Visit Portland, Texas

09/04/2024

Hey friends! If you happen to be visiting our city this month, we have a special request for you. Our community is hosting some exciting tournaments for our youth and we would love for you to be a part of it! Make sure to check out these tournaments and show your support.

08/12/2024

🙌🏼 Anyone feeling a bit bored and in need of some new faces in life? 👀 We're on the hunt for a great hang out spot where you can meet some cool people. 🤗 Any suggestions? 🤔 It could be a cozy coffee shop like Bloom City Coffee, a trendy bar, or even a park with a killer view. 🌳🍻 Let us know in the comments below and let's make some new memories together! 🤩 🌇

Send a message to learn more

06/06/2024

Hey y'all! 🙌🏼 Get ready to drool because Raising Cane's Grand Opening is just around the corner! 🍗🍟 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 25th at 8am and get ready to experience the finger-lickin' goodness of their famous chicken fingers and secret sauce. Trust me, it's worth the hype! 🤤 Plus, they're giving away free Cane's box combo cards to the first 100 customers. 🎉 So gather your squad and head over to the Portland Location for some seriously delicious eats. See you there! 🍗🍟

Hey everyone! 🎉🍗 We have some exciting news to share with all of you. 🤩 The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Raising Cane's is finally here! 🎊🎉
We can already smell the delicious chicken fingers and crinkle-cut fries. 🍟 And let's not forget about their famous Cane's sauce that we all know and love. 😍 We can't wait to sink my teeth into some mouth-watering chicken! 🤤

So mark your calendars for the Chamber Ribbon Cutting and program on Tuesday, June 25th starting at 8am. [Store opens at 9am.] Let's show our support for this amazing new addition to our community. 🤗 And while we're at it, let's also give a warm welcome to our new neighbors at Raising Cane's. 🤗

See you all there! 🎉 Don't forget to bring your appetites! 😉

05/09/2024

🤩 From new parks and shopping centers to revamped transportation systems, it seems like our city is on the rise! 🌇 I can't wait to see all these changes come to life and make our city even better. Who's with me? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Let's share our thoughts and predictions in the comments below. 🗣️

Have you heard of the City of Portland's digital maps?? 🗺📲 Just a click away and you can access maps of Portland online at anytime. See roads, upcoming development, garage sales and more. It is pretty snazzy. 🌇 Check it out here https://www.portlandtx.com/890/Digital-Maps

04/03/2024

Visiting Portland for the weekend!? We invite you to join us for some fun starting tomorrow night. There will be street closures so please make plans in the evening.

Online registration for Windfest 2024 Volunteer Sign Up.

10/18/2023

Let's gear up for Christmas! Register your business today! Post that you want more information and I'll send you the form to sign up! Or email us at [email protected]

09/25/2023

This Saturday, Sept. 30th will be a busy day for Portland. The City of Portland and G-P Wildcat Band Boosters want businesses to be prepared for the Tournament of Bands happening this weekend that will bring in many people to our community!

09/11/2023

It's CASH MOB time again!! Let's band together and MOB Attic Antiques & Gifts this week! They have lots of great jewelry pieces to complement your fall outfits! 🍁 Go by and see them this week: Tuesday to Saturday from 11a-6p.

09/11/2023

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the Monday Minute! We include upcoming Chamber events, news and ways to get involved. Check it out! https://conta.cc/3ExTiuL

07/18/2023

07/11/2023

07/10/2023

JOIN US FOR CASH MOB!!
Support Local Business, Rock's Gym will be offering THREE FREE 1-day passes during the upcoming Cash Mob from July 11th through July 14th! Cash Mob is a local, neighborhood effort to gather community members with the purpose of supporting small businesses. Each "MOBBER" is asked to spend $20 at the business. Like and Share this post for your chance to win!!!!

07/05/2023

06/14/2023

Become a MOBBER!! Join us this week to MOB Butter Churn Restaurant - our June Meal Mob. Stop by, Check-in, Receive specials, Support Local Business! See you there! Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-3pm, Closed Monday

08/12/2021

On Call. All Day. Every Second.
"Our staff, our responders and our helicopter fleet stand ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can mobilize in minutes so you have the peace of mind knowing we’re there for you and your family in your most crucial moments. It’s not just our job, it’s our passion. We’ve helped save thousands of lives and are poised to save thousands more." - HALO- Flight, Inc.

To learn more about HALO- Flight, make sure you join us at our upcoming "Spotlight on Our Non- Profit's" Luncheon Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 11:30 AM - 1 PM at the Portland Community Center!

