A Report to the Members of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of CommerceA Report to the Members of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of CommerceA Report to the Members of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

ANNUAL REPORTANNUAL REPORTANNUAL REPORT 201520152015---201620162016

Greater Beaumont

Greater Beaumont

Greater Beaumont

Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce

2015 2015 2015 --- 2016 ANNUAL REPORT2016 ANNUAL REPORT2016 ANNUAL REPORT

GREATER BEAUMONT CHAGREATER BEAUMONT CHAGREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MBER OF COMMERCE MBER OF COMMERCE

THE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFFTHE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFFTHE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

A Proud Member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT

REGINA LINDSEY

2015 2015 2015 --- 2016 ANNUAL REPORT2016 ANNUAL REPORT2016 ANNUAL REPORT

GREATER BEAUMONT CHAGREATER BEAUMONT CHAGREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MBER OF COMMERCE MBER OF COMMERCE

Index & GBCOC Staff Letter from the Outgoing Chairman Board of Directors & Advisory Board Letter from the Incoming Chairman GBCOC Events Membership Volunteers Government Affairs Economic Development Leadership Development Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization Total Resource Campaign Budget & Finances

OPERATIONS

TINA MARSHALL

MEMBERSHIP

DALE CHAMPAGNE

MEMBERSHIP

FRANCES THOMPSON

COMMUNICATIONS

CHRISSIE MOUTON EVENTS

SHARITA GARDNER

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

CHERYL KIZER

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

SADE CHICK

ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT

SHENNA MCMAHAN

LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT

AMY

BABINEAUX

The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce serves its members and community as a catalyst

to promote the economic growth of Beaumont and the surrounding areas.

THE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFFTHE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFFTHE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

OUR MISSION

The past year has been an exciting one for the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. We saw a new president, Regina Lindsey, take the reins. With Regina’s induction came a flurry of activity, including multiple visits to Southeast Texas and the Beaumont area from prospective businesses/businessmen—both locally and abroad. We welcomed foreign delegations from Turkey, Scotland, China and Brazil to discuss business opportunities available in our region. Our new president also traveled to attend educational conferences and solicit new business to the area. The chamber sought greater visibility locally with a new weekly economic development segment that airs on Southeast Texas Live, KBTV. Regina appears with occasional guest speakers to discuss issues relevant regionally and nationally.

The city of Beaumont has recently received accolades and positive press—from being named one of the top US cities with the fastest growing income—to the announcement of an upcoming $145 million ExxonMobil plant expansion! This news comes amid a stubborn oil-related slump that has slightly loosened its grip. We all are hopeful, with the inauguration of a new administration in Washington, and remain focused on promoting Beaumont and Southeast Texas as a bustling hub of growth, business and activity.

We’ve worked on increasing our visibility in the community by honing our present website, adding other subgroups, and by staying active and engaging on social media. Monthly features in the Beaumont Business Journal, weekly e-newsletters, email blasts and much more have enhanced our reach. Other notable highlights from 2015-16 include:

Proposition 7, which increases funding for state highways and helps improve highways, passed in November 2015. The

additional funding emanates from the sales and use taxes, and state motor vehicle sales and rental taxes.

Groundbreaking was made on REB Industrial Warehouse, a commercial storage facility that will feature two overhead cranes

and more than 60,000 sq. ft. of space to store equipment for local plants and industry.

The Beaumont-Port Arthur area was designated an ozone attainment area by the Texas Commission on Environmental

Quality.

The chamber’s Communications Division initiated a monthly service project in 2015, partnering with member organizations

including Habitat for Humanity, The Anayat House, Nutrition & Services for Seniors - Meals on Wheels and the Southeast

Texas Food Bank.

The chamber joined forces with the Better Business Bureau and the Convention & Visitors Bureau to initiate the first

cohesive Small Business Saturday effort in Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization. Overall, it’s been an

outstanding year with boundless opportunities and many more good things down

the road.

A Letter from the Outgoing Chairman

Tim Sudela

Stephanie Abrego, Jefferson Energy Companies

Mark Adkins, The Beaumont Enterprise

Mayor Becky Ames, City of Beaumont

Eddie Arnold, Jefferson County Commissioner

Frank Bakker, OCI Beaumont LLC

Derek Bell , CMS IP Technologies

Kevin Bohm, Edward Jones Investments

Paula Bothe, Four Alarm Productions, Inc.

