The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by Pasadena Chamber, 2018-03-01 15:39:41

March Chambergram

March Chambergram

Chambergram February

2018

2018 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR James Guthrie
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
Chairman 2018
Read all about State of the City on page: 9

Message From the Chairman

Chamber Members,

The New Year is off to a fantastic start for the
City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Chamber
of Commerce. Our “State of the City” luncheon
was a huge success setting a record for
attendance. Mayor Jeff Wagner gave his first
“State of the City” address to a very receptive
crowd. The theme for this year’s event was “A
New Ball Game”.

A video, narrated by Reed Ryan, was presented
based on an Astros theme with the City’s
department heads giving their presentation in
full baseball uniform.

To be continued...Pg.2

1 Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

...We appreciate all of our sponsors and congratulate Mayor
Wagner, his staff and of course, our very own Chamber staff
for a wonderful event. I’ve heard nothing but compliments
and I hope you were able to be there.

San Jacinto College was named The Pasadena Chamber of
Commerce’s “Business of the Year”. This was a long overdue
award for tremendous component of our community.
Recently the college was named one of the top five
community colleges in the nation by The Aspen Institute. So
many programs and additions are happening on their four
campuses they’re too numerous to mention here. Please
take time to visit their website and see what I’m talking
about. Congratulations to Chancellor Brenda Hellyer, the
Board of Regents, staff and administration of San Jacinto College on being our
2018 “Business of the Year”.

Our President, Cristina Womack, welcomed a new addition to her family the night before the
State of the City luncheon. She and Baby Zoe are doing fine, we wish Cristina and her family
God’s blessings.

Please make plans to attend our “State of the Precinct” membership luncheon featuring Harris
County Commissioner Jack Morman, March 22nd at Sylvan Beach Pavilion and it’s sponsored by
your South Channel Region Chambers.

I encourage you to attend one of our
Chamber “Membership 101” Classes if you
haven’t already. They’re held monthly for
new members, potential new members and
existing members. The classes last one hour
and are very educational. This is one of the
best ways to learn about the opportunities
available through your Chamber
membership. I try to be at each one and
many of our board members attend to
welcome potential new members and to
thank existing members for their
participation and support.

Again, please let me know if there is any way
I can be of service to you.

The Best,

James Guthrie

James Guthrie, Thrivent Financial

2

In this issue...

A message from the Chairman - Pg. 1-2
Ribbon Cuttings - Pg. 4
Platinum Partner of the Month - Pg. 5
Platinum Partners - Pg. 6
Welcome New Members - Pg. 7
Beautification Awards - Pg. 8
2018 Business of the Year - Pg. 9
State of the City Recap - Pg. 10-11
Annual Report - Pg. 12-13
Upcoming Events - Pg. 14
Staff Annoucements - Pg. 15
Ambassador Spotlight - Pg. 16
Contact YOUR Chamber - Pg. 17

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 Firefox Video
713.851.6675
James Guthrie – Chairman, Thrivent Financial FirefoxVideo.com

Kevin Jeter – Past Chair, Miles A/C Service Batteries Plus
Ken Phelps - Chairman Elect, Phelps Insurance Bulbs 745
Salvador Serrano - Vice Chair of Finance,
713.609.9117
The Serrano Agency Batteriesplus.com

Melinda Torrison - Secretary, MedExpress
Urgent Care
Meador Staffing Services 304.985.6375
MedExpress.com
Deborah Moseley, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Dr. John Mrozek, D.C., Ed.D., Texas Chiropractic Freddy’s Frozen
Custard
College (Ex-Officio)
281.998.0001
Stephen Trncak, San Jacinto College (Ex-Officio) FreddysUsa.com
Michael D. West, West & West, LLP

Board of Directors


Mustansir “Mus” Abbas, PostNet
Jeanna Bamburg, Bayshore Medical Center

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, Home2Suites by Hilton HOU/PAS
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

Platinum Partner
of the Month!

