Beyond Business: Conroe’s Culture of Volunteerism in Action

Does Conroe offer significant advantages for local businesses, including its prime location, strong infrastructure and diverse economic opportunities? You bet. But what truly sets this community apart isn’t found on a map or in a business plan: it’s the people.

More than just neighbors, Conroe’s people are active participants who make the city thrive. Their energy shows up in packed events, generously offering volunteer hours to keep the community moving forward together. At the center of this momentum is the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, a dynamic organization fueled by a deep culture of volunteerism. For Chamber President Scott Harper, the organization’s volunteers aren’t just helpful, they’re “the heartbeat of our chamber.”

From Greeters to Game-Changers: Volunteers in Action

Working closely with the Conroe Economic Development Council, the Chamber hosts several events that directly contribute to the economic health and well-being of local businesses and business leaders. This effort is central to the Chamber’s mission of creating connections within the business community, as well as developing the next generation of leaders for the Conroe/Lake Conroe region. Two notable examples of this commitment are the Chamber’s Diplomat Program and Young Professionals Network (YPN).

As one of the Chamber’s most visible volunteer efforts, the Diplomat Program is a 30-member team split between membership recruitment and retention. These volunteers greet new members, check in attendees at events, attend ribbon cutting events, deliver welcome packets and ensure every attendee feels connected. They even lead a “care” group that sends cards for milestones or life events, ensuring the Chamber lives up to its reputation as a relational organization rather than a transactional one.

The results are impressive. This year alone, Diplomats have donated more than 1,800 volunteer hours, surpassing 2024’s documented time with months still to go.

In Conroe, volunteerism isn’t limited to long-time Chamber members. The YPN builds community service into its monthly programming. Their projects have delivered measurable results, such as saving a youth shelter over $7,000 by re-striping parking lots and installing concrete markers in a single afternoon. Members have also wrapped holiday gifts for children, packed food at the Montgomery County Food Bank and built beds for local nonprofits. Harper notes, “For many, these experiences spark lasting commitments to causes they care about, fostering a new generation of civic-minded leaders.”

Community Volunteerism Never Sleeps

The Chamber’s two major events held annually in October, Lobsterfest and the Youth to Career Fair, directly showcase the Chamber’s reliance on volunteers.

Lobsterfest, now in its 39th year, is Conroe’s largest Chamber fundraiser and something of a local tradition. In one night, more than 1,000 attendees enjoy steak and lobster, followed by a golf tournament with 288 golfers the next day. Volunteers handle everything from cooking to silent and live auction coordination to course logistics. “People brag about never missing a Lobsterfest,” Harper said. “It’s been called Conroe’s Homecoming.”

Now in its third year, the Youth to Career Fair connects more than 1,300 eighth graders with hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and build soft skills. Inside the convention center, students explore different career pathways by testing out real equipment, meeting business professionals and getting their event ‘passports’ stamped as they visit company booths. Volunteers play a vital role in guiding students, staffing exhibits and keeping the day running smoothly ensuring that every participant leaves with both inspiration and practical insight.

Spotlighting Nonprofits to Strengthen a Community

Volunteerism, Harper notes, will only grow in importance as the Conroe/Lake Conroe population expands. While economic expansion brings new families and opportunities, it also increases the demand for social services. To meet these needs, the Chamber places strong emphasis on highlighting its nonprofit members and the important work they do for the community.

For example, the annual November Friendsgiving event transforms a regular luncheon into a showcase for local nonprofits, giving them direct access to potential supporters. As Harper puts it, “These organizations are not afraid to ask for help when the opportunity arises. And the community shows up to support them.”

Excellence Recognized: National Honors, Local Heart

The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce’s approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. It is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing it in the top 3% of Chambers nationwide. In addition, it is the only 5-Star Accredited chamber in Montgomery County. In 2025, it was recognized as a Finalist for Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, placing it among the top three chambers in the country.

For Harper, these accolades are a byproduct of the Chamber’s real strength: its people. “To have Chamber members volunteer at our events is the best example of what you can get out of our Chamber,” he says. “Volunteers will always be the fabric of who we are.”