gtacc - Lone Star College System

Mes s a g e fr o m th e Ch a i r m a n
“Progress in Action”
B. Allen Fletcher
2007 GTACC Chairman
Resource Protection Management, LP
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce
(GTACC), I am pleased to welcome you to the latest edition of our newsletter. This publication
provides a wealth of information about the Tomball area as well as the news and events that affect
our members.
As business owners, we share a common goal: to see our businesses grow and prosper. We
know that hard work and perseverance are the foundations of success in our businesses. We also
know that we are not alone in this endeavor. As members of an 800 plus member Chamber of
Commerce we have a wealth of resources to pull from to help our businesses succeed.
The GTACC is committed to helping each business owner achieve his/her goals. Under the
leadership of Mr. Bruce Hillegeist and his dedicated staff, the GTACC has grown
into the outstanding organization that it is today; providing a means for networking,
promoting and growing your business. In fact, when joining the Chamber, you
immediately add a network of professional staff, with expertise ranging from financial assistance to organizational
management, to your workforce. Additionally, membership in the Chamber of Commerce boosts your business’ image
and provides your customers with a sense of security in doing business with a company that uses good business practices
and is involved in the community.
As we near the close of 2007, I am proud to say that I have had the privilege and pleasure of having been a part
of the introduction and culmination of many an inspiring project. One of the most noteworthy projects of 2007
has been the initiation of the purchase of a permanent location for the GTACC. This project has been in the works
for several years and is finally coming to fruition with the help of First Community Bank. First Community Bank
has made a facility available, at a fair price, with the
necessary financing needed to realize our goal of finding a
permanent home for the Chamber. The First Community
Bank Annex building located at 29201 Quinn Road
will be representative of the GTACC membership and
reflective of the tremendous growth and success of our
businesses! It will be a place that belongs to each of us –
the entire community.
Another new project has been the implementation of
a Policies and Procedures Manual. Your Chamber Board
of Directors recognized that such a manual has been long
overdue for an organization that is so well known across
Texas for its achievements and awards and, as such, has
worked diligently to put together this manual.
The GTACC has also been active at the state level.
The relationship we have with our elected officials resulted
in legislation being passed that allows for the annexation
of Hooks Airport by the City of Tomball as well as
cutting-edge legislation dealing with hot check violation
enforcement. Both pieces of legislation have tremendous
positive impacts on the business community.
The goal of the Chamber is to create both economic
and community development, and increase benefits for
its members. Our many activities and initiatives all serve
one purpose, making the greater Tomball area a better
place for people to live and work.
Con t e n t s
Message from Chairman......................................... 3
Chamber New Home............................................... 4
TEDC Update.......................................................... 5
Mobility & Transportation......................................... 6
Government & Legislative Affairs............................. 8
Leadership North Houston....................................... 8
Welcome New Members.......................................... 9
Ribbon Cuttings .................................................... 10
Disaster & Emergency Preparedness.....................11
First Fridays........................................................... 12
Miss Tomball Pageant........................................... 14
Ambassador Spotlight........................................... 15
Public Safety Officers............................................ 16
Community News.................................................. 17
Business After Hours............................................. 18
Tomball Night & Beyond........................................ 20
Local Accomplishments......................................... 22
Sustaining Members.............................................. 23
3

Our New Home
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is moving! We are finalizing the purchase of a professional
7,500 square foot office building, centrally located in Tomball, behind First Community Bank on Main Street at
29201 Quinn Road.
The building requires some work to make it ADA compliant, and also to create offices for our GTACC staff and
partners for business, Betty Reinbeck and the Tomball Economic Development Corporation and Denton Bryant of
Tomball College, Center for Training & Development. Once the build-out is complete, we will have the space to work
comfortably together and, in the future, include an incubator program to help start-up businesses grow. We all look
forward to the near future when we can welcome the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce membership and the
community into the “front door” of the greater Tomball area!
BUILDING FOR TOMORROW
Building the Vision
- New GTACC Vision Statement: The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce will become the business
resource center for the Northwest Metropolitan area.
The Need
- Currently located “Behind Jack in the Box” in 1,380 square feet that has been the Chamber office for 17 years
- Chamber membership has grown from 396 members to 800 members
- Through partnerships, staff size has grown from 2 to 8
The Building
- 7,500 square feet with attractive Texas Hill Country design
- Centrally located between downtown Tomball and the explosive growth of SH 249 bypass
- Will have space to grow partnership with Small Business Development Center
- Will include incubator space for startup businesses
Our Foundation is Strong
- Passionate dedication of President, Bruce Hillegeist and staff
- Strong partnerships with Tomball Economic Development Corporation and Tomball College’s Center for
Training and Development
- 800 plus members committed to the success and future of business in Tomball
“We are asking for your pledge so that we can provide more benefits to better serve you and the business community.”
— The Capital Campaign Committee: Ron Haffner, Chairman, A&M Temporary Services, Wayne Graumann, Salem
Lutheran Church, Diane Holland, Main Street Crossing, Jim McCutchen, AmegyBank of Texas, Rick Pritchett, TB
Financial, Inc., Kathleen Scott, Servpro of Spring/Tomball, Travis Whitaker
Please look for the pledge card on the back cover of this newsletter and join the rest of the membership in making your pledge to
Build for Tomorrow!
4

