volume 8 number 2 february 2016 - greater heights area ...€¦ · february 2016 volume 8 number 2...

Volume 8 Number 2February 2016

February 2016 LINKED 3

ChairpersonCraig atkinsonHouston Highway Credit Union

immediate past ChairpersonBrian Gilbert Members Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union

ViCe ChairCindy reibensteinReibenstein & Associates

treasurerBill BallewCPA

seCretarydee FarinoThird Coast Impressions

Board oF direCtorstony allmanPrimeWay Federal Credit Union

Jeff BielikSt. Joseph Medical Center Heights

hector CastellanosChase Bank

Jerry GannCenterPoint Energy

tom harwellSheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel

susan JadlowskiMemorial Hermann NW Hospital

neil mcGloneLegalShield

amy ritterAllegiance Bank

alan rosenHarris County Constable, Precinct One

nadia troutenkoTroutenko Insurance Services

Linda WhittingtonCariloha Bamboo Houston

taylor WoodardRaymond James & Associates

staFFJacob millweePresident

Jill JohnstonDirector of Events & Operations

Larry plasekDirector of Communications

Glenda ClercDirector of Member Services

Joni simpson-GomezOffice Administrators

adVisory direCtorsnorman adams

scott Lester

City Council Member, ellen Cohen, District C

Greater heiGhts area ChamBer oF CommerCe545 West 19th Street • Houston, TX 77008Phone: 713.861.6735 • Fax: 713.861.9310 www.HeightsChamber.com

2 LINKED February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 Volume 8 Number 2A Publication of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce

4 Spotlight on Non-ProfitComp-U-Dopt helps to improve the lives of underserved children in our community

5 New Diamond PartnerMembers Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union

6 Gold Patron Member The Chamber is pleased to recognize our Gold Patron Member, Westside Lexus

7 Member ProfilePhil Stewart, Senior Account Manager for The Leader Newspaper

10 Crawfish FestivalCrawfish Festival in the Heights Set for Saturday, March 5

12 Idol of the HeightsThe competition begins at Little J’s Bar on February 5

Our buy local program is using the passport found inside the membership directoryto give participants a chance to win $1,000. By patronizing Chamber members withrubber stamps, you can easily fill out the 24 stamps needed to be eligible, turn theminto the Chamber, and be ready for the drawing from all completed passports to beheld at the 2016 Crawfish Festival. The more passports you complete and turn in thebetter your chances to collect a cool grand. A list of members who can apply stampsis on the Chamber website. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop locally and supportour community businesses. To be eligible for the prize drawing on March 5, all completed passports must be turned into the Chamber by March 3.

$1,000 in CoLd hard Cash Can stiLL Beyours iF…

President’s l e t ter

Dear Members,

I hope the New Year has been a good start for each of you. The Chamber certainly started off with a bang, kicking off the

New Year with a record setting Economic Forecast Luncheon. Speaking of, those of you who were not able to attend should

know that while the current downturn in the economy will continue, the Greater Heights will be just fine going forward.

I would also like to share a quick word on membership. While we’ve had our ups and downs over the years, we are continuing

to grow – no mean feat when times are lean and oil is cheap. Our non-renewals are down; we had a monthly average of 3 in

the first quarter (remember the Chamber fiscal year starts in October) compared to last year’s monthly average of 5.16 and

the previous year’s 7.24. We are bringing in 8 new members a month to post strong net growth monthly. So behind all those

numbers, what’s going on? We started the 2015 Fiscal Year with 340 members a year ago last October. Our membership

growth includes many new business categories which help to strengthen our networking and referral opportunities. If things

continue well, we’ll end the year having broken the 400 mark for the first time in over a decade.

So how can you help your Chamber accomplish this worthy goal? Be active. Attend monthly events and sponsor our bigger

activities like the Crawfish Festival. When our events are well attended they feel lively and upbeat (even when an expert is

telling you the price of oil will probably recover slowly). Tell others about us, and pass interested referrals to Glenda in the

Office and Larry Bell’sMembership Committee. Reach out to members you haven’t seen lately and get them involved again,

or pass their name to Jack Van Pelt’s member Outreach Committee.

