Our Mission
The mission of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is to promote and advance the interests of the Bay City business and agricultural communities. These goals are accomplished by encouraging growth of existing businesses and industries, providing assistance to new firms or individuals seeking to locate in Bay City, and advocating legislative and political actions beneficial to the business or general community. The Chamber also supports and encourages those cultural and civic activities that improve or expand the quality of life in Bay City.
Committees
Agriculture/Aquaculture
The purpose of the agriculture and aquaculture committee of the chamber is to focus on businesses pertaining to agriculture, improve their sustainability and increase their customer base. We educate them on how to improve their operation so they can reach more people through networking and helping each other. Our mission is to attract more agriculture and aquaculture businesses to the chamber, let them know they matter and give them a voice.
Chamber Ambassadors
Ambassadors are the face of the Chamber. These dedicated members further our community based business, assist with chamber events, participate in ribbon cuttings and welcome new members to the chamber. They also help recruit new members to the Chamber and promote upcoming Chamber events by encouraging members to attend and network. To become an ambassador, contact the Chamber for more information.
Educational Activities
The educational committee assists our local teachers, students and schools as they prepare for the future. This committee supports education by raising funds for scholarships, recognizing achievements and awarding students for making the honor roll. We also honor Educator of the Year and Student of the Year at our annual Chamber banquet where they are presented with plaques and scholarships and recognized for outstanding leadership and academic achievements.
Health Care Committee
The health care committee advocates a higher quality of health care providers and encourages communication between businesses and the health care communities. We seek to improve public awareness and access to the health care resources and individual wellness in our community.
Hispanic Committee
The Hispanic committee strives to identify needs of Hispanic business owners and ensure they are being met. We strive to educate and support business owners, giving them help to develop and promote their companies to create better growth and income.
Mid Coast Educational Industry Alliance
The alliance serves as the link between the business community and supporting quality education to our students. In addition, the alliance works to provide a well-trained work force in the Bay City and Matagorda County area.
Transportation Planning Organization
The transportation planning organization analyzes issues and advocates for infrastructure policies and projects that make efficient use of each dollar spent on transportation. With transportation being a key factor to our area of trade, the committee works to promote new and expanded transportation as part of economic development. This committee works to keep communication open between businesses, industries, TXDOT, the City of Bay City and Matagorda County officials.
Contact the Chamber for information on when and where our committees meet.
Why should you join the Bay City Chamber?
- Exposure for your business.
- Two free email blasts to membership within your first year of membership.
- Involvement opportunities including various active committees.
- Promotion for your business through the Chamber’s Business Directory, website, newsletter and direct referrals.
- Participation in seminars and workshops.
- Networking with other members at Chamber functions such as monthly mixers, committee meetings and community and special events.
- Opportunities to purchase mailing lists or labels for your company mailings.
- Grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies for your new businesses or relocations.
- Opportunities to display your promotional materials in the Chamber lobby.
- Opportunities to participate in business-related projects, such as the Industrial Trade Show and Purchasing Agents Seminar.
- Membership plaque identifying you as a recommended business.
- Email updates from the Chamber on the latest breaking news concerning the county, and upcoming networking and workshop opportunities.
- When dealing with the public, Chamber members are always recommended first.
2019 Officers
Chairman of the Board
Heather Hilliard
Health Food Cottage
Chairman Elect
Fred Gaytan
OXEA Corporation
Treasurer
Aaron Fox
Matagorda Medical Group
Immediate Past Chair
Al Capristo
STP Nuclear Operating Company
2019 Board of
Directors
Charles Brookhouser
First State Bank
Jim Coleman
Jackson Electric Cooperative
Eric Frankson
Ward Real Estate
Lane Hollister
Hollister Insurors
Imelda Howard
Sugar Valley RV Resort
Donna Huitt
Matagorda Episcopal Health
Outreach Program
Robert Knox
State Farm Insurance
Dianna Kile Lopez
Independent Contractor
Mike Meyers
Jackson Electric Cooperative
Troy Nugent
Tenaris Bay City
Karen Restivo
Serenity Matagorda Isle
James Scardami Jr.
Edward Jones
Dr. Marshall Scott, III
Bay City Independent School District
Anthony Wood
LyondellBasell
Ex-Officio Members
Nate McDonald, Judge
Matagorda County
Mark Bricker, Mayor
City of Bay City
Mike Ferdinand, Executive Director
Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation
Jessica Russell, Executive Director
Bay City Community Development Corporation
Bob Klepac, President
Bay City Independent School District
Board of Directors
Chamber Staff
President & CEO
Mitch Thames, IOM
Vice President
Irene Bishop, IOM
Chamber Special Events
Annual banquet
Bowling tournament
Golf tournament
Lighted Christmas
parade
Live oak tree sale