“A Night In NAPA” - The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Chairman's Ball

THE WOODLANDS, TX - On the evening of August 21, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 2020-2021 Chairman, Linda Nelson of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and the 2019-2020 Chairman Jeff Garrett of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP. It was also a time to celebrate and pass the gavel to the new incoming chairman Julie Ambler. This Ball is the chamber’s 43rd annual event. Since 1978, The chamber has celebrated the past year’s work of the outgoing chairman by hosting what many would call, one of the most unique and amazing chamber events in The Woodlands. It is highly anticipated each year and for good reason. The evening was even more special with the addition of honoring Jeff Garret. Due to the terrible effects of Covid last year, the chamber wasn’t able to host an outgoing celebration for chairman Jeff Garrett. Because of that, Jeff was recognized and honored during this year’s event along with Linda Nelson. When Chamber President JJ Hollie recognized Jeff Garrett, JJ gave Jeff a unique Hawaiian Lei. Some in the audience wondered why he was given a lei. Apparently, last year before the Chairman’s Ball event was canceled, the theme for Jeff’s event was going to be called “A Night In The Islands” with an Hawaiian theme. JJ was giving Jeff a small memento and gesture to remember his service to the chamber and how valuable he was and continues to be to The Woodlands community. US Congressman, Kevin Brady was also in attendance and not only did he give a great speech honoring the two chairman, but Kevin also presented Jeff and Linda with a congressional commendation from the US House of Representatives for their work as Chairman for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

CEO and President of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, JJ Hollie said “We are excited to host this year's Chairman's Ball and celebrate the past year's successes as well as both Jeff Garrett's and Linda Nelson's years as Chairman of the Board. Our business community has met the considerable challenges of the past 18 months head on and, not only persevered, but we have seen so many new businesses open and flourish. We look forward to making our contribution in helping the local economy to continue to prosper in the coming year.”

Click here to view our photo gallery of the 2021 Chairman’s Ball

Click here to view video of the recognition of public officials and Chairmans

A Night To Remember

The annual Chairman’s Ball is built around a different theme each year. The theme for 2021 was called “A Night In NAPA” and drew its inspiration from the wine country of NAPA Valley. Along with cocktails, guests were treated to wine tasting to start the evening. The attire was black and white formal and the suits and gowns were amazing. The atmosphere was elegant and the decorations were spectacular. Various companies in and around The Woodlands helped make this evening a night to remember. Piney Rose Flower & Decor was one of those companies and provided the floral arrangements for the tables and other guest areas. The chamber commissioned local artists to paint a canvas for both Linda and Jeff. They started early in the evening and finished towards the end of the event. Guests had the opportunity to watch as these talented artists created their masterpieces. For music, the chamber brought in a local band to entertain the guests before the program and after the presentation, which also included dancing at the end of the program.

Previous themes for this event included a circus theme called “Under the Big Top”, an event called “Celebrating The Heart of Our Community” and even one year with a Star Wars theme. The themes are always interesting, unique and fun. The decorations were beautiful and the themed attire for the guests greatly add to the festivities. “A Night In NAPA” was an exceptional evening of live music, great food, wine tastings and fun!

About Linda Nelson

We asked Linda Nelson about her experience as chairman. She said “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce throughout this past year.  These have certainly been unprecedented and challenging times for our business community, but the resiliency, creativity and flexibility they have shown are both remarkable and inspiring.  It has been a very fitting time to serve as Chairman as I have been able to witness a community at its very best as relationships have grown to serve the needs of others.”

