The Woodlands Area Chamber honors members for year of service

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce honored its members and volunteers, for the 37th year at its annual awards banquet. It appeared that everyone present was honored in some way, attesting to how active and involved the Chamber membership is in the community; a total of 18 team leaders were recognized for their past year of service.

A total of 50 companies received their 10-year membership award; 20 reached 15 years, five are now 20-year members, and another five reached the silver anniversary mark. Members reaching their 30th and 35th anniversary, were eight apiece.

“I’m pleased to have reached a decade as a member of the Chamber,” said Carolyn Gerken of A-Plus Services. “I thoroughly enjoyed the awards luncheon. It was well organized. It flowed smoothly. It’s my favorite banquet that I attend each year,” she added.

The following Board Vice President retiring this year are: J.J. Hollie who oversaw Financial Viability, and will now be stepping into the role as President of the Chamber; also Dawn Candy, Visibility & Image; Jeff Garrett, Economic Development; Debbie Kaschik, Business Opportunities; Linda Nelson, Government Affairs; and Bret Strong, Chairman’s Appointment. Retiring Officers and Directors: Dr. Don Stockton, Conroe ISD Superintendent; Michael Barnhill, Boyd Burdett, and Gene Satern.

Team leaders recognized for their invaluable contribution in facilitating the many Chamber functions: Amanda Trapp, Affinity Team; Eric Saville, Business After Hours; Timika Simmons, Business Summit on Healthcare; Deborah Kaschik, Chairman’s Ball; Greg Monteilh, Community Job Fair; Monica Bomkamp Enia, Community Relations Team/Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon; Mike Fortner, Diplomat Team; Greg Usher, Economic Development Conference; Steve Ricks, Employment Law; Keaton McDaniel, Golf Classic; Frank Holmes, Leadership Retreat; Melanie Bush, Legislative Team/Day at the Capital; Tanya Bryan, Meet the New Members; Robert Heineman, Mobility; Dr. W.L. Wuest, Networking Breakfast; Kristy Villarreal, Taste of the Town; The Woodlands Idol, Melissa Rascon; Brittani Burress, Young Professionals/The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival/Cards & Cocktails.

For the third year in a row, Royce Brooks (pictured) received the Diplomat of the Year Award. Brooks will be serving as one of the new Board Vice Presidents.

“I’m looking forward to serving the Chamber in this capacity,” said Brooks. “A lot of changes, and it will be exciting to be a part of it.”

The Legacy Award was presented to Karen Hoylman, deservedly so, for her 20 years of service to the Chamber as President; the longest tenured president and CEO in the history of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

Michelle O’Rourke received the Volunteer of the Year Award, and Linda Nelson, the Citizen of the Year Award. The Chairman’s Award, selected by the outgoing Chairman, Daniel Schroder, was presented to Bruce Tough, a past Citizen of the Year recipient, and the current Chairman of The Woodlands Township.

J.J. Hollie officially took over as the new Chamber President when the luncheon was adjourned. Formed in 1978, the Chamber represents over 2,000 member companies and is ranked as the #2 largest Chamber in the Greater Houston region in the Houston Business Journal’s Book of Lists. Hollie promises a year of excitement and value to its membership.

“The Chamber has to provide value to its members. That’s the purpose of the Chamber, to increase commerce for businesses in the community,” Hollie previously stated.

For businesses that are not currently Chamber members, this is the year to join. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reap the benefits of this dynamic change agent. For information about the Chamber, visit www.woodlandschamber.org. Also see related links.