Motiva announces grant awards to 16 emergency response organizations
Motiva Enterprises LLC commemorated National First Responders Day (Oct. 28) by announcing the recipients of its First Responder Grant Program, awarding more than $75,000 to 16 emergency response organizations in three Texas counties where Motiva operates.
The 2025 grant recipients are: Beaumont Police Department; Groves Fire Department; Groves Police Department; Hardin County Emergency Services District No. 5; Jefferson County ESD No. 1; Jefferson County ESD No. 3; Jefferson County Emergency Management; Mont Belvieu Fire Department; Nederland Fire Department; Nederland Police Department; Port Arthur Fire Department; Port Arthur Police Department; Port Neches Fire Rescue; Port Neches Police Department; Sabine Neches Chiefs Association; and Sour Lake Police Department.
Thirteen of the recipients are located in Jefferson County, including Jefferson County ESD No. 1, which plans to use its $5,000 award to purchase SCBA bottles, a critical component of firefighters’ breathing systems.
“This investment directly enhances the safety and effectiveness of our emergency responders, ensuring they have the reliable breathing equipment needed to operate in hazardous conditions,” said Fire Chief Chris Gonzales.
Since 2021, Motiva has invested nearly $600,000 in support of local emergency response agencies.
Fisher promoted to president, CEO of bank
First State Bank of Texas announced the promotion of Brandon N. Fisher to president and chief executive officer, according to a press release.
Fisher has served as the bank’s chief lending officer since 2016, where he played a key role in driving loan growth, strengthening credit quality and expanding relationships across the bank’s markets.
In August, Fisher was appointed to the bank’s Board of Directors.
As president and CEO, Fisher will oversee all aspects of operations and strategic direction, with a focus on customer service, community partnership and long-term value for customers and shareholders.
“Brandon’s leadership, vision and deep understanding of community banking make him the ideal person to lead First State Bank of Texas into its next chapter,” said Board Chairman Andy Dunn. “We are confident in his ability to build upon our strong foundation and continue advancing our mission.”
Fisher brings more than 20 years of banking experience in lending, management and business development.
City of Orange awards $266K in HOT funds
The Orange City Council recently awarded $266,000 in hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds in accordance with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code.
According to the city, the Convention and Visitors Bureau receives a portion of HOT funds and distributes grants to organizations that directly promote tourism and support the hotel and convention industry in Orange.
The council awarded Fiscal Year 2026 HOT grants to: Friends of the Orange Depot; Dragon Lady Airboat Services; Gate City Guild No. 42; Orange Lions Club; Lutcher Theater; Gulf Coast Cajun Chapter; Barefoot on the Bayou Film Group; Heritage House of Orange County; Step Forward Treatment Center; Adventures 2000 Plus (Swamp & River Tours); Krewe de Onyx; Gamma Tau Lambda; Old West Smoke; Texas Bass Nation; Orange Community Players; and Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce.
LIT achieves record-breaking fall enrollment
Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) announced a certified record enrollment for Fall 2025, with 6,492 unduplicated students—the largest in its history and a 16 percent increase from Fall 2024, according to a news release.
Enrollment growth is occurring across all sectors, including Healthcare and Sciences; Business; Industrial and Engineering Technology; Manufacturing and Trades Technology; and Public Service and Safety.
“I believe our continued growth is a testament to the education LIT delivers and the high return on investment of our programs,” said LIT President Dr. Sid Valentine. “By keeping our curriculum aligned with employer needs, we’re preparing students for meaningful, in-demand careers.”
In 2025, LIT expanded flexible learning pathways, including the launch of LIT Online, along with evening and weekend classes designed for working and parenting students.
“At LIT, we’re focused on access and opportunity,” Valentine said. “We want every student to have the chance to gain the skills and credentials that can transform their life and strengthen our community.”
Registration is open for Winter 2025 and Spring 2026 courses at lit.edu.
ExxonMobil Beaumont to give United Way $150K
On Nov. 20, ExxonMobil contributed $150,000 to the United Way of Beaumont & North Jefferson County to support 35 community programs across 19 partner agencies.
The announcement was made at the United Way office in Beaumont.
Over the last decade, the ExxonMobil Foundation, along with employees and retirees, has contributed more than $5.5 million and volunteered over 25,000 hours through annual campaigns, Days of Caring, and programs supporting agencies such as Nutrition and Services for Seniors, Southeast Texas Food Bank and Southeast Texas Family Resource Center.
Nederland eatery coming to Lumberton
Mama Kim’s Vietnamese Cuisine announced on Nov. 10 that it is building a second location in Lumberton, expected to open sometime in 2026. The new location will be at 220 South LHS Drive (U.S. 69).
Mama Kim’s Nederland location at 209 South Memorial Freeway serves authentic Vietnamese meals and is open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday.
Freddy’s opens new Beaumont location
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers opened its Beaumont location Oct. 28 at 4490 Crow Road near Parkdale Mall.
The 3,100-square-foot restaurant seats 66, offers patio seating and includes a drive-thru. Mobile ordering is available through the Freddy’s app and website.
Hours are 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday.
GTBR hosting Christmas Toy Drive Dec. 9
Golden Triangle Business Roundtable will host a Christmas Toy Drive benefiting the Texas Family Care Network from 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Main Event, 5380 Rexora Drive in Beaumont.
A Jingle Bowl Rock tournament will also take place.
Toys may be dropped off through Dec. 12 at ISTC, 3749 U.S. 69 in Beaumont.
For more information, contact admin@gtbr.org.
SETEDF’s 2026 Economic Forecast Luncheon Jan. 22
The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation (SETEDF) will host its 2026 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont-Plaza.