ASK ME ABOUT The Serrano Agency’s vision is to provide
excellent customer service and make a
THE THRIVENT STORY difference from the competition. These days
it is very important to be able to take care of
Thrivent is a We help members be And The result is your customer’s needs.
membership organization wise with money … live generously. stronger members, families
We work to provide extremely
of Christians … and communities. competitive prices and to make sure every
customer leaves happy with the price and
Let’s start a new conversation about money. service they received. By Being Kind,
respectful, honest, cheerful and gracious and
Houston Bay Area understanding their needs and their family’s
17450 El Camino Real needs, to protect their most valuable assists.
We embrace the opportunity to be a part of
Houston, TX 77058 your story. You’re the reason we’re in
281-461-6200 business. And helping you protect the things
that matter most to you is what matters
Jerry Roth James A Guthrie most to us. We would love to help you with
MBA, CFP®, FIC FIC, CLTC® all your insurance needs, whether its Auto,
Wealth Advisor Home, life or Business Insurance.
[email protected] Financial Associate
Please call our office 281-741-9545 or
Thrivent Financial was named visit our office at 3207 Preston Ave Pasadena
one of the “World’s Most Ethical Texas 77505.

Companies” by Ethisphere 5
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

Platinum Partners

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

Welcome Gold
New
• Cabo San Lucas Apartments
Members! Ross Fried

713.941.4242
Novaassetmanagement.net

• Prime Realty Group
Ask for an agent
832.475.1323

Primerealtygrouptx.com/agent-resources

• Fuzion Bar and Lounge Silver
Bernard Lozano
832.780.0906 • Amegy Bank of Texas - Red Bluff
Maria Brown
713.232.5320

AmegyBank.com

• Law Office of Laird & Associates • Metro PCS
Lori Laird Crystal Ewing
713.530.9801
832.699.1966 T-Mobile.com
LoriLaird.com

Bronze

• Dex YP • Terracon Consultants Inc
Diane Smith Noosha Smith
832.883.0278 281.557.2900
Dexyp.com Terracon.com

7

February Beautification Awards

Pappas BBQ Motu Truck Stop
Building of the Month Building of the Month

Best Western - Pasadena Inn & Suites
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)

8

2018 Business of the Year

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime
enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San
Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961.
Last Spring, the Aspen Institute for Community College
Excellence named San Jacinto College a Rising Star Award
recipient, making it one of the top five community colleges in
the country. Its focus on student success, its partnerships with industry, and its dedication to the
community helped the institution receive this recognition. The College is governed by a
seven-member Board of Trustees who are elected to serve, and provide the overall vision for the
College. San Jacinto College is a fiscally sound institution, and currently holds bond ratings of AA and
Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively.
Since the beginning, the College has seen steady growth. This past Fall semester saw 30,509 students
enrolled – a record enrollment for San Jacinto College. Students who attend choose from eight
career pathways that prepare a diverse body of students to transfer to four-year colleges or
universities or enter the workforce with the skills they need to support the growing industries along
the Texas Gulf Coast. San Jacinto College students benefit from a support system that maps out a
pathway for their success.
In 2015 voters in the San Jacinto College District approved a $425 bond referendum, allowing the
College to build new facilities to support the
region’s industry growth, and to renovate nine
buildings that are at least 30 years old. Included in
that referendum is a new 145,000 square foot
Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology.
This Center is poised to be the premiere training
facility in Texas, and will feature an exterior
glycol distillation unit with a state-of-the-art
control room; the newest industry standard
software, equipment and technology;
instrumentation / analyzer technology and
non-destructive testing training labs; a
multifunctional glass pilot lab; and plenty of
conference, training, an assembly spaces designed
to accommodate academic, community and
industrial functions.
For more information about San Jacinto College,
visit sanjac.edu.

