The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce unveils future home

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Area Chamber of commerce unveiled plans today to move its offices to the spectacular waterfront setting of 9320 Lakeside Blvd. Building 2, a two-year old high rise off Lake Woodlands Drive.

Currently nestled in the woodsy area just off I-45 on The Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce started its search for an ideal new location in 2011, intent on finding office space that would accommodate The Chamber’s bustling activities when its lease expires in October 2014, despite the busy market for commercial space in The Woodlands. It required lots of parking, room for member tenants, and a picturesque setting that would convey the beauty and amenities of The Woodlands to visiting corporations considering The Woodlands for their operations.

“It’s really good for our community to have us in a central location where there is lots of activity,” said Karen Hoylman, President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce since 1996. Hoylman is pleased with 9320 Lakeside Building 2’s convenient location in the center of The Woodlands’ commercial growth and the wonderful views it will provide The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. “It’s exciting and great visibility for members and guests – to see us there, to have accessibility to our meeting rooms and our information. This is a really good move for The Chamber at this stage in our development.”

With 18,000 square feet, the new space at 9320 Lakeside Building 2 is close to commerce and I-45, and is surrounded by booming development on both sides of Lake Woodlands. “The Chamber’s second-floor suite includes floor-to-ceiling exterior glass along the entirety of the building’s lake-facing eastern view,” said Greg Cizik, manager, director and principal for Colliers International’s Houston operations, who handled the search. “The property’s water’s edge location of the lake, the adjacent properties within Research Forest Lakeside and a stunning panoramic view of the Hughes Landing development currently under construction on the opposite side of the lake. For those lucky enough to be gazing across the lake at the right time, perhaps they’ll catch a sight of the eagles nesting in the tree tops.”

Gil Staley, CEO, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership pointed out he importance of dynamic location to personify the dynamic growth of The Woodlands. “As the lead economic development agency for The Woodlands Area, our new location will provide an impressive setting to show our clients the dynamic commercial growth in The Woodlands.”

James Warmack of Warmack Properties, owner of 9320 Lakeside Blvd. Building 2, and a premier Class A corporate campus developer, sings the praises of the spot. “Chamber staff, members and visitors will enjoy the beautiful, natural setting on Lake Woodlands, as well as future amenities including restaurants and convenience retail, “said Warmack. “We are pleased to have such an important, community-minded tenant.” The 77-acre corporate campus will eventually house 10 office buildings and retail totaling 1.9 million square feet.

Formed 35 years ago, The Chamber of Commerce helped put The Woodlands on the map, literally. “Nobody had a private agenda, we all were concerned about getting access for businesses as growth started coming in,” said J.R. Moore, Jr., founding member of The Chamber and now the tax assessor/collector for Montgomery County. “I bought a hardware store, and the plumbers and the electricians in The Woodlands couldn’t get to me because there was no off-ramp on I-45.” He remembers driving 22 miles to the closet county office on the other side of Magnolia. Through the efforts of the founding men and women of The Chamber, The Woodlands got access to I-45, a Justice of the Peace, and a voice in Austin. “If it hadn’t been for The Chamber, The Woodlands wouldn’t have near the development we’re enjoying now,” Moore said. “Its been good for Montgomery County as a whole.”

Kevin Brady (R-Texas) led The Chamber for 10 years before winning a seat in Congress’s House of Representatives in 1997. “This is a vibrant chamber of commerce with a reputation for strong business leadership, innovation and results,” said U.S. congressman Kevin Brady. “Working closely with its community partners, The Chamber continues to play a critical role in growing the economy, helping businesses succeed and creating a world-class quality of life for families in South Montgomery County and The Woodlands.”

Formed in 1978, The Chamber represents over 2,000 member companies and is frequently ranked as the # 2 Chamber in the Houston region in Houston Business Journal’s Book of Lists. The Chamber was named “Hometown Hero Company” for The Woodlands in 2005. The Woodlands Area Chamber of commerce is currently located at 1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300 in The Woodlands. For more information, visit the link below.

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