CHAMBERGRAM CHAMBERGRAM - Pasadena Chamber of

CHAMBERGRAM
January 2015
Lead. Serve. Grow.
A New Look...
As our members needs change and evolve so do the
services and benefits we offer. We hope you will enjoy
our newly revised Chambergram designed to better
communicate news you can use. What better way to
begin a new year than reflect on 2014 and highlight
some our successes and accomplishments!
⇒ Introduction of Membership 101
⇒ Student Internship Program Implemented with San
Jacinto College
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$26,000 Contributed to PISD Education Foundation
$3,300 Awarded in Student Scholarships
Revised Online Membership Application
Redesigned Marketing Collateral and Newsletter
Successfully Promoted Legislatives Issues for PISD
Bond & Prop 1
I have been a member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce for
several years. Over the years I had the opportunity to meet great
people and built meaningful relationships that have helped my
business. Also have had the opportunity to work with Cristina,
Janette, Kimberly, Matt & Roni, the great staff at the Pasadena
Chamber. If you are not currently a member of the Pasadena
Chamber; I highly recommend becoming a member; the more you
participate the more ROI (Return On Investment) you will receive.
Rick Guerrero, ARG Real Estate
Past Chairman of the Board
In This Issue
• 2014 Award Recipients—
Page 11
• 2014 Citizen of the Year—
Page 11
• 2014 Rugged Race
Success—Page 13
• News You Can Use—
Page 13
Read more about our 2014 Citizen of the Year on Page 11
“To Promote Economic Development and Community Growth to ensure the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens.”
Calendar of Events
Executive Board
Cary Bass – Chairman
Bass & Meineke
We invite you to plan ahead and take part of the many exciting upcoming events your chamber has
planned. There is something for everyone and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
Monica Perry – Chair Elect
February
July
Doctors Outpatient Surgicenter
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9
Rick Guerrero – Past Chair
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Membership 101
State of the City Luncheon
21
Membership 101
Cultural Arts Theatre Night
ARG Real Estate
Jeanna Barnard
Bayshore Medical Center
Sherry Bufkin
March
August
5
13 Membership 101
Young Guns Business Over Breakfast
12 State of the County Luncheon
20 Membership Luncheon
19
20
Membership 101
Young Guns Professional Power Hour
Post Oak Bank
Kevin Jeter
April
September
Miles A/C
9
1
Valerie Revilla
11 Rugged Race 5K
10 Membership 101
16
17
New Dimensions Home Health
Membership 101
Monthly Luncheon
30
Business Expo
Young Guns Business Over Breakfast
Young Guns Lunch with Leaders
Board of Directors
October
Sherrel Brantley
May
8
Ichi –ban Trophy & Engraving
4
15 Monthly Luncheon
Greg Clary
14 Membership 101
Pasadena Rodeo Association
Bruce Dockall
Golf Tournament
21
Monthly Luncheon
November
5
June
Michael Gilbert
11 Membership 101
Chevron Phillips Plastics Complex
18 Chairman’s Circle Luncheon
Thrivent Financial
Young Guns Lunch with Leaders
15 Young Guns Professional Power Hour
Zachry
James Guthrie
29
Membership 101
12
Taste of the Town
Membership 101
December
3
Annual Gala
10 Awards Luncheon
Denise Jennings
LyondellBasell
Sam Jimenez
McDonald’s
John Mrozek
Texas Chiropractic College
Margie Pena
Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Ken Phelps
Phelps Insurance
Anthony Tellez
Silver Eagle Distributors
Wayne Webb
Community Bank of Texas
Robert Whitley
Blasingame Whitley, Attorneys at Law
Ex-Officio Officers
Paul Davis
City of Pasadena
Kirk Lewis
Pasadena Independent School District
Pedro Garcia
Port of Houston Authority
Tammie Nielsen
Commissioner Jack Morman, Harris
County Pct. 2
2
Stephen Trnack
San Jacinto College District
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Chairman’s Letter
Welcome to the New Year!
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will celebrate it’s 75th year, I am honored to serve as their
Chairman of the Board this special year. On behalf of the Chamber I want to thank you for another
record year in 2014, all due to the citizens, business owners, and board members that keep our city
and chamber strong, thank you for all your support. I am fortunate to be serving with our new President Cristina
Womack, the staff, our Board of Directors and Board members. We also want to welcome our new staff members
to the Chamber, Matt Salazar and Roni Archer, be sure to stop by and give them a Pasadena welcome.
We are off to a good start, our Board Retreat was held January 9th at the San Luis in Galveston, great information
was presented and I believe there are a lot of new ideas on the table to help keep your business moving forward
in this fast paced cyber world and economic boom. There are many opportunities for you to plug in to and connect
with people, businesses, and stay on top of important issues that keep your business and community successful.
