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.InsideMember Profile .........................................................................................................................................................................................2Chamber Chat...........................................................................................................................................................................................3Business of the Month ...........................................................................................................................................................................4 Shrimp Boil 2019 .....................................................................................................................................................................................5Ribbon Cuttings .......................................................................................................................................................................................8New Members ........................................................................................................................................................................................11Vol. 24 | Issue 6 June 2019See who came to Taste of the Town & Auction 2019 >> Page 6Petrochemical industry vital to communityIt’s an undisputed truth that the petrochemical indus-try is the heart and soul of Texas City and La Marque. It guides what locals do and where they live in both of these communities.The magnitude of the im-portance the petrochemical in-dustry plays in the life of these cities and their inhabitants is sometimes taken for granted.Texas is home to 27 petro-leum refineries, including some of the nation’s largest, which produce over 4.7 million bar-rels of petroleum products per day. Texas accounts for more than 27 percent of the nation’s oil refining capacity, and nearly 25 percent of the nation’s total capacity.Texas is also responsible for almost 25 percent of the na-tion’s crude oil reserves. Texas is the nation’s largest chemicals producer, manufacturing 14 percent of the nation’s value chemical output. As of January 2019, the 29 petroleum refineries in Texas had a capacity of more than 5.7 million barrels of crude oil per day and accounted for 31 percent of total U.S. refining capacity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Adminis-tration, Texas accounted for about 24 percent of the nation’s marketed natural gas produc-tion in 2017, making it the leading natural gas producer among the states. Texas crude oil production accounted for 37 percent of total production in the U.S.Neighbors and friends are employed by involved compa-nies. In fact, there are about 5,200 direct jobs stemming from the petrochemical indus-try in this area. Of the number above, there are about 2,400 employees and 2,800 contrac-tors working to create everyday products and consumables, including medicine, gasoline and heating and air-condition-ing supplies.The average yearly wage in Texas' refining and chem-ical manufacturing industry is $95,000. Total wages and benefits provided amount to about $350 million in payroll annually. Aside from providing much needed jobs for the community, big industry players also pay taxes to support public services that benefit us all. One-third of the total tax base for Galveston County comes from the $50 million petrochemical compa-nies pay every year in proper-ty taxes. Each year, about $2.6 million is put back into the community through donations and contributions made by these companies.The success of the petro-chemical industry, and there-fore its ability to support and contribute to local, state and national economies, stems from partnerships and strong collaboration between indus-try, community and govern-ment officials. Petrochemicals provide tremendous economic benefit to the communities in which it operates, and its products benefit the entire nation. — Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration and Texas EconomicDevelopment Corporation2 | Chamber Express | June 2019Tell us a little about your background.ICCI is an industrial service company founded in 2002 that focuses on petrochemical and power market customers — many of them located in the Gulf Coast area.How would you summarize what you do?At its heart, ICCI is a field service company with a strong engineering background. The company has a large fleet of specialized precommissioning cleaning equipment and does chemical cleaning, steam blowing, air blowing, system drying and lube oil flushing. ICCI also rents out high quality large air tanks, temporary piping, hoses and valves, and various other specialized equipment needed by customers.The typical customer is constructing, expanding or maintaining an industrial facility and needs help preparing the pipe and vessels prior to initial operation.How has your business evolved over time?Originally, the company was started as a consulting and engineering company. Born with a passion, ICCI began providing turnkey cleaning services with staffing and equipment rentals. During the past year since moving to La Marque, ICCI has added additional staff and began providing services in Canada and across Latin America.What are some of your proudest accomplishments?The unofficial company motto is to “come correct.” Quality equipment is a core part of the company’s success, and the team approach and best practices used when building things has really set ICCI apart from its’ competitors.What are you working on now?Currently, ICCI is working on a number of projects throughout the U.S. and is expanding sales efforts and operations to support the local market, as well as the Latin American and Canadian markets. The addition of Martyn Bates as Director of Special Projects is giving ICCI the support it needs to work on ever larger projects.