CHAMBER CONNECTAdvocacy at WorkUpcomingevents to getyou connectedINSIDE THISISSUE:Governor’s SmallBusiness SummitAnd Much More!COVERSPOTLIGHTOlivia Rivers ofThe Bridge OverTroubledWaters, MelindaTorrison, andKicker Cardenasof Kicker InsuresMe AgengyPasadena Chamber of Commerce June 2026
In This Issue...GOVERNOR’S SMALL BUSINSUMMITLast Chance to RegisterCONSTITUENT CONNECTIOTexas Primary Runoff Election JOIN THE PASADENA CHAMFind Out The Benefits ofMembershipIMPACT PASADENAApplications now open for t cohort of IMPACT PasadenaMEMBERSHIP 201Learn how to maximize your CBenefits030610162918WE NEED YOUVolunteer with the PasadenaChamber20 AIM FOR IMPACT CLAY SHOLast chance to sign up for a t sponsorship31 FILL THE BUSParticipate in the school supfundraiser
PREMIER PARTNERSDiamond MembersPlatinum Members4
Businesses today are asking imp do I stay connected? Who is a And who is building for the lo The Chamber’s 5-Year Strateg questions through three clear pConnect PasadenaWe bring people together, stren and turn connections into oppoChampion BusinessWe advocate for business-frien direct access between decision 3 PrioritiesOf ThePasadenaChamber ofCommerceMission StatementThe Mission of the Pasadena \"promote economic developme ensure the prosperity of Pasaden Vision:To be the leading catalyst for a connecting leaders, advocating educating with purpose.Our Values:IntegrityConnectionInnovationService 5
Constituent Connection, the Chamber’s annual eventto facilitate conversations between members andgovernment leaders, will be held August 6th from 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at University of Houston Clear Lake.The event is free to all Pasadena Chamber members.Federal, state and local lawmakers will be invited,providing an opportunity for members to connectone-on-one with key leaders.Businesses and members interested in sponsoring orattending can register for Constituent Connection byvisiting the Chamber’s webpage.The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce partnered withMayor Thomas Schoenbein and the City of Pasadena onJune 11 to host a workshop on navigating the City’s newonline permitting system unveiled in late April. Theworkshop welcomed dozens of contractors, includingmany Chamber members, to gather best practices whenusing the new portal. Representatives from five Citydepartments, including Permits, Planning, Fire Marshal,Public Works, and Public Health offered guidance andanswered questions from attendees.One of the Chamber’s top policy priorities, the newdigital permitting process will allow applicants to apply,schedule inspections and track progress in one place.The Chamber embraces the opportunity to bridge thedialogue between the City and business community.Ensuring the contractor community has the tools andresources needed to successfully utilize the newplatform remains a priority of the Chamber movingforward.The Chamber thanks Mayor Schoenbein, City leadership,and staff; as well as contractors and businesscommunity members who participated in the workshop.Pasadena Chamber Hosts Permitting WorkshopConstituentConnection6Constituent Connection Set for August 6thThe Pasadena Chamber Government RelationsCommittee meets on the first Tuesday of everymonth at 3:30pm at the Pasadena Chamberoffice. All members are welcome to attend.
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Welcome Silver Member:CityView CateringDemetra Delaney713-223-9191Cityviewcatering.comBronze & Non Profit Members:12 Stones Roofing & ConstructionJohn Jenkins713-878-950312stonesroofing.comNot a Member Yet?Become a Pasadena Chamber member today! As a member, you’ll haveaccess to our marketing benefits, exciting events, advocacy efforts, and more!CLICK HERE to learn more and apply!8Bricks & MiniFigs PasadenaJose Lopez832-770-4367bricksandminifigs.comFibrenew BaytownShane Baker832-304-0322fibrenew.com/baytownLittle Hug CafeElvira Mendez832-292-6560@FacebookMassage Heights PasadenaJennifer Barton832-327-5088heightswellnessretreat.comRenegade InsuranceMario Catalan281-354-2101renegadeinsurance.comThe Juicy CrabDavid Flores832-350-9593thejuicycrab.comElase Med SpaSelena Martinez832-937-3538elase.com
9Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Board of DirectorsExecutiveCommitteeBoardofDirectorsExOfficioDirectorsAdvisoryDirectorsEverett L. Smith2025 ChairmanKaneka North AmericaHeather LambertClearhope Counseling &Wellness CenterKicker CardenasPast ChairmanKicker Insures Me AgencyFred Floyd, Jr.Finance ChairBob's Truck CareLaTonya RossSecretaryMeador Staffing ServicesNick CavenessCommunity TransformationChurch PasadenaDanny SchnautzClark Freight LinesAllen BishopHaygor Instrument & CoJoe StaleyUHCLLisa DouglassPSC GroupVeronica Flores-PaniaguaChevron Pasadena RefineryValeh GhaemmaghamiHCA Houston HealthcareSoutheastCathy GillChevron Phillips ChemicallEvelyn HernandezHome BankMelissa MohammedKelsey-Seybold ClinicJavier MoralesJ. Morales IncCynthia RamirezIEC Design HouseQ. Olivia RiversThe BridgeDoug SinitiereTurner IndustriesJames WeberMosher Seifert + Co, PCRandy YoungYoung IndustriesMichael ZavarSilver SycamoreNatasha AinsworthPort HoustonDr. Allatia HarrisSan Jacinto CollegeDr. Sal SalehTexas Chiropractic CollegeMaria BolanosHarris County Precinct 2Adrian GarciaArturo MarquezCity of PasadenaDr. Toni LopezPasadena ISDSteve SkarkeKaneka FoundationMelinda TorrisonMeador Staffing Services
Honored the 2026 Industry of the Year:W.R. GraceIndustrial Membership Luncheon RecapThe Pasadena Chamber of Commerce proudlywelcomed business leaders, elected officials,industry professionals, and communitystakeholders to its 2026 Industrial AppreciationMembership Luncheon on May 28. The annualevent celebrated the vital role industry plays indriving economic growth, workforcedevelopment, and community investmentthroughout Pasadena and the Greater Houstonregion.A highlight of the luncheon was the recognitionof W.R. Grace as the 2026 Industry of the Year.This prestigious honor is awarded to a companythat demonstrates exceptional leadership insafety, operational excellence, environmentalstewardship, community involvement, andeconomic impact. W.R. Grace's longstandingcommitment to innovation and investment inPasadena continues to strengthen our localeconomy while making a meaningful differencein the community.Attendees also enjoyed an engaging paneldiscussion focused on the future of regionaleconomic development. Industry experts andeconomic development leaders representingPort Houston, the Greater Houston Partnership,Harris County, and regional partners sharedvaluable insights on the trends, opportunities,and challenges shaping our region's future.Discussion topics included infrastructureinvestment, workforce development, globalcompetitiveness, business attraction, and thecontinued growth of the Houston-area industrialsector.CLICK HERE to view all the photos from the eventCLICK HERE to view the recap video*Photos and videos brought to you byArrowhead Creative Co.11The conversation reinforced the critical role that industry playsnot only in Pasadena but across the Greater Houston region.Panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration betweenbusinesses, educational institutions, government agencies, andeconomic development organizations to ensure continuedprosperity and workforce readiness.The luncheon provided attendees with valuable networkingopportunities while highlighting the strong partnerships that makePasadena one of the most important industrial hubs in the nation.From manufacturing and logistics to energy and petrochemicals,industry continues to provide high-quality jobs, support localbusinesses, and contribute to the overall quality of life in ourcommunity.The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce extends its sincereappreciation to our Platinum Sponsor: OxyChem, all othersponsors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this year'sevent a tremendous success. We also congratulate W.R. Graceon being named the 2026 Industry of the Year and thank all ofthe industrial companies that continue to invest in Pasadena'sfuture.As the Chamber continues its mission of connecting, advocating,serving, and educating, we remain committed to celebrating theindustries and leaders who help our community thrive.