9

State of the City - Event Recap

On Thursday, February 15, 2018, more than 700
individuals gathered at Pasadena Convention
Center for the Pasadena Chamber’s Annual State
of the City Address where the 2018 Business of the
Year was announced.

San Jacinto College was named 2018 Business of
the Year by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to accept the recognition as the
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Business of the
Year on behalf of San Jacinto College, our Board
of Trustees, our employees and our students. San
Jacinto College has been a part of this community
for more than 50 years, and student success has
always been the focus of what we do every day.
Whatever goals our students have, we have the support to help them along their path so that they can earn
their certificate or associate degree. I want to thank the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and its Board of
Directors for recognizing San Jacinto College as its business of the year.” said Brenda Hellyer, SJC Chancellor
accepting the award.

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of
tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens
of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961.
Last Spring, the Aspen Institute for Community College
Excellence named San Jacinto College a Rising Star Award
recipient, making it one of the top five community colleges
in the country. Its focus on student success, its
partnerships with industry, and its dedication to the
community helped the institution receive this recognition.
The College is governed by a seven-member Board of
Trustees who are elected to serve and provide the overall
vision for the College. San Jacinto College is a fiscally sound
institution, and currently holds bond ratings of AA and Aa2
by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively.

Since the beginning, the College has seen steady growth.
This past Fall semester saw 30,509 students enrolled – a
record enrollment for San Jacinto College. Students who
attend choose from eight career pathways that prepare a
diverse body of students to transfer to four-year colleges
or universities or enter the workforce with the skills they
need to support the growing industries along the Texas Gulf
Coast. San Jacinto College students benefit from a support
system that maps out a pathway for their success.

In 2015 voters in the San Jacinto College District approved a

10

$425 bond referendum, allowing the College to build new facilities to support the region’s industry growth,
and to renovate nine buildings that are at least 30 years old. Included in that referendum is a new 145,000
square foot Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology. This Center is poised to be the premiere
training facility in Texas, and will feature an exterior glycol distillation unit with a state-of-the-art control
room; the newest industry standard software, equipment and technology; instrumentation / analyzer
technology and non-destructive testing training labs; a multifunctional glass pilot lab; and plenty of
conference, training, an assembly spaces designed to accommodate academic, community and industrial
functions.

For all of their accomplishments and efforts in the community the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is
proud to name San Jacinto College Business of the Year.

The event was also a great opportunity for both the Chamber and the City of Pasadena to showcase the
many ways Pasadena is knocking it out of the park.

Mayor Jeff Wagner delivered the city’s address where he discussed all of the changes that have taken place
during his administration.

“[Plugging] in the right people in the right places to create a winning team...I knew that would be my first
order of business” said Mayor Wagner.

Mayor Wagner discussed the importance he saw in ensuring all bases were covered by exceptional
professionals who knew the importance of delivering a great service to the City of Pasadena. Wagner then
proceeded to recognize the entire city staff’s efforts during Hurricane Harvey and the recovery process.

“As we prepared for the storms, I was so impressed with our Office of Emergency Management. They were
so ready. They hit the ground running,” said Wagner.

Mayor Wagner ended his address by mentioning the bright future he sees for the City of Pasadena and
showing his appreciation to the business community “...the success of Pasadena’s economy hinges on strong
business of all sizes...but it’s more than dollars. It’s the dignity and dedication [they] bring to [the]
community,” said Wagner.

Following Wagner’s address Pasadena Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Special Events; Suzette
McDowell thanked Mayor for his continued partnership and his efforts to make the City of Pasadena better
with each new day.

McDowell then proceeded to present the Chamber’s Annual Report and upcoming events showcasing 2017
accomplishments and successes.

“This shows you some of the activity that took place in our office, but really gives you an understanding on
everything we are doing to connect our community” said McDowell.