Register Here:
https://business.portlandtx.org/events/details/spotlight-on-our-non-profits-luncheon-11379

07/23/2021

Check Out Today's Membership Spotlight with Fabian Guerra, Owner of JNCC!

For Today’s Membership Spotlight Josette Altamirano had the pleasure of interviewing Owner of J.N.C.C., Fabian Guerra. Here’s how it went:

“When we moved to Portland almost 20 years ago. One of our neighbors, Jimmy, was having some computer problems, and being raised to always be neighborly; I went and helped him out. He started giving my name out to his friends, and when they called, they would ask “is this Jimmys neighbor?”. After a month or two of this, it was clear I needed to make the business official, and “Jimmys Neighbors’ Computer Company” became our official name. Over time, our name was shortened to JNCC, but the neighborly spirit behind the original name still drives everything we do. My favorite in-store item is one that not many people see. I call it my “wall of happy”. It is a collection of trinkets, nick knacks, and letters that my customers have given to me over the years, and they remind me why I do what I do. If I had a piece of advice to someone just starting out it would be, “Be honest, be upfront” and like my grandfather always said, “if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right”. For us, our customers/neighbors have become like family, and while we want new customers, (and enjoy watching our JNCC family grow) we also take great pride in caring for the family we already have. My goals are the same as they have always been, help as many people as we can, and make enough to be able to keep my family going and continue helping. We advertise using word of mouth. We have found that if you do a good job, you will gather good customers and good friends. As for giving back to the community, we always try to help whenever we can. We don’t sell refurbished or used computers, so they always get donated to local charities, shelters, or those in need. Our struggles within the last year...we have lost many friends and customers to the Covid-19 outbreak. It was very hard not being able to attend their funerals. It continues to be very hard to think that their smiling faces will not walk in my shop ever again. The last big achievement that we celebrated, was my 19-year-old daughter Chloe’s big move up to San Antonio, where she will start her post-grad medical studies in August 2021. When I am not in the office, I am still taking calls and helping people with computer problems, or playing on one of my many stringed instruments that I have collected over the years and spending time with my family. If I could nominate someone to be “Membership Spotlight” it would be Monte McWhorter with Mcwhorter Electric/Service Group. Hes a great guy and just does good business.”

We’d like to thank Josette Altamirano for conducting this interview as well as Fabian Guerra for being our Membership Spotlight for today. The Portland Chamber of Commerce is lucky to have an Alpha Geek just as superior as you!

07/16/2021

Check out our Membership Spotlight for today with Pavilion Assisted Living!

For Today’s Membership Spotlight Ambassador, Lacie Kenne with The News of San Patricio had the pleasure of interviewing Executive Director of Pavilion Assisted Living, Cheryl Longwell. Here’s how it went:

“We are an Assisted Living Community established in 2020 where we assist people with their quality of life. We are not a nursing home; everyone has a private apartment and never has to move again. I was actually the hairdresser and the man upstairs told me differently, he gave me the neon sign and said “you will be an executive director”, after arguing, I lost. We are the best Assisted Living in San Patricio County, we’re all here for our residents and they will never have to live in a nursing home. You just have to walk in the facility and you can tell it is NOT a nursing home. If I had a piece of advice to someone just starting out it would be “Have patience, realize census does not grow overnight”. Even when I’m not in the office I’m thinking about the office! I hope our residents and their families are very pleased with the care provided by my staff. We have a great team and I am very proud of each of them. What makes me the proudest of Pavilion Assisted Living is the fact that we kept COVID out! Our staff have the biggest hearts and they would not walk in the door if there were any symptoms. As for goals for Pavilion Assisted Living, I would love to build census, see families coming back in, smiles if they are vaccinated, and get the volunteers back in the facility.” How do you give back to the community? “I am a Class X graduate of Leadership Portland, I served on the Chamber Board of Directors for 4 years, Leadership Portland steering Committee 3 years, and after taking 4 years off, I am back on Steering Committee this year as the Chairman. Our efforts in the community as well as at our facility haven’t gone unnoticed and the proof is in our latest achievements. We were Caller Times 2021 Finalist in Assisted Living, Business of the Month July 2021 from the Portland Chamber of Commerce and now, we’ve been selected as the Membership Spotlight for today, we are so blessed! Our caregivers are the heart of our organization and their dedication and passion are paramount to our success. We are looking for people who share our dogged commitment to take excellent care of our patients and residents whether through a direct caregiving role, or in a support function that helps ensure the everyone has what they need.”

