Lobsterfest just one of the many Chamber success stories

CONROE, Texas -- On the heels of a successful Lobsterfest fundraiser, Scott Harper, the President of the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the event and his 18 months since taking the helm at the Chamber in January 2012.

“This is the first time the Lobsterfest has been a sellout,” said Harper. “We sold 860 tickets to the event, and all-time high.”

No doubt Conroe is feeling the growth spurt that the rest of Montgomery County is experiencing. The Chamber has added 300 new members to its organization, which currently totals 1100 members. The continued evolution of the Technology and Industrial Parks, and the Camp Strake Development, should see the Chamber’s membership grow exponentially in the next two to three years. Businesses use the Chamber for marketing purposes and resources; Harper said the Chamber is intent on seeing that their needs are met.

“We’re pleased with the community’s support and involvement with our Chamber fundraisers like Lobsterfest and Tastefest. It’s what’s made it possible for us to give back to the community in the form of small business seminars, and other amenities,” said Harper.

Harper cited this kind of engagement is what he enjoys most about his position with the Chamber. No stranger to the world of non-profits, Harper’s history includes heading up the Conroe Family YMCA, and Executive Director of Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA). Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Montgomery County (LMC), the advisory committee for Court Appointed Special Advocates(CASA), the Assistance League of Montgomery County, and is a member of the Conroe Noon Rotary Club. Community involvement is what these non-profit organizations are all about, and Harper is thoroughly enjoying it.

“The Chamber will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year,” said Harper. “I’m looking forward to celebrating it in a big way.”

Future aspirations include expanding the Chamber’s reach for the good of the whole county. Corporations use the term ‘synergistic integration,’ which loosely translates to leveraging resources for the greater good.

“I’d like to work with the other Chambers in the surrounding area, on projects that will benefit all of Montgomery County,” said Harper.

Although no specific project was revealed, the county’s growth is good reason to band together. A lofty undertaking, but Harper has time. Scott and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Laine, 12, and Ethan, 10, who still have several years ahead of them before being out of school. In the meantime, Harper is enjoying the time growing businesses and commerce...the fundamental purpose of the Chamber of Commerce.