Chamber Mission To serve our members and enhance economic and community developmentChamber VisionTo be recognized as a vital resource, providing relevant, innovative and impactful programming that produces a health business climate and an enhanced quality of life.InsideBusiness of the Month ...........................................................................................................................................................................4Chamber Chat...........................................................................................................................................................................................3Inside Photo Pages...............................................................................................................................................................................6-7Leadership Mainland .............................................................................................................................................................................5Member Profile .........................................................................................................................................................................................2New Members ........................................................................................................................................................................................11Ribbon Cuttings ....................................................................................................................................................................................8-9Vol. 24 | Issue 3 March 2019Leadership Mainland >> Meet the 2019 class Page 5More than 200 members and representa-tives from six of the Galveston County chambers of commerce traveled to Austin on March 6 for Galveston County Day at the Capitol.This collaborative event allowed us to focus on issues that are specific to our county and gave us the ability to work together to reach out to the representatives and the legislators with a common message. It featured a day of photo opportunities and meetings with Texas legislators about projects that need state support to implement. 2019 is a critical Legislative Session for our county and the state of Texas with key topics such as property tax reform and relief, coastal storm surge protec-tion, hurricane disaster relief management, TWIA and numerous other issues being discussed by the legislature. Galveston County legislators are working overtime to help push positive legislation for our area and this event helped to show that we stand behind their efforts. Our group from Galveston County was recog-nized from the floor of the House of Representa-tives and Senate, and we visited personally with Texas legislators as small teams. We had a Texas Gulf Coast reception for our elected officials and staff complete with a seafood feast. The assistance of Galveston County Judge Mary Henry, commis-sioners and county staff is greatly appreciated in making this event possible.Chamber sends delegation to Austin for Galveston County Day at the Capitol2 | Chamber Express | March 2019Chamber Express NewsletterThe publication of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce is published monthly (second Sunday of the month). Some content and photos provided as a courtesy by The Galveston County Daily News.Editorials & Photos:Lorrie Koster, Texas City- La Marque Chamber of Commerce409-935-1408Advertising:The Galveston County Daily News409-683-5224advertising@galvnews.comTexas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce9702 E.F. Lowry ExpresswayTexas City, Texas 77590409-935-1408www.tclmchamber.comRon AssadGallant BuildersKevin BogardMarathon Petroleum Sally BriggsGulf Greyhound ParkKirk BroilesScribbles Embroidery Aaron CameronAshlandDr. Rodney CavnessTexas City Independent School DistrictJoshua ChapmanChapman Front End & BrakesCraig ColelliFaust DistributingKedge CookCook FordChris DevriesStandard Steel SupplyJames DickinsonKodiak Metals RecyclingShannon DoyleSouth Land Title Pete Dunn Jr.Dunn Heat Exchangers Gail FigueroaAmoco Federal Credit UnionJames HartshornCity of Texas CityJason Hayley Port of Texas CityFelix HerreraAwesome Auto AccessoriesBrook HrachDow ChemicalManny LopezEl Cubano Cigar FactoryJim MacphersonValero RefiningSergio MatuteEastman Chemical – Texas City Inc.Genevieve McGarvey Mcleod, Alexander, Powel & ApffelColleen MerrittLa Marque Economic Development Corp.Georgia MeyerKarat Creations JewelryTripp MontalboHCA Houston Healthcare MainlandSam NavarroApache Industrial ServicesDr. Warren NicholsCollege of the MainlandRay NunezTaylor & HillPerry O’BrienDomac Inc.Philip OrangeTeam Mancuso Power SportsRusty PlackemeierLyons & PlackemeierKitty PotterTexas First BankTerrance TrevinoBP Texas City ChemicalsBecky TroutUTMBDiana VasquezTNMPBoard of DirectorsTell us a little about your background.In 2008, our founders, Andrew and Sasha Camacho, were blessed with a beautiful little girl, Solana Gracia, who was born with Down syndrome. In March 2014 — after several years of trying unsuccessfully to find a therapeutic riding program within their community that offered encourage-ment, growth and inspiration while providing consistency in lessons — Andrew had a dream: to start a nonprofit thera-peutic riding program that would benefit all individuals with special needs. He envisioned a place where families could gather without judgment or ridicule, a program where those who felt lost could start to feel a glimmer of hope again and where every individual was accepted for who they are with compassion and love.That dream cat-apulted both Andy and Sasha into an area in which they did not have much expertise. During the next two years, they spent countless hours volunteering at