Jim Rich participated in a strategic planning session with the board of directors for Beaumont Main Street on Monday.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors met on Tuesday to conduct the March business of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. John Paschall, the new President/ CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas, was appointed as an advisory director. We welcome John to the area and wish him success.

The Long Range Planning Division, led by Tim Sudela, met on Tuesday to plan the mid-year progress review scheduled for April 18 at 3:00pm. Each division will discuss what has been accomplished and their plans for the rest of the year.

The Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University divison, led by Louis Wilson, hosted their bi-yearly Breakfast of Champions on the 8th floor library of Lamar University on Thursday. Dr. Jimmy Simmons provided welcoming remarks and Tom Henry on behalf of the TOTAL Port Arthur Refinery, reviewed the ways they partner with Lamar University. An update was provided regarding the funding for the Innovation and Commercialization Center and a virtual tour was conducted on some of the cutting edge research. Guests included representatives from ZEEP Inc. and BP Biofuels of North America, two companies we hope to welcome as future champions. The breakfast was sponsored by Capital One Bank and Universal Coin and Bullion.

Jim Rich was one of the leaders and organizers for the Leadership South Texas program conducted at the Sabine Pass Community Center on Thursday. Leaders from a 9- county area were briefed on the importance of the Sabine Neches Waterway and the management provided by the Sabine Neches Navigation District. John Adams with the Texas A&M University Extension Service discussed the impact improvements to the Panama Canal will have on Texas ports and the state transportation system. John Murphy, Vice President for International Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shared information on national trade policy and trade agreements. Father Sinclair Oubre, representing the Apostles' of the Sea ministry for the Diocese of Beaumont touched on the estimated 44,000 mariners who visit our area each year. There were breakout sessions on maritime safety, security, and the positive impact of dredging on marshland restoration. It was the most comprehensive program conducted for Leadership Southeast concerning global trade.

Seeking Qualified Candidates 

The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is seeking qualified candidates to lead its Leadership Beaumont and leadership development programs. The Executive Director for Leadership Beaumont will be responsible for the program delivery of a variety of leadership activities for youth and adults. The purpose is to identify, cultivate, and develop leaders who will serve and positively impact our community.

Leadership Beaumont is a program founded and initiated 40 years ago by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Beaumont. It is operated by the Leadership Education Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization, which is an affiliate organization of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. The person selected to lead the program will be selected by the President, program content and direction is provided by an advisory council and the directors of the Leadership Education Foundation.

Click here for more information 

Mayor Becky Ames, Director

Tim Ocnaschek, Coordinator

700 Orleans, 2nd floor

Beaumont, Texas 77701

Office: (409)980-7280           Fax: (409)980-7240

Business Planning for Emergencies

The tragedy last week at the Jefferson County Courthouse has raised important questions....Is your business prepared for an "Active Shooter" incident?   Would your employees know how to respond? Would they know what to tell customers?  

Businesses can do much to prepare for an active shooter as well as many other hazards they face in today's world. The City of Beaumont's Emergency Management Division is ready to assist local businesses in developing a preparedness program by providing tools to create a plan to address such hazards. Business owners should assess their own risks and prepare a plan to protect their business, their employees and their customers.  

"Active Shooter" training for business and employees is available through the Emergency Management Division by appointment. We can assist you with any questions you may have regarding potential threats or hazards and offer advice as to how to prevent, deter, mitigate and respond to them.   We also have template plans which are available to assist you in your own planning.  

Although an "Active Shooter" plan is threat specific, emergency planning for businesses should take an "all hazards" approach. Assistance in developing "all hazards" plans can be found on the City's website at www.cityofbeaumont.com and click on the Emergency Management link.

To speak to an Emergency Management official, you can contact the Emergency Management Division Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at 980-7280.

located at 4099 Calder Avenue, as the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce's March Business of the Month!

Ribbon Cutting
All Around Service & Maintenance

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