FYI

CHAMBER OF COMMERCEGREATER CONROE/LAKE CONROE AREA

SEPTEMBER 2014 THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

In this issue: 28th Annual LobsterfestCheck out Chamber University Online2015 Board of Directors

David Friday & Vernon Bowers kicking off the 1992 Lobsterfest

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2

I hope you all had a great summer and are ready for one of my favorite times of the

year…..football season!! But more importantly, it’s time for some GOLF and LOBSTER!! Lobsterfest is next month and we are excited to bring you the 28th edition of this great event. Along with the traditional activities surrounding

our biggest fundraiser, we will be wrapping up our 80th anniversary celebration. So expect some neat surprises this year. Golf fills up quickly and tables go fast so call Angela to reserve your spots now.

Thanks to everyone who helped make our 2nd Annual Real Men of Montgomery County Style Show such a success. We were honored to be able to make a generous contribution to Montgomery County Emergency Assistance this year. This would not have been possible without our great community’s support.

Our strategic plan is complete and at our next Board Retreat we will be assigning the timeline to this 3 year plan. This is an exciting time as your Chamber has a road map for the next three years to help our community grow. Part of this growth is with our Board of Directors. Please see page 6 for a list of our incoming Executive Committee and newly elected and appointed board members. We are so blessed to have such a strong board and we look forward to 2015 with Dr. Don Stockton as our Chairman.

We hope you have a great September and remember to shop local and shop Chamber Members!

Scott Harper, PresidentGreater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce

Danielle Scheiner, Greater Conroe Economic Development CouncilDr. Don Stockton, Conroe Independent School DistrictGary Milleson, Trademark Mergers & AcquisitionsDon Spence, All Star Catering Co.Rob Koester, Consolidated CommunicationsGuy Barker, First BankBarry Carpenter, Amegy BankTamara Trow, Nova Biologicals, Inc.Scott Harper

Rodney Anderson Guy Barker Barry Carpenter Amy Hegemeyer Tom JarboeRob Koester Gary Milleson Clyde Tauriainen

Walter Davis Terry Lassinger Caroline Mason Ricky Morton Linda O’Dell Dr. Stacey Rodgers Brent Sherrod David Whiteley

Donnie Buckalew Lindsay DuncanLouis Holub Linda Nelson Rick Pfahl Steve Scott Don Spence Tonya Weinzettle

Tim Budz Courtney Galle Angela Glezman John Hamati Casey Heathcott Charles Lee Dr. Don StocktonVic Tarasik

Monica Bomkamp-EniaDon Carpenter, Jr.Hector ForestierHonorable John FoxTim HarkriderFrank R. HolmesJace HoustonRandy JohnsonKathy Turner JonesBill KotlanHonorable Howard KravetzDr. Austin A. LaneJulie MartineauHonorable Webb MelderHonorable Leonard ReedDr. Beau ReesHonorable Alan B. SadlerGreg SmithScott SmithLloyd TisdalePaul Virgadamo

Scott HarperGina MitchellCassandra RoschenAngela StorsethApril JacksonBarbara MarinoRoxanne Butschek

Chairman of the BoardChairman Elect

TreasurerVice Chair Membership Development

Vice Chair Governmental Affairs/Community DevelopmentVice Chair Special Events

Vice Chair Business Development Immediate Past Chairman

GC/LCACC President

Crescent Moon Wine BarFirst Bank

Amegy BankWoodforest Charitable Foundation

Bauer Manufacturing, Inc.Consolidated Communications

Trademark Mergers & AcquisitionsEasco Air Conditioning, Heat & Electric

Protect Controls, Inc.Schlotzky’s/Cinnabon/Carvel

Whitestone PrintingConroe Welding Supply

Woodforest National BankRodgers Stein Chiropractic Center

American Civil Engineering Services, L.P.Whiteley & Whiteley Design Group, Inc.

