City, EDC approve $1.5M incentive, sales tax rebate for project
An incentive package of $1.5 million and a 33% sales tax rebate for up to 10 years for a proposed H-E-B project was approved by both the Orange Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors and the Orange City Council at an Aug. 26 meeting.
The project is planned for Interstate 10 West at North 16th Street.
The council approved an EDC incentive for eligible infrastructure improvements not to exceed $1.5 million. They also approved an EDC incentive for a sales tax rebate equal to 33% of sales tax generated at the site over a 10-year period.
Assistant Economic Development Director Hillary Gravett said the H-E-B project remains in the “very early stages of due diligence.”
“The property has not yet been purchased and is still under the ownership of TCP Realty,” Gravett said. “While there are no timelines in place for the proposed project yet, we are optimistic that with H-E-B’s interest and the approval of the incentives package, our community will have a chance at landing this project.”
According to a city report, the total public construction cost is $4.187 million, including $1.508 million for relocating Meeks Road and $1.418 million for detention and drainage.
Bayou Café to open soon in Orange
Owner Tod Stark announced Bayou Café Express will open later in Summer 2025 at its new Orange location on State Highway 62 South.
The project involves significant renovations to the former Sonic building, including construction of an expanded dining room.
Muller appointed interim CEO of PAEDC
The Port Arthur Economic Development Corp. (PAEDC) announced that Krystal Villarreal Muller has been named interim chief executive officer. She previously served as deputy director for the PAEDC and brings more than 17 years of economic development experience to the organization.
“It’s a privilege to serve as interim CEO of the PAEDC,” Muller said. “I look forward to continuing the mission of our organization. My focus will remain on fostering economic growth and opportunity and ensuring that each initiative we lead creates value for our citizens.”
TFB announces results of recovery drive
Texas First Bank (TFB) announced the results of its Country Flood Recovery Drive. In July, TFB raised $220,000 from employees, partners, customers, and the community.
The bank matched the first $100,000, and Security State Bank & Trust of Fredericksburg matched the rest, bringing the total to $440,000. The funds will be donated to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, according to Corinna Danilevich, TFB vice president and marketing director.
On July 11, TFB launched a $100,000 matching funds initiative to support ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Hill Country following severe flooding in Kerr County over the July 4 weekend.
All funds will be directed through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity, which will distribute money to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, as well as flood assistance in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.
Workforce Solutions recognizes Southeast Texas businesses
Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas recognized six employers at the 2025 Employer of the Year Awards, presented during the August board meeting. This annual recognition highlights businesses whose leadership and commitment strengthen both the workforce and the communities they serve.
The 2025 award recipients distinguished themselves through innovation, employee investment, and community involvement. Their contributions extend beyond their own organizations—opening doors for job seekers, creating training opportunities, and supporting long-term economic growth throughout the region.
Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Trevino III delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the important role employers play in shaping a strong and competitive workforce.
2025 Employer Award Winners:
• Large Employer of the Year: Entergy Texas
• Small Employer of the Year: Mason Construction
• Local Employer of Excellence: Port of Beaumont
• HireAbility Employer of the Year: SSC Services for Education
• Veteran-Friendly Employer of the Year: Integrated Technology and Security
• Child Care Provider of the Year: A Merry Go Round Daycare and Preschool
Luncheon to benefit flood victims
The Chambers of Commerce of Greater Port Arthur, Bridge City, Nederland, Groves, Orange Area, Lumberton, Silsbee, Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn, Winnie Area, and Vidor will host a First Responders and Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to benefit Central Texas flood victims.
The event will be held from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Dr., in Port Arthur. It will also honor area veterans and first responders.
The Chambers have committed $10,000 from the luncheon’s proceeds to the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, email actt@portarthurtexas.com, call (409) 963-1107, or visit www.portarthurtexas.com.
RT Technical Solutions recognized
RT Technical Solutions has been named a 2025 North America Customer of the Year by Avetta, a leading provider of supply chain risk management software, in the Health & Safety Leader category.
