Sunshine, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of competition filled the air at this year’s Annual Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic, presented by The Highlands by Caldwell Communities. Held at the breathtaking Highland Pines Golf Club, the event brought together 26 teams of chamber members, community partners, and sponsors for a day that perfectly blended business and fun.


^{Chamber Staff, Cheri Grebe and Tracie Kamenoff, stand ready to welcome sponsors, players and guests at the 2nd Annual Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic}

From the moment the first players checked in and enjoyed a delicious spread for lunch after receiving their complimentary Pro-V1 golf balls and commemorative glove and accessory holder, it was clear this year’s tournament would be one to remember. By the 1:00 p.m. shotgun start, teams were off, navigating the rolling greens and panoramic fairways under ideal weather—clear skies, a light breeze, and plenty of Proud2BeEMC smiles.


^{Tournament teams prepare to tee off as they load their carts at Highland Pines Golf Club}
 
The event’s success was made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors whose support helps sustain the Chamber’s mission throughout the year. The Highlands by Caldwell Communities took center stage as the Presenting Sponsor, setting the tone for excellence both on and off the course. Memorial Hermann Northeast ensured the evening ended in style as the Reception and Awards Dinner Sponsor, where players gathered to unwind, share stories from the day, and celebrate the winners.


^{The Memorial Hermann Northeast team – Left to right: Linda Nelson, Nikki Roux, Justin Kendrick and Juan Sanchez}
 
Our Eagle Sponsors—Holcomb Family YMCA and First Financial Bank—and Birdie Sponsors—Pearson Insurance & Financial Services / James Pearson State Farm, Hallmark Mitigation & Construction, New Caney Smiles Dentistry, and The Signorelli Company—added their strong support to the lineup. Additional thanks go to Eagle Sand & Gravel as the Awards Sponsor and Frost Bank as the Beverage Cart Sponsor, keeping the day flowing smoothly from start to finish.


^{Frost Bank sponsored the beverage carts}

No tournament would be complete without the energy of our Tee Box Hosts, who kept things lively and interactive throughout the course. A huge thank-you to Gameday Men’s Health, Entergy, thReading Designs, STX Roofing, Renewal by Anderson Houston, Community Resource Credit Union, Pearson Insurance & Financial Services Inc./James Pearson State Farm Agent, Memorial Hermann Northeast, New Caney Smiles Dentistry, and of course, The Highlands for their hospitality.


<sup>Community Resource Credit Union spoils players during the tournament as a Tee Box Sponsor


STX Roofing brings the hype at their Tee Box with refreshing treats for the players</sup>

Equally important were our Hole Sponsors, whose names could be seen across the scenic Highland Pines course—Hallmark Mitigation & Construction, Texas State Representative Janis Holt,  The Signorelli Company, Whataburger, Mark Keough Campaign, East Montgomery County Improvement District, Skero’s Furniture, Texas State Representative Cecil Bell Jr., Terracon, TNP Inc., Platinum Enterprises, Holcomb YMCA, Vanguard Truck Center, First Financial Bank, and Crenshaw for Congress.


^{Highland Pines Golf Club presents a delectable butcher board station during the awards dinner}

As the sun began to set, players gathered for the reception and awards dinner began. The day’s timeline—tee box setup, check-in, competition, and a well-earned celebration—ran seamlessly thanks to the professional staff at Highland Pines and the Chamber’s dedicated volunteers and staff.
 
 

^{Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic awards are displayed at the awards dinner}

The Greater EMC Chamber extends heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, player, and partner who made this event possible including the East Montgomery County Improvement District. The Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic wasn’t just a tournament—it was a testament to the strength and spirit of our growing business community, united once again under perfect skies at Highland Pines.