Linda has played a critical part in the growth of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, she has held the following role at the chamber:

* Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
* Chairman of the Board
* Transportation Education Council; Team Lead (2017-2018)
* Business Advocacy Council; Team Lead (2018-2019)
* Governmental Affairs (2012-2014; 2018-2019)

Wanting to stay active in the community that she both lives and works in, Linda is active in the following organizations:

* Leadership Montgomery County (LMC)

* LMC (Past Chairman of the Board)
* Current Board Member
* Alumni Chairperson (2008 to present)
* Leadership Montgomery Co. Class of ‘99

* Greater Conroe/ Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce

* Government Affairs Committee
* Past Board of Directors

* Montgomery County Republican Committee
* Precinct Chair & Election Judge (2006-2016)

* Conroe Independent School District
* Facilities Planning Committee (2019)
* Site Based Committee (2008-2018)

* Accolades
* The Woodlands Hometown Hero
* The Woodlands Area Chamber Citizen of the Year
* IRONMAN Team Captain of the Year
* Montgomery County Women’s Council on Organizations Women of Distinction
* Leadership Montgomery County Distinguished Alumnus Award
* The Woodlands Area Chamber Chairman’s Award
* The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce 2019 Trailblazer

Linda was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to the Houston area in 1980. She has been married to her husband, Gordon, for 40 years. They have three children and three grandchildren living in Houston and Austin. Other than spending time with family, you can find Linda playing racquetball or on the golf course.


About Jeff Garrett

Jeff Garrett has been an important part of the chamber and its growth. We asked Jeff about his time as chairman as his roles at the chamber as well as his professional career and background. He said “I have been involved with the Chamber Board for about 11 years. I have previously served as a VP and co-chair of the Economic Outlook Conference committee. I was very honored to serve as Chairman for the 2019-20 year. It was in the middle of the pandemic and we faced many challenges. Most of our revenue events were cancelled. Many of our members suffered severe hardships. However, through it all, the staff of the Chamber came through in a huge way. It was a 'can do' spirit that I will always remember.

I am the Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property for Chevron Phillips Chemical. I have been with the company for 19 years. I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering from Texas A&M and my law degree from South Texas College of Law. I am a member of the State Bar of Texas, a registered U.S. patent attorney and a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas. Debra and I have two children who graduated from Baylor and Texas A&M and have now begun their careers. I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy traveling.”


About Incoming Chairman Julie Ambler

Julie Ambler is the new Chairman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. She is the Head of School at The Woodlands Christian Academy. Her experience also includes the following:

Chairman Of The Board
Summit Ministries

Vice Chairman Of The Board
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce

Executive Committee
Council on Educational Standards & Accountability (CESA)

Board Member, Past Board Chair
LEADERSHIP MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Member, Past Board Member
The Rotary Club of The Woodlands
Partner
The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership



About The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce




* Our Mission
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the pathway to opportunity for the Greater Houston business community. We work to improve the area’s economy by advocating for the business community, creating marketing and networking opportunities, serving as a professional and community resource and supporting local nonprofits.

* Greater Houston’s largest business organization
The Chamber is made up of thousands of business and civic leaders who have joined together to promote jobs, economic growth and strong communities. As the largest business association in Greater Houston, we represent more than 1,500 area employers on the local, county, state and national level.

* Chamber events network you for success
With more than 100 events every year, the Chamber is the most dynamic business association in The Woodlands area. Educational programs offer crucial business updates on topics including technology, marketing, and commerce. Prestigious business networking events help businesses make connections that count. Find out what’s going on at the Chamber at woodlandschamber.org/calendar. 

* Make your mark on the business landscape
Become a thought leader and engage with the Chamber’s member-only teams. These working groups shape the future for The Woodlands area business. They are the place to share your expertise, learn about key business issues, collaborate with peers, and lead growth for your industry. Explore Chamber teams at woodlandschamber.org/teams. 

* Make your voice heard on legislation that affects your business
The Chamber advocates for the business community at every level of government and acts on legislation and policy that can impact your ability to run your business profitably. Chamber Business Advocacy Council members are regularly invited to give policy feedback. Email Margo at margo.mczeal@woodlandschamber.org to learn more about our policy agenda.

* Get connected! For more information and membership information, call 281-367-5777, email info@woodlandschamber.org or stop by our office at 9320 Lakeside Blvd., Suite 200 in The Woodlands, Texas.