Chamber_May

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce MMaya,y2, 0210717
Chambergram

www.PasadenaChamber.org

Message From
the Chairman

Kevin Jeter Our 6th Annual Rugged Race took place on Saturday, April
8. Read all about this year’s event on page 5.
Chairman 2017
In this issue:
Fellow Members and Friends,
• Message From the Chairman – Pg. 1
With the Chambergram going out • Message From the Chairman Continued – Pg. 2
on Friday, May 5th, it is important • A Letter From the President – Pg. 3
for me to remind all citizens to • Ribbon Cuttings – Pg. 4
vote in their local elections. When •Rugged Race Recap – Pg. 5
these local elections occur, the • Legislative Corner – Pgs. 6 & 7
winner or run-off candidates can • Platinum Partner of the Month – Pg. 8
come down to one or two votes. • No Bad Days Membership Luncheon Recap – Pg. 9
You could be that one vote that • Upcoming Events – Pg. 10
helps determine our future! • Member to Member Mentoring Program – Pg. 11
• May Beautifications – Pg. 12
The Pasadena Chamber of • New Members - Pg. 13
Commerce is a politically-neutral • Ambassador Spotlight - Pg. 14
organization. We do not feel it is • Contact Your Chamber – Pg. 15
our role to tell you how to vote.
We do think it is important for our
businesses, our community, and
our citizens for everyone to vote.
Please exercise your valuable
right to vote by making your voice
heard in the ballot box.

To be continued...Pg. 2

Pg. 1

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Continued from Pg. 1

On to Chamber business. There are some exciting things coming your way in May.
Beginning with Membership 101 on Thursday, May 11th. This free class is a great way to
explain Chamber membership to our prospective members, new members, and existing
members. If you recently examined your accounts payable activity and asked the
question, “What do I get from being a member of Pasadena Chamber?” please come to
Membership 101 at 8:30 a.m. in the Chamber office.
We will honor Dixie Chemical as our Industry of the Year as well as present scholarships
to PISD students who are following an industrial career path at our May 18th Membership
Luncheon. We hope you will RSVP today.
For those of you falling into specialize membership categories, please do not forget our
Young Guns Kemah Social on Friday, May 19th, and our Pasadena Hispanic Business
Council Breakfast Mixer on June 14th.
Our Classic Club, a group of retired professionals, is recruiting new members. If you know
anyone who is fully retired and looking for ways to remain active, please tell them to
contact your Chamber at 281-487-7871. The Classic Club set a goal of four new members
by July 4, 2017.
You can learn more about any of these opportunities by visiting the Chamber’s website at
PasadenaChamber.org.
Summer is right around the corner but your Chamber never takes a break! We are
committed to connecting your community!

“We are all precious in His sight.”

Sincerely,

Kevin Jeter

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


Pg. 2

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

A Letter From the President:

Members and Friends,
It has been an eventful spring! since our last newsletter
we have hosted 2 fundraisers, 1 membership luncheon,
2 breakfast mixers and educational presentations, held 7
committee meetings and celebrated 3 ribbon cuttings and 3
beautification winners. I share this to express my gratitude
for the many members who support our endeavors through
sponsoring our events and sharing their time. We cannot
do the work we do without the support of volunteers and
members actively participating to accomplish our mission in
the community.
Your chamber is here for you and we want to support your
business and know what is going on in your industry! Please
share your news, accomplishments, successes and
happenings with us.
I am excited to share one of our recent accomplishments is the launch of our new
Member2Member Mentoring program. I hope you consider learning more about in the
newsletter and encourage you to become a mentor or mentee today to enhance your
chamber experience further!
One of my favorite events happens in May and that is celebrating industry and students
at our upcoming luncheon. We will honor Dixie Chemical alongside the students who are
pursuing a degree in an industry field with scholarships. We also will have the
opportunity to recognize the hard work of our 4 students interns this semester (Jose,
Jessica, Adrian & Andrea) and appreciate the work they have done for us. Your chamber
strives to lead, serve and grow Pasadena and I can’t think of a better way to do that than
through the support and development of young leaders who are the future of tomorrow.
Enjoy this month’s newsletter as we conclude a busy and exciting spring season!