We’d like to thank our Ambassador Lacie Kenne for conducting this interview as well as Cheryl Longwell for being our Membership Spotlight for today.

07/09/2021

Check out our Membership Spotlight with District Clerk, Heather Marks!

For Today’s Membership Spotlight Ambassador Suzee Hays with Lee Real Estate had the pleasure of interviewing District Clerk, Heather Marks. Here’s how it went:

“The District Clerk is a constitutional officer of county government elected by voters for a 4-year term. As the District Clerk, I am the custodian of the official record of the district courts, which includes managing current records as well as historical records dating back through the sovereignty of San Patricio County in 1836. Our office transmits orders of the court to the authorities responsible for their ex*****on, including subpoenas, citations, warrants, and summons. It is also our responsibility to collect and disburse court costs, fines, and other fees, as well as to operate a trust registry for funds awarded to minors and monies that are being disputed in court. Additionally, we manage all aspects of jury summons and selection. We love getting to interact with county residents reporting for jury duty! If I had a favorite piece of advice or words of wisdom it would be, Love God, love people. Be kind. Have a good sense of humor. Put yourself in others’ shoes. When there is no wind, row! A byproduct of service is happiness! My ongoing goals for the District Clerk's Office are to continue identifying and implementing processes that will make us more efficient, while offering the best customer service to all who we serve. We just completed an update and automation process of our jury system and I also recently served on a team that worked to upgrade our case management system. Currently, I am working on a project to enhance electronic access to court records for the public. Giving back to the community means so much to me. First and foremost, I love being a member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce because it gives me the opportunity to be engaged and involved in making Portland the very best place to live, work, or do business. I also serve as a member of the San Patricio Child Welfare Board and am so proud of the support we are able to provide to children who are currently part of the foster system, helping to improve the lives of kids who are victims of abuse and neglect. I am also a member of the ChatWork Civic Club and am so very proud of the huge impact this group has made for over 100 years now! Additionally, I am a Rotarian, a Lions Club member, Taft A&H Booster Club member, and also volunteer for the Communities in Schools organization. I especially enjoy working with all the amazing folks who serve in these organizations! Like with just about everyone, the COVID-19 crisis was a huge challenge for us. We did not have the ability to just shut down, so we have had to really think outside of the box in finding ways to continue our business in a safe and effective way. We’ve had to adapt quickly to changes with virtual court hearings via Zoom and other electronic processes. We are very lucky to have some fantastic leaders in our county who make great decisions, but who more importantly are willing to listen and work with one another to problem solve and find solutions! Despite the challenging times, I am very honored to be a member of the current Leadership 254 program of the Texas Association of Counties. I was selected in 2020 to be a part of a class of 24 elected officials from across the state of Texas. I am currently halfway through the program and feel very fortunate to have this opportunity for professional growth and development alongside some amazing leaders from across our great state! When I’m not at the office, I love spending time with my family! My husband, Jared, and I have one son, Beau, who is 11-years-old. We love entertaining and planning adventures! We're huge Texas music fans and love live shows. I especially enjoy fishing, golf and anything creative/crafty. My favorite book is “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews. This book is such a fabulous reminder about the importance of perspective in our lives and about how even our simplest actions can have such profound effects on others. Since I was a kid, “The Princess Bride” has been a favorite movie of mine, I can pretty much quote the whole movie!!”

We’d like to thank our Ambassador Susan Hays for conducting this interview as well as Heather Marks for giving us an insider to our District Clerks office! The Portland Chamber of Commerce is grateful to have motivated and encouraging members like yourself!

07/02/2021

Check out our Membership Spotlight with My Mom Had That Antique Mall owner, Amy McAda!

For Today’s Membership Spotlight Ambassador Chair, John Adams Owner of AR Xtreme had the pleasure of interviewing Owner of My Mom Had That Antique Mall, Amy McAda. Here’s how it went:

