Silsbee Chamber names ‘Smart’ director

The Silsbee Chamber of Commerce has a new director. Melissa Smart, a former lab technician and plant chemist in the petrochemical industry, assumed the role of director on July 18. Smart is taking over for Sonja Kelley, who resigned in June after more than four years as executive director.

Spindletop Center receives grant to respond during disaster

Jefferson County has awarded a grant of $957,474 to Spindletop Center through funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The grant funds will allow Spindletop Center to purchase and install a power generator for its North Campus facility, located at 655 S.

Deal on property tax legislation

Property owners throughout Texas will see a reduction in their property taxes after an agreement was reached on the biggest property tax cut in the state’s history – if voters hit the polls in November. Lt.

Oceans of possibilities with Camp SeaPort

The Port of Port Arthur hosted its annual youth community outreach program, Camp SeaPort, on July 10- 14, with a record number of 33 local students participating.

Local teachers get head start on new school year

As a result of an immersive fiveday teacher externship program with ExxonMobil over the summer, Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) West Brook High School’s Engineering and Robotics Teacher Marko Johnson said he has a new outlook on his fall curriculum.

State sales tax revenue totals $3.9B in June

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reported state sales tax revenue totaling $3.92 billion in June, 6.8% more than in June 2022. The majority of June sales tax revenue is based on sales made in May and remitted to the agency in June.

Fuljenz honored with national group’s highest award

Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion in Beaumont, will be the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by the Congressionally-chartered American Numismatic Association (www.money. org), the largest organization of coin collecting enthusiasts in the United States.

‘Local First’ puts Southeast Texas at top of vendor list

The Local First Vendor and Supplier Fair, held July 26 for vendors and suppliers interested in being considered for work on the Golden Triangle Polymer Co. (GTOC) LLC project, was widely attended at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center in Orange.

Ready for Freddy’s

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced that the brand plans to further expand its Texas footprint with 57 new locations added to its development pipeline that include site in Beaumont and Port Arthur.

Tourism touted by taxes

The Jefferson County Tourism Committee is now accepting applications for grants awarded to tourism related projects and events benefiting Jefferson County. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 1, by 5 p.m.; remit to Kathi Hughes, Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center Director.