Chamber newsletter January 2014

News from the Pasadena, Texas Chamber of Commerce
www.pasadenachamber.org
January, 2014
Vol. 25 No. 1
Mission Statement
“Promote Economic
Development and
Community Growth
to ensure the
prosperity of
Pasadena’s
businesses
and citizens.”
In this issue
of the
Pasadena
Chamber of
Commerce
Newsletter...
• Chairman Letter, pg. 1
• Young Guns Events, pg. 1
• Pasadena Hispanic
Business Council, pg. 2
• New Members, pg. 2
• Chamber Holiday
Open House, pg. 3
• Infintech, pg. 3
• 2013 Chamber Banquet, pg. 4
• Pasadena I.S.D., pg. 7
• Cultural Arts, pg. 7
• Renewing Members, pg. 8
CHAIRMAN LETTER
It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as
the 2014 Chairman of the Board for the
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The
purpose of the
Chamber is to
serve our members
and to promote
economic development and community growth.
Businesses and
residents rely on
the Chamber to
Rick Guerrero
provide opportuniChairman of the Board
ties for business
expansion create a healthy businessfriendly environment and be the voice
in local and state government.
Pasadena is a great place to live, work
and raise a family. We benefit from a
huge Petrochemical Industry, The Port
of Houston, San Jacinto College, Texas
Chiropractic College, a great Pasadena
Independent School District and various growing medical facilities in our
city. The Chamber works closely with
The City of Pasadena, Harris County,
Harris County Toll Road Authority and
local businesses. Pasadena offers great
neighborhoods, apartments and highrise living to accommodate our ever
changing demographics. The City of
Pasadena has one of the largest
Volunteer Fire Departments and World
Class Police Department to keep our
residents and visitors safe. It is easy to
find great things to do in Pasadena,
starting with great shopping, local and
chain restaurants, live theaters, Armand
Bayou Nature Center and the many
family events sponsored by our great
City of Pasadena. The annual Pasadena
Livestock Show & Rodeo, Barbeque
Cook-Off and The Straw-berry Festival
attracts thousands of visitors to our
community. The chamber sponsors and
host’s the largest High School Basketball
Tournament in the nation and the very
successful Taste of the Town held at
The Pasadena Convention Center filled
with over 30 local restaurants.
• Calendar of Events, pg. 9
I give every member of The Pasadena
Chamber of Commerce my commitment to take our chamber to the next
level of service to our community. The
staff and I will work closely with The
City of Pasadena, Harris County, Port
of Houston Authority and all other governmental entities in our community to
provide you the best possible return on
your investment in our chamber.
Rick Guerrero,
Chairman of the Board
Pasadena Chamber
of Commerce
281.487.7871
Fax: 281.487.5530
Happy
New Year!
Chamber of Commerce Pasadena
Hispanic Business Council
Pasadena
Chamber of Commerce
2014 Executive Board
Rick Guerrero
Chairman of the Board
ARG Real Estate
Cary Bass
Chairman Elect
Bass & Meineke
Bill Simmons
Vice Chairman – Finance
St. Luke’s Patients Medical Center
Monica Perry
Vice Chairman
Doctor’s Outpatient Surgicenter
Denise Jennings
Vice Chairman
Chevron Phillips
Jeanna Barnard
Vice Chairman
Bayshore Medical Center
Gary Nickelson
Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
Cartridge World Pasadena
I am honored to be this year’s Chairperson for the
Pasadena Hispanic Business Council. I am looking forward
to the events we have planned and increasing our presence
in Pasadena.
2. Attend a Continuing Professional Development class at
San Jacinto College. Some classes are as short as 2 days.
They also have scholarships and programs to assist with
tuition.
Starting a new year brings resolutions and thoughts of
ways to improve our businesses. One way to improve not
only your business, but yourself, as well, is through continued education. As a business owner, continuing education may be one of the last “to do” items on our list. There
always seems to be something else that takes priority
whether it is a business task or lack of finances for education.
3. Attend a seminar. There is a seminar held just about
every day in Pasadena or the surrounding cities. A quick
internet search will give you thousands of listings.
