The Luxury Ride Was Just the Beginning
The Atrium Center is maxed out for a sold out luncheon with 200 in attendance.
The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber welcomed 200 members and guests to its June Monthly Luncheon at the Atrium Center for an afternoon filled with networking, leadership development, community recognition, and more surprises than a typical luncheon program could hold. From luxury shuttle service and creative giveaways to heartfelt tributes and leadership insights, the event showcased the Chamber's ability to bring people together while creating memorable experiences.
Guests are unexpectedly delighted after stepping off a shuttle that surprised them with luxury and comfort.
A First-Class Welcome
With the neighboring R.B. Tullis Library hosting a large Summer Reading Program kickoff at the same time, the Chamber worked with community partners to create a seamless parking solution for attendees.
Guests were directed to overflow parking at New Caney High School, where complimentary luxury limousine-style shuttles transported them to and from the Atrium Center. Complete with cold beverages on a hot summer day, the shuttle experience added an unexpected touch of hospitality and convenience.
The Chamber extends sincere appreciation to New Caney High School and Constable Rowdy Hayden's Office for helping make the operation a success.
The Hometown Chef passed their famous Classic Caprese Skewers with a Balsamic Glaze for guests to enjoy upon their arrival.
Once inside, attendees were welcomed by Chamber Diplomats and enjoyed networking alongside passed appetizers from Featured Caterer The Hometown Chef Catering Co. Following a blessing by Brian Garcia of Entergy, owner Tiffany Avila introduced the lunch menu before guests enjoyed a buffet that quickly earned rave reviews. In fact, the meal proved so popular that dessert disappeared before the event concluded, as many guests returned for seconds after enjoying their full-course meal.
Chamber luncheon attendees share the experience on social media with selfies and reflections from the day.
Sponsors, Recognition, and Community Connections
Board Member Jacque Canada led the pledges before emcee Mark Linabury introduced a newly defined explanation of the Chamber's purpose, describing it as "the voice of business, advancing a strong local economy for a thriving community."
Nikki Roux with the Presenting Sponsor, Memorial Hermann Northeast, shares timely summer health and safety reminders.
Presenting Sponsor Memorial Hermann Northeast was recognized, with Nikki Roux sharing timely summer health and safety reminders. The Chamber also thanked Centerprize Sponsor Accurate Home & Commercial Services, whose pollinator-themed giveaway brought a creative twist to the afternoon.
In recognition of National Pollinator Week beginning June 22, the guest at each table with the birthday closest to that date received a summer-themed prize. Two lucky attendees also won complimentary pest treatments, adding an extra layer of excitement to the giveaway.
Chief Stephen Carlisle stands for a photo after winning the Centerprize from Accurate Home & Commercial Services.
Additional appreciation was extended to Table Sponsors Entergy, Lariat Roofing & Construction, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Splendora ISD Education Foundation, and San Jacinto River Authority.
The luncheon also welcomed summer intern Rohit Patel through EfTA – Education for Tomorrow Alliance, along with several fellow interns participating in the program. New members recognized included Lariat Roofing & Construction, The Back Nine - New Caney, Rayburn's Roofing LLC, Dignity Memorial Forest Park The Woodlands, Brick Restoration, Inc., and Premier Spine Institute – Dr. Ngu.
New Members display their recognition plaques for a photo on the stairs.
Celebrating Leadership in Action
The program continued with recognition of Splendora ISD's IncubatorEDU program and the many business leaders who mentored and evaluated student entrepreneurs throughout the year.
Another memorable moment followed as members of the Pathway to Leadership EMC Class of 2026 were recognized individually. In an unexpected twist, class members took the microphone to share personal reflections on their experience, thanking their employers, the Chamber, facilitator Dr. Kimberly Distefano, Mark Linabury, and Tracie Kamenoff for their investment in the program.
Dr. Kimberly DiStefano delivers a high-energy keynote about leadership in a busy era to attendees who identified with the talk on a personal level.
Dr. Distefano then concluded the luncheon with a keynote presentation, "Leadership at 200 MPH." Her message challenged attendees to become more intentional and effective leaders, emphasizing that greater impact does not necessarily require working faster or doing more, but rather leading with purpose and strategy.
The Pathway to Leadership EMC Class of 2026 proudly shows off their leadership plaques for a photo with their Facilitator, Dr. Kimberly Distefano.
From first-class hospitality to leadership lessons and heartfelt appreciation, the June luncheon delivered an afternoon full of connection, celebration, and inspiration.
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.