5. FUNCTIONS OF THE CHAMBER
There are two primary functions of the Lake Houston Area Chamber:
1. To act as the spokesperson for the business community and translate into
action the collective thoughts of its membership.
2. To provide specific services that can be most effectively rendered by a
community organization for the benefit of its members and the community
as a whole.
Our Mission: The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce is a
cooperative effort of business people to attract new business, support and
strengthen the business environment, serve the needs of the members and
cooperate with civic leaders and other interested parties to promote
community growth.
Service Area: Boundaries include the City of Humble and a portion of
northeast Harris County and south Montgomery County from New Caney to
the north, Huffman to the east, Aldine Westfield Road to the west and
Beltway 8 to the south.
6. HOW IS THE CHAMBER FUNDED?
The Chamber is a private, 501(c)(6) non-profit organization
of business people designed to advance the interests of its
members. Memberships can be deducted as a necessary
business expense, but not a charitable donation.
• The Chamber is NOT funded by local, state or federal
tax dollars
• The Chamber is funded by:
• Memberships
• Special Events
• Sponsorships & Advertising
7. WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP?
• The Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership was
established in 2009. Goals of the EDP include:
• Attracting quality development and job creation
• Helping our existing businesses grow and prosper by
fostering an environment that provides exceptional and
sustainable quality of life
• Uniting area leaders
• Visit LakeHoustonEDP.org for an Overview of Recent Economic
Activity plus resources, tools and information
8. INVEST IN PRIORITY 1
There is not a firm or individual who lives, works, or does
business in the Lake Houston Area that does not gain or lose, in
a very tangible way, with the rise and fall of the Lake Houston
Area regional economy.
• Every dollar invested will go toward the implementation of
the Lake Houston Economic Development strategic plan
• Investors receive detailed updates concerning program
benchmarks, accomplishments and financial statements
• Five Investor levels available
10. Structure at a Glance
Board of
Directors
President
Accountant/
Office
Manager
Events &
Engagement
Manager
Investor Sales
and Service
Marketing
Manager
Receptionist/
Special
Projects
CEO
Economic
Development
Partnership
Economic
Development
Coordinator
11. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Group of 37 professionals
• The Board meets monthly to determine the strategic
direction of the Chamber
• They govern, develop policy and set a course for the future
• Operating funds for the Chamber are also maintained by the
Board of Directors
• http://www.lakehouston.org/board-of-directors/
13. OUR LEADERSHIP
Charlie Dromgoole, CCE
CEO, Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce
President, Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership
Direct: (281) 446-2818
Email: cdromgoole@lakehouston.org
The Board of Directors hires the Chamber President and the
Chamber President is responsible for hiring and directing the staff.
• Administration
• Financial Oversight
• Board of Directors
• Governmental Relations
• Community Relations
• Economic Development Partnership
• Priority 1
• Business Recruitment
• Business Retention and Expansion Program
• Minority Businesses Relations
14. OUR LEADERSHIP
Jenna Armstrong, IOM
President
Direct: (281) 319-8910
Email: jarmstrong@lakehouston.org
Kathy Caves
Accountant/Office Manager
Direct: (281) 319-8906
Email: kcaves@lakehouston.org
• Management Oversight of Education
Initiatives, Engagement, Events,
Sales/Retention, Technology,
Communications and BizCom Groups
• Public Affairs Committee
• Leadership Lake Houston
• Chamber Seminars
• Legislative Trips to Austin and DC
• Chamber Advantage Program
• Small Business School
• Kingwood BizCom
• Financial Reports
• Bookkeeping
• Invoicing
• Accounts Receivable
• Personnel Records
• Purchasing
• Database Management
• Member Sponsored E-Blasts
