
Chamber of Commerce staff, Board Members and Ambassadors participated in 5 Groundbreakings, 47 Ribbon Cuttings, and 25 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.
Annual Banquet: Special Recognition November 9, 2020 — Sponsored by the City of College Station
The Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is held every fall and is a time to reflect on the past year and recognize outstanding Chamber volunteers. The 2020 Award Recipients were Kenny Lawson for Citizen of the Year, Sergeant Jason James for Volunteer of the Year and Brandi Trujillo for Ambassador of the Year. Additional Sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, Baylor Scott & White Health, Water to Wine Productions, Copy Corner, HEB, Hilton College Station
Community Impact Awards
March 11, 2021—Sponsored by Texas A&M University Office of Procurement Services The Community Impact Award program was started in 2003 to recognize Hispanic, African-American, Asian, American-Indian, Service-disabled Veteran and Women business owners who have demonstrated a significant impact on our community. The 2021 recipients were Mary Beth House with Curious Collections, Andrea and Charles Green, Kaleigh Bowman, and Nayokia Lyons with Tone 360 Fitness Studios, and Linnann Collins with Comfort Keepers.
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Lobsterfest & Golf Classic September 19 & 20 • The Brazos Center & Pebble Creek Country Club LobsterFest Silent Auction Chair - Dave Ruesink & Ben Caldwell, Golf Chair - Jared Salvato Golf & LobsterFest Committee: Andrea Kelly, Amber Salvato, Andrew Scifres, Ashley Stallings, Baylor Lyon, Ben Caldwell, Brandon Walthal, Brandi Trujillo, Dave Ruesink, Ginny Ford,Gracy Harmon, Joaquin Cervantes, Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, Selina Colwell, William Wight, Zach Etheridge, Maegan Mahoney, Mike Green, McKenna Pustka, Jerrod Lane, Rachel Carrabba, Selina Colwell, Tania Sanchez The Chamber’s LobsterFest and Golf Classic serves as one of the largest annual fundraisers for the non-profit organization. The event began on Sunday September 19 with Lobsterfest featuring a lobster and steak dinner as well as a live and silent auction. The event ends September 20 with a golf tournament, held this year at Pebble Creek Country Club Over 580 Attendees • Over 100 auction items, 8 major live auction items • 50 Teams Title Sponsor: First Financial Bank Platinum Sponsor: C.C. Creations, Aggieland Golf Cars Prize Sponsor: Allen Samuels Hole in one Sponsors: International Leadership School, Centennial Arts, Gold Sponsors: Howell Service Group, Prostar Industries, Amarillo National Bank, St. Joseph Health, Prosperity Bank, Walk On’s Sports Bistreux, Global Catering, Hail Star Dent Repair Silver Sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, BB&T, Frost Bank, Rust Insurance Group, HBi Office Solutions, Summit Fire & Security, American Fire Protection Group, Kristen Distributing Co. Schultz Engineering, The Greening Law Group, Higginbotham, Caliber Collision Media Sponsors: The Eagle, Bryan Broadcasting, Lamar Advertising, a4 media, KTEX 106.1, KBTX, Brazos Valley Communications, KAGS, Admail, iHeart Media, Brazos Monthly, Integ, KAGS Golf Classic Bar Sponsors: First Financial, Spirit of Texas Bank, Service Insurance Group, American Fire Protection Group, Renewal by Andersen Breakfast Sponsor: Pebble Creek Country Club Over 50 volunteers helped across both events Lobsterfest Sponsors: HEB, Redtail Rental, Texas A&M University, SpawGlass Construction, Texas Mutual Beverage Sponsors: Chicken Express, Kristen Distributing, Messina Hof and PepsiCo Additional Sponsors: Avinext, Awards & More, Texas Commercial Waste, Coleman & Patterson Auctioneers, Ashley & Co. Integ, Texas