Best Regards,

Cristina Womack

Cristina Womack, President/CEO

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

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

Kevin Jeter – Chairman, Miles A/C Service

Monica Waggett – Past Chair, Doctor’s Outpatient

Surgicenter

Jeanna Barnard, Bayshore Medical Center
James Guthrie, Thrivent Financial

Salvador Serrano, The Serrano Agency Farmers

Insurance

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

Board of Directors Lonestar Promo Products
Greta Hollingsworth & Dusty Davis
281.677.8801
Lee Betancourt, Openworks lonestarpp.net
Dave Chawla, Right At Home, Pasadena
Alix Fox, Qualified Properties Crown Hill Cementery Association
Denise Jennings, LyondellBasell Michael Murphey
713.472.0565
Sam Jimenez, McDonald’s crownhillcemeteryassociation.com
Deborah Moseley, The Bridge
Margie Pena, Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
Ken Phelps, Phelps Insurance
Jeffrey Reich-Hale, Home2Suites by Hilton HOU/PAS
Ryan Stephens, Grand View Funeral Home and

Memorial Park

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
Pedro Garcia, Port of Houston Authority
John Mrozek, Texas Chiropractic College
Tammie Nielsen, Commisioner Jack Morman Harris

County Pct. 2

Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Pasadena ISD

Pg. 4

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

6th Annual Rugged Race - Recap

More than 600 participants ran or walked
in our 6th Annual Rugged Race on April
8. Participants completed a 1K or a 5K
obstacle course across the grounds of the
Pasadena Convention Center.

Winners were awarded medals based on
age categories and finish times. Rugged
Race is for anyone of any age wanting to
help promote a healthier lifestyle among
PISD students and their families.

The Chamber staff and members of the
PISD community want to thank Kasie
Fernandez, Volleyball Coach at Pasadena
Memorial High School for her vision and
dedication to not only our Rugged Race
but to the improved health of all
Pasadena citizens. With participation high
at this year’s event, we will make a $10K
donation to a deserving area school.

If you would like to learn more about
Rugged Race or want to watch the
website for advanced notice of next
year’s event, please visit
www.theruggedrace.com.

There is a selection process to identify
the elementary or middle school
recipient of the athletic grant raised
through Rugged Race proceeds. If you
are interested in learning more about
this grant program or wish to donate,
please contact Cristina Womack at
281.487.7871.

Stay tunned to hear more about this
year’s recipient in month’s to come!

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Legislative Corner

We will begin to feature an update from our Legislative
Affairs Committee in each Chambergram. This column will
be entitled, “Legislative Corner,” and will provide the latest
legislative issues addressed by our committee.

If you have a particular concern or interest about upcoming
legislation that you would like for our Legislative Affairs
Committee to review in hopes of garnishing support, please
email the bill number, name or topic to
[email protected].

Our Legislative Affairs Committee only addresses those
issue brought forward to us by our members. Once the
committee researches the issue, a recommendation is
made to our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will
determine the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s stance
on any issue submitted by members.

Friendly Reminder: Pasadena elections will take place on
Saturday, May 6th. For information on polling locations
and times, please visit http://www.vote411.org.

Our Legislative Affairs Committee successfully conducted
our very first Mayoral Forum on March 28th. Based on
member and community feedback, we believe it was a
HUGE success. The Pasadena Channel generously agreed to
tape the forum for us. It is available online. We hope you
will log on, watch the video, and make an informed decision
when casting your vote.