We’ve got a great year ahead of us, filled with vast potential and hidden challenges. I’m glad we get to explore both with you

and your fellow members.

Sincerely,

Jacob Millwee

Your Chamber President


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Committee Leadership

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee (or as I heard itstated at the Board meeting – “RecruitmentCommittee”) has six members if you countGlenda Clerc and me. Our committee members include: Michelle Gessner,Mark Takayama, Tony May and TannerTouchstone. We see our role as being responsible for attracting new members tothe Chamber specifically those businessesthat have never heard of GHACC or at least

never joined. We encourage our committee to “talk it up” to all thosethey come in contact with during their daily lives in and around theHeights. The Chamber also has an account with Sales Genie throughwhich committee members can conduct searches to identify prospec-tive businesses to call on. While cold calling is not mandatory, somebusinesses just won’t know about the Chamber without a phone callor a personal drop-in visit. Being on our committee allows us to meetnew people, some of whom may also develop into our own customers.At the very least, it gives us a chance to better know our neighbors inthe community.

For 2016 we plan to set recruiting goals for our committee and recognition for those that are successful. As chair, I also coordinatewith Jack Van Pelt and Natalie Coyle, who respectively chair the Retention and Ambassadors Committees.

– Larry Bell

Larry Bell

Scholarship Program Invites Applications before March 1 DeadlineThe Chamber is currently accepting applications from students of Reagan, Waltrip, Scarborough, Jeff Davis, Booker T. Washington,Lutheran High, St. Pius, St. Thomas, Memorial Hall, Harmony and Kipp.

Chamber members have supported this valuable program by being asingle donor of $2,000, or co-sponsorships can be arranged with contri-butions in amounts combining up to $2,000. More than $350,000 inscholarships has been awarded by the Chamber. The scholarships willbe presented in May at the annual Education Luncheon.

Students are evaluated on the basis of need shown in their applications,undergo interviews by Chamber volunteers, and complete essays regarding their goals and how those goals will make a difference intheir life and their community.

Your generous support will be appreciated. To donate or learn moreabout the Scholarship Program, please email Cindy Reibenstein [email protected]. Please note that this is a Community Fund Activity, which is a 501.c3 and deductible as a charitable organization.

Comp-U-Dopt,based on Airline Dr.in the Heights, hasbeen providing technology accessand education tounderserved Houston studentssince 2007.Founded on the belief that all

children deserve equal access to education and opportunity,Comp-U-Dopt gives students the tools and knowledge to succeed in a changing world.

By partnering with over 65 schools, Comp-U-Dopt has been able to distribute computers to over 6,000 students across 2800square miles in the greater Houston area. They are on course in2016 to put over 1400 computers back into the homes wherethey are needed most. As technology infiltrates every aspect of daily life, families who lack access risk being excluded frommany aspects of modern life. This is particularly true for low income students who run the risk of being left behind by their peers through no fault of their own. Comp-U-Dopt’s Computer Adoption Program aims to address this program bytaking donated corporate and personal computers, refurbishingthem, uploading a variety of educational games and programsand distributing them to students in the 3rd-8th grade.

Comp-U-Dopt also runs two educational programs based at their location in the Heights. The After School Program, that runs twice a week in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston, provides technological education to students in the 3rd-8th grade. Learn to Earn teaches careerapplicable hardware and software skills to high school studentsand supplies those without access a free, refurbished computer.These programs are not only aimed at improving the knowledgeand reinforcing the education of students, but also exposing students to new experiences, new career applicable skills, and to inspire new aspiration.

From donating your used hardware to volunteering at an adoption session, there are a variety of ways that you can help improve the lives of underserved children in our community.Visit www.compudopt.org to find out more.


Ambassador tiffany salinas of Welcome Wagon International presented anew member plaque to Bonita and arthur Billings of Health Fit Pharmacy

Lance ramesh of Heartland Payment Systems received his new memberplaque from Ambassador John Frels of John Frels Mortgages Direct

michelle hulse and helen maldonado of First Republic Title celebratedtheir new member plaque presented by Ambassador natalie Coyle

of Shooting Star Promotions

Ambassador tiffany salinas of Welcome Wagon International delivered a new member plaque to diane rodriguez of Urgent Doc Clinic

plaque presentations

The Chamber is proud to recognize a new Diamond Partner. Rising in 1936 from humble roots, the organization originally provided financial services to dairy farmers within a 50 mile radius of downtownHouston. As the dairies moved away from the city, MTFCU expanded the area it served and now has operations that include the entire state of Texas and Oklahoma.