Increasing your knowledge does not have to be costly or
take a considerable amount of time. Here are some ideas
for low cost continuing education:
It may take some time, but there are always opportunities
available to increase your education. This year, I encourage
you to make your education more of a priority.
1. Attend a chamber luncheon or mixer. You can be sure
to find someone who has knowledge about a subject
matter that interests you.
Valerie Revilla
Chairperson
4. Read a book. There are hundreds of books available
about business regarding every aspect you can imagine.
Books can be purchased or borrowed from the library.
[What about starting a business book club over lunch?]
PHBC is committed to assist, support and empower Hispanic businesses and community through entrepreneurial development and leadership.
2014 Board of Directors
Vijay Barreto
Shell Deer Park
Sherrel Brantley
Ichi-Ban Trophy & Engraving
Sherry Bufkin
Post Oak Bank
Greg Clary
Design Controls
Paul Davis
City of Pasadena
Bruce O. Dockall
Zachry Holdings
Peg Figley
Air Products
Shelley Fuller
Project Joy & Hope
Pedro Garcia
Port of Houston
Michael Gilbert
Chevron Phillips
George Gonzalez, Jr., M.S.
San Jacinto College
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
NEW MEMBERS
We would like to thank these New Members
as we continue to grow and work toward
developing a diverse economic market in
our community.
ActionCoach- S. Houston
702 Yorkshire Creek Ct.
Pearland, TX 77581
713-588-0490
Daniel Cleaves
Ambit Energy
12011 Rye Water Dr.
Houston, TX 77089
832-330-8281
Albert Olmos
Mail Boxes Plus
4808 Fairmont Parkway
Pasadena, TX 77504
281-998-1333
Lisa Baker
Chuck Maricle
10503 Sageyork Drive
Houston, TX 77089
888-424-9491
Chuck Maricle
Dawn Harris
Harris County Commissioner Morman
Eddy Holleman
H.E.B. Food/Drug
Kevin Jeter
Miles Service Corporation
Samuel Jimenez
McDonald’s
Kirk Lewis
Pasadena Independent School District
John Mrozek
Texas Chiropractic College
Valerie Revilla
Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
(PHBC)
Britney Samperi
Shell Federal Credit Union
Gordon Smith
Meet Your Feet Dance
Jacqueline Spigener
Silver Sycamore
Ken Unfried
Capital Bank
2014 Staff
Sherry Trainer, IOM
President/CEO
Janette Morgan
Financial/Administrator Manager
Aimee Crawford
Event Coordinator/Marketing Liaison
Kimberly Tolleson
Administrative Assistant
LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL!!!
If Your Electricity Contract
Expires in the next 12 months...
Lock in
4-6 cent/kWh Rates
NOW!!!
There is no cost, or obligation, to get a savings
comparison to your current commercial electricity rate
from 20 different Retail Electric Providers
Call the chamber’s
EXCLUSIVE electricity broker
Jason O’Krent
(888) 822-9090 x104
D.C. Trainer
Membership Sales Representative
The Pasadena Chambergram Newsletter
is a monthly publication.
Graphic Design Creative Edge Communications
Pasadena Chambergram
2
Chamber Holiday Open House
Thank you to all of you that came out to our Holiday Open
House this year, we hope you all enjoyed the great food
provided by Casa Ole’ Deer Park and the Holiday spirit!
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Infintech to offer an
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 maximizes their profits.
Power of the Program
Members enrolled in the program will have access to lower fees, utilizing Cost-Plus
Pricing. This transparent pricing model will expose the true costs of processing electronic payments, thus eliminating the potential for “after-the-fact” rate increases by
the processor. The processing rate you’re offered through the program will remain
the same for the duration of your membership.
Program Features
Here are just a few of the features you’ll enjoy with this Pasadena Chamber of
Commerce member benefit program:
• Pre-negotiated rates
• Transparent pricing model
• No unjustified cost increases
• No long-term contracts or cancellation penalties
• Dedicated, live customer service
• Discounts on ancillary products and services
How much can YOU save?
Contact Kevin Walter at (888) 908-6952 or kevin.walter@infintechllc.com.
www.infintechllc.com
Pasadena Chambergram
3
2013 Pasadena Chamber Banquet
The 2013 Pasadena Chamber banquet was a
fantastic event honoring those who have donated
their time and worked tirelessly for the benefit
of the Chamber and the City of Pasadena.
Congratulations to all!
ma
Swearing in of 2014 Chair
Rick Guerrero
n of the Board,
Swearing in of 2014
Board of Directors
Ambassador of the Year- Jaime Villarreal
Ambassador officers being sworn in at Annual Banquet
2013 Citizen of the Year - Dr. Charles Redmond
Classic of the
nett
Year - Jo Hart
PPD Officer of the Year - Brian Kelldorf
Pasadena Chambergram
4
2013 Pasadena Chamber Banquet
Committee Cha
irperson of the
Year- Robert M
Valerie Revilla
erino
pictured above
accepting on R
obert’s behalf
e Year
Young Gun of th
- Cari Hicks
Chamber Staff
Memorial High School Orchestra performing at Annual Banquet
elley Fuller
Director of the Year - Sh
Pasadena Chambergram
5
2013 Pasadena Chamber Banquet
ar - DC Trainer
Volunteer of the Ye
Outgoing Cha
irman,
Gary Nickelso
n
being presente
d with his pla
que
Executive Director of the Year - Sherry
Bufkin
Thank you Ms. Jackie for all that you do for us…We love you!
TECHNOLOGY, CARING & EXPERTISE COME TOGETHER
TREATMENT OF SLEEP DISORDERS
Aparajitha Verma, M.D.
board-certified physician
in sleep medicine.
7KH6OHHS&HQWHUDW6DQ-DFLQWR0HWKRGLVW+RVSLWDORͿHUV
diagnostic and clinical services to treat many sleep disorders.
The most common disorder is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
In addition narcolepsy, insomnia and limb movement disorders
round out the spectrum of sleep problems.
Sleep Center
4401 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521
To make an appointment with Dr. Verma, please call 713-441-3961.
www.sanjacintomethodist.com
Pasadena Chambergram
6
Plug Into PISD
Gardens Elementary selected as winner
in Crayola’s school grant contest
Gardens Elementary Principal Celia Fleischman is one of 20 elementary and
middle school principals from across the nation to be selected by Crayola
and the National Association of
Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
to receive a “Champion Creatively
Alive Children”
school grant.
The Champion Creatively
Alive Children grants are intended to
help principals explore new ways to
nurture children’s creativity and inspire
other principals to do the same. The
campus will be awarded a $2,500
monetary grant and $1,000 worth of
Crayola products. This is the second
year that Gardens Elementary has
received the grant.
“This grant is another great opportunity for our campus to continue our art
inclusion program that benefits all of our students,” said Fleischman. “Our
students are able to show their creativity and build their self-confidence.”
Fleischman also said that the grant will provide professional development
for teachers on how incorporating art builds literacy skills. The staff plans
to use illustrations as a storytelling tool and fine arts as a catalyst for original
poetry and stories.
“Crayola believes that for students today to reach their full potential and
grow into self-motivated learners, their imaginations must be nurtured. We
believe these children are empowered by the educators
who ignite their abilities to bring new ideas to
life,” said Mike Perry, Crayola president
and chief
The staff at Gardens will share outcomes from their program via NAESP’s
website to help other principals develop
promising practices related to arts education.
Congratulations
Mel Cowart
Pasadena Independent
School District
2013 Distinguished Citizen
Cultural Arts Committee
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Cultural Arts Committee is always looking for new committee
members. The Cultural Arts Committee awards two scholarships annually to local college students and also
provides local community theaters with scholarships for their children’s workshops annually as well. These
projects are made possible by the events we hold through-out the year, Theater Night and The Christmas
Tree Circle. The committee meets the first Thursday of every month. If you are interested in learning more
about the Cultural Arts Committee please contact Aimee Crawford or Janette Morgan at 281-487-7871.
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Pasadena Chambergram
7
CHAMBER
MEMBERSHIP
RENEWING
MEMBERS
PHILIBERT INSURANCE AGENCY
AUTO
HOME
LIFE
ANNUITIES
CD’S
CLASSIC CARS
MEXICO INSURANCE
COMMERCIAL AUTO
COMMERCIAL LIABILITY
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
The following companies have supported the chamber for the last 50 years and we
would like to say a big “Thank You” for all the years of support and your belief in
what the chamber stands for.
CenterPoint Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 years
Chevron Phillips- Pasadena Plastics Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 years
GBS Insurance Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 years
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Animal Medical Center of Pasadena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashwood Park Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bay Star Ambulance Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blasingame Whitley, Attorneys at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brotherton Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cartridge World Pasadena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ditta Meat Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drury Inns, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enchanted Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enterprise Products Operating LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firestone Complete Auto Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forest Lawn Cemetery of Houston, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Surgeons of Pasadena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head & Guild Parts, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Homesmart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ichi-Ban Trophy & Engraving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aaron K. Joseph, M.D., P.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kelley’s Country Cookin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Joe D. & Betty A. Moffitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No Name Bar-B-Que . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pasadena Habitat for Humanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pasadena Interfaith Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pinnacle AIS, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PV Rental LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ron Craft Chevrolet Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sandridge Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SGS Petroleum Service Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daniel J. Snooks, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Southland Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
St. Luke’s Patients Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stewart’s Tire & Auto Center- Crenshaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stewart’s Tire & Auto Center- Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockstill & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Studio 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Texas State Senator Larry Taylor, SD 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The UPS Store # 6284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. #752- Fairmont Pkwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West & West, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37 years
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Banking But Better
www.shellfcu.org
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED
PASADENA LOCATION
3130-A Strawberry
Pasadena, TX 77504
713-941-5700
713-941-5774 fax
DEER PARK LOCATION
214 Center St.
Deer Park, TX 77536
281-930-9567
281-930-8284 fax
Notary Public
www.danaphilibert.com
Our family understands
how important funeral
and burial needs are to
families who have lost
a loved one.
We are dedicated to
serving families as if
they were a member of
our own.
-Jess Fields
3939 Pasadena Blvd.
713-920-2171
www.rosewood.cc
The difference at Rosewood is the Fields Family.
WHERE TECHNOLOGY,
CARING, AND EXPERTISE
COME TOGETHER
2011
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.
ĚĚShell
Shell Federal
Federal
eder Credit Union
ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉƚŽLJŽƵƌĞŶĞĮƚƐ
Package at “No Cost”
Cost”ƚŽLJŽƵ͘
&ŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽ͕ĐĂůůϳϭϯͲϴϰϰͲϭϭϭϳĂŶĚƐƉĞĂŬǁŝƚŚ
ZŝĐŚĂƌĚƌŽĐŚŽ͕ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚDĂŶĂŐĞƌ͘
ŶLJŽŶĞǁŚŽůŝǀĞƐ͕ǁŽƌŬƐ͕ǁŽƌƐŚŝƉƐŽƌĂƩĞŶĚƐ
ƐĐŚŽŽůŝŶ,ĂƌƌŝƐŽƵŶƚLJĐĂŶĚŽďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĂƚ^&h͘
For more information please call 832-556-6543 or
visit www.sanjacintomethodist.com
Federally insured by NCUA
Pasadena Chambergram
8
C a l e n d a r
o f
E v e n t s
January
Wednesday, January 1
Chamber Offices Closed
for New Year’s Day
Wednesday, January 8
Classic Club Meeting
Chamber Office
10:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 9
Cultural Arts Meeting
Chamber Office
8:30 a.m.
Monday, January 20
Executive Board Meeting
Chamber Office
3:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 30
Chamber 101 Luncheon
Silver Sycamore
11:30 a.m.
Monday, January 20
Board Meeting
Chamber Office
4:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 30
Young Guns Happy Hour
Shell Federal Credit Union
5:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 30
Ambassador Breakfast
TBD
8:00 a.m.
February
Wednesday, February 5
Beautifications
9:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 6
Cultural Arts
Chamber Office
8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 12
Classic Club Meeting
Chamber Office
10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 13
Young Guns
“Business over Breakfast”
Bayshore Medical Center
8:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 20
State of the City Address
Pasadena Convention
Center
8:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 13
Business After-Hours
Baywood Crossing
Rehabilitation &
Healthcare Center
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 21
GCCE Leadership
Conference
South Shore Harbor Resort
Thursday, February 27
Ambassador Breakfast
Chamber Office
8:00 a.m.