August Chambergram

Chambergram AUGUST

2018

On Thursday, July 12th our Cultural Arts
Committee hosted their 20th Annual Theater
Night that featured The Wedding Singer. Read all

about this story on page: 11

Message From the Chairman

Dear Chamber Members,

Great things are happening at you Chamber. We James Guthrie
just had our Cultural Arts Committee’s Annual
“Theater Night” at the Art Park Players. It was a Chairman 2018
huge success thanks to our Cultural Arts
Committee members, Chamber staff and all our
wonderful members who came out to enjoy
dinner, the play and an amazing auction. Funds
raised each year are used to provide scholarships
for a San Jacinto College student and a Texas
Chiropractic College student.

The 2018 Business Expo is coming up August 16th from
2:30 – 5:30 PM at the Pasadena Convention Center.
We’re almost at maximum capacity, check with the

Chamber staff on booth availability.

To be continued...Pg.2

1 Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

After the Expo the Chamber is sponsoring a one-hour town hall
meeting for a presentation on the upcoming 2.5 Billion Dollar
Harris County Flood Control Bond Election to be held August 25th.
Your Chamber board voted unanimously to support this Bond
Issue. Ironically, August 25th is the one-year anniversary of
Hurricane Harvey.

Our August “State of Education” membership luncheon will
feature Pasadena ISD Superintendent, DeeAnn Powell, San Jacinto
College Chancellor, Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Texas Chiropractic College
President, Dr. Stephen Foster and University of Houston Clear
Lake President, Dr. Ira K. Blake. This year we’ll honor Mickey Gilley
as the Cultural Arts Committee’s “Artist of the Year”. Accepting the
award for Mr. Gilley will be Smokey Culver. Many thanks to the
Texas Chiropractic College for hosting this year’s luncheon.

Mark your calendars for this year’s “Taste of the Town” which will be Thursday,
November 1st. Make your reservations now to beat the rush. Last year’s event was
a huge success, great crowd and a record breaking auction. With funds raised, we purchased a special
cargo van for Pasadena ISD culinary students.

Once again, a new leadership program is being developed under the guidance of incoming Chair, Ken
Phelps. The purpose is to develop leadership skills for participants with real life experiences in most
aspects of community involvement. We’ve been encouraged by the City’s Economic Development
Corporation to get this program up and running and they’ve offered to participate in the process.

I encourage you to come to one of our
Membership 101 classes (2nd Thursday of each
month). It’s the best way to learn about all the
services available to you as a member or
prospective member of the Chamber. Also, I
would encourage you to participate in one of
the many Chamber committees. This is your
chance to be of service and meet people like
yourself who want to make your community a
vibrant place to live and do business.

Again, it’s my pleasure to serve as this year’s
Chairman of your Chamber board. If there is
any way the staff or myself can be of service to
you, please reach out to us. We have a
wonderful staff and they want to help you be a
success in the Pasadena community.

Best,

James Guthrie

James Guthrie, Thrivent Financial
2018 Chairman of the Board

2

In this issue...

A message from the Chairman - Pg. 1-2
Ribbon Cuttings - Pg. 4
Welcome New Members - Pg. 5
Platinum Partners - Pg. 6
Platinum Partner of the Month - Pg. 7
Ambassador Spotlight - Pg. 8
Board Nominations - Pg. 9
Upcoming Events - Pg. 10
Theater Night Recap - Pg. 11
Flood Control District Bond - Pg. 12
“Fill The Bus” - Pg. 13
Contact YOUR Chamber - Pg. 14

3

Welcome to all who have recently joined the Pasadena Chamber of
Commerce! Welcome to our family!
Pasadena
Chamber of Commerce

4334 Fairmont Pkwy.
Pasadena, TX 77504

Executive Board CarePatrol of Greater Fuzion Bar & Lounge
Houston 832.780.0906
James Guthrie – Chairman, Thrivent Financial
832.698.9259 [email protected]
Kevin Jeter – Past Chair, Miles A/C Service CarePatrolHouston.com
Ken Phelps - Chairman Elect, Phelps Insurance Palm Grill at Quality Inn
Salvador Serrano - Vice Chair of Finance, 713-477-6871

The Serrano Agency QualityInnPasadena.com

Melinda Torrison - Secretary, United Safety
281.241.1740
Meador Staffing Services UnitedSafety.net

Deborah Moseley, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Dr. John Mrozek, D.C., Ed.D., Texas Chiropractic

