December Chambergram

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce DeDceecmebmebre, r2,0210717
Chambergram

www.PasadenaChamber.org

Message From 2017 Citizen of the Year
the Chairman

Kevin Jeter Congratulations Chris Bezdek!

Chairman 2017 Read all about Bezdek’s award on page: 8

Greetings Pasadena Chamber In this issue:
Members,
• Message From the Chairman – Pg. 1
Can you believe the year is • Message From the Chairman Continued – Pg. 2
almost over? It seems like • A Letter From the President – Pg. 3
just yesterday that I was • Ribbon Cuttings – Pg. 4
standing on stage at our • Platinum Partner of the Month - Pg. 5
Annual Gala being sworn in • Platinum Partners | New Members – Pg. 6
as the Chairman of the Board • New Members Continued - Pg. 7
for YOUR Chamber. I can’t • Annual Gala Recap - Pg. 8 & 9
begin to describe to you how • Citizen of the Year - Pg. 10
blessed I feel by the faith and • Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Recap - Pg. 11
trust you put in me to lead • Beautification Awards - Pg. 12
this organization. • Staff Announcements - Pg. 13
• State of the City - Pg. 14
To be continued...Pg. 2 • Ambassador of the Month - Pg. 15
• Contact Your Chamber – Pg. 16

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Continued from Pg. 1
From writing this letter to you each month to helping with the planning to our most
successful Taste of the Town to date I enjoyed every minute of it. There is so much
that goes into running a successful chamber and I am proud to have been a part of
the Pasadena Chamber.
I am so grateful for all of those that have made my chairman experience
unforgettable. Our CEO, Cristina Womack, is undoubtedly one of the very best in
the industry. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her and continue to watch
our chamber grow. The Chamber Staff, whether they have been with us for years or
if they are brand new, have given 110% to make our chamber successful this year.
Most importantly, without our Board Members, Ambassadors, Committee Members
and Volunteers we would not be where we are today. Thank you to each one of you
for donating your time and talents to YOUR Chamber.
I’ve been saying it all year long and will say it one last time...if you haven’t gotten
involved yet, NOW is the time! YOUR chamber is here for you, to help you
experience growth for your business and yourself. I am very excited to see what
2018 will bring with James Guthrie of Thrivent Financial taking the reins. I know
he will lead our Chamber to new heights and look forward to seeing it all happen.
Thank you all again for the opportunity to be a part of The Pasadena Chamber and
to connect your community with you. May each of you have a very Blessed
Christmas surrounded by those you love most and a very Happy and prosperous
New Year to you all.

“We are all precious in His sight.”

Sincerely,

Kevin Jeter

Kevin Jeter, Miles A/C Service
2017 Chairman of the Board


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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

A Letter From the President:

Members and friends,
It is hard to believe that that December is ending and 2017 has come and
gone. As we reflect on this year we know one thing is certain- the
chamber cannot accomplish its mission without the support of our
members and community partnerships. This is why we spent this month
recognizing some of those individuals who have gone above and beyond in
giving back and say thank you to each and every one of you!
At our Annual Gala we had the opportunity to recognize many deserving
recipients including our retiring board members and Chairman of the
Board; Keven Jeter and welcomed our 2018 chairman James Guthrie and
new Board members. It was also a very special night for Chris Bezdek with
CommunityBank of Texas as being named 2017 Citizen of the Year for his
commitment to serving his hometown. We also recognized Dr.DeeAnn
Powell Superintendent of Pasadena ISD as our Spirit of Community award
recipient for her efforts during Hurricane Harvey. We applaud you both for
your commitments to the betterment of Pasadena.
At our Volunteer Appreciation Membership Luncheon, we had the opportunity to recognize those individuals
who represent our chamber committees and pay special thanks to those who were selected by their peers
for going the extra mile. We also paid tribute to the true heroes of Pasadena- our first responders through
recognizing our EMT, fire, & police officers of the year for all that they sacrifice daily to keep us protected. We
appreciate your willingness to serve and the example of leadership you portray to all of those around you.
Thank you, just simply will never be enough.
As we wrap up 2017 we ask that you help us start preparing for 2018 by giving us your feedback.
In the past couple of weeks, we sent out a survey to all Taste of the Town sponsors, volunteers and
attendees. We want you to know how important your feedback is to us and how critical your suggestions and
comments are for the continued growth and development for your Chamber. In the next few weeks we will
also be sending our annual membership survey where we will ask feedback from you our members to align
our programs of work to better fit your needs. Please be on the lookout for an email with more information.
As you reflect and spend some quality time with your loved ones during the holidays know that your
Chamber is committed to finding new and innovative ways to better serve you. We continue to be on a
mission to connect our community in ways that haven’t been done before and are certain 2018 will be the
perfect year to continue that growth. We appreciate your trust in the chamber.
A new year is upon us and if you still haven’t connected and taken advantage of all that your chamber has
to offer through your investment level then I invite you to start the year off at a Membership 101 and be a
part of making a difference in the community through serving on a committee, marketing your business or
attending an event you never have! And, save the date for our first big event of the year- our Annual State of
the City Address on Feb 15th where we will hear from Mayor Jeff Wagner and announce our Business of the
Year!
I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year full of great prosperity. We look
forward to a chartbuster 2018 together!

