Celebrating 75 Years: In Business For Business Since 1934   First organized as the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce in 1934, the Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce is now celebrating 75 years of service to the Montgomery County area. The humble membership of three businesses in 1934 has grown to over 1,300 members dedicated to improving the economic quality of life in Montgomery County. The mission of the Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce has been and will always be to strengthen the economic environment and quality of life in Montgomery County. The Chamber has actively promoted the Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe area in business and industrial development and continues to provide our community with a well-balanced and wholesome quality of life. The Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, community-based organization devoted to enhancing the economic growth of the Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe area. Striving to truly involve the community in all decisions, the Chamber is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors that determine policies, set goals, and steer the path of the Chamber. The board also employs a president who hires a professional staff to handle the daily operations of the Chamber. The Chamber’s goals and yearly planned program of work are accomplished through the collective efforts of the board, staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Montgomery County: Rich in History Montgomery County comprises one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. At one time, the economy was driven by farming, timber and oil, as Conroe was the third-greatest oil center in the United States. The county has experienced tremendous growth spurts throughout the years, in all directions – north, south, east and west. The City of Conroe. The City of Conroe has enjoyed much growth and prosperity since its humble beginnings in 1870. When Conroe became the county seat in 1889, the courthouse square became an important gathering point for everyday life. Over the past years, the courthouse and surrounding square have undergone a planned revitalization which has brought many new businesses to the downtown area. The City of Cut and Shoot. Believed by many historians to be named after a community confrontation in 1912, the small City of Cut and Shoot has a big history including that of a tall Texan fighter. The 1958 World’s Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Roy Harris, came from this small community. The young and then unknown Harris defeated Floyd Patterson over 50 years ago. In August of 2008, The Conroe City Council honored this respected fighter. The City of Montgomery. Steeped in history, The City of Montgomery, which was founded in 1837, remains a small historic Texas town with tree-lined streets and friendly people. The City of Montgomery beckons you to stroll back in time and browse through the many antique shops, gift shops, or historic homes open to showcase the rich history of the town. The City of Panorama Village. Originating in 1964, Panorama Village is a private community of 660 acres complete with a golf course. Nestled in a peaceful wooded environment only minutes from I-45, Panorama Village has attracted a large amount of residents. In 1972, Panorama Village was incorporated, and a police department and volunteer fire department were soon organized. The City of Shenandoah. Incorporated in 1974, the City of Shenandoah rests quietly in south Montgomery County, Texas. With a growing population, Shenandoah is undergoing an explosion in commercial development. Residential Shenandoah is a peaceful, comfortable neighborhood tucked away in the Texas pines. The City of Willis. When the railroad came to Willis in 1870, the town began to grow by leaps and bounds. The tobacco industry was the number-one crop at the time, and locally made cigars won first prize at the Columbia World Exposition. Over the years, Willis was mainly an agricultural area, with timber and livestock as the main industries. Today, Willis continues to grow due to its high quality of life and close proximity to Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest. Montgomery County: Birth Place of the Lone Star Flag of Texas The Lone Star Flag of Texas first rose in Montgomery County – or at least the idea of it did. It was a product of the vision of Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart. Dr. Stewart, a resident of the City of Montgomery, served as the first Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas and was the first to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Shortly after the signing, Republic President Mirabeau B. Lamar appointed a committee to create an official flag for the Republic. Dr. Stewart was asked to create a draft for a flag, and he did – a sketch on vellum featuring three rectangles of equal size, one vertical and the other two horizontal. In the vertical rectangle, he placed a lone star. The original drawing was not colored, but Dr. Stewart labeled the rectangles red, white, and blue. The red, white, and blue of the Lone Star Flag of Texas stand respectively for