The Credit Union operates from offices at 2315 Mangum Road, however, this facility will be expanding in size and they anticipate the enhancements will be completed in the summer of this year. When asked about becoming a Diamond Partner, Brian Gilbert, President and member of the Chamber’s Board said: “We have been supporting the Chamber for many years at a fairly high level, and our new commitment allows our firm, at the beginning of the year, to prioritize its 12-month support for Chamber activities and programs.”

MTFCU has 23 employees, of which 13 are in Houston and 10 are in the second office located inStephenville, Texas. With an emphasis on personal service, the firm’s mission remains one of providing financial services to their members in an efficient cost effective manner. Offering a myriad of financial services, members benefit from deposit accounts including: savings, checking, certificates, money market and IRA and loans that include personal, auto, real estate and certain business loans.

Chamber President Jacob Millwee expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for the upgrade in membership by MTFCU, and recognized their many supportive contributions of time, leadership and assistance in helping the Chamber grow.

Members Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union Becomes Diamond Partner

He was not destined to stay in Houston because in the following years he was in Tulsa, Boston, Little Rock, Shreveport and eventually came back to attend college at the University of Houston. His other higher education activities involved Louisiana State University, the Universityof Denver, and he did Post Baccalaureate studies and earneda degree from the University of Denver.

Opting for career variety, Phil started as a cameraman forChannel 26, worked as a part time disc jockey and also builtparts of his exemplary career in regional and national sales, in radio, at a magazine, in an advertising agency and in newspaper positions. Today he is a senior account managerfor The Leader Newspaper and a proud member of theChamber. In fact, when he was hired he was made theChamber representative, a good move since he has consis-tently been active in many Chambers across the country.

Certainly his credentials are impressive but there is muchmore. Phil is President of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Houston and you may have even have seenhim as the railroad engineer/conductor for the Hermann ParkRailroad at the Zoo. Railroading is in his blood because hehas held numerous offices for model railroad organizationsand is an accomplished train layout builder. In fact the layouthe built for the “Houston Passenger Train Operations in1949” was featured in national magazines, on local televisionand in newspapers.

We don’t know if all his travels are by train, but he has beento all 50 states and 14 foreign countries. There is even moretravel in his family since Leslie, his wife is an internationalflight attendant for United. Rounding out the family are sonsDaniel and Aaron. Catching our breath, we soundly applaudPhil for his diversified successes and achievements.

Phil Stewart is our featured member for February and his varied and colorful background accomplishments could fill all 20 pages of this publication and more,however, we have attempted to hit the highlights and there have been many! He made his debut on Christmas Day in Houston; yes he was a Christmas babyand a wonderful gift for his proud parents.

member prof i le

The Chamber member profiled every month is selected from those attending the Breakfast Connection.


From the onset, New Car Sales Manager SteveMachann has stated that Westside Lexus continues to have as its philosophy: “To exceed our customer’sexpectations and to treat each and every customeras a guest in our own home.” In 2016, Steve adds:“Watch us grow” as we embark on a 2-year expansionof doubling the size of our dealership all to promote a better customer service experience.”

This dealership provides superior products, competi-tive pricing, a top quality professional staff and thebest in complementary services for their customers. Or, ask them about their Lexus “Elite” rated dealershipbased on customer satisfaction in all phases of the dealership. Westside maintain an impressive inventoryof new and pre-owned Lexus automobiles, so there isbound to be one just for you.

Service is not just another word at Westside Lexus. As a matter of fact, they employ an easily accessibleseparate service facility stocked with the latest

computer technology and state-of-the-art diagnosticand repair equipment. Featuring fifty service stallsand fourteen service advisors, all contained in a115,000 square foot facility. Want a demonstration?Just check out their complimentary pick-up and delivery for service.