Commercial Waste, Back Porch Vodka, Alpha Graphics, Admail, Pepsi, Mustang Cat, Joe & Loretta Foster, Dos Rios Ranch, Titan Security Solutions, Dr. Robert Lasell, Port Sullivan Ranch, State Representative Kyle Kacal, Tonkaway Ranch, Wade & Mary Beckman, Amico Nave Ristorante, Admiral Catering, Stampede Coatings, Lowe’s of Bryan/College Station, ASAP Equipment, The Law Office of Shane Phelps, Good Bull Ice House, The Eagle, 98.3 KORA-FM, Radio Alegria 1240 AM, 101.9 The Beat, Classic Hits 102.3, a4 Media, Water to Wine Productions, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Integ, Branding Iron Management, Robert Bisor, Global Event Group, Pebble Creek Country Club, Ross Bjork, Oliver Brothers, Senator Charles Schwertner, ABC Home & Commercial Services, Anco Insurance, Arrow S Pest Control, Brenham National Bank, BTU, Callaway Jones Funeral Home, Capital Farm Credit, Fierce Custom Homes, Fundamental Wealth Advisors, Keller Williams Real Estate, Live Oak Pet Services, Paragon Financial Advisors, Terracon, Van Dyke Rankin, Vera Bank, Wellmann Insurance, Guarantee Mortgage, Frontier Title, Another Broken Egg, Yellowstone Landscape, Blackmon-Mooring, Colonial Life - Baker Insurance Agency, Brazos Valley Cartworks
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
WaterCooler 5K
Our Health and Wellness committee continues to expand its efforts to provide an avenue for employers to create a healthy environment for their employees. That was never more evident than with our 7th Annual WaterCooler 5K. Date: May 6, 2021 Location: Lake Walk Title Sponsor: Texas A&M University Number of Attendees: 200
Workforce Development
Membership Luncheons Membership luncheons are hosted by the Chamber throughout the year to perform a variety of functions, such as networking, education or updates on community issues. The following were luncheons or speakers featured by the Chamber this past year: Leadership Luncheon—July 27, 2021. Sponsored by LBAA.
Committee Members: Hanna Jackson, Jennifer Cabeza, Vonda Morrison, Peggi Goss, Ken Dupre Job Fair Date: January 20, 2021 Location: Virtual Title Sponsor: Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley Title Media Sponsor: Bryan Broadcasting Silver Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, KTEX 106.1, The Eagle and Brazos Valley Communications
Youth to Career Fair
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Youth to Career Fair 2020 was cancelled.
CITY OF BRYAN Celebrating 150th Anniversary This year marks the 150th anniversary of the City of Bryan’s official incorporation in 1871. We’re telling the stories of Bryan’s growth – through the people, places and things that shaped the community.
Community Softball Classic: A Tribute to our First Responders July 27, 2021—Sponsored by Salata The Chamber’s Community Softball Classic continues to be a flagship community building event that raises money and awareness for the 100 Club, which supports the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. Over 500 tickets were sold to the event. Location: Bombers Stadium Event Chairmen: Jason Cornelius and Ben Caldwell Additional Sponsors: The Ranch Harley-Davidson, Angry Elephant, Gage Gandy Bailbonds, HEB, The City of Bryan, The City of College Station, TNT Security Solutions, C&J BBQ, Carlson Law Firm, Bryan Texas Utilities, Commander’s Cove, State Roofing Company, AssetHero Property Management, C.C. Creations, Copy Corner, Awards and More, Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, KTEX 106.1, iHeart, Lamar Advertising, The Eagle, KBTX-TV, KAGS-TV, FOX 44, Suddenlink Media
Taste of Aggieland
Explore Bryan’s history:
150.bryantx.gov
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Taste of Aggieland 2021 was cancelled.
