February Chamber Express by tclmchamber

Chamber Express

Texas City-La Marque

The February 2025

“To serve members and foster economic and community development.”

LA MARQUE ALL-AMERICA CITY

The City of La Marque makes history becoming All-America City

Imagine a city where neighbors know each other’s names, local government listens intently to residents’ concerns and progress is driven by community collaboration. That city is La Marque, a dynamic community nestled in the heart of Galveston County.

Over the past 70 years, La Marque has experienced a remarkable transformation, growing into the second-fastest-growing city in the county, with about 20,000 residents. Its strategic location along 14.3 miles of Interstate 45 has made it an attractive hub for businesses, contributing to significant economic growth and job creation.

La Marque takes pride in its respon-

sive local government, which actively engages with residents through initiatives like the La Marque Forward plan, focusing on infrastructure improvements and economic development. The city also celebrates its rich cultural diversity through annual festivals and community events, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. From its commitment to community engagement to its forward-thinking approach to governance, La Marque is pioneering a new model for small-city success.

government, which actively listens to residents’ concerns and implements initiatives to meet the city’s expectations.

La Marque embodies a strong sense of community where local government and residents collaborate closely to drive economic growth, celebrate cultural diversity and improve the overall quality of life.

La Marque embodies a strong sense of community where local government and residents collaborate closely to drive economic growth, celebrate cultural diversity and improve the overall quality of life. What sets La Marque apart is its responsive local

The All-America City award is not just a title; it is a reflection of La Marque’s spirit of progress and community strength. As the city continues to evolve, its leaders and residents remain committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive and dynamic community that serves as a model for others. With its eyes on the future and a firm grasp on its core values, La Marque is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.

The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve and work alongside the city of La Marque as it achieves these initiatives and embarks on new pathway to see La Marque fulfill its potential.

Y’all Come On! Ca C’est Bon!

Nothing says party like the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce and BTR Caring for Kids teaming up to bring you the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown!

Mark your calendars for March 21–22, 2025, when this iconic event returns to Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park in La Marque, Texas.

WHAT’S IN STORE?

The Galveston Bay Area has proudly hosted the Cajun Throwdown for over eight years, and 2025 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet! Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Crawfish Cook-Off –A fan favorite showcasing the best Boiled Crawfish flavors!

• Renowned Cajun Cuisine – Mouthwatering dishes that celebrate Louisiana and Texas roots.

• Awesome Concerts

– Get ready to dance and enjoy live music all weekend long featuring headliner Shane Smith & The Saints. Other artists include Uncle Lucius, Adam Leger Band, Jamie Bergeron, ARBO, Payton Howie, Travis Matte, Sandee June and More.

• NEW Bar-B-Que

Cook-Off – Introducing a sizzling new competition for BBQ teams!

OUR MISSION & IMPACT

By joining efforts, The Bon Temps Rouler Caring for Kids Foundation and The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce strive to:

• Support Families Battling Pediatric Illnesses: Proceeds benefit the BTR Caring for Kids endowment in partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch.

• Assist Local Veterans: Funds raised also go to support veterans and their families in the Galveston County area.

The Cajun Throwdown is more than a celebration— it’s about giving back to our communities through economic and community development while creating a place where families and friends can gather to enjoy great food, music, and fun.

JOIN US!

We invite you to sponsor, compete, and/or vend at the Bay Area’s Premier Crawfish & Bar-Be-Cue Cook-Off!

Thank you for your support—we can’t wait to see y’all at the Bon Temps Rouler Cajun Throwdown!

Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park 1991 Getty Road | La Marque, TX 77568 MUSIC

March 21 & 22, 2025

Tickets - $30 Early Online | $45 at Event | $150 VIP Get Your Tickets @ BTRCFK.org

Live Performances Saturday by:

SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS

UNCLE LUCIUS | ADAM LEGER BAND

JAMIE BERGERON | ARBO | PAYTON HOWIE TRAVIS MATTE | SANDEE JUNE AND MORE

Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Houston

1115 Gemini St., Suite 174 Houston, TX 77058

281-337-3590

www.bahfh.org

Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Houston, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, partners with local families to build safe, affordable homes and strengthen communities. Through its homeownership program, the organization empowers families in-need by providing a pathway to secure housing and stability.

