International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #7 | Page 33

R egina M orales P resident /CEO C entral F ort B end C hamber I nterview by H eidi P owell -P rera Q: What is the chamber & how long has it been serving A: In December we have our beautiful Annual Gala; and on a monthly basis, we host our Working Lunch Series, which features technical awareness training topics for A: The Central Fort Bend Chamber was established in small businesses. Go to http://www.cfbca.org/ to learn 1910. I believe we are one of the oldest chambers in the more about the many events we host in the area. community. Originally named the Fort Bend Chamber, it was established to help our businesses by creating net- Q: How would you like to leave the legacy of this role for working opportunities for the area and to create commu- others in the future? nity impact, to have an influence on future development for the community. A: I would like for community leaders and the people to the community? think about the quality of life for our future generations when making plans and decisions involving commerce, for a long time? education and the Infrastructure. I’d like to inspire ev- eryone to realize it is their right to be involved in their A: Absolutely, for those from the area I was born at Poly community and to leave their fingerprint on it in some Ryon Hospital, which has now been renamed to Oak way. There are so many ways to be involved and to sup- Bend. I have a great uncle who was a Fort Bend County port your community. Commissioner, Erwin McGee, so my family roots in Fort Bend go back quite a way. He was commissioner in the The Central Fort Bend Chamber promotes economic 50s and then again in the 60s. I’m just really fortunate to growth, constructive change and superior quality of life have a lot of family in the area. We moved away when I through the development and implementation of goals was a child. After college and marriage, while my chil- and programs that advocate the objectives of the business community located within central Fort Bend County. We dren were young, we moved back to this area. would like to be recognized as the most valuable resource to new and existing local businesses. Q: Please tell us about the most rewarding part of this job over the years? Q: Have you been a part of the Fort Bend Community A: I get to work with area businesses and the people in organizing events that help them prosper and that get them involved in their community. These business own- ers and their staff often become good friends as well. Q: Does the chamber have any annual traditions, and what are they? iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 33