The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber’s February Monthly Luncheon was a powerful reminder of what makes our business community so special: a culture of connection, civic-minded leadership, and members who genuinely show up for one another. With another sold-out room, the energy was high from the start as guests networked, welcomed new faces, and leaned into a timely theme — civic engagement and why voter participation matters to business.
 

The luncheon reached full capacity for Chelsie Kramer’s exciting presentation on civic engagement, tailored to the business community.
 
Community Support That Makes It Possible
We are especially grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Elite Hospital Kingwood, whose support helped set the tone for a meaningful and engaging program. As Lauren Cash, Director of Brand Strategy & Community Engagement, shared: “We continue to serve as a presenting sponsor for the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber Luncheon because it brings together a highly engaged, consistently sold-out audience of local leaders who are invested in our community. Supporting events like this allows us to stay connected, give back locally, and strengthen the relationships that make East Montgomery County thrive.”
 

Lauren Cash (Elite Hospital Kingwood) stands to be recognized alongside others in the room as a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
 
Welcoming Guests and Opening the Program
After guests were welcomed by Mark Linabury, Brian Garcia with Entergy Texas led a blessing over lunch, followed by a fun and flavorful preview of the menu from Chris Fishkin with BB’s Tex-Orleans. The buffet opened to a crowd-pleasing spread, and BB’s delivered a lunch experience that felt both festive and perfectly suited for the room — a true highlight of the day.
 
 
Guests enjoy passed Cajun empanadas and boudin balls from BB’s Tex-Orleans before lunch.
 
Recognizing Investors and Community Partners
Once the program began, Kim Sommers with Community Impact led the pledges, and the Chamber recognized our valued investors and partners. We also celebrated Memorial Hermann Northeast for upgrading their membership to Distinguished Investor, and they were given their Distinguished Investor plaque during the program.
Sincere thanks were also shared for our Facility Sponsor, The Atrium Center, along with recognition of elected officials in attendance, including Judge Wayne Mack, Justice of the Peace for Montgomery County Precinct 1.
 
 
Nikki Roux and Natalie Cavazos eagerly accepted the award on behalf of Memorial Hermann Northeast recognizing their investment in the Chamber.
 
Spotlight on Our Presenting Sponsor
Our presenting sponsor, Jeremy Brynes with Elite Hospital Kingwood, provided an overview of the hospital’s layout, services, and what sets their emergency care apart — giving attendees a clear picture of the investment Elite Hospital is making in our community.
 

 Left to right: Brenda Hess (CNO),  Jeremy Brynes (CEO), and Dr. Chris Hummel (Medical Director) from Elite Hospital Kingwood engage luncheon guests with an overview of unique services offered at their location
 
Adding a Little Fun: Center Prize Excitement
We also thank our Center Prize Sponsor, Bloom Consulting Services, who brought extra excitement to the luncheon as each table selected a winner based on the playing cards at their seats.
 
 
A table reserved for the Presenting Sponsor, Elite Hospital Kingwood, showcases their brand swag and a festive centerprize made by Bloom Consulting Services.
 
Welcoming Our Newest Members
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was welcoming and recognizing our newest Chamber members, including: Apricot Lane Boutique, Nesst Home Inspections, Mud and Merlot, Leo & Mel's Gardening Services, HTeaO - Atascocita, BGO Creative Services, Missy Allen Properties, Precision Restoration of Texas, Trusted Insurance Group, Chachi's Next Door, Angels on the Way, Kelly McDonald, and more.
 

It is a tradition at Monthly Luncheons to recognize new members with an iconic group photo on the main stairs in the Atrium Center.
 
Civic Engagement as a Business Priority
Our featured speaker, Chelsie Kramer with the Texas Business Leader Alliance, delivered an eye-opening message on civic engagement as a business strategy. She shared key data — including that five out of six eligible Texans did not vote in the 2024 primary — and challenged local leaders to view voter turnout as directly connected to the future of workforce, infrastructure, education, and economic stability.
 

Chelsie Kramer of the Texas Business Leader Alliance shares surprising statistics on voter turnout and it’s implications for the business community.
 
Continuing the Conversation in East Montgomery County
We closed the luncheon by recapping our recent Elected Officials Reception and highlighting the Chamber’s voter turnout initiative for East Montgomery County.
Finally, we extend our continued gratitude to our Foundational Supporter, EMCID, whose community development grant plays an ongoing role in strengthening the Chamber’s work and impact.
 
 
The beautiful Atrium Center in New Caney, Texas is home to the Monthly Chamber Luncheons and is now consistently seeing a sold-out crowd each month.
 
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.


Want more February luncheon? Check out the video highlights!