The luncheon ended with Chairman of the Board; James Guthrie reminding attendees the chamber is on a
mission to create programs and services to accommodate everyone and thanking attendees and
encouraging them to “...continue to build business and support [of the] community [to showcase why]
Pasadena is THE place to be!

Click HERE for a full photo gallery of the event.
Click HERE to watch the event.

Click HERE to read article in Houston Chronicle.

11

Connecting Your Community

Our Mission 615
Member Businesses & Organizations
To promote economic development and
community growth to ensure the prosperity 96NEW MEMBERS 17%
of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens. in the last 12 months
New member
We are working to increase in
revenue since
CONNECT YOUR COMMUNITY
2016
Membership Engagement in 2017
We also...
93% of prospects seek out the Provided 8 student internships
chamber for membership in collaboration with PISD,
Total Membership Revenue increase SJC & UHCL working a
by 1% combined 1,118 hours

Your Chamber hosted 24 Awarded $8,900 in
FREE & 17 PAID networking/ scholarships to students

educational events! Contributed a total of
$20,500 to Pasadena ISD
1200 individuals Education Foundation & raised
attended 76 volunteer $37,000 to fund cargo van for

committee meetings PISD Culinary students
at Taste of the Town
Chamber Ambassadors visited
2017 “Of The Year” Winners
and called a total of 54 Business: McDonald’s -
Quijano Team
new members
Industry: Dixie Chemical
56 Ribbon cuttings/ ground breakings Artist: James Guthrie
27 Beautifications awarded to Citizen: Chris Bezdek
area businesses
LEAD.SERVE.GROW.

2017 EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE

Membership Pasadena Hispanic Young Guns Rugged Race
LUNCHEONS Business Council
“Connecting & Developing 593 Runners
6 Events (PHBC) Young Professionals”
66% Over budget
1634 Attended 6 Events for 2017
135 Attended
No major change 6 Events Business Expo
in attendance *Underwent complete 854+ attendees &
rebranding in 2017
despite cancellation 134 Attended 91 vendors
of September
24% Since
Luncheon due to 2016
Hurricane Harvey Since Taste of the Town
27% 2016
Record Financials

* Spanish Translation Raised $126,100
continued all of 2017 during auction

Financial Stewardship Government Affairs

500+ Attendees at Mayoral 2018 Key Issues
Forum
Local
10 Committee meetings with Government
94 attendees engaged in
public policy Economic
Development

1 Legislative Agenda adopted Education &
in partnership with Workforce
Economic Alliance Development

5 Local position statements/ Transportation
endorsements
1 Trip to Austin addressing
issues critical to Pasadena Maritime

Social Update TCCE MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Facebook & Twitter YOUR chamber was selected a winner for both the newsletter
(1st place) & social media (2nd place) categories at the Texas
2017 Chamber Media Excellence awards for chambers the same size
2016
accross the state of Texas.
63 %2015
INCREASE MARKETING SERVICES
Benefitting Our Members
Instagram LinkedIn
gained averaged - 118 utilized chamber information center for visitors
56 38 likes - 175 shared events on website calendar
followers per week - 263 took advantage of social media postings
- 9 advertised in newsletter or chamber monthly publications
Web traffic - 11 shared job postings
- 19 shared their company news on website news page
18,605 total hits
50 % increase in Q1 Join us for a Membership 101 class to learn how
YOU too can take advantage of our marketing services!
E-Blasts

98 Emails sent to 4,200 contacts
23% Open & 7% Click rates

Upcoming Events

Join us for Membership 101 on March 8th to learn how to
maximize your membership investment, RSVP at:

PasadenaChamber.org/Membership101

Join us for our 2018 State of the Precinct Membership
Luncheon taking place on Thursday, March 22 at Sylvan Beach

Pavilion. At this event we’ll be hearing from
Commissioner Jack Morman.
Register online at:

PasadenaChamber.org/StateOfThePrecinct

Our 7th Annual Rugged Race obstacle course 5K is taking place
on Satuday, April 7th. Be a part of the healthy change and
participate or sponsor this event at:
PasadenaChamber.org/RuggedRace

