2021-2022 Chamber Annual Report

A Word from Our President

It is a pleasure to present the twentyfourth 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 104th year in 2022! It was a record-breaking year for your Chamber in terms of both our programs and finances. 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 continued to fare well overall and many of our businesses have experienced increased sales. The Chamber itself has grown to more than 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, 2021. In November, we had a successful and informative Annual Banquet. Colonel (Ret.) Ross Guieb delivered the keynote address and we presented our annual awards. That was

followed by two popular events that were very well attended: our Annual Ag Breakfast, with over 530 attendees (largest ever) in November 2021 and our Annual Economic Outlook Conference, with 562 attendees (also a record) in January 2022. Other successful events that remain popular include our Taste of Aggieland, Job Fair, and Lobsterfest & Golf Classic. Our eighth annual Founder’s Night was held at The Stella Hotel in July. The event attracted a crowd of over 520 attendees and received outstanding comments with many looking forward to next year’s event. For the 9th 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 1 Groundbreaking, 54 Ribbon Cuttings 47 Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings, and 10 Business After Hours. Our Economic Development agreement with Brazos County was renewed and for the sixth year in a row they sponsored our annual “Chamber Day” in March. The event attracted over 150 volunteers who visited over 800

businesses. 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. in May was, once again, the highlight of the year for our Legislative Affairs committee. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Pete Sessions and his staff, our delegation had an opportunity to have 30-minute sessions with key leaders in Washington. Members of our delegation visited the offices of all members of the House of Representatives from Texas, along with Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Members of our Legislative Affairs Committee are already working hard on upcoming trips to Austin and Washington D.C. We also continue to host our very popular Local Candidates Forums on a regular basis and it 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-second 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 Wade Beckman with Admiral Catering, Amico Nave, 3rd On Main and Shipwreck Grill), our Ambassadors (under the leadership of Cameron Comire with First Financial), our Leadership Brazos Alumni Association (under the leadership of Pat Baker) 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 Jason Cornelius with Frost Bank and Chair-Elect Doug French with Stylecraft. 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 the best chance for success!

Glen Brewer President & CEO

Bryan/College

Station Chamber of Commerce

PLATINUM MEMBERS

Adam Development Properties

Aloft College Station

Amarillo National Bank

American Momentum Bank

ANCO Insurance

Atmos Energy

Baylor Scott & White

Billy’s Grille & Bar

BMW of College Station

Brazos Valley Volkswagen

Bryan Broadcasting

Bryan Texas Utilities C.C. Creations

City of Bryan City of College Station

City of College Station Council

City of College Station Parks &

Recreation

College Station Ford Lincoln, LLC College Station Hyundai

GOLD MEMBERS

3rd On Main

a4 media

Admiral Catering

Aerify A/C Contractors

Aggieland Credit Union

Aggieland Financial Solutions

Allen Honda

Amico Nave Ristorante

Billy’s Grille & Bar

Blackmon Mooring/BMS CAT

College Station Wyndham Garden Hotel

Courtyard By Marriott College Station Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station

