Senator Tommy Williams, Representative Allan Ritter, County Judge Jeff Branick, and Mayor Becky Ames were among the elected and appointed officials who attended our May 18 Quarterly Joint Meeting between the executive committee and the governmental entities in our area. The meeting seeks to share information and promote cooperation and understanding. It was hosted by the Sabine Neches Navigation District. It was the first meeting with the next BISD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Chargois. The next gathering will be in August.    

Jim Rich was in Washington DC this past week to attend the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Council on Small Business bi-annual meetings. One of the presenters was Don Graves, Executive Director of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, as well as panels of finance and legislative experts. Those in attendance voiced  concerns about the uncertainty of healthcare, taxes , and the national debt as impediments to job creation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit commenced  later on Monday. Highlights included the former President & CEO of McDonalds, the CEO of FEDEX, and decorated Army Commander Colonel Greg Gadson. Additional speakers included Mary Matalin and James Carville who gave their insights into the coming elections. Jim Rich visited with Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana at her home on Monday evening. The House of Representatives was not in session during the week.  Another highlight of the visit was the 100th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in which the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a founding member.

Approximately 160 family and friends were in attendance at the retirement celebration for Shirley Bartos, Senior Vice President, on Thursday evening. Past Presidents Weldon Gibson and James Stokes attended  along with a dozen former board chairmen. Many former staff and all the current staff were there. Robert Turner presented a board resolution honoring Ms. Bartos for her 33-years of service.    

SBAlliance Capital authorized Baytown Family Practice this week, another SBA 504 loan.