Clifford promoted at SETEX Construction Corp.
SETEX Construction Corporation announced the promotion of Sean Clifford to director of Field Operations, recognizing his leadership, operational expertise, and key role in the company’s continued expansion into civil and water/wastewater construction.
Clifford joined SETEX in March 2024 after meeting owner Nathan Rivers during the closing phase of Sean’s previous business. Clifford’s experience led to a strategic opportunity when SETEX pursued the City of Beaumont’s Forsythe Drainage Improvements project. With Clifford’s decades of civil experience, SETEX successfully secured and completed the project, allowing for additional growth in this sector of the business.
Hired as superintendent over that project on March 1, 2024, Clifford was promoted to general superintendent in September and recently elevated again to director of Field Operations. In his current role, he oversees all civil and water/wastewater projects, as well as superintendents, supervisors, and overall field operations.
“The company’s mindset is for employees to operate as if they are an owner,” Clifford said. “That mindset pushes us all to go above and beyond every day, on every project. Our employees are what makes our company strong.”
A retired U.S. Army captain with 23 years of service, Clifford earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in Afghanistan. His career spans early entrepreneurship, military leadership, civil construction, automation management, and business ownership. He began working in construction at age 12 and owned his first construction company by age 16.
Salute to the Ports event is Feb. 19
The Salute to the Ports Membership Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, is 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Dr. in Port Arthur. Doors open at 10 a.m.
The event will recognize the ports that power the region and the leaders who help move the economy forward. This year, the John Warne Gates Award will be presented to David Gary Parsley, Port Arthur plant manager of Chevron Phillips Chemical.
In October 2025, he received the Gerald R. Ehrman Award for Leadership in Safety Management from the Texas Chemistry Council.
For more information, contact tclayton@portarthurtexas.com.
Murry retires, Scott to fill post at Martin Midstream Partners L.P.
Martin Midstream Partners L.P. (MMLP) announced that Johnnie Murry, senior vice president of Land Transportation, retired Dec. 31 after a 49-year career in the industry, StreetInsider.com reported.
John Scott will succeed Murry as vice president of Land Transportation. Scott previously served as vice president of Sales and Business Development and has worked at Martin Transport for 23 years.
Murry joined the Martin companies in 1988 as plant manager at Berry Petroleum Co. in South Arkansas before transferring to Martin Transport Inc. in June 1999, where he assumed responsibility for the entire trucking operation. His industry career also includes 11 years with Crystal Oil Company.
“Johnnie’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the growth and success of our land transportation division,” said Bob Bondurant, president and chief executive officer of Martin Midstream GP LLC, the general partner of MMLP.
Scott started his career at Martin Transport in June 2002 as a backup dispatcher in Vidor. He progressed through roles including dispatch supervisor, dispatch operations manager, and vice president of Operations, which he held for nine years.
“John has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a deep understanding of our operations,” Bondurant said. “His diverse experience within the company, from dispatch operations to sales and business development, makes him the ideal choice to lead our land transportation efforts into the future.”
Martin Midstream Partners, headquartered in Kilgore, operates primarily in the Gulf Coast region with business lines including terminalling, processing, storage, transportation, and sulfur-based products.
Jason’s Deli recognized by NRN
Jason’s Deli officials announced that the restaurant has been recognized on America’s Favorite Chains list by Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN).
Jason’s Deli earned a fifth-place spot among the Top 5 Fast Casual Dining Brands in the U.S. Jersey Mike’s Subs was No. 1, followed by Chicken Salad Chick, McAlister’s Deli, and Jimmy John’s.
NRN is a source of business intelligence for the restaurant and foodservice industry.
Grants available from Jefferson County Tourism Committee
The Jefferson County Tourism Committee announced it is accepting applications for grants awarded to tourism-related projects and events benefiting Jefferson County. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, and are to be turned in to Kathi Hughes, director of the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center.
Applications may be obtained by calling 1-866-432-8951 or online at ExploreJeffersonCountyTX.com. The application is listed under the “Economic Development” tab and followed by “Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds Letter and Applications.” New applications, revised December 2024, are now online.
