About the Chamber
Mission Statement
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic and diverse organization that leads the promotion of business, economic development and support of the La Porte-Bayshore community.
Administrative Team
Nelson Rodriguez
Chairman of the Board
Duties include:
Budgeting
Contract Administration
Dues Evaluation
Operations
Bylaws/Policies
Adelina Abshire
Chairman of the Board Elect
Duties include:
Nominating Committee
Outstanding Student Selection Committee
Board of Directors Planning Retreat
Goals & Objectives
- Enhance Communications with Membership
- Increase Membership Involvement
- Promote the Community/Shop La Porte
- Maintain a Coordinated Economic Development Strategy
- Market and Promote the Chamber and its Members
- Communicate the Value of Local Businesses to the Community
- Engage with Local Governments
Committees
- Economic Development Team
- Membership Development Team
- Membership Activities Team
- Community Development Team
- Business Development Team
Economic Development
(Includes Marketing & Tourism and Governmental Affairs & Transportation)
Derick Meadows, Co-Chairman
Bob Bradshaw, Co-Chairman
The Economic Development Committee encourages economic development by promoting and supporting the community and maintaining a liaison with the business community, Harris County, The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, San Jacinto College, Port Houston, La Porte ISD, and other entities, and by assisting the Cities of La Porte, Morgan’s Point, and Shoreacres and other governmental agencies in their economic development activities. This committee meets monthly except July and December.
Workforce Development
Preston Bearden, Co-Chairman
Garrett Berg, Co-Chairman
This committee will conduct programs to convey to La Porte High School and Junior High students the critical need for skilled vocational employees in the Gulf Coast region. This committee meets monthly August – November and January – May.
Ambassadors
Dausha Moore-Wright, Co-Chairman
Brenda Thompson, Co-Chairman
Ambassadors will serve as the “Welcoming Committee” at all Chamber events. Volunteers will greet members at all chamber events including luncheons, banquets, and cookouts. This committee will also attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies for newly recruited members. In addition, this committee will select honorees for Business of the Month and will present certificates either at events or by delivery to the business, the group also hosts a monthly Lunch Mob at Chamber Member Restaurants. This committee meets monthly except July and December.
Cook-Outs
Brenda Thompson, Co-Chairman
Martha Gillett, Co-Chairman
The Chamber will host family-friendly cook-outs at the Houston Yacht Club. These events will focus on Chamber members having fun. Attendance provides networking opportunities. This committee meets in the Summer and Fall.
New Teachers Luncheon
Terri Cook, Co-Chairman
Martha Gillett, Co-Chairman
Brenda Thompson, Co-Chairman
In August, this committee will provide an opportunity for citizens of the La Porte Independent School District to formally welcome, recognize, and show support for teachers new to LPISD. This committee meets June-August.
Purse Bingo
Lauren Sistek, Co-Chairman
Justin League, Co-Chairman
This Committee will host Purse Bingo, an event for the community and members. These events will focus on Chamber members having fun. Attendance provides networking opportunities. This committee will meet a few months prior to the event.
67th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival
Jeff Martin, Chairman
Preston Bearden, Vice-Chairman
This committee will plan and carry out all activities of this annual April festival in order to provide entertainment as well as to promote the La Porte-Bayshore area and its businesses to surrounding communities. This committee meets January – April. Event scheduled for April 30, 2022
First Responder Golf Tournament
Melissa Crutcher, Co-Chairman
Michelle Thomas, Co-Chairman
This committee will host a golf tournament in September or October to honor the first responders in the communities of La Porte, Morgan’s Point and Shoreacres. This committee meets June – September or October.
Leadership La Porte
Cindy Bremer, Co-Chairman
Michelle Thomas, Co-Chairman
This program will offer Chamber and community members an opportunity to receive training in many areas of business, industry, and government. It will encourage and foster the development of community leaders for all segments of the La Porte-Bayshore area. The nine-month program which begins in September and ends in May of legislative session years includes an opening retreat, as well as a trip to Austin to assist in better understanding the state legislative process. The planning committee meets June– August.
Fishing Tournament
Tim Ferguson, Co-Chairman
Justin League, Co-Chairman
The Committee will host a fishing tournament in the summer at the Houston Yacht Club. This event was created so that our members/community can have another way in which to come together for networking/fellowship, to showcase their business/services and to share in a bit of friendly competition. This committee meets May-July.
Small Business
Frank Nance, Chairman
This committee will provide resources to small businesses to assist in establishment, growth, and continuance in the La Porte-Bayshore area. The committee will host seminars or programs of interest to small business. Also, the committee will host Mixers and Business after hours. This committee meets monthly except July and December.
Non-Profit
Garret Berg, Chairman
This committee will serve to spotlight and promote the amazing non-profit members that are part of our Chamber of Commerce. Many of our companies want to give back and our hope is that this committee will help create awareness of the needs within our community and opportunities to serve. Committee will also be responsible for nominating/selecting Non-Profit of the Quarter and Year.
Lemonade Day
Frank Nance, Co-Chairman
Rick Helton, Co-Chairman
Lemonade Day is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business – a lemonade stand. Each year, in participating cities, youth have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship by setting up their business during their city’s community-wide Lemonade Day. The committee will meet January-May. Lemonade Day will be May 14, 2022.