GTACC - TEDC Up d at e
Betty Reinbeck
TEDC
Over the last year, The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) has invested
approximately $806,100 in retention and relocation grants to 7 companies and another $1,520,000 in
capital infrastructure improvements. That investment has created over 581 new jobs for Tomball.
Several of the newest projects for which the TEDC has provided funding assistance are:
Relocations:
• Devasco International, Inc., which designs and manufactures specialized welding materials, is
constructing a new 80,000 square foot facility on South Cherry Street. The value of the property and
capital improvements is approximately $4,648,583. Jobs created: 40.
• Specialty Steel Supply, a stainless steel distributor of steel bar and plate products, is constructing an
approximately 44,000 square foot facility on 12 acres, near Holderrieth Road. Jobs created: 30.
• Eagle Gasket & Packing, which manufactures and fabricates plastic and rubber goods, will be constructing a
25,000 square foot facility at 1303 Ulrich. The value of the new construction is approximately $1,160,000.
Jobs created: 31.
Infrastructure:
• Infrastructure Improvements: The TEDC and the City of Tomball have entered into an agreement to share the
costs for improvements to the roadway, water, sewer, and gas utilities on the Rudolph Roadway and Utility
Improvements Project, Segment 1. The total estimated cost for the project is $581,000.00. The TEDC will
assist the City in the amount of $290,500.
The opportunities to expand your business or development in Tomball are many, and our goal is to minimize your
efforts and provide your business the best resources available. Visit our website at www.tomballtxedc.org.
Tomball Office:
281-351-5467
Magnolia Office:
832-934-2944
Magnolia/Woodlands
Office:
281-204-1201
HOUSTON’S
TOPDOCS
Rob & Kay Whitaker
proudly announce the opening of the third
ERA Whitaker Realty Office. It completes
the “Golden Triangle” with offices in Tomball,
Magnolia, and Magnolia/Woodlands.
Ray Walker will be the Manager of the new
office located at 5740 FM 1488 with 12
Sales Executives ready to serve you.
Please stop by and visit us. Our office hours are
8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
ERA Whitaker Realty
“A Higher Standard”
roviding comprehensive specialized cardiac and
vascular care to patients in Northwest Houston,
Cardio-Vascular Clinic of Texas seeks to advance
individual’s health by focusing on cardiac health. An affiliate
of all major hospitals in the area, the clinic provides care
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and works closely with
patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that
suits their specific needs.
Focusing on general and interventional cardiology,
Dr. W.A. Khan serves as medical director at the clinic and
specializes in coronary and peripheral vascular interventions.
Dr. Khan has extensive experience in the new revolutionary
carotid artery stenting procedure. The clinic offers all diagnostic
modalities including the new Advanced 64-Slice CT Angiography.
Pictured from left: Dr. Khan, Dr. Turbay and Dr. Shahzad
With experience in both coronary interventions and
peripheral interventions, including Patent Forament Ovale and
Atrial Septal Defect closure devices, Dr. Arsalan Shahzad specializes
in general and interventional cardiology and is board
certified in internal medicine and nuclear cardiology.
Dr. David Turbay focuses on general and invasive
cardiology with an emphasis in heart failure and all diagnostic
modalities for cardiovascular disease. Board certified in
internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Turbay is
fluent in both English and Spanish.
Focus: Cardiology
5

Cypress Rosehill
GTACC - Mobility & Tr a n s p o rtat i o n
TxDOT “Green Ribbon
Project” Begins
The Texas Department of
Transportation is launching the
largest landscaping project to date in
the Houston region as it readies the
ground to plant over 30,705 trees,
including pines, oaks, elms, sycamores,
wax myrtle and yaupon. The trees
will line Hwy 249 between the main
lanes and the frontage roads. Dana
Cote, landscape architect for TxDOT’s
Houston District, is the Mobility &
Transportation Committee’s scheduled
speaker for November 13. Plan to
attend to learn more about TxDOT’s
“Green Ribbon” master landscape
project.
Tomball Expressway
Update
Tomball Approves Red Light Camera Ordinance
City of Tomball officials approved a new ordinance allowing the installation of
red-light cameras at intersections. City Council also approved a five-year renewable
contract with Scottsdale, Arizona-based Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. to install and
operate the photographic traffic signal enforcement system to record photographs
and video of vehicles that run red lights at between 4 and 20 intersections in
Tomball. Redflex will conduct the survey to determine the intersections that warrant
red-light cameras. Captain Rickey Doerre of Tomball PD said the SH 249/FM 2920
and SH 249/Zion Road intersections will probably rank among the top four to six
that will be selected for the program. Other intersections that will be studied include
Theis Road/ Medical Complex Drive and intersections along SH 249 and FM 2920.
Rail Connectivity
At the August Mobility & Transportation Committee meeting, Sam Lott, PE of
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and Earl Washington of H-GAC spoke about the
H-GAC Regional Commuter Rail Connectivity Study. The purpose of the study is
to evaluate the feasibility and connectivity requirements of implementing commuter
rail service along selected rail corridors in the eight-county H-GAC Region. SH 249
is one of the corridors which is currently being considered.
The SH 249/FM 2920 intersection
has opened on schedule with operating
signal lights. Traffic is now running
more smoothly and safely through
the intersection. According to Don
Norwood of TxDOT, the tie-ins
with SH 249 at Brown Rd. should be
completed by the end of February, the
tie-ins with SH 249 and Holderieth
should be completed by the end of
April—weather permitting.
MorningStar Properties
The Bright Choice for All Your Real Estate Needs.
Lua n n e Wa l l i n g
Real Estate Broker
29701 Tudor Way • Magnolia, TX 77355
832.640.3209
281.356.9936
luanne_therealtor4u@yahoo.com
If you are looking for that perfect place to call home,
follow the path to Oakcrest, a Trailwood Community,
developed by a new division of Friendswood
Development Company.
- Convenient Tomball location with shopping,
recreation and dining nearby
- Walking trails, an entry lake, playground and tot lot
- Excellent Tomball Schools
Grant
Telge
Oakcrest
Shaw
Grant
Hwy. 290
Spring Cypress
Hwy. 249
FM 1960
New Homes from the $120s
Lennar 281-830-0579
Royce Homes 281-723-7838
TrailwoodCommunities.com
6