This blue-ribbon business is involved in the commu-nity and participates in numerous charitable eventsthroughout Houston and is conveniently located to the Heights area. To sum up the business, they say“Like Lexus we are passionately pursuing perfection.”To contact the dealership, just call 800-374-4021, orfind out all the attributes available from WestsideLexus by going to their website, www.westsidelexus.com. The Chamber appreciates Westside Lexus as a GoldPatron Member and encourages potential vehicle purchasers to patronize this outstanding automotivedealership. Special vehicle pricing for Chamber members, contact Steve Machann.

gold patron prof i le

The Chamber is pleased to recognize our Gold Patron Member, Westside Lexus. Yes, it is the dealership that sells and services those outstanding vehicles. In the photo, Steve Machann poses beside a Lexus 550hp LFA Model. The dealership is located at 12000 Katy Freeway and was founded in 1989.


Phil Stewart

platinum sponsors


events


2.02noontime networkingharold’s restaurant350 West 19th Street11:30 – 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Empire Industries

2.03ribbon CuttingeQ heights1030 Heights Boulevard4:00 p.m.

2.05ribbon CuttingVillage of the heights1407 Studewood4:00 p.m.

2.05idol of the heightsFirst PreliminaryLittle J’s Bar5306 Washington Avenue7:00 p.m.

2.09ribbon Cuttinga 2nd Cup1111 East 11th Street4:00 p.m.

2.11Breakfast Connection sheraton houstonBrookhollow hotel3000 North Loop West 6:45 – 8:30 a.m.

speaker: david scheinsponsor: heights moderndentistry

2.12idol of the heightsSecond Preliminarythe Corkscrew1308 West 20th Street6:30 p.m.

2.15Chamber Closed

2.16ribbon CuttingCo/Work Lab2500 Yale Street Ste. B4:00 p.m.

2.18Business after hoursojos Locos sports Cantina4422 North Freeway5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

2.19idol of the heightsThird PreliminaryLittle J’s Bar5306 Washington Avenue6:30 p.m

2.23ribbon Cuttingsilver stone events2112 Waugh Drive4:00 p.m.

2.24Chamber orientationChamber offices545 West 19th Street2nd Floor11:45 – 1:15 p.m.

2.25hypthe astorian2500 Summer Street5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

2.26idol of the heightsSemi-FinalsKarbach Brewing2032 Karbach Street6:30 p.m.

marCh3.01 ribbon Cutting3.02 ribbon Cutting3.03 hyp3.05 heights Crawfish

Festival3.08 ribbon Cutting3.10 Breakfast Connection 3.11 ribbon Cutting 3.17 Business after hours3.21 ribbon Cutting3.30 Chamber orientation3.31 hyp

NOTE: Changes may occur in this calendar after publishing,see www.heightschamber.com for confirmations.

The Chamber expresses its appreciation to these outstanding member companies

that sponsored the event:

Dr. Bill Gilmer delivered a compre-hensive overview of the national andHouston economies at the annualEconomic Forecast Luncheon heldJanuary 28 at the Sheraton HoustonBrookhollow Hotel. Widely respectedfor his forecasts and explanation of factors affecting businesses, Dr. Gilmer’s presentation was titled:“Houston’s Job Growth Stumbles asOil Markets Swoon: Where Now?” According to Dr. Gilmer, “It is allabout oil!” The price for a barrel of oilis still down by over half, droppingfrom $104 to $37 in December.” “The pain of the oil downturn willspread more widely through Houston’seconomy in 2016 if oil remains week.”“Houston’s year-to-date job growth

was near zero and employment in2015 was very slow, but no recession…so far!” In terms of residential realestate, he cited the fact that existinghome sales have been flat in Houstonsince 2012 because of a lack of exist-ing and new home supply. He pointedout that the quick and easy way outoptions have disappeared and slow job growth will likely stretch through2016. Furthermore, due to slow jobgrowth in 2016, previously unaffectedsectors such as health care, leisure, retail, single family and multi-familywill be impacted. In closing, he stated:“It is another oil downturn in Houston. It is 1982 or 1987 – maybefor oil markets, but not the Houstoneconomy.”

eConomiC ForeCast LunCheon proVided insiGhts and outLooKs

Gold sponsorsAdams Insurance Service, Inc.

