Best Overall – Kyle Rassumussen
Best Large Pleasure Boat – Wayne Hutto
Wow, we can’t believe it’s the Holiday Season again! We hope that everyone takes advantage of Shopping Local, in Port O’Connor, for their Christmas Gifts! We have so many wonderful shops offering a variety of gifts for your loved ones and family! On Thursday, December 14th, we had our first POC Shop the Town. Participating storefronts were Jeco’s Marine and Tackle, Sisters Gift Shop, POC Rod & Gun, The Spot Coastal Gifts, Jo Beth’s Creations, Studio 14, Coral Reef Shell Shop, and Xandra Ann’s Art.
The Chamber fed the boaters of the Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run this year, upon their arrival at Clark’s Inn. Thank you to members Dean and Peeler Meat Market for selecting the briskets and to Texas Chrome Outdoors for cooking them. The Lighted Boat Parade was awesome this year! There was a total of 24 boats that participated, lighting up the Intracoastal Canal with Christmas spirit! We want to thank Charlie & Susan Upshaw for hosting the judges at their home/dock. It’s the perfect place to get a closeup viewing of all the hard work that goes into decorating and lighting of the watercraft. Thank you also to Hurricane Junction for hosting the presentation of awards. Winners were as follows: Best Large Pleasure boat went to Tails Up, Wayne Hutto, in a 45’ Cabo decorated in beautiful green lights all around it. Best Medium Pleasure boat went to Side Chick, Matthew Binford, in a 25’ Shallow Sport with Palm Trees and Candy Canes. Best Small Pleasure boat winner was Baby Blue, Curtis Maxwell, in a Majek Illusion which was very colorful and a cute dog on the front. Best Commercial boat was a tie between the two Indianola Fishing Marina boats, both 25’ Dargels captained by John Long and Everett Lorenz. The Most Unique boat was awarded to Sea Tow, Brennen Larson, with their rescue boat towing Santa in an Airboat! Most Spirited went to Ben Cates, in a 24’ Carolina Skiff, with Santa and an Alligator. Best Overall boat went to In Deep, captained by Kyle Rassmussen, donning a live guitar player in a 32’ Boston Whaler…. Awesome music!! All boats were very decorated, and it was a hard decision for the judges. Thank you to all that participated!
Every year, at our annual meeting in December, five (out of ten) Chamber Directors are elected for a two-year term. Newly elected Directors for 2024 are Darla Parker, Dawn Ragusin, Brent Hart, Steven Guevara and Ross Harlow. We are very excited to have Ross onboard with us, bringing lots of new ideas and support to the Chamber!
Our annual membership drive begins in January, running through the end of February. Please be on the lookout for your membership renewal in the mail. Business memberships are available for $100, as well as individual/couple memberships for $35. Printable applications are available and/or you can also renew or join online at our website: www.portoconnorchamber.com.
Don’t forget the POC Chamber of Commerce hosts the Farmers Market on the second Saturday of each month, from 8am – 12pm, at King Fisher Pavilion. This event gives the opportunity for rising businesses to sell their goods to the community. All items sold must be homemade or homegrown to participate. We have some amazing vendors with jams, produce, eggs, handmade crafts and arts, pasta, breads, sauces, and much more! Guidelines and Application can be found on the Chamber website at www.portoconnorchamber.com/member/join
We want to welcome the following new members to the Chamber! POC Inflatables, LLC is a small local party rental company in POC with inflatable slides and bounce houses, tables and chairs, and more to come soon! Also welcome to Lamar Advertising of Victoria. Lamar has billboard opportunities in surrounding counties. Watch for our Port O’Connor ads while you are in Victoria! Also new to the POC Chamber is Bubba’s Seafood in Seadrift. Locally owned and operated, Bubba’s is a casual restaurant serving fresh seafood and home cooking. Be sure to follow our Chamber Facebook page for all their latest updates and news, as well as their business listing on our website.
From everyone at the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! May your new year be filled with happiness and success.
