Jim Rich, Nathan Cross, Robert Turner, Chuck Kalkbrenner, Charlie Foxworth, Randy Reese, Dr. Jack Hopper, Dr Greg Lassen, De. Paul Szuch, Chris Fisher, Scott Hall, and Vernon Pierce were part of a delegation that greeted Canadian officials in a private meeting prior to the public hearing on the Keystone XL Pipeline on Monday. The group expressed support for the project and welcomed the investment in Southeast Texas. Nathan Cross, Robert Turner, Ann Scoggin, Vernon Pierce, and Dr. Paul Szuch were among those who spoke at the public meeting at the Port Arthur Civic Center.

Jim Rich and Jessica Hill spoke to the commercial real estate committee of the Beaumont Board of Realtors on Tuesday.

An orientation was conducted on Wednesday for new board members prior to a combined meeting of the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 board of directors. With respect to the last meeting led by chairman of the board Nathan Cross, the group approved a resolution of support for the Keystone XL Pipeline, and approved additional benefits in the membership dues packages. Bessie Chisum provided feedback from the August 15 board planning workshop. Appreciation was expressed to out-going directors and advisory directors including Slate Babineaux, Kellye Baden, Drew Beadle, Vesta Brandt, Gates Gardner, Ellen Jones, David Parmer, Steve Grantham, Ted Moor III, Jay Sheppard, Louis Silva, Walt Snider, and David Teuscher.

Robert Turner convened the 2011-2012 board of directors and expressed appreciation to Nathan Cross for his tenure as chairman. New business included affirmation of chamber officers and division chairmen, administrative fee agreements with the Beaumont Chamber Foundation and Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, and adoption of the 2012 budget. An audit committee was appointed to include Bill Darling as chairman and Paula Bothe, Vernon Pierce, and Paul Trevino as committee members. The audit will be conducted by Lawrence Blackburn, Meek & Maxey. The 2012 advisory directors were appointed and several programs of work were approved.  

Jim Rich visited with Rob Guidry of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to discuss the My Town Campaign. The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce plans to encourage other Louisiana chambers to join the campaign and to assist with Washington activities planned for the future.