By David Taylor / Managing Editor
The Crosby Huffman Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual board election at Crosby Church last Thursday, marking a year of revitalization and community engagement. Chamber President Velma Ellison recapped the organization’s achievements and outlined ambitious plans for the coming year.
“We embarked on an initiative in 2024 to revive and spruce up the chamber in every area,” Ellison said. She detailed improvements to the chamber office, including a new roof, leveling, gutters, and interior renovations.
“Once we had the exterior solid, we went to work on the interior by repairing and painting the walls, redecorating, along with updating our conference room, which seats 12 people and has a large, big screen TV, a monitor for training and meeting purposes. Members can use that room for free,” she said.
Ellison also highlighted the chamber’s updated website, which serves as a hub for member businesses and referrals.
“Often in my business as a realtor, someone will ask me to refer somebody to them. If I don’t have someone in my back pocket, I immediately go to the chamber site and I’ve been able to refer a lot of roofers lately,” she said.
The chamber hosted several successful events in 2025, including the annual awards banquet, the Tees and Tails Golf Tournament, the first Concert on the Water, and the New Educators Luncheon. Looking ahead, the annual Christmas Festival and night parade are scheduled for December 13.
Membership growth was another highlight, with 49 new members and 81 renewals.
“It is exciting to see the growth within the Chamber,” Ellison noted. “Our Chamber ambassadors and office staff have been really busy welcoming our new members with ribbon cuttings, welcoming them to the chamber, and we often forget how much we’ve done until we look back all at once, and it’s very impressive to see how much we’ve accomplished in one year.”
As part of the process of updating the chamber, they also modernized their logo, replacing the marquee at the office and the welcome sign at Highway 90. They also invested in a repeat banner with the chamber logo.
A major initiative for 2025 is the partnership with CenterPoint Energy to install 58 new streetlights along FM 2100.
“This is not just a short-term improvement, it is a lasting investment that will keep our main thoroughfare safely lit for generations to come,” Ellison said. She called on businesses and community members to support the project.
“Together we can improve safety, visibility, and quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and travels through Crosby. This is a community effort, and we are depending on your support to help keep Crosby’s light shining bright.”
New board members elected include Lance Cole (ESI Fire and Security), Trudi Griffith (United Community Credit Union), Lee Ann Lockwood (Churches United In Caring), and Tom Currie (Frank’s Collision Center), Billy Bostick (Bostick Services), and John Tallent (Skeetercide). Re-elected board members are Travis Mann (Capital Farm Credit), Tiffany Mueller (Crosby Church), and Velma Ellison (Alliance Properties).
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