Access Management
September’s Mobility & Transportation
Committee meeting speaker was Bill Eisele,
PhD, PE, a research engineer from the Texas
Transportation Institute. The Chamber
board room was full of interested members
as he discussed the reasons for access
management and how it is achieved. Eisele
stayed long after the meeting to show a
video of access management in action, and
to answer questions.
Bill Eisele, PhD, PE
Earl Washington, H-GAC
Allen Fletcher
Sam Lott, Kimley-Horn
and Associates, Inc.
Upcoming Meetings…
FM 2920 Access Management Study
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is on
the steering committee for the FM 2920 Access Management
Study, and is helping to provide locations for public meetings
and addresses for businesses and property owners along the
route, as well as to disseminate information. The first public
meeting is planned for November 14, 2007 from 5-8pm
in the Elmer L. Beckendorf Conference Center at Tomball
College. For more information about the study please see
www.FM2920mobility.com.
November 13
Dana Cote, Houston District
Landscape Architect for TxDOT
December 13
Janelle Gbur
Mobility & Transportation Committee meets on
the second Tuesday of every month from 8 – 9am.
Please plan to join us to hear reports from local city
and county representatives on transportation issues,
as well as an informational speaker.
7

GTACC - Go v e r n m e n t & Le g i s l at i v e Af fa i r s
Just back from the 80th Legislative
Session, State Representative Corbin Van
Arsdale addressed the Government &
Legislative Affairs Committee at the June
meeting. He gave an overview of the
session, discussing the budget, property
taxes and immigration, and also traced
the progress of legislation specific to the
greater Tomball area including the Hooks
airport legislation (SB 1349), the hot
check legislation (HB 485) and the ad
valorem legislation (HB 1837). As always,
Van Arsdale was a dynamic speaker,
and held the rapt attention of all the
committee members.
Corbin Van Arsdale
Members of the Government and Legislative Affairs Committee and others met with
U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul.
The September meeting focused on a reorganization of the Government
& Legislative Affairs committee to better serve the needs of the Chamber
membership. Sub-committees were formed to research local, state and
federal issues important to area businessmen and women. David Quinn,
David Quinn, Architect, and Denton Bryant, Tomball College, Center for
Training & Development, stepped forward to take on Local Issues. Barbara
Tague, Downtown Association, and Roy Lackey, Advanced Electrical
Solutions, Inc., agreed to chair the State Issues sub-committee, and Jeffrey
Klein, Klein Food & Pharmacy, took on Federal Issues. Clifford Parker,
Parker Insurance Group, continues to chair the committee.
On August 23, U.S. Congressman
Michael McCaul met with the members
of the Government & Legislative Affairs
Committee for a special meeting to give
them a congressional update. Among
other things, he discussed the new tax
structure and immigration issues. His
talk was followed by an informal question
and answer session, which was highly
appreciated and enjoyed by the members.
301 Holderrieth
P.O. Box 1757
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: 281-351-2688
Thomas G. Post, CPA
Fax: 281-351-2694
www.texastaxman.com
Leadership No rt h Ho u s to n Cl a s s o f 2007-2008
The 2007-2008 Leadership North Houston (LNH) class met for orientation in August, then again for a two-day retreat in
September. The community leadership program, administered by the North Harris Montgomery Community College
District, and co-sponsored by north Houston area Chambers of Commerce, supports the development of existing and emerging
leaders in north Houston.
During the 10-month program, participants will attend monthly outings covering a wide-range of topics including: education,
government, the legal system, health and human services, and cultural diversity.
This year’s class includes the following members from the Greater Tomball Area Chamber: Lisa Andersen, Pro Ink Printing,
Melissa Lombard, Reach Unlimited, Anna Martin, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Michael Ott, LogoSmart, Randall Parr, Tomball
Fire Department, Kathleen Scott, SERVPRO of Spring/Tomball, and Eric Wildman, Tomball College.
Those interested in participating in future LNH classes may obtain more information online at www.leadershipnorthhouston.
com, or by calling the NHMCCD Community Leadership Institute at 832.813.6623.
8