Click HERE if you missed the Mayoral Forum and want to watch
Click HERE if you wish to read written responses from candidates

Pg. 6

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Bob Mitchell is a member of Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
through Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP). He
notified us that storm surge protection is finally receiving national
coverage. Bob provided important information regarding the Coastal
Spine Protection efforts that the Chamber supported last year. The
Chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee conducted a “Lunch and
Learn” regarding this very important need. We are excited to share
with you that this important issue is being addressed by CNN. Please
follow links below. Surge protection is vital to our local, state and national economy as well as to every
citizen living in the Gulf Coast region. We encourage you to watch and share.

“After more than eight years, BAHEP’s leadership, in conjunction with Texas A&M University at Galveston and
others, in support of a storm surge protection system for the upper Texas Gulf Coast is really beginning to
pay dividends. CNN is featuring a series on a “hurricane wall” for the Houston/ Galveston region.”

Read more about this at:
ABC NEWS ARTICLE
or
CNN ARTICLE

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

Thrivent Financial was named
one of the “World’s Most Ethical

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 May, 2017

Platinum Partner of the Month

The Bayshore Medical Center has been a leader of medical care
in the Pasadena area for more than 50 years.
With board-certified physicians, registered nurses, and
expert technicians, the community has come to rely on us for
top-quality, comprehensive and compassionate health care.

We are a full-service acute care hospital. Our 345-bed facility employs 1,500 staff and 250 physicians. The
Bayshore Medical Center has been a leader of medical care in the Pasadena area for more than 50 years.
With board-certified physicians, registered nurses, and expert technicians, the community has come to rely
on us for top-quality, comprehensive and compassionate health care.

For more information visit: BayshoreMedical.com or call 713.359.2000

Platinum Partners

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

“No Bad Days” April Membership Luncheon

Silver Sycamore was the site of our April Membership Luncheon supporting the theory that all things go hand in hand. The
warm and friendly hometown surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and motivating keynote session
by Bruce Hamilton.

Mr. Hamilton is a national speaker conducting staff trainings for companies and organizations throughout the United
States and Mexico including, Sears, State Farm Insurance, Vision Source, AFLAC, Fox Television and more. His topic, “No
Bad Days!” brought laughter, tears, and action plans from audience participants.

Hamilton told the story of being a near-fatal stroke survivor, an episode that left him partially blind, as the catalyst to en-
courage attendees to always look on the bright side of life. As Bruce shared through his
experience, “What good does it do to focus on the negative?”

The “No Bad Days” theme allowed Bruce the opportunity to share experiences learned from the grueling recovery of
being left blind, mute, and completely paralyzed after a stroke incident while he was alone in a motel room. His energetic
speaking style wooed the audience engaging everyone to rethink adversity based on Bruce’s personal challenges during his
medical emergency and subsequent recovery.
Attendees leaving the luncheon shared feedback such as:
“Life changing.”
“Nuggets of pure truth!”
“I plan to share what he taught with my husband <or other family members>.”
“I was texting just about every thought as soon as it came out of his mouth to loved ones and friends
facing difficult circumstances.”

Hamilton coached the audience in the important process of not just thinking positively, but the
importance of carrying out day-to-day business with a positive spirit. He presented the contrast to
someone facing a new challenge with that “I-think-I-can” mentality versus the down-and-outer that we all seem to run
across in our everyday lives. As Bruce said, “Please don’t be one of those!”

Focusing on the sales and customer service process, Bruce gave tips on how to engage with people through happiness and
excitement. He shared, “You don’t want to talk to someone who acts as if they
really don’t think they have anything good to put on the table.” Bruce’s energy and real-life examples served to boost the
overall moral of the room allowing all in attendance to leave the luncheon with a much
brighter perspective on life.

His attitude of gratitude encouraged everyone to choose to be positive when negative life events
occur – and, they will occur. The Pasadena Chamber would like to thank Phelps Insurance for sponsoring Bruce as our
speaker.

