Committees and Task Forces
Ambassador Committee
Chair - Carrie Standlee, Sterling Bank
The Ambassador Committee focuses on engaging and orienting new members to the Chamber and is instrumental in member retention. Membership is by invitation only. Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations and restaurants.
Business & Education Partnership Committee
Co Chair - Sandie Meyers, GSK Dental, Inc.
Co Chair - Kim Montgomery, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
Provides leadership and support on education issues and initiatives while keeping the membership abreast of legislative issues that affect West Houston. This committee is very active in the recruitment of mentors. This committee plans, executes and hosts the Annual Teacher of the Year and Business Partners luncheon, and sponsors grants to annual winners. Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am at the Best Western Westchase Mini-Suites.
Business over Breakfast
Co-Chair - Bill Thorne, Edward Jones Investments
Co-Chair - Nate Stockard, Melaroo Web Marketing
This interactive breakfast is perfect for new members or those who want to perfect his or her networking skills. The group focuses on Netweaving or networking in reverse to maximize the impact of networking. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Westside Café from 7:00 to 8:30 am.
Business Resource Committee
Chair - Kathie Edwards, Westpark Communications, L.P.
Members of this committee initiate, qualify, manage and supervise the Chamber’s annual training series designed to provide high quality, low cost professional and business development that will enhance business success of Chamber members. CU, CLE, HR credits may be given for course participation. Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 am at Westpark Communications, L.P.
Economic Development Committee
Chair - Dick Helmey, University Copy Center
Members of the Economic Development Committee focus on providing comprehensive information for companies planning to relocate or expand their businesses in West Houston, including incentive programs and assistance that will positively affect their bottom line. Meets the fourth Friday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 am at the University Copy Center.
Golf Tournament Committee
Chair - Dennis James, FiStaff
Plans, executes and hosts the Houston West Chamber’s Annual Business Golf Classic and fundraiser, which is held annually in October. A portion of the proceeds benefit the community. Meets the second Wednesday of each month (February through October) from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
Government Affairs Committee
Chair - Butch Herod, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
This committee educates the membership and actively participates in legislative and public policy issues directly affecting the West Houston business community. Governmental Affairs committee members plan, execute and host the Chamber’s Annual Salute to Veterans Luncheon, Annual Governmental Affairs Luncheon and the mini-governmental affairs series. The committee also supports the Texas Scholars Program and Do the Right Thing Project. Meets the last Tuesday of each month from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office Building, Suite 890.
Health & Wellness Committee
Co Chair - Kim Mathes, West Houston Medical Center
Co Chair - Craig Splawn, Lone Star Health Plans, Ltd.
This committee acts as a resource regarding health, wellness, spiritual, and safety issues as they pertain to quality of life in West Houston. Health and Wellness committee members plan, execute and host the Chamber’s Annual Health and Wellness luncheon, sponsor scholarships to students entering health-related educational programs in Houston and work on numerous heath care projects and festivals. Meets the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the West Houston Doctor's Center in Suite 201.
Star Awards Luncheon Committee
Chair - Scott Gehman, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
Members of this committee plan, execute and host the annual Economic Development Summit and Star Awards Luncheon to recognize exemplary businesses and non-profits for their successes and contributions to the West Houston region. Meets the third Friday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
West Houston Public Safety Coalition
Chair – Dr. Dale Konicek, Magellan Investment Advisory Group
This committee works to communicate, disseminate, and advocate for a strong and safe West Houston Community. Meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Chamber Building in Suite 316 from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Women Driving Business
Chair - Sarah Cain, Sarah's Florist
Members of this committee plan, execute, and host the annual Women Driving Business Series which celebrates the unique way in which women network differently than men. The series consists of a breakfast, luncheon, and social and is supported by a key group of women referred to as the “First Fifty.” Check website for details.
Chair - Carrie Standlee, Sterling Bank
The Ambassador Committee focuses on engaging and orienting new members to the Chamber and is instrumental in member retention. Membership is by invitation only. Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at varying locations and restaurants.
Co Chair - Sandie Meyers, GSK Dental, Inc.
Co Chair - Kim Montgomery, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
Provides leadership and support on education issues and initiatives while keeping the membership abreast of legislative issues that affect West Houston. This committee is very active in the recruitment of mentors. This committee plans, executes and hosts the Annual Teacher of the Year and Business Partners luncheon, and sponsors grants to annual winners. Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am at the Best Western Westchase Mini-Suites.