EPMC Group, LLC

SILVER MEMBERS

College Station Utilities

CONNECT REALTY

Cotton Commercial USA Inc

EPMC Group, LLC

First Financial Bank

Frost Bank

Hampton Inn & Suites

Higginbotham Insurance

Hilton College Station

Holiday Inn Express - Bryan

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Aggieland

Leonard Motors

Madison Construction, L. P. Maroon U

Mercedes-Benz of College Station

Miramont Country Club

Schulman Movie Bowl Grille

Schulte Roofing, Inc. St. Joseph Health

GenSolutions, LLC

Gold Star Barber Studio

HEB

Home2 Suites College Station

Kanji Sushi

Lake Walk

Mike’s Barber Studio

Morningstar Storage

Paragon Financial Advisors

Peach Creek Ranch

PNC Bank

Prosperity Bank Shipwreck Grill LP

SoCo Blow Dry Bar

Solt

Suddenlink Business Services

Staybridge Suites

TAMU Division of Academic and

Strategic Collaborations

TAMU Marketing & Communications

TAMU Office of the President

TAMU Office of Vice President for Finance & Admin

TAMU Procurement Services

TAMU University Club

The Eagle Media Company

The Palace Theatre

The Queen Theatre

The Texas A&M University System

The Warehouse at C.C. Creations

Travis B. Bryan Park

Truist

Visit College Station

Walmart Supercenter

Wells Fargo Bank

Whataburger

Suddenlink Communications

Suede Boutique

Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

Texas Commercial Waste

The Queen & Palace Theatres

The Stella Hotel

Threads Boutique

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Traditions Club

University Title Company

Urban Table

Vaughn Construction

William Cole Companies

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.

Aggieland Barber & Beauty Supply

Aggieland Business Park

Aggieland Carpet One

Aggieland Outfitters

Aggieland Roofing

Aggieland Safari Park Aggieland Solar Aggieland Spectacles

Aggieland Title Company

Allumine Health

Alycia Hooper Real Estate Team

American Fire Protection Group, Inc.

American Overhead Door Co. Andrews Myers, P.C.

ANY

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 Valley Schools Credit Union

Brazos WiFi

Brenham National Bank

Bridgeway Home Health

Britt Rice Electric L.P.

Brookshire Brothers

Brown & Company Insurance

Services

Bruchez & Goss P.C.

Bryan Firefighters Association

Bryan ISD

Bryan Modern Dentistry

Bryan Premiere Cinema + IMAX

Bud Cross Ford

Bryan Chrome: A Salon Experience

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 Corn Fusion

Costco Wholesale

Cotton Patch Cafe

Crestview Retirement Community Cross-Town Realty

Dailey Company, Inc

David Gardner’s Jewelers

D-BAT Aggieland

Inner Circle

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 530 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

TIME ANALYSIS

Armstrong Properties

Ashley Furniture Homestore, The Wilks Group

Asset Hero Property Management Audio Video & Security

Avinext

Avis Budget Group

Avonley Homes

Axis Pipe and Tube, Inc.

B&B Collaborative, LLC

Backstage Bistro Bank of B/CS Bank of Brenham

Big’s Spirits & Wine

BigShots Golf Aggieland

Blinn College

Blinn College Foundation, Inc.

Bluebonnet Place

BodyLab Athletics Boots Beverages

Brand It Bandit

Branding Iron Management

Brazos County Expo

Brazos County RV Park

Brazos de Dios Harley Owners

Group Foundation

Brazos Transit District

Buppy’s Catering

Burger Mojo & So Fly Chicken

BVSWMA, Inc

C&J Barbeque

Caldwell Companies

Caldwell Country

Caliber Collision

Capital Construction Services

Capital Farm Credit, ACA

Caprock Construction

Caprock Development

CapRock Health System

CapRock Hospital

Capsher Technology, Inc.

Carney’s Pub and Grill

Casa do Brasil

Casa Rodriguez

Cavalry Court Hotel

Cedar Crest Hospital and RTC

Cedar Lane

Central Texas Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, PA

CENTURY 21 Beal

Century Square

Charles Schwab & Co

Chase Bank

Chicken Express

Chicken Oil Co.

Dealers Electrical Supply

Dealers Lighting

Decker Financial Group

Dixie Chicken

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

Duddley’s Draw

Dudley Construction, Ltd.

Dust to Lawn Irrigation & Landscaping

Dynamite Inspections & Marketing

Easterwood Airport Management

EBCO General Contractor, Ltd.

