More Than a Round of Golf: The Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic Delivers a Day to Remember
Beautiful fairways, friendly competition, creative hospitality, and plenty of community spirit made the 2026 Annual Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic presented by The Highlands a day worth celebrating!
Held September 21 at Highland Pines Golf Club, the annual tournament brought together 25 teams representing businesses and organizations throughout the EMC region. Against a backdrop of panoramic golf course views, the event offered a chance to step away from the usual workday, strengthen business relationships, and enjoy some friendly competition.
And while golf brought everyone together, there was plenty happening beyond the fairways.
The Fun Started Before the First Swing
The excitement began well before the 1 p.m. shotgun start, as tee box hosts prepared their spaces and golfers arrived for check-in and lunch.
A build-your-own sandwich buffet with pasta salad gave players a chance to grab a bite, catch up with familiar faces, and get ready for the afternoon ahead.
Highland Pines Golf Club provided a beautiful setting and warm hospitality throughout the day. With its scenic views and inviting atmosphere, the course was a fitting backdrop for an event that celebrates the relationships behind our region's business community.
These Weren't Your Average Tee Box Stops
One of the most memorable parts of the Chamber Classic was the enthusiasm and creativity of the tee box hosts.
These sponsors went above and beyond to create welcoming experiences for golfers as they made their way around the course. Trusted Insurance Group was a standout with its cocktail experience, adding a little extra hospitality to an already lively afternoon.
The tee box hosts helped make the tournament about more than moving from hole to hole. They created opportunities for conversations, introductions, and connections that are just as important as the competition itself.
A special thank-you goes to The Highlands, Holcomb Family YMCA, Memorial Hermann, Pearson Insurance & Financial Services/James Pearson State Farm Agent, Entergy, New Caney Smiles Dentistry, Community Resource Credit Union, Elite Hospital Kingwood, Trusted Insurance Group, STX Roofing, First Financial Bank, and Jaguar Fueling Services for bringing their energy and hospitality to the course.
And the Winners Are...
Of course, a golf tournament wouldn't be complete without a little competition!
After an afternoon on the fairways, three teams earned the top spots in this year's Chamber Classic.
Congratulations to our 2026 tournament winners
- 1st Place: Jersey Mike's Subs – New Caney
- 2nd Place: ServiceMaster DSI
- 3rd Place: Vanguard Truck Center of Houston
Congratulations to these teams on their finishes, and thank you to all 25 participating teams for being part of this year's tournament.
From the Fairways to a Prime Rib Dinner
The experience didn't end when the final putts dropped.
Golfers transitioned from the course to an evening reception and awards dinner sponsored by Memorial Hermann Northeast, where the hospitality continued with an elevated dining experience featuring a prime rib carving station.
The evening offered another opportunity for participants to reconnect, celebrate the day's winners, and enjoy time together away from the competition.
And the raffle? A huge hit! The added anticipation and excitement made for another memorable part of the evening's festivities.
It was a fitting way to close out a day that balanced friendly competition with genuine community connection.
Great Events Happen Because Businesses Step Up
The Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic is made possible through the investment and participation of businesses that believe in supporting opportunities for our regional business community.
A special thank-you to Presenting Sponsor The Highlands a Caldwell Community, whose support helped bring this annual tradition to life.
We also recognize our Eagle Sponsors, First Financial Bank and Entergy, along with Birdie Sponsors Pearson Insurance & Financial Services/James Pearson State Farm Agent, Hallmark Mitigation & Construction LLC, New Caney Smiles Dentistry, and Frost Bank.
Frost Bank also served as the Awards Sponsor, while J&R's Ace Hardware sponsored the Putting Green 3-Putt Shoot Out and Premier Spine Institute supported the tournament as Beverage Cart Sponsor.
Our hole sponsors also played an important role in supporting the event: Accurate Home & Commercial Services, Hallmark Mitigation & Construction, Health Center of Southeast Texas, Whataburger, Zulee's Executive Gifts, Terracon, East Montgomery County Improvement District, Texas State Representative Janis Holt, Sullivan's Truck, Auto & Collision, Prime Patio & Landscape, The Signorelli Company, Mark Keough Campaign, Elevation Land Solutions, Tune-Up The Manly Salon, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray, Eagle Sand & Gravel, and San Jacinto River Authority.
Each sponsorship represents a business or community partner choosing to invest in an opportunity that brings people together and strengthens relationships throughout our region.
A Proud Day for EMC's Business Community
When the clubs were put away and the awards were presented, what remained was another example of why the Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic has become a meaningful annual tradition.
It brings together businesses of different sizes and industries, creates opportunities to build relationships outside the office, and reminds us that a strong business community is built through participation.
To our golfers, sponsors, tee box hosts, and the team at Highland Pines Golf Club, thank you for making the 2026 Proud2BeEMC Chamber Classic a success!
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the course next year.
Thank You to Our 25 Participating Teams!
Congratulations to our tournament winners, and thank you to every organization that joined us on the course.
- The Highlands by Caldwell Communities (2 teams)
- ServiceMaster DSI – 2nd Place
- Accurate Home & Commercial Services
- Jersey Mike's Subs – New Caney – 1st Place
- First Financial Bank
- Frost Bank (2 teams)
- Memorial Hermann Northeast
- Pearson Insurance & Financial Services Inc./James Pearson State Farm Agent
- Community Impact
- Citizens State Bank
- Lone Star College-Kingwood
- HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
- McAlpine Interests
- New Caney Smiles Dentistry
- Entergy Texas, Inc.
- Vanguard Truck Center of Houston – 3rd Place
- Hallmark Mitigation & Construction LLC
- Premier Spine Institute – Dr. Ngu
- Health Center of Southeast Texas
- TNP, Inc.
- East Montgomery County Improvement District
- The Signorelli Company
- I.C. Janitorial Supply
For more information about Greater EMC Chamber events 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.