Houston West - The Place To Be

Jeannie Bollinger, President of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, was our guest speaker this week. She took over the reins at the Chamber in 2002 and now manages an organization with over 650 members.

Although the Houston West Chamber does have set boundaries, many businesses outside of the technical boundaries have chosen to join the organization for our business-to-business relationships.

Boundaries
Loop 610 to the East
290 to the North
59 to the South
Fry Rd. to the West

There are over 80 chambers of commerce in the Houston area and each has a different atmosphere. The Houston West Chamber tends to focus much more on business to business relationships. You may attend any three events of your choice. After that, the Chamber strongly encourages you to make an investment in our community.

Basic Benefits

• Community Focus & Involvement ~ Opportunity to get involved through one or more of our committees.
• Directory Listings ~ Each business is listed in the annual directory and on-line
• Events & Networking ~ Get to know other members at breakfasts, luncheons, socials seminars and more!
• Ribbon Cuttings ~ Start off with a bang! Let the members know who you are and what you do.

Business Builder Benefits

• Includes all basic benefits
• Radio Advertising on Houston Business Show
• One permanent name badge
• Welcome in program at Luncheon
• One 1” x 3” mini-ad on paper calendar
• One blast to Chamber database

You can find out more about the Houston West Chamber of Commerce on their website.

Guests, Visitors & Other Good News

Favour Adedayo, a former Rotarian in Nigeria, joined us as a visitor for the second week. Karen Blakeman introduced her daughter Paige Toussaint as a guest this week. Karen also introduced Mary Kate Flanangan as a guest. Archie Wilcox had as his guest Igha Ayoro who works at Wells Fargo Bank. And, Delores Delsing had Lube Nesterovo as her guest for the second week.

Wayne Staton announced that the 10/12 Program is underway for support of the Rotary Foundation aand Polio Plus. A donation of just $10 per month will fullfill our goal of $100 per yea to the Foundation from every member and $20 per year to Polio Plus. Of course, you may make larger donations. Please make your donation to Archie.

Wayne also noted that the first Polio Plus canister has been turned in. It was FULL...and yielded approximateky $175.00 for Polio Plus! Way to go!!!

President Bola led the group assembled in a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" to honor our birthday members: Wayne Staton and Chuni Vyas.

President Bola presented Past President Bill Landers with a Certificate honoring the membership growth work of the club during his year as president.

Club Social, August 29th

Jeff Novy announced the next Club Social will be Saturday, August 29th. All those wishing to indulge a sweet tooth will gather at 4:30 PM at Kegg's Candy Chocolate Factory & Retail Store located at 8168-A Westpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77063. We will have a tour of the factory to see how they make all that terrible tasting stuff. If you think you might wish to buy some candy it is suggested you bring an ice chest complete with ice...since Houston's weather is not a friendly one for candy.

Following the factory tour and shopping spree, we will adjourn to Pier 61 on Murphy road for a dutch-treat evening of fine seafood and camaraderie. Those who cannot make the candy factory tour may join the dinner group. We should arrive at Pier 61 between 6 and 6:30 PM. Jeff will have an area reserved for our group.

Coming Up At Rotary