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Upcoming Events

Join us for Membership 101 on May 11th to learn how to
maximize your membership investment, RSVP at:

PasadenaChamber.org/Membership101

Join us for our Industrial Appreciation Membership Luncheon
taking place on Thursday, May 18 at Silver Eagle Distributors.
At this event we will recognize 2017 Industry of the Year Dixie
Chemical; hear from Port Houston Executive Director Roger

Guenther; and award scholarships to PISD students.
Save your seat at:

PasadenaChamber.org/MembershipLuncheon

Join our Young Guns for their Annual Kemah Social on Friday,
May 19. A mix and mingle event for young professionals in
a casual atmosphere. Meet for bites and join in as the group
travels down 6th street. RSVP online at:
PasadenaChamber.org/YoungGuns

Pasadena Hispanic Business Council’s Breakfast Mixer

Event Host: Guest Speaker:
Cristina Womack
President/CEO

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

Join the Pasadena Hispanic Business Council for their next
breakfast mixer taking place on June 14. At this mixer you will

have the chance to hear from the Pasadena Chamber’s
President/CEO Cristina Womack, about how you can engage
with our future workforce through internship opportunities.

PasadenaChamber.org/YoungGuns

Internship Opportunities

Internship programs offer students the most valuable experience needed to be successful in the
workplace. Come learn about the partnership between Pasadena ISD, San Jacinto College and

For more information on upcoming events or to register visit: PasadenaChamber.orgthe Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and how you can engage in the future of our workforce.
Benefits of being involved:
• Build relationships Wednesday, June 14, 2017
• Motivate students to serve their community 8:15 - 9:30 am
• Internships, paid or non-paid
• Service projects Pg. 10
• Preparing students to attain the 21st century skills

Note: Presentation will be in English

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Imagine back to the day you were just breaking out into the work
field. Some of us were excited to embark on a new journey; others
of us were terrified of the idea of being let out into the wild
unkowns of the “real world”. With no parents to guide our every
move and friends further away, we had to face the challenges of
beginning a new career, meeting new people, or moving to a new
place on our own. But what if you had your very own mentor or
buddy to help you get acclimated to that new job or city. Someone
who could show you the ropes, introduce you to people who could help you get to where you needed to go, or even
teach you how to cultivate your learned skills?

Well, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce realizes the importance of having such a person in your corner, especially
if you are an owner of a new business, a new member to the chamber or city, or a young professional. Mentoring
is not a new concept. However, the benefits of having a mentorship program within the chamber of commerce, will
bring new opportunities and build new relationships that otherwise may have never happen; hence the reason
Member2Member mentoring was created.

Member2Member Mentoring offers chamber members the platform to connect one-on-one with other professionals
in order to better navigate the chamber world or to collaborate as a pair on topics relating to professional and
personal development. The goal is to provide a career development and community involvement strategy where
mentors facilitate the development of learners by sharing known resources, expertise, values, skills, and
perspectives.

While there are obvious benefits for mentees which include the opportunity to build long lasting personal/
professional relationships; insight into the pros and cons of various career options; increased self-awareness and
self-discipline; constructive feedback and a sounding board for testing ideas and plans, there are benefits for
mentors as well. Mentors will experience increased chamber involvement; renewed enthusiasm for role as expert;
gain a different perspective of current business issues; increased awareness of personal biases, assumptions and
areas for improvement, and gain personal
fulfillment by investing in others.

Being involved in M2M Mentoring means
you will be matched by the Member
Services Coordinator and asked to commit
to attending the initial meet and greet event
and the celebratory year-end event. Periodic
events will be facilitated by the chamber to
potentially occur every other month.
Additional meetings, how often to get
together, and duration of each meeting will
be agreed upon by partners. Participants
are expected to typically meet 1-2 hours
per month and encouraged to use chamber
events as opportunities to connect and
engage with other members. M2M is free to
all Pasadena Chamber members; however, out of pocket expenses may be expected depending on meeting
preferences agreed upon by mentoring partners.