Serve On A Get Involved By Joining A CommitteeJoining a committee at the Pasadena Chamber ofCommerce is a great way to get involved, not only withthe Chamber, but with like-minded business professionalsin our community. It is a fantastic way to LEAD, SERVEand GROW your Pasadena Community.Below is a list of our committees:AmbassadorsAnnual GalaClassicsFinanceNon-Profit NetworkGovernment RelationsIndustrial Appreciation Golf TournamentLeadership PasadenaTaste of the Town (Next meeting: July 30th)Workforce DevelopmentCLICK HERE to learn more about each of them and getsigned up for the ones you want to serve on.12
Member CPool Pandas13Amegy Bank - Red BluffVeteran’s Welding SupplyShambaugh & SonAir integrity HVAC
Connecting Talent to Opportunity: The Value of thePasadena Chamber Workforce CenterThe Pasadena Chamber of Co designed to strengthen both creating a centralized, easy- Pasadena to Work” by connect community.For job seekers, the Workforce provides access to a wide ra businesses, along with valuab opportunities, and connections For employers, the benefits a members to showcase their j CLICK HERE to access the Workforce Center14
The Power of Connection: Wh In today’s business world, succe Pasadena Chamber of Comme turned into meaningful opportu At the heart of the Chamber is community initiatives, the Cham collaborate, and support one a beginnings of partnerships, refe For many members, one introdu opportunities. The Chamber bri entrepreneurs to large industria Let’sGetConnected15
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Non-Profit One of the most powerfulfeatures of the page is theability for non-profits topost their current needs.Whether it’s volunteers,donations, sponsorships, orspecific resources,organizations can clearlycommunicate how thecommunity can supportthem. This creates a directand meaningful pathwayfor businesses andindividuals to get involvedand make a difference.Visit the tool by clickinghere and find out how youcan help non-profits in ourcommunity.Non-profit organizations play avital role in shaping the heartand soul of our community—providing essential services,supporting families, andcreating opportunities for thosein need. The PasadenaChamber of Commerce isproud to support theseorganizations through its NonProfit Network tool, adedicated space designed toincrease visibility, fostercollaboration, and connectcommunity needs with thosewho are ready to help.Non-Profit Network ToolClick Here to View theNon-Profit Network Tool19
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Pasadena Loves LocalShopping local is more than a feel-goodchoice—it’s a powerful way to invest directly inthe future of Pasadena! Every dollar spent at alocal business helps strengthen our economy,support our neighbors, and preserve the uniquecharacter that makes our community special.When you shop local, more of your money staysright here in Pasadena. Local businesses aremore likely to reinvest in the community byhiring local employees, sourcing from nearbyvendors, and supporting other small businesses.This creates a ripple effect—boosting jobcreation, increasing economic stability, andcontributing to a stronger local tax base thatsupports essential services like schools,infrastructure, and public safety.Beyond the economic impact, shopping localhelps build meaningful relationships. Localbusiness owners are your neighbors, friends,and community partners. They sponsor youthsports teams, support chamber events, and giveback to local causes. When you choose to support them, you’re notjust making a purchase—you’re building connections andcontributing to a more engaged, vibrant community.Pasadena is home to a diverse mix of businesses, from familyowned shops and restaurants to service providers and industrialpartners. These businesses give our city its identity and offer alevel of personal service and authenticity that you won’t findanywhere else. Supporting them helps preserve that uniquenessand keeps our local culture thriving.Click Here to ViewourBusiness Directory22
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to the following businesses forrenewing their membership andcontinuing their investmentin the Pasadena Chamber!Thank YouMembers for 25+ YearsBASFJohnson Glass CompanyMeador Staffing ServicesSan Augustine Apartments & TownhomesThe Bridge Over Troubled WatersTopsoe, IncTwin Arts Dance StudioMembers for 11-24 Years007 Pest & TermiteBay Area Council on Drugs & AlcoholBay Area RentalsDoctors United Surgery CenterMobil Steel International IncSandra Tapia CPA PLLCMembers for 5-10 YearsClearhope Counseling and Wellness CenterDunavant Distribution GroupJersey Mike's SubsMobile Auto ProsRight Now LeadershipSudie's Catfish HouseTaquerias Arandas 89TPIS Industrial Services24
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C.A.S.E. Stoof Impact26WE WANT FROM YC.A.S.E. STORIES OF IMPACTHas the Pasadena Chamber ofCommerce made an impact on youand your business? If so, we’d loveto include you in our 2026 videoseries. Your experience helps usshowcase the real impact ofChamber membership, strengthenour business community, and inspireothers to get involved.CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE A VIDEO
Refocusing onBy Debbie SimmonsWhat Matters Most in 2026The Legacy Architect27As we reach the middle of the y check direction. Many leaders b of daily demands can blur focusThis is where intentional leaders At Anchor Point, we’ve learned When our work stays connected What We’re Seeing in Our WoThis season, we continue to witn Families receiving essential Parents finding stability thro
Our Small Business Resources page is a valuableresource for small businesses, offering free, on-demandtraining with practical tips that can be appliedimmediately. With topics covering key areas likemarketing, planning, and operations, it provides flexible,expert guidance that helps businesses grow and staycompetitive without a large time or financial investment.
The Pasadena Chamber vision is to be the leadingcatalyst for a thriving business community byconnecting leaders, advocating for advancement,serving and educating with a purpose.MEET YOUR PASADENA CHAMBER TEAMCristina WomackPresident & CEOErin WebbVice PresidentChristian RochaMembership CoordinatorJohnnie HubbardOffice ManagerMelinda StephensonAdmin CoordinatorStacy GillaspeyEvents ManagerTimothy Stewart VirgilioIMPACT PasadenaProgram ManagerRoss WinklerGovernment RelationsAdvisor