“We are a place for people to have a dream of their own business established October 18, 2015. We are known for vintage and antiques with a splash of new items as well. We have a little bit of everything with everchanging unique and unusual finds. Watching vendors make their dreams happen by having their own place to sell their items truly makes me proudest of My Mom Had That! A “really great day” for us is when someone that has been looking everywhere for that certain item and find it in our store, all of our in- store items are always changing as we get so many strange and unusual pieces, my favorite items in- store have to be the exotic and one-of-a-kind things. The little appreciations go a long way. Before becoming a store owner, I was a mom, wife, and homeschool mom. I had just been put into a wheelchair permanently, I had just lost my mom and my mother-in-law. I was floundering to find a place for myself. I started doing my own rehab to get me moving and walking because I refused to be down. I started in a shop with a small booth and my husband encouraged me to go bigger, and My Mom Had That! was born. If I had one piece of advice for someone just starting out it would be, don’t give up! If I had to choose between attracting more new customers or garner more money from existing customers, I’d say both, we love seeing new customers and I wouldn’t trade my existing customers for anything! Our main goal at My Mom Had That! is to keep our vendors and customers happy. We mainly advertise on social media and word of mouth. My involvement in the community helps! One way I give back to the community is by volunteering as much of my time as possible.” Let me tell you guys, Amy is a total ROCKSTAR when it comes to volunteering for the Portland Chamber of Commerce! “Struggles within the last year, I think we all faced them, it was called COVID! Although it was rough for everyone I have to say, becoming a part of the Portland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors I was shocked, and surprised. It was a great achievement to celebrate, thank you all!” What do you do when you’re not at the office? “My husband and I like to go off-roading, so we go to off road parks. I have a Jeep and he has a rock crawler. I listen to books mostly because I don’t stop enough to read, but I have an earbud in daily with a book in my ear going. I just finished the entire series of JD Robbs “in Death” series. But normally I’m a magic strange worlds and witches' kind of girl. My favorite movies include “Hope Floats” and “Sweet Home Alabama”, serious chick flicks! Favorite song, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, it’s mine and my hubby’s song! If I had to nominate someone to be in our Membership Spotlight, I’d have to say Bethany at Décor, she shows such grace that I can’t help but admire her!”

We’d like to thank our Ambassador John Adams for conducting this interview as well as Amy McAda for giving us not only your time but your effort as well. The Portland Chamber of Commerce is grateful to have selfless members like yourself!

07/02/2021

Registration Ends in 1 WEEK!

Register Here: https://business.portlandtx.org/events/details/shopping-in-july-shopping-tournament-11333

06/29/2021

Registration Ends in 10 DAYS! Sign Up Today!

Register Here: https://business.portlandtx.org/events/details/shopping-in-july-shopping-tournament-11333

Happy Tuesday!
We support local every day here at the Portland Chamber! Don't miss your chance to participate in our One Day Power Shopping Extravaganza, our 2021 Shopping Tournament! July 17, 2021.

REGISTRATION ENDS IN 10 DAYS so make sure you grab your team, pick a theme, and shop (local) til you drop!

Register Here: https://business.portlandtx.org/events/details/shopping-in-july-shopping-tournament-11333

Have questions? Give Us a Call! 361-777-4650 or visit the link above and click "Shopping Tournament FAQ's" towards the bottom of the webpage.

06/11/2021

Check out this week's Membership Spotlight with Francine Blanchard from NavyArmy Community Credit Union- Portland!

Today’s Membership Spotlight is with Board Member Francine Blanchard, Manager of the NavyArmy Community Credit Union Portland Branch.

“I have been with Navy Army Community Credit Union for 10.5 years. I love the Credit Union environment. I have worked with the Financial Industry for the past 41 years, but Credit Unions are the best! I have served on the board of the Chamber here in Portland for the past 6 years and have enjoyed getting involved in the community. As manager of the Portland Branch, I invite you to stop by and give us a try. Navy Army is the 5th largest credit union in Texas, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Tx. They have 19 locations from Beeville down to Brownsville employing over 750 South Texans. Navy Army offers a high interest-earning checking account, savings and home, auto and business loans for their members. As a long-time community partner, Navy Army supports non-profits with missions in health and education, with particular interest in students in South Texas.” What service are you known for? “Auto loans: We finance 4 out of 5 cars on the roads in the Corpus Christi area and our high interest Liberty Checking Account.”

What do you hope your customers say about Navy Army? “I hope they say that we are the friendliest Credit Union in the area. The employees are so happy to be here. Afterall, the employees who love to work here are what make me proudest to be a part of Navy Army.”

We’d like to thank our Ambassador with AR Xtreme, John Adams for interviewing Francine Blanchard for this week's Membership Spotlight.

06/04/2021

Check out our Membership Spotlight with Rhonda Brown from “Your Portland Sonic”! Sonic Drive-In Sonic Drive-In

05/28/2021

Check out or Memberhship Spotlight with Mark Sullivan, Owner of Total Surface Concepts!

