Local

LOCAL BRIEFS | March 2026

BBB announces newly elected board, chair, directors and officersThe Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southeast Texas announced the newly elected officers, directors and board chair for 2026.

LSCPA, Gated Rentals offer paid training opportunity in carpentry

Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA), in partnership with Gated Rentals, is offering a unique “earn while you learn” opportunity for individuals seeking training in carpentry, a skilled trade in high demand across Southeast Texas, according to a news release.

FACES & PLACES | March 2026

• Eric Ellison, of Orange, is the new safety specialist at Golden Triangle Polymer Co. Before joining GTP, he was a maintenance technician at Austin Industrial, Inc. and an HSE safety coordinator for PCL Construction. He is also a fishing guide for Capt. Cornmeal Charters.

Food, fun and philanthropy: Taste of the Triangle gives back

By Barbara Davis | barbara@theexaminer.comThe 44th annual Taste of the Triangle brought flavor, flair, and philanthropy together for Fat Tuesday (Feb. 17), as more than 1,400 guests gathered into the Beaumont Civic Center to sample the very best of Southeast Texas cuisine.

Monthly sales tax revenue goes to local cities, ESDs, etc.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose district $1.5 billion in local sales tax allocations for February, 2.5% more than in February 2025.

LU engineering programs post top salaries, lowest debt ratios in state report

New state workforce data shows Lamar University engineering graduates earning among the highest first-year salaries in Texas while carrying some of the lowest student debt loads in the state.

First Financial Bank building new branch in Beaumont

By Dannie Oliveaux | dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.comConstruction continues on First Financial Bank’s newest location in Beaumont, 855 South 8th St.The newest branch is adjacent to Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, offering convenience for patients, staff, and visitors.

TDLR awards permits to Beaumont, Port Arthur businesses

By Dannie Oliveaux | dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.comAccording to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website, there are a host of new construction, expansion and renovation projects among established and new businesses in Beaumont and Port Arthur.Qdoba, 8450 Memorial Blvd.

Beaumont CVB honors tourism at 34th annual Hall of Fame event

By Maddie Sims | maddie@theexaminer.comThe Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted its 34th Annual Hall of Fame Awards on Feb. 3 at the Tyrrell Park Garden Center.

Christus receives grant to invest in clinical simulation for clinicians

Christus Health announced collaboration with the Permian Basin Workforce Board in a grant-funded initiative that will expand access to high-quality clinical simulation training for Christus clinicians across Texas.The Rural Health Initiative, a $2.