• 12 at 8:12 Breakfast
CHAMBER STAFF
15. CHAMBER STAFF
Stephanie Johnson
Investor Sales and Service
Direct: (281) 319-8902
Email: sjohnson@lakehouston.org
Carolyn McCarty
Receptionist/Special Projects
Direct: (281) 446-2128
Email: cmccarty@lakehouston.org
• Membership Sales
• Membership Retention
• Membership Benefits
• New Member Welcome Packets
• Chamber Ambassador Program
• Ribbon Cuttings
• Humble BizCom
• Reception
• General Information
• Administrative Assistance
• Financial Assistance
• Investor Sales Assistance
• Economic Development Assistance
• Board Room Scheduling
• Event Reservations
• Certificates of Origin
16. CHAMBER STAFF
Colleen Merritt
Technology, Communication and
Marketing Manager
Direct: (281) 319-8903
Email: cmerritt@lakehouston.org
Christina O’Dell
Events and Engagement Manager
Direct: (281) 319-8905
Email: codell@lakehouston.org
• E-Communication, E-Newsletter, E-
Calendar and Event E-blasts
• Marketing Strategy and Event Marketing
• Website Management (Chamber & EDP)
• Publication Production (Chamber & EDP)
• Technology & Software
• Regional Branding
• Social Media
• Lake Houston Business Matters Magazine
• Annual Community Guide and Directory
• Special Projects Coordination
• Shop Local/Small Business Saturday
• Summer Creek BizCom
• Monthly Membership Luncheons
• Networking After Hours
• Elected Officials Reception
• Annual Chamber Golf Classic
• Party on the Green
• Lake Houston 10k 5k
• Annual Awards Extravaganza
• Assist Chamber Ambassador Program
• Member and Volunteer Engagement
• Atascocita BizCom
17. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIP STAFF
Michael Prats
Economic Development Coordinator
Direct: (281) 319-8907
Email: mprats@lakehouston.org
• Demographic Research
• Business Data
• Site Analysis
• Business Retention and Expansion
Program
• State Requests for Information
• Community Stakeholder Engagement
• Current and Future Growth Tracking
• Commercial & Industrial Site Inventory
• EDP Website Management
• EDP Social Media Management
19. TOP 10 REASONS TO
JOIN THE CHAMBER
1. Bring credibility to your business
2. Increase visibility in the community
3. Gain a voice in government
4. Acquire customer referrals
5. Promotion and publicity
6. Make business contacts
7. Create networking opportunities
8. Attend chamber events and programs
9. Access members-only discounts and services
10. Receive chamber communications
21. MARKETING & VISIBILITY
• Networking opportunities, more than 50 annual programs & events
• Free distribution of company marketing material in visitor center
• Digital business profile on Chamber website
• Links to your website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts from
Chamber’s online directory
• Business listings in the online directory and annual printed Community
Guide & Directory
• Member window decal, virtual membership plaque and use of Chamber
logo for advertising and marketing materials
• News and events promoted on the Chamber website and in the Weekly
Update E-Newsletter
• Member-only advertising opportunities
• Business referrals by phone and online
22. BENEFITS & SERVICES
• Discounted Member pricing for seminars, luncheons and events
• Chamber 101 invitation
• Subscription to the Chamber Weekly Update
• Free SCORE Business Counseling and access to Lone Star College
System Small Business Development Center
• Complimentary use of the InvesTex Credit Union Board Room
• Customized demographic reports upon request
• Member-only access to website features, including Newsroom,
Calendar, Hot Deals and Hot Job postings
• Unlimited number of member representatives
• Certificates of Origin processing
• Representation at local, state & federal governments
23. DISTINGUISHED INVESTORS
• Offers all the advantages of Basic Membership plus enhanced
benefits, marketing opportunities and exposure
• Four levels starting at $600 per year
• Premium
• Partner
• Executive
• Elite
• Review the Membership Brochure or contact Stephanie
Johnson for information
24. CHAMBER BOARD ROOM
• InvesTex Credit Union Board Room can be reserved from 8:30
am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
• Host seminars, classes, meetings, etc.