Buckalew Chevrolet, L.P.Conroe Regional Medical Center

Lakeside Collision SpecialistsMemorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital

MedivatorsSteve Scott Business Coaching/Consulting

All Star Catering Co.First Bank

GEO Care, LLC.Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Dockline MagazineLa Torretta Lake Resort and Spa

Edward JonesThe Courier Newspaper

Conroe ISDVic’s Precision Automotive

Education for Tomorrow Alliance The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

City of WillisCity of Montgomery

Willis Independent School DistrictSam Houston State University

San Jacinto River AuthorityMontgomery County Hospital District

Lone Star Ground Water Conservation DistrictCity of Montgomery

City of Panorama VillageLone Star College-Montgomery

Montgomery County United WayCity of Conroe

City of WillisMontgomery Independent School District

Montgomery County JudgeCity of Shenandoah

Lone Star Executive AirportTisdale Company, Inc.

City of Conroe

PresidentDirector of Operations and Finance

Director of Membership DevelopmentDirector of Program Development

Director of Community RelationsCommunications AssistantCommunications Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS A Letter From the President

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen the economic environ-

ment and quality of life in Montgomery County.

VISION STATEMENTTo be known as a dynamic organization that generates awareness, creates partnerships, and provides leadership for progressive

development and growth while enhancing the quality of life in Montgomery County.

The Chamber F.Y.I. is a publication of the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce located at 505 W Davis, PO Box 2347, Conroe, TX 77305. (936) 756-6644. Published monthly, it is intended as a public service to Chamber members. No part may be reprinted without permission of the Chamber. Ads in the Chamber F.Y.I. do not reflect the endorsement by the GC/LCACC of any product or service. The GC/LCACC reserves the right to refuse

advertisements. The Chamber F.Y.I. is viewable online at www.conroe.org.For more information on advertising in the Chamber F.Y.I., please call (936) 756-6644

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

THREE YEAR TERM (2014-16)

ONE YEAR TERM (2014)

ONE YEAR APPOINTED TERM (2014)

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

TWO YEAR TERM (2014-15)

CHAMBER STAFF

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3

Primrose Schoolof Conroe

The Leader in Educational Child Care®

IT’S A

ATBETTER BUY

Emerald Club Chamber Members

Call today to learn more about the benefits and resources available to Emerald Club Chamber Members - (936) 756-6644 | Cassandra Roschen, Director of Membership

Or go online to www.conroe.org/investment-levels.

Protect Controls, Inc.

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4 Calendar of Events

SEPT

24Professional Connection5:30PM - 7PM at The Corner PubFree event.10

SEPT Networking Breakfast7:30AM - 9AM at Golden CorralPaid event. Reservation required. Register online.

18SEPT Lunch and Learn Workshop

11:30AM - 1PM at Chamber OfficeLunch provided. Reservation required. Register online.

4SEPT Young Business Professionals Network

Next Level Speaker Series11:30AM - 1PMat Lone Star College - Conroe Center"The Brand Called You" with Gigi WoodruffFree event. Registration required. Register online.

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

Explore: Making the Most of Your MembershipNew Member Orientation8:30AM - 9:30AM at Chamber OfficeRegister online.

9SEPT

Go Online www.conroe.org | Call (936) 756-6644 | Listen Online www.irlonestar.com

SEPT

16Mind YOUR Business!11AM Listen online at www.irlonestar.com

23SEPT Marketing Lab

11:30AM - 1PM at Chamber OfficeReservation required. Register online.

Business Connect Seminar"Increase Customers with Mobile Marketing"

12:00PM - 2PMat Chamber OfficeRegister online.

4SEPT

SEPT

2Chamber Chat11AM Listen online at www.irlonestar.com

Business After Hours5PM - 7PMat Touchstone Neurorecovery Center9297 Wahrenberger | Conroe 77304Free event.

18SEPT

18SEPT Coffee with Senator Nichols

9AM - 10AM at Chamber OfficeFree event. Reservation required. Register online.

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

SEPT

25Membership Luncheon11:30AM - 1PM at Chamber OfficeThis month we will have a panel of speakers discussing Proposition 6, The Rainy Day Fund Amendment.Paid event. Register online.