Allegiance Bank TexasCentral Bank

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights HospitalReynolds & AssociatesSpirit of Texas Bank

silver sponsorsAmegy Bank

BNI – Heights of ProfessionalismCremate TexasFiesta Mart

Frost Bank – Bellaire Financial CenterHarriet & Joe Foster Family YMCA

JP Morgan Chase BankMembers Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union

Moon Shepherd Baker InsurancePower Women Group

PrimeWay Federal Credit UnionSheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel

Why I Love Houston PropertiesWorldPay US

Chamber staff and event volunteers

Moderator Len Cannon and Dr. Bill Gilmer Group photos: Memorial Hermann Greater Heights (top right)PrimeWay Federal Credit Union (below) Bottom row: Former Chairman Brian Gilbert of Members Trust of theSW Federal Credit Union with guests (left), Allegiance Bank (right)


Crawfish Committee members are working hard to make thisevent bigger and better than any prior year, and heading upthe committee is Teresa Briggs of Houston Highway CreditUnion and she is assisted by these volunteers: Dee Farino,Cindy Reibenstein, Michelle Hulse, Nadia Troutenko,Linda Whittington, April Petronella and Chamber staffers Jill Johnston and Jacob Millwee. If you are looking for a funway to support the Chamber, the committee is in need of additional volunteers, so if you are interested, contact Teresa at 713-864-4438 (108).

How about some singing competition from talented performers? The Idol of the Heightssinging contest will take the stage at the festival for the finals, and the contestants will becompeting for cash prizes of $1,500, $700 and $300. There will be lots of good talent and competition among the finalists who have made it through preliminary and semi-final events.

Astute shoppers will find the shopper’s paradise right up their alley. Vendors will be promoting products of all types, so you are sure to find the unusual and “must have” itemsavailable for sale. For exhibitor information, contact Nadia Troutenko at 713-789-3196 orLinda Whittington at 713-501-9141. Full details are available on the Chamber website orfrom the Chamber office.

Oh, and did we mention the cheerleaders, musical groups and other entertaining activities?You don’t want to miss this fun event. Please mark your calendar for March 5 and planon having a wonderful time at the Greater Heights AreaChamber’s Crawfish Festival.

Sponsorships are available for this terrific event. Consider having your company as a sponsor and receive publicity andrecognition among over 7,000 expected visitors. Completesponsorship information is available on the Chamber website,at www.heightschamber.com/crawfish-festival, or contactDee Farino at 281-924-2699 to determine which level isappropriate for you or your business.

sponsors to date include:$5,000

$2,500

$1,000

$500Carnes Funeral home

Cremate texasspCo Credit union

$250allegiance BankBill Ballew, Cpa

data & mailing resourcesharriet & Joe Foster Family ymCa

houghton’s Jewelersnorthwest Chiropractic Center

reibenstein & associatessheraton houston Brookhollow hotel

tejas office productstommie Vaughn Ford


Talk about being bigger and better,that’s the mantra for this year’s annual Heights Crawfish Festival.What makes it bigger and better?Well, for starters, there is a colorfulparade that will meander down 19th street and wind its way into the Crawfish Festival location at 411 West 20th Street. The eventswill be greater. The activities will be more numerous. In short, thispromises to be a fun-filled day forthe entire family. The Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. and doesn’t end till sundown! Crawfish platesare $18 in advance and there is aspecial $300 rate that will provide 10 crawfish plates and 120 festivaltickets than can be used for hot dogs, pizza or beverages.

Take it from Committee ChairTeresa Nicholas-Briggs, Crawfishconsumers will be happy becausethere will be plenty of mudbugs to eat. Couple that with some ice cold beverages and what morecould a person want? If you don’tfancy crawfish and the fixings, there are plenty of other foods available like hot pizza from Papa Murphy’s and gourmet hot dogs from Happy Fatz. No reason to leave the kids at home. There willbe numerous Kids’ Zone activities for them to enjoy.