Gary Chalk, CenterPoint

Bessie Chisum, Chisum Resource Management

Christina Crawford, The Beaumont Club

Joe Domino, Retired

Jeff Dyson, Lamar University

Dr. Kenneth Evans, Lamar University

Chris Fisher, Port of Beaumont

Richard Gaona, Richard Industrial Group

Steve Gilbert, Sour Lake Motor Co. Inc.

Steve Grantham, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

Karyn Hawkins, United Way of Beaumont

and North Jefferson County

Kyle Hayes, City of Beaumont

W. Dennis Isaacs, Golden Triangle Business

Roundtable

Robert Kocot, First Financial Bank

Laura Kressman, Candlewood Suites Port Arthur

Nederland

Dohn LaBiche, The LaBiche Architectural Group, Inc.

Dee Lane, Triangle Computer Telephone Fire Security

Will Leonard, BBVA Compass

Rebekah Maxwell, ReStep Marketing

Ted Moor, Higginbotham Insurance Agency, LTD.

Nakisha Myles Burns, Beaumont Independent School District

Terri Potter, Market Basket Food Stores

Randy Reese, Sabine-Neches Navigation District

Alex Rupp, Jack Brooks Regional Airport

Sammy Scoggin, Coldwell Southern Homes

Cassie Fiorenza Simpson, Viva Southeast Texas

Mike Simpson, Viva Southeast Texas

Paul Skinner, Star Graphics, Inc.

David Teuscher, M.D., CHRISTUS Orthopedic

Specialty Center-Beaumont Bone & Joint

Mr. Marco Villasana, AT&T

Shelly Vitanza, SoutheastTexas.com

Shannon Williamson, American Personnel & Temps

John Worthington, Classic Forms and Products, Inc.

Dan Wright, Lamar Institute of Technology

Charlotte Yeates, Edgar, Kiker & Cross, PC, C.P.A.’s

Pamela M Young, American Valve & Hydrant

Manufacturing Co.

Frederic Zeno, Compro Event Center

Board of Directors

20

16

Advisory Directors

20

16

Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg Get Recovery, Inc.

Patrick Anderson Becker Printing Company, Inc.

Tom Broussard Broussard’s Mortuary, Inc.

Patrick Calhoun Lamar Institute of Technology

Bill Darling Mid South Bank

John Durkay International Safety Training Council

Charlie Foxworth RE/MAX ONE

Brian Garcia Entergy Texas

Guy Goodson Germer, PLLC

Bob Hamer MobilOil Credit Union—Delaware

Jimmy Harrison Higginbotham Insurance & Financial Services

John Hunley ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant

Kal Kincaid Apac-Texas, Inc.

Chad Mason Mason Construction, Ltd.

Ivy Pate CHRISTUS Hospital

Tommy Patrizi Apex Payroll

Michael Perez Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC

Vernon Pierce Entergy-Texas, Inc.

Mary Poole Baptist Beaumont Hospital

Dessie Richard BBVA Compass

Fernando Salazar ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery

Ann Scoggin Coldwell Banker Southern Homes

Josh Smith Bill Clark Pest Control, Inc.

Tim Sudela American Valve & Hydrant Manufacturing Co.

Dr. Henry Venta Lamar University

I am proud and humbled to serve as the 2016-17 Board Chair of the Greater

Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. With its 5-star accreditation, our chamber

is in the top 1 percent of chambers in the United States, and that is due in no

small part to our reputation for promoting the economic growth of Beaumont

and the surrounding area.

Your chamber staff is more than qualified to work towards our mission—to

contribute to a healthy and vibrant business climate in Southeast Texas. Their

work benefits not only our local businesses, buthelps improve quality of life

for all Southeast Texans.

Your dedicated board members represent a vibrant business community and

its diversity, which offers something for everyone. Our community, as well as our region is interconnected.

What benefits the economic growth of any community, generally benefits all communities! This chamber is

knee deep in strengthening those connections while advocating for the business community.

As outgoing Chairman of the Board, Tim Sudela leaves his post this month, I cannot say enough about his

leadership and example! His guidance and tenacity in contributing to the focus of our mission has been in-

valuable.

A special thanks goes out to the sponsors and numerous volunteers who support our endeavors, and we

encourage their continued involvement with the chamber to help continue our dynamic growth. Take a

moment to thank them, and consider where you can contribute to making your community a better place to

live! Beaumont is a place where people can come together to live, work and play.