Save the date for our Pasadena Hispanic Business Council’s
next Breakfast Workshop taking place on April 11th. The event
will discuss the importance of marketing to help promote your

business. For more information visit:
PasadenaChamber.org/PHBC

Our Annual Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament
is taking place on Monday, May 14 at Timbercreek Golf

Course. Test your swing or sponsor this event.
Register online at:

PasadenaChamber.org/Golf


14

STAFF
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Zoe
Jane
Womack

We are happy to announce that
Cristina, Nate and big sister Bailey
welcomed Zoe Jane into the world
on February 14th. She was born at
UTMB League City hospital weighing
8lbs. 13oz. And is 21” long. Everyone
is doing well and Cristina will be on
maternity leave for approximately 6
weeks to spend time with her family.
The Womack’s extend their sincere

appreciation for the entire
community’s support, prayers and
generosity throughout the journey
and look forward to introducing Zoe

to everyone soon!

Our staff will be assisting you
making certain all bases are covered
and your needs are met, so please let

us know how we can help!

15

Ambassador Spotlight - Grabiel Gonzales

I opened Gonzales Janitorial Service in March 2014. We currently focus on cleaning
services for small office buildings. We are a small family owned business. I began
learning about the cleaning service when i was only 5 years old; my parents had several
office buildings that they cleaned as a side business. My dad began in between late 60’s/
early 70’s, he taught me to work and respect others’ belongings. However, he retired in
the late 80’s while I was in high school; I did not continue with the business. After
having worked for many years as a sales clerk and bookkeeper for a hardware store and
a painting contractor, I decided to start my own business. I enjoy the service industry
and strive to not only serve your office, but doing it in a highly satisfactory manner.

I was seeking additional clientele so I decided to join the Chamber and questioned how
I could benefit from this investment? After reviewing the activities available within the
Chamber, I found the Ambassadors committee and realized it was the best answer. I
have only been a committee member for a short time, but have enjoyed every bit of it
so far. It has not only given me an opportunity for my business grow, but has allowed
me to also help other businesses grow. I have enjoyed meeting other individuals from
various businesses and being a part of this group. In my opinion it is an absolute must. I am thankful for the
welcoming faces I’ve encountered.

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 15+ Years 30+ Years
The Plaza at San Jacinto Monument Chevrolet Steve Phelps
Baywood Crossing Rehabilitation & R.B. Everett Company Qualified Properties, Inc.
Comfort Suites-Deer Park Pasadena Interfaith Manor
Healthcare Center Pasadena Lions Club
Pasadena Community Ministries 35+ Years
20+ Years Gulf Coast Educators FCU
Mower’s Inc Spencer Animal Hospital, Inc
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton State Farm Insurance-Liz Olivarez 40+ Years
Air Liquide Large Industries, S LP Evonik Corporation
Pasadena Turner Industries Group, L.L.C.
Dairy Queen The Pheonix Design Group, Inc. 45+ Years
United States Postal Service Pasadena ISD
Windshire Apartments Studio 6
Devon Self Storage Bay area Printing 60+ Years
Bassen Tawadrous, M.D. Thomason’s Fine Jewelery
25+ Years
10+ Years T & T Construction CenterPoint Energy
PCI Nitrogent, LLC
Cenikor Foundation
Today’s Harbor for Children
Copper Ridge Apartments

16

MEMBER Did you know, your membership includes the
PRO TIP opportunity to serve on one of our 6 standing
committees or in any of our event committees?
#2
Serving on a committee is a great way for you to not
only promote your business but also meet new people
and build a network within the chamber.

Contact our Member Services Coordinator, Amber
Moore today for more information!

Contact YOUR Chamber Staff

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?
#PasadenaChamber Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

#ConnectingYourCommunity

17


Click to View FlipBook Version