GTACC - Wel c o m e Ne w Me mb e r s
Synergy HomeCare of Northwest Houston
Chad Jolley
11811 North Freeway, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77060
281.999.2273
www.synergyhomecare.com
Synergy HomeCare is the premier provider of
non-medical home care to persons of all ages.
We strive to make your care our priority.
Butterfly Life
Kellie Smith and Janelle Steinert
14030 FM 2920, Suite F
Tomball, TX 77377
www.butterflylife.com
Health fitness & weight loss gym for women.
Creative Explorers Preschool
Regina Puckett
23114 Park Lane
Tomball, TX 77377
281.255.9377
A Reggio Emilia-based preschool offering a
unique learning curriculum. The owner has 17
years experience, a Montessori certification, and
an early childhood degree.
BHC Sales Development, LLC
Jayson Lynch
25227 Grogans Mill Rd., Ste. 102
The Woodlands, TX 77380
281.363.1801
www.bhcsalesdevelopment.sandler.com
BHC Sales Development, LLC is an authorized
licensee of The Sandler Sales Institute. We
provide sales force assessment, development
and management.
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Matt McElvogue, PE
10235 West Little York, Ste. 245
Houston, TX 77040
832.467.2177
www.wje.com
WJE specializes in the evaluation and restoration
of existing facilities and structures and specialty
consulting for new construction. WJE’s unique
approach involves integrated Materials Science,
as well as specialty Architecture and Engineering
services.
Law offices of Kent A. Rowald, PC
Kent A. Rowald
990 Village Square, Suite G200
Tomball, TX 77375
281.516.3844
www.patentlawyers.com
Specializes in obtaining and enforcing intellectual
property rights, including: patents, trademarks,
copyrights, trade secrets and related matters.
Edenbrook at Champions
Tab Werner
14050 Cutten Road
Houston, TX 77069
281.866.9898
www.sunrise.com
We offer a wide range of services to meet seniors’
needs: assisted living, Alzheimer’s care, and
respite care.
Sponsor: Clay Bohannan, WR Starkey
Mortgage
Reach Unlimited, Inc.
Susan White
11832 Mueller Cemetery Rd.
Cypress, TX 77429
281.213.8132
www.reachunlimited.org
The most comprehensive provider of resources
and services for persons with mental retardation
in the greater Houston Northwest.
Sponsor: Colleen Gilligan Gilbert, GTACC
Great Southern Agency, Inc.
Mike Jacks
12111 Spring Cypress, Suite A
Tomball, TX 77377
281.444.3388
www.greatsouthernagency.com
Insurance agency: Auto, Home, Flood,
Motorcycle, RV, Boat, Commercial, Workers
Comp, Bonds
The Construction Corporation
Subbu Neti
9950 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 170
Houston, TX 77070
832.237.5599
www.theconstcorp.com
We are a commercial general construction
contractor and our key focus areas include outof-ground
construction, tenant improvements and
design-build services.
TJ&T Enterprises
Tommy Murrell
17138 FM 2920
PO Box 1136
Cypress, TX 77410
281.516.7886
Utility Contractor-aerial and underground.
Outback Western Wear
Chris O’Rourke
30405 Dobbin Hufsmith Rd.
Magnolia, TX 77354
281.259.9378
www.outbackww.com
Purchased existing business of 18 years—
includes western-wear store, as well as wedding
chapel and reception hall.
Tomball Assembly of God
Tim R. Barker
PO Box 1111
Tomball, TX 77377
281.351.5055
www.tomballag.com
A church committed to serving Tomball and its
surrounding community with the message of
hope.
Sponsor: Bill O’Neal, Bill O’Neal Insurance
Agency
CWolf Industries, LLC
Carolos Wolf
22318 Hollybranch Dr.
Tomball, TX 77375
281.357.0444
www.cwolfindustries.com
Distribution of welding, safety and concrete
products
9
Texas Community Bank, NA
Dyanna McCoy
14011 Park Dr., Ste. 115
Tomball, TX 77375
713.962.7750
Cypress Elite Dance
Kimberley Davis
16121 North Eldridge, Suite 2
Tomball, TX 77377
www.cypresselitedance.com
A dance school for children aged 2 to 18. We
provide quality dance curriculum and instruction
taught by highly qualified instructors.
Aloha Nails
Tracey Truong
701 East Main Street, Suite 125B
Tomball, TX 77375
281.255.9171
We offer professional nail care and spa service.
Sponsor: Danny Dover, D & D Feed and Supply
Sweet Tomatoes
Dale Crume
17240 Tomball Parkway
Houston, TX 77064
281.890.1133
www.sweettomatoes.com
All-you-care-to-eat salads, soups, hot pastas,
bakery and desserts. Fresh ingredients, madefrom-scratch
recipes, prepared daily.
Sponsor: Barbara Tague, Downtown Tomball
Merchants Assn.
Sealy & Co.
Allison Koborssi
7020 Portwest Dr., # 100
Houston, TX 77024
www.sealyhouston.com
Full-service commercial real estate
Sponsor: Betty Reinbeck, TEDC
Candy Ferrer, RE/MAX NW
Candy Ferrer
13210 Clepper Dr.
Tomball, TX 77375
281.455.3443
www.tomballtexasrealestate.com
Tomball, Spring, Houston area residential real
estate. Also licensed in Connecticut.
CORRECTION: please make the following
correction to your Spirit of Tomball
“Addendum to the Membership Directory—
Spring 2007”
Boyett Design
2011 Timbergreen Circle
Magnolia, TX 77355
Graphic Design & Printing
Sponsor: Body Therapy Centre

