Community volunteers honored at annual Chamber appreciation luncheon

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Thursday, April 24. As is the tradition, the Community Relations Team coordinated the event, and gets a gold medal for the Olympic-themed event, complete with a torch relay.

Chamber Chairman, Amy Milstead of Milstead Automotive, Inc., and Community Team Leader, Rita Wiltz of Children’s Books on Wheels, shared the emcee duties, acknowledging the sponsors, attending dignitaries, which included the Chamber board of directors, Chairman’s Circle members, political figures currently running for office, and the agencies and non-profit organizations being honored.

The highlight of the event was featured speaker, Scott McClelland, President of H-E-B Houston, an instantly recognizable face from the H-E-B commercials aired locally. McClelland said the service of community volunteers is not unlike that of his organization: all demographics need to be served, and their specific needs provided. H-E-B is doing this with unique stores like Mi Tienda, which not only offers groceries, but an in-house Taqueria, and Joe V’s, their low-cost store.

“At H-E-B we feel we have a responsibility to provide for the community. In addition to quality products and services, we offer these five necessities...Hunger Prevention, Education, Health & Wellness, Disaster Relief, and Volunteerism.”

McClelland stated that H-E-B believes in investing in local communities.

“A better Texas means a better H-E-B,” added McClelland.

The number of participating non-profit organizations and community service agencies has continued to grow at this popular recognition event, reflecting the growth in the Montgomery County area. Just four years ago (2011) 30 organizations were honored; this year there 79 Chamber members present.

As the community grows, so will the needs of the population. To contact outreach organizations refer to the Business Directory on Woodlands Online in the link provided, for phone numbers, emails, and websites.