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.INDUSTRIAL COMMISSIONING CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL714 Hwy 3, La Marque409-797-4749Representative: Thomas KeimChamber 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 DirectorsLa Marque Welcomes Charles “Tink” Jackson as City ManagerCharles “Tink” Jackson reported for his first day as City Manager of La Marque on Monday, May 6. Jackson comes to La Marque with a decorated history of municipal leadership, a dedication to gov-ernmental ethics and commitment to com-munity engagement. A welcome reception will immediately follow the City Council meeting on June 10. Citi-zens, business owners and friends are encouraged to join the celebration.Jackson served as the City Manager of Pearsall, about 50 miles southwest of San Antonio, from March 2016 to April 2019. During his tenure, the City of Pearsall earned Texas City Manage-ment Association’s 2018 City Council of the Year award. Prior to that, Jack-son served as district supervisor for the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, worked as a manager in the private sector and was a high school educator. Jackson earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Sci-ence in Agriculture and Education from New Mexico State University. He cur-rently serves on the statewide TCMA Ethics Committee. Jackson is a dedicat-ed family man. He enjoys fishing, bow hunting and is a staunch supporter of wildlife conservation. — The Daily NewsYoung Professionals of the MainlandYoung Professionals of the Mainland met for a Stories of Success Luncheon. The panel of speakers included• Alan Hutchins, president and CEO of A&A Machine and Fabrication, LLC• Sergio Matute, plant manager of Eastman Chemical Company• Suzy Kou, finance director of the City of La Marque • Shawn Bailey, CEO of AMOCO Federal Credit Unit• Matt Doyle, mayor of Texas CityIf you are between the ages of 21 and 40 and are interested in joining Young Professionals of the Mainland, email yp@texascitychamber.com.Harbor Freight nails down siteAfter months of scouting Texas City sites, California-based Harbor Freight Tools has settled on a space formerly occupied by Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery, 3403 Palmer Hwy. The store is underway at the end of the center facing the highway. The 15,000-square-foot store will mark Harbor Freight’s 79th in Texas, and will stock a full selection of tools and accessories in categories including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding sup-plies, shop equipment, hand tools and more.— The Daily NewsConn’s divulges store detailsConn’s HomePlus recently opened its Texas City location. The 41,927-square-foot store, 3401 Palmer Hwy, will fea-ture furniture, mattresses, electronics and appliances. — The Daily NewsYummy Yummy Hibachi Sushi & BuffetThis new eatery occupies Ryan’s old building at 2310 FM 2004 near Mall of the Mainland. Owner Li Guo previously owned Lee’s Oriental Buffet, formerly at 3501 Palmer Hwy, a site that is now occupied by Baytown Seafood.— The Daily NewsTexas City considers zoning change for $120M facilityA Missouri-based energy company is seeking a zoning change to build a $120 million power generation facility on land off Attwater Avenue, which would be a boom to the city’s tax base, officials said. ProEnergy is the compa-ny behind the development and owns about 40 acres near the Ashland chem-ical plant that company officials would like to use for the facility, but the area is currently zoned as single-family resi-dential. The company chose Texas City for the $120 million facility because of its proximity to other industrial facil-ities and because of its connections to other transmission and gas lines nearby.— The Daily News2019 School Supply DriveThe 2018-2019 school year is over, and before you know it, the 2019-2020 school year will begin. So many stu-dents come to school without school supplies because they cannot afford them. Please collect school supplies at your business during the summer. We will receive school supplies for Texas City and La Marque schools in the caf-eteria at Blocker Middle School located at 1800 9th Ave. N. from Aug. 5 to 8 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Supplies will be sorted Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. to be distributed to each campus.For more information or to make arrangements for delivery of your sup-plies, please contact Barbara White at (409) 739-2268 or mrsstingaree@gmail.com.CHAMBER CHATCHARLESJACKSONJune 2019 | Chamber Express | 34 | Chamber Express | June 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 MONTHURBAN GYPSIES811 6th St. N., Suite 100, Texas City409-766-0498Representative: Owners Ami Barzilay and Georgia MeyerUrban Gypsies is honored to be recognized as Business of the Month by the chamber. Urban Gypsies prides itself on being the only store of its kind in Galveston County, located conveniently on 6th Street.The store also was recognized as the best Interior Design Store by the Gal-veston Daily News’ Readers’ Choice Awards. Gifts, home decor, furniture, accent pieces and just about anything unusual for your home may be found here. Design services by D’Onna “Sissy” Collins are also available. Collins brings 20 years of experience and an eye for trends to both the store and customers. Drop by or schedule a personal appointment with any one of the employees to take advantage of Urban Gypsies’ unique skills and experience. The store looks forward to meeting new friends and visiting with treasured old ones.Urban Gypsies is a unique and trendy shop with affordable and upscale options for every taste, pocketbook and occasion. Drop by or contact the store at 409-766-0498.June 2019 | Chamber Express | 5Robert Balderas – Roofing Specialist409-945-6920u 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• FireproofingSHRIMP BOIL 2019Dinner is served, or will be on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. The Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce’s “End of Summer Shrimptacular” takes place at the Nessler Park Rotary Pavil-ion, 1800 5th Ave. N., Texas City. Come for the shrimp, stay for the entertainment. The food will be served from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and two bands will play from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s entertainers in-clude Bag of Donuts and Nick and The Groove. Bag of Donuts is a New Orleans-based quartet that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. Extravagant costumes and flamboyant performanc-es combine when the band covers songs in a style it has termed “superpop,” meaning any popular song from any era. Named Cover Band of The Year by Offbeat Magazine three consecutive years, Bag of Donuts draws thousands with their performances. Nick and The Groove is a Houston-based up-and-com-ing band that consists of five friends, ages ranging from 16 to 19. The gifted group cov-ers a variety of eras in genres such as pop, soul, blue, rock and country. You might have heard of Nick and The Groove from one of their other perfor-mances, including at the most recent Galveston County Fair & Rodeo. Eat and enjoy the show. In case of rain, the event will move to the Doyle Convention Center. For information, go to www.tclmchamber.com or call 409-935-1408.Bag of DonutsNick and The Groove6 | Chamber Express | June 2019June 2019 | Chamber Express | 78 | Chamber Express | June 2019800.231.6053 | www.AMOCOfcu.orgSERVICING 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 FaxSALONS ON SIXTH811 6th St. N., Suite 200, Texas City409-766-0498Representative: Krystal CorleyRIBBON CUTTINGJune 2019 | Chamber Express | 9BUSINESS LUNCHEONMainland409-935-2496Metro281-337-5634Island409-765-58831969-2019AIR CONDITIONINGHEATINGREFRIGERATIONwww.alexsair.com TACLA 15714CNext >