The Greater EMC Chamber closed out the year with warmth, unity, and plenty of holiday cheer at its annual “A Time to Celebrate” Luncheon, proudly presented by HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. The Atrium Center shimmered with festive spirit as members, partners, and community leaders gathered to celebrate a year of extraordinary progress.

A Warm Holiday Welcome

Guests were greeted by the ever-enthusiastic Chamber Diplomats, whose smiles set the tone for a joyful afternoon. Santa Claus made a special appearance, bringing holiday magic and posing for cheerful photos, while the talented Porter High School Choir filled the room with classic Christmas carols that lifted every heart.


Members of the Porter High School Choir perform popular holiday songs for luncheon guests.


Santa visits from the North Pole.
 
Adding to the ambiance, tables were adorned with bright and beautiful centerpieces donated by HAAM Social Services, the CenterPrize sponsor. Each centerpiece featured candles and fragrant hand lotion—simple comforts perfect for the season’s chilly air.
 
A Delicious Holiday Feast

The featured caterer, Saltgrass Steakhouse – New Caney, treated attendees to a memorable meal. Bruno Fassari, General Manager, introduced the menu with pride before guests enjoyed passed appetizers—beef embrochette and caprese salad skewers—followed by a main course of baby back ribs, grilled chicken breasts, green beans, and garlic mashed potatoes. Delicious bread pudding was served for dessert.

 
The Saltgrass Steak House team from Valley Ranch delivered great food and quick service to 200 luncheon guests.
 
After lunch, Santa returned to lead the room in the Pledge of Allegiance, carrying the spirit of the season into the program.
 
Honoring Leaders & Celebrating Service

The luncheon welcomed several distinguished officials, including Texas House Representative Janis Holt, Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden, Judge John Hafley, and former U.S. House Representative Ted Poe.
Adrian Moreno, Chief Operating Officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, delivered a powerful and informative presentation highlighting the facility’s award-winning programs, recognitions, expansions, and its remarkable achievement of ranking in the top 5% nationally for consistent clinical quality.


Adrian Moreno, Chief Operating Officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, delivered a powerful and informative presentation
 
The Chamber then recognized its dedicated Diplomats, with Jamie Allgood receiving the honor of 2025 Diplomat of the Year, an award sponsored by Heather Herlong Events LLC.


Jamie Allgood is awarded the 2025 Diplomat of the Year award and stands alongside Chamber staff, Cheri Grebe, VP of Member Opportunities and Tracie Kamenoff, Director of Events and Marketing
 
The Board of Directors was acknowledged next, followed by the approval of by-law revisions. Gratitude was expressed to outgoing board members Brian Garcia, Stan Hollibaugh, Tiffany Stafford, and Dr. Melissa Gonzalez (2024 Board Chair) for their leadership and service.

The Chamber proudly announced its 2026 Board Election Results, welcoming newly reinstated members Nikki Roux, Lauren Cash, and Lance Ramesh, along with new board members Jamie Allgood, Kim Sommers, and Dr. Dustin Bromley.


Chamber Board of Directors recognized - Left to Right: Kim Sommers (Community Impact), Jamie Allgood (Porter City Lifestyle), Lance Ramesh (Citizens State Bank), Heather Ramsey (San Jacinto River Authority), Lauren Cash (Elite Hospital Kingwood), Nikki Roux (Memorial Hermann Northeast) and Dr. Dustin Bromley (Splendora ISD)
 
A touching moment followed as outgoing Board Chair Shane Harper passed the gavel to incoming Board Chair Heather Ramsey, with both leaders sharing heartfelt reflections and visions for the year ahead.
 
Celebrating New Members & Strong Partnerships

The Chamber introduced its newest members, including: HomeAid Houston, Highlands PTA, WeeKare Pediatrics – New Caney, Sketoe CPA, LLC, Club Studio Fitness, Lake Houston City Lifestyle, KT Bradley CPA, The Practice Lab, McAlpine Interests, Kimberly Sizemore Realtor, Kairos Travelers, Test Crushers Exam Prep, and Thrive Fertilizing. The Chamber also celebrated major membership upgrades from Frost Bank and Elevation Land Solutions to Platinum Investors, and Heather Herlong Events LLC to Platinum Plus Investor.


New members are recognized with a plaque and welcomed to the Chamber
 
In a true demonstration of community, the Tavola Community Foundation presented a $15,000 check to the Montgomery County Food Bank, helping ensure local families feel the spirit of giving this holiday season.


Tavola Community Foundation Inc. generously donates to the Montgomery County Food Bank during the holiday season
 
A Look Ahead: Growth, Momentum & Exciting Developments

Kelly Mattlage, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for EMCID, provided exciting updates about the upcoming Valley Ranch Convention Center, set to accommodate more than 6,000 people, and shared insights into new businesses and economic growth emerging in the area.

To close the program, Chamber President & CEO Mark Linabury highlighted an impressive year of growth and achievement, including:

• 13% membership growth
• 9 consecutive sold-out luncheons
• 85% member retention
• Launch of new programs such as the Proud Property Awards, Bobbi’s Angels Give Back Program, Northpark Needs You Campaign, Summer Throwdown, and the Elected Officials Reception

Looking Forward to 2026

The luncheon was a beautiful reflection of what makes the Greater EMC Chamber so special—community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth.
As the organization looks toward a new year filled with opportunity, it invites businesses and community members to continue adding value and making a meaningful impact.
 





For more information about the Monthly Luncheons or other Chamber events, contact:

Tracie Kamenoff, Director of Events and Marketing
Tracie@gemcchamber.com
281-354-0051
 
This event and all Chamber events are proudly supported by funding from EMCID’s Community Development Grant.