The Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University Division led by Louis Wilson met on Thursday for their regular monthly meeting. Planning is underway for the next Breakfast of Champions Meeting with industry leaders on March 22. We also discussed the 2012 planning for the Innovation and Commercialization Center.

The Fiscal Affairs Division chaired by Michael Kiefer met on Thursday to review the chamber's financial policies and procedures manual and investment policy statement. These documents will be updated and presented for approval in the coming months. The group will also undertake the review of the employee policy manual this year.

The Communications Division led by Mary Poole met last week for their regular monthly meeting. They discussed a variety issues to bolster the communications plan for the coming year.

Leadership Beaumont's Strategic Planning Committee met with Dick and Lura Hammond from Leadership on the Move. The Hammonds have been consultants to Leadership Beaumont for 18-years and are contributors to scores of other leadership programs including Leadership Garland. They discussed current trends and best practices within community leaderships programs throughout the country. Sally Broussard is chairing the review and planning for the future.

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.   

Leadership Plus for 55 and older individuals has its opening session Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Holy Family Center with seventeen enthusiastic men and women.  The participants will plan programs on economic development, historical data, travel, and gardening, plus a couple of community projects.

Leadership Beaumont had a full-day of leadership development sessions Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the BISD Outdoor Center with facilitators Dick & Lura Hammond, owners of Leadership on the Move.

Membership Division   

 We are always looking for motivated individuals to participate on the Membership committee. Please contact Dale at 838-6581 x108 if you are interested.