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

THE

GR

EAAATAATTAATAAER

CONRORROORRORRORROE / LAKE CONRORRORRORROORR

EA

REAA

1934 2014

All seminars and workshops are offered free of charge to Chamber Members. Register at www.conroe.org.

this month at theChamber University

Bruce MayPresident and Executive ProducerSiva Yenneti

President

siva@itvibes.com

Business Connect Seminar"Increase Customers with Mobile Marketing"

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lunch and Learn Workshop"Communication Styles - Winning Conversations!"

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Marketing LabIn these monthly labs, attendees will work on their own

marketing projects using automated marketing tools, while Mr. May provides assistance and answers questions.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE 6

Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce

2015 Board of Directors

Three Year Term (2015-2017)Courtney Galle – Cynthia Woods Mitchell PavilionJohn Hamati – La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa

Casey Heathcott – Edward JonesCharles Lee – The Courier Newspaper

Mark Stevens – Gullo Ford Vic Tarasik – Vic’s Precision Automotive

Kelly Wortham – Memorial Hermann Brent Wunderlich – McKesson

Two Year Term (2015-2016)Rodney Anderson – Crescent Moon Wine Bar

Guy Barker – First BankNatalie Dean – Corporate Incentives

Denise Godkin – Amegy Bank Roger Goertz – Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Rob Koester – Consolidated CommunicationsGary Milleson - Generational Equity LLC

Clyde Tauriainen – Easco Air Conditioning, Heat & Electric

One Year Term (2015)Tim Budz – GEO Care, Inc.

Walter Davis – Protect Controls, Inc.Caroline Mason – Whitestone Printing

Ricky Morton – Conroe Welding SupplyLinda O’Dell – Woodforest National Bank

Dr. Stacey Rodgers – Rodgers Stein Chiropractic CenterBrent Sherrod – American Civil Engineering Services, L.P.David Whiteley – Whiteley & Whiteley Design Group, Inc.

One Year Appointed Term (2015)Gina Brown – Meador Staffing Services

Matt Davis – Conroe Regional Medical Center Elizabeth Hosea – Oman, Berry & Associates

John Husbands – Soules Insurance Charlie Irvine – Signs Etc.

Rick Schissler – Silver Fox Advisors George Waggoner – First National Bank Texas

Virgil Yoakum – Johnson Development Corporation

Executive CommitteeDr. Don Stockton – Chairman

Hector Forestier – Chairman ElectGeorge Waggoner – Treasurer

Don Spence – Vice Chair Membership DevelopmentRob Koester – Vice Chair Governmental Affairs/Community Development

Guy Barker – Vice Chair Special EventsMark Stevens – Vice Chair Business Development

Danielle Scheiner – Immediate Past Chair Scott Harper – GC/LCACC President

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

7

MMcKenzie’s

B arbeque & Burger s

Since 1995

Congressman, KEVIN BRADY

Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Executive Director, CHAD PATTERSON

Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party, DR. WALLY WILKERSON

Conroe Fire Chief, KEN KREGER

Willis City Administrator, HECTOR FORESTIER

County Commissioner Pct. 4 Elect, JIM CLARK

Democratic Nominee for State Representative District 16, MICHAEL HAYLES

Willis ISD Superintendent, TIM HARKRIDER

Panorama Village Mayor, HOWARD KRAVETZ

Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, WAYNE MACK

Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce President, SCOTT HARPER

Montgomery County Judge, ALAN B. SADLER

Conroe City Administrator, PAUL VIRGADAMO

Willis Chief of Police, JAMES NOWAK

Willis Fire Chief, JASON OLIPHANT

County Commissioner and Montgomery County Judge Elect, CRAIG DOYAL

County Commissioner Pct. 2 Elect, CHARLIE RILEY

Woodlands Township Director, GORDY BUNCH

State Representative, District 15 Elect, MARK KEOUGH

Lone Star College Montgomery President, DR. AUSTIN LANE

Conroe Chief of Police, PHILIP DUPUIS

Republican Nominee for State Representative, District 16, WILL METCALF

BELLA DESTINATIONS TRAVELTravel agency whose primary focus is on customer service and understanding the needs of its customers.

