The Jefferson County Commissioners Court approved and authorized the County Judge to execute a tax abatement agreement between Jefferson County and Pandora Methanol LLC on Monday, December 19. Jim Rich was present with company representatives including CFO, Alex Huis in't Veld. The Netherlands company has begun ammonia production and is looking to invest a total of $235 million at their location. They have a new CEO & Plant Manager, Frank Bakker. We welcome both gentlemen to our community and look forward to the future.

Jim Rich was present at Beaumont City Council on Tuesday, December 13 when a public hearing was held related to amending an ordinance allowing participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program, and nominating Exxon Mobil Corporation as an Enterprise Zone Project. The program provides state sales tax incentives and includes a commitment for $250 million dollars of new investment over the next five years.

Brent Henley of the Pyramid Group was the guest of the Leadership Beaumont Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday, December 15. Brent's group facilitates or consults with Leadership Lafayette and Southwest Louisiana among more than 80 other community leadership programs. He shared his summary of trends and best practices.

The board of directors met on Wednesday, December 14 for its bi-monthly meeting and holiday reception sponsored by Moncla's Catering. Rhonda O'Neill with Buckner Children & Family Services won the board challenge for having the most guests at the December 6 Let It Shine event. She was presented a computer tablet by Steven Fore, Vice President of Computer Shak, Inc.   

Jim Rich attended a meeting of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Executives on Friday, December 16 at the  

Texas City/ La Marque Chamber of Commerce.       

The Public Service Candidate School will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the chamber board room.  This session is for individuals interested in an elected position.  Topics covered at the session will include What it Means to be a Public Official (What do they do?), serving in Jefferson County Commissioners' Court, requirements of open meetings, filing requirements, working with the media, qualifications, campaign finance, fund-raising and laws on campaigns.  There is no cost to attend the session. Register online for this free event.

Membership Division   

There will be no Business Connection this Friday. It will resume on Friday, January 6, 2012.

Ribbon Cutting

 

River City Hospice 

Mix & Mingle 

 

John Wayne & Company Hair Salon