Crawfish Festival toOffer Food and Fun for All on March 5

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new members

Cesar martinez oF BLue rooF reaL estateCesar Martinez10155 Hammerly Blvd. 77080832-283-2383Martinez_cesar03@yahoo.comwww.cesarmartinezrealty.com

CoLoniaL LiFe Connie Carter22411 Wildwood Grove Dr., Katy 77450409-350-9598Connie.carter@coloniallife.comwww.coloniallife.comWe provide voluntary employee benefits to companies with the bestvalue addeds in the business.Referred by: Larry Bell

CoWorK LaB, LLCAnna Pi2500 Yale St., Ste. B 77008832-703-0011 [email protected] shared work environment wherepeople meet, work, network, shareideas and collaborate on projects. A creative place where partnershipand friendship blossomed that leads to great companies and business opportunities.Referred by: April Petronella

eL poLLo LoCo Kristie Smith3102 Ella Boulevard [email protected]/houstonWe’re all about making delicious, authentic food – and it all starts with our fresh, real ingredients.That’s why we slowly grill our citrus-marinated whole chickensover an open flame, and hand-prepare our guacamole and freshpico de gallo salsa. And we do itevery single day. Because to us,it’s not just food – it’s our passion.Some say the lengths we go to are crazy, but to us, the taste is alwaysworth it. It’s Crazy You Can Taste.

express empLoyment proFessionaLsAnna Rabe2401 Fountainview, Ste. 201 77057713-523-5530Anna.rabe@expresspros.comwww.expresspros.comExpress provides quality human resource solutions in order to help asmany people as possible find goodjobs by helping as many clients aspossible to find good people.Referred by: Jeanie Janke

FLoor CoVerinGsinternationaL oF houston heiGhts Reinel Solano2040 N. Loop West, Ste. 302 77018832-305-5204Reinel.solano@floorcoveringsinternational.comwww.floorcoveringsinternational.comWe provide the best in-home flooring experience in North America

houston GymBobby Arnold1501 N. Durham 77007713-880-9191winifreddrive@gmail.comwww.houstongym.comHouston Gym is committed to providing its members with the tools they need for an effective, efficient and enjoyable exercise program. A helpful and loving place,Houston Gym is the rights place foryou whether you’re interested inweight loss, toning, competitivebodybuilding or just starting out.

Kress empLoyment sCreeninGChandra Kill320 Wescott Street, Ste. 108 [email protected].

maidpro houston northDontai Johnson8383 Westview Drive [email protected]/houston-northWe offer a full range of house cleaning services and use a 49-pointchecklist to ensure your home iscleaned correctly, every time, guaranteed. All maids are insuredand bonded.

9round FitnessPete Ekstrom1249 N. Loop West [email protected]/fitness/houston-tx-x374930 Minute full body kickboxingworkout. No class times; workout changes daily. Trainer always included

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penney FinanCiaL Cameron J. Penney2950 N. Loop West, Ste. 500 77092713-300-5165Cameron@penneyfinancial.comwww.penneyfinancial.comWe are an alternative to the sales-driven financial advisors, so ratherthan selling financial products, weprovide objective advice for a fee,typically hourly or fixed rate.

riChmond’s air **GoLd patron**James Richmond76 Yale St., Ste 2 [email protected] goal is to provide the most reliable AC services in the area, as itis their mission to help you keep coolduring the blazing summer heat andsnug during the cool winter nights.They guarantee their customersquality service in a timely fashion.

tausK & VeGaRosemary Vega1221 Studewood St., 77008713-429-5476 (Work)[email protected] www.tauskvega.comTausk & Vega, Attorneys at Law, practice immigration and criminaldefense and civil law. We help companies with immigration visasfor their foreign employees. We alsorepresent companies in I-9 audits.Referred by: Rosemary Lengefeld

zaGotti & Burdette Cpa, LLCPhilip ZagottiOne Riverway, Ste. 1700 77056832-800-3347 [email protected] Zagotti & Burdette CPA Firm is dedicated to helping our clientsreach their goals. We do this by responding quickly, providing insightinto tax and financial matters andproviding value to our clients.

