DECEMBER 2023
Business and citizens to be honored at Chamber membership gala — March 1
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he Chamber’s Annual Membership Gala is always a popular event to celebrate the business community and achievements of dedicated volunteers. This year the theme is “Escape to Margaritaville.” The evening will be filled with excitement, delicious treats, an exquisite dinner and captivating music that will transport the guest to a picturesque tropical oasis. Date change! Chamber banquet will be held March 1 at the Doyle Convention Center. The gala is a popular event with an average attendance of 400 or more guests. The attire is business formal/cock-
tail. This year’s festivities will mark 55 years of honoring and awarding local businesses in the community. Join in this festive evening as the following awards are presented: • 2023 Citizen of the Year • Jimmy Hayley Community Service Award • Small Business of the Year • Large Business of the Year Nominations for these distinguished awards currently are being accepted now through Jan. 15. Contact Stefanie Aldrich at stefanie@ TCLMchamber.com on how
you can nominate someone for these awards. The Chamber Gala is a favorite event of the year, and seating is expected to sell out. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon to purchase! Keep an eye out online for when you can purchase these items. Once tickets are available, you can purchase online or in person at the TCLM Chamber of Commerce. Contact Angela Bernard, Chamber Director of Events & Operations, to learn more about this upcoming event at 409-935-1408 or angela@ TCLMchamber.com.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Young Professionals ��������������������������������������������������������������� 2 New members/Retiring directors �������������������������������������� 3 Leadership Mainland ������������������������������������������������������������ 4 Women in Business ����������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Christmas Open House ��������������������������������������������������������� 6
Leadership Mainland graduation �������������������������������������� 7 Ribbon cuttings/New member celebrations ����������������� 8 Business of the Month ����������������������������������������������������������� 9 Membership renewals ���������������������������������������������������������10 Board of Directors �����������������������������������������������������������������11
The official publication of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce
2 | Chamber Express | December 2023
FROM THE BEACH TO THE BAY TO THE BAYOU
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
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he Young Professionals Network group met Nov. 16 for a lunch-andlearn event and heard from Lisa Cashbaugh-Sanchez from Dow Chemical Company. The topic was “The Importance of Productivity and Time Management.” Lisa had the group write down their priorities/to-do list for work and their personal lives. Then, she had everyone do an activity to see how the young professionals value themselves as individuals. The class was taught that these values should line up with what they prioritize at work and at home. If they didn’t line up, they were taught to say no to the things that will hinder their productivity of more important items on their priorities list. Thank you to Dow Chemical Company for sponsoring this lunch-and-learn. The Young Professionals council is getting ready for an awesome 2024 with new and fun activities for the group to enjoy. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to a great year! Find full details online at www.TCLMchamber.com under “Events.”
December 2023 | Chamber Express | 3
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Heights Dermatology – Texas City 6807 E. F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 303, Texas City, TX 77591 832-706-3326 Representative: Daniel Salvato www.heightsskin.com houstonheightsderm@gmail.com Medical
High Horse Saloon
10000 E.F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 1140, Texas City, TX 77591 409-730-9789 Representative: Jaime Salinas facebook.com/HighHorseSaloon info@highhorsesaloontxc.com Restaurant, Bar
Houston Motorsports – Texas City
8302 FM 1765, Texas City, TX 77591 409-933-1982 Representative: Jason Cornelison www.gulfcoast.texas-yamaha.com Golf Carts & Utility Vehicles, Recreational Vehicle Sales & Service Retail
Providence Outreach Ministries 1115 Gemini Street, Suite 103 Texas City, TX 77058 281-817-0307 Representative: Saceia Armstrong www.provom.org provom2014@gmail.com Non-Profit Organization
RevLocal
832-443-4091 Representative: Joshua Smith www.revlocal.com Marketing
State Representative Dr. Greg Bonnen
174 Calder Road, Suite 1000, League City, TX 77573 281-338-0942 Representative: Cyndy Butcher www.drgregbonnen.com Elected Officials
The Anna Linzie Show
2000 25th Ave, Texas City, TX 77539 573-355-6576 Representative: Anna Linzie www.theannalinzieshow.com info@alspeaks.com Radio Stations. Multi-Media Production
Whisky Limits
820 34th St. N, Texas City, TX 77590 281-435-4331 Representative: Rachael Ketner www.facebook.com/Whiskey LimitsTxCity Restaurant, Bar
RETIRING DIRECTORS
The Chamber says farewell to retiring directors
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en outstanding volunteers will retire as Chamber board members this month. They have been closely involved with the mission and success of the Chamber since January 2021. They have helped to guide the Chamber and the community. The retiring directors include: • Ron Assad, Gallant Commercial • John Branson, Texas City Economic Development • James Brumley, Advario • Melissa Duarte, Texas City ISD • Harry Faust, Faust Distributing
• • •
Thomas Keim, ICCI Shane Long, BWC Terminals Bob Senter, Texas First Insurance • Andy Venables, Eastman • Christine Wade, UTMB Health These volunteer leaders have been valuable members of committees and projects over the past three years. They will be greatly missed from the board of directors, but we know they always will remain strong members of the Chamber and the local business community. Please join the Chamber in thanking them for their years of service to the Chamber membership the next time you see them!