There are several events happing soon , mark your calendars for the State of the City Address, featuring Mayor
Johnny Isbell and we will also recognize the 2015 Business of the year ,to be held at the Pasadena Convention
Center on February 19th. Visit the Chamber’s website for a complete calendar for the Chamber and other community events happening.
It is the mission of the Pasadena Chamber to promote economic development and community growth to ensure
the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens. Don’t miss out, If you haven’t already joined the Chamber,
do it today it’s going to be a great year!
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Cary Bass, Chairman of the Board
From the President
Members & Friends,
Happy New Year! As a new year begins many take time to reflect on accomplishments and areas of
improvement and your chamber is no different. In the last few weeks we have been steadfast in
reflecting on areas we’d like to improve for our members as well as celebrating our successes! 2014
brought about a great deal of change and I hope you enjoy reading about our recent victories and remain confident in the work the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is doing.
We are committed to keeping you abreast of opportunities to engage and maximize your membership; however,
regardless of how often you attend events or serve on committees we want you to feel good about your investment
and the positive impact we have within our community. Our entire 2015 calendar is planned and we hope that you
will join us for many of our annual events as well as maybe try out a new one! With a full staff we are here to serve
you and invite you to call or stop by and allow us to better meet your needs.
Working together, we can continue to Build Business and Support Community.
Best Regards,
Cristina
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
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New Members
Cheetah Transportation
P.O. Box 1327
Alvin, TX 77512
Ms. Toni Graham
832-643-4107
North American Shipping Agencies
12621 Featherwood Dr., Ste. 145
Houston, TX 77034
Mr. Kenny Fernandez
281-481-4500
Labtopia Inc.
12929 Gulf Freeway #108
Houston, TX 77034
Ms. Cynthia Mendoza
936-524-0587
Ā
DISA Global Solutions
5141 Center St.
Pasadena, TX 77505
Ms. Ashley Stavinoha
281-730-5416
Jenergy Inspections, Inc.
3214 Federal Rd.
Pasadena, TX 77504
Mr. Jeff Ybarra
713-677-0087
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Brident Dental
3331 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77504
Ms. Shona Baillie
714-571-3367
Sandra Tapia, CPA, PC
5616 Pine Ave.
Pasadena, TX 77503
Ms. Sandra Tapia
832-672-7530
Ā
Sarah B. Lowe Orthodontics, DDS, PA
6319 Fairmont Parkway #103
Pasadena, TX 77505
Ms. Heather Potter
281-487-5466
DC Financial Consulting
Mr. David Creel
832-517-3361
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
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.
The Boeing Company ·················································································································· 12 years
Etech, Inc. ······························································································································· 6 years
Heritage House Assisted Living, LLC ····························································································· 9 years
Homestart ································································································································ 3 years
La Quinta Inn & Suites ················································································································ 8years
LJA Engineering, Inc.··················································································································· 12 years
Naegeli Transportation ·············································································································· 27 years
National Tailors ························································································································· 17 years
Pasadena Interfaith Manor·········································································································· 26 years
Previty-Clinic for Surgical Care ······································································································ 1 year
Safway Services ························································································································· 13 years
United Rentals ··························································································································· 2 years
Water & Power Technologies, LLC ································································································· 4 years
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
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Platinum Partners
If you are interested in more information on how you can become a Platinum Partner please contact the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Platinum Partner of the Month
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, you can rely on us for
top-quality, comprehensive and compassionate
health care.
•
Certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint
Commission
•
Cycle III Chest Pain Accreditation from Chest
Pain Society
•
Commission on Cancer Approved Cancer Program
•
Designation as a Trauma Center from the Texas
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Committee Corner
Membership in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce affords the opportunity to make an impact through serving on committees working
together to improve the economic, civic, professional, and cultural initiatives of Pasadena. Below you will find an overview of the available committees that you can participate in. There are 3 types of committees: Standing, Event, and Future committees. There is something for everyone to meet the needs of your schedule and interests. If you are interested in serving in one or more of these committees
please contact us and we will communicate regarding upcoming meetings.
Standing Committees:
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Ambassadors- Represent, promote and encourage participation in chamber activities and are the face of the organization in welcoming new members. They meet monthly, on the last Thursday of each month at 8am at the chamber office.
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Classics- Retired business men & women who volunteer their time welcoming new members and awarding area business for beautification projects. They meet monthly, the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am at the chamber office.
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Young Guns- “Under 40” professionals who plan, participate and host events tailored to meet the needs of young leaders in our
community. They meet monthly, the last Wednesday of the month at 10am alternating between Deer Park & Pasadena Chamber
offices. Events for Young Guns are hosted monthly and include Business Over Breakfast, Lunch with Leaders & Professional Power
Hours.