In 2024, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity partnered with two local families to build homes in Texas City and La Marque. These families worked diligently alongside community volunteers to build their homes before purchasing them

through affordable, no-interest mortgages. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, resilience and commitment to building brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity plans to construct two additional homes in Texas City, with support from local businesses and community members. These efforts not only provide life-changing opportunities for families but also help build stronger, more united neighborhoods, where everyone can thrive.

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2025 is the Year of Influence

Empowering women in business to lead, innovate and inspire

Are you a woman of influence?

In 2025, the Women in Business network proudly embraces “The Year of Influence,” a theme that highlights the unparalleled contributions women are making in shaping the business world. This year is a celebration of the strides women have taken to not only participate in the local economy but to lead it, influence it and redefine what success looks like.

DRIVING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION

This theme recognizes women as catalysts for change and innovation. Across every sector, they are fostering collaboration and building bridges that connect diverse perspectives. Women leaders are not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible but also creating workplaces where inclusion and equity thrive. Their influence extends far beyond boardrooms, impacting communities and shaping the future of business for generations to come.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

“The Year of Influence” also serves as a call to action to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women in business. Whether it’s the CEO who transforms a struggling company into a thriving powerhouse or the entrepreneur who disrupts an industry with groundbreaking ideas, every achievement deserves recognition. By celebrating these milestones, these women inspire others to aim higher and dream bigger.

SUPPORTING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

While we celebrate the victories, this year also is about providing support and empowerment. Women in Business programs, mentorship programs and advocacy groups play a crucial role in helping women navigate challenges

and seize opportunities. By building robust support systems, we ensure that more women have the tools and resources needed to lead and succeed.

LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER

One of the greatest strengths of women in business is their ability to learn from one another. Through shared experiences and collective wisdom, women are empowering each other to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. “The Year of Influence” encourages women to share their stories, mentor the next generation and create a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment.

THE VISION FOR 2025

As we embrace “The Year of Influ-

ence,” we commit to:

• Amplifying the voices of women in business.

• Celebrating women’s achievements across industries.

• Supporting women’s journeys through mentorship, networking and advocacy.

• Creating an inclusive and equitable

business environment where everyone can thrive.

This year is not just about influence, it is about impact. Join the Chamber in celebrating 2025 as “The Year of Influence.” Together, we can champion the success of women in business and create a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.

Chamber of Commerce leaders serving on the 2025 Texas Association of Business Board announced

The Texas Association of Business — the state’s largest business advocacy organization — Board of Directors has elected the 2025 Chamber of Commerce representatives to serve on the Officers Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

“The Texas business voice is stronger and more unified when Texas’ diverse industries and Chambers of Commerce are around the same table,” Glenn Hamer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, said. “We are thankful that our Texas chamber executives are an integral part of our organization.”

“I don’t believe we can overemphasize the importance of the relationship between TAB and its grassroots partners or the mechanics of why that relationship matters in our great state, especially now,” Doug Peters, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Board Chair, said. “To me, it’s one of Texas’s many competitive advantages.”

Here are the 2025 Chamber leaders on the TAB governing bodies:

• Doug Peters, CEO of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve a one-year term as the TCCE representative as a 2025 TAB Board Officer.

• Peters and Odessa Chamber of Commerce CEO Renee’ Henderson Earls have been elected to serve a two-year term on the TAB Executive Committee.

• Gina Spagnola, CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve a three-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as an atlarge member of the TAB Board of Directors. She joins Dale Petroskey, CEO at the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Taylor Landin, SVP for Public Policy at

the Greater Houston Partnership.

• Five local Chamber CEOs were elected to the TAB Board of Directors as local Chamber representatives:

o Bruce Hillegeist, CEO, Tomball Chamber (renomination)

o Keri Schmidt, CEO, Fort Bend Chamber (renomination)

o Tim Culp, CEO, Texas City-La Marque Chamber

o Julie Snyder, incoming CEO, Richardson Chamber

o Steve Montgomery, CEO, Fort Worth Chamber

They join the following Chamber executives currently serving a two-year

term on the TAB Board of Directors.

• Al Arreola, Jr., CEO of the Corpus Christi Chamber

• Jonathan Packer, CEO of the New Braunfels Chamber

• Esmy Villarreal, CEO of the Brownsville Chamber

ABOUT TCCE

TCCE is the professional society of 2,000 chamber of commerce executives, professional staff and affiliated members and more than 250 chambers throughout the state of Texas. Find out more at www.tcce.org.