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Economic Outlook Conference What has evolved into the premier economic conference in the Brazos Valley, the Economic Outlook Conference has given attendees insight into topics that are or will be impacting the area. The conference has grown to welcoming attendees from other communities, including many elected officials from the seven county regions that comprises the Brazos Valley. Committee Co-Chairs: Rayne Knight & John Happ Committee Members: Mike Connor, John Bush, Al Scott, Kyle Dewitt, Ellen Sacket, Jim Pillans, Chuck Martinez, Tim Neeley Date: February 24, 2021 Location: Hilton College Station Title Sponsor: Wells Fargo Bank Hospitality Sponsor: The City of College Station Platinum Sponsor: Burditt Consultants Session Sponsors: BTU,Coleman & Patterson, Texas A&M University, Stylecraft Builders, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Notebook Sponsors: American Momentum, Another Broken Egg, BCS Apartment Association, Binkley & Barfield, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Capital Farm Credit, Extraco Banks, Kyle Office Products Break Sponsors: St Joseph, BCS Association of Realtors A/V Sponsor: Avinext Speaker Gifts: Visit College Station Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, Integ and The Eagle Other Sponsors: Brenham National Bank, Hilton College Station, KRHD News 25, Atmos Energy, City of Navasota, Civil Engineering Consultants 300 Attendees: affected by Covid 19 pandemic Speakers: Dr. Seth Sullivan, Chad Wootton, Joey Dunn, Natalie Ruiz, Judge Duane Peters, Matt Prochaska, Dan Rudge, Dr. James Gaines
Chamber Day March 25, 2021—Sponsored by Brazos County Over 500 businesses were visited during the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chamber Day, a decrease in visits due to COVID but still a significant feat during a pandemic! Approximately 150 volunteers hit the B/CS streets in small groups. During “Chamber Day” visits, the Chamber and its volunteers took the opportunity to thank local businesses for doing business in Bryan and College Station, as well as to inquire about how the economy has affected them and how their business is doing overall. They also gave the businesses the opportunity to discuss any problems or concerns they have and any other issues affecting them. A survey was conducted which polled local business owners’ attitudes about our local economy: Survey Results: How have sales changed over the past year? “Increase”—46% Do you expect the number of your employees to increase? “Increase”—52% What do you expect our local economy to do? “Increase”—81% Have you applied for and received COVID related government assistance/grants? “Yes”—75% What impact did COVID have on your business in 2020? “Increase”—20%, “Decrease”—56% How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Brazos Valley? “Excellent” or “Good”—93%
Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon
The B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs Committee hosted the 2021 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon with a briefing from US Congressman Pete Sessions Sponsored By: Stylecraft Builders Date: September 1, 2021 at The Hilton College Station Speakers: US Congressman Pete Sessions & Matt Prochaska, President & CEO, Brazos Valley EDC
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
Founders Night A fun, mix and mingle, social evening (i.e., no agenda, speeches or formal program) celebrating the establishment and development of our twin cities. An opportunity to interact with our past, present and future leadership. Meet or reunite with founding families, established and new entrepreneurs, church and civic organization leaders, past/present/ future elected officials, budding new local leaders and numerous others An opportunity to easily recognize, or be recognized (i.e., name tag/ribbon), for the role people play in our community, whatever that may be! An evening of great food, beverage tastings, gaming, music, prizes and. Founders Night supports the Chamber’s leadership programs. Leadership Brazos, Junior Leadership Brazos and the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association help us build future leaders to so we can continue our community’s proud tradition of economic success Committee Co-Chairs: Greg