Ballots, Banter and a Few Stolen Cookies at the October Chamber Luncheon

There were ballots to cast, cookies to protect and a State Senator who wasn't about to let a little mistake in his introduction go uncorrected.

The October 7 Greater EMC Chamber Monthly Luncheon at The Atrium Center brought together business and community leaders for an afternoon that combined civic engagement, meaningful recognition, local news and plenty of laughter.

With Texas elections approaching, the luncheon offered a timely reminder that participation matters, whether in the voting booth or in the community. And as usual, the Chamber found a way to make learning something new a whole lot of fun.

Every Vote Counts, Even the Practice Ones

Guests encountered something a little different upon arrival: a mock polling station inviting them to indicate whether they planned to vote early, vote on Election Day or not vote.

The activity was part of the Chamber's developing EMC Votes initiative, which seeks to better understand and encourage civic participation throughout the region.

Chamber President & CEO Mark Linabury shared the data behind the initiative, explaining that voter turnout in EMC has been significantly lower than in other parts of Montgomery County. He also invited EMC residents who don't vote to complete a brief QR-code survey identifying barriers that might keep them from participating.

The mock election provided an informal opportunity to compare attendees' voting intentions with actual regional turnout, while keeping the conversation nonpartisan and focused on participation.

Good Food, Good Laughs and a Cookie Warning

October's Featured Caterer, Rusty Buckle, brought its signature barbecue flavors to the luncheon, beginning with candied bacon served over jalapeño slaw. Guests later enjoyed a hearty buffet featuring sliced brisket, BBQ chicken and classic sides, with homemade lemon cooler cookies for dessert.

But owner Allen Rhoden delivered more than a delicious meal. He also provided one of the afternoon's funniest moments.

Taking the microphone to introduce the menu, Rhoden pointed out that some guests had apparently discovered the dessert cookies a little earlier than intended. With perfectly timed mock disapproval, he playfully scolded the room for eating dessert before lunch and warned everyone that if they kept helping themselves, there wouldn't be enough cookies to go around.

His delivery had the room cracking up. Apparently, waiting until after lunch for dessert was asking a little too much.

Rusty Buckle also generously provided a restaurant gift card for the drawing among guests who participated in the mock election.

Community Impact Makes the Case for Credible News

Presenting Sponsor Community Impact brought an important message about trustworthy local journalism.

Kim Sommers spoke about the publication's commitment to journalistic integrity and the importance of seeking information from credible reporting rather than relying solely on social media or AI-generated content.

It was a particularly relevant conversation during an election season, when understanding local issues and evaluating the reliability of information can help people make informed decisions.

Community Impact's participation reinforced the value of accessible local reporting and the role reliable information plays in an engaged community.

A Centerprize That Revealed More Than Birthdays

Lone Star College-Kingwood served as both Centerprize Sponsor and Table Sponsor, bringing an unexpected twist to the traditional luncheon giveaway.

Guests were asked what year Lone Star College-Kingwood first opened. The answer was 1984.

At each table, the person whose birth year was closest to 1984 won the Centerprize. The unintended result? Winners tended to fall within a similar age group, prompting some good-natured laughter around the room.

Additional luncheon support came from Table Sponsors The MINT National Bank and 936-600-DUMP, along with Facility Sponsor The Atrium Center, whose venue continues to bring the region's business community together.

Celebrating Members and the People Who Connect Them

The Chamber recognized its Diplomats for their ongoing commitment to building relationships and supporting fellow members. A special congratulations went to Shawn McDowell, who received the Diplomat of the Quarter recognition.

October also brought an impressive group of new members into the spotlight:

Each introduction represented another organization or individual choosing to participate in the Greater EMC business community.

The Chamber also announced the upcoming Principal for a Day experience, scheduled for November 5 in partnership with New Caney ISD and Splendora ISD. The program offers an opportunity to connect business and community leaders with local education.

A Senator Who Wasn't About to Be Appointed

When Texas State Senator Brett Ligon took the stage, the room quickly discovered that his presentation would be anything but ordinary.

In fact, the laughter started before he even began.

While introducing the Senator, Mark Linabury mistakenly referred to Ligon as having been "appointed" to office. Ligon immediately, and emphatically, corrected the record. He had run for the position and earned the votes to get there.

The resulting back-and-forth between the two brought another round of laughter from the audience.

Ligon, who represents Texas Senate District 4, offered a brief presentation sprinkled with humor, unexpected moments and a candid glimpse of his personality. His conversational approach provided attendees an opportunity to get to know the elected official beyond his title.

Participation Makes a Difference

From the mock ballots at the entrance to the conversations about journalism, voting and public service, October's luncheon offered more than a chance to hear from an elected official.

It brought people together to learn, laugh, recognize fellow members and consider how individual participation contributes to the community.

And somewhere along the way, it also proved that a little humor can make even serious conversations more memorable.

For more information about Greater EMC Chamber Monthly Luncheons or other Chamber opportunities, contact:

Tracie Kamenoff, Director of Events & Marketing
Tracie@gemcchamber.com
281-354-0051

Greater EMC Chamber events are proudly supported by funding from East Montgomery County Improvement District's Community Development Grant.