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

Preston Bearden
Chair of the Board

Duties include:
Budgeting
Contract Administration
Dues Evaluation
Operations
Bylaws/Policies

Angie Thatcher
Chair Elect of the Board

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

(Includes Marketing & Tourism and Governmental Affairs & Transportation)

Preston Bearden, Chair

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 Committee

Preston Bearden, Chairman

The purpose of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee is to provide a forum which promotes leadership, innovation, collaboration, and information sharing related to current and future workforce development issues. Committee members identify specialized programs and services in the areas of talent acquisition and development, labor and employee relations, and education and career awareness to build the support that is needed to make our local industries successful. This committee meets monthly.

Ambassadors

Dausha Moore-Wright, Chair
Brenda Thompson, Co-Chair

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.

Cook-Outs

Brenda Thompson, Chair

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, Chair
Brenda Thompson, Co-Chair

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

Ali Busch, Chair

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.

69th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival

Jeff Martin, Chair
Preston Bearden, Co-Chair

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 February–April. The 69th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival takes place April 26, 2025.

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. The Golf Tournament takes place September 19, 2024.

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.

7th Annual Hook, Link & Sinker Fishing Tournament

Justin League, Chair

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. The Tournament takes place July 20, 2024. The Captains’ Party takes place the evening prior on July 19, 2024.

Business Success Committee

Austin Lloyd, Chair

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 Committee

Tammie Nielsen, 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.

Young Entrepreneurs Expo

Amanda DeAlejandro, Chair
Frank Nance, Co-Chair

The Young Entrepreneurs Expo, formerly Lemonade Day, is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business. Each year, youth have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship by setting up their business during La Porte’s community-wide event. The committee will meet January-May.