Element Retirement & Investment

Consultants

Elwood Staffing

Extraco Banks

Eye Care Center

Farrell Gjesdal Strategy Group

Flooring Services of Texas

Fortress Health & Rehab of Rock

Prairie

Four Downs Sports Bar

Fries Financial Services, LLC

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

G Squared Private Wealth

Galleria Spa Salon Boutique

Galleria Village Office Building

Chick-fil-A

Leasing Gate 12 Bar & Grill

Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corp

Brazos Valley Bombers

Chili’s Restaurant

Christian Brothers Automotive -

Baseball Coach Jim Schlossnagle at the Diamond Club at Blue Bell Park on September 14th sponsored by BB&T. There were 95 attendees. Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce:

GATX Rail

G-CON Manufacturing Inc.

George and Barbara Bush Foundation

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

George’s Auto Glass, LLC

George’s Paint & Body LLC

Global Event Group

Gooseneck Trailer Manufacturing

Grub Burger Bar

Guaranty Bank & Trust

Guardian Healthcare GuardTexas, LP

Hancock Whitney Bank

Hardy’s Landing RV Park Hardy’s RV Resort

HBi Office Solutions, Inc.

Hillco Building Service

Hillier Funeral, Cremation and Bereavement Specialists

Homewood Suites by Hilton Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Hotworx College Station (South) House of Tires

Houston Heavy Machinery - Brazos Valley

Howell Service Corporation Hudson Trails

Hyatt House Bryan/College Station iBio, Inc.

Image Solutions

Ingram, Wallis & Company, P.C. Inn At Quarry Ridge

Integ

Integrity Urgent Care

International Leadership of Texas Isle at Watercrest

ISP Safety Services

J. Cody’s Steaks & BBQ

Jack Hilliard Distributing

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Joe’s Place

Johnstone Supply of College Station

Kasper Insurance Group

KBTX-TV3

Keller Williams Realty

Kelly Burt Dozer, Inc.

Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd.

Kept Property Group

Kesco Supply, Inc

Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Castle Childrens Center, Inc

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc

Knife River

Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.

Koetter Fire Protection of Central

Texas

Koll Office Interiors

Kristen Distributing Co., Inc.

Kyle Office Products/XEROX

Lampstand Health & Rehab of Bryan, LLC

Landmark Operations Company

Lawyers Title Co. of Brazos County

Legacy Ace Hardware

Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation

Liere Insurance

Lisam America Inc

Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Bryan

Lone Star Realty

Lone Star Trust & Investment Services

Lowe’s

M&M Apparel

Marketing Heroes

Marr Eye Center

Matica Biotechnology, Inc

McLane Intelligent Solutions Memorial Funeral Chapel

Messina Hof Winery and Resort

MHMR Authority Of Brazos Valley

Mid South Baking

Mid Towne Apartments

MidSouth Fiber Internet

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

Oakwood Custom Homes Group

Oasis Pools

Only 1 Rentals, LLC

P.O.E.T.S. Billiards and Sports Bar Parc At Traditions

Pebble Creek Country Club

Physician’s Premier ER

PlanNorth Architectural Co.

Plygem Windows and Extrusion

Post Oak Mall

Premiere Events (Formerly Party Time Rentals)

Priority Demolition & Remediation

Producers Cooperative Association

ProStar Industries, Inc.

Pure Bliss Spa

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

ReconMR

Reece Homes, LLC

Refrigeration Vessels & Systems Corporation

Renewal By Andersen Ridgewood Custom Homes Right At Home

Rough Draught Whiskey Bar

Rx Pizza & Bar

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Scasta Family Eyecare & Dentistry

Signature Care Emergency CenterCollege Station Simmons Bank SoCoWork

Sodalis Senior Living Community Specialties Photography, Inc.

Spherion

SRM Concrete St. Joseph Outpatient Rehabilitation

Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage

Standards Home Health StataCorp LLC

State Roofing Company

Sterling Auto Group

Sterling Kia

Stibbs & Co., P.C.

Stonewall Roofing & Construction

Stop & Go Potties

Stylecraft Builders, Inc.