bravery, purity and loyalty. The committee approved this design and the design for a state seal, which Stewart had also drawn on the same piece of vellum. President Mirabeau B. Lamar approved both on January 25, 1839. The Heritage Museum in Montgomery County has a replica of this draft and the original sketch of the flag, and Dr. Stewart’s papers are in the Texas Archives. When Texas became a state in 1845, our Lone Star became one of many on the National Flag. It flies proudly here and is loved by Texans as a symbol of the strength, aspiration, and independence, all qualities that our early settlers brought to the count to make Texas possible. The House of Representatives of the 75th Texas Legislature adopted HR 1123, authored by State Representative Robert Rabuck, signed May 30, 1997 by Governor George Bush, proclaiming Montgomery County as the birthplace of the Lone Star Flag. Housing Ask a Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area resident why they chose this community to call home and they are certain to cite the area's affordable housing market. With the range of price comes an amazing diversity of residential options from the basic contemporary home to a custom dream home. Also, a variety of apartments, town houses and condominiums are available, as well as several retirement complexes. Local realtors and apartment locators provide assistance in finding the perfect match to each individuals specific needs. Utilities Dependable utility services, supplied by Entergy-Texas, Mid South Synergy, CenterPoint Energy, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc. are available at competitive rates throughout the area. The area has a more than ample water supply. The water needs of industry and residents are met by underground water sources. Communications Consolidated Communications maintains regional offices in Conroe. They provide state-of-the art telecommunication services throughout the area, and Verizon Southwest joins them in providing services to the north part of the county. Other national long distace providers compete for business in the area and this results in quality service at attractive rates. Cox Communications cable company operates in the greater Conroe area; Shaw Security in the west side of Willis; and Classic Cable services the area east of Conroe and sections of south county. Two radio stations broadcasts from Conroe, KVST/KSTAR Country 103.7 FM and KAXF 88.3 FM American Family Radio. The county is served by two daily newspapers, The Courier (published locally) and The Chronicle (published in Houston). There are several other semi weekly and weekly papers including The Bulletin, Lake Conroe Splash, Montgomery County News, and The Woodlands Sun. Festivals and Events When it comes to pride in its heritage, the greater Conroe / Lake Conroe area shows it in its festivals. Reembering the past and celebrating the future is a resounding theme, a theme that captures the hearts of children, the thoughts and memories of adults and the warm spirit of a community. In January, the annual Chairman's Ball dinner and dance honors the outgoing Chairman-of-the-Board, the Chairman's Key Person and the Diplomat of the Year. The Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conroe/Willis/The Woodlands Metro Go-Texan Committee host the Go Texan Parade in February which is considered to be a kick-off event for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The annual event includes trail riders, horse groups, commercial entries and youth groups from throughout the community. The Montgomery County Fair is a full week of events held in the spring, including Senior Citizen Day, homemaking, a livestock show and auction, photography show, carnival, and rodeo. When the weekend comes, 100 of the area's best barbeque chefs compete in the Montgomery County Fair Barbeque Cook-Off. A dance, a variety of entertainment, horseshoe pitching and even a chicken flying contest highlights the weekend events. Come sample a smorgasbord of culinary delights from local restaurants, country clubs and beverage operations at the Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce annual Culinary Extravaganza. Between tasting, guests can enjoy the island sounds of a steel-drum band or board the Southern Empress to try a hand at the gaming tables in the casino. In April is the annual Montgomery Trek.  Tour historical homes and enjoy an arts and crafts fair.  In December, Montgomry host the annual 12 days of Christmas which includes a lighted Christmas parade, candlelight tour of historic homes and the popular cookie walk. Spicy food and good music are served up at the annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. Enjoy Cajun, zydeco and Texas music on several stages, arts & crafts and a carnival at the October event held in downtown Conroe, on the square. The Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce Lobsterfest is held annually in October. Lobsterfest includes golf and a lobster/steak dinner. Golfers tee off in the morning or afternoon and try their luck at winning Ol' Hunter, a camouflage truck donated by the local new car dealers. Guest are treated that evening to a Maine lobster and sirloin steak dinner with all the trimmings. The silent and live auction tables is a sure way to get the holidayshopping season started. The Business Expo is an exciting opportunity to do business with chamber members in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  It also offers members the perfect environment to inform others of their services by allowing them to set up booths for the public to stop by.  