Business Development Week 2012 was a huge success. The week began on Tuesday at Lamar University's School of Business with the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour where over 250 students and business professionals were in attendance. The high energy sessions from a national touring group promoting entrepreneurship was well received. On Wednesday, the events moved to the MCM Elegante Hotel and Conference Center where the opening session by motivational speaker Bruce Hamilton provided the theme for the rest of the week,  "No Bad Day". Other noteworthy general sessions included an 'Economic Development Panel'  and the 'Businesses That Made It' session with Mike Albanese, Joe Tortorice, Joseph Fertitta, and Tom Broussard (see picture) sharing their insights. Informative and motivating sessions were held on a variety of subjects for the 180 registrants throughout the three day series. Over 250 attended the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Wednesday recognizing several deserving businesses.   

Bill Clark Pest Control and Southwest Building Systems were named the 2012 Dr. Robert A. Swerdlow Small Business Persons of the Year for the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.  Broussard's Mortuary were named Family Owned Business of The Year and Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Beaumont Family Eye Care. The luncheon also recognized several other area Chamber of Commerce award winners; Nederland - McNeill Insurance, Port Neches - Shana Burton Financial Services, and Silsbee - Meadwestvaco. DJ's Boudain was recognized for being named the SBA Houston District Small Business Person of the Year.

The week concluded on Saturday at Lamar University for the Big Idea Challenge. Over 50 business ideas were submitted by Lamar University, LIT, Lamar State College Orange and Lamar State College Port Arthur students. The ideas were judged by panels of local professionals and the following were awarded cash prizes. First  Place: Vtutor- Gabrielle Carandang and Allen B. Chao, Second Place:  Search Alert - Matt Jackson, Shaine Perry, Blake Duerler, and Kim Stevens, Third Places:  The More Efficient Dishwasher - Kaci McCarver, Goal Line Technology - Kristeen Reynolds and Weight Sensing Elevator - John Beaver.

Business Development Week will be an annual event and there were many great ideas and suggestions for the future. It was hosted by the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation and the presenting Sponsor was Lamar Institute of Technology. Scores of volunteers served as hosts, facilitators, speakers, and judges.   

Congratulations to Edgar, Kiker & Cross, PC, CPA's for their celebration of 60-years in business. A reception was held on Tuesday at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

The LobsterFest dinner was a huge success!  Over 620 lobsters & steaks were cooked and enjoyed by all who attended at the Beaumont Civic Center! The crowd was entertained by Jerome the Magician and the Bryce Shaver Band. We are looking forward to a bigger and better LobsterFest in 2013!

Due to the weather conditions the LobsterFest golf tourmanent had to be rescheduled. Fortunately, 240 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf at Brentwood Country Club last Monday. Golf teams are going fast for 2013.... Let us know if you'd like to join us!

Thank you to all of our sponsors for this year's LobsterFest.

If you are interested in participating in next year's LobsterFest email Rene' at rlatiolais@bmtcoc.org.    

Join us Wednesday, May 2 at 2:00pm at Howell Furniture to draw and celebrate the winner of the $5,000 raffle!

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact the Chamber office at 838.6581 no later than Tuesday, May 1 at 5:00pm.