Subway

Sugar Babies

Swearingen Law Firm

Sylvan Learning Center

Taco Bar

TAMU Athletic Department

TAMU College of Architecture

Teksys Net LLC

Terrace Pines Apartments

TexAgs.com

Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service/TEEX

Texas A&M Health Science Center

Texas A&M Physicians

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Texas Brain & Spine Institute

Texas FilmWorks

Texas Mutual Insurance Co

Texas Signature Roofing

The Angry Elephant

The Backyard on Northgate

The Bear Mountain

The Brazos Center

The Cellar Wine & Spirits

The Corner Bar & Grill

The Deanna Room

The George Hotel

The Kyle House & Savage Brew Lab

The Langford at College Station

The Payne Law Group

The Phillips Event Center at Briarcrest

The Physicians Centre Hospital

The Ranch Harley-Davidson

The Ranch RV

The Sleep Station

The Toasted Yolk Cafe

The Weinberg at Wixon Valley Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C.

Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care

Titan Smart Home Solutions

Tradition Oil and Lube Traditions Mortgage Group

Trevino-Smith Funeral Home Triton Air, LLC

Tru by Hilton Bryan College Station

Twin City Properties Mgmt, Inc.

Twin Liquors

Ubeo Business Services

United Companies United Rentals

VeraBank, N.A.

Village Foods & Pharmacy

Vino Boheme

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 Yesterdays Bar and Grill

Deluxe Ribbon Cutting Sponsors

Deluxe Ribbon Cuttings: G Squared Private Wealth, Rollo Insurance, Landscaping Ninjas, MyCon General Contractors, Evidence Wealth, Deitz Consulting, Frost Bank, Interlinc Mortgage Services, Residence at Oakmont, The Toasted Yolk Café, The Cellar Spirits and Wine, Restore Hyper Wellness, Vino Boheme, Epiphany Dermatology, Reveille Commercial Driving Training Academy, Circle C Barn Venue, First Financial Bank, Generator Supercenter, Home Instead Senior Care, Precision Hail and Collision, Fundamental Wealth Advisors, D.R. Horton, Anytime Fitness, Ashley Furniture Outlet, Coleman and Patterson Real Estate and Auctioneers, BoxDrop BCS Mattress and Furniture, Beal Properties, Hotworx Bryan, Kendra Scott, Shannon Morton Photography, College Station Noon Lions Club, The Ranch RV, Just Between Friends Aggieland, Davis Vein and Vascular Center, Natural Bio Health, Hotworx College Station (South), Apricot Lane, Sodalis Senior Living Community, Premier Events, Bank of B/CS, Costco Wholesale, Aggieland Credit Union (Tower Point), Alzheimer’s Association, C&J’s BBQ, Brazos Valley Gives, Peach Creek Assisted Living, Chilton/Bacak Group, RNL Homes, StretchLab College Station

November 8, 2021 — 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 2021 Award Recipients were Irma Cauley for Citizen of the Year, Mary Mike Hatcher for Volunteer of the Year and Joe Foster for Ambassador of the Year. The keynote speaker was Colonel (Ret.) Ross Guieb, the Director of the Bush Combat Development Center. There were 595 attendees. Additional Sponsors: Guaranty Bank & Trust, Baylor Scott & White Health, Water to Wine Productions, HEB, Atmos Energy, Premier Events, Hilton College Station

Annual Banquet: Special Recognition Community Impact Awards

February 22, 2022—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 2022 recipients were Debbie Holladay with Holladay & Associates, Claudia Smith with Aggieland Carpet One, Kristy Petty with the Village Cafe and Vino Boheme and Dale Dempsey with D4 Land Services. There were 167 attendees at the luncheon.

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 14, 2022. The Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by LBAA, featured a keynote address from Dr. Jim Olson. There were 232 attendees.