idoL oF theheiGhts Contestants Compete For$1,500

You will want to cheer on the Idol of the Heights Finalists at the Crawfish Festival to be held on March 5.The festival provides an opportunity to watch and hear the finalists in the “Idol of the Heights” singing contest make their final performances on stage to win cash prizes of $1,500, $700 and $300. The initial competition begins at Little J’s Bar on February 5. All events are staged from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The second preliminary will be on February 12 at The Corkscrew andpreliminary number three will be on February 19 at Little J’s Bar. The semi-finals will be on February 26 at Karbach BrewingCompany. Competition is open to anyone 16 years and older and contestants may register at www.heightschamber.com. The cost of pre-registration is $30 and it will be $40 at the door the nights of the competition. A panel of judges with audience participation will select the winners.

hector CastellanosChair of Idol of the Heights Committee

proud sponsors of the idol of the heights are: hampton inn & suites, houston highway Credit union, Jan stephensonGraphic design, Karbach Brewing Company, Little J’s Bar, memorial hermann Greater heights, pinks pizza, st. Josephmedical Center in the heights, taylor Woodard of raymond James, tony’s mexican restaurant, and the Corkscrew


9. Jim Boland of TDECU YourCredit Union and ronnie molinaof Transglobal Payment Systems

10. Interns Quinshea hensley,monique Johnson and mirandaallen joined Jill Johnston at theBusiness After Hours

11. Caesar martinez of Blue Room Realtors and Veronica Garcia Luke of Memorial Assistance Ministries(MAM)

12. Kevin Blasini with EQHeights and tony may of the May Group LLC

13. Incoming ChairCindy reibenstein of Reibenstein & Associates and Former Chairman Brian Gilbertof Members Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union

14. doug Knutzen of TommieVaughn Ford and tim dodaro ofK & T Chem Dry

15. The staff of Heights ModernDentistry hosted the JanuaryBusiness After Hours and showedoff their facilities and servicesplus providing tasty food and drink

1. Former Chairman Brian Gilbertof Members Trust of the SW Federal Credit Union and traciCallender of Spic & Sparkle LLC

2. Jeremy hiller of Heights Mod-ern Dentistry welcomed BoardMember Bill Ballew, PC, CPAs

3. althea White of Colby Resources and douglasBaumann with the U of H SmallBusiness Development Center

4. Chamber interns Jason poloand Linda Grove

5. Larry and anne Bellsponsored the Breakfast Connection and presented the capabilities of Insurance &Benefits Advisors and AblemereInvestment Advisors

6. austin mcCafferty, teresaBriggs and Joshua alberto ofHouston Highway Credit Union

7. Board Member nadia troutenko of Troutenko Insurance Services and the Chamber’s Glenda Clerc

8. Jan stephenson of Jan Stephenson Graphic Designand holly hernandez of re:ink

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eduCation Corner February

Everyone isbusy this timeof year and the EducationCommittee isno exception.We are plan-ning our role inthe parade andthe Crawfish

Festival and preparing for our EducationLuncheon! We are also at work for ourFinancial Reality at Davis High School,February 24 and we are getting the wordout to check out Waltrip’s Wellness Fairon March 1. Go by and see if there issomething you can benefit from as areahealth resources and businesses with thatas a focus will also be there; if you are interested in participating contact Rachel

Holcomb at Waltrip. Davis High Schoolhas their senior career day April 15 and ifyour business can mentor a senior or twothat would be great! These are seniorswho are college bound and they want tomentor in business areas they have theireye on. We must brag a moment – HITSTheatre needed help with storage lastmonth and Booker T. Washington HighSchool came up with the solution! Their partnership made it happen! HITS Theatre has a give back opportu-nity for students with fine art/theatre interest for one of their performances at Miller Outdoor theatre…. Great time for you and your group… Connect withthem! In May we have a cultural festivalwith the Arabic Immersion Magnet andHogg Middle has a ribbon cutting fortheir new cafeteria! Sandra Gift Shop,

an online gift/shopping business, has op-portunities for you, your school fundrais-ing and businesses. Our Hartz Chickenmember, Naro Mak has an opportunityfor your organization’s fundraiser and hecan do catering for events… check thisout! Garden Oaks Montessori is activeand they are working on their shoe driveso old shoes – send there… it is a win-winas third world countries receive shoes and students here will get money to helpthem go to United Nations and DC.Scholarships for seniors – March 1 dead-line… see website for application. Educa-tor of the Year and Para-professional ofthe Year also have applications – checkout the website under the Education tab.Come check out this committee… get connected… together we can do it! – Cindy Reibenstein, Education Chair