(832) 209-2174info@belladestinationstravel.com704 N. Thompson St., Ste. 156Conroe, TX 77301

CHESMAR HOMESA locally owned home builder, building homes in Houston and surrounding areas since 2005, with expansion into the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Charlotte, NC markets. Leaders in energy effeciency and design and building a family of happy homeowners. Chesmar Homes has been named a Top Workplace and is ranked on the Builder 100 list of the nation's top builders. (281) 859-7373Linda.Farmer@chesmar.com1641 Cafe DumondeConroe, TX 77304

CHILI'S(936) 494-2535c01016@chilis.com2241 Stoneside Rd.Conroe, TX 77304

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9

CITY OF WILLISThe City of Willis - Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a volunteer committee made up of citizens appointed by the mayor. Through the use of sales tax and using tax funds the CDC addresses quality of life issues in the City of Willis, of which parks are a main concern.(936) 856-4611bburns@ci.willis.tx.us200 N. BellWillis, TX 77378

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

A collection of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now! In Texas, the Society serves more than 68,000 individuals affected by MS, including more than 22,000 diagnosed with the disease. Join us in a Walk MS event (www.walkmstexas.org) or ride with us in the BP MS 150 ride to Austin (www.bpms150.net).(713) 394-2955cammy.hazim@nmss.org8111 N. Stadium Dr., Ste. 100Houston, TX 77054

Join us for the MS Walk in the Woodlands on Saturday, October 25th!

THE UPS STORE #6473(936) 788-6473store6473@theupsstore.com3915 W. Davis St., #130Conroe, TX 77.04

TRANSAMERICA(281) 900-4492terry.davis@transamericanetwork.comchristopher.krieger@transamericanetwork.com1 Sugarcreek Center Blvd.Sugarland, TX 77478

The Greater Conroe/ Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual event Lobsterfest will be celebrating not only its 28th annual golf, steak & lobster dinner but also the Chamber’s 80th anniversary of being in business for business.

This year the Chamber and its members have had the opportunity to look back at the past 80 years and learn about the great history the organization has established. Lobsterfest quickly surfaced as one of the Chamber’s biggest success stories.

After several interviews with Chamber leaders, scouring through Board minutes and Chamber newsletters, the pieces came together to solve the puzzle which shows us what makes Lobsterfest what it is today.

In an interview with Don Moore, the Executive Vice President for the Chamber in 1987, he explained that he came to Conroe after being the Huntsville Chamber Manager for several years

where an event called “LobsterFiesta” began in 1969 and had proven to be very successful. He brought the idea of “LobsterFiesta” with him to Conroe and modeled what is now “Lobsterfest” after this event. The Board minutes on September 19, 1987 state, “Don Moore informed the Board that Grady Spikes will chair the first Lobsterfest which will become an annual event. A similar event began in Huntsville in 1969 and is now one of the most popular events sponsored by Huntsville’s chamber and is attended by 800 each year. A golf tournament will precede the dinner. Conroe Country Club has donated its facility. Tickets will be sold by a committee now being formed.”

Here began the legacy of Lobsterfest.

To keep this legacy going many volunteers are involved with making Lobsterfest a success. Moore explained that the original head cookers were Darrel Childers, who owned DC Barbecue and was a manager of a local Sonic, Vernon Bowers, whose family still owns Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish, and Raymond Hartis, owner of Pits & Spits. Others mentioned helping with Lobsterfest in the October 21, 1987 board minutes were, “Randy Amaud, Buck Nichols, and the Chamber staff.”