Lobsterfest & Golf Classic

Lobsterfest & Golf Classic Co-Chairs - Pat Baker & Baylor Lyon

Golf & LobsterFest Committee: Andrea Kelly, Andrew Scifres, Ashley Stallings, Baylor Lyon, Brandon Walthal, Brandi Trujillo, Dave Ruesink, Gracy Harmon, Joaquin Cervantes, Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, William Wight, McKenna Pustka, Jerrod Lane, Pat Baker, Paige ¬-Naumann, Eric Bryant, Allison Batte, Kamie Brotherton, Cameron Comire

The Chamber’s LobsterFest and Golf Classic serves as one of the largest annual fundraisers for the non-profit organization. For the first time in event history,

Lobsterfest & Golf Classic

Lobsterfest was held on Friday, September 16 featuring a lobster and steak dinner as well as a live and silent auction for over 580 attendees. During the Saturday and Sunday of that weekend, a tournament was held at BigShots Aggieland where over 10 teams played a virtual course. The weekend of events ended on September 19 with a golf tournament at Pebble Creek Country Club hosting the most teams we have ever had54 teams (216) golfers.

Sponsorships

● Title Sponsor: Frost Bank

● Platinum Sponsor: Kerr Surveying, C.C. Creations, Aggieland Golf Cars, Caldwell Country, Physicians Premier ER

● Prize Sponsor: Allen Samuels

● Hole in one Sponsors: Centennial Arts, Guarantee Mortgage

● Gold Sponsors: Amarillo National Bank, St. Joseph Health, First Financial Bank, Truist, Prosperity Bank, Baylor Scott & White, Coleman & Patterson, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux, Global Event Group

● Silver Sponsors: Schultz Engineering, Higginbotham, Bank of B/CS, Cotton Commercial, Summit Fire & Security, Landmark Landscaping, C&J BBQ, West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, MYCON

● Media Sponsors: The Eagle, Bryan Broadcasting, KRHD, KTEX 106.1, KBTX, Brazos Valley Communications, KAGS, KORA

● Golf Classic Bar Sponsors: Bank of B/CS, American Fire Protection, Higginbotham, Yellowstone

● Breakfast Sponsor: Pebble Creek Country Club

● Lunch Sponsor: Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux

● Afternoon Snack Sponsor: University Title

● Lobsterfest Sponsors: HEB, Redtail Rental, Texas A&M University, SpawGlass Construction, Texas Mutual Insurance, AssetHero

● Additional Sponsors: Pepsi, Premiere Events, Raising Cane’s, Texas Commercial Waste, Coleman & Patterson, Integ, Podcast Architects, Alphagraphics, Admail, TNT Security

Community Softball Classic: A Tribute to our First Responders

June 8, 2022—Sponsored by Salata

The Chamber’s Community Softball Classic continues to be a flagship communitybuilding event that raises money and awareness for the 100 Club, which supports the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. Over 400 tickets were sold for the event.

Location: Bombers Stadium

Event Chairmen: Jason Cornelius & Baylor Lyon

Additional Sponsors: The Ranch Harley-Davidson, McLane Intelligent Solutions, 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, 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

Youth to Career Fair

Date: October 20, 2021

Location: Brazos County Expo

Attendance: 3005

Title Sponsor: Greater Texas Foundation

Other Sponsors: Texas A&M University, Workforce Solutions, Sylvan Learning Center

Taste of Aggieland

Date: April 12, 2022

Location: Brazos County Expo

Title Sponsor: The Ranch Harley Davidson

Platinum Sponsor: HEB

Gold Sponsor: ReconMR, Physicians Premier ER, Grandchamp Roofing, Bryan College Station Toyota, State Roofing Co

Silver Sponsors: Integ, Kesco, Texas Mutual Insurance Co; City of Bryan, Brazos Monthly Bronze Sponsors: Citizens Bank, Nestle Toll House Cafe, Premier Events, Prosperity Bank, Scasta Family Eyecare & Dentistry, Atmos Energy