GTACC - Rib b o n Cu t t i n g s
Chamber members welcomed Tracey Truong into her new
facility at Aloha Nails as part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony
to welcome her to the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of
Commerce. Aloha Nails offers manicures, pedicures, nail art,
eyelash extensions, waxing, and much more. Aloha Nails is
conveniently located in Suite 125B at 701 E. Main.
Butterfly Life, located at 14030 FM 2920, Ste. F, in Tomball. Owners Kellie
Smith and Janelle Steinert started off a recent ribbon-cutting occasion with a
blessing from Pastor Eddie Skinner from Crosspoint Community Church, and
their friends, family and fellow Chamber members who joined in celebrating
their membership. Butterfly Life focuses on healthy living solutions for
women. You can learn more about their programs at www.butterflylife.com.
GTACC - New Me mb e r Br e a k fa s t & Lu n c h
(l to r) Robert Chapman, Grand Illusions Photography;
Kelli Smith, Butterfly Life; Tab Werner, Edenbrook
President’s Lunch, Thursday, August 23 at Le Gourmet Bistro
(l to r) Kathleen Scott, Servpro of Spring/Tomball, Dianne Anderson,
Xango; Roy Lackey, Advanced Electrical Solutions, Inc.; Holly Cook,
Regions Bank; Debbie Peters, Minuteman Press; Eric Tanner, NCI
Have you recently joined the Chamber Have
you joined President Bruce Hillegeist for breakfast
or lunch yet If not, call Frankie Stewart at
281.351.7222 to schedule a time to share a relaxed
meal with our president, a few new members, a
board member and a Chamber Ambassador to learn
more about how the Greater Tomball Area Chamber
can benefit you and your business. You’ll come
away inspired, and with some great contacts.
Top Row (l-r) Bruce Hillegeist, GTACC; Rene LeBlanc, Park Manor of Tomball;
Betty Reinbeck, TEDC; Candy Ferrer, ReMAX Northwest and Miriam Cooley,
Kwik Kopy. Bottom Row (l-r) Nancy Wood, Park Manor of Tomball; Debbie Guest,
Charlotte’s Saddlery; Frank Thomas, Innovative Truck n Car Accessories;
Gloria Tobias, MICO Group Ltd; Pat Bailey; Dianna Barker, Attorney.
10

GTACC Bu s i n e s s Em e r g e n c y Pr e p a r e d n e s s Ta s k Fo r c e
(l-r) Harry Gallagher, Qzip.net.Inc.;
Matt Heffernan, Global and Company
Real Estate; Bruce Hillegeist, GTACC;
Michael Bowers, ERA-Whitaker Realty;
Barbara Tague, Downtown Merchants
Association; Roy Lackey, Advanced
Electrical Solutions, Inc.
Your Chamber
In
ACTION!
Chamber President Bruce Hillegeist is a regular participant in
Tomball Emergency Preparedness Task Force meetings. After
hearing about the failure of many small businesses along the
Texas coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Hillegeist, along with several
interested Chamber members decided that a Chamber committee should be
formed to inform and prepare businesses in the greater Tomball area in case
of disaster—from localized fire/water damage to hurricane to terrorist attack.
These members met with Chief Randy Parr of the Tomball Fire
Department, and have decided that a Chamber task force would have two
main goals:
Business Partnerships – to locate resources for equipment from
bulldozers to food and water that can be accessed by the emergency response
team in case of a disaster and to share this information with the Tomball Area
Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (TALEPC)
Business Preparedness – to protect employees, protect and save data,
and re-open for business following a disaster as soon as possible
The committee is also looking at ways to best provide information to
GTACC membership during an emergency, and to best work with TALEPC.
Disaster Preparedness FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Be Prepared—we hear it all the time. But are you prepared for a disaster Is your business prepared It is of the
utmost importance to have a disaster response and recovery plan in order for your business to survive a disaster.
However in a national survey commissioned by Office Depot, 71% of small businesses do not have a disaster
preparedness plan in place, and 64% do not think they need one. Office Depot offers some simple tips on protecting
your business:
Keep Employees Safe
• Keep an easily accessible, up-to-date contact list of employees, vendors and local emergency responders
• Establish contact procedures
• Store first aid kits, water, food, batteries, generators, and other supplies
• Train staff in CPR and first aid
• Post your disaster plan and test it frequently
Protect your Data
• Back up your data regularly on CDs, DVDs or flash memory drives
• Store backed-up data and copies of key forms and documents—including banking and insurance
information—off-site
To learn more go to www.ready.gov; www.uschamber.com/disaster; or www.officedepot.com/getprepared.
11