Zwaeicker & Wade Beckman Date: July 16, 2021 Location: The Stella Hotel Title Sponsor: City of Bryan Platinum Sponsors: Allen Samuels, Frost Bank, G-Con Manufacturing, Lucchese, Patterson Architects, TAMU System Gold Sponsors: Amarillo National Bank, BCS Regional Association of Realtors, BTU, Centennial Arts, First Financial Bank, HEB, Knife River, St. Joseph Health, Texas A&M University, The Stella Hotel Silver Sponsors: Cashion Dental, Culpepper Realty, FIBERTOWN Data Centers & Disaster Recovery, Precision Hail Damage Repair, Promises Behavioral Health, Service Insurance Group, Trevino-Smith Funeral Home Contributing Sponsors: Astin Mansion, 12th Man Foundation, BCS Axe House, Brookeshire Brothers, Grand Station, Lucchese, Painting with a Twist, Sabi Boutique, The Stella Hotel, Touchdown Productions, Tru by Hilton, The Yard Event Space, Copy Corner, Downtown Event Services, Hotsy Carlson, Wild Blue Iris Food Sponsors: Admiral Catering, Gate 12, MasFajitas, The Stella Hotel, The Village Cafe, Walk On’s Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, Integ, KAGS, KBTX, KRHD, KTEX 106.1, The Eagle
Legislative Affairs Committee The Chamber is the only local organization that advocates for businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber uses guiding principles in considering positions on business issues. At the heart of these principles is the certainty that the strength of a nation, a state and a community is a reflection of the strength of their economies. Wealth and jobs are created through economic development in a free society by means of free enterprise. Businesses, especially small businesses, are the engines that drive economic growth and rely on an atmosphere conducive to that growth. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, unless noted otherwise. Committee Chair: Leighton Schubert
Transportation Committee
As a subcommittee of the Legislative Affairs Committee, the goal of the Transportation Committee is to collaborate and communicate with Chamber members and key members of the transportation sector and to educate the chamber membership on critical transportation issues and initiatives. This committee will also advocate and legislate for transportation solutions while creating harmony with the coalition of stakeholders. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Committee Chair: John P. Nichols
DEVELOPING TEXAS SINCE 1937 Founded by a man of traditional values that have been treasured and maintained through four generations. We believe a person can rise by the strength of dreams and
character, our word is our most valuable possession, everyone is equal in dignity and worth, plain-speaking and directness are essential values, and friendships endure for life. These beliefs help guide our developments for Texans. Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Ag Breakfast Date: November 24, 2020 Location: Brazos County Expo 300 Attendees Title Sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Producers Cooperative Association, WRI Tractors, and Brazos County Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture: City Bank Texas, Downtown Event Services, Edward Schneider, Elmer Schneider, Fundamental Wealth Advisors, HEB, Hillier Funeral Home, Hilton College Station, Jones | Carter, Wendler Farms
Agribusiness
Annual Crawfish Boil
Committee Chair: Jim Mazurkiewicz Date: March 19, 2021 Committee Members: Dave Ruesink, David Elbel, Elmer Schneider, Jesse Wright, Lonnie Location: Brazos County Expo Cammack, Patricia Gerling, Jay Wilder, John Giesenschlag, John Cowan, Pat Shields, Title Sponsor: Amarillo National Bank Debbie Holladay, Blake Sholz Contributing Sponsors: Hillier Funeral Home, Admail, Bryan Broadcasting, Chicken Express, Connie & John Giesenschlag, G&N Concessions, HEB, Hilton College Station, Integ, KAGS, KBTX, Kristen Distributing, Pepsi, Slovacek Sausage, The Eagle, The Farm Patch, TNT Security, Webunlimited The Agribusiness Award and the Agricultural Impact Award have been presented by the Agribusiness Council since 1982. Brazos County is proud to boast that it is a regional hub Y.E.S. Sponsors: American Fire Protection Group, Brazos County Farm Bureau, Producers Cooperative, EMR Brickyard, Patterson Architects, Capital Farm Credit, Debi Stoll for Agriculture Business and Commerce with over 375 agribusinesses that employ over Inhabit Real Estate Group, First Financial Bank, Prosperity Bank, Brazos Valley Livestock 8,000 local residents and contribute to an economic impact of over $1 billion. Commission, Brown & Company Insurance, Citizens Bank, City Bank, Elmer Schneider, ExploreUS, Hoelscher, Lipsey, Elmore, Poole & Turnbull, Promises Brazos Valley, Signature Agricultural Business Award: J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ CareER, Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, Texas Mutual Insurance Co., VetCor of Agricultural Impact Award: Congressman Bill Flores Brazos Valley, Wild Blue Iris