other therapeutic riding facilities, speaking to riding instructors, program managers, executive directors on the best practices needed to run a premier program. In July 2016, that dream came true when they opened their doors at Big Wish Farm in Alvin with 11 riders. Today that program now serves 30-plus individuals with special needs. Through Solana, they have a renewed sense of compas-sion, understanding, unconditional love and, most impor-tantly, the importance of service. While their daughter was the initial inspiration, it was the realization that SoléAna Sta-bles would also touch the lives of countless other individuals with special needs. Andy and Sasha along with the board of directors and their volunteers are determined to make SoléA-na Stables a place where families can feel accepted and not judged, loved not forgotten, encouraged not disheartened.How would you summarize what you do?SoléAna Stables’ mission is to enhance and transform the lives of individuals and families with mental and physical chal-lenges within a loving, Christian atmosphere using the healing power of horses. How has your business evolved over time?We spent more than two years surrounding ourselves with individuals who were knowledgeable in therapeutic riding, horses and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horse-manship International standards so that we could make certain we were up to par with other programs that have been around for decades before we offered lessons. Our first lesson was held on July 31, 2016. We started with just 11 riders, and today we serve 30-plus individuals with special needs. What are some of your proudest accomplishments?For us, the biggest accomplishments that are hard to convey in words, can be seen in the faces of our riders and their families. It is hard to put into words the blessing it is to hear an individual’s first words, or to see them get stronger week after week, not just physically but also emotionally. We see miracles that parents thought once were impossible come to fruition and shed many happy tears. As volunteers, we are surrounded by inspiring individuals who work hard each day to reach goals that will make their lives more meaningful. What are you working on now?We currently have more than 60 individuals on our waiting list, which keeps us working on ways to get them into our program so they can start receiving life changing therapy. A large percentage of our fundraising is done with the goal of purchasing our own land and building our own facility not only to serve more individuals with special needs but to also start a veterans program. One of our founders is a 26 year military veteran who understands the benefits that our type of program would have on our military men and women that are coming back from war. MEMBER PROFILETexas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce members have amazing talents and stories to tell. With this series we want to introduce you to some of our members and spotlight their businesses. If you would like to be spotlighted in our Member Profile, contact Lorrie Koster at lorrie@texascitychamber.com.SoléAna Stables208-841-9265 | www.soleanastables.org | www.facebook.com/SoleAnaStablesRepresentative: Sasha L. Camacho, founder/executive directorMarch 2019 | Chamber Express | 3CHAMBER CHATSix dealers from around the world are being honored for exceptional community service as part of Ford’s Salute to Dealers Awards and McRee Ford is among those elite six.“Our dealers are valued part-ners in growing the business, but today we honor their dedication to enriching the communities they operate within,” said Edsel B. Ford II, who chairs the Salute to Dealers awards program and is a member of the Ford Board of Directors. “They are the face of Ford and Lincoln in communities around the world and I applaud their commitment and dedication to building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.” To demonstrate Ford’s commit-ment to its thousands of dealer owners who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference, in 2001 the company launched its Salute to Dealers Awards. This year, Edsel B. Ford II and four other judges selected six winners from a global field of nearly 65 nominees from the Unit-ed States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Asia Pacific, Mexico and Central America. As part of the award, Ford Mo-tor Company Fund and Communi-ty Services is donating $10,000 to a charity of each dealer’s choice. A painted portrait of each honoree features a montage of the philan-thropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dear-born, Michigan.Mitchell Dale is a community advocate and supporter of agricul-tural science education, including Texas Future Farmers of Ameri-ca, which empowers students to develop their personal growth, leadership potential and career success, and Texas Future Farmers of America Founda-tion. His involve-ment resulted in establish-ment of an endowment fund for a Texas Future Farmers of America Ford leadership scholars program. Dale participates as a mentor and host, providing leadership training for student scholars centered on servant leadership and community service. Upon completion, stu-dents work to develop sustainable community service projects. For many years, Dale has served as president of M.I. Lewis Social Service Center, providing food and emergency financial assistance to families in need on a day-to-day basis. The agency makes referrals for additional assistance and encourages its clients to work toward self-suf-ficiency. Dale is also involved with Lighthouse Charity Team People Helping People, providing mobile food preparation trailers and trucks, and volunteer labor to support charitable organizations and fund-raising needs, as well as emergency response to natural and man-made disasters. “Everyone has a story, and a few kind words or deeds can go a long way in helping others, in ways you may never know,” Dale said. “I have been truly blessed to be given the opportunity to serve others. I hope that in the future the world is better because I made a difference in the lives of others.”