PORT NECHES — Port Neches Police Chief Paul Lemoine jokes he has big shoes to fill as the incoming president of the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce.

Those shoes are his own.

Lemoine elected to serve a second consecutive year as chamber president to allow another member a chance to focus on his expanding business.

But he takes it all in stride.

“Last year went pretty smooth,” Lemoine said referring to the chamber’s 12 ribbon cuttings and grand openings, numerous business of the month events and chamber coffee get-togethers as well as a plethora of other community events.

“Goals are to continue what we’ve been doing and also try and create a climate to attract new businesses and have those business owners become involved with the chamber as a way to network,” he said.

Lemoine is an active community member who recently finished tenure as president of the Midcounty Noon Optimist Club and is secretary/treasurer of the Mid County Peace Officers Association. He is also active in his church, Southside Baptist.

Off duty Lemoine enjoys hunting and fishing and just about anything outdoors. He recently completed the first part of certification towards becoming a master bee keeper, is involved in gardening and gets his eggs fresh from his chickens. Lemoione event started a garden at the police station and once a week goes out and picks lettuce, spinach and kale that he uses through the week for salads and sandwiches. He’s also growing carrots, onions, garlic and cabbage.

Port Neches Chamber of Commerce saw a busy year with events such as the Easter Sunrise Service, co-hosted the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District Top 10 Honors Luncheon, Miss Port Neches Scholarship Pageant and Riverfest, National Night Out where they partnered with the police department, annual golf tournament, Art Walk on the Avenue, Christmas Parade, Mid-County Chambers’ Holiday Mixer and Christmas Cards in the Park.

Debbie Plaia, executive director of the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, explained that during Lemoine’s first year as president he worked to build relationships with local leaders and promote the core values of the chamber and it’s members.

During 2015 the chamber developed an ambassador program and Plaia and Lemoine are looking forward to continuing the program.

“In the future we will continue to work closely with the city and school district and the business community and others to enhance the quality of life and economy for Port Neches and surrounding areas,” Plaia said.

Lemoine will take the helm, again, during the chamber’s 75^th annual banquet set for Thursday at The Pompano Club in Port Neches. The guest speaker is Joe V. Tortorice Jr., founder of Jason’s Deli.

Tortorice and partners founded Jason’s Deli n Beaumont in 1976. The company has approximately 250 locations in 29 states.

Plaia heard Tortorice speak at an event about eight years ago and is excited to have him at the upcoming banquet.

“Everyone is looking forward to hear him speak,” Plaia said. “With the way the economy is going this is a nice breath of fresh air; going in a positive direction. I think he has a lot to bring to the chamber and its members.”

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