PORT NECHES — There was a common theme at the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce 78th Annual Banquet on Monday.

Mayor Glenn Johnson spoke of it. The chamber president Lance Bradley spoke of it and even the Rev. Phil Chamberlin alluded to it — the future of the city through development of the riverfront and downtown areas.

Johnson, in his speech to the attendees, gave a bit of a history lesson explaining how the Neches River Wheelhouse, where the event was held, was one of two industrial sites once upon a time. The land was cleaned up to residential standards, which are stringent, and then a group of investors with an idea came forward.

Later, two local entrepreneurs visited with city leaders asking to open a microbrewery. The business, Neches Brewing, opened and garners customers from near and miles away.

And most recently was the opening of The Avenue Coffee and Café, a place that Johnson recently made a stop at for lunch.

And there’s more development to come — “I just can’t talk about it right now,” Johnson said.

Bradley, who is serving a consecutive term, had nothing but praise for the executive board and executive director Debbie Plaia, saying because of them the job is easy.

The 2019 executive board of directors includes; President Lance Bradley, President Elect Terry Schwertner, Vice President/Treasurer Shane Reedy, Executive Director Debbie Plaia and Past President Olin Clotiaux.