GTACC - Fir s t Fr id ay s
Local dignitaries joined the usual full house to listen as Congressman
Michael McCaul gave a congressional update as he returned home from
Washington, DC for summer recess. In the short time he had with us,
he touched on immigration and homeland security, as well as the war in Iraq.
Congressman McCaul was presented with an award, and also presented flags
flown over the Capitol to the Public Safety Officers of the Month, and brought
another flag as a door prize for a lucky Chamber member.
Our U.S. Congressman Michael
McCaul (left) receives the “Spirit
of Enterprise Award” from Pete
Havel, US Chamber of Commerce.
Fire Chief Randy Parr of the Tomball
Fire Department spoke on Disaster
Preparedness at the July First Friday
Luncheon. The Greater Tomball Chamber is
forming a committee to inform business owners
how to be better prepared for disasters.
12

GTACC - Fir s t Fr id ay s
Kara Mayfield of Congressman Michael McCaul’s
office presented a flag flown over the Capitol at the
July First Friday Luncheon to Wendy Schneider of
the Tomball Community and College Library for her
collaboration with Elaine Chrisman of The Regional
Arts Council in putting together the “From Sea to
Shining Sea” poster exhibit.
At the September First Friday
Networking luncheon, members
were treated to an interesting
talk on the economic importance of the
Houston Airport System by Eric Potts of
the Houston Airport System.
Jackie Barnes, MICE, addressed
the August First Friday crowd on
the changing American work ethic.
Mary Harvey, left, received a token of
the Chamber’s appreciation at the
September First Friday Luncheon for
her many years serving as the Chair of Tomball
Night. Carla Hamilton, right, who will be
assuming the title, presented the award.
13

2008 Miss Tomball Pageant
This is the 42 nd anniversary of the pageant, and will be held at 7pm on Saturday,
November 17 th at the Tomball Intermediate School Auditorium located at 723 West
Main, Tomball.
Lilly Robison, the reigning Miss Tomball 2007, has served her year with grace,
beauty, a sense of humor and a remarkable personality! The Chamber staff loves her
and has so appreciated her delightful smile and her thoughtfulness! Thank you, Lilly!
We look forward to seeing all of our members at this year’s pageant! Tickets went
on sale October 23. For ticket information, call the Greater Tomball Area Chamber at
281-351-7222.
Sandy Krug of Classic Hair and Miss Tomball Pageant Chairman has announced
to chamber members and the community that local TV personality Darby Douglas, from CBS-11 News,
KHOU, will serve as the master of ceremonies for this year’s Miss Tomball Pageant.
“The Tomball Chamber is very pleased to have Darby join our event this year as master of ceremonies,”
Krug said. “Darby is a favorite among Houston TV celebrities, and he promises to bring his own unique
style of charm and delight to Tomball as he headlines the pageant’s MC duties.”
Douglas, a native Houstonian, is an 11-News morning anchor who has been seen reporting Houston-area
traffic for more than 10 years on the KHOU airwaves.
Total disribution over 270,000 directories
We Specialize in Connecting Buyers with Sellers
Community & Government Pages • Internet Guide • Enhanced Web Site
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Restaurant Menu Pages • and much more...
Publishers of Award Winning Directories for 28 Years.
Visit Us Online @ www.metro-yellow.com
281-351-6933
At Metropolitan Publishing Co Inc. we continuously strive to provide our
communities with more than just a phone book. Our goal is to provide you with
a useful and helpful resource with the most reliable and complete information
available on local businesses, community information, residential listings, money
saving coupons, internet guide and much more all within your reach. As well as
providing a cost effective approach to yellow page advertising.
Promote your business within our pages. We’ll connect you to a wealth of
opportunity, business and success. Advertising your business and services through
Metropolitan Publishing’s Telephone Directories is an investment in
year-round exposure.
Family Owned & Operated
14

GTACC - Amb a s s a d o r Sp o t l ig h t
The spotlight shines on Kathleen Scott,
president of SERVPRO of Spring/Tomball.
She enjoys handling the marketing side of
the business, while her husband, Anthony
handles the operations end. Kathleen is on
the GTACC board of directors and serves as
Vice Chair of Member Development. She
also serves as the chair of the Ambassadors.
Kathleen initially joined the Ambassador
committee to have the chance to make people
feel welcome from the moment they join the Chamber, and to
familiarize them with the benefits of Chamber membership.
Kathleen is a California girl who moved to the Houston area
with her husband ten years ago, not knowing a soul besides
her husband. They ended up in the Tomball area because they
found the perfect piece of property for the home and their
business—so she could still be a mom to her two precious kids,
Conner and Maddie. She says, “I am fortunate to have found
Tomball—it truly is a ‘Hometown with a Heart.’ I am proud to
call Tomball home!”
Ambassadors Stars of the Month
June – Sheryl Prescott – Imagine Pools & Spa North
July – Diane Holland – Main Street Crossing
August – Leo Corley – Element Payment Services
September – John Ellis – Ellis Photography
Many thanks to our
Ambassadors for all
that they do to make
our new members and
visitors feel welcome!
Ri b b o n Cu t t i n g At t e n d e e s
May -Au g u s t
Holly Cook – Regions Bank
Miriam Cooley – Kwik Kopy of Tomball
Vicki Clark – Capital One Bank
Leo Corley – Element Payment Services
Larry Croy – My PC First Aid
John Ellis – John Ellis Photography
Marilyn O’Neal – O’Neal Insurance
Bill O’Neal – O’Neal Insurance
Jeremiah O’Neal – O’Neal Insurance
Sheryl Prescott – Imagine Pools and Spas North
Lilly Robison – Miss Tomball 2007
Kathleen Scott – Servpro of Spring/Tomball
HOLIDAY
MARKET
Reach Unlimited
11832 Mueller
Cemetery Road
Dec. 5
2pm to 6pm
Dec. 6
8am to 2pm
Beautiful fused glass ornaments,
jewelry and more.
(Ad sponsored by BJ Services Company
15