Other Sponsors: Pepsi Co., Downtown Event Services, Kristen Distributing, TNT Security Solutions

Media Sponsors: KRHD, KAGS, The Eagle, a4 Media, KBTX, Brazos Valley Communications, Bryan Broadcasting Attendance: 900

OURMISSION

TheChildren’sMuseumofthe BrazosValleyinBryan,Texas providesachild-centered, hands-on,interactive environmentforlearningand discovery!Itisourcommitment tocreateaspaceforchildren toinnovate,create,andplay throughneweducational opportunities.Ourprograms, exhibits,camps,andfields tripsopenaworldofdiscovery tochildrenthroughSTEAM.

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 welcome 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, Ashley Stallings

Date: January 26, 2022

Location: Hilton College Station

Title Sponsor: Stylecraft

Hospitality Sponsor: The City of College Station

Platinum Sponsor: Higginbotham

Facility: Baylor Scott & White

Session Sponsors: BTU, Coleman & Patterson, Texas A&M University, B/CS Regional Association of Realtors

Lunch Sponsor: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

Notebook Sponsors: American Momentum Bank, Another Broken Egg, Binkley & Barfield, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Capital Farm Credit, Extraco Banks, Kyle Office Products, Copy Corner

Break Sponsors: St. Joseph Health, Atmos Energy, Avinext

A/V Sponsor: Avinext

Speaker Gifts: Visit College Station, Destination Bryan

Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, and The Eagle Attendance: 552

Speakers: Joey Dunn, Natalie Ruiz, Judge Duane Peters, Matt Prochaska, Dan Rudge, Dr. James Gaines, Susan Ballabina, Ginger Carrabine, Barry Moore, Mike Martindale, Mayor Karl Mooney, Mayor Andrew Nelson

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 8th Annual WaterCooler 5K.

Date: April 28th, 2022

Location: Lake Walk

Title Sponsor: Texas A&M University

Number of Attendees: 182

Workforce Development

Committee Members: Hanna Jackson, Jennifer Cabeza, Vonda Morrison, Peggi Goss, Ken Dupre

Job Fair Date: May 11, 2022 Location: The Brazos Center

Gold Sponsors: Brazos Valley Recycling, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Kaspar Outdoors, Schulte Roofing

Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, KTEX 106.1, The Eagle, Brazos Valley Communications, KRHD

Chamber Day

March

31, 2022—Sponsored by Brazos County

Almost 800 businesses were visited during the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chamber Day! Approximately 175 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”—60%

Do you expect the number of your employees to increase? “Increase”—44%

What do you expect our local economy to do? “Increase”—71%

Have you applied for and received COVID-related government assistance/grants? “Yes”—23%

What impact did COVID have on your business in 2021? “Increase”—25%, “Decrease”—43%

How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Brazos Valley? “Excellent” or “Good”—88%

Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon

The B/CS Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Affairs Committee hosted the 2022 Economic Outlook Briefing Luncheon with a briefing from U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul.

Sponsored By: McLane Intelligent Solutions

Date: August 24, 2022, at The Hilton College Station Speakers: U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul

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 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 Zweiacker & Wade Beckman

Date: July 29, 2022

Location: The Stella Hotel Title Sponsor: City of Bryan Platinum Sponsors: 1-800 Water Damage, Patterson Architects, Texas A&M System, The Stella Hotel, The Ranch Harley Davidson/The Ranch RV

Gold Sponsors: Amarillo National Bank, BTU, Centennial Arts, St. Joseph Health, Texas A&M University, Frost Bank

Silver Sponsors: Culpepper Realty, Service Insurance Group, Trevino-Smith Funeral Home, South Land Title, Bank of B/CS, Aggieland Boutique Hotel, GenSolutions LLC, Razen Thomas - Phyllis Brown Company, Homewatch Caregivers

Contributing Sponsors: Hotsy Carlson, Premier Events, Copy Corner, Downtown Event Services