In an interview with Raymond Hartis, he mentioned that the first few years of Lobsterfest the lobsters were cooked in large kettles inside the Conroe High School kitchen while the steaks were cooked on-sight on a large restaurant sized charcoal grill. Andrew Cantu explained that it eventually became too hard to regulate the heat for that many steaks so Hartis built two cookers specifically for the event. When Clint Campbell took over as the head cooker, he purchased one of the grills and the Montgomery County Fair Association and the Chamber purchased the other. Both are still used today for Lobsterfest. Scott Knee has brought his personal crawfish trailer to the Convention Center to cook over 1,000 lobsters at the event for roughly 15 years.

The tickets for Lobsterfest were originally $50 for both golf and dinner. The November 18, 1987 board minutes state, “Grady Spikes again expressed appreciation to all who contributed toward the success of the event. Ticket sales [for the first year] totaled $20,625.00. Expenses were $9,051.38. Net Income was $11,573.63.”

The purpose of Lobsterfest in 1987 was to attract people to Conroe but mainly as an economic development program since there was no funding for CEDC (Conroe Economic Development Corporation) like there is today. CEDC became GCEDC (Greater Conroe Economic Development Council) in 1995 and was funded by the city's one-half cent sales tax. In 1994, the City of Conroe adopted a one-half cent sales tax to help fund GCEDC. GCEDC was under the Chamber until recently when it became a department of the City in 2012.

Funds from Lobsterfest today support the Chamber’s efforts of providing leadership for progressive development

and business growth while enhancing the quality of life in Montgomery County.

Today’s Lobsterfest starts with a 10 AM golf tournament at River Plantation Country Club. This tournament is unique as it includes three tournaments in one, covering 27 holes. Golfers compete in traditional contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and hole in one competitions. Participants enjoy coveted goody bags, festive hole activities, and, of course, cold drinks.

While some are golfing others are preparing for dinner. The “cooking team” arrives at the Convention Center around 2pm to start preparing the steak & lobster dinner that nearly 1,000 people will enjoy at 7pm. Of course the steak and lobster wouldn’t be as delicious without the Texas fixin’s that come along with the meal. The companies that help prepare the side dishes rotate but this year you can count on 350 pounds of potatoes prepared by Buster Bowers with Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish Catering, 1,056 pieces of corn on the cob prepared by Don Spence with All Star Catering Company, and 9 gallons of delicious lobster butter prepared by Clint Campbell with Clint’s Kuntry Katfish Catering.

Our 2014 head cookers are: Scott Knee with Knee’s Detail, Inc., Clint Campbell with Kuntry Katfish Catering and Buster Bowers with Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish Catering (son of Vernon Bowers). Our cooking team includes: Donnie Buckalew, Thomas Malak, Randy Malouf, Glen Byler, Justin Wieghat, Jeff Moon, Andrew Cantu, Charlie Portales, David Friday, Wallace Dodd, Jason Malak, Steve Sondag, Dave Alexander, Joe Morton, and Richard McMillian.

Our servers include: Kay Campbell, Debbie Campbell, Leesa Buckalew, Beth Malak, Gina Malouf, Debbie Bowers, Renee Byler, Julie Bass, Melanie Buckalew, Kay Carter, Jessica Carter, Margaret Bowers, and Tia Malak.

Other partners that help make the dinner a success are: Gary Milleson, H-E-B, First Bank, Streater-Smith, Sam’s Club Conroe, Buckalew Chevrolet, Spectrum Catering, Conroe Welding Supply, Faust Distributing, Silver Eagle Distributors, H&S Liquor, Barefoot Wine, and the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center-Don Carpenter.

Along with dinner there is a live and silent auction. Last year over 175 silent auction items were bid on while the crowd battled over 7 live auction items. If you are interested in donating an item for the auction please call the Chamber office at 936-756-6644.

Lobsterfest will be held on October 2, 2014. The Golf Tournament ,sponsored by Consolidated Communications, will be held at River Plantation Country Club with a 10am shotgun start. The steak & lobster dinner along with the silent and live auction will be held at the Lone Star Convention Center following the tournament at 6pm. Tickets are on sale now so visit www.conroe.org, call (936) 756-6644 or email Angela at angelas@conroe.org for more information!