Older versions of applications will not be accepted.
All applications must be completed and typed by the applicant. Upon award of a grant, a signed contract with Jefferson County will be required to receive funds.
With the addition of the 2% Jefferson County Hotel Occupancy Tax implemented in October 2001, the county is able to offer grants utilizing these funds. The use of these funds is limited to tourism and other guidelines set forth by the Office of the Attorney General. These grants are awarded biannually.
The mailing address and other contact information can be found on Page 4 of the application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for the review process. The person filing the application may be asked to appear before the Tourism Committee.
Florist moves to new location
Owner Brenda Sims announced that Sherman’s Florist officially reopened at its new location at 203 South Main St., next to Papa John’s Pizza, in Lumberton.
For more information and hours, visit lumbertonflorist.com.
Education First launches Brand Champion program
Education First FCU announced Jan. 8 the launch of its Brand Champion program, a year-long program that will consist of eight employees who will meet monthly to focus on community and employee engagement, as well as professional development.
The 2026 Brand Champions are Danielle Johnson, Morgan Franklin, Miley Overstreet, Jacob Bennett, Breahanna Sills, Weston McGraw, Treayana Williams, and Jesus Torres.
AGC of Southeast Texas announces Board of Directors for 2026
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Southeast Texas announced its 2026 Board of Directors.
The board includes President Ty Neild, H.B. Neild Construction; Vice President Cody Williford, G&G Enterprises; Treasurer Ryan Rosson, Mechanical Specialty Systems, LLC; Secretary Slate Babineaux, Air Comfort Inc.; and board members Ken Stewart (MK Constructors), Spencer Jabbia (N&T Construction Co. Inc.), Charissa Lewis (Daniels Building and Construction Inc.), Daniel Dotson (Fittz & Shipman Inc.), Todd Stinson (SETX Construction Corp.), David DeVore (ALCODE Plumbing LLC), Amanda Syphrett (Modern Concrete & Materials LLC), and Kevin Singleton (Newtron Electrical Services LLC).
AGC of Southeast Texas is a nonprofit construction trade association that was established in 1940. It supports and promotes more than 190 members, including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers.
#AmerAirCares campaign kicks off Feb. 16 at 5 Under
The eighth annual #AmerAirCares “It’s Cool To Care” campaign will kick off Monday, Feb. 16, from 5:30-7 p.m. at 5 Under Golf Center, 5945 College St. in Beaumont.
American Air Systems, Inc. started the #AmerAirCares campaign in 2019 to provide a new heating and cooling system to a deserving homeowner in Chambers, Jefferson, Hardin or Orange Counties. Individuals can nominate someone they know who is deserving of a new system. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of community leaders and we partner with our HVAC distributor, Carrier Enterprise.
For the 2026 campaign, nominate your neighbor at amerair.com/ameraircares.
The 2026 giveaway is open Feb. 16-April 30. Examples of great candidates may include, but are not limited to teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, pastors, grandparents, foster parents, etc.
For more information, call Terri Potter with American Air Systems at (409) 842-2402 or terri@amerair.com.
New funeral home coming to Beaumont
Construction is underway on a new funeral home in south Beaumont.
Comeaux-Community Mortuary and Cremations of Beaumont is planning a new 14,800-square-foot funeral home at 3510 Sarah St., according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) project listing and Andre Comeaux, who is listed as the owner. The company’s other Beaumont location is at 624 Irma St., two blocks east of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
The TDLR listing estimates the cost of the new project at $2.1 million and is set for completion by the end of 2026.
Comeaux-Community Mortuary and Cremations, a family-owned and operated post-mortem funeral service company, has conducted funeral-related care and resources for families in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi since 1978.
LSCO receives $5K donation
PFG-USA and SETEX Construction Corp. presented a $5,000 donation to Lamar State College Orange in support of its Student Emergency Funds Program.
The program provides critical assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges, helping them stay focused on their education when it matters most.
