The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce has established separate divisions to address specific goals and initiatives within the community.
Business Initiatives
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for member involvement through its business initiative programs comprised of 10 highly effective divisions. Each initiative creates synergy between our members and the Fort Bend community at large including Business and Professional, Community Resources, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education and Government relations. Members benefit from professional development and education, networking and community connections, leadership programs and member resources.
EDUCATION DIVISION
Jim Rice, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc.
The Education Division is a critical link between the academic and business sectors in the county engaging community leaders and building awareness of the positive impact of education through working with agencies, the division advocates legislative agendas for the benefit of Fort Bend education. Annual events include State of the Schools, State of Higher Education, principal appreciation receptions and school board candidates forums. The division’s goal is to create ongoing dialogue to promote educational opportunities and produce college and work ready students to ensure the social and economic well-being of the Fort Bend community.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES DIVISION
Dee Koch, Dee S. Koch, LLC
The Community Resources Division focuses on impacting the community-at-large through effective partnerships and collaborations offering programming to inform and educate members. It creates relationships between the business community and the nonprofit sector providing opportunities to address critical issues. Working through dynamic programs like Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership and Youth in Philanthropy, Chamber members engage in the nonprofit sector, community building, volunteerism, diversity, and improving the quality of life in Fort Bend County.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DIVISION
Christopher Breaux, Whitley Penn, LLP
The Governmental Relations Division provides Chamber members with access to local and state government officials, promoting the understanding of current legislative issues and giving the business community an opportunity for input. This division provides a forum for discussion of relevant legislative matters, updates members on key issues and provides leadership on legislative agendas. During election years, the division conducts community candidate forums for municipal, school, and county elections that provide a fair and unbiased opportunity for attendees to understand the qualifications and positions of the candidates and the key issues of the election.
HEALTHCARE DIVISION
Christy Medlin, Encompass Health; Janice Suchyta, Seyfarth Shaw
The primary mission of the Healthcare Division is to attract the highest quality healthcare providers and to develop the most technical and professional healthcare service companies/facilities to the Greater Fort Bend County Area. This initiative develops a network of healthcare providers, who are well informed of the needs of Fort Bend County and who understand the importance of professional and business development. This division also identifies and promotes economic initiatives and innovations in the healthcare sector which benefit the membership and the community at large.
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING DIVISION
David Gornet, Gornet Consulting, LLC
The Infrastructure Planning Division educates and advocates for transportation, infrastructure and development programs throughout the region while facilitating public/private partnerships to promote investment. Acknowledging that a strong infrastructure is a prerequisite for cities and communities to thrive, it facilitates collaborations between the private sector, municipalities, and state and federal agencies on infrastructure projects. The division supports the infrastructure efforts of various elected officials, advocates for a proactive legislative agenda and hosts the regionally recognized Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit.
MEMBER SERVICES DIVISION
Nancy Colmenares, Lifetime Member and Ted Volf, Hold Fast Industries, Inc.
The Membership Services Division acts as a liaison for new and current members to educate them on existing and developing resources available through membership to maximize the value of their Chamber membership. The division delivers a variety of opportunities through member services, such as new member receptions, ribbon cuttings and ground breaking ceremonies along with programs and activities that benefit the membership and promote businesses and opportunities in Fort Bend County.
CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (CYP) DIVISION
Nick Deacon, Riverstone Community
Chamber Young Professionals engages and develops the leadership potential of young professionals and fosters lasting business relationships within Fort Bend County. A great tool for membership success, this division creates opportunities for personal and professional growth and provides members with tools for professional success.
FORT BEND LEADERSHIP FORUM
Jan-Michael Jenkins, Legacy Fitness & Breah Campbell, Environmental Development Partners, LLC
The Fort Bend County Chamber Leadership Forum has a rich tradition of developing leaders in the community through establishing valuable relationships. The skills learned and nurtured enhance a participant’s values, both personally and professionally, while volunteer opportunities create a sense of commitment to the County, its businesses and residents. The Forum is a launching pad for community leadership and involvement, where individuals immerse themselves in the dynamics of Fort Bend County and use their talents to act on behalf of the shared concerns of the community.
Business & Professional Division
Robert Thompson, TruCore Business Development
The Business and Professional Division devotes their efforts to helping members achieve their professional goals through business-oriented programs and roundtables, as well as encouraging participation in other Chamber functions. This division also develops and presents business-focused programs relevant to current business dynamics to assist members in marketing, sales, finance, customer service, technology, team-building, and employee relations. The division actively solicits and implements ideas from new and longstanding members to create value-added programs that will enhance the quality of their membership.