Join Committees
We invite you to be part of our exceptional membership! Complete the application in this publication, attend the events, and get to know our members! The benefits to you and your business will amaze you!
The East End Chamber has 13 very active committees that carry out the Program of Work as set forth by the Board of Directors. All members are invited to participate on one or more committees – participation builds relationships and your business!
Ambassadors Committee
Chair
Mark Murrah, Phillips & Reiter
This is the Public Relations Division of the Chamber with committee members attending ribbon cuttings, chamber breakfasts, luncheons, after hours and special events. Members also visit members on a regular basis to insure membership retention.
Awards Dinner Committee
Chair
Sara Cronin, TPC Group
Committee will plan the 16th Awards Gala to be held Fall 2011.
Crime Awareness Committee
Chair
Al Barringer, East End Resident
Committee partners with law enforcement agencies to share information to deter crime and to enhance response to crime that may occur. Committee hosts an “Officer of the Month Program” to recognize law enforcement agents.
Economic Development
Committees will assist the Chamber in its pursuit of new business and also work with existing business to develop financial incentive programs to assist with expansion in cooperation with the State of Texas, City, County and other key partners. Participation is limited and based on industry specific criteria.
Subcommittees
Business Retention & Expansion
Chair
Bill Banta, CenterPoint Energy
Identify and visit East End major companies eligible for Enterprise Zone designation and the potential to expand and create jobs. By Appointment only.
East End Banking & Real Estate Consortium
Co-Chairs
Mark McCullough – Whitney Bank and Aron Grenader, First Houston Properties
Committee made up of members banks and real estate developers to identify “shared financing” programs to spur development in the East End.
Economic Incentives Committee
Co-Chairs
Patti Joiner, Knudson Services & Ernie Cockrell, Cockrell Interests
Identify catalytic sites for commercial and residential development, develop partnerships to produce land use, drill down and other studies.
Special District Committee
Lobby for planned land use improvements along the Harrisburg/Buffalo Bayou Corridor and surrounding areas and identify potential tax incentives to attract developers to the area.
Education
Committee assists in the ongoing development of the Engineering Academy at Chavez High School and the Maritime Academy at Austin High School, in addition to partnering with Houston Community College and the University of Houston on workforce training programs.
National Academy of Engineering Advisory Council
Chair
Sara Cronin, TPC Group
Committee actively participates in the Project Lead the Way Engineering Curriculum at Chavez High School, hosting parent/student dinners, rewards, scholarship and intern programs. Membership is limited to 25 with priority given to businesses supporting internships and scholarship funding.
Golf Tournament Committee
Chair
John Ryan, Alexander/Ryan Marine & Safety Co.
Committee will host the 2010 Annual Golf Tournament.
Government & Public Affairs Committee
Chair
Roy Zermeno, AT&T
Committee plans and facilitates East End Day with the State, County and City. The committee will also assist with communication and understanding of legislative issues.
Infrastructure
Chair
Rachel de Cordova, Royston, Rayzor
Committee partners with public agencies and elected officials to identify infrastructure improvements in the East End.
Rail Subcommittee
Chair
Rachel de Cordova, Royston, Razor
Sub-committee will assist with the progress and development of METRO’s East End Rail line, freight rail issues and other transportation improvement projects in the East End.
International Trade
Chair
Steve Stewart, Gulf Winds International
Logistics & Warehouse Incentive Committee
Committee made up of Port-related businesses to identify tax incentives that promote logistics and warehousing distribution to increase trade development.
International Breakfast Series
Host breakfast forum (as needed) on global trade development opportunities.
Membership Committee
Co-Chair
Mike Kacal, Kacal Auto & Truck Services
This premier committee works to recruit new regular, corporate members and assists new members in becoming active. Special incentives will be rewarded to top performers. Limited opportunities – sign up early!
Scholarship Committee
Co-Chairs
Lori Rumfield, Cossaboom Family YMCA; Art Flanagan, HUB International Rigg
Committee distributes scholarship applications to area high schools and selects recipients from submitted applications providing scholarships to East End students.