Thank you to everyone who attended August's Next Level Speaker Series with Steven Wood of Steven D. Wood Leadership. Special thanks to our event sponsor April Sound

Country Club.September's YBPN Next Level Speaker Series will feature Gigi Woodruff, National

YMCA Trainer, whose topic is "The Brand Called You". Gigi Woodruff currently serves as the Senior Leadership Development Manager for the Training and Leadership

Department at the YMCA of the USA focusing her attention on executive and volunteer development initiatives. For the past eight years she served

as a Leadership Consultant for the YMCA University where she consulted with YMCAs in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana to develop staff and volunteer

competencies and effectiveness. Please make plans to join us for this luncheon at Lone Star College - Conroe Center, 777 Conroe Park N. Drive, Conroe, TX 77303, from 11:30AM-

1:00PM on Thursday, September 4th.This event is free to Chamber Members ages 21-39. Registration is required and can be

completed at www.conroe.org.

Young Business Professionals Network

Diplomats of the Month

Pictured:Ross Silva- Minuteman Press of ConroeRob Hurd- Bella Destinations TravelPat Brandt- First Choice Collision, LLCChris James- Buckalew Chevrolet, LPHenry Daniels- Henry J Daniels, Mortgage Adviser for the Woodlands TexasDenise Daniels- Avon for Conroe & The Woodlands Texas by Denise

Wayne Colby- Keller Williams

Not Pictured:Casey Heathcott- Edward Jones Tricia Williams- Snow White Mobile Teeth Whitening Meaghan Gustavus- The CourierKevin Hemingway- Bookends Business Services Inc

Jim Poinsett- Professional Loss ManagementSusie Yeager- Keller Williams Dione Booker- Gold's Gym ConroeCaroline Mason- Whitestone PrintingMargie Taylor- Montgomery County Emergency Assistance

Lunch sponsored byAll Star Catering

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

13

Business Insight With William & Jessica DeForgeDogtown TexasQ&A

Q. Why are you in this business? A. Our dogs are our kids, our fur

babies, and we know that there are folks out there who feel the same way about their dogs as we do. In order to be a good, well behaved and socialized dog they need interaction with other dogs. Conroe did not have a suitable facility and service in this department, so we decided that we would step up and fill this void.Q. What is your background and work experience?

A. In the past we have worked for a daycare/boarding facility. We both have had and worked with dogs for the past 15+ years, we have trained all of our own dogs. We have sat down and spoke with a dog behaviorist regarding different types of behavior and the recommended way to fix that unwanted behavior. We both have pet CPR/first aid training and countless hours of research on all the breeds and different medical issues that can arise in a daycamp type setting. We are constantly updating our knowledge about dogs and behavior. Soon we will be members of IBPSA, International Boarding and Pet Services.

Q. How did Dogtown Texas get started?A. Dogtown Texas got it’s start late

one night while trying to figure out how we could spend more time together as a family, and support ourselves while doing it. We decided that our fur babies were home alone to much and that they needed a place where they could go and be dogs and run and play all day instead of being cooped up in the house while we worked 8-12 hours a day. Dogtown Texas was built by family and friends, lots of love and support has been poured into this building to make it what it is today. It's not a spa, boutique type of place it is a 6300 sq. ft. facility built for your dogs. They come here and get lots of love and

attention but get to act like a dog as well. This is our baby along with our fur babies!

Q. What is the need that your business exists to satisfy?

A. Dogtown Texas exists solely for dog owners. We wish to satisfy the need of socialization for your dog. Getting that pent up energy out, so when you come home you can do what you need to do, and your dog will be Dogtown tired. Dog owners have a need for their dog’s to be friendly, well mannered, and most of all getting lots of love and attention. I know not everyone’s schedule allows for these types of activities, that is why Dogtown Texas is here, we fill the void for your dog. You can now have a dog without feeling guilty for leaving them home while at work, or having to ask friends and family to watch them while you’re away, bring them to Dogtown Texas Daycamp & Nightcamp and just see how much they appreciate you for it!