The Texas Renaissance Festival is a trip back in time to the days of knights, damsels and wizardry. The festival takes place on the weekend only in October through mid-November. Convention Centers The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is a brand new multi-events complex of Montgomery County. Situated on 128 acres of Piney Woods just north of Houston, this state-of-the-art facility is the area's center of attention for a wide variety of special events at affordable rates. The Expo Center is a 111,000-square-foot, covered arena which is the new home of the Montgomery County Fair. The Expo Center seats up to 7,500 spectators. A 31,250-square-foot dirt ring provides a center stage for rodeos, boat shows, boxing and wrestling events, animal shows, circuses, BMX races, equestrian and sporting events, just to name a few. The 56,000-square-foot Convention Center features a 22,300-square-foot Main Ballroom and a very versatile 4,600-square-foot Special Events Room, which can be divided in half. Up to six break-out rooms for classes or conference rooms also are available. The Convention Center accommodates a full spectrum of events including concerts, sporting events, exhibitions ethnic festivals, meetings and conferences, family shows, balls, job fairs, trade shows and receptions. The Del Lago Waterfront Conference Center & Resort, nestled among the scented pines that lines the shores of beautiful Lake Conroe, is the perfect getaway for business, organizations, or families. The conference center offers more than 60,000 square feet of flexible function space, including three spacious ballrooms, 22 well-appointed meeting rooms and a fully equipped 120-seat amphitheater. Transportation Montgomery County is accessible by Interstate 45 and US Highway 59 as major north-south corridors and State Highway 105 as the major east-west corridor. Both north-south freeways connect to I-10 in Houston. Conroe is only 40 miles north of downtown Houston. The county is served by both the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific Railway companies. The area's location on this excellent transportation network provides reliable access to all major U.S. and international markets. The Lone Star Executive Airport is strategically located just off I-45 North, just 40 minutes from downtown Houston and even closer to Bush Intercontinental Airport via the Hardy Toll Road. A new terminal building adds to the growing airport operation, offering a focal point for airport visitors. T-hanger rentals, available office space and two FBO operations are also available. Other amenities include AVGas, Jet-A, rental cars, an avionics shop, charter service, pilot training, hangers, tie down, aircraft sales, and aircraft repair and maintenance. Transporation for goods to and from the county is aided by 20 motor freight carriers in the Montgomery County area. In addition, the entire Gulf Coast area is served by the Port of Houston, 45 minutes south of Conroe. The port ranks second in the U.S. for total tonnage and is the eighth largest port in the world. The Montgomery County area enjoys an excellent, year-round transportation system fully utilizing ground, air, rail and sea. Health Care Montgomery County is served by several regional hospitals and an array of medical support facilities. Conroe Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is a 370 bed, full-service facility providing state-of-the-art services in most specialties including cardiovascular surgery, radiation oncology, and neonatal intensive care. More than 250 physicians who practice independently provide medical expertise in 40 different specialties. A major expansion was completed in 2002, which included a 38 bed Intensive Care/Coronary Care Unit, four new operating suites, and two new patient floors for an addition of 110 beds. For more than 60 years, CRMC has been committed to high-quality, patient-centered care. CRMC’s approach to patient care combines progressive diagnosis and treatment, along with the personal touch that one might expect from a hometown hospital. For nearly two decades, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital has delivered cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. The hospital has recently added beds, equipment and staff while steadfastly maintaining their hallmark healing environment. Recently a $78 million Patient Tower Expansion and Women’sCenter was completed. This expansion includes 168-private patient rooms with Internet access, a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Services, and a Specialized Chemotherapy Unit. Designed for women of all ages, the Women’s Center provides convenient, coordinated health care with an emphasis on family-centered care, trend-setting treatment, and prevention. Services include Family Birth Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lactation