The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is set to host their annual Economic Development Luncheon on Nov. 3, at the Holiday Inn Plaza at Walden Road, with doors opening at 11 a.m. Speakers will include Betty Russo from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and Chris Fisher the Director and CEO of the Port of Beaumont.
Betty Russo is the Regional Representative for the 49-county Gulf Coast/East Texas Region within the Economic Development and Tourism Office of the Governor’s Office. She has served in this role for eight years. In her role she works to market Texas and the region as one of the best places to do business and works to support local economic development allies with projects and opportunities. Russo’s career has been greatly enriched by being a part of this dynamic group and she thoroughly enjoys working with everyone in the region and the Governor’s Office.
Chris Fisher is the Port Director and CEO of the Port of Beaumont, the eighth largest port in the nation in terms of tonnage and the No. 1 strategic military port in the U.S. Fisher, who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary as port director, has been employed by the Port of Beaumont for more than four decades. Fisher holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Lamar University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree. He is the Secretary of the Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas, Inc., a past president of the Texas Ports Association and the Gulf Ports Association, and currently serves as vice president of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Port Authority Advisory Committee. Fisher is also the chairmen of the American Association of Port Authorities’ National Defense Committee. Locally, he serves on the board for the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation. Fisher is a native and lifelong resident of Southeast Texas.
“We are excited to hear Russo’s update from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism division of the Office of the Governor as well as hearing a report on the projects and economic development activities created by the Port of Beaumont,” said Rebekah Maxwell, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. “The Chamber plays a vital role in local economic development and is working with numerous companies considering Beaumont as a potential site for their operations on projects totaling more than $1 billion worth of capital investment. That equals thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of full-time employees.”
The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for growth and expansion and is leading the economic development efforts in Beaumont. The Chamber serves a variety of businesses in Southeast Texas including large, national corporations and small, locally owned companies. Programs and activities are carried out by Chamber staff and overseen by divisions made up of professional volunteers.
The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) serves its members and community as the voice of business, a convener for leaders of influence, it is a champion for a strong and vibrant community and provides opportunities for the business community to connect and grow. The Chamber collaborates with city and countywide organizations and align local chambers to advocate for issues for the greater good.