Thank you,

Tom Broussard

Letter from the Incoming Chairman

GOLF, DINNER & DANCE

GBCOC EVENTS

LOBSTERFEST

ANNUAL MEETING

Let It Shine

MEMBER SHOWCASE

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHES

LobsterFest Dinner has defined itself as a fun, laidback event that

raises funds for chamber programs and initiatives and provides

a t tend ee s w ith an unforge ttab l e exp er i enc e.

That experience included a great evening filled with live

entertainment, a delicious steak & lobster dinner, a silent auction,

and a few surprises!

Chamber Ambassadors sponsored by

2015-2016 Ambassadors

Patrick Anderson*

Nathan Badeaux

Janna Bartz

Susan Benoit*

Kevin Bohm

Emily Brackin

Debbie Bridgeman

Leslie Bruce

Ashleigh Buchholz-Wert

Michelle Cobb

Charity Daigle

Daryl Fant

Lon Felps

Robin Fore*

Dawn Fournier*

Rob Glassey

Brenda Gray

Abby Harkrider

Terri Harley*

Carrie Haskett

Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg

Glenn Hicks

Jawanda Huff

James Johnson*

Michael Kibodeaux

Laura Kressman*

Dee Lane*

Tracey Lumpkin*

Andrew McClusky

Scott Miller

Tiffane Nguyen*

Patti Owens*

Frances Parsons*

Tommy Patrizi *

Alicia Perkins

Terri Potter*

Dessie Richard*

Rhonda Robichau*

Elizabeth Robinson*

Brenna Rodriguez

Sue Rogers*

Cassie Simpson*

Lynn Smith

Brandon Spears*

Patti Standley*

Crystal Thibodeau

Wendy Thibodeaux

Pam Trosclair

Thomas White

Harold Whitfield

Pamela Wise*

*AMBASSADOR EMERITUS

23 Mix & Mingles

52 Ambassadors

50 Ribbon Cuttings &

Groundbreakings

120 New Members

335 Volunteers

MEMBERSHIP

101710171017 Total Members

Patrick Anderson*

Nathan Badeaux

Janna Bartz

Susan Benoit*

Kevin Bohm

Emily Brackin

Debbie Bridgeman

Leslie Bruce

Ashleigh Buchholz-Wert

Michelle Cobb

Charity Daigle

Daryl Fant

Lon Felps

Robin Fore*

Dawn Fournier*

Rob Glassey

Brenda Gray

Abby Harkrider

Terri Harley*

Carrie Haskett

Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg

Glenn Hicks

Jawanda Huff

James Johnson*

Michael Kibodeaux

Laura Kressman*

Dee Lane*

Tracey Lumpkin*

Andrew McClusky

Scott Miller

Tiffane Nguyen*

Patti Owens*

Frances Parsons*

Tommy Patrizi *

Alicia Perkins

Terri Potter*

Dessie Richard*

Rhonda Robichau*

Elizabeth Robinson*

Brenna Rodriguez

Sue Rogers*

Cassie Simpson*

Lynn Smith

Brandon Spears*

Patti Standley*

Crystal Thibodeau

Wendy Thibodeaux

Pam Trosclair

Thomas White

Harold Whitfield

Pamela Wise*

*AMBASSADOR EMERITUS

VOLUNTEER OF

THE YEAR 2015

STEVE

GRANTHAM

We recognize the value of our volunteers who work tirelessly to promote & support our Chamber. We would like to express our appreciation to all of our

hardworking and dedicated volunteers. We could not do it without you!

VOLUNTEERS

AMBASSADOR OF

THE YEAR 2015

LAURA

KRESSMAN

AMBASSADOR TEAM OF THE YEAR Ring Leaders

Top Left: Ambassador Team of the Year

Top Right: Mix & Mingle

Middle Left: 2015-16 Ambassadors

Immediate Left: Mix & Mingle

Bottom Left & Right: Referral Groups

REF

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20

14

Government Affairs

The Greater Beaumont

Chamber of Commerce, Black

Ministerial Alliance and other

influential parties have come

together on a bi-weekly basis

to better understand BISD’S

needs and how we can

collectively ensure the elected

trustees are well educated on

their role and responsibilities.

