Chamber “Mid-Morning Coffee” Unites Businesses, Candidates

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT – The Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC) held it’s first “Mid-Morning Coffee” event of 2024 Thursday, Jan. 18, hosted by Coldwell Banker, Pat Dickey Realty in downtown Crockett. The event is designed to bring together local businesses to discuss what is going on with their businesses and share news from around the community. 

Playing hosts were Bobby Ray Bridwell, Jennie Carter, Dawn Bridwell, among others as the meeting was led by Crockett Bank President and CACC Board President Rhonda Stanley and Kailin’s Center Executive Director Leanne Henson.

Bridwell announced some renovations planned for the office and awning outside the building and thanked everyone for coming out. 

“We’ve been helping people out of this office for almost 40 years and I want to continue that tradition,” Bridwell said. “My mom taught me to do real estate, the way it’s supposed to be done, and treat people the way you want to be treated. I try to carry that tradition on every day and I instill it in our people.”

The nearly 40 people who came out to try the coffee, orange juice, fresh fruits and homemade breakfast dishes, were joined by several city and county officials, including Precinct One Justice of the Peace Mike McCreight. 

With 2024 being an election year, several local candidates came to support the chamber and tell attendees about themselves and their goals, if elected. Gary Lovell, seeking reelection as Houston County Commissioner was present, and James Angerstein, running for County Tax Assessor/Collector also took a minute to speak. 

Candidate for Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge greeted the crowd, while incumbent Randy Hargrove had to be in Lufkin, apologizing for missing the meeting. 

Republican candidate for Texas House of Representatives Paulette Carson asked for support, before several business people gave updates on their plans for the new year. Businesswoman Aurora Hayes from Bear Hall announced she will open an Italian-inspired grocery in Crockett next month, called “Forza,” with several other locations to follow, all headquartered out of Crockett. 

The next event will be held Thursday, Feb. 15 at Cattleman’s Country Cafe, with another chance to visit and network with fellow members of the community. 

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]