Best Regards,

Cristina Womack

Cristina Womack, President/CEO
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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017



Executive Board

Kevin Jeter – Chairman, Miles A/C Service Welcome to all who have recently joined the Pasadena Chamber of
Commerce! Welcome to our family!
Monica Waggett – Past Chair, Doctor’s United
Therapeutic Massage
Surgery center & Spa

Jeanna Bamburg, Bayshore Medical Center Carlene Ashworth
James Guthrie, Thrivent Financial, Chairman-elect 281.998.0717
Salvador Serrano, The Serrano Agency Farmers

Insurance

Steve Trncak, San Jacinto College
Michael West, West & West, LLP

Board of Directors Frost Bank
Josh Campos
713.388.1294
Lee Betancourt, Iron Mountain FrostBank.com
Dave Chawla, Right At Home, Pasadena
Richard Milburn
Alix Fox, Qualified Properties Academy
Denise Jennings, LyondellBasell
Sonja Williams
Sam Jimenez, McDonald’s 210.774.1108
Deborah Moseley, The Bridge RMASchools.org
Margie Pena, Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
Ken Phelps, Phelps Insurance

Gary Piana, Chevron Phillips
Jeffrey Reich-Hale, Home2Suites by Hilton HOU/PAS

Melinda Torrison, Meador Staffing Services
Steve Takacs, Surgery Specialty Hospitals of America

Wayne Webb, CommunityBank of Texas
Robert Whitley, Blasingame Whitley, Attorneys at Law

Robert Wills, Silver Eagle Distributors

Ex-Officio Directors

Paul Davis, City of Pasadena Bayway Chrysler
Pedro Garcia, Port of Houston Authority Dodge RAM- Jeep
John Mrozek, Texas Chiropractic College
Tammie Nielsen, Commisioner Jack Morman Harris Darryl & Linda
Wischnewsky
County Pct. 2 281.929.6500
BaywayAutoGroup.com
Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Pasadena ISD

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Ribbon Cuttings - Continued

Outback Steakhouse XVanguard Boutique El Bolillo Bakery
Ryan Eveland Juan Galindo Kirk or Megan Michaelis
281.464.8455 713.492.0384
713.643.2625
Outback.com/location/ Xvanguardboutique. Elbolillo.com
tx.pasadena business.site

Platinum Partner of the Month
Bayshore Medical Center is grateful to the community who has come to rely on it
for high quality, comprehensive and compassionate health care. We began 2017
by celebrating our 55th birthday and launched our “55 Years of Caring” campaign
where our team found 55 ways to give back to the community.

The patient-centered culture at Bayshore Medical Center drives passion in our employees to provide the
highest level of care for each patient, focusing on our mission of commitment to excellence by providing care
one patient at a time. More than 1,500 dedicated staff and 300 patient-focused physicians provide the high
quality care our community deserves. Bayshore Medical Center’s employees’ high job satisfaction led the
hospital to achieve the honor of ranking as the Houston Business Journal’s #2 top 2017 Best Places to Work,
an award that Bayshore Medical Center has received five previous times!

This year Bayshore Medical Center has invested millions of dollars in capital to further enhance the services
provided in the community. The facility invested in a new linear accelerator which offers the same technology
available in the Texas Medical Center right here in our community. Also, a new cardiac cath lab which enables
the cardiac team to perform procedures that aren’t typically offered in community hospitals.

Our commitment is to be the best health and wellness advocate and healthcare provider to our patients in the
community we serve. As part of our commitment to the future health of our community, Bayshore Medical
Center became a new teaching hospital in 2017 and began training the next generation of providers and
leaders with its first class of 18 medical students from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of
Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee. These students add to the culture at the hospital with their
enthusiasm, vitality, and build diverse interests at Bayshore Medical Center.