Leadership of GBCOC was able

to visit with

TEA’s Com-

missioner

Mike Morath

to learn how

the transition

from a board

of managers to an elected

trustee model will

occur. When Commission

Morath gives the start signal,

there will be, as required by

law, a two-year transition

period. The start date has not

been set yet. Commissioner

Morath has said he wants to

see a clean audit and the

trajectory of student

achievement change. With a

recently published audit, that

was improved but not clean,

that means we are looking at

another year before a potential

start day, which means a

minimum of a three year

transition period. There will,

however, be board elections on

May 6th.

GBCOC hosts two Legislative

events annually; one in August

and one in November.

Traditionally this has been an

opportunity to allow locally

elected officials to discuss their

work in the session and what

they see on the horizon. A few

changes have been made this

year. In August, Congressman

Weber fulfilled the traditional

role. But, we also recognized

two legislators from outside the

area for their record on

legislation that is meaningful to

SETX.

Comptroller Glen Hager discussing

how to keep Texas competitive

Tim Sudela, Rep. John Zerwas ®, Regina Lindsey, W. Dennis Isaacs at the August Legislative Breakfast.

Brazilian Investors

Government Affairs

Below: Scottish Investors

Turkish Investors

The Government Affairs Division works

to promote a strong business climate

through its activities on the local, state

and federal level.

In her role as chair of Public Policy for International

Economic Development Council (IEDC), Regina

Lindsey led efforts at IEDC’s Federal Forum on the

INTRODUCING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

TO

DEVELOPERS

AROUND THE

WORLD.

Regina Lindsey has been able to leverage her established global network to discuss

potential economic develop-ment projects within SETX to

investor from a variety of markets. Projects under con-sideration at this time are in

the hospitality sector, chemicals, housing, and health care. Formalized agreements

with international chambers of commerce are now under

negotiation.

Congressional side and at the White House

Economic Development Forum to discuss the issues of importance to this region such as ap-

propriations for Sabine Neches improvements and burdensome regulations.

S E T E D F

It’s easier than you think to get the financing you need to grow your business!

Contact us today for a (REAL) loan at 409.838.6585 or visit setedf.org

Small businesses located in the state of Texas can look to the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation for their fixed asset-financing needs. The R.E.A.L. (SBA 504) program offers eligi-ble small businesses long term, fixed rate financing for up to a 20 year term. In partnership with a third party lender, small business owners are pro-vided up to 90% of the project’s total fi-nancing needs. This allows the applicant to reduce his/her capital investment to as little as 10%.

Regina Lindsey Greater Beaumont COC

RaNoda McClain-Lee Port Arthur EDC

Bill McCoy Greater Port Arthur COC

Deanna Morrow Entergy

Terry Radley Sour Lake EDC

Dean Robinson SETEDD-EDA Grants

Betty Russo Office of the Governor

Terry Schwertner Port Neches EDC

Ida Schossow Greater Orange COC

Karl Segura Entergy

Marilyn Smith Workforce Solutions

Jay Trahan City of Orange EDC

Jacquetta Walker Silsbee EDC

The Regional Economic Development Initiative is a steering committee for the Southeast

Texas Economic Development Foundation. It brings together economic development

allies throughout the three-county region to focus on economic development objectives.

Floyd Batiste Port Arthur EDC

Sam Bethea Kountze EDC

Melissa Bochat Entergy

Sade Chick SETEDF

Shaun Davis SETRPC

Kay Decuir Nederland EDC

Bob Dickinson SETRPC

Ann Galassi Sabine River Authority

Steve Grantham JPMorgan Chase Bank

Jessica Hill Orange County EDC

Cheryl Kizer SETEDF

Paul Latiolais CICE

C H

A I

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A N

S T

A F

F

L I A

I S

O N

S T

A F

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L I A

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2016 Economic Outlook Forum

Each January, SETEDF welcomes an

economic development professional to our

region to discuss the economic climate in

Southeast Texas and the state. This year the

foundation welcomed Tom Siems, Assistant

Vice President and Senior Economist at the

Federal Reserve of Dallas.

The event attracted more than 250 Southeast

Texans and served as a platform to premiere

the foundation’s annual Economic Forecast

Video, which highlights recent development

in Southeast Texas. To view the full video,

please use the QR code below.

