Jim Rich attended the candidate forum sponsored by the Southeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Association of Business on Tuesday morning. Only Felicia Harris was able to make the meeting. The Government & Public Affairs Division will host Randy Weber on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30am.

The Long range Planning Division led by Tim Sudela met on Wednesday to review survey responses and to plan the August 6 Board of Directors planning workshop to be held at the John Gray Library beginning at 11:30am..

The Board of Directors met on Wednesday, June 27 and took a number actions:

1) Robert Turner, Chuck Kalkbrenner, David Parmer, and Nathan Cross were appointed to the Officers Nominating Committee

2) Lawrence, Blackburn, Meek, & Maxey were approved as the audit firm for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and its subsidiaries for the next three years.

3) The board voted to join the Smoke Free Texas initiative advocating a statewide  smoking ban in public places.

4) The board voted to support Senator John Cornyn's STAR Act which seeks to retain

top foreign students earning graduate degrees in the fields of science, technology,  

     engineering, and mathematics from American universities.

5) Retired Senior Vice President Shirley Bartos was approved as an honorary member.

Jennifer Hogancamp, Airport Manager, attended the meeting and provided a briefing on developments with United Airlines and air service at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport.  Jim Rich provided the annual "State of the Chamber" briefing on operations and programs in advance of the August 6 board planning workshop.

ALTUS Healthcare Management Services sponsored the Board of Directors meeting.

Regarding the Smoke Free Texas initiative, the board was compelled to join a growing movement supported by many organizations across the state including the Texas Restaurant Association. The need for a statewide ban is aimed at leveling the playing field to allow businesses to compete equally and out of consideration for the confusion caused by a patchwork of local ordinances for businesses with locations in more than one community. The public health aspect of the issue  is beyond question. The Smoke Free Texas bill passed the State House of Representatives last session. For more information and to sign on as a supporter, you can go to www.smokefreetexas.org.

Becky Ames was recognized for her commitment to a Vietnam Veterans Memorial to be constructed on the grounds of the State Capitol at City Council Chambers this week. We congratulate her and encourage participation in the fund raising events planned in Beaumont for September 21-22.

The Regional Economic Development Initiative Committee made up of area economic development professionals met on Thursday afternoon. District 19 Republican candidate for State Representative James White was in attendance. A demographic software is being added  to www.setedf.org. Updates were provided on SBA loan activity and the new business prospects.

We are asking employers to support the Hire Our Heroes Job Fair in Lake Charles on August 7. This event is free for employers and job seekers. We encourage all businesses looking to hire five or more employees to participate. For more information or to register as an employer or prospective employee, click here.

 

 This system, combined with our other emergency alert methods, is designed to get emergency messages to you quickly and effectively.  This information will remain in the custody of the Beaumont Office of Emergency Management at all times, and will only be used for critical information and Emergency Notification purposes.

To register your cell or business phone click the button below. 

You can also call the City Services Hotline 311 to register.  The Emergency Notification System is an excellent way for you and your loved ones to receive information about emergencies and the steps you need to take to protect yourselves.