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Pasadena Hispanic Business Council- Assists, supports, and empowers Hispanic businesses and community through entrepreneurial development and leadership. They meet monthly the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:15am.
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Cultural Arts- Coordinates, promotes and brings awareness of cultural activities in Pasadena through relationships with local organizations including San Jacinto Day Foundation, Pasadena Rodeo Association, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Historical Society, Philharmonic Society & Pasadena Little Theatre. They meet monthly, the 1st Thursday of each month at 8:30am at the chamber office.
Event Committees:
Our annual events are only as good as our members who volunteer to help coordinate, facilitate and bring awareness to them. These
committees meet in the months leading up the event to make sponsorship calls, logistical planning, and volunteer the day of the event
with various responsibilities.
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Rugged Race- Obstacle Course 5K benefitting healthy change in our schools on April 11th at the Pasadena Convention Center
Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament – Tournament recognizing the impact industry has within our community, honoring the
annual Industry of the Year recipient
Taste of the Town – Largest event of the year with 30 local restaurants and large live auction
Annual Gala – Reflection and celebration of the years successes with recognition of board members and announcement of Citizen
of the Year
Future Committees:
Committed to our mission statement, these are areas identified that committee development would benefit our members and community.
If you are interested in being involved in the formation and implementation, please indicate below.
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Education & Workforce Development
Economic Development
Legislative Affairs
Transportation & Logistics
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Thank you to our 2015 Committee Chairs and Board Members for serving!!
Get Involved!
Looking for ways to maximize your membership? One option is to volunteer on a committee to help plan and execute details for an upcoming
fundraiser. See below for upcoming opportunities to serve!
Rugged Race 5K Committee
This year the Rugged Race, chaired by Kasie Fernandez will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Pasadena Convention Center. There will
be an obstacle course 5K as well as a 1K for senior adults and children. Money raised from this event will help build and/or replace existing playground equipment at local PISD schools. Opportunities for involvement include sponsoring an obstacle, donating prizes, expo booth participation and more. We are looking for volunteers to help plan and coordinate the details for this new chamber event! The 1st committee meeting with
be held Thursday February 12th at 10am at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Golf Tournament Committee
Not a golfer? No problem! We need plenty of volunteers to help make this tournament a success. This years Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament will be chaired by Bear Hebert on May 4, 2015. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate the details leading up to the tournament and
securing sponsorships for food and tent sponsors, goodie bag giveaways, hole sign sponsors and more! The Golf Committee meetings are set
for 8am at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce on February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th & April 28th.
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees contact Kim Tolleson at Kimberly@pasadenachamber.org
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Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
2014 Award Recipients
Each year the chamber recognizes volunteers in several categories
for their outstanding contributions to the Pasadena Chamber of
Commerce. These individuals truly represent the heartbeat of our
organization and are appreciated by many. Congratulations to our
2014 Volunteer Award Winners:
Ambassador of the Year
Gary Nickelson, Cartridge World
Young Gun of the Year
Lindsay Swanagan, Bayshore Medical Center
Classic Club of the Year
John Edwards
Cultural Arts Member of the Year
Jackie Welch
Board Member of the Year:
Valerie Revilla, New Dimensions Home Health
Committee Chair of the Year
Rick Guerrero, ARG Real Estate
Volunteer of the Year
Fran Bass, Bass & Meineke
Officer of the Year
Sgt. Mike Norman, Pasadena Police Department
2014 Citizen of the Year
Mariselle Quijano-Lerma
Mariselle Quijano-Lerma is a Franchise Owner of several McDonald’s restaurants in the Pasadena and Greater Houston area.
Mariselle is active in many civic and community organizations, including sponsoring the McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament which has contributed over 1.3 million dollars to the education foundations of Pasadena & Deer Park. She is a
graduate of Sam Rayburn High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business (Accounting) from the University of Houston
She has two children and is a member of First Baptist Church in Pasadena. Mariselle was elected to the PISD Board of Trustees in 2009 and currently serves as the President of the School Board. She is a past member of the Pasadena Education
Foundation, Past President of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and current member of the Hispanic American Commitment Education Resources Board that grants $50,000 in scholarships locally each year. Her record of success is an example
for the youth of our community that hard work, a good education and adherence to ethical business practices is the foundation
for a good future. Mariselle is an established citizen and leader of our community and most deserving of this distinguished
award.
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News You Can Use
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the Pasadena ISD
participated in the Annual Can Do Food Drive with the City of
Pasadena on November 21, 2014. We are please to announce that 35, 152 pounds of food was donated this year!!
The recipients of the food were Pasadena Community Ministries, Salvation Army, Sarah’s House, The Bridge over Troubled Water & Society of St. Stephen. Congratulations to Turner
Elementary and the Pasadena Library for collecting the most
food and receiving a pizza party from Peter Piper Pizza!