Dr. Dean Foreman, chief economist for the Texas Oil & Gas Association, will serve as keynote speaker. He previously served as chief economist for the American Petroleum Institute.
Registration is required by Jan. 13 by emailing jrich@setedf.org.
ABC SETX Chapter announces STEP Award recipients
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Southeast Texas Chapter announced its 2024 STEP Award recipients, recognizing members for outstanding safety performance through the STEP Safety Program.
Diamond Level: Aggregate Technologies, Alliance Industrial, Baker Construction, Bottom Line Equipment, Contech Control Services, Industrial Thermal Services, Excel, Doggett, TNT Crane, HB Neild Construction, PCL Construction, Standard Constructors, Signature Group, Turner Industries, Holes Southeast Texas, Mason Construction, S&B Engineers, Tolunay Wong Engineers, USA DeBusk.
Platinum Level: Mat Tech, Performance Contractors, PCE Construction, Echo Group, SR Trident, Richard, Triple S Industrial.
Gold Level: Apache Industrial Services, Bearcom, ISC, Silver, Raba Kistner, PALA Group.
Bronze Level: Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling, Central Electric.
2024 AQC Recognition: Mason Construction LLC, Central Electric Ent. & Co., Excel Group, Holes Inc., ISC Constructors LLC, Performance Contractors Inc., SR Trident Inc., Turner Industries Group LLC.
CPChem, Drilling Specialties launch new lubricant
Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) announced that Drilling Specialties has introduced the NanoSlide drilling fluids lubricant, designed to address challenges in modern drilling operations.
“NanoSlide lubricant represents a major leap forward in drilling fluid technology,” said Nick Palmer, business manager at Drilling Specialties.
The lubricant blends micronized graphene, a proprietary chemical additive and CPChem’s Synfluid PAO to form a protective tribofilm that shields drill pipe surfaces from wear under extreme pressure and heat.
A recent trial in the Bakken Formation showed reduced pipe wear and shorter drill times.
According to CPChem, NanoSlide offers a cost-effective solution that boosts efficiency and equipment protection.
Frenchy’s Chicken coming to Port Arthur
Owner and operator Fred Wilson announced plans to open a Frenchy’s Chicken at the former Church’s Chicken site at 2200 Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur.
Construction began two months ago, and Wilson expects to open by mid- to late January.
“This isn’t just another opening. It’s about bringing opportunity, culture and real flavor to the community,” Wilson said.
A hiring event is planned around the holidays.
DuGood FCU recognizes SETX students
DuGood Federal Credit Union announced its latest Campus Care Awards.
Students recognized were Hanna Tran, Alfred Williams, Rene Sousa (Nederland High School); Tristan Glover (Orangefield High School); Cicely Smith, Owen Kirschner, Austin Stewart (West Brook High School); Laney Estrada, Eryn Barraza (Vidor High School); and Rodney Armstrong, Grant Rhode (Jasper High School).
ExxonMobil donates $30,000 to nonprofit center
Nov. 7, ExxonMobil Beaumont donated $30,000 to the Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center to launch the ExxonMobil Nonprofit Accelerator Program.
The program will provide tools, mentorship and support to develop nonprofits serving the Charlton-Pollard and South Park communities.
Funding will also provide seed support to four developing organizations.
Gibbs promoted in Exxon Mobil Global Operations
Exxon Mobil Corp. announced a major reorganization creating ExxonMobil Global Operations, effective 2026.
As part of the restructuring, Jon M. Gibbs, current president of ExxonMobil Global Projects Co., will be promoted to senior president of ExxonMobil Global Operations on Jan. 1. Staale Gjervik will succeed Gibbs as president of Global Projects.
CEO Darren Woods said the reorganization will strengthen operational consistency, safety and environmental performance.
Twin Peaks gives away free Christmas trees again
Avalanche Food Group (AFG), owners of 11 Twin Peaks locations across Texas and Indiana, gave away 100 Christmas trees at its Beaumont restaurant at 3805 Interstate 10 Access Road on Dec. 3.
The 12th Annual Twin Peaks Christmas Tree Giveaway provides free, freshly cut Christmas trees complete with lights and ornaments. Trees were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, one per vehicle. Local teams and volunteers assisted with loading.
“For 12 years, Twin Peaks has been committed to giving back to the communities that support us,” said Ricky Rosa, CEO of AFG. “We know the holidays can be stressful, and this giveaway is our way of making the season a little brighter.”
Twin Peaks has given away more than 5,000 Christmas trees since 2013.
Abbott celebrates launch of Nasdaq Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated Nasdaq Inc.’s announcement of Nasdaq Texas, a new dual-listing financial exchange expected to launch in 2026 pending regulatory approvals.
“Texas is the financial services capital of America,” Abbott said.
Nasdaq Texas will expand services and strengthen investment opportunities across the state. The announcement follows Nasdaq’s decision earlier this year to open a regional headquarters in Dallas.
Wendy’s to close 250–300 stores, accounce officials
Some Wendy’s locations in Southeast Texas may close following the company’s announcement that it will shutter 250–300 of its more than 6,000 restaurants, according to media reports.
Wendy’s third-quarter 2025 financial report showed sales down 3.6% in the U.S., while international sales rose 8.6 percent. Company officials cited inflation as the primary challenge affecting fast-food operators.
Underperforming stores will be prioritized for closure.
The Grill at Calder closes, property for sale
The Grill at Calder announced its closure last month on social media.
“With full hearts, we’re announcing the closure of The Grill at Calder,” the post read, thanking employees, patrons and supporters for their role in the restaurant’s history.
The owners reflected on memories of “first dates, anniversaries, birthdays, benefits and nights filled with music and stories.”
One day later, the owners announced the property was officially for sale, including a fully stocked bar.