– Ford Motor CompanyMcRee Ford’s Mitchell Dale honored for community workMitchell Dale4 | Chamber Express | March 2019RENT • SALES • REPAIR2830 TEXAS AVE., TEXAS CITY • 409-948-4497MAINLANDTOOLMAINLAND TOOLStore Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, 24 Hour Call Out Service AvailableMAINLANDTOOL.COMWHILE SUPPLIES LAST!Porter-Cable20 Volt Cordless Drill$7995BUSINESS OF THE MONTHSTUTTGARDEN TAVERN10000 E.F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 1346, Texas City(409) 316-9409Representatives: Derek Groenewold, PrimaryJohn Mortensen, General ManagerMatt Wev, TC General ManagerStuttgarden Tavern is a full-service bar serving food, beer, wine and liquor. Its food has American and European influ-ences with a strong German foundation. Stuttgarden prides itself on the quality of its made-in-house entrées such as its bratwurst, schnitzel and shepherd’s pie. The draft beer taps are constantly rotated to provide a variety of American and European beer selections to the so-phisticated craft beer drinker. The wine menu features a broad range of varietals at economical prices, which allows non-beer drinkers to enjoy great wine in Stuttgarden’s laid-back ambiance.Fun facts about Stuttgarden Texas City• 30 rotating beer taps.• The kitchen is open late – until 1 a.m. daily.• Outdoor patio with TVs.• Dogs are always welcome on the patio.• Trivia night on Wednesdays. Winning team gets a gift cer-tificate.• Local brewery pint night on Thursdays.• Games — Shuffle board, darts, foosball, Golden Tee Golf, Big Buck Hunter and a pool table.• Small and large takeout orders available. Call 409-316-9409 to place your order.March 2019 | Chamber Express | The Daily News | 5u need any type of refractory material on or repair, call us. You will get superior roducts and services, when and where them. urnaroundsr Unit Turnaroundses & Heatersnings & CoatingsBoilerse RestorationDiamond Refractory Services An EMCOR Industrial Services Company ofing8412 Mosley, Houston, TX 77075 713.378.9200 diamondrefractory.com CAL PROJECT EXECUTION FOR THE REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES When you need any type of refractory material installation or repair, call us. You will get superior quality products and services, when and where you need them. •FCCU Turnarounds•Sulphur Unit Turnarounds•Furnaces & Heaters•Acid Linings & Coatings•Power Boilers•Concrete RestorationDiamond Refractory Services An EMCOR Industrial Services Company •Fireproofing8412 Mosley, Houston, TX 77075 713.378.9200 diamondrefractory.com CRITICAL PROJECT EXECUTION FOR THE REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES When you need any type of refractory material installation or repair, call us. You will get superior quality products and services, when and where you need them. TRIR 0.00 for 3+ years running8412 Mosley Road Houston, Texas 77075Phone: 713-378-9200 Fax: 713-378-9103 www.diamondrefractory.com Absolute Commitment: Absolute Results!• FCCU Turnarounds• Sulphur Unit Turnarounds• Furnaces & Heaters• Acid Linings & Coatings• Power Boilers• Concrete Restoration• FireproofingRobert Balderas – Roofing Specialist409-945-6920LEADERSHIP MAINLAND2019 Co-Leader: Jessica Haas, Marathon Petroleum2019 Co-Leader: Tommy Minder, Nustar Energy2019 Leadership Class:Carrie Abbett, Sherwin WilliamsCharles Anumnu, ValeroDaisy Arellano, AMOCO FCUPeter Beshara, UTMB CBCChase Chandler, ValeroAsegai Daniel, Marathon PetroleumJames Finchum, AshlandAnna Green, Memorial HermannVenisha Henderson, City of La MarqueKaela Ibrahim, TCLM ChamberSyed Maaz, Eastman ChemicalCheyenne Mata Sr., Nustar EnergyJeffrey Matter, Port of Texas CityUche Obiagba, Eastman ChemicalLari Odom, HCA Houston Healthcare – MainlandJason Pollard, Grand Prize BBQJesse Rubio III, Texas City Fire DepartmentSherri Simmons, Texas City ISDCain Walton, F.W. Walton Inc.Andrew Warren, AshlandLisa Watson, College of the MainlandSloane Witter, City of La Marque6 | Chamber Express | March 2019March 2019 | Chamber Express | 78 | Chamber Express | March 2019SERVICING YOU IS A PLEASURE409-948-4589My clients say I am their“Favorite Realtor”.Over forty-three (43) yearsservicing Galveston CountyWanda AblesRealtor®/Broker Associatewmables@aol.com822 6th Street NorthTexas City, TX 77590409-771-4775 Cell409-948-4589 Direct409-948-2321 Fax2425 SH 146 North • Texas City 409-945-4461 • Fax 409-945-8479 • Email: tctrr.comNo. 4 In Texas No. 10 in U.S. Gulf CoastNo. 15 inU.S. NationwidePORT OF TEXAS CITYTexas City Terminal Railway CompanyPort AuthorityRIBBON CUTTINGSAMOCO Federal Credit UnionExecutive offices6807 E.F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 200, Texas CityRepresentative: CEO Shawn BaileyEvery Ribbon Tells A Story6318 FM 1765, Texas City(409) 789-6136Representative: Lorna JacksonMarch 2019 | Chamber Express | 9Mainland409-935-2496Metro281-337-5634Island409-765-58831969-2019AIR CONDITIONINGHEATINGREFRIGERATIONwww.alexsair.com TACLA 15714C2500 SOUTH SHORE BLVD. SSHR.COM | 281.334.1000SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH WITH MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENTLive piano music and bottomless Mimosas in our Paradise Reef Restaurant every Sunday11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sundays $24 Adults, $15 ChildrenRonald Foree Insurance Agency2600 Gulf Freeway, Suite D, La Marque281-333-2000Representative: Ronald ForeeRIBBON CUTTINGSGalveston County Food Bank213 Sixth St. N., Texas City(409) 945-4232Representatives: Richard Nye and Donnie VanackerenNext >