August 3, 2026

Elevate your business at the 3rd annual Stand Out Marketing event

If you are struggling to tell the story of your business in a crowded market place, it's time to Stand Out. If you're looking for tools and techniques that can lift your marketing to the next level, it's time to Stand Out.

The Chamber's popular Stand Out Marketing Series will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 8-11:45 a.m. at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center. The event is presented by Purple Gorilla Media, and the breakfast is sponsored by Brand Advantage, LLC.

The theme for this year's event is all about storytelling, beginning with the keynote speaker and founder of Community Impact, John Garrett. He will provide attendees with tools they can use to get their business thinking like a media player - speaking in headlines.

Next, a panel discussion on "Telling Your Story Locally: Lessons from National Brands" will include valuable marketing insights from Chick-fil-A (Erika Sumner), Gullo Dealerships (Tiffany Iadarola) and State Farm Insurance (Lupe Martinez). Local business owner Margie Taylor with Taylorized PR will moderate the panel.

The morning concludes with a how-to session on authentic storytelling in the age of AI, presented by Mason Benitez, owner and founder of Bishop Advertising & AI.

"Each year, the Stand Out Marketing event gets bigger and better," said Steve Scheffler, the Chamber's Director of Marketing & Communications. "For anyone involved in the marketing of their business, this is an incredible local resource - at a very affordable price."

Stand Out Marketing 2026

Wednesday, October 14

8-11:45 a.m.

Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

9055 Airport Rd.

Conroe, TX 77303

Click to register!

The 2026 edition of Stand Out Marketing takes place all in one jam-packed morning - October 14 from 8-11:45 a.m.

Founder of Community Impact, John Garrett, will kick off the Stand Out Marketing event with a session on "Creating Impactful Storytelling: Speaking in Headlines."

Mason Benitez with Bishop Advertising & AI will present on how to maintain authenticity in the age of AI.

Erika Sumner

Chick-fil-A

(panelist)

Lupe Martinez

State Farm

(panelist)

Tiffany Iadarola

Gullo Dealerships

(panelist)

Week at a Glance: August 3-9

Monday, August 3

Monthly Luncheon: State of the State with Senator Brett Ligon

11:30 a.m., N. Montgomery County Community Center, 600 Gerald St., Willis, TX 77378

Tuesday, August 4

Get Back to School Day - Willis ISD

8 a.m.-1 p.m. (kickoff breakfast at Castleschouldt Elementary), 8150 M.P. Clark Rd., Conroe, TX 77304

S.O.A.R. Academy - Soft Skills Training (High School edition) - Day 1

5:30-8:30 p.m., 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77301

Wednesday, August 5

Coffee Network

8:30-10 a.m., McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers, 17099 Walden Rd., Montgomery, TX 77356

Thursday, August 6

Ribbon Cutting - Crispy Cones

9 a.m., 2200 N. Frazier, Ste. 135, Conroe, TX 77303

Ribbon Cutting - Kingdom Family Ministry

2:30 p.m., 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77301

S.O.A.R. Academy - Soft Skills Training (High School edition) - Day 2

5:30-8:30 p.m., 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77301

Friday, August 7

Get Back to School Day - Montgomery ISD

8 a.m.-1 p.m. (kickoff breakfast at MISD's The Den), 1520 Lone Star Pkwy., Montgomery, TX 77356

Chamber News & Events

Visit our calendar here

Final opportunity to volunteer at Get Back to School Day!

Aug. 4 & 7 event supports Willis, Montgomery ISDs

Get Back to School Day, including both Willis and Montgomery ISDs. is an annual tradition, generously presented by Pizza Shack, bringing together community & business volunteers, sponsors, and school leaders to prepare local campuses for the return of students each fall. It all happens this Tuesday and Friday, so NOW is the time to register to volunteer!

What began in 2017 as a response to widespread campus transitions in Montgomery ISD has grown into a powerful movement of service and support. Last year, hundreds participated—painting, organizing, assembling, landscaping, and moving supplies, furniture and equipment.

Pizza Shack is generously presenting

this year's Get Back to School Day.

Get Back to School Day is an opportunity for you and/or your business to play an active role in helping our incredible ISD community meet the needs of our young students. As a volunteer, you’ll tackle specific project lists in a condensed three-hour period to create a welcoming space for students to learn and thrive.

On two separate dates (Willis ISD – Aug. 4; Montgomery ISD – Aug. 7), the Chamber invites you to step in and serve during one or both district events, as shown below. The Willis ISD event is sponsored by Woodforest National Bank, while the Montgomery ISD event is sponsored by the Montgomery ISD Education Foundation.

All volunteers receive a free t-shirt and kick-off breakfast as a thank-you for their service.

Get Back to School Day is open to all—Chamber members, families, businesses, faith-based groups, and anyone who wants to help. Volunteers are matched with campuses based on project needs and team size. Volunteers can also select the campus of their choice on the registration form from the links below. Whether you're handy with tools, organized with a clipboard, or simply eager to help, there’s a place for you.

How to Get Involved:

· Volunteer: Sign up as an individual or bring a group.

· Promote: Share this opportunity with friends, family, coworkers, or your church congregation.

Details for Willis ISD:

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Castleshouldt Elementary School (8150 M.P. Clark Rd., Conroe, TX 77304)

8 a.m. (gather/breakfast kick-off)

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (projects at various WISD campuses)

Event sponsor: Woodforest National Bank

Click to volunteer!

Details for Montgomery ISD:

Friday, August 7, 2026

The Den (MISD's new CTE & Ag Science Center (1520 Lone Star Pkwy., Montgomery, TX 77356)

8 a.m. (gather/breakfast kick-off)

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (projects at various MISD campuses)

Event sponsor: Montgomery ISD Education Foundation

Click to volunteer!

Make new connections at Coffee Network

Networking in Montgomery is growing; join us on August 5 at McKenzie's

Coffee Network is a casual gathering that brings Chamber members together over coffee & breakfast bites to build relationships, share ideas, and spark new relationships. This month, our location has shifted to the Montgomery location of McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers.

With an audience of approximately 80-100 fellow professionals, it’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your visibility and strengthen your network. This month's event is sponsored by SB&K Benefits.

Be prepared to present your 30-second elevator pitch to the room. Share what you do and make a lasting impression. Best of all, it’s FREE for Chamber members. Come grab breakfast and a cup, make new connections, and start your day the Chamber way.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

8:30-10 a.m.

NEW LOCATION: McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers, 17099 Walden Rd., Montgomery, TX 77356

Click to register!

August's Morning Mingle takes us to Citizen's Grill (and co-hosted by Texas Regional Bank) for a delicious breakfast and lots of networking. Don't miss this great start to your day!

Thursday, August 13

7:30-9 a.m.

Citizens Grill

315 Enclave Dr.

Conroe, TX 77384

Click to register!

Fun After Five is always a blast, and August will be no different as First Financial Bank in Conroe hosts this evening of networking, bites & drinks. Bring your business cards - you may win a door prize!

Thursday, August 20

5:05-6:30 p.m.

First Financial Bank

1800 W. White Oak Terrace

Conroe, TX 77304

Click to register!