Cindy reibenstein

1. Chuck Boydstun of Queen Moving & Storage and mary ellen perkinson of BB&T

2. Curt tueffert was the January Breakfast Connection speaker and brought his advocacy of Appreciation Marketing to the group with examples and strategies for its use

3. Kim hanley of St. Joseph Medical Center, austin mcCafferty of Houston Highway Credit Union and Ambassador natalie Coyle of Shooting StarPromotions

4. Sponsors Larry and anne Bell hosted a display tableand provided information and literature describing thescope of their insurance and financial services

5. Board Member neil mcGlone of LegalShield and dontal Johnson of Maid Pro

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Mam’s House of Ice Ribbon Cuttings celebrated a ribbon cutting and invited members and guests to sample the New Orleans style icy creations.

Owner Christopher morgan took the big scissors to symbolize a ribbon cutting. Mam’s House of Ice is located at 1040 W. Cavalcade Street.

See more at www.mamssnoballs.com.

City Council Member ellen Cohen helped officials at the Mischer Neuroscience Associates (MNA) at Memorial Hermann Greater

Heights Hospital cut the ceremonial ribbon. Thanks to MNA andthe presence of affiliated neurosurgeons and neurologists, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights will provide consistent

24/7 neuroscience coverage to the area.

Owners Julia and robin mcneil of Julia Cooks Organics and More welcomed a large group of Chamber members to their food truck for theirribbon cutting. Members and guests were treated to samples of their fine

and varied food offerings. Learn more at www.julia-cooks.com.

thomas and sarah perez, owners of Heights AC & Heating hosted a ribbon cutting at Alli’s Pizzeria and welcomed a large crowd for

their event. The business is located at 114 East 24th street. Learn more at www.heightsacheating.com.

more than 20 years

Fiesta Mart, Inc.*Clayton Lee Plumbing & Repairs

Dr. R. M. UllmanHeights Medical Tower, Ltd.*

Stairways, Inc.

more than 10 years

Metropolitan Transit AuthorityTony’s Mexican Restaurant

Central BankTerry Jeanes of RE/MAX Realty

more than 5 years

SECO Industrial Maintenance and Control Heights Hospital for Animals, Inc.

more than 1 yearGreater TEXAS Federal Credit Union

Massage Heights at Washington Heights

one yearLaw Office of David J. Maldonado, PLLC

The Village of the HeightsJefferson Davis High SchoolGelazzi Gelato Italiano Cafe

Finch Properties

* Gold Patron

happy anniversary

ribbon cuttings

PRSRTSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

HOUSTON TX.PERMIT 542

545 W. 19th Street Houston, Texas 77008

GoLd patronsLeadership LeVeLsThe Leadership Levels, which includes, Gem, Platinum,

Gold and Silver represent the most prestigious designation for member firms.

Without their financial support we would not be able to offer the wide variety of benefits to all of our

members and our community.

Gem LeVeL partnershipsdiamond patrons

Adams Insurance Service, Inc.Allison Jones and Associates

C & D Scrap Metal Recyclers, Co., Inc.CenterPoint Energy

Cokinos, Bosien & YoungCollabera

Comerica Bank - HeightsCyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen

Fiesta MartHeights Medical Tower, Ltd.

IntegraNetIntegrity Bank

Mach Industrial GroupMarek Family of Companies

Merchandise Pickup Services, Inc.PrimeWay Federal Credit Union

Richmond’s AirShipley Do-Nuts

Spirit of Texas BankSt. Joseph Medical Center

in the HeightsTommie Vaughn Ford

Westside Lexus

SILVER PATRONS

Allegiance BankGrifols Biomat

Mutual of Omaha BankPearl Dentistry

Reynolds & Associates, PLLCThai Spice Asian Cuisine

volume 8 number 2 february 2016 - greater heights area ...€¦ · february 2016 volume 8 number 2...

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