Bayshore Medical Center provides thousands of patients each year the treatment they need, the quality they
deserve and the doctors and nurses who are truly committed to the health and peace of mind of our patients.
For more information on Bayshore Medical Center’s services visit www.BayshoreMedical.com.

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Platinum Partners

Welcome New Members!

Platinum

• Armadillo Energy • Firefox Video • Texas Carpenters
Services LLC Chris Swanson & Millwrights Training
Diana Garza
832.328.7355 713.851.6675 Trust Fund
FirefoxVideo.com David Barron
ArmadilloEs.com
713.641.0275
TCMTTF.COM

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

New Members - Continued

Silver

•Burnett Specialists •MedExpress Urgent
Loren Williams | Care
281.464.0404
Danin Greusel
BurnettSpecialists.com 304.985.6375

•Daddy Os Sports Bar MedExpress.com
Bernardo Lozano III
832.835.7912 •Norel Animal
Nutrition
Daddyossportsbar .com
Enrique Pablos
•Freddy’s Frozen 281.741.8211
Custard Norel.net

Annie Serio • The Soileau Law Firm
281.998.0001 Dawn Soileau
FreddysUsa.com 281.741.8211

TheSoileaulawfirm.com

Bronze
• Bear Fruit Family Development • Inuktun InCommand Robotics, LLC
Paul Hernandez | 713.349.4234 Sam Perez | 844.468.5886
IncommandRobotics.com
Bearfruitfd.com

• El Bolillo Bakery • Outback Steakhouse
Kirk Michaelis | 713.643.2625 Ryan Eveland | 281.464.8455
Outback.com/locations/tx/pasadena
ElBolillo.com

• Faith Christian Academy • Pasadena Watertree
Shelley Hardin | 713.943.9978 Danna Jackson |832.917.7876

FCAPasadena.org PasadenaWaterTree.com

• Freebirds World Burrito • Therapeutic Massage & Spa
James Miller | 281.991.1977 Services

FreeBirds.com Carlene Ashworth | 281.998.0717

•Galveston Insurance Associates • TradeSTAR Inc
Jess Williams | 409.941.6076 JR Betts | 281.991.0100
Gia-Tx.com
TradeStarInc.com

•Gonzales Janitorial Service • Vulvan Hot Shot Services
Gabriel Gonzales | 713.397.7451 Gilbert Celestino | 281.941.4326

GJanitorial.com VulcanFleet.com

• Houston Food Bank
Brian Greene | 713.223.3700

HoustonFoodBank.org
For more information about membership or to learn more about

your member benefits visit: PasadenaChamber.org

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

2017 Annual Gala

On Tuesday, December 12, 2017, The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Gala at
Sylvan Beach Pavilion. President/CEO, Cristina Womack opened the night welcoming everyone to the
celebration and thanked guests for their support to the Chamber. The program started with a brief
overview of 2017 from Womack and all the chamber encountered this year, from being named a
Texas Chamber of Commerce Media Excellence award recipient, to dealing with a major natural
disaster. “It was amazing to see our city pulling together as one,” said Womack.

The evening then proceeded with the annoucement of the 2017 Citizen of the Year. As tradition calls
2016 Citizen of the year; Darrell Morrison came up on stage to announce Chris Bezdek as the
Chamber’s 2017 Citizen of the year. “This is truly an honor and totally unexpected,” said Bezdek. “I am
humbled to receive such prestigious recognition.” The night took an unexpected turn when President/
CEO announced one special award to recognize Dr. DeeAnn Powell for her leadership and willingness
to help during tragic times with Hurricane Harvey. Womack presented her with the Spirit of
Community Award for her dedication to the community for both the students and citizens of the city.

Following the award presentations, 2017 Chairman of the Board, Kevin Jeter delivered his retiring
speech. During this time, he recognized our retiring board members. Dave Chawla with Right at Home
Pasadena, Paul Davis with City of Pasadena, Michael Gilbert with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company,
Steve Takacs with Surgery Specialty Hospitals of America, Monica Waggett with Doctor’s United
Surgery Center, Wayne Webb with CommunityBank of Texas and Robert Whitley with Blasingame
Whitley, Attorneys at Law. Kevin thanked them for their service and leadership during their terms as
well as the Pasadena Chamber overall for their support during his term. He then continued to
introduce the 2018 Chairman of the Board, James Guthrie with Thrivent Financial.

