The state of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is just fine, thank you.

That was the report given by Ann Hodge, president and CEO, and Steve Reichardt, board chairman, to the Katy Area EDC’s general membership assembly last week. They gave a lively power point presentation of the past year’s activities.

Membership is up, the Chamber now is debt –free, all of its special events for the past year exceeded expectations, and it’s looking ahead to new challenges.

Hodge stressed that the Chamber is initiating membership campaign changes to keep pace with expanding economic developments. Hodge reminded the Katy Area Economic Development Council members at this breakfast that the EDC was created six years ago out of the Chamber to intensify efforts to attract more business and industry to the area. She lauded the EDC for its achievements.

Hodge noted that many of the Chamber’s programs coincide with the EDC in promoting business, medical, tourism and educational projects.

Reichardt of Keystone Classic Homes stressed the Chamber’s continued communication with the Texas Legislature, and all city and county entities in the Greater Katy Area.

The Chamber leaders noted that the annual gala was the most successful in the Chamber’s history. It recognized Choice Credit Union members as the Business of the Year, and Pat Baker as the Volunteer of the Year. It recognized State Sen. Glenn Hegar and State Rep. Bill Callegari as Citizens of the Year.

The Chamber was active through the Business Resource Center in serving a host of new and existing area businesses. It also has helped scores of families who are relocating to this area.

The Chamber celebrated a record attendance at the 27th annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival, and saluted Katy ISD Campus Teachers, and provided scholarships for KISD students at the FFA Livestock Show. The Chamber has been active in supporting mobility projects, including the successful four road projects approved by Fort Bend County voters last year.