Galveston Chamber of Commerce is among the elite

The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Galveston Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.   Of the 6,936 chambers in the United States, only 227 have received accreditation.  These outstanding chambers represent the top 3% of all chambers in the U.S.  Only eighty-three (83) chambers in the Country have the 4-Star rating and now the Galveston Chamber of Commerce is among the elite.

"Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations.  "We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise."

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

 "Members and future members can be confident that the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, Texas' first Chamber of Commerce, continues to be the leading voice for business. I'm so honored to work with a board and staff who are extraordinary leaders and visionaries.   They are 100% committed to the process of constant and never-ending improvement for our community and our organization.  This recognition is so special to all of us.  Our members, the business community, deserve excellence, and we strive every day to give them what they deserve," said Gina M. Spagnola, President.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Grace period ended March 8, 2011

Galveston, TX- After a lengthy transition period parking meters in Galveston Island's downtown are now up and running.  City officials report the extended grace period and warnings will end today and comprehensive enforcement begins tomorrow.  

Smart parking stations, 95 individual solar powered hubs located throughout the downtown area, allow the parking public to pay by cash, coin, or credit card.  Numbered spaces with defined boundaries are part of the downtown paid parking program.  So are parking ambassadors, a uniformed group of trained employees who function as way-finders and mobile visitor centers in addition to enforcing necessary parking regulations.  The public can visit any smart station to pay for parking or extend time in their numbered space.

Downtown Galveston Paid Parking:

• Fee:                 $1.25/hour
• Operation:       9:00AM - 6:00PM; Monday - Saturday pay to park; Sundays free to park; Meters do not make change
• Area:               20^th to 25^th Streets; Harborside Drive to Post Office Street

Public Wi-Fi, a byproduct of the new parking meters, remains in testing.  Officials hope the system will be available soon, but can not confirm the system will be available tomorrow.

In 2008, flood waters from Hurricane Ike destroyed 915 of the City's parking meters.  The City, with help from FEMA and guidance from the Downtown Merchants Oversight Committee, revamped the original meter footprint and applied for an improved project covering just the immediate downtown area. 

In 2009, the City Council entered into a public-private partnership with Ampco System Parking to manage the paid parking program in the Island's downtown.  The City's portion of the parking collections will first go to pay down the grant matching funds and the balance will go to the Galveston Island Convention and Visitor's Bureau to promote and market downtown Galveston.  In the event of another storm, these new meters will be moved out of harm's way.  

Mid-Session Lesgislative Update Luncheon

Friday, March 25, 2011
 

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 

Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom

Mid-Session Update

by

Representative Craig Eiland

Updates also from:

 UTMB Health

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Galveston College

Beach & Bay

Windstorm

Click here to register, or call (409) 763-5326.

March 31, 2011
Moody Gardens Convention Center

All-day conference

This year's Celebrating Women:  Mind, Body, Spirit Conference promises to

 Click here for more information and to register as a vendor or attendee.