Senator Larry Taylor was then invited to stage to swear in and congratulate James. “I am excited to
see what 2018 has in store and look forward to leading your chamber,” Guthrie said. He gave a warm
welcome to the new Board members Barbara Van Rheen with Zaetric, Carlos Guzman with City of
Pasadena, Linda Wischnewsky with Bayway Auto Group, Mustansir “Mus” Abbas with PostNet, Ryan
Taylor with T&T Construction and Stacy
Gillaspey with Communities In Schools.

Following their introduction Senator Taylor then proceeded to swear in the new board members &
executive committee members for 2018. The night was without a doubt memorable for the Pasadena
Chamber of Commerce. Our evening ended with a special thank you to chamber members for their
support in 2017 “...we thank you all for your continued support to the Chamber,” said Womack, “We
look forward to an even better 2018 where we will continue our efforts to connect your community.”

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

2017 Annual Gala Highlights

Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra 2018 Chamber Leadership

2017 Citizen of the Year, Chris Bezdek Passing of the gavel 2018 Chairman, James Guthrie

Spirit of Community Award, Dr. DeeAnn Powell 2017 Chairman, Kevin Jeter & his wife Cindy

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

2017 Citizen of the Year

Since 1967 the Pasadena Chamber
has recognized one individual as the
Citizen of the Year annually;
someone who exhibits a level of
dedication and contribution to
Pasadena above and beyond the call
of duty. We are pleased to name Chris
Bezdek as the 51st honoree for his
commitments to the betterment of
our community.

Chris is the son of local educators,
who began his journey of success in
Pasadena ISD graduating from Sam
Rayburn High School, building
forever friendships among his
classmates and earning the respect of friends and teachers alike. He chose a profession upon
graduation from college that encourages and enables others to realize their dreams of
business ownership and financial security. He entered the banking profession 15 years ago
and currently serves as Executive Director and Regional CEO of CommunityBank of Texas in
Pasadena.

He is currently working toward a Graduate School of Banking degree, an additional bit of
learning that will only increase his ability to serve our community professionally and as a
valued volunteer.

Chris jumped right in and became actively involved in civic and service organizations, like the
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the Pasadena Rotary. He has also served a number of
years on the Board of Directors for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. He served
two-terms as president of the foundation, assisting with fund raising and serving as treasurer
of both the education foundation and the Steering Committee of the McDonald’s Texas
Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Chris and his wife, Jennifer, are devoted parents to their two school aged sons.

Congratulations Chris! Pasadena is lucky to have you as an advocate and we appreciate all that
you invest in making Pasadena great.

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

On Tuesday, December 7th we hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Membership Luncheon at Silver
Sycamore. At the event, we had the opportunity to celebrate a successful year and recognize those individuals who
went above and beyond during the year to support the Chamber. Volunteer award recipients were each voted on
and selected by their respected committee members. Staff members had the opportunity to recognize each of
their respective committees and took turns announcing the men and women who’s contributions led to a
successful 2017.
• Classic Club Member of the Year: Shirley Savell, Classic Club
• Young Gun Member of the Year: Ree Allen, Holiday Inn Express Houston Hobby
• Cultural Arts Member of the Year: Barbara Sitzman, City of Pasadena
• Ambassador of the Year: Areli Cardenas, Communities In Schools
• Committee Chair of the Year: John Edwards, Classic Club
• PHBC Member of the Year: Salvador Serrano, The Serrano Agency
• Board Member of the Year: Jeffrey Reich-Hale, Home2Suites by Hilton HOU/ PAS
• Volunteer of the Year: Stacy Gillaspey, Communities In Schools
We also had the opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women who serve our city as First Responders
protecting citizens everyday. These recipients were each selected by their departments.
• EMT of the Year: Chris Nix, EMT Basic
• Firefighter of the Year: Wayne Morse, Safety Officer
• Police Officer of the Year: David Kot, Pasadena PD Officer
We also had the opportunity to recognize the three student interns who participated in the fall internship program:
Alyssa Ramirez, Darianna Gonzalez & Erica Bernal and present them with their $500 scholarships. All are
outstanding students from both the Lewis Career & Tech High School and University of Houston - Clear Lake, have
been a tremendous asset to the organization and absolutely helpful during our very busy fall season.
Additionally, we did our annual toy collection for the Officer Santa program hosted by the Pasadena Police
Department to give back to those families in need within Pasadena. Without a doubt the event was a great
opportunity to reminisce about a great year and show our appreciation to all of our volunteers without whom our
events and committees would not be possible.

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

November Beautification Awards

El Bolillo Bakery - Building of the Month ABC Dental - Landscaping of the Month

America’s Best - Building of the Month

If you have any business or residential home in Pasadena that you would like to nominate for a
Beautification Award, please submit the name, address, and contact information. We present businesses

with plaques in the areas of new buildings, building renovations, or property landscaping.
Residential awards are presented for landscaping; however, the award is simply a written notification of

the recognition. We do not visit private homes to present the award.