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LEADERSHIP MAINLAND
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eadership Mainland focused on small and local businesses at its November session. The class started off the day at Domac, Inc. where members heard about what the company uses its crane services for, and they were given a tour by Perry O’Brien. The class then went to Vettrus Supply where they were shown around by Kathy Vasquez. After this, the class visited the TCLM Chamber to hear from President Tim Culp about the importance of small businesses. For lunch, the class visited Legal Brew café in Texas City and heard about the business from the owners. The group enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by AMOCO Federal Credit Union. Here, members also had the chance to hear from Ann Ramos, of AMOCO FCU, and she talked to them about AMOCO FCU and how they operate. The class then traveled to Galveston to visit Texas Tail Distillery, where members were shown around the brewery by the workers. After this, the class went to FastSigns – Galveston where they were shown around
by owner Sammi Davila and Kinsey Droege. The class had a wonderful last session learning about the importance of small businesses in the area. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to show the class around. To learn more about this program, visit www.tclmchamber.com.
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Holiday season kick-off luncheon
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he Women in Business networking group met Nov. 8 at The Grotto at The San Luis Resort and heard from Anita Jones, of Linde Inc. Group members heard what the Women in Business program will be like in the next year. The group of women came together and enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by The San Luis Resort and Dow Chemical Company. Members also shared their favorite topic of 2023 and what they want to see in 2024. Thank you for an excellent 2023. We are excited for the new year and the new topics that will be spoken on in the 2024 Women in Business program. Find full details online at the Chamber website.
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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
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he Texas City-La Marque Chamber opened its doors during the holidays for members to join together, celebrate Christmas, and create long-lasting relationships with other Chamber members. Thank you to everyone who came out, sat with Santa and made the night amazing! Special thank you to the Open House sponsor TNMP and for ensuring the event was a joyful evening for all! Everyone in attendance enjoyed festive bites from these local restaurants and caterers: Café Petra, Catering by Benno, Johnae’s Kitchen, LLC, Luna’s #3 Mexican Restaurant and Sweet Treats Ice Cream & Pastry’s.
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LEADERSHIP MAINLAND GRADUATION
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he Leadership Mainland class of 2023 gathered Thursday, Nov. 9 at College of the Mainland for their Graduation Ceremony! Everyone in attendance had the chance to listen to Tim Culp, TCLM Chamber of Commerce president, and Stephen Flowers, of Dow Chemical Company, about what it is to be a leader. They also heard from class Leaders Tracy Pryor, of HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, and Marisa Malinowski, of AMOCO Federal Credit Union, about what a great year they had. The Leadership Mainland class participants were each awarded for completion of the class. Then, the group participated in an activity where each member had
the chance to describe classmates using one descriptive word. This was fun and meaningful for each participant. To round off the event, the 2024 class leaders were announced. These leaders are Alexis Kopp, of Texas City ISD, and Kermit Hariss, of College of the Mainland. If you are interested in participating in the class in 2024, contact the TCLM Chamber at 409935-1408. Thank you to the 2023 sponsors, Valero Texas City Refinery, Port of Texas City, AMOCO Federal Credit Union, College of the Mainland and Advario. Special thank you to all the businesses that opened their doors to the class this past year! You all helped make this year a success!