Food Sponsors: The Stella Hotel, Admiral Catering, The Village/Vino Boheme, Raging Bull Street Tacos, Raising Cane’s, Pepe’s Mexican Cafe, Zeitman’s Grocery, The Queen Theater, Brookshire Brothers, Polite Coffee, Napa Flats, The Remnant of Nawlins Media Sponsors: Bryan Broadcasting, Brazos Valley Communications, Integ, KAGS, KBTX, KRHD, KTEX 106.1, The Eagle, a4 Media

Agribusiness Commitee Ag Breakfast

Date: November 23, 2021

Location: Brazos County Expo

Attendance: 532

Title Sponsors: Capital Farm Credit, Producers Cooperative Association, WRI Tractors, and Brazos County Farm Bureau

Friends of Agriculture: American Momentum Bank, BigShots Golf Aggieland, Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, BTU, Callaway Jones Funeral Home & Crematory, Centennial Arts, City Bank, Crystal Clear Cleaning, Downtown Event Services, Frost Bank, Fundamental Wealth Advisors, GenSolutions, LLC, Kesco Supply Inc, Prosperity Bank, SVN - Riverstone Commercial Real Estate, Tradition Oil & Lube, West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry

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 for Agriculture Business and Commerce with over 375 agribusinesses that employ over 8,000 local residents and contribute to an economic impact of over $1 billion.

Agricultural

Annual Crawfish Boil

Date: March 18, 2022

Location: Brazos County Expo

Attendance: 474

Title Sponsor: Amarillo National Bank

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

Legislative Affairs Committee 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

Gold Sponsors: Asset Hero Property Management, Capital Farm Credit, College Station Utilities, Patterson Architects, Suddenlink Communications

Silver Sponsors: American Fire Protection Group, Brazos County Farm Bureau, BrightStar Care of Bryan/College Station, Chris Batten Agency, Cocktails4U, Producers Cooperative, South 40 Veterinary, Wilder Family Sunflowers

Bronze Sponsors: Aggieland Autism Center, Aggieland Carpet One, Another Broken Egg, BCS Toyota, Brazos Valley Livestock, Brown & Company Insurance, First Financial Bank, Grand Station Entertainment, Insureberry, KC Fisher State Farm, Landscaping Ninjas, Lone Star Roofing System, MPS Egg Farm, Prosperity Bank, Shear’s Liquor, Texas Mutual Insurance Co.

Contributing Sponsors: Admail, Ben E. Keith, Bryan Broadcasting, Chicken Express, Connie & John Giesenschlag, G&N Concessions, D4 Land Services, Hilton, Integ, KAGS, KBTX, Kristen Distributing, KTEX 106.1, Scarmardo Foods, Pepsi, Slovacek Sausage, The Eagle, The Farm Patch, TNT Security, Webunlimited

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 past Leadership Brazos alumni have become actively involved within their community.

Business Award: Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo Agricultural Impact Award: Pat Shields

Committee Chair: Jim Mazurkiewicz Committee Members: Dave Ruesink, David Elbel, Elmer Schneider, Jesse Wright, Lonnie Cammack, Patricia Gerling, Jay Wilder, John Giesenschlag, John Cowan, Pat Shields, Debbie Holladay, Blake Sholz

Leadership Brazos Continued

2021—2022

Class Coordinators: Baylor Lyon, Brandi Trujillo, Jay Rudinger and Crissy Sayers

Class of 2022—Albert Avila, Anne Balke, Ken Belden, Mitchell Bonte, Mills Cauthorn, Angela Cobos, Cory Davis, Eric Eaks, Steffani Fausone, Lauren Flores, Stephanie Gomez, Brad Hall, P. J. Hathaway, Megan Higginbotham, Lauren Hovde, Jerrod Lane, Scott Mainard, Lauren Mandujano, Kristin Marcum, Michael Martinez, Nelly Mauricio Garza, Heather Merkel, Roye Moran, Paige Naumann, Suzanne Neuberger, Robin Parr, Hayley Pennesi, Marty Polk, Zac Polk, McKenna Pustka, Warren Reichel, Mike Reilly, Bret Richards, Tatiana Rivera, Ryder Robinson, Justin Shulse, Angie Sosa, Hannah Ullrich, Courtney Wilson