Q. How does your company differentiate itself from others in the industry?

A. We cater do the dog, we want your dog to feel right at home here at Dogtown Texas. Our facility was built with your fur babies in mind, and that is how we want to keep it. We are all inclusive so feeding, medicating, lovies, huggies, playing ball, going for walks, and lounging around are included in our prices. We try to accommodate any special needs or wants of our customers, so if you need a one stop shop for all your dog’s daycamp & nightcamp needs, Dogtown Texas is the place for you!

1934 2014

GREATER CONROE / LAKE CONROE AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE 14

New MembersCross Development / Westland BunkerLuke Pasley550 Club DrMontgomery, TX 77316(936) 582-5912Information Security

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin RobbinsShyam Patel800 N Loop 336 WConroe, TX 77301(936) 828-3939Bakery

Grains & MoreMira Dessy(281) 203-5054Health and Wellness

It Works-Susan RotheSusan Rothe(713)-502-6209Beauty

Mary Kay Dream CatchersCarmalita Masha1602 N. Pacific St.Conroe, TX 77301(936) 522-8606Beauty

Michael L. Berry Home Inspections, LLCMichael Berry30310 Rickett LnMagnolia, TX 77355(832) 764-6082Home Inspector

Twin LiquorsFitz Rush3915 W Davis St. Ste. #260Conroe, TX 77304(936) 465-9949Liquor Store

Visual EmbellishmentsJulia Grissom13904 Teel RoadMontgomery, TX 77356(936) 230-7908Advertising/Marketing

BUSINESS SHAREHOLDERATC Home Health, LLCDina Suciu804 West Dallas, St #2Conroe, TX 77301(936) 788-2282Healthcare

SILVER

Conroe VFW Post 4709John TellierP. O. Box 122Conroe, TX 77305(936) 756-7614Non-profit

NON-PROFIT

Careers.Not Just Jobs.

“LSC-Montgomery helped me fulfill my mission to be the best I can be for those I’ll serve as a professional. I hope to make the world a better place while instilling in others their worth and value.”

—Debbie Stuard, ’12Court Appointed Special Advocate

Montgomery County

LoneStar.edu

Open Doors

Ball CorporationConroe, Texas

We are seeking qualified candidates formultiple Full-Time positions in our

Conroe Plant.Production Technicians (655893)Qualifications:• Mechanic oversight of Production Equipment.• 2 Years of Mechanical Experience in an

Industrial Environment.• Ability to use Hand/Power Tools.• Perform basic mathematical calculations.Electronic Technicians (656011)Qualifications:• 3 Years of Job Related work experience.• PLC experience preferred.• Requires working with or near energized 480

VAC circuits.• Evaluation, selection, substantial adaptation and

modification of standard electrical/electronictechniques, procedures/criteria.

APPLY ONLINE TODAY!www.ball.com/careers

Equal Opportunity EmployerMinority, Female, Disabled, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual,

Transgender & Veterans.