• Free of charge for Members
• Call 281-446-2128 to reserve
25. BUSINESS COUNSELING
• The Small Business Development Center provides
personalized management consulting services for
existing businesses and for individuals interested in
starting new businesses
• Email sbdc@lonestar.edu or call 832-813-6674
• SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping
small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve
their goals through education and mentorship
• Call 281-446-2128 to make an appointment
27. WEEKLY UPDATE E-NEWSLETTER
• Emailed weekly on Monday
• Details Chamber news
• Shares upcoming programs and events
• Includes links for community calendar and networking
calendar
• Members can submit stories for Member News and Events
section by submitting Press Releases to the Chamber
Newsroom
28. CHAMBER E-CALENDAR
• Lists upcoming Chamber events
• Links to the Chamber website where members can RSVP or
add an event to their Outlook calendar
• Links to Community Networking Events
• Links to Community Calendar
29. PROGRAM AND EVENT
E-BLASTS
• Specific E-blasts about upcoming Chamber programs and
events
• Examples: BizCom, Monthly Membership Luncheons, signature
events and networking events
• Customized Communication Plan
• Opt-Out Notification
• Beta Customized Communication Plan
30. LAKEHOUSTON.ORG
Resources
• Homepage
• The Chamber
• Member Services
• Our Investors
• Business Resources
• Community
• Economic Development
• Contact
Tools
• Calendar
• Business Directory
• Chamber Newsroom
• Hot Deals
• Hot Jobs
• Interactive Map
• Become a Member
• Member Login
34. Video Tutorials:
Chamber 101
• Brief, topic-focused tutorials provide quick how-to videos
• Video tutorials will walk members through:
• Making an online profile
• Creating hot jobs and hot deals
• Adding events to our community calendar
• Marketing your business and events through chamber outlets
• Online tutorials for members will be available at
MyChamberChannel on YouTube and linked to our website
• http://www.lakehouston.org/chamber-video-tutorials/
36. AMBASSADOR TEAM
Ambassadors are advocates for the Chamber. They focus on
activities that increase membership growth & retention and
participation of the membership through the development of
chamber business solutions for our members.
• Conduct ribbon cuttings
• Attend networking events
• Help welcome new members
• Meet at noon the first Tuesday of each month
• Staff liaison is Stephanie Johnson
37. CHAMBER TASK FORCES
• Task Forces work on specific projects
• Only active during preparation for the event or while
accomplishing the special project
• An example is the annual Lake Houston 10k 5k Task Force
38. PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM
• Advocate on behalf of our business community and educate
members about legislative and transportation issues affecting our
local economy
• Keeps Chamber members abreast of federal and state legislative
issues affecting our businesses and community
• Keep in contact with area legislators & local officials to
communicate, as a collective voice, the status and stance of our
area businesses
40. BIZCOM GROUPS
• Meet at respective high schools
• Features speakers who address issues or needs specific to each
community
• Seeks to build positive community spirit by promoting involvement,
safety, security and economic development in the particular areas
• Helps stimulate business development & commerce in the Chamber’s
service areas
• Atascocita staff liaison is Chris O’Dell
• Humble staff liaison is Stephanie Johnson
• Kingwood staff liaison is Jenna Armstrong
• Summer Creek staff liaison is Colleen Merritt
41. TWELVE @ 8:12
• Each month, 1/12 of the membership will be invited to a
complimentary breakfast
• Meet with the Chamber President, Chamber Board and staff
• Network and share information in a special group setting
• Discuss important issues affecting their business and the
community
42. NETWORKING AFTER HOURS
• Networking at its finest!
• Perfect setting for new and existing members to build
relationships
• Expected attendance of 80 people
• New members set up a small display to market their business,
introduce themselves and connect
• Networking After Hours will be held six times in 2015 at
various locations from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm.
43. MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP
LUNCHEONS
• Guest speakers or special programs
• Member Marketplace
• Introduce New Members, Distinguished Investor Plaque
Presentations
• RSVP required
• Start at 11:30 am and are held at various locations
44. 2015 MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEONS
• February 24: Economic Outlook
• March 24: Peace Officer and Firefighter of the Year
• April 21: State of Education
• May 28: Transportation Outlook
• June 16: State of the State
• July 21: Salute to Health Care
• August 11: Focus on Federal Government
• September 15: State of the County
• October 20: Teachers of the Year
• November 17: Small Business Salute
46. LEADERSHIP LAKE HOUSTON
• Created to help educate, develop
and enhance existing and
emerging leaders within our
communities