Center, Women’s Specialty Unit, Bladder Health/Continence Center, Breast Health, Bone Health, and Family Resource Library. Additional services include a comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Center, Outpatient Radiation Oncology Cancer Center, Surgery Center, Emergency Center, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Nutritional Counseling Services, Sleep Disorder Laboratory, and Cardiopulmonary. This hospital is part of an 11-hospital Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. Should specialized care be needed at a sister hospital, the patient is just a LifeFlight helicopter away. Today with a caring team of more than 500 physicians, 1,000 employees, and 200 volunteers, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital is committed to bringing the best in health care to Montgomery County. Compassionate care is the focus of St. Luke’s Community Medical Center-The Woodlands, an 84-bed nonprofit hospital, which opens spring 2003.  Family-centered in its approach, the hospital is dedicated to caring for the whole patient – body, mind, and sprit.  Drawing on almost 50 years of experience frm its parent, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System, the hospital is partnering with Texas Heart Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, and TIRR Rehabilitation Centers to bring the quality of Texas Medical Center health services to the community.  Services at St. Luke’s CMC-The Woodlands include a birthing center, surgery center, digital diagnostic imaging, chest pain services, women’s center, sleep disorder center, nuclear medicine, infusion services, pulmonary function studies, and a blood donor center.  Board certified emergency physicians and pediatricians provide emergency services to adults and children.  An adjacent six-story medical office building houses a number of multi-specialty medical staff. HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital of North Houston (HRHNH) is a 96-bed acute care medical rehabilitation hospital specializing in physical rehabilitation and community reintegration. HRHNH works in partnership with the acute care medical hospitals in the community to continue a patient’s medical treatment and recovery. In addition, HRHNH rehabilitation staff focus intensively on providing therapies designed to assist the patient and caregiver with regaining daily self care, cooking and ambulating abilities, and any and all skills necessary to go back home or into the community at a higher level of independence.The hospital’s physician, nursing, and therapy staff has extensive training and experiencetreating a wide range of injuries and illnesses that have created a loss of physical and/or mental function. Treatment is provided using a multi-disciplinary approach that includes physiatry, rehabilitation nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, medication education, nutritional therapy, neuropsychology, social services/case management, and other therapies based on a patient’s specific needs. Their Community Reintegration approach provides opportunities and experiences that promote the development and application of new knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for successful participation in daily community living. The program has a separate, distinct unit dedicated to community re-entry with private rooms and kitchen areas to promote independent living training in a supportive environment At HRHNH, they are improving the quality of life of people who have survived injury and illness. It is their goal to help individuals return to their prior lifestyles and levl of independence. Sadler Clinic is the largest multi-specialty clinic in the country, providing many diverse services. With seven convenient locations in The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery, the clinic is easily accessible. Primary care is provided by Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. A wide range of specialties include Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Chiropractics, Critical Care, Dermatology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Hematology, Neurology, OB/GYN, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Orthopedic Spine Surgery, Physical Therapy, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry, Pulmonary, Rheumatology, Sleep Disorders Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Urology. Laboratory services such as routine bloodwork, cultures, pap smears, medication monitoring, and other diagnostic testing are offered. Radiology services include X-Ray, Fluoroscopy, Computerized Tomography (CAT Scan), Bone Density, Bone Scans, 4-D Ultrasound, ad MRI. Sadler Clinic has several specialty clinics including the Health Center for Women at Sadler Clinic, Sadler Clinic Occupational Health Services, The Sports Medicine Center of Sadler Clinic, Sadler Clinic Sleep Disorders Clinic, and Sadler Clinic After Hours Clinics. Montgomery County Emergency Communication District (9-1-1) is equipped with leading edge technology that assists all Public Safety Agencies within the county in responding to emergencies. Community Service Montgomery County's sound character can be seen by its