Today’s Membership Spotlight is with Total Surface Concepts Owner, Mark Sullivan. Here’s how it went:

“Since 2009, Total Surface Concepts has been a full-service flooring contractor specializing in resinous floors, epoxies, and decorative concrete flooring for the commercial, marine, industrial, and residential markets. WE ARE A ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR RESINOUS FLOORING and standard flooring such as tile, luxury vinyl plank carpet and more!”

What initially got you started in your business? “I come from a large family and monies were always tight. So, I grew up always hustling a buck with odd jobs, house repairs, cutting grass and yes, flooring and painting. I started painting apartments with my family for extra monies which led to me eventually painting for numerous lager companies. I was hired by a DOD contracting firm working for the US NAVY for over 20 years which expanded my knowledge of the resinous flooring business, large project management, and management of people. I retired from a DOD contractor in 2008-2009 when the naval base in Ingleside closed and started Total Surface Concepts flooring business out of my house and it grew from there! Our mission statement is “Do it right the first time.” I hope that our clients feel we accomplished that motto and they know they got a fair deal for first class quality products and services when it’s all said and done.”

What product/ service are you known for? “We install flooring such as: tile luxury vinyl planks, carpet and all other types of standard flooring. However, I personally feel we are the best Resinous flooring contractor in all of South Texas. After all, Resinous epoxy floors, painting and decorative concrete was my background for almost 30 years; I guess that experience and workmanship trickles down through our DNA of our company and our team members. As a business owner, it’s very rewarding to provide an opportunity for someone to be employed and support their family. I’d have to say, that’s what makes me the proudest of my business.”

“Continual growth with our team members as well as new clients and even strengthening old relationships with previous clients particularly after 2020- our famous COVID year are a few goals for my business. It’s nice to reconnect to old friends and clients. Additionally, we are expanding into polishing concrete in the 4th quarter of 2021 and will begin training team members on new equipment in the coming months and years. Offering increased benefits to our team members was our last achievement celebrated and making through 2020; it was challenging year.”

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? “Good people and team members are critical! Be prepared to “grind” and work hard. There will need to be sacrifices made personally to give your business an opportunity to grow.” How true those words are!

“While not in the office, I enjoy family time; duck/quail hunting, fishing, spending time with my granddaughter, reading a book, watching a movie. My favorite movies include Several: RUDY, Lampoons Vacation series…I love all kinds of comedies…Steve Martin in the JEEK. I listen to everything from country to rap, to blues—but I still love rock and roll -- something by Guns and Roses, maybe Pink Floyd…there are just too many to pick one!”

How do you give back to the community? “Various charitable events, but one of my favorites is H-E-B Feast of Sharing. I really enjoy providing and driving food deliveries for people, particularly during the Christmas holidays. We used to have local folks drop food at our house when I was growing up…I have never forgot how much that little bit of food made a difference in our family spirits between pay checks and that sense of giving SEED has never really left me.”

If you could nominate someone to be in our “Membership Spotlight” who would it be, and why? Monty McWhorter from McWhorter Electric. He’s a humble guy with a successful business! He has recently expanded his business and I think he is good people.”

We'd like to thank our Ambassador, Lacie Kenne for interviewing Mark Sullivan for our Membership Spotlight!

05/25/2021

Stop by Clayton’s Meat Market today for their Tuesday Special with reduced prices!

Check out Clayton’s Meat Market's Tuesday Special with reduced prices! Get it while you can from 3 PM - 7 PM!!

05/21/2021

Check out our Membership Spotlight!

Today's membership Spotlight is with Roxanne J Swierc with Farmers Insurance Group

“I have lived in Portland for over 47 years. I am a Gregory- Portland High School graduate and have been married to my husband for 40 years. We have two sons, two daughters-in-law who also graduated from Gregory- Portland High School and have 5 grandchildren who live here in Portland. After graduating from high school, I worked in my parent’s insurance office. I really enjoyed witnessing my parent’s integrity and how they helped people find a way to protect what was most important to them. Experiencing this, made me want my own insurance agency, I wanted to be like my parents and help people find a way to protect what means the most to them, so I received my insurance license in 1986. Shortly thereafter, I started my own insurance agency and became appointed with Farmers Insurance Group in 1987. When my parents retired, I purchased their agency and consolidated it with mine. I believe in keeping my clients informed of ways to protect what's important to them. We specialize in auto, home, life, business, umbrella as well as recreational which includes watercraft, mobile homes, motorcycles, golf carts, travel trailers etc.”

