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    Lone Star College SBDC welcomes new advisory council members main photo

    Lone Star College SBDC welcomes new advisory council members

    December 10, 2015

    HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – The Lone Star College Small Business Development Center has announced Fred Welch and Zach Richmond as the newest members to its advisory council.

    “We are fortunate to have these two experts join our impressive Advisory Council,” said Sal Mira, executive director of the SBDC. “Their experience and background will be a tremendous asset for the center and area small businesses.”

    The Small Business Advisory Council provides a communication system with area employers, community leaders, entrepreneurs and the Lone Star College Small Business Development Center offering experienced business consulting to help entrepreneurs evolve to the next level of business.

    Council members represent local businesses, bankers, professionals, chambers of commerce, associations and the college system. Through this partnership Lone Star College remains a primary and constantly relevant source for business assistance, growth and expansion.

    Richmond currently serves as assistant vice president at Woodforest National Bank.  Richmond also serves on the Lone Star CRA Fund LP, Lone Star Opportunities Fund V LP and Valesco Advisory Boards.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of The Woodlands Chairing the Oak Ridge Interact Club, Sergeant at Arms and Flag Day Committees, and works with the Montgomery County Food Bank, Social and Blood Drive Committees.

    Richmond is also a board member for the Montgomery County Cattle Barons Ball/Couture for the Cause benefitting the Montgomery County American Cancer Society.

    Welch has been involved in economic development in the Houston region for over 20 years. He joined the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council as executive director in 2014. Most recently he served the Houston region as vice president for regional economic development with The Greater Houston Partnership.

    In addition to his time with GHP, Welch served as vice president, marketing and recruitment for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and in Type A and B sales tax cities of Pearland and La Marque. Welch is a certified economic developer through the International Economic Development Council and a certified economic development finance professional through the National Development Council. He serves on the executive committee for the Texas Economic Development Council.

    The LSC SBDC assists companies to evolve and grow to compete in today’s global economy. SBDC services are available for companies in every phase of the business life cycle, helping entrepreneurs make sound decisions and succeed.

    Each year, the LSC SBDC Advisory Council recognizes successful small businesses that make an impact in the local community as part of the annual SBDC Small Business of the Year awards ceremony.

    Known for its leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to student success, Lone Star College provides high-quality academic transfer and workforce education/career training programs to more than 83,000 credit students each semester, and a total enrollment of 95,000 students. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to promote student success and economic prosperity. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, which consists of six colleges, seven centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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    Fast Fact Photo
    Buske Logistics

    Buske Logistics project in Conroe Park North

    “The existing infrastructure in and around Conroe Park North creates a smart investment for us because the structure is there. The economics make sense versus competing parks in the area.”

    John Babington, Buske President and Owner

    Buske Logistics
    Fast Fact Photo
    Eleet

    Eleet Cryogenics project in Conroe Park North

    “Conroe Park North has everything we need. The infrastructure is in place, the Park is very well maintained, and we can be close to our customer base. I thought to myself on that first visit, ‘This is where I want to be.’”

    Garry Sears, Founder and President/CEO of Eleet Cryogenics, Inc. 

    Eleet
    Fast Fact Photo
    Texas Tissue

    Texas Tissue project in Conroe Park North

    “Conroe had the available land and the necessary resources to build what we needed. And from a labor standpoint, Conroe is an attractive market to recruit talent. People want to live and work there.”

    Joe Suarez, Texas Tissue Chief Financial Officer

    Texas Tissue
    Fast Fact Photo
    VGXI

    VGXI project in Deison Technology Park

    “I cannot tell you how many people in Conroe have told us, ‘VGXI is exactly what we've been searching for to lead Deison Technology Park.’ We could not have accomplished this without the CEDC staff. Conroe has been so welcoming. It fills us with pride.”

    Dorothy Peterson, VGXI Chief Operating Officer

    VGXI
    Fast Fact Photo
    AFW

    American Furniture Warehouse project in Conroe

    “Conroe checks all the boxes for what we look for when we expand: accessibility to land, infrastructure, and people. The CEDC listened to our needs and moved quickly to connect us with important resources, and the City of Conroe has been incredibly hospitable.”

    Nolan Morrison, American Furniture Warehouse Executive

    AFW
    Conroe Economic Development Council Icon
    Conroe Economic Development Council 936.522.3530 (phone) 936.756.6162 (fax) info@conroeedc.org 300 W. Davis St, Ste 510 Conroe, TX 77301
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