Business over Breakfast
Co-Chair - Bill Thorne, Edward Jones Investments
Co-Chair - Nate Stockard, Melaroo Web Marketing
This interactive breakfast is perfect for new members or those who want to perfect his or her networking skills. The group focuses on Netweaving or networking in reverse to maximize the impact of networking. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Westside Café from 7:00 to 8:30 am.
Chair - Kathie Edwards, Westpark Communications, L.P.
Members of this committee initiate, qualify, manage and supervise the Chamber’s annual training series designed to provide high quality, low cost professional and business development that will enhance business success of Chamber members. CU, CLE, HR credits may be given for course participation. Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 am at Westpark Communications, L.P.
Chair - Dick Helmey, University Copy Center
Members of the Economic Development Committee focus on providing comprehensive information for companies planning to relocate or expand their businesses in West Houston, including incentive programs and assistance that will positively affect their bottom line. Meets the fourth Friday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 am at the University Copy Center.
Chair - Dennis James, FiStaff
Plans, executes and hosts the Houston West Chamber’s Annual Business Golf Classic and fundraiser, which is held annually in October. A portion of the proceeds benefit the community. Meets the second Wednesday of each month (February through October) from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
Chair - Butch Herod, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
This committee educates the membership and actively participates in legislative and public policy issues directly affecting the West Houston business community. Governmental Affairs committee members plan, execute and host the Chamber’s Annual Salute to Veterans Luncheon, Annual Governmental Affairs Luncheon and the mini-governmental affairs series. The committee also supports the Texas Scholars Program and Do the Right Thing Project. Meets the last Tuesday of each month from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office Building, Suite 890.
Health & Wellness Committee
Co Chair - Kim Mathes, West Houston Medical Center
Co Chair - Craig Splawn, Lone Star Health Plans, Ltd.
This committee acts as a resource regarding health, wellness, spiritual, and safety issues as they pertain to quality of life in West Houston. Health and Wellness committee members plan, execute and host the Chamber’s Annual Health and Wellness luncheon, sponsor scholarships to students entering health-related educational programs in Houston and work on numerous heath care projects and festivals. Meets the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the West Houston Doctor's Center in Suite 201.
Chair - Scott Gehman, Houston Community College - Spring Branch
Members of this committee plan, execute and host the annual Economic Development Summit and Star Awards Luncheon to recognize exemplary businesses and non-profits for their successes and contributions to the West Houston region. Meets the third Friday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Chamber Office.
Chair – Dr. Dale Konicek, Magellan Investment Advisory Group
This committee works to communicate, disseminate, and advocate for a strong and safe West Houston Community. Meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Chamber Building in Suite 316 from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Chair - Sarah Cain, Sarah's Florist
Members of this committee plan, execute, and host the annual Women Driving Business Series which celebrates the unique way in which women network differently than men. The series consists of a breakfast, luncheon, and social and is supported by a key group of women referred to as the “First Fifty.” Check website for details.
Zest in the West
Co - Chair - Constance McDerby, Food and Vine Time Productions
Co - Chair - Jeannie Bollinger, Houston West Chamber of Commerce
Members of this committee plan, execute, and host the annual Zest in the West Food & Wine Festival which occurs each October. The festival usually consists of a Grand Zesting wine tasting, Foam on the Range - a craft beer festival, and other events including Spirits in the West or Connoisseurs & Canvas - new in 2010! Volunteer assistances needed for ticket sales and restaurant recruitment. If interested, please email constance@foodandvinetime.com. For event details please visit www.zestinthewest.com.
Co - Chair - Constance McDerby, Food and Vine Time Productions
Co - Chair - Jeannie Bollinger, Houston West Chamber of Commerce
Members of this committee plan, execute, and host the annual Zest in the West Food & Wine Festival which occurs each October. The festival usually consists of a Grand Zesting wine tasting, Foam on the Range - a craft beer festival, and other events including Spirits in the West or Connoisseurs & Canvas - new in 2010! Volunteer assistances needed for ticket sales and restaurant recruitment. If interested, please email constance@foodandvinetime.com. For event details please visit www.zestinthewest.com.