ABOUT TAB

TAB is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. The association’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.

2025 Leadership Mainland program launches

The 2025 Leadership Mainland program officially is underway, with new class leaders Angela Wilson, of Coastal Community FCU, and Jennifer Bridgeford, of Workforce Solutions, taking the helm. They gratefully step into their leadership roles following the exemplary guidance of Lexi Kopp, of Texas City Independent School District, and Kermit Harris, of College of the Mainland, who led the 2024 program with distinction.

Wilson and Bridgeford are eager to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors and look forward to guiding the 2025 class of 18 emerging leaders. This year’s participants will embark on a year-long journey designed to deepen their understanding of the communities where they live and work.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Starting in February, members of Leadership Mainland will participate in monthly field trips and activities focused on critical aspects of the region. These day-long sessions and tours cover a wide range of topics, including:

• City and county government

• The petrochemical industry

• Economic development and tourism

• Media and social services

• The Port of Texas City These experiences expose class members to subjects and industries they may not be familiar with, fostering growth and broadening their perspectives.

TEAM-BUILDING RETREAT

The program kicks off Feb. 20 with a twoday team-building retreat at the Courtyard Marriott on Galveston Island. During the retreat, participants will:

• Engage in activities to learn about each other

• Set expectations for the year ahead

• Build the camaraderie necessary for effective collaboration and leadership This transformative program is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to become impactful leaders in their communities. Stay tuned for updates as the 2025 Leadership Mainland class makes its mark! Check back next month to read about their team-building retreat!

You are cordially invited to the 56th Annual Texas City-La Marque Chamber Membership Gala

Join the Texas City-La Marque Chamber for du bon temps as we commemorate a successful year of partnership and development.

It’s a c’est le vie (such is life) affair filled with rich décor, délicieux cuisine and syncopated rhythms.

It will be an evening to reflect and acknowledge individuals and companies in the following categories who exemplify servitude, integrity and fulfillment of their missions and visions.

• Large Business

• Small Business

• Citizen of the Year

• Jimmy Hayley Community Service Award

Get ready to amusons-nous un peu! The banquet program includes the installation of new Chamber officers and directors. Please come dressed in after-five, evening or themed attire.

Galveston County Chambers make their voices heard March 6 in Austin

Every other year, the Texas Capitol plays host to a crucial gathering:

Galveston County Day. This collaborative event sees a powerful coalition of chambers of commerce representatives and local government officials from across the county descending on Austin to advocate for their unique needs. The day is strategically designed to maximize engagement with state legislators, focus-

ing on projects that require state support for successful implementation.

Galveston, Texas City, La Marque, Santa Fe, Hitchcock, Port Bolivar, Friendswood and League City all send delegations, demonstrating a united front and a shared commitment to the region’s prosperity.

The day’s agenda is packed with meetings with state representatives and senators, providing a valuable opportuni-

ty for face-to-face discussions about key priorities. These conversations center on projects vital to Galveston County’s future, with coastal protection and port improvements consistently topping the list. Given the county’s vulnerable coastal location, securing state funding for initiatives like beach erosion mitigation, hurricane preparedness and critical infrastructure upgrades is paramount. Similarly, the economic importance of Galveston’s ports to the state as a whole necessitates ongoing investment and support.

Beyond the formal meetings, Galveston County Day also offers ample opportunities for networking and relationship building. Photo opportunities throughout the day capture the collaborative spirit and shared purpose of the attendees. But

the day doesn’t end with legislative visits. Following their time at the Capitol, the chambers of commerce host a lively reception. This event, featuring a live band and fresh seafood from Galveston businesses, provides a relaxed setting for continued dialogue and relationship-building between local leaders and state legislators.

It’s a chance to reinforce the messages delivered earlier in the day and to celebrate the collective effort to champion Galveston County’s interests. Galveston County Day serves as a powerful reminder that a united voice can make a significant impact on state-level decision-making, ensuring that the needs of this vital coastal region are heard and addressed.

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

Anita Jones TREASURER Linde Inc.

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

Andrew Warren Ashland

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

Chamber Mission

To serve members and foster economic and community development.

Chamber Vision

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

Chamber Express Newsletter

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