strong community ethic of giving, from wide-ranging volunteerism to recognized corporate and individual philanthropy. The spirit of giving makes it possible for more than 100 agencis to provide assistance to senior citizens, youth consumers, veterans, adults, and support groups throughout the community. Education The greater Conroe/Lake Conroe area is served by three quality school districts. Of the three districts that serve this chamber's geographic area, Conroe Independent School District is the largest with over 39,150 students in Conroe and The Woodlands. Montgomery Independent School District serves 4,624 students in the south lake area and the western section of the county, and Willis Independent School District serves 4,744 students in the north lake area and the norther portion of the county. These school districts offer quality, well-rounded curricula that provides opportunities for students to gain academic skills essential for success in today's competitive environment. All three school districts field competitive athletic programs that frequently win district and state championships. Lone Star College - Montgomery is one of five comprehensive colleges in the Lone Star College District. Completed in 1995, Lone Star College - Montgomery is a 323,000-square-foot campus located on 110 acres of pine forest along Highway 242 West (College Park Drive) and Interstate 45 North, in between The Woodlands and Conroe. In 2003, the college opened a new library and classroom building. The college had closed to 6,900 credit students enrolled in fall 2003 courses, and offers more than 40 career and academic transfer programs. Lone Star College - Montgomery has a guaranteed schedule for all academic courses - no classes in the published schedule will be canceled. The college has an average class size of 24 students. Programs of note include criminal justice, physical terapist assistant, biotechnology, radiologic technology, vocational and associate degree nursing, human services, computer technology, and management. A comprehensive range of transfer, vocational, and remedial programs - including art, music, science, history, government, and computers - is available. Montgomery County offers its residents opportunities to receive college degrees through the University Center. The center is a partnership of six universities, the North Harris Montgomery Community College District (NHMCCD), and the private sector.The partner universities are Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, University of Houston, and University of Houston-Downtown. Courses leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, special advanced programs, as well as continuing studies, are offered by the partner universities at The Universiy Center. The center serves the entire community college district, an area of more than 14,000 square miles. The center is housed in the 78,000 square-foot George P. Mitchell Building next to Lone Star College - Montgomery. Center For Business & Technology Training offers career advancement training in the areas of manufacturing, computers, and other high-tech or business-related areas. Today’s workplace is requiring a "just-in-time" workforce, one that is fluid, flexible and sometimes disposable. Workers constantly have to sell and upgrade their skills. Competition brought on by the global marketplace has caused employers to invest in new technology requiring a more skilled workforce. The manufacturing industry is a prime example. Jobs that once involved time-consuming hand-machine work are disappearing. Today, a machinist must be able to read blueprints, understand computer-aided design, operate computer-controlle machine tools, and make critical decisions. Because so many of today’s products are highly customized, machinists also must be able to communicate with customers. The Center for Business & Technology Training, part of Montgomery College, is a 30,000 square-foot facility offering hands-on training in the areas of manufacturing, computers, and other high-tech or business-related areas. Additionally, the CBTT offers some transfer coursework , and two medical related programs. The focus of the CBTT is to provide individuals and employers the workforce development skill training needed to be competitive in the marketplace. Job skills have been profiled and curriculum have been developed. The programs/courses currently being offered at the center are the result of the business community telling Montgomery College what skills are needed in the workplace. Employers also continue to emphasize the importance of being able to read an write, understand basic math, and communicate with others. So, in addition to focusing on business and technology training, adult basic education is also a part of the center’s focus.   Public Library The 50,000 square foot, automated Montgomery County Memorial Library hosts an extensive collection of Texana and local history, a children's room, special programs and monthly exhibits. The county wide system boasts six branches throughout the county with 448,052 volumes. The Genealogy Department at the central library has the fourth largest genealogical collection housed in a public library in the state of Texas.