Agribusiness Awards
3840 Corporate Center Dr. • B-CS • 979.774.3900 Rodney Hurt ’77 • Brad Hurt ’00 • Nick Lutz • Ryan Carr Gary Griffin • John Thames • Ricky Greer • Angie Dean • Kacey Bourke Donna Beeler • Monica Hughes • Katelyn Miller
serviceinsgroup.com
Guardianships of Incapacitated Adults & Mental Health Law Wills/Trusts/Estates/Oil & Gas Law Civil Litigation & Appeals
979.260.9911 • WWW.rodgersmiller.com 12
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
Leadership Brazos In an effort to promote and foster the development of community leaders for Brazos County, the Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Leadership Brazos program. During the nine month program, the participants are shown the many different aspects of Brazos County, from government to agriculture to human services. Many of the past Leadership Brazos alumni have gone on to become actively involved within their community. 2020—2021 Class Coordinators: Trent Vanadore, Josh Gorbutt, Baylor Lyon and Brandi Trujillo Class of 2021 - Melanie Becka, Kathy Brewer, Jim Butler, Traci Camp, Taylor Clark, Lisa Coligan, Max Crawford, Ken Dupre, Milynda Hallermann, Daniel Hawkins, Robert Irving, Allison Kay, Ashleigh Krause, Robert Mandujano, Ryan Mason, Luke Mauldin, Rachel Nave, Barbie Patterson, Tom Patterson, Jonathan Pawlak, Jack Petty, Dwight Price, Lataviya Qualls, Tom Ronat, Jay Rudinger, Tania Sanchez, Crissy Sayers, Andrew Scifres, Jibby Varghese and Kayla Swanson
Leadership Brazos Alumni Association Leadership Brazos Alumni Association, or LBAA, consists of a group of local business and community leaders who have all graduated from the Leadership Brazos program. The purpose of LBAA is to provide a platform for graduates to use the knowledge gained in Leadership Brazos to impact the community and local businesses in a positive way. Are you a graduate of Leadership Brazos looking to become an active member of LBAA? Join LBAA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bcslbaa to see how you can get involved!
Officers
Junior Leadership Brazos
Chairman – Joaquin Cervantes Chair-Elect – Pat Baker Past-Chair – Tracy Paine Treasurer – Allison Adams Secretary – Sally Reigle Members at Large – Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, Michele Kimich, Liz Dickey,
Committee Chairs:
Co-Chairs: Oscee Wheatfall and Sheree Boegner Sponsors: Aggieland Credit Union, Amarillo National Bank, American Momentum Bank, ANCO Insurance, Awards and More, Baylor Scott & White Health, BB&T, BBVA, Brown & Company, BTU, Cal & Beth McNeill, Capital Farm Credit, City of Bryan, Coleman & Patterson, Element Retirement & Investment Consultants, First Financial Bank, G-CON Manufacturing, Kelly Burt Dozer, Leadership Brazos Alumni Association, Producers Cooperative Association, Prosperity Bank, Representative Kyle Kacal, Royce & Mary Hickman, St. Joseph Health, Texas A&M University, Texas Commercial Waste, The Eagle, The Ellison Firm, The Law Office of Shane Phelps, Thompson, Derrig & Craig, University Title Company, West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry
Leadership Brazos – Trent Vanadore and Josh Gorbutt Junior Leadership Brazos – Sheree Boegner and Oscee Wheatfall Inside B/CS: A Briefing by Community Leaders – Tracy Paine Chamber Board Leadership Liaison – Jason Cornelius
Washington, D.C. Legislative Trip
