BBB announces newly elected board, chair, directors and officers
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southeast Texas announced the newly elected officers, directors and board chair for 2026.
According to the BBB, this year’s leadership appointments reflect a continued commitment to enhancing marketplace trust and promoting ethical business practices throughout the region.
April Tolbert, owner of April Tolbert Insurance Agency LLC, has been elected as the 2026 board chair and succeeds Lee Potter, who will now serve as past chair.
“It is my honor to serve as board chair in 2026. I’m looking forward to the BBB and its leadership in helping build all businesses here in Southeast Texas,” said Tolbert.
Other newly elected and re-elected officers for 2026 include: Michele Cobb (Cobb Family Chiropractic), vice chair; Anthony Toups (Classic Acura Southeast Texas), treasurer; Cindy Perez (Cat5 Resources), secretary; and Natasha Garrett (G & G Enterprises), Dave Stephens (American Valve & Hydrant), and Paul Skinner (Star Graphics/Function4), executive committee.
“Our organization has made tremendous strides over the past several years to increase community involvement, brand awareness and continue collaborative efforts with area organizations and groups,” said BBB President and CEO Darren Erwin. “Our goal is to see businesses in Southeast Texas prosper while providing honest and ethical products and services to consumers. This ensures the fulfillment of our mission by advancing marketplace trust.”
Five Below coming to Central Mall
Another national retailer is coming to Central Mall in Port Arthur.
Five Below is officially making its way to the mall as part of a major new wave of growth for the shopping center, located at 3100 FM 365.
The $175,000 project involves a tenant build-out of a 9,884-square-foot space.
Construction kicked off Feb. 28, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 23, 2026.
Five Below Inc. is an American chain of specialty discount gift shops that prices most of its products at up to $5, plus a smaller assortment priced up to $40. It was founded in 2002 by Tom Vellios and David Schlessinger and is headquartered in Philadelphia.
Energy Transfer to acquire Enable Midstream for $7B
Energy Transfer LP and Enable Midstream Partners LP announced Feb. 17 that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby Energy Transfer will acquire Enable in an all-equity transaction valued at approximately $7.2 billion.
Energy Transfer operates a midstream network across 44 U.S. states, with major infrastructure hubs, terminals and offices in Texas (Houston, Nederland, Mont Belvieu, Dallas), Louisiana and Pennsylvania. Key locations include the 33-million-barrel-capacity Nederland Terminal, Houston Ship Channel and numerous pipelines.
Under the terms of the agreement, Enable common unitholders will receive 0.8595 ET common units for each Enable common unit, an exchange ratio that represents an at-the-market transaction based on the 10-day volume-weighted average price of ET and Enable common units on Feb. 12, 2021.
In addition, each outstanding Enable Series A preferred unit will be exchanged for 0.0265 Series G preferred units of Energy Transfer. The transaction will include a $10 million cash payment for Enable’s general partner.
Industrial Showcase at Texla on March 25
Texla Equipment, in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeast Texas, will host an Industrial Showcase from 5–8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at 5685 Industrial Road in Beaumont.
There will be live music by Horace Trahan, complimentary food, beer and wine; equipment demonstrations and deals, and a mobile golf swing suite and giveaways.
Local assisted living facility recognized by A Place for Mom
Brookdale Dowlen Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, 2250 Dowlen Road in Beaumont, was awarded “Best of Senior Living” from A Place for Mom for 2026.
This is the fourth year in a row Brookdale Dowlen Oaks has received the highly coveted award.
Pathway to Success Luncheon set for March 31
The Pathway to Success Luncheon is Tuesday, March 31, at the Lamar State College Port Arthur Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Dr. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the program begins at 11 a.m.
The event will recognize the top 10 students at Memorial High School and Woodrow Wilson Early College, along with career and technical education students.
Keynote speakers are from Woodside Energy, Kinder Morgan, Chevron Phillips Chemical and RT Technical.
For more information about sponsorships, email tclayton@portarthurtexas.com or call (409) 963-1107.
DuGood FCU donates to nonprofits
DuGood Federal Credit Union announced its support for a host of nonprofit organizations.
It donated money to Some Other Place, Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group, Meals on Wheels in Orange, Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Woodville, Embracing Freedom, The Arc of Greater Beaumont, Gift of Life, SETX Circle of Hope and Community Care Prayer Outreach.