• Class of approximately 20
• 8 monthly sessions plus one
annual retreat
47. CHAMBER SEMINAR SERIES
• Addresses critical topics and provides individualized growth and
development opportunities
• Minimum of five seminars/workshops will be held per year
• Either free or reduced rate to Chamber Members
• RSVP required
48. SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY
• Focused on providing information and resources for small
businesses
• Spring and fall sessions
• One seminar per week for four consecutive weeks
• Each class will be led by a qualified instructor who specializes
in helping small businesses
• http://web.lakehoustonareachamber.org/events/details/win
ning-the-batte-against-negativity-small-business-academy-
presented-by-insperity-373195
49. KINGWOOD FARMERS MARKET
• Every Thursday, rain or shine at Kingwood
Town Center
• Fresh produce, fresh-baked breads, herbs &
spices, plants, flowers, international cuisines
& more
• Held from 2 pm – 6 pm or 3 pm – 7 pm during
Daylight Savings Time
• 2015 Presenting Sponsor is Amegy Bank
51. ANNUAL AWARDS
EXTRAVAGANZA
• Friday, January 23, 2015 at The Overlook in Atascocita
• Installation of our new Board Chair and board of directors
• Celebration of the past year’s outstanding volunteer leaders
and accomplishments
• Presentation of the Dr. Haden McKay, Citizen of the Year
Award, Spirit of the Chamber Award and the Rising Star Award
• Honor the outgoing Chairman of the Board, 2014 Board of
Directors and 2014 committees, event and task force chairs
52. CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
• May 14, 2015
• One of the most highly anticipated golf tournaments in the
Lake Houston Area
• Chamber’s largest fundraiser
• The Clubs of Kingwood
• 200+ golfers participate
53. PARTY ON
THE GREEN
• May 16, 2015
• Deerwood Club
• Dinner, drinks and networking
• Live & silent auction
• For golfers and non-golfers alike
• Expected attendance 400+
54. LAKE HOUSTON 10K 5K
• August 22, 2015
• Lake Houston Area’s premier health and
wellness event with vendor booths, music,
food and kids activities
• Kings Harbor, Kingwood
• Attendance estimated to be more than
1,000 runners
• Sanctioned race
55. ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION
• December 2015
• Recognizes and honors all local, state and national elected
officials for the Lake Houston Area
• Great exposure for your business and provides opportunity for
many one-on-one interactions with area elected officials.
56. LAKE HOUSTON LEGISLATIVE
TRIP TO AUSTIN
• Biannually in odd numbered years when the Texas legislature
is in session
• Provides an opportunity for members to see government in
action
• Meet with state officials, legislators and agencies
• Deliver LHACC’s legislative agenda to legislators
• Attend pre-arranged meetings, tours and other legislative
activities
57. LEGISLATIVE TRIP TO DC
• Biannually in even
numbered years
• Meet with federal officials,
legislators and agencies
• Deliver LHACC’s legislative
agenda to legislators
• Attend pre-arranged
meetings, tours and other
legislative activities
59. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• Members have the opportunity to participate in the Total
Resource Campaign and can earn cash, prizes and even a
fabulous trip
• Annual sponsorship drive starts each year in September
• Sponsorships of our programs, events, publications and ads
• New members still may secure available 2014 sponsorships
during the first 90 days of membership
61. ANNUAL COMMUNITY
GUIDE AND DIRECTORY
• Full color magazine-style publication
• 10,000 printed annually during third quarter
• Distributed to new residents, businesses & placed in more
than 1,000 hotel/motel rooms
• Online version shared all year
• Members get two free listings
• Extra category listings available
• Package Deal Discounts
62. LAKE HOUSTON BUSINESS
MATTERS MAGAZINE
• Our new quarterly, full color, glossy magazine includes
feature stories, business briefs and articles that tackle issues
faced by area businesses
• Five thousand copies of each issue will be mailed directly to
local businesses plus shared in digital form
• Used to promote the Lake Houston Area to hundreds of
visitors and callers we get each month
• Full color ads with graphic design included
• Package Deal Discounts
63. WEBSITE ADVERTISING
• Chamber website gets more than 8,200 hits each month plus
attracts an impressive amount of unique visitors
• Take advantage of this opportunity to capture the attention
of your target customers with an 480 x 60 pixel banner ad
• Search Page Sponsor - $750
• Informational Page Sponsor - $550
64. MONTHLY
E-CALENDAR
• Sent out every Monday to
approximately 1700 email
addresses
• Ad size is 144 pixels x 144
pixels (includes hyperlink)
• Monthly Rates starting at $250
• Emailed to 1,700 member
representatives
• Ad rates starting at $150
• Ad size is 144 x 144
WEEKLY UPDATE
E-NEWSLETTER
65. MAILING LABELS
• Benefit of membership for
some Distinguished Investors
• $50 for the first set, $75 each
additional
• Can narrow by zip codes
• $50 for members
• $25 for non-profits
• Sent to 800 email addresses
• One per day at 4 pm
MEMBER SPONSORED
EMAIL BLASTS