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
NEW MEMBER CELEBRATIONS
The Gilded Gecko
413 6th St. N, Texas City, TX 77590 512-569-7413 Representative: Sherry O’Connor www.facebook.com/ thegildedgecko Retail
Troop Industrial
921 West Pasadena Freeway, Suite A, Pasadena, TX 77506 713-475-6100 Representative: Jennifer Meekins www.troop industrial.com Industrial, Bolts, Gaskets, Fasteners, Fittings
Vettrus Supply
9300 E.F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 10, Texas City, TX 77591 713-791-3710 Representative: Barbara Vasquez www.vettrus supply.com Distributors, Supplies, Tools, Repair
Easy Source Promos
P.O. Box 2146, Pearland, TX 77588 281-720-6080 Representative: Nicholas Hunt www.easysourcepromos.com orders@easysourcepromos.com Promotional Products/Advertising Specialties
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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Dunn Heat Exchangers Inc
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410 21st Street South, Texas City TX 77590 409-948-1704
unn Heat Exchangers is a 55-year-old, family-owned company headquartered in Texas City that specializes in heat exchanger, cleaning, repair and new fabrication. The origin of Dunn Heat Exchanger’s goes back even further when company founder, J.L. Dunn Jr. started a gas station in Galveston. Soon the business expanded into equipment rental, opening its Texas City location in 1962. Dunn Equipment as it was now known continued to grow, adding new locations throughout Texas until its sale in 1999 to Maxim Crane. Dunn Heat Exchangers was started when, while operating a rental service in Texas City, J.L. Dunn saw that there was a need for a company to service heat exchangers in Texas City. This led to Dunn Heat Exchangers opening its doors in February 1968. Starting with
eight full-time employees and a small 12,000-square-foot shop, the company steadily has grown to more than 100 employees spread across two locations in 2023. A familiar site around town in the 1970s and today are the large red trucks operated by Dunn Heat Exchangers. These trucks pull a specially designed trailer that has a retractable cover, which, when collapsed, makes loading and unloading the exchangers much easier. Today, Dunn’s trucks travel far outside Texas City and La Marque, servicing customers throughout the lower 48. In 2016, Dunn Heat Exchangers opened its second facility in Bay City, TX. Built new from the ground up, the second facility adds the ability to handle much larger and heavier exchangers.
Be the next member in the spotlight! Send your submission to news@tclmchamber.com for inclusion in an upcoming issue. (Maximum 200 words)
10 | Chamber Express | December 2023
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS A big THANK YOU to these businesses for their long-standing support of the chamber and this community. Renewals from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. Company
Years Since Join Date
A&A Machine & Fabrication, LLC................ 59 Gulf Coast Authority........................................ 43 Sunrise Realty..................................................... 41 Texas First Bank................................................. 41 Oxbow Energy Solutions LLC...................... 38 ROBCO Services................................................. 36 Grand Prize Barbeque..................................... 35 Patterson Plumbing Company, Inc............ 35 Texas First Insurance....................................... 35 Boyd’s Seafood, Inc.......................................... 33 Wellby Financial................................................ 30 City of Texas City-Economic Devel. Corp.......................................................... 30 Edward Jones Investments - Callaway..... 30 Able Roofing Company.................................. 29 State Farm Insurance-Mary Lou Church.......................................................... 29 HomeTown Properties.................................... 26 Galveston County Small Business Development Center.................... 24
Company
Years Since Join Date
Galveston Texas City Pilots Corp................. 24 Texas City ISD Foundation f or the Future....................................................... 22 BACODA Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol................................................ 20 Mejia Industrial Supply Company............. 18 Rock Tha House Moonwalks........................ 17 Suntrac Services, Inc........................................ 16 Innovative Turnaround Controls................ 16 Whataburger #599........................................... 15 Total Safety US, Inc........................................... 14 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc..14 Turner Industries Group, LLC....................... 14 Pam Schwertner................................................ 14 The Post Newspaper....................................... 13 C. Johnnie on the Spot West Bay LLC....... 12 Farmers Alloy Fabricating............................. 11 The Shooter’s Corner....................................... 10 CASA of Galveston County..............................9 Resource & Crisis Center
Company
Years Since Join Date