College (Ex-Officio)

Stephen Trncak, San Jacinto College (Ex-Officio)
Michael D. West, West & West, LLP

Board of Directors Pasadena Performance
Center

Mustansir “Mus” Abbas, PostNet 346.291.0332
Jeanna Bamburg, Bayshore Medical Center PCPasadena.com

Lee Betancourt, Iron Mountain
Alix Fox, Qualified Properties

Stacy Gillaspey, Communities In Schools
Denise Jennings, LyondellBasell
Sam Jimenez, McDonald’s

Margie Pena, Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
Gary Piana, Chevron Phillips

Jeffrey Reich-Hale, Hilton Garden Inn HOU Hobby
Ryan Taylor, T & T Construction
Barbara Van Rheen, Zaetric

Robert Wills, Silver Eagle Distributors
Linda Wischnewsky, Bayway Auto Group

Ex-Officio Directors

Pedro Garcia, Port of Houston Authority
Tammie Nielsen, Commisioner Jack Morman Harris

County Pct. 2

Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Pasadena ISD
Carlos Guzman, City of Pasadena

4

Welcome Platinum
New
• Candlewood Suites - Pasadena
Members! Wendy Solis
832.746.6220
SILVER
CandlewoodSuites.com
• Total Access MD
• Hammer Industries Ramyr Martinez
Michael Adkins
346-200-7171 346.978.1101
TotalAccessMD.com
Hammer-Ind.com

Bronze • United Safety
Michelle Alvarez
• Ability Rent A Car
Ronnie Weiss 281-241-1740
713-224-5489 unitedsafety.net

abilityautorental.com • Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
Carla Medlenka
• Candlewood Suites - Deer Park 281-523-2000
Laura Board
281.769.2238 houstonmethodist.org/stjohn

CandlewoodSuites.com

• Carnes Funeral Home
Stephenie Watson
713-943-2500

carnesfuneralhome.com

• Gendi Pediatrics
Peter Gendi
713-477-0400

• Legal Shield & ID Shield
Daniel Raj

832-312-8072
shobi.wearelegalshield.com

• My Edgy Veggy by Local Harvest Company
Teresa Downing
281.731.9266

LocalHarvestCo.com
• Plantation on the Bay Inc

Kimberly Wiethoff
281-709-4888

PlantationontheBay.com
• Texas State Teachers Association

877-275-8782
tsta.org

5

Platinum Partners

A special thank you to our platinum members for investing at the highest level
of membership annually!
6

Platinum Partner of the Month - Home2Suites Houston/ Pasadena

Centrally located in the suburban area off Sam Houston Tollway, Home2 Suites by
Hilton Houston/Pasadena is Pasadena’s number 1 hotel, where you’ll find a
comfortable and relaxing atmosphere from the moment you walk into the lobby. Our
fun and modern property features spacious suites with flexible layout options, perfect
for an extended stay or leisure travel with the family when you’re in the Houston area.

Each suite features a fully equipped, energy efficient kitchenette. This kitchenette
comes complete with a microwave, full-size refrigerator, dishes, glassware and more.
You can start your day with complimentary continental breakfast at the Inspired Table.
Give multi-tasking new meaning at Spin2 Cycle, where you can run on a treadmill while
you run a load of wash. Stop by the 24- hour Home2Mkt convenience shop for a snack
and travel essentials. When you need to finish a project, use the 24-hour business
center with free Wi-Fi and free wireless Printing. If you need to unwind from a long day
you can soak up the warm Texas sun in our sparkling saline, outdoor pool while you
grill up dinner on the patio. Finally don’t forget to travel with your furry friend as they
are always welcome at Home2.

Home2 suites has recently welcomed a new team member, Lauren Sistek as their Director of Sales and Marketing. If
you are in the market for group travel, extended stay, or leisure travel please contact her to make the travel planning
process a breeze. A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Commercial
Recreation and Event Management and Hospitality she brings her passion for event sales to help create a smooth
planning process for all of your travel needs. As a chamber Ambassador Lauren is always connecting with the
community and striving to stay informed on the current and upcoming trends in Pasadena.

The Independent, Locally Owned Alternative
For Owner Managed Businesses

TexasCitizensBank.com
713.948.5700

© Copyright 2018 Texas Citizens Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

7

Ambassador Machell Tompkins
Spotlight
I am a Proactive Trusted Real Estate Adviser aka Texas
Licensed Realtor currently in the Pasadena - Clear
Lake area. I became licensed in 2014. I am a native
Texan from Belton and currently residing in Deer
Park.