GTACC - Pub l i c Sa f e t y Officers
Public Safety Officers of the Month--June
Representative Corbin Van Arsdale, Captain Rick
Grassi, Officer Albert Chambers, Detective John
Freeman, Congressman Michael McCaul, George Arnau,
Woodforest National Bank, Mayor Gretchen Fagan,
Senator Dan Patrick
July Public Safety Officer of the Month
(l-r) City of Tomball Fire Chief Randy Parr;
Representative Corbin Van Arsdale; Mayor Gretchen
Fagan, Farmers Insurance; Asst. Chief Trae Gammon;
Captain Rickey Doerre, Tomball PD; Ashley Chrisler,
Woodforest Bank; Representative Debbie Riddle;
Lilly Robison, Miss Tomball 2007
August Public Safety Officer of the Month
Northwest EMS Chief Brian Petrilla recognized James Seek and
Will Mangum for their efforts in reviving cardiac arrest victims in
2007. Shown from l-r are: Chief Petrilla, Miss Tomball 2007 Lilly
Robison; Seek, Mangum, Ashley Crisler, Woodforest National
Bank, City of Tomball Police Chief Michael Blake, and Mayor
Gretchen Fagan, Farmers Insurance
September Public Safety Officer of the Month
Capt. Rick Grassi, left, and Ashley Crisler of
Woodforest National Bank, with September’s Public
Safety Officer of the Month Brandon Plagens.
16

GTACC - Com m u n it y Ne w s
Dr. Richard Carpenter has
officially taken the position as the
new Chancellor of the North Harris
Montgomery Community College
system. He comes from the Las Vegas
area Community Colleges of Southern
Nevada, where he served as president.
We welcome him to the greater Tomball
area!
Name Change: Developer Fred
Caldwell and Chuck Watson have
ended their partnership. While Watson
will continue to invest in Caldwell’s real
estate deals, he is no longer an owner in
the company and the Caldwell Watson
Real Estate Group is now known as
Caldwell Cos. to reflect this change.
Salem Lutheran School is one of
287 schools in the nation to be selected
as a National Blue Ribbon School for
2007 and the only private school in
the greater Houston/Galveston area.
Margaret Spellings, secretary of the
Dept. of Education released the official
list on Oct. 2.
This blue-ribbon honor was achieved
by consistently scoring in the top 10
percent of the nation on nationallynormed
tests over the last decade. We
celebrate the fine work demonstrated by
our students, faculty and support staff.
If you’re a business owner
or entrepreneur, check www.
northoustonbusiness.com for all the
helpful information you need! That’s
the internet address of the Small
Business Development Center
(SBDC) at North Harris Montgomery
Community College District, and it’s
loaded with new information to help
small business owners and entrepreneurs
start and grow their businesses. Learn
about seminars, get in touch with
counselors, find out about services, and
more!
North Harris Montgomery
Community College District
(NHMCCD) started a review process
to begin considering new names for
the district. NHMCCD, comprised
of five separate colleges, will choose
a new name from ideas submitted by
residents and students. Officials hope to
announce a new name for the 35-yearold
institution in spring 2008. Richard
Carpenter, chancellor of the college
district, said research has repeatedly
reported the wordy name has served
to cleave the district rather than unify
it. The district hopes residents will
participate in choosing a new name.
After being narrowed to three or four
choices, a name will be approved in
November, with consideration of a new
logo and marketing strategies decided in
December.
Did you know that there is a US
Post Office that is open 24-hours The
Airport Mail Facility located at 19175
Lee Rd, Ste 100, Humble, TX 77338 is
open if you are in desperate need. Call
281.443.2582 for more information.
Plans are underway for a new
Tomball ISD elementary school to
relieve Lakewood and Willow Creek
Elementary Schools. It will be located
on a 13-acre site at Northpointe Blvd.
and Northpointe Rd., and is scheduled
to open for the fall of 2008.
Vintage Market H-E-B, located at
the corner of SH249 and Louetta, is
scheduled to open in mid-November,
2007. The store promises a worldclass
shopping experience with the
best of H-E-B food and drug stores
and the best of Central Market stores.
Vintage Market H-E-B will employ
approximately 550.
Due to travel expenses taking up
to 20.9 percent of household costs,
Houston ranks as the most expensive
commuting city in America, according
to a Forbes magazine report. Also
listed as the countries biggest cities
where transportation costs represented
a fifth or more of household expenses:
Cincinnati, Kansas City, Detroit, Tampa
and Cleveland.
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber
of Commerce welcomes Faye Drennan,
formerly of the ECHO Foundation,
as its new Events Coordinator! We
are excited as Faye brings a wealth of
experience and wonderful ideas to the
Chamber.
17
The next Tomball CERT Team
training will be held at the Tomball
Fire Department on Tuesday evenings
from 6-9pm starting March 4 - April
22, 2008. To register, contact Lisa
Griffin at lgriffin@citomball.tx.us or
281.351.7101.

