Mineola chamber announces renovation plan

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 1/30/25

Plans for renovations to the Mineola Chamber of Commerce building were among the highlights of Friday’s annual membership meeting.

Outgoing President Kelsie McGilvray outlined the …

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Mineola chamber announces renovation plan

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Plans for renovations to the Mineola Chamber of Commerce building were among the highlights of Friday’s annual membership meeting.

Outgoing President Kelsie McGilvray outlined the chamber’s accomplishments during 2024, including great attendance at community events and adding a part-time staffer to the office.

Bids are being finalized for the renovations, which will place a restroom for staff and the public on the main floor of the historic former bank building at W. Broad and Johnson St.

Plumbing for the restrooms in the basement had to be capped last year to prevent recurring flooding.

Once the bids are finalized, the chamber will be looking at funding opportunities to get the work completed.

New directors were announced: Kallie Malone with ETX Lemonade, Haeley Arnold with Shred the Word and Robbie Wallis with Hidden Pines Venue, which hosted the event.

McGilvray noted that even though the chamber would like to see more participation in the director elections, this year’s 20% turnout was the best in recent years.

Steps were taken to help modernize operations during the year, including an updated website that includes an events calendar, job postings, member discounts and promotions and online payment and billing.

Crystal Herman was added part-time to the staff, while chamber office manager Danielle Vance was moved to a salaried position with benefits.

Events during the year included the annual awards banquet which drew 191, Savor on the Bricks which was attended by 118 diners, Fiesta de Mayo which had 64 vendors and 2,700 visitors, the Iron Horse Heritage Festival which saw 90 vendors and almost 5,000 in attendance, and the annual Christmas parade which drew 2,900 despite the rain to view 30 entries.

This year’s banquet is set for Tuesday, March 4. Tickets and sponsorships are available.

The chamber also hosted six networking events during the year and held 11 ribbon cuttings.

The chamber also serves as the city’s official visitor’s center and had contacts with 2,500 visitors including more than 1,000 in person.

McGilvray stressed the need for more volunteers to assist with chamber projects and also asked for members to offer their input to help the chamber to serve and help businesses.

Three of the four businesses being honored for their efforts during the year were not present.

The supporter of the year award was given to Broadstreet Bank.