I love every aspect of real estate from assisting
buyers from finding their dream home to guiding
sellers through the process of marketing and
selling their home. “It’s not about selling one house;
it’s about building relationships.” Enthusiastic and
energetic. I rank organization and communication as
two of my greatest strengths, allowing me to focus on
clients’ goals and to keep them fully informed.

WHATEVER YOUR Every day is a gift. I believe in giving back to the
FINANCIAL GOALS ... community. I was previously employed with the State
of Texas Department of Aging and Disability prior to
We’ll help you reach them. that The Family and Protective Services. When not
working, I spend as much time as I possibly can with
Thrivent Financial offers a full range of products, services and tools to help my boys, one son just home from the United States
you achieve financial security, including: Navy and currently attending college and the other
Deer Park Junior High School.
• Life insurance • Estate and legacy strategies
• Retirement options • Education funding options I enjoy leisure hours at the beach or in the
• Annuities • Managed accounts mountains, exercising, reading, and listening to
• Health insurance • Retail brokerage music. I was Deer Park Texas Chamber Volunteer of
• Mutual funds the year. 2017 Prime Realty Highest Priced Listing,
Member of Deer Park Chamber of Commerce and
We’ll create a financial strategy that reflects your goals and values. recently joined Pasadena Chamber of Commerce,
looking to make it another great year with even more
Jerry Roth James A Guthrie volunteer opportunities.
MBA, CFP®, FIC FIC
Wealth Advisor Financial Associate

281-461-6200 • 17450 El Camino Real • Houston, TX 77058

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®
and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.

Thrivent was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute for
our leadership in promoting ethical business standards and introducing innovative ideas to
benefit the public. “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are
registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit Ethisphere.com.

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name
for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all
states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment
Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member
and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered
representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance
agents/producers of Thrivent. Investment advisory services, including fee-based financial
planning services, are available through qualified investment advisor representatives only.
For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 20328 R4-18

8

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is seeking your input! Each year new members are
elected to the Board of Directors to serve as a volunteer of the organization for a 3-year term.
Board service is an opportunity to engage with the work of the chamber providing strategic
oversight, leadership and support to the overall work of the chamber. Nominees must be
members in good standing with the ability to commit time monthly in attendance at board
meetings (held the 3rd Monday of each month at 4:00 PM) and value the mission of the
organization: to promote economic development and community growth to ensure the
prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens. For more information on the Board code of
conduct click here.

If you would like to nominate someone or yourself to serve in this capacity please submit their
name and resume to Cristina Womack at [email protected]. Nominations will be
accepted until August 31, 2018. All submitted applicants will be reviewed by the Nominating
Committee, at which point a slate will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval and
then voted on by the chamber membership. Newly elected board members will be installed at
the Annual Gala on December 13, 2018 and serve a 3-year term expiring December 2021.

For a complete list of our current board
members, visit page 4 of the newsletter
or page 11 of the Resource Guide by
clicking here.

We appreciate the many individuals
who serve, have served and who will
serve to contribute to the success of the
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

9

Upcoming Events

Join us at our Pasadena Hispanic Business Council’s next
Breakfast Workshop taking place on August 8th. The event will
cover important information you need to know on advertising

your business through social media on a small budget.

PasadenaChamber.org/PHBC

Join us for Membership 101 on August 9th to learn how to
maximize your membership investment, RSVP at:

PasadenaChamber.org/Membership101

Our Annual Business Expo is taking place on August 16th at
the Pasadena Convention Center. Don’t miss the opportunity
to connect with both the business community and Pasadena

Independent School District as we showcase the stars of
Pasadena.

For more information visit:
PasadenaChamber.org/BusinessExpo
Save the date for our State of Education Membership Luncheon
taking place on August 30th at Texas Chiropractic College.
At the event we will get to hear from a panel of our major
education institutions’ leaders and recognize our
2018 Artist of the Year, Mickey Gilley!