ARB Insurance AgencyMember Since 2013

AT&TMember Since 2012

Autumn Leaves of The WoodlandsMember Since 2010

BCS Properties-ShraderMember Since 2012

Blossom ShopMember Since 1999

Calfee Welding, Inc.Member Since 2010

Cantrell Custom HomesMember Since 2013

Cellular Communications PlusMember Since 1994

Color InteriorsMember Since 2001

Crescent Moon Wine BarMember Since 2011

CWS PropaneMember Since 2010

Days Inn & SuitesMember Since 2009

Eickenhorst Funeral ServicesMember Since 2010

Events Plus +Member Since 2000

Gessner InsuranceMember Since 2011

Gold's Gym ConroeMember Since 2004

Grayless-Cannon Insurance Group, LLCMember Since 2001

Greathouse ConstructionMember Since 2009

Heartis Conroe - A Memory Care CommunityMember Since 2013

Lake Conroe CyclingMember Since 2012

Larry L. FoersterMember Since 1981

Law Office of Denise NormanMember Since 2011

Mark Peters, D. D. S.Member Since 1982

Nickens Brothers Racing Engines, Inc.Member Since 2000

Old Republic Title CompanyMember Since 1966

Rainbow International Restoration & CleaningMember Since 2004

Re/Max Preferred GroupMember Since 2012

Roy's Air Conditioning, Inc.Member Since 2003

Russell CellularMember Since 2013

Southwestern Furniture Co.Member Since 1965

Star Promotional ProductsMember Since 2003

State Farm Insurance-Tracy Irvine, AgentMember Since 2001

Steven D. Wood LeadershipMember Since 2013

Stewart TitleMember Since 1995

The Gustafson Group, Inc.Member Since 1988

The Lakes at WestviewMember Since 2005

tw telecomMember Since 2011

Whiteley & WhiteleyMember Since 2009

Whitestone PrintingMember Since 2007

Amegy Bank of TexasMember Since 2002

America's Home PlaceMember Since 2012

Edward Jones - HeathcottMember Since 1982

Edward Jones - HeathcottMember Since 2005

Wiesner Buick- GMC-HyundaiMember Since 1967

EMERALD

BUSINESS SHAREHOLDER

Renewals

NOV Texas Oil ToolsMember Since 2006

PentairMember Since 2012

RUBYAnderson FordMember Since 2001

Aquarium Tank MaintenanceMember Since 2014

Corporate Housing Associates, LPMember Since 2013

Hampton Inn & SuitesMember Since 2009

Thomas J. English, D.D.S. & AssociatesMember Since 2001

SILVER

Conroe Symphony OrchestraMember Since 2000

Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA)Member Since 2010

Greater Montgomery County Restaurant AssociationMember Since 2012

Interfaith of The Woodlands DirectoryMember Since 2011

Lifestyle Christian SchoolMember Since 2004

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation DistrictMember Since 2002

Montgomery County 4-HMember Since 2006

Montgomery County Choral SocietyMember Since 1993

Montgomery County Emergency AssistanceMember Since 2001

Montgomery United Methodist ChurchMember Since 2012

Rotary Club of ConroeMember Since 2009

NON-PROFIT

The Geo Group, Inc.Member Since 2009

SAPPHIRE

Borden Milk ProductsMember Since 1987

Cox Radio KHPT 106.9 FMMember Since 2003

KrogerMember Since 2013

Plus Forty FitnessMember Since 2012

GOLD

C. Pat DavisMember Since 1991

''C.K.'' RayMember Since 2009

Max MahaffeyMember Since 2011

Wallace E. DoddMember Since 2001

Wayne Mack, Justice of the Peace Pct. #1Member Since 2013

INDIVIDUALNAPA Auto Parts MontgomeryMember Since 2009

WhataburgerMember Since 2011

2ND STORECreighton Realty Partners, LLC - M. ParkerMember Since 2011

Keller Williams Realty-BergerMember Since 2009

Keller Williams Realty Lake Conroe/Conroe-ClaryMember Since 2011

ASSOCIATE

/gclcacc Download app at www.MyChamberApp.com

Join us this month, Thursday, September 18th from 5PM - 7PM at Touchstone Neurorecovery Center

9297 Wahrenberger Rd., Conroe, TX 77304

Thank you to Madera Estates

for hosting August's

Business After Hours!

Thank you!

WWW.CONROE.ORGemail

to schedule a visit andsee what we have!

jshabacy@latorrettalakeresort.com

Start enjoying unlimited use of amenities including world-classgolf, The Spa and 24-hour fitness center, our 2.5 acre AquaPark, special member events and so much more!

Sign up NOW and for $1,500 initiation (normally $2,500) with complimentary dues until Jan. 1, 2015. Enjoy October -December on us!

THE

GR

EATE

R CONROE / LAKE CON

ROE A

REA

Ch

am

ber of Commer

ce

1934 2014