You may email your nominees to: [email protected]
(Awards are not guaranteed to every nominee and those already recognized may be eliminated.)

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Staff Anouncements!

Join us in welcoming our new Administrative Assistant,
Elizabeth Cox to the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Elizabeth is a lifelong resident of Pasadena and a Sam
Rayburn Alumni.

Elizabeth brings along a community/guest relations
background. Her goal is to re-inforce the Chamber’s
“welcome to our can do city” attitude on behalf of our
businesses and organizations. Her people skills and
attention to detail will be an integral part of our goal here
at the Chamber to make you feel right at home.

We’re all excited to have her join our team! You can reach
Elizabeth at: [email protected]

ASK ME ABOUT

THE THRIVENT STORY

Thrivent is a We help members be And The result is
membership organization wise with money … live generously. stronger members, families

of Christians … and communities.

Let’s start a new conversation about money.

Houston Bay Area
17450 El Camino Real

Houston, TX 77058
281-461-6200

Jerry Roth James A Guthrie
MBA, CFP®, FIC FIC, CLTC®
Wealth Advisor
[email protected] Financial Associate

Join us in congratulating our team member, Thrivent Financial was named
Suzette McDowell on her promotion to one of the “World’s Most Ethical
Director of Marketing & Special Events.
We are so proud of you! Companies” by Ethisphere
Institute 2012–2016.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®
and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.
“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered
trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836
28304 R6-16

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Ambassador Spotlight - LeAnne Bolton

I have been “officially” at Texas Roadhouse a little over 2 years. But I
like to say I have truly been with the company sine 1999-this is when
my husband, Jason, the owner/operator of Texas Roadhouse
Pasadena started at Texas Roadhouse. When he was asked to move
to the Pasadena location, I was brought in as the Local Store
Marketer or LSM. Texas Roadhouse is a steakhouse known for its
“Made from Scratch Sides, Fall of the Bone Ribs, Ice Cold Beer, and
Legendary Margaritas.” And quite often referred to the place that
lets you throw peanuts on the floor. As an LSM my role is to be the
“Walking/Talking Billboard” for Texas Roadhouse. As a company we
do not spend any money on commercials or your typical
“marketing.” It is all hands-on and personable. This is why I feel it is
so important to be a part of our local chamber. And better yet, becoming an Ambassador. What
better way to meet people of our community than to serve on this committee. I look forward to
all the new adventures this will take me on. One of my most rewarding aspects of an LSM is giving
back and serving our community, and this by far is the best resource. Thank you for letting me be a
part of something so wonderful.

Business Honor Roll

We applaud these individuals, organizations, and firms that have renewed their financial commitment to the
growth of our community through their continued investment in the chamber. We appreciate each and every
one of you. Congratulations on celebrating your anniversary this month!

5+ Years 10+ Years Shared Resources Credit
ABC Dental Union
Armor Plate, Inc. CHI St. Luke’s Health-Patients TDECU
Associated Credit Union of Medical Center
Williamson Chiropractic
Texas Zachry Holdings Incorporated
Bayou City Wings-Pasadena
15+ Years 25+ Years
Industrial Ait Toll, LLP Animal Medical Center of Alamo Concrete Products
PV Rentals, Leasing & Sales Kaneka North America LLC
Pasadena
TXE Productions, LLC B&G Pasadena Wholesale

Drury Inns, Inc.
M & B Tools & Equipment
Naegeli Transportation Inc.

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram December, 2017

Did you know?

Did you know, your membership includes unlimited usage of the Chamber’s logo and
URL. Using this on your website can help build your traffic through linkbacks.
To receive a version of our logo compatible for your web developers, please contact
Suzette at: [email protected]

Contact Your Chamber

Cristina Womack Jamie Huffar Suzette McDowell Amber Moore Elizabeth Cox

President/ CEO Financial Director of Marketing Member Services Administrative
Administrator & Special Events Coordinator Assistant

Follow The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce 4334 Fairmont Parkway
on Social Media! Pasadena, TX 77504

Follow us on FB, Twitter, IG. (Main) 281.487.7871
Like, share, comment, repost! Our Facebook, Twitter (Fax) 281.487.5530
and Instagram pages help us spread the word about
PasadenaChamber.org
all things happening in your community! [email protected]
Are YOU following?
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#ConnectingYourCommunity Pg. 16