PasadenaChamber.org/State of Education

Registration is now open for our 29th Greatest Taste of the
Town! This year we have also added and modified our

sponsorship levels and ticket packages in order to better fit
your needs! Some sponsorship items are limited, so be one of

the first to save your spot for this record breaking event!
LEARN MORE

10

20th Annual Theater Night
The Wedding Singer

By: Jamie Huffar

On Thursday, July 12 the Chamber’s Cultural Arts
Committee held its annual Theater Night at the Art Park
Players theater in Deer Park. Art Park’s production of
The Wedding Singer was a hilarious hit, well done with
highly talented cast and crew, creative costumes and
props, and sets that made you feel right at home.
Wedding punch, wedding cake cupcakes and roses kept
the theme going. Nearly every seat was filled bringing
a great crowd together to support theater arts and the
work of the chamber.

Proceeds from theater night benefit scholarships for
students at San Jacinto College and Texas Chiropractic
College. Both of the 2018 scholarship recipients- Hunter
Christian Garcia from San Jacinto College and Chad Long
from Texas Chiropractic College were on hand for
theater night to assist in everything from setting up
dinner to showcasing items during the auction. A live
auction was held prior to the play showcasing twelve
different themed packages and helped raise over $7000;
thank you Auctioneer Mark Beaver. The great spirit of
giving in our local business people and citizens was alive
and in the packages we received. Overall the night was
a huge success and everyone had a great time. The
chamber would like to thank our presenting sponsors,
Thrivent Financial & Home2Suites by Hilton Houston/
Pasadena, for their support in making theater night
possible.

We’d like to say a special thank you to Art Park
Players Director, Susan Mele for again partnering with
the Chamber during this event.

11

Harris County Flood Control District Bond

YOUR Pasadena Chamber supports the 2018
HCFCD BOND PROGRAM and
encourages you to vote yes on what could be
$2.5 billion in bonds for flood risk
reduction projects throughout the county this
fall.

YOUR Pasadena Chamber will also be partnering
with Armand Bayou Nature Center for a very
special Town Hall Meeting taking place on
Thursday, August 16th from 6-7PM immediately
following our Business Expo. At the meeting we
will share all the information you need to know
regarding the Flood Control District Bond. For
more information on the Town Hall meeting click
HERE for more information.

Click HERE for more information on meeting dates and times
Read more about the bond by clicking HERE!

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 20+ Years

Art Park Players Ichi-Ban Trophy & Engraving

Channel Personnel Services, Inc Larry’s Arts & Crafts

Community Pregnancy Center

Curb Planet Inc. 25+ Years

Immediate Medical Care BASF

Page Beyond Beaute’ Day Spa

Savannah Cafe & Bakery Cernosek Wrecker

FedEx Office

10+ Years Golden Corral Restaurant

AFLAC - Herman Weber Haldor Topsoe, Inc.

Baity & Assoc. Tax & Financial Services

Doctors United Surgery Center 30+ Years

Innovative Alternatives Kaneka North America LLC

Mi Tierra Auto Sales

40+ Years

15+ Years Twin Arts Dance Studio

A. C. Cut Rate Wholesale

Brooks Concrete 55+ Years

Complete Environmental Products Ethyl Corporation

KKBQ FM Radio Station/ The New 93Q

60+ Years

CenterPoint Energy

12

Presented by:

Gear up for the City of Pasadena and Pasadena ISD’s
annual school supply drive to equip students with the
tools they need for the 2018-2019 school year!

School Supplies Needed:

• Clear/Mesh Backpacks • Glue sticks

• #2 pencils • Spiral notebooks

• Crayons • Folders/Binders

• Markers • Composition notebooks

• Erasers • Notebook Paper

• Highlighters • Facial tissue

• Elmer’s glue • Hand sanitizer

DROP OFF DATES

AUG. 1-15

8 AM - 5 PM
PASADENA CITY HALL

1149 ELLSWORTH DR, PASADENA, TX 77506

AUG. 16

2:30 - 5:30 PM

PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXPO

PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER

7902 FAIRMONT, PASADENA, TX 77505

For monetary donations please make checks payable to:

Pasadena ISD Education Foundation

Please mail checks to: 1515 Cherrybrook, Pasadena, TX 77502

For more information, please contact:
713-920-7948 or [email protected]

13

Did you know that you can help us applaud our
members for a job well done?

If a member goes above and beyond helping you or
provides excellent service, please turn their name and
company name into Elizabeth Cox at:
[email protected].

We will send them a thank you card. Help us share
some good news!

Contact YOUR Chamber Staff

Cristina Womack Jamie Huffar Suzette McDowell Elizabeth Cox

President/ CEO Financial Director of Marketing Administrative
Administrator & Special Events 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?
#PasadenaChamber Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

#ConnectingYourCommunity

14