Maximizing Membership
Progressive Partnerships Mean Business
Paving the way and empowering businesses to prosper in Tomball and surrounding communities, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is the No. 1 resource for business. Partnerships with federal, state, and local officials, businesses, schools, corporations and nonprofits provide unparalleled access to knowledge, business counseling, financial incentives and powerful networking opportunities that help businesses thrive.
“We’re not just about ribbon cuttings and luncheons,” said Chamber President Bruce Hillegeist. “Everything we do is about creating the best quality of life and working behind the scenes in ways that build our community. Part of our job is to create good jobs and make people happy. We work in unity with much collaboration, making sure that Tomball is a place of choice.”
Representing the best interests of businesses, chamber staff and leadership maintain close relationships with government leaders.
“Our Government & Legislative Affairs Committee meets regularly with state, local and federal officials to help them understand our needs, from health care to roadways or tax matters,” Hillegeist said. “Most recently, we were able to expedite the renewed start of construction of the Tomball Tollway, a project that will bring commerce to Tomball and surrounding cities.”
Access and transportation are key reasons businesses choose Tomball, and a top-notch education system is a large component in that decision as well.
“The Tomball Independent School District recently earned A’s in all categories, as rated by the Texas Education Agency,” Hillegeist said. “That speaks volumes about the quality of life here and what businesses, their employees and families can expect of our community.”
As the region prospers, the chamber is poised to grow.
“Growth is coming, and we’re seeing new rooftops every day, commerce centers and developments,” said Brandy Beyer, chamber vice president of operations. “The chamber is moving strategically to accommodate this growth. One way that we’re accomplishing that is to build more connections. So for the first time in our history, we’ve hired a membership development director, who will be engaging businesses and potential new members within the chamber’s service area and encouraging them to join and take advantage of all the chamber has to offer. We have an abundance of resources, and we serve members with relevant and strategic events, educational and networking forums, providing opportunities for growth and life-long friendships.”
As new neighborhoods and members get more involved with chamber initiatives that build a sustainable business climate, those communities will be featured in the chamber’s multiple media outlets, and have ample opportunities for networking through advertising and sponsorship.
“One event is our monthly Networking Breakfast, and this year, we’ll be moving it to varying locations in the areas we’re serving,” Beyer said. “We’re very excited to be hosting this event and others in a way that is more inclusive.”
The much anticipated annual Tomball Night is another high-profile venue for members to get involved, one that takes place throughout the city.
“Through the years, it is becoming more like a festival because so many businesses and vendors support it,” Beyer said. “It started as a shop-local, back-to-school event, but has grown enormously. Businesses hold promotional events throughout the day and many stay open late. Food trucks and vendors participate, too, making it one of the largest business showcases in
our area.”
Board of Directors
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its 2019 Board of Directors, who will offer their insight for making the best decisions possible in support of member businesses.Seated: Dawna Dyson, JuicePlus+; Jim Ross, Chairman, Tomball ISD; Gail Randolph, KartHost; Lisa Carswell, Carswell Real Estate. Standing: Bruce Hillegeist, President; Kelly Violette, Tomball Economic Development Corporation; Joseph Gibson, JVG Law, LLC.; Jeff Henry, Mel’s Country Café; Craig Bogner, Tomball Sister City Organization; Dr. Jerrel Wade, Lone Star College–Tomball; David McIver, Wells Fargo Bank; Keith Jennings, Crow Corporation; Darrell Clapp, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital; Cindy Phillips, Phillips Cleaning Services; Cyndy Justice, Send Out Cards; Wayne Arrington, FirstLight HomeCare of The Woodlands; Paige Cassel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites; Dr. Mark Copas D.D.S., Family Dentist. Not Pictured: Anthony Scott, ServPro of Spring/Tomball; Dyanna McCoy, Spirit of Texas Bank
Chamber Staff
Standing from left, Brandy Beyer, Vice President of Operations; Dawn Stone, Member and Community Relations; Bruce Hillegeist, President; Amy Mason, Director of Communications; Deanna Youngblood, Membership Development Director.