The B/CS Chamber of Commerce has been recognized state-wide as one of the most active legislative driven Chambers. Various business, civic and community leaders travel to Washington D.C. to speak with all the offices of the elected Texas Senators and Congressmen, as well as legislative members from other states that have major roles in 2021 Graduates: Emily Belinski, Leilani Bell, Irene Benavides-Perez, Emily Bienski, business policy. Cameron Boswell, Evelyn Brieden, James Bright Jr., Iris Choi, Turner Clarke, Austin Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington D.C. Legislative Trip for 2020 Comte, Claire Grace Franklin, Jason Garcia, Gabriel Guillen, Kelly He, Chance Johnson, was cancelled. However, B/CS Chamber President & CEO, Glen Brewer, along with Madelyn Kasper, Porter Lemons, Corinne Mayerhoff, Areeba Momin, Christian Navarro, Incoming Board Chairman, Wade Beckman, and Board Member, Jason Cornelius, visited Jay Nobles, Rachel Norris, Maya RIchards, Ivan Sanchez, Ryan Scruggs, Carson Seiber, Washington D.C. in September for the official portrait unveiling for Congressman Pete Stormie Sigler, Braden Simoneaux, Mary Claire Simpson, Ronald Smith, Surya Sunkari, Sessions. Federal Legislative Action Plan Chair: Mike Connor Zaid Torres, Valeria Tsvetkova, Chelsea Wellmann, Claire Wright, Zane Wright
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Ambassadors The Ambassador program is a group of 42 Chamber member volunteers that graciously give their time to support the Chamber in so many ways. Goals of the Ambassador Program include strengthening the Chamber by recruiting new members, fostering healthy relationships with new members by attending ribbon cuttings and Chamber events, and supporting the Chamber by volunteering on committees and assisting with events. It is estimated that over the past year, the Ambassador group donated over 4,000 volunteer hours to the Chamber of Commerce and their community. 2020—2021 Ambassadors: Katerina Hall (CHAIR), Ben Caldwell (PAST CHAIR), Kathy Langston (CAPTAIN), Jared Salvato (CAPTAIN), Ginny Ford (CAPTAIN), Cameron Comire (CAPTAIN), Ashley Stallings, Blaine Decker, Blake Kopetsky, Brandi Trujillo, Brandon Walthall, Christina Hultquist, Christina Seidel, Dave Ruesink, Hans Hammond, Hayley Pennesi, Heath Groves, Heather Willis, Jerrod Lane, Joe Foster, Judy LeUnes, Justin Schroeder, Lataviya Qualls, Marti Hanson, McKenna Pustka, Melanie Becka, Michelle Wagner-Yeatts, Mike Alexander, Mike Connor, Mike Green, Mitchell Kleckley, Mitchell White, Nathaniel Gjesdal, Nelly Mauricio, Paige Naumann, Patricia Lindblom, Rachel Carrabba, Robin Taylor, Sammi Trehern, Selina Colwell, Tania Sanchez, Thomas Hall, Traci Camp
Salesperson of Year: Joe Foster with Titan Security Ambassador of the Year: Joe Foster with Titan Security Ambassadors of the Month: October/November Brandi Trujillo December/January Joe Foster February Ginny Ford March Joe Foster April Ginny Ford
May Joe Foster June Ginny Ford July Joe Foster August Joe Foster September Joe Foster
Local Candidates Forum To help promote an educated voting community, the Chamber hosts annual candidate forums before elections are held. From Congressmen to Mayors to school board candidates, the Chamber provides an evening for the general public to ask questions and become more informed about the candidates. The event is typically moderated by a neutral individual, and audience questions are allowed. October 12, 2020 • Located at The Brazos Center Broadcast Live on WTAW Radio and KTBX.com and covered by The Eagle and KAGS Contested Races: Bryan Single Member District 3 and 4, College Station City Council Member, Place 1, 3, 4, and 5. October 15, 2020 • Located at The Brazos Center Broadcast Live on WTAW Radio and KTBX.com and covered by The Eagle and KAGS Contested Races: Texas State Representative District 14, United States Representative District 17, Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2
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Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: 2020-2021 Annual Report
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Leaders in
Agricult Agriculture Capital Farm Credit is proud to celebrate our own, Pat Shields, on being selected as the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Impact Award Recipient. Pat’s tireless dedication to agriculture and community is second-to-none. Capital Farm Credit has served farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses since 1916 and we are honored to employ those who share our passion and dedication. Together we’re better.
BRYAN 979.775.0404 NMLS493828 | capitalfarmcredit.com