This month’s Chamber Luncheon was one for the books, as members and guests gathered at the beautiful Atrium Center to celebrate the power of the arts in East Montgomery County. With MD Anderson Cancer Center as our generous Presenting Sponsor, the luncheon was filled with creativity, inspiration, and a reminder of the many ways the arts enrich our community.


^{A sold-out luncheon held in The Atrium Center for the fifth consecutive month.}

From the moment guests arrived, the celebration began. Chamber Diplomats offered their usual warm welcome, but this time with two delightful surprises: a dancer from Kingwood Ballet, dressed in her sparkling Nutcracker costume, and a harpist from Lone Star College–Kingwood and the University of Houston, whose music set the perfect tone for the afternoon.


^{Harpist, Juliana Jordan, performs a medley of songs for luncheon guests.}

Guests were also invited to leave their mark on a collaborative #Proud2BeEMC mural, printed by Minuteman Press of Humble, which became a colorful expression of community pride.


^{Chamber Diplomats Darrel Hayes and Meriam Shaw alongside Past Board Chair Dr. Melissa Gonzalez partake in the #Proud2BeEMC group mural}

The program opened with a blessing from Board Member, Diplomat, and realtor Jacqueline Canada of JLA Realty. Guests then enjoyed a culinary treat from featured caterer Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant. Owner Tony Raffa shared his passion for food while introducing the menu, including the crowd-favorite Southwestern Rigatoni.


^{Restaurant Owner, Tony Raffa, joins his team in the catering line after giving the audience an exciting overview of the lunch menu}

Our Presenting Sponsor representative, Tenille Campbell with MD Anderson, delivered a powerful overview of the organization’s mission and impact. In addition, each guest received a Houston Dynamo backpack to take home—a fun and thoughtful surprise.

Celebrations continued as Planet Ford of Humble was recognized as the 1st place winner of the Chamber’s Grand Prix competition, with Heather Elkin proudly accepting the trophy.


^{Cheri Grebe and Heather Elkin proudly stand for a photo to recognize Randall Reed Planet Ford 59 as the first place winner of the Greater EMC Chamber Annual Grand Prix}

Both the harpist and the ballet dancer returned to the stage to share live performances, further showcasing the beauty and talent that exists in our region.


^{Kingwood Ballet dancer, Janae Beylotte, dazzles the audience with a performance the Nutcracker}

Mission Northeast, our Centerprize Sponsor, brought creativity to the tables with backpack-inspired centerpieces adorned with fresh fall flowers. Each table’s arrangement went home with a lucky winner, adding another layer of excitement to the afternoon.


<sup>Centerprize Sponsor, Mission Northeast, in an exciting and creative way, explains to guests what ‘buddy bags’ are with these handmade flowers arrangements


New Members are welcomed to the Chamber with customized member plaques and a photo with Board Chair, Shane Harper</sup>

New members were warmly welcomed into the Chamber family before the program built to a memorable grand finale. Attendees were treated to an inspiring presentation from world-renowned artist James Surls, co-founder of the forthcoming Surls + Locke Museum of Texas Art in Splendora.

Surls shared his personal journey and vision for the future, showcasing dozens of his sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media works. It was a rare opportunity for the audience to hear directly from a global art leader who also calls East Montgomery County home.

Following the luncheon, Splendora ISD captured the excitement with a post on Facebook:
"Splendora just got a major arts boost: internationally acclaimed Texas artists James Surls and Charmaine Locke are establishing the Surls + Locke Museum of Texas Art on 40 acres in Splendora—opening fully by 2030. With a 40,000+ sq. ft. gallery, sculpture gardens, rotating exhibitions, and educational programming, the museum will celebrate Texas creativity across generations."

Surls’ commitment to giving back and his dream of transforming East Montgomery County into a destination for fine art left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.


^{Chamber President and CEO, Mark Linabury, publicly thanks James Surls for a riveting presentation}

The luncheon concluded with a raffle drawing for the collaborative mural, won by Ben Carter, member and owner of Mach One Epoxy Floors.


^{Member, Ben Carter, accepts the #Proud2BeEMC group mural as the raffle winner}

Special thanks go to EMCID for their ongoing support, which makes these luncheons possible, and to all who joined us for this unforgettable day of art, community, and celebration.