Cat5 Resources honored by Chamber
Cat5 Resources was named Jasper’s Large Business of the Year by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 6.
The recognition reportedly honors the leadership, dedication and hard work of the entire team and its continued commitment to serving Jasper and surrounding communities.
The award was accepted on behalf of Cat5 Resources by CEO Cindy Faulk Perez and Pete Elliott, general manager of Cat5 Power Solutions.
United Way MSJC receives $100K gift from Golden Pass LNG
United Way Mid & South Jefferson County announced a $100,000 pledged gift from Golden Pass LNG for 2026, made in recognition of the nonprofit’s 100th year of community impact.
Founded in 1926 as the Community Chest, United Way MSJC has spent a century responding to the evolving needs of Mid and South Jefferson County.
According to United Way MSJC, Golden Pass LNG has been a valued supporter since establishing operations in the area, and the organization is grateful for the continued partnership and belief in its mission.
As part of its centennial year, United Way MSJC will mark the milestone with events throughout 2026 that honor a century of service and look ahead to the future.
Fiery Crab opens Beaumont location
Fiery Crab Seafood Restaurant and Bar held a soft opening Feb. 18 at its newest location in Beaumont, 3825 Interstate 10 Access Road, in the former home of Joe’s Crab Shack and Nashville Hot Chicken.
The restaurant serves “authentic Louisiana-style seafood” and more.
Business hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
To place an order, call (409) 730-7136.
The company also has a location in Lake Charles, 339 W. Prien Lake Road, Unit 400, along with 15 other stores across Louisiana and one store in Brea, California.
Local Public Affairs team recognized
Motiva Enterprises LLC announced its Public Affairs team has been named a winner of Ragan Communications and PR Daily’s 2025 Video, Visual & Virtual Awards for Best Internal Communications Video and Best Shoestring Video (Under $300), and received an honorable mention in the Employee Engagement category.
According to the company, the video told the story of Motiva employee Chris Stockton and his wife, Mary, and how a company benefit provided Chris with a second chance at life.
“This great honor recognizes our Public Affairs team’s strategy around authentic storytelling, and this real-life experience allowed the team to connect with employees in a way that was relevant, urgent and relatable,” company officials said.
Maverick to support bull riding event
For almost 50 years, Maverick International Ltd. has spent its spare time supporting not only local industry but also organizations that invest in children in the area, the company shared.
“Our industry has been good to us, and it’s the local folks who make our business tick,” said Jerry Nelson, owner of Maverick International Ltd. “Almost 10 years ago, after our local leadership discontinued an event, we launched our ‘Appreciation to Industry.’”
Nelson said that, in keeping with that spirit of unity, Maverick has again decided to join forces with the Young Men’s Business League South Texas State Fair in the production of the 2026 Appreciation for Industry Bull Ride.
YMBL was founded in Beaumont in 1917 as a nonprofit organization.
The upcoming Appreciation for Industry/YMBL Chute-Out Bull Ride is Friday and Saturday, April 3–4, in Doggett Ford Arena during the YMBL South Texas State Fair, March 26–April 5. The United Bull Riders will also sanction this year’s bull ride.
Company is 2025 Safety Star recipient
RT Technical LLC was recognized by Avetta as a 2025 Safety Star recipient, celebrating the company’s perfect year-over-year safety performance.
“Safety has always been the backbone of how we operate — built into our culture, our training and every decision we make in the field,” said Elton Hollis, president of RT Technical LLC. “This achievement reflects the discipline, vigilance and pride our team brings to the job every single day.”
2026 Spring Job Fair in Orange on March 19
Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas will host the 2026 Spring Job Fair from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at its office at 2266 MacArthur Drive in Orange.
People who need resume assistance can visit the local Workforce Solutions office or call 1-877-834-5627.
Acadian announces new fleet maintenance director
Feb. 4, Acadian Ambulance announced Michael Goree as its director of fleet maintenance. Goree has been with Acadian since May 2011 and has held multiple roles across the organization, including technician, coordinator, fleet supervisor and fleet manager.
In his new role, Goree is responsible for overseeing and maintaining Acadian’s entire fleet of ambulances and vehicles, ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency across all operations.