If you are interested in more information or participating in Member2Member as a mentor or a mentee please
contact, Kirby Gibbs, at [email protected] or call 281-487-7871. The expectations to participate are
reasonable and the program is inclusive to all members who wish to give back or grow professionally. We are excited
about this new program and the successes it is sure to bring, so sign up today!

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

May Beautification Awards

May 2017
New Bulding of the Month

CHI St. Luke’s Health
Baylor St. Luke’s Emergency & Urgent Care

May 2017 May 2017
New Bulding of the Month New Bulding of the Month
Residence Inn by Marriott
Starbucks

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 May, 2017

Welcome New Members!

• Geri Borel Insurance Agency Bronze
281.755.3283
Geri Borel •Pepper’s Beef and Seafood
Horacemann.com 281.998.1114
Pamala Talbot
Peppersrestaurant.net

• Nam Noodles and More • Texas Association of First Responders
281.416.5265 281.841.0766
John Baccam Joseph Matthews
namnoodlesandmore.com tafr.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 May, 2017

Ambassador Spotlight - Ree Allen

I’ve worked in the Hospitality Industry for 10 years. I got my first hotel job
in 2006 as a concierge at the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in my hometown,
Riverside California. I knew hospitality was the industry for me because it
allowed me to spend each day trying to make someone else’s day better. As
I quickly worked my way into management positions I carried that helpful
mindset and culture with me.

Now I hold multiple positions with Vista Lodging Ventures, working closest
with the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Pasadena and the Comfort Suites
in Deer Park. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Christian, for
4 years. We have three wonderful children, my step-son Christopher, son
Christian II, and daughter Autumn Reé aka mini Reé. We prefer to spend our
weekends boating in the bay and enjoying the Texas sunshine.

The chamber holds a special place in my heart because growing up my
grandmother was the president of our local chamber back home. I would tag along with her to several events
earning the nickname, “little ambassador.” Fast forward many years later, and I could not be more proud to
be an Ambassador at this Chamber of Commerce in Pasadena, Texas. This Chamber of Commerce truly lives
out their mission to promote economic development and community growth. From the Cultural Art’s
committee’s spelling bee to the Young Gun’s networking events it truly is an exciting and beneficial
organization.

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 25+ Years
Chick-fil-A Fairmont Parkway Carter’s Country Apache Oil Co. L.P
Complete Environmental Inc. Gray-Chem, Inc.
Guidry’s Cajun Kitchen First Baptist Christian Academy Phelps Insurance
McDonald’s Fairmont Pkwy First Presbyterian Church
Harris County Commissioner - Jack Kindred Hospital - Bay Area 40+ Years
Pasadena Lions Club Texas Power Sports Pasadena
Morman
Subway #18 - Southmore 20+ Years
Grand View Funeral Home
Ultimate Pet Spa
United Rentals and Memorial Park
United States Postal Service Fisher Life Cycle Services

10+ Years
Project Surveillance, Inc.
Sanyo Chemical Texas, Inc.
Subway #19 - HWY 225

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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce | Chambergram May, 2017

Did you know?

Did you know, your membership includes different purchasing group opportunities that can help your
business save money? Some of the options include:

• Infinitech - Smarter Payment Processing: exclusive member benefit program to bring members much
lower rates through combined group buying power. With lower fees across the board, members get savings that
maximize their profits.
• NRG SimplySmart Solutions: This services allows you to compare bids from multiple energy providers
and ensure you have the best, most cost-effective product on the market.
• Office Depot Member Benefits: See a significant return on your Chamber investment by participating in
our Office Depot co-op. Your Chamber membership provides access to Office Depot benefits.
For more information, contact the chamber today!

Contact Your Chamber

Cristina Womack Suzette McDowell Kirby Gibbs Roni Archer

President/ CEO Marketing & Events Member Services Executive
Coordinator 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 Pg. 15