of Galveston County..........................................9 Snow King..............................................................9 Farmers Copper Ltd............................................9 The Grand 1894 Opera House........................9 Hydrologic Monitoring (HMI).........................9 LifeStyle Financial Advisors, Inc.....................8 Cylinder Solution Services...............................7 Urban Gypsies.......................................................7 Middleton Oil Company...................................7 Nothing Bundt Cakes - League City.............5 Odyssey Academy...............................................5 Anchor Point..........................................................5 Brask Inc, The Heat Exchanger People........5 IPC Industries........................................................5 Memorial Hermann Health System..............5 Vanquish Cranes & Construction..................4 Jaguar Fueling......................................................4 Tello Smiles............................................................4
Company
Years Since Join Date
True Courage.........................................................3 Mainland City Centre - JMK5 Holdings, Inc..........................................................3 Elliot Tool Technologies Ltd. Gulf Coast..............................................................2 Choice Analytical Inc..........................................2 Del Bosque Plumbing........................................2 Air Products...........................................................2 Boterra at Lago Mar............................................2 Schlitzberger & Daughters..............................1 Vican Manufacturing Solutions.....................1 Lokring Southwest..............................................1 Beauty Exposed LLC...........................................1 Coastal Ice & Water.............................................1 SET Designs & More............................................1 The Nutrition Hangout .....................................1 FastSigns.................................................................1 Lil Xtreme Productions......................................1
Mainland
Celebrating 63 Years of Service
409-935-2496 Metro
281-337-5634 Island
409-765-5883 Traditional Funeral Services • Cremation Specialists • Pre-Need Arrangements • Monuments • Headstones
www.alexsair.com
www.crowderfuneralhome.com
For Personal Service Let the “SUNRISE TEAM” help you with all your Real Estate needs.
PORT OF TEXAS CITY Texas City Terminal Railway Company Port Authority
No. 4 In Texas
No. 10 in U.S. Gulf Coast
No. 15 in U.S. Nationwide
2425 SH 146 North • Texas City 409-945-4461 • Fax 409-945-8479 • Email: tctrr.com
TACLA 15714C
Yvonne Chatelain Owner/Broker
Robert Cheek
Owner/Manager
SERVING ALL OF THE MAINLAND
12302 Hwy. 6, Santa Fe • 409-925-1021 We are the Real Estate Professionals for all Your Real Estate Needs
December 2023 | Chamber Express | 11
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron Assad PAST CHAIR Gallant Industrial
Alex Getty La Marque Economic Development
Ramiro Barba CHAIR ELECT Port of Texas City
George Hill Tolunay-Wong Engineers
Jon Branson Texas City Economic Development
Anita Jones Linde Company Thomas Keim Industrial Commissioning Consultants International
James Brumley TREASURER Advario Lori Carnes Carnes Funeral Home Desoto Clark ROBCO Services Chris Devries Standard Steel Supply Ryan Doyle Texas First Bank Dr. Melissa Duarte Texas City I.S.D. Lavelle Edmonson Marathon Petroleum Harry Faust Faust Distributing Co.
MAINLAND T O O L
Shane Long BWC Terminals Stacey Malbrough AMOCO Federal Credit Union Mandie McMillan Crowder VICE CHAIR RE/MAX Coastal Frank Mistretta Houston Hurricane & Security
Dr. Warren Nichols CHAIRMAN College of the Mainland Jason Pollard Grand Prize Barbecue Phil Roberts SECRETARY Roberts, Johnson & Cain Jim Russell HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland Bob Senter Texas First Insurance Andy Venables Eastman Carla Voelkel Dickinson ISD
Chamber Staff Tim Culp, President/CEO Stefanie Aldrich, Vice President Marielle Mascorro, Director of Communications Bianca Jenson, Director of Member Services Angela Bernard, Director of Events & Operations
Christine Wade UTMB Health Andrew Warren Ashland Adam Wheeless Gallant Builders
Cory Moss VICE CHAIR Valero
Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce
9702 E.F. Lowry Expressway Texas City, TX 77590 409-935-1408 www.TCLMchamber.com
MAINLAND TOOL RENT • SALES • REPAIR
2830 TEXAS AVENUE TEXAS CITY 409-948-4497 Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm 24 Hour Call Out Service Available
MAINLANDTOOL.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.
12 | Chamber Express | December 2023
WE’VE GOT THE HISTORY
and Your Future
TEXAS CITY
In 2023, we celebrated fifty years of doing what we love to do – giving back to our community through community banking. We had so much fun catching up with you at our banking center parties, volunteering on employee days of service, and donating to organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.
LA MARQUE
With love and gratitude,
Your Texas First Family
www.texasfirst.bank
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Texas City, TX Permit No. 12
LA MARQUE
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Thank you for supporting us the last 50 years. We can’t wait for all that’s to come.