RT Technical was selected from more than 300 applicants and 50 finalists across six categories for its commitment to developing outstanding health and safety programs. The company leveraged Avetta’s solutions to achieve significant improvements in safety performance and metrics.
Owner Kasey Taylor credited Elton and Tyler Hollis for their proactive, practical approach to strengthening the company’s safety culture.
Winners were selected by Avetta’s safety, sustainability, and compliance experts, along with a panel of third-party industry leaders: Adele Abrams, senior counsel at Littler; Dylan Short, managing director at The Redlands Group; and Dustin Hickey, senior vice president of HSEQ at Industrial Specialty Services.
LIT honoring first responders Sept. 11
The Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) will host the 24th Annual “A Salute to the Real American Heroes” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main St., Beaumont.
The event honors Southeast Texas first responders. Proceeds benefit the LIT Foundation and provide scholarships for students in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Technology, and the Regional Police and Fire Academy programs.
Uniformed or civilian-clothed first responders, uniformed military personnel, and their guests are invited to attend free of charge with a reservation. Dinner will be provided.
Contributions and reservations may be made using the sponsor form, on the LIT website (www.lit.edu), or by mail to the LIT Foundation. For details, contact Krista Hunter at foundation@lit.edu, call (409) 839-2956, or visit www.lit.edu/foundation/salute.
CPChem sites honored with awards
Five Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. (CPChem) sites — Port Arthur, Orange, Pasadena, Kingwood, and the Drilling Specialties Lab and Technical Center — earned the Responsible Care Safety Excellence Award from the American Chemistry Council.
The facilities achieved zero fatalities, zero days away from work cases, and zero job transfer or restriction cases.
Taylor named 2025 FOSSI Scholar
Beaumont United High School graduate Edward Taylor, a 2024 ExxonMobil 409 Energy Scholar, has been named a 2025 Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) Scholar. He plans to pursue an electrical engineering degree at Prairie View A&M University.
Taylor also participated in the 409 Energy Scholars program.
“The program meant everything to me,” he said. “It gave me the tools I need to be a proud engineering student. I am excited to create the life I have always envisioned since childhood. But most importantly, I want to show that losing a loved one cannot stop you from achieving your goals.”
Tyler Gustafson, ExxonMobil Public and Government Affairs Advisor, praised Taylor’s success.
“As the coordinator of the 409 Energy Scholars Program, I had the pleasure of hosting Beaumont ISD students for two weeks, showcasing ExxonMobil and the careers available right here in Beaumont,” Gustafson said. “Previous Scholars remain in contact with their mentors, continue volunteering, and even participated in Beaumont ISD STEM Night to help recruit the next cohort of Scholars.”
LIT employees honore with NISOD Excellence Award
Five Lamar Institute of Technology employees have been selected as recipients of the 2025 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award.
The award recognizes college faculty and staff for their contributions to teaching, learning, and student success.
This year’s LIT honorees are:
• Kenneth Mason, associate vice president of Accreditation and Strategic Initiatives
• Trazarra Stelly, Criminal Justice Program director
• Gerardo Rodriguez, DevOps engineer
• Harry Morgan, adjunct instructor, Allied Health and Sciences
• Marcus Cooper, math tutor
Recipients will be recognized at NISOD’s annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence.Learn more at www.nisod.org.
Karam retirement set Oct. 1
CHRISTUS Health announced the Oct. 1 retirement of Chris Karam, senior vice president of group operations for Louisiana and Southeast Texas, after nearly 40 years of service.
“Chris has never lost sight of delivering compassionate care to those who needed us most,” said Jeff Puckett, CHRISTUS Health executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We extend our gratitude to Chris for his nearly 40 years of service.”
CHRISTUS Health will announce succession plans prior to Karam’s departure.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the incredible associates, clinicians, and leaders of CHRISTUS Health,” Karam said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this ministry and its mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Free CPR training on Sept. 13
Acadian Ambulance Texas, along with the Groves Fire Department, Nederland Fire Rescue, Port Neches Fire & Rescue, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas, and the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, will host a free Friends and Family CPR Training from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Groves Activity Building, 6150 39th St., Groves.
