Lots of laughs shared with Port Neches Chamber

Published 12:19 am Wednesday, January 29, 2020

PORT NECHES — The goals were to keep things light and have fun.

Mission accomplished.

A packed crowd at Neches River Wheelhouse enjoyed plenty of laughter and socializing Monday night during the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce’s 79th Annual Banquet.

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Numerous speakers recognized the Wheelhouse restaurant as a catalyst for recent riverfront and Port Neches Avenue development.

Port Neches Mayor Glenn Johnson kicked off a lively Chamber banquet with a breakdown of his initial response to the November TPC explosion, which included numerous humorous anecdotes. (Stephen Hemelt/The News)

Mayor Glenn Johnson served as emcee, delivering a unique breakdown of the TPC explosion and fallout that included plenty of love for community response and plenty of jabs at social media and, surprisingly, his wife’s dog.

Johnson eventually yielded the microphone to outgoing president Lance Bradley, who spent nearly all of his 20 minutes roasting Terry Schwertner, the Chamber’s incoming president.

The owner of McFerrin Insurance Agency was up for the good-natured fun.

“If you are going to live and work in your community, you need to get involved,” Schwertner said.

Schwertner closed his remarks and the night by saying he is honored to serve as Chamber president and called for blessings on attendees, the community and our country.

The incoming Executive Board of Directors includes Schwertner, Olin Clotiaux, Shane Reedy, Debbie Plaia and Bradley.