What do you hope your customers say about you and your services? “I hope they say we are trustworthy, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, easy to do business with, and know they are well protected.”

What are you proudest of? “I would have to say the way my team goes above and beyond to help others to understand their insurance and to help our clients find coverage to fit their needs and budget. We work diligently to help you select the right coverage for your needs while educating you about insurance. When it comes down to it, we simply treat our customers the way we want to be treated.”

What struggles have you faced in the past year? “Having to adjust to the pandemic and while still being able to interact with our clients to provide the customer service they’re accustomed to.”

What are you known for? “Excellent Customer Service and Community Involvement with Gregory- Portland Schools, Portland Fire Department, Portland Police Department as well as volunteering in organizations such as Portland Rotary Club, Chatwork Civic Club, Portland Chamber of Commerce, and San Patricio County Association of Realtors. I also enjoy volunteering and serving my church, Oakridge Baptist Church.”

What do you like doing outside of the office? “Spending time with family and supporting my grandchildren with their various activities. Afterall, Family time (camping, beach holidays etc) is the best time!”

What's something you would like people to know? “Our office prides itself in the customer service we provide. We enjoy building friendships and serving our clients. We are licensed to insure anywhere in Texas. “You walk in as a customer and leave as a Farmers Family Member.””

We'd like to thank our Ambassador, Vanessa Giannamore for helping us get to know Roxanne J Swierc Farmers Insurance Agent!

05/16/2021

Join us for this year's Business Expo and Job Fair as we make a Run for the Roses to the winners circle. ? Event is FREE and OPEN to the Public! Boost Your Networking Visit Portland Businesses Have Fun! Connect Outside Your Circle Exhibitors : Get your NAME out there with your products and/or servic...

05/14/2021

This week's Membership Spotlight is with Top Store Leader of our very own H-E-B / H-E-B Foods Portland 488, Richard Miotti. Here's how the interview went:

In 1905, Florence Butt invested $60 to open C.C. Butt Grocery Store in Kerrville, TX. Florence’s youngest son, Howard E Butt took over the business in the 1920’s and expanded the Butt Grocery Company with a new store in Del Rio and another in Laredo. In 1940, H-E-B opened its first air-conditioned stores and began continuously growing! Today, H E B serves families all over Texas and Mexico in 155 communities, with 420+ stores, and over 137,000+ employees.

What makes you proudest of H-E-B? “The way we come to the rescue. HEB is the store that does more; we are grocery store that is run by Texans, for Texans.” Their commitment to excellence has made H-E-B one of the nation's largest independently owned food retailers. Yet their success hasn't changed their commitment to exceptional service, low prices, and friendly shopping.

Why should customers shop at H-E-B? “Because, of our great prices, high quality perishable items, outstanding customer service, and we’re community minded.” Every H E B delivers fresh food, quality products, and convenient services all designed around the specific needs of each community. With 116 years in business and stores in more than 150 communities around Texas, you're sure to find one near you.

If you had one wish, would you rather attract more new customers or garner more money from existing customers, and why? “I would say more customers; a personal goal for me is to continue to serve more folks. Seeing as we mostly advertise by word of mouth, to be the premier place to shop is the ultimate goal!”

What do you hope your customers say about H-E-B? “I hope they say that we are a community minded corporate citizen. H-E-B is the largest contributor to the food bank in the great state of Texas. They contribute more than 5% of their pre-taxed earnings back into the communities that they serve.” How awesome is that!

What was the last big achievement that was celebrated? Besides completing 116 years in business, in 2010, Progressive Grocer Magazine named H E B as Retailer of the Year. This award is given on the criteria of industry contribution, industry leadership, achievements with social responsibility and sustainability, community leadership, executive stewardship and corporate culture. How rewarding that must’ve felt!

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? “Be a leader with integrity, be a student of the business.” What do you do when you’re not at the office? - Teach the Bible coincidentally, my favorite book is the Bible!” What’s your favorite movie? “Nacho Libre” Do you have a favorite song? “My favorite song is “The Lord of the Harvest by I Five 1”.”

H-E-B has always believed in the value of hard work and the importance of taking care of people. They’ve always dreamed big. They hire great people, offer customers the best service, and sell only the freshest, safest products. Moreover, they always look for great products for today and tomorrow, and make sure to give customers low prices with the best value! “No store does more” than OUR H-E-B!

We would like to thank our Chamber Ambassador with AR Xtreme, John Adams, for conducting this interview with Richard Miotti!