Little Mexico Café closes in Silsbee
Jan. 9 was the last day of operation for Little Mexico Café in Silsbee, according to owner Vanessa Madeles.
“For five unforgettable years, Little Mexico Café was more than a restaurant—it was a home built during one of the hardest moments in recent history. Opening in the middle of COVID was a leap of faith, and somehow this little dream not only survived but thrived because of the unwavering support of the community. Through the hardships and the victories, our employees became family, standing beside one woman’s dream and helping it grow into something real and beautiful. Thank you for the five years of memories, love, and community that I will carry with me always,” Madeles posted on social media.
Workforce Solutions opens new office in Jasper
Last month, Workforce Solutions of Deep East Texas officially opened its new Jasper office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the former J.H. Rowe High School building at 750 E. Gibson St.
The office will provide job placement assistance, training resources, and employment support for residents across the region. It will also house the Southeast Texas Food Bank. For more information, call (409) 384-9031. Hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Mat Tech Industrial Services achieves Platinum STEP level
Mat Tech Industrial Services announced last month it achieved the Platinum level in the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) STEP safety management system, the industry’s gold standard for measuring safety performance.
The award recognizes companies that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to jobsite safety and uphold a culture that values operational excellence above all else. Achieving the Platinum level signifies that Mat Tech has built world-class processes and a robust safety culture across its Gulf Coast operations.
Entergy volunteers pack over 20,000 meals to fight hunger
In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Entergy Texas partnered with The Pack Shack to host “Feed the Funnel” volunteer events addressing food insecurity in Southeast Texas communities, Entergy officials reported.
The events, hosted in Beaumont and The Woodlands, brought employees together to support vulnerable customers while celebrating service, unity, and community.
Nearly 50 Entergy volunteers worked side by side in an assembly-line process to pack nutritious meals distributed to families in need across Southeast Texas. The events were part of the Million Meals for MLK initiative, through which teams assembled more than 20,000 meals, doubling the company’s total from the previous year.
This marks the third consecutive year Entergy Texas has participated in the MLK initiative.
Habitat for Humanity, city to build two new affordable homes
Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, in partnership with the city of Beaumont, announced the upcoming construction of two new affordable homes for local families.
The collaborative effort represents a shared commitment to strengthening the community and providing safe, affordable housing opportunities.
“We are excited to share that Stellar Bank has stepped forward as a major sponsor for this important project,” said Elise Fulton, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. “Their generous support will be instrumental in bringing the dream of homeownership to life for deserving local families.”
For more information or to get involved, contact Allysa Jernigan with Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County at (409) 832-5853.
The Master’s Men farewell concert March 7 at SHS Auditorum
The Master’s Men will sing their final farewell concert Saturday, March 7, at the Silsbee High School Auditorium. The group formed in 1995 when three different groups from First Baptist Church Silsbee sang together at a church member’s funeral.
Over the years, members left the group due to family or work schedules that did not allow for weekend practice and travel.
During its 30-year ministry, the group performed in hundreds of churches and hosted more than 30 concerts with top gospel groups in the U.S.
A unique aspect of the group was the addition of a female member in 2017, filling the male tenor role. Current members are Rusty Mott, lead vocalist from Spurger; Yvette Morgan, tenor from Kirbyville; Bill Wright, baritone from Silsbee; Kent Houp, baritone/emcee from Wildwood; and Mike Burkhalter from Garrison.
Doors open at 3 p.m., with the concert at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at mastersmensilsbee.org or by calling (409) 718-2332.
Pool earns TRMC recertification
Orange Deputy City Secretary Jennifer Pool earned her first recertification through the Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) Certification Program.
The program, located at the University of North Texas, is a university-level professional education program covering public administration, election law, budgeting and finance, municipal law, and personnel management.
Pool is a 2021 Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program graduate and has been a member of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association for nine years.
TCEQ names next chief auditor
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) appointed Chance Watson as its next chief auditor during a Jan. 5 work session, the commission announced.
The appointment was approved by voice vote, and Watson’s start date is Jan. 15. The commission cited his 28 years of experience in justifying the selection.