The event aims to equip residents with lifesaving skills to provide support in emergencies before first responders arrive.
Parker’s closes Jasper location
The Parker’s Building Supply store at 609 West Gibson St. in Jasper closed Aug. 29, according to KJAS.com.
“Parker’s Building Supply will be realigning our locations to better leverage our strengths and operations,” said Scott Bibb of parent company Higgenbotham Brothers. “We appreciate your support over the years and hope to retain your patronage at our neighboring locations.”
Parker’s continues to operate stores in Silsbee, Woodville, and Pineland.
Beaumont museum recognized by Tripadvisor
The McFaddin-Ward House Museum has been recognized among the top 10% of listings worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, honoring businesses that consistently earn outstanding reviews.
“The visitor experience is at the forefront of everything we do at the McFaddin-Ward House,” said Executive Director Jeffrey Richardson. “We are honored to be recognized as a traveler’s favorite for the second year in a row.”
Built in 1905–1906 in the Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the historic Beaumont home reflects the lifestyle of the McFaddin family, who lived there for 75 years. The museum offers free tours, educational programming, year-round events, and gardens.
For more information, call (409) 832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.
Beaumont wins gold award for “Parks for All” Playbook
The city of Beaumont’s “Parks for All: Beaumont’s Playbook for Parks, Recreation, and Greenspace” has won the Gold Award for Advancing Diversity & Social Change from the American Planning Association Texas Chapter.
The award recognizes outstanding projects that demonstrate best practices in community planning.
“The ‘Parks for All’ Playbook was created to guide the development of inclusive, accessible, and vibrant parks, recreation areas, and greenspaces for every resident,” said Tracy Kennick, the city’s director of Communications. “The plan reflects extensive community engagement, a commitment to equity, and a vision for enhancing quality of life citywide.”
Awards will be presented later this year at the APA Texas Planning Conference in Fort Worth.
40 Under 40 honorees announced
The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization announced this year’s 40 Under 40 honorees.
The 2025 honorees are: Arianna Ebers Kucharski, Kayla Dixon, Travis Walker, Nicole Hayes, Tia Johnson, Shandi Conner, Olivia Malick, Joshua Wilson, Lindsay Brake, Divon Williams, Nathaniel Collins Jr., Danae Tuhn, Britton Jones, Austin Sonnier, James Ural Moore, Chrissy Hunter, Lindsey Sorrell, Zane Williams, Amber Owens, Nikki Roberts, Joshua Moore, Kaitline Griffin, Lacey LeMoine, Kaala Jacobs, Brooke Carroll, Gevorg Sargsyan, Jared Patton, Cypria Flowers, Dario Salvatore Bucheli, Ashanti Janeaux, Jacob Guilbeaux, Brianne Davis, Ashlynn Alexander, Ransom Howard, Fred Owens, Robert Root, Taylor Brazil, Mallory Cross, Tristen Schultz, and Christoper Collins.
Nominations open for 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards
Nominations are now open for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the awards honor individuals and groups who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving their communities through volunteerism.
Categories include Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, First Lady’s Rising Star Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Volunteer Family of the Year Award, Community Champion Award, Education Champion Award, Corporate Champion Award, Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award and AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award.
Submit nominations at onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards. Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2026 at the Governor’s Mansion.
Transmission and distribution rates now available for consumers
Beginning this month, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) will publish authorized transmission and distribution utility (TDU) rates for Texas consumers on its website.
The new TDU rate page will be updated monthly, making it easier for consumers to track the portion of their bill made up of PUCT-approved rates. These rates are charged by the five regulated TDUs in the ERCOT region: AEP Central, AEP North, CenterPoint, Oncor, and Texas-New Mexico Power.
PUCT Executive Director Connie Corona said the page fulfills requirements of Senate Bill 1664 and will improve transparency for consumers.
The new rate page is available at: puc.texas.gov/industry/electric/rates/tdr/