The McDonald’s Texas Invitational basketball tournament showcases
the leading basketball talent of high school boys and girls teams
while providing the opportunity for the community to support and give
back to the Pasadena and Deer Park ISD Education Foundations,
helping teachers provide innovative instruction district wide. Thank
you to all of the volunteers, steering committee, and companies for
your sponsorships for making this another successful tournament.
Final contributions will be announced in February, we look forward to
sharing the great news!!
Congratulations to the 1st Place Teams:
Boys: Atascocita High School
Girls: North Shore High School
Alumni Game: Pasadena ISD
December 18,2014 we held our 1st Annual Gala. Our theme was
“It’s a Wonderful Life”. We had 8 beautifully decorated Christmas
trees that were sponsored by several of our chamber members. At
the end of the night each tree was wrapped up and given to the
Pasadena Police Department’s Officer Santa Program. Each tree
along with toys that were donated by our community were delivered
to deserving families just days before Christmas. Thank you to the
companies who contributed in making those families Christmas a
little brighter. We are lucky to have a Police Department who is so
giving and willing to make an impact!
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News You Can Use
Rugged Race contributes
$10,000 to South Belt
Elementary
Children play for the first time on new
playground 12-12-14
The importance of a child’s education and health
cannot be stressed enough and there is always a way
in which we can advance the way our next
generation will learn and promote a healthy lifestyle
for everyone. The Varsity Volleyball Coach & PE
Health Department Chair from Pasadena Memorial
High School has come up with a way in which we can
do just that in a fun, exciting, and even competitive
way. Kasie Fernandez is the creator of Rugged Race,
a 5K obstacle run for people of all ages, with the hope
of raising money to donate a playground to every
elementary
school and a
playing area to
every middle
school in
Pasadena that
does not have
one.
The goal of the Rugged Race is to improve the
community by providing areas for physical activities
which in turn, will influence and improve their
academic learning capability as stated on the Rugged
Race website “Physical activity exerts a powerful,
positive influence on physical health, emotional
stability, and the motivation and ability to learn”. The
3rd annual Rugged Race was held on April 2014 with
over 300 participants and when asked how she plans
the event to grow Mrs. Fernandez said that she
expects the number of participants and sponsors to
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
continue to increase with hopes of 1000 participants
by 2020. To reach this goal Mrs. Fernandez has
partnered with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
to grow the event to achieve the potential Rugged
Race clearly has. The latest results of the race
contributed $10,000 to South Belt Elementary for their
brand new playground that has just been completed.
The playground includes monkey bars, a zip line, 2
slides and much more. When asked what they thought
about the new playground and what their favorite part
of it was the young students mentioned “I’ve been
waiting for this forever” and “I
like the whole thing but the slide
and the zip line are my favorite”.
The students are not the only
ones gaining from the new
playground. The school’s
Assistant Principal for six years
Many students played for the very first
Mr. Lee, told us that since the
start of the construction for the playground, in which
he and many more school staff members contributed
to, all the students were very excited and looking
forward to the positive influence it would have for the
students. Rugged Race has directly affected over 500
young students in this one school already and with the
partnership with the Pasadena Chamber, President/
CEO Cristina Womack stated, “The Fernandez family
has done a tremendous job creating the foundation for
this event and together I know we can impact even
more students.” Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Rugged Race on April 11, 2015 at the Pasadena
Convention Center.
Together we can
improve our community through the
education and
health of our next
generation.
Article written by: Jose Cantu (Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Intern Student from San Jacinto College)
Photos by: Jackie Welch
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How to Reach Your Chamber:
Cristina Womack
President / CEO
Janette Morgan
VP of Operations
Kim Tolleson
Event & Marketing
Coordinator
Matt Salazar
Member Services
Coordinator
Roni Archer
Administrative
Assistant
4334 Fairmont
Parkway
Pasadena, TX
77504
281-487-7871
281-487-5530 (fax)
www.pasadenachamber.org
info@pasadenachamber.org
Monday—Friday 8:00– 5:00
In order to truly maximize your chamber membership, its imperative to know your member benefits! Each month look here
to find information on how you can take advantage of services, many already included in your annual investment.
Do you have an event for your company or organization you want the community to be aware of? On the home page of
our website www.pasadenachamber.org you can add your event to our community calendar without any cost!
As an added service, members can promote their company in our monthly newsletter for only $100 each month. This is a
great opportunity to create awareness year round or for a small business to promote a product or service for just one
month! As a Platinum Partner, your investment includes 12 months of advertisement in our monthly newsletter.
Contact any of our professional staff above for more information or assistance in taking advantage of these benefits..
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