GTACC - Business Af t e r Ho u r s
TexasOne Community Credit Union
13730 Alice Rd., Tomball
Capital One
14310 FM 2920
Tomball, TX
LogoSmart
308 W. Main
Tomball
18

GTACC - Business Af t e r Ho u r s
Tomball Day Spa
305 Epps St., Tomball
Hilton Garden Inn
7979 Willow Chase Blvd.
Houston
19

P
eople filled the streets and shops and music filled the air on Tomball Night 2007. Thanks to our many
sponsors and volunteers the 35 th annual Tomball Night and Beyond was another amazing night of
shopping, food, and family fun. As shoppers enjoyed discounts, sales and give-aways in Tomball area
stores, the Mystery Shoppers handed out $100 bills, children enjoyed a carnival, and teens eagerly waited for their
favorite local bands to start playing. The vintage car show returned to the Lowe’s parking lot, the lighted parade
dazzled, and the Grand Finale fireworks were absolutely AWESOME! Special thanks to Mary Harvey and Carla
Hamilton, our committee co-chairs, for organizing this Chamber-sponsored city-wide “Business Expo!”
Our Special Appreciation to our Generous Tomball Night Sponsors!
CENTENNIAL BLAST SPONSOR
• Metropolitan Publishing
MYSTERY SHOPPER SPONSORS
• First Community Credit Union
• Houston Chronicle, This Week
• The Potpourri
• TexasOne Community Credit
Union
• Tomball Magnolia Tribune
DEPOT SPONSORSHIP (cont.)
• The Heritage Retirement
Community
• Molly’s Pub
• Saddle Creek Church
• Senior Alliance Advisors –
Mike Steele
• Stewart Title
• The UPS Store
• Za Za Za Seafood
Other Sponsorships
• Cato Clothing
• John Ellis Photography
PECK SPONSORSHIP
• First Community Bank
• Regions Bank
OIL PATCH SPONSORSHIP
• Foster & Hendricks
• Fred Haas Toyota Country
• Parkway Chevrolet
• Verizon Wireless
• Gretchen Fagan – Farmers
Insurance
• Tomball Collision Center
DEPOT SPONSORSHIP
• AmegyBank of Texas
• Anytime Fitness Pat Bailey
• Capital One Bank
• Casa Ama’s Mexican
Restaurant
• Element Payment Services
• Fantastic Sams
• Granny’s Korner
• Hartwell Environmental
Corporation
classy.
Affirmative Action EEO/College
20

BUSINESS OWNERS
DON'T BE LEFT OUT
of the 2008 Greater
Tomball-Magnolia Directory.
DEADLINE IS DEC. 1ST
Armadillo Advertising, Inc.
Award Winning Publishers
281-351-4555
GTACC president Bruce Hillegeist hands Pat
McKinnon of Abandoned Animal Rescue the
trophy for the Best Float in Tomball Night’s
lighted parade.
Scenes from
Tomball Night!
21

GTACC - Loc a l Ac c o m p l i s hm e n t s
Dixie USA, was featured in the Sunday,
July 22, Houston Chronicle Business
section. The company, located in a big red
barn just west of Hwy 249 on FM 2920,
sells meat-free, sugar-free foods, mostly
through its website.
Lori Klein, Klein Financial Services,
LP, was featured as one of Houston’s
“Smart Money” Financial Planners in the
August 2007 issue of H Texas Magazine.
Beyond expounding on the expertise of
Klein’s team at Klein Financial Services,
the feature article also emphasizes her years
of community service, including her past
chairmanship of the Greater Tomball Area
Chamber. Congratulations, Lori, on this
latest recognition.
Bravo! Accolades to our own Texas
Master Chorale, recently returned from
its Italian tour, beginning with concerts in
San Marco Cathedral and Square in Venice
and culminating with singing High Mass at
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Be sure
to catch their awe-inspiring music here at
home when you have a chance.
The new Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
restaurant presented a check to the M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center children’s Art
Project. Pictured at right attending the
check presentation were Jeff Garcia, general
manager; Bobby Reynolds, franchisee;
“Red,” the restaurant mascot; LaTroy Jones,
M.D. Anderson Volunteer Coordinator;
Jordan Rance, artist and patient at M.D.
Anderson, and Nancy Walker, Manager of
Sales and Marketing for the M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center Children’s Art Project.
Woodforest National Bank has ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the Southwest
Region according to the recent results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Retail Banking
Satisfaction Studysm. Pictured
during the award presentation
are, (from left): Marco Padilla,
Assistant Vice President;
Patricia Brown, Vice President –
Traditional; Guillermo Garcia,
Director of Financial Services for
J.D. Power and Associates; Julie
Mayrant, Executive Vice President
- Retail Banking; and Patrick
Schaeffer, Vice President – In-
Store Retail Administrator.
22

T RIUMPH