Junior Leadership Brazos

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

2021 Graduates: Emily Belinski, Leilani Bell, Irene Benavides-Perez, Emily Bienski, Cameron Boswell, Evelyn Brieden, James Bright Jr., Iris Choi, Turner Clarke, Austin Comte, Claire Grace Franklin, Jason Garcia, Gabriel Guillen, Kelly He, Chance Johnson, Madelyn Kasper, Porter Lemons, Corinne Mayerhoff, Areeba Momin, Christian Navarro, Jay Nobles, Rachel Norris, Maya RIchards, Ivan Sanchez, Ryan Scruggs, Carson Seiber, Stormie Sigler, Braden Simoneaux, Mary Claire Simpson, Ronald Smith, Surya Sunkari, Zaid Torres, Valeria Tsvetkova, Chelsea Wellmann, Claire Wright, Zane Wright Officers Chairman

Leadership Brazos Alumni Association

Members at Large – Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, Liz Dickey, Tracy Paine, Kayla Swanson, Trent Vanadore, Allison Batte, Oscee Wheatfall, Baylor Lyon Members at Large – Katerina Hall, Kathy Langston, Michele Kimich, Liz Dickey,

Committee Chairs:

Leadership Brazos – Baylor Lyon and Brandi Trujillo Junior Leadership Brazos – Sheree Boegner and Oscee Wheatfall

Inside B/CS: A Briefing by Community Leaders – Tracy Paine Chamber Board Leadership Liaison – Jason Cornelius

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 business policy.

Dates: May 9-12, 2022

Federal Legislative Action Plan Chair: Mike Connor

Washington, D.C. Legislative Trip 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.

2021 - 2022 Ambassadors:

Cameron Comire (CHAIR), Katerina Hall (PAST CHAIR), Kathy Langston (CAPTAIN), McKenna Pustka (CAPTAIN), Hayley Pennesi (CAPTAIN), Ginny Ford (CAPTAIN), Ashley Stallings, Blake Kopetsky, Brandi Trujillo, Brandon Walthall, Christina Hultquist, Christina Wilson, Clayton Watson, Dave Ruesink, Debbie Holladay, Derek Adkins, Emily Beasley, Hailey Abraham, Hans Hammond, Heath Groves, Heather Willis, Jerrod Lane, Joe Foster, Jordan Guggenheim, Judy LeUnes, Justin Schroeder, Karli Feldhake, Lataviya Qualls, Marti Hanson, Melanie Becka, Michelle Lovingshimer, Mike Connor, Mike Green, Mitchell Kleckley, Mitchell White, Nelly Mauricio, Nethaniel Gjesdal, Paige Naumann, Patricia Lindblom, Rachel Carrabba, Robin Taylor, Shannon Huchingson, Tania Sanchez, Traci Camp

Salesperson of Year: Nelly Mauricio with Bryan Broadcasting

Ambassador of the Year: Christina Hultquist with Home2 Suites

Ambassadors of the Month:

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 18, 2021

●Located at the Brazos Center

●Broadcast Live on WTAW Radio and KTBX.com and covered by The Eagle and KAGS

●Contested Races: College Station ISD School Board Trustee At-Large Places 1 and 2; City of College Station City Council Places 4 and 6

February 9, 2022

●Located at The Brazos Center

●Broadcast Live on WTAW Radio and KTBX.com and covered by The Eagle and KAGS

●Contested Races: State Representatives, Districts 12 and 14; County Commissioner, Precincts 2 and 4