Welcome from Chamber President/CEO & Board Chair

TARA WATSON-WATKINS, IOM
Chamber President/CEO

TAYLOR HANEY
Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company
Chamber Board Chair
It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to each of you from the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. With over 800 investors, the Chamber of Commerce is the strongest voice for our business community, and we are committed to helping your business grow and thrive! We understand that to have a strong economic environment you must have a strong community.
Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber stands as a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and community collaboration. Nestled in the heart of East Texas, our vibrant community is characterized by its rich history, diverse economic landscape, and a forward-thinking mindset that propels us toward a future of sustained growth and prosperity.
For our existing investors, thank you for your continued dedication and contribution to our community's success. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the vibrant business environment we enjoy today. Together, we have created a network of businesses that not only drive economic development but also foster a sense of community pride.
To our potential investors, I invite you to explore the myriad opportunities that await you in Lufkin and Angelina County. Whether you are considering launching a new venture, expanding an existing business, or relocating to a community that values collaboration and innovation, our region is poised to be the perfect home for your enterprise.
As the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to providing resources, support, and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. From networking events and educational programs to advocacy initiatives, we strive to be the catalyst for your success. We encourage you to take full advantage of the resources and connections available through the Chamber. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in navigating the local business landscape, connecting with like-minded professionals, and staying informed about the latest developments that may impact your business.
East Texas is an outstanding place to live, work, and grow a business. Whether you’re visiting for the day, looking for a new place to call home, or you’re already a resident of our thriving community, Lufkin and Angelina County is a quaint area with a big heart and plenty of opportunities. We are committed to continuing to be a Connector of leaders and influencers, a Catalyst for business growth, and a Champion for a stronger community.
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee

TAYLOR HANEY
Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Co.
2025 Board Chair

JEFF WALKER
Partners for Rural Impact-East Texas
Incoming Chair

WILL ALVIS
6 Degrees Wealth
Immediate Past Chair

CASSIDY KIRKLAND
Southside Bank
Secretary

KEVIN PRATT
Etech
Treasurer

JACK ELLIS
UBank
Vice Chair

CHRIS GAW
VeraBank
Vice Chair

MARY KING
Woodland Heights Medical Center
Vice Chair

NOLAN SMITH
Oncor
Vice Chair
Elected Board Members

PAT ALDRED
Georgia-Pacific

ASHLEY BERRY
East Texas Alliance
of Hope

MELISSA CRAGER
Brookshire Brothers

Dr. JAMES HOCKENBERRY
Lufkin I.S.D.

JAY JELINEK
IT Enabled

HERB JOHNSON
Naskila Casino

PRESTON LOGGINS
Allen Loggins and Sons

CHASE LUCE
Austin Bank

DAVINA MORRIS
BCFS Health and Human Services

JUSTIN RISNER
Central I.S.D.

ERIC ROBINSON
St. Luke's Health Memorial

GREG WEATHERBEE
The Lufkin Daily News
Ex-Officio Board Members

JASON ARNOLD
City of Diboll

BRIAN BRAY
City of Lufkin

DEE ELLIS
Angelina College

TARA HENDRIX
Visit Lufkin

PAM HOOKS
City of Zavalla

RODNEY McCARTY
City of Hudson

BOB SAMFORD
Lufkin Economic Development Corp.

KELLY SHROUT
Angelina Beautiful Clean

BILL STEWART
City of Huntington

DONNY WEBB
Governmental Relations

KEITH WRIGHT
Angelina County Judge