SETEDF ANNUAL

VIDEO

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTLEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTLEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP BEAUMONTLEADERSHIP BEAUMONTLEADERSHIP BEAUMONT 44th Class theme, “Leadership Beaumont:

Tune Out the Noise and Tune into Beaumont” graduated 30 participants

LEADERSHIP BEAUMONT ALUMNILEADERSHIP BEAUMONT ALUMNILEADERSHIP BEAUMONT ALUMNI Committee formed and held events such as a VIP Tour at the

Beaumont Enterprise, The Arts in April at the SETX Art Museum and a Launch Luncheon

Unveiled a new LB logo to kickoff the 45th Year of Leadership Beaumont

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 116 8th Grade Students Lead as “The Voice of 2020” at this year's

Youth Leadership Initiative held at Lamar University, the largest 8th grade participation ever

PUBLIC SERVICE CANDIDATE WORKSHOPPUBLIC SERVICE CANDIDATE WORKSHOPPUBLIC SERVICE CANDIDATE WORKSHOP 13th year of the program 18 participants this year Free service to the community to help educate those who are

interested in public office

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMENTORSHIP PROGRAMMENTORSHIP PROGRAM 6th year of the program graduated 13 mentee/mentor pairs: Susan Jackson, mentee for Tina Broussard; Catie Byerly, mentee for Shannon Williamson; Gregory Clark, mentee for Dwaine Augustine; Rasheeda Daughtery, mentee for Karyn Hawkins; Tanee’ Coleman, mentee for Elise Fulton-Smith; Kayla Deville, mentee for Cindy Bloodsworth Jeanis; Amy Pumphrey Dillow, mentee for Regina Lindsey; Sharita Gardner mentee to Lynn Castle ; Sara Hardy, mentee for Joanne Brown; Miles Haynes, mentee for Lee Wheeler; Trey Romero, mentee for Philip Long; Lori York, mentee for Karen Bourdier; Rachel Edwards, mentor for Elaine Shellenberger

The Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, a division of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, is an organization of young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, living or working in Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange Counties. YPO members are drawn together by a common initiative to make a difference in their community and network with other young professionals with similar interests.

The SETX YPO offers innovative programs and initiatives that actively engage members in the organization’s three core focus areas: Professional Development, Community Involvement and Executive Networking. These young professionals meet for morning Breakfast with the Boss events, happy hours and pro- fessional development membership lunches throughout the month. The organization provides multiple opportunities for philanthropy and community involvement. Ultimately, the YPO strives to provide a public voice for young professionals and entrepreneurs in Southeast Texas!

YOUNG PROFESSIONALSYOUNG PROFESSIONALSYOUNG PROFESSIONALS

YPO Monthly Luncheon Holiday Toy Drive YPO Happy Hour YPO Breakfast With the Boss

SOUTHEAST TEXAS SOUTHEAST TEXAS SOUTHEAST TEXAS Young Professionals OrganizationYoung Professionals OrganizationYoung Professionals Organization

We Could Not Have

a Successful Campaign Without

Our Volunteers

Operations15%

Economic Development10%

Events8%

Gov. Affairs1%

Membership47%

Publications1%

TRC18%

YPO0%

2016 REVENUE SNAP SHOP (UNAUDITED NUMBERS)

Operations69%

Building Maintenance8%

Economic Development3%

Events13%Gov. Affairs

1%

Membership1%

Publications0%

Technology2%

TRC3%

YPO0%

2016 EXPENSE SNAP SHOP (UNAUDITED NUMBERS)

Tota

l Reso

urce

Cam

paig

n

The Total Resource Campaign raised a

little over $300,000 in sponsorships to

support the Greater Beaumont

Chamber of Commerce, Beaumont

Chamber Foundation and Southeast

Texas Economic Development

Foundation for the upcoming year.

This success was only made possible

by the tremendous efforts of our

volunteers.

The Spindletop Award is presented by the Greater Beaumont

Chamber of Commerce to recognize a local business that

exemplifies the spirit of our area’s forward thinking pioneers.

On January 10, 1901, the Lucas Gusher blew, bringing a vast

array of economic development opportunities. Southeast

Texas leadership developed the region’s fresh water resources,

established a deep-water port, and invested in Lamar

University to build a talented workforce. This vision and hard

work created a valuable energy producing infrastructure that

continues to grow today.

Greater Beaumont Chamber of CommerceGreater Beaumont Chamber of CommerceGreater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

2016 Spindletop Award Recipient

ExxonMobil salutes the spirit of

Southeast Texas business.

Your leadership is empowering our community

to fuel our nation… and the world!

CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulations