March Chambergram - Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBERGRAM
March 2015
Lead. Serve. Grow.
Our 2015 Resource Directory was
unveiled at our State of the City Address
on Thursday, February 19th. If you were
unable to attend the event, not to worry!
Copies are on there way along with your
2015 membership plaque. If you are interested in additional copies, stop by the
office.
MY CHAMBER has been a positive and consistent platform for the
residents, local businesses and myself to reach new levels in our
strive for success. My personal growth has achieved new heights
due to the overwhelming support of the Pasadena Chamber staff and
members. I love being part of such an amazing group!
Carol Bell
Air-Value Inc.
Heating & Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
In This Issue
•
Upcoming Events—Pg. 4
•
New Members—Pg. 12
•
News You Can Use—Pg. 14
Read more about 2015 Business of the Year: Texas Citizens Bank on page 14
“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 Waggett – Chair Elect
February
Doctors Outpatient Surgicenter
July
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Membership 101
Rick Guerrero – Past Chair
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19
State of the City Luncheon
21 Cultural Arts Theatre Night
ARG Real Estate
24
Member 2 Member Mornings
Jeanna Barnard
Membership 101
August
Bayshore Medical Center
March
13
Membership 101
Sherry Bufkin
5
Young Guns Business Over Breakfast
20
Monthly Luncheon
12
State of the County Luncheon
20
Young Guns Professional Power Hour
19
Membership 101
25
Member 2 Member Mornings
24
Business Foundations
Post Oak Bank
Kevin Jeter
Miles A/C
September
Valerie Revilla
April
New Dimensions Home Health
1
Business Expo
9
Membership 101
10
Membership 101
11
Rugged Race 5K
24
Young Guns Business Over Breakfast
16
Monthly Luncheon
29
Business Foundations
21
Member 2 Member Mornings
30
Young Guns Lunch with Leaders
Board of Directors
Sherrel Brantley
Ichi –ban Trophy & Engraving
Greg Clary
Pasadena Rodeo Association
Bruce Dockall
Zachry
Michael Gilbert
Chevron Phillips Pasadena Plastics Complex
May
4
Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament
14
Membership 101
October
8
Membership 101
15
Monthly Luncheon
29
Young Guns Lunch with Leaders
15
Young Guns Professional Power Hour
November
19
Business Foundations
5
Taste of the Town
21
Monthly Luncheon
12
Membership 101
James Guthrie
Thrivent Financial
June
December
Denise Jennings
11
Membership 101
3
Annual Gala
LyondellBasell
18
Chairman’s Circle Luncheon
10
Awards Luncheon
Sam Jimenez
McDonald’s
John Mrozek
Texas Chiropractic College
Margie Pena
Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
Ken Phelps
Phelps Insurance
Anthony Tellez
Silver Eagle Distributors
Wayne Webb
Community Bank of Texas
Robert Whitley
Blasingame Whitley, Attorneys at Law
Ex-Officio Directors
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
Stephen Trnack
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San Jacinto College
District
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Chairman’s Letter
February flew by like the geese going south and a new month has arrived. March is already on us and spring is right around the
corner. Thanks again for all the help and support of The Pasadena Chamber Of Commerce. Well Like I said, “March is already
here”. It begins with the Golf Committee meeting led by “Bear” Hebert on Tuesday 3rd; 8:00am, the Cultural Art’s Committee”
meeting led by Mrs. Jackie Welch on March 5th at 8:30am, and our Young Guns are also meeting on the 5th, please don’t miss
these. Other important events such as, “The State of The County” being held at the Pasadena Convention Center on March 12th
will be a Highlight for the month so please put this one on your calendar. I received the schedule for our Ambassador Corp. /Classic Club and
there are many events that include Ribbon Cuttings, Beautification-Renovations, and membership 101, just to mention a few Whew!!!!!!! You see
what I mean, those folks at The Chamber are taking care of business and I guarantee I have not touched half of what is going on. If you decide to
get involved with The Chamber you will not be bored and I think you will have a great time. Our Golf Event is coming together and sponsors are
starting to roll in, and we are looking forward to a huge turnout. Bear Hebert is starting to get in his stride and if you have ever been to one of the
auctions that he is doing you know what I am talking about; he puts on a great show. Also do not forget March has 2 great celebration days which
are Texas Independence Day March 2, 2015, and St. Patrick’s Day March 17th. One last thing if you get this article on time; we will go to Daylight
Savings Time March 8th, so spring forward. Have a great day! The Pasadena Chamber is your source of information for Pasadena; please visit our
website for the complete calendar of events at: www.pasadenachamber.org.
“To promote economic development and community growth to ensure the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens”
Have a great day and keep smiling
Cary Bass, Bass & Meineke
2015 Chairman of the Board
From the President
Members & Friends,
Thank you to the many individuals who attended our State of the City luncheon featuring Mayor Isbell. It certainly was a great way
to kick off the year and hear about the many capital investment projects going on within our great city. Congratulations also to
Texas Citizens Bank on being named 2015 Business of the Year! It is truly my honor to represent your chamber in our community
and my hope is that this event has only set the standard for many events in our future. A sincere thank you to the City of Pasadena for this joint
event and the many volunteers who pulled it together.
Change is never easy; however, we feel the changes we are making to meet the needs of our members are ones of value and impact. There are
multiple opportunities for you to engage and be a part of the movement taking place in Pasadena. Serving on a committee, attending a new event
or taking advantage of some of the marketing services available to you just to name a few. We want to educate our members on what your investment includes so please be sure to read the last page of the newsletter each month so you can learn about some of your included benefits of membership!
Spring hasn’t quite sprung, but we are certainly preparing for it! Our luncheons will include hearing from Commissioner Jack Morman in our State of
the County event next week on March 12th as well as an update from San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer on April 16th. Events include our Obstacle Course 5K Rugged Race event and Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament that are sure to be events you won’t want to miss!
As always, we are here to serve and support our members, so please don’t hesitate contacting one of our qualified team members today.
Working together, we can continue to Build Business and Support Community.
Best Regards,
Cristina
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
We're CenterPoint Energy : Always There®
We're a company with more than 5 million metered customers and a long history of service. CenterPoint
Energy is composed of an electric transmission and distribution utility serving the Houston metropolitan
area, local natural gas distribution businesses in six states, a competitive natural gas sales and service
business serving customers in the eastern half of the U.S., interstate pipeline operations with two natural
gas pipelines in the mid-continent region, and a field services business with natural gas gathering operations, also in the mid-continent region. We're an established company with substantial assets that are
managed by experienced people.
CenterPoint Energy's vision is to be recognized as America's leading energy delivery company K and
more. We know that reliable energy is not a luxury. It's up to us to keep the lights on and to provide clean
natural gas for homes, factories and businesses. Our long tradition of dedication and hard work adds up to
a company of people who are always there for our customers and neighbors, for our employees and their
families, and for our shareholders.
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Business
Honor
Roll
Platinum
Partners
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.
ARG Real Estate .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 years
Bay Area Printing.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 years
Colonial Oaks at Vista.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 years
Complete Environmental Products Inc. .................................................................................................................................................................. 16 years
Dairy Queen............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 years
Dental Land ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 year
Guidry’s Cajun Kitchen ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 years
Gulf Coast Educator’s Federal Credit Union ..................................................................................................................................................... 34 years
Higgins Photography .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 years
Jimmy Changas ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 years
Larry’s TV Service, Inc. ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 34 years
Pasadena Lions Club ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 years
McDonalds .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 years
Monument Chevrolet .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 years
Mower’s Inc............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 years
Pasadena Community Ministry............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 years
Pasadena Fence Co. .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 years
Pasadena Independent School District.............................................................................................................................................................. 42 years
Steve Phelps ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 years
The Phoenix Design Group ....................................................................................................................................................................................19 years
Jorge Rodriguez, M.D............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 years
State Farm Insurance, Scott Loomis .................................................................................................................................................................. 28 years
Stockstill & Associates............................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #14—Richey ......................................................................................................................................................... 17 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #17—South Shaver .............................................................................................................................................. 13 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #18—Southmore .................................................................................................................................................. 9 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #19—Hwy 225 ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #23– E. Sam Houston Pkwy S. ............................................................................................................................ 6 years
Subway Sandwiches & Salads #8—Spencer......................................................................................................................................................... 17 years
Surgery Specialty Hospitals of America/NOVA Weight Loss................................................................................................................................. 2 years
T & T Construction ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 years
Texas TransEastern ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 years
The Plaza at San Jacinto Park ...............................................................................................................................................................................3 years
Trumble Auto Sales ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 years
United States Postal Service .................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 years
The Waterford at Deer Park ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 years
WCL @ Two Cities Bar & Event Center................................................................................................................................................................. 2 years
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse #8 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 years
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New Members
Awards by Gulf Coast
Trophies & Promotions
Mr. Mark Dillard
713-473-6969
www.gctawards.com
Carson Companies
Mr. Daniel Zoch
713-360-7929
www.carsoncompanies.com
The Church Triumphant
Ms. Cathy Glass
713-472-2609
www.triumphtoday.org
Warner Heathman, D.D.S.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surger
Ms. Lauree Cunningham
713-947-8832
www.drheathman.com
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing our members a return on their investment through:
Networking Opportunities
Marketing Services
Community Involvement
Information Access
Workforce Development
Political Advocacy
Image Enhancement
Member Benefits
Membership investment levels and benefit packages are available online at www.pasadenachamber.org. Call 281-4877871 for more details on how you too can become a member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce!
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Committee Corner
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!
Legislative Affairs Committee
In conjunction with the various processes that the Chamber has created and/or restructured, we have developed a new Legislative Affairs Committee. The purpose of this committee is to establish a footprint for the Chamber in the political policy forum locally, state-wide and nationally. The
committee will be presented with information that area groups affiliated with the Chamber are supporting and the committee will then choose which
policies or agendas the Chamber will put its name and influence behind. The majority of our agenda will be derived from entities we are affiliated
with, The Economic Alliance and the ACCE (Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives). This will allow our Chamber, as an organization,
the opportunity to pursue issues without overlapping the work of our affiliates and thus avoid inefficiency. As a whole this endeavor marks a large
step forward for the Pasadena Chamber in that it edifies the work and infrastructure that is being developed each day to strengthen the Chamber,
its members, and the City of Pasadena and its economy. If you are interested in serving on this committee, the initial meeting will be held Tuesday
April 14th, 2015; 4:00pm at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
For questions or to be included on future emails please contact Matt Salazar [email protected] or 281-487-7871
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!
Industrial Appreciation Golf
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 March 3rd, April 7th & April 28th.
Our Classic Club members are retired business men & women who volunteer their time welcoming new members and awarding area businesses
for beautification projects. Beautification projects consist of 3 categories; Landscaping of the Month, Building of the Month and Renovations of the
Month. Below are the Beautifications for the month of March.
CT Church Pasadena
Gardens Elementary
Texas Oilpatch Services
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News You Can Use
State of the City Address featuring Mayor Johnny Isbell
February 19th the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual State of the City Address featuring
Mayor Johnny Isbell at the Pasadena Convention Center. With nearly 500 participants, attendees enjoyed
networking and lunch while hearing an update on the City of Pasadena.
Mayor Isbell provided a detailed report of the many capital improvements within our city as well as highlighting departmental victories. In 2014, the Mayor talked about how Pasadena was a city of the future and
ended saying, “We have always evolved, always worked with an eye on the future, and we’re in an excellent
position for it.” This year he continued to focus on building for the future and always preparing for it stating,
“The future that we’ve all been building for together is here, and I can’t wait to see all of the great things that
are in store for our city.”
Together with strong partnerships with Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman and Second Century Corporation, chaired by Roy Mease, the city has made major upgrades to our infrastructure. Since
2007 the city has spent more than $200 million on streets, drainage, sidewalks, water lines, wastewater
treatment and parks.
Residents who live in our 100-year floodplain will now receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums because our public works department earned a better rating for our city in the federal Community Rating System. 2014 was a big year
for flood control projects in the city. One of those projects targeted one of the most flood-prone properties, not just in our area but in the country,
the site of the former Brandywood Apartments. This area was transformed into a community park, complete with a playground, walking trails
and a dog park. We named it Partnership Park, because it was the result of just that – a partnership with Harris County Pct. 2 Commissioner
Jack Morman and our parks and recreation department, under the leadership of Kirby Cardenas.
The community relations team under Richard Scott’s direction, together with our Parks & Recreation Dept., also organized this year’s recordbreaking Can Do Food Drive, which collected more than 35,000 pounds of food for Pasadena food pantries, and the annual Holiday Lighted
Parade with the Strawberry Festival, which drew more than 10,000 spectators.
Thanks to the officers in our Pasadena Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Mike Thaler, we have had a major reduction in crime
this past year. Serious crimes dropped by more than 14%, including a 16 and a half percent reduction in thefts, a 20% drop in robberies and
22% fewer burglaries. In the narcotics division, officers’ efforts were so outstanding that the unit was named the top Narcotics Unit of the Year in
the state of Texas.
Currently, there are 172 firefighters in the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department, led by Chief Lanny Armstrong. Working alongside the fire department is the Fire Marshal’s office, led by Fire Marshal David Brannon. In 2014 they conducted nearly 5,000 inspections and hundreds of investigations and public education programs. And they did an excellent job of it, as evidenced by their Gold Award by the Texas Fire Marshal’s
Association.
Building Pasadena is not something that is just limited to our city departments. Some of the biggest events in our community – like the Strawberry Festival, the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the McDonald’s Texas Invitational – have continued to grow and expand, drawing
tens of thousands of people to our city each year with a combined economic impact of more than $15
million.
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News You Can Use
State of the City Address featuring Mayor Johnny Isbell
Education in Pasadena is also evolving as voters recently approved a $175 million bond, to improve schools and update the district’s technology. One example of this is the new Dr. Kirk Lewis
Career and Technical High School that offers students an opportunity to graduate not just with a
diploma, but also with hands-on experience in their career field, as well as college credits, certifications or licenses in high demand areas. Students can further their education at San Jacinto
College where cutting edge technology and innovative ideas enter the classroom. The college
has a new Maritime Training Center under construction, one of only three facilities of its kind in
the country.
Mayor Isbell stated, “The city, our education system, the Chamber, non-profit organizationsKour
whole community is working together to build Pasadena for the future. And we are seeing the results. Businesses are coming here in record numbers,
industry is booming, and hundreds of new jobs are being created. It’s only February and, already, the industrial projects that we know are coming to
Pasadena in 2015 have a total value of more than a billion dollars.”
Some examples of these projects in Bayport include Kaneka undergoing a $50 million expansion that will double its capacity, Lubline that will open a new
$60 million facility, and it’s the area selected as the site of a new plant that Celanese recently announcedKone that is valued at $800 million. Bayport is
also the home of our cruise terminal, which is now port to not one, but two major cruise lines. Nearly 150,000 passengers are expected to sail out of the
terminal this cruise season.
Pasadena is fortunate to have not just the Bayport Cruise Terminal, but also the Port of Houston right here in our backyard. The Houston Ship Channel
just celebrated its 100th birthday with records being set in both steel and container cargo. The Port of Houston Authority is the number one port in the
United States for foreign tonnage, and over the course of the next five years, more than $1 billion dollars will be invested in expansion and improvement
projects to handle increased volumes at the port.
Isbell said, “It is exciting to see all of the new growth and development, but we have almost as many major expansion and renovation projects as we do
new projects. Many of the businesses that have a long history here – like Bayshore, Ventech and Pinnacle – have invested millions to not just keep their
businesses here, but to grow them here.” Projects that the city is getting started on this year include a new fire station #5 on Spencer Highway, a new
animal adoption center on Burke, a new municipal court facility in the old AT&T building and, perhaps most exciting, a new waterpark in Strawberry Park.
A new Burlington store is coming, new hotels and medical facilities are under construction, and industry is booming.
The future of Pasadena is certainly on the right track. Mayor Isbell closed saying, “Each year, it seems like there are more and more exciting projects and
announcements to share and it already looks like next year will be no exception.”
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2015 Business of the Year
Each year businesses are nominated for the prestigious title of Business of the Year. Consideration for this award are companies who exhibit
financial stewardship, active involvement in community organizations, participation in local events and lending resources. Selection is made
by former Business of the Year recipients and the award is presented at State of the City Luncheon. We are honored to announce this years
Business of the Year is Texas Citizens Bank.
About Texas Citizens Bank
In 2005, Duncan Stewart, Mike Cornett and Tom Watson along with Ken Love, Dr.
George Dempsey and Hall of Fame Disc Jockey and former Precinct 8 Constable, Bill
Bailey, formed Texas Citizens Bank. The Pasadena based bank opened for business
in May 2006. All of the TCB’s organizers had previously severed on nationally chartered bank boards and had extensive bank experience. Advisory Directors are Terry
Brotherton, Jack Howard, Richard Cansler, Dub Kelly, Ralph Vasami, Jess Fields and
Mike Bowman. Stewart is Chairman of the Board and CEO, Cornett is President and
Watson is Regional President and CLO. Bob Gebhard was one of the original senior
officers of the bank. He is currently an Executive Vice President at TCB.
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John Harris, a well-known real estate developer in Pasadena, agreed to develop and
have constructed a beautiful three story building in booming South Pasadena for the
bank’s main facility. TCB opened a Clear Lake location one year later in another new
John Harris building. TCB now has six locations in the greater Houston area in addition to their operations center at 4120, 4122, 4124 Fairmont Parkway. TCB is the only bank based and chartered in Pasadena.
TCB has been a member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce before its’ doors officially opened and has been an active participant ever
since. TCB is also active in the Pasadena community supporting more than 10 non-profit organizations and a number of its members serving
on various boards and committees.
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Past Businesses of the Year
1988 John Phelps State Farm
1989 Bayshore Medical Center
1990 Meador Corporation
1991 Casa Ole
1992 Peoples National Bank
1993 Allied Ace Hardware
1994 Pasadena Citizen
1995 Southmore Medical Center
1996 Ernie’s Restaurant & Bar
1997 Texas Chiropractic College
1998 Ditta Meat Company
1999 Pine Tree Lodge
2000 Strawberry Appliance
2001 Advanced D’Sign Services
2002 Pasadena Honda
2003 Lacy’s Hallmark
2004 Drake Printing
2005 Williamson Whole Health
2006 Philibert Insurance Agency
2007 John O. Harris Interest
2008 Loomis International, Inc.
2009 Manlove Advertising
2010 Rosewood Funeral Home
2011 Shell Federal Credit Union
2012 Ventech
2013 Bass & Meineke
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
2014 Silver Sycamore
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Business
Business Foundations
Foundations
Business Foundations
As a chamber we are committed to providing valuable resources to our businesses. We are
excited to introduce quarterly “Business Foundations” in 2015 where we will have facilitator’s
present information regarding topics of interest to our members. A survey was sent out to all
our members asking what their interests are, if you would like to participate in the survey
please email [email protected]
Make sure you join us on April 1st as we kick off our 1st Business Foundations for 2015.
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Ribbon Cuttings
Dao’s Bookkeeping & Tax Service
Dao’s Bookkeeping & Tax Services provides small to mid-size business with
bookkeeping, payroll and tax preparation services. Our services include QuickBooks® Consulting and Training, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services. We also provide Individual, Business and Non-Profit Tax Preparation, Financial Reporting,
Cash Flow and Tax Projections and Budgeting.
Trusted Employment Solutions
Trusted Employment Solutions (TES) delivers qualified, motivated workers on a temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire
basis. The TES team specialize in effectively placing job
seekers, while providing employers with comprehensive support to promote worker retention and individual development. We are committed to complete customer satisfaction
and to providing a skilled staff to meet the demands of our
current economy and business partners. Our website is
www.trustedjobs.org and phone is 713-395-3178.
Member 2 Member Mornings
On Tuesday, February 24th we held our 1st Member 2
Member Mornings here at the Chamber. This event was
designed for all attendees to provide a “60 second commercial” about your business or services over breakfast with
opportunities for relationship building and growing your referral base. Member 2 Member Mornings are open to all
current and prospective chamber members to attend at no
cost. Join us for our next Member 2 Member Mornings on
April 21, 2015 at 8:30am..
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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
[email protected]
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 are already included in your annual investment.
Are you having a special this month? What about an event you’d like to promote? Every Tuesday an E-Blast gets sent out to all members
and you can include your information at no additional cost. Simply email [email protected] by Monday to be included.
As an added service, members can bring their Certificate of Origin documents to be verified for only $35 per copy. Since we don’t close for
lunch, bring them by on your lunch break and we will be happy to take care of it for you.
Contact any of our professional staff above for more information or assistance in taking advantage of these benefits..
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