Before joining Acadian, he served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2011 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. A native of St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and graduate of St. Martinville Senior High School, he also holds an associate degree in business management.
A resident of Southeast Texas, Goree is active in his community. He is a father of three and participates in various school activities. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends.
“Michael has grown through every role he’s held. His hands-on experience, deep understanding of our operations and commitment to safety make him the right person to lead our fleet maintenance department,” said Senior Director of Logistics Trampus Gaspard.
Workforce Solutions SETX notes projected growth in health care, social assistance sector
Health care continues to be a major economic driver in Southeast Texas, with 21,540 employees in the health care and social assistance sector, according to Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas.
It reported that over the next decade projected growth includes:
• 24.8% for physical therapist assistants
• 20.4% for occupational therapy assistants
• 17.5% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors
• 9.4% for medical assistants
• 8.3% for diagnostic medical sonographers
• 6.8% for respiratory therapists
Businesses that are currently hiring and would like their openings added to the WorkInTexas.com job portal can call the Employer Solutions representative contact at 1-877-834-5627 for help with posting openings, prescreening applicants, finding employees and creating customized job postings.
Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas has four locations open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.:
• Beaumont: 510 Park St., Suite 200; (409) 839-8045
• Port Arthur: 4680 FM 365; (409) 952-1236
• Orange: 2266 MacArthur Drive; (409) 882-0302
• Hardin County: 975 State Highway 327 E., Suite 147, Silsbee; (409) 951-0412
SETX & SWLA Business Expo is April 23 in Sulphur
The Golden Triangle Industrial Group and Gulf Coast Industrial Group will host the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana Business Expo on Thursday, April 23, at the West-Cal Arena and Events Center, 401 Arena Road in Sulphur, Louisiana.
For more information, email acct@portarthurtx.com or call (409) 963-1107.
Sour Lake Chamber presents awards at annual banquet
The Sour Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet was held Feb. 3 with the presentation of 2026 award winners.
The Carpenter Legacy Award was presented to Lacey Guedry of Sour Lake Health and Medical, while Keel Enterprises was the Impact Award winner.
Radley Electric Inc. won Large Business of the Year honors, and the Small Business of the Year was Hardin County Farm and Ranch.
Riceland celebrates opening of Silsbee office
Riceland Healthcare held a grand opening and ribbon cutting Feb. 6 for its new facility in Silsbee, located at 711 State Highway 327.
Physicians serving the area are Dr. R. Shantel Parker and Dr. Shaunde J. Smith.
Companies make donation to STEMM program
ExxonMobil and Gulf Coast Growth Ventures donated $250,000 to support the Texas State Aquarium and Oceans and Wildlife Institute’s science, technology, engineering, math and medicine education programs.
Their support will help fund AquaVenture field trips for students, expand digital learning access and strengthen the four-year AquaTeen Academy, where high school students gain hands-on experience, certifications, mentoring and real-world exposure to careers in STEMM fields.
More than 5,100 students have already participated in the programs.
Weber presents resolution for 10th anniversary of first lower-48 LNG export
Feb. 24, Congressman Randy Weber, R-Texas, vice chair of the Republican Study Committee’s House Energy Action Team, introduced a House resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the first export shipment of liquefied natural gas produced in the lower 48 states.
On Feb. 24, 2016, the tanker Asia Vision departed Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility on the Texas Gulf Coast bound for Brazil. That historic shipment marked the first time LNG produced by American workers using American technology was exported from the continental United States to global markets.
The resolution:
• Recognizes and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first LNG export shipment from the lower 48 states;
• Honors the workers, innovators and communities who made this milestone possible;
• Acknowledges the role LNG exports play in strengthening U.S. economic growth, energy security and international partnerships;
• Reaffirms the importance of continued innovation and responsible development of American energy resources.
Over the past decade, LNG exports from the lower 48 have supported an annual average of 273,000 American jobs and contributed more than $400 billion in economic growth. U.S. LNG terminals have shipped more than 8,500 cargoes to over 40 countries and regions worldwide.
“That moment proved what we’ve always known on the Texas Gulf Coast: When America produces, builds and leads, we win,” said Weber. “Today, the United States is the largest LNG exporter in the world because we didn’t sideline American energy, we unleashed it. Now it’s Congress’ job to protect that success and keep America energy dominant.”
