News
News Release: 10/9/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA CONTACT:Monica Colemanmonica.coleman@hcahealthcare.com281-607-3560 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood recognizes food and nutrition services team during Healthcare Foodservice Workers WeekBehind every patient meal is a dedicated team helping nourish patients and support recovery. KINGWOOD, Texas (October 9, 2026) —From preparing meals for patients with specialized dietary needs to delivering a comforting meal during a hospital stay, the food and nutrition services
Why Cybersecurity Is a Shared Responsibility for Small Businesses
Many small business owners think about cybersecurity as an IT department responsibility or a one-and-done task. Comcast Business's newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in Montgomery County, Texas. The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses
Greater EMC Chamber Introduces Member Digital Visibility Review
Greater EMC Chamber Introduces Member Digital Visibility Review New member benefit led by Member Data Manager Mark A. Linabury strengthens how Greater EMC members are represented online NEW CANEY, Texas — The Greater EMC Chamber is introducing a new member benefit designed to strengthen the accuracy and usefulness of the information it publishes about its members. Led by Mark A. Linabury, Member Data Manager, the new Member Digital Visibility Review goes beyond simply providing members with an online
.jpg)
EMCID HELPS RUSTY BUCKLE CRAFT BBQ AND TEXAS CUISINE REBUILD AND RETURN TO NEW CANEY
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) today announced its support has helped The Rusty Buckle Craft BBQ and Texas Cuisine rebuild and prepare to reopen in a larger New Caney location following a 2023 Thanksgiving Day fire which destroyed most of the restaurant’s cooking areas.The EMCID Board of Directors approved a grant and low-interest loan to help the local restaurant rebuild, retain its employees through the transition and ultimately expand into a new, larger space. The Rusty Buckle is
Greater EMC Chamber Launches EMC Votes to Address EMC’s Voter Participation Problem
Greater EMC Chamber Launches EMC Votes to Address EMC’s Voter Participation ProblemNew Community Intelligence research identifies a persistent voter participation problem in EMC. Now the Chamber is asking registered EMC voters one important question: “What is getting in the way of you voting?” The Greater EMC Chamber has launched EMC Votes, a new community engagement initiative focused on increasing voter participation and strengthening EMC’s voice. The initiative begins with the release of the
EMCID EARNS TOP SCORE IN WORKFORCE AND BUSINESS READINESS RECERTIFICATION
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) is proud to announce that it earned recertification and a 93 percent score through the Transatlantic Business and Investment Council (TBIC) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Qualified Community certification program, the highest score in the TBIC network. The FDI-Qualified Community certification recognizes communities that demonstrate the readiness and capacity to attract, secure and retain foreign direct investment while competing in an increasingly
EMCID AND OAK VIEW GROUP NAME MELANIE GRANADO GENERAL MANAGER OF CANEY PINES CONVENTION CENTER
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) and Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services and operators of the newly named Caney Pines Convention Center, today named Melanie Granado as General Manager of the 210,070-square-foot facility scheduled to open in December 2026. In her new role at Caney Pines Convention Center, Granado will oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, operations, finance, advertising, sponsorship, and
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON EMCID’S NEW 200-ACRE PARK
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) has awarded the construction contract for the first phase of its highly anticipated 200-acre park in New Caney to HD Outdoor Construction.Construction is scheduled to begin in November on the first phase of EMCID's long-term vision for a natural park that preserves the area's beauty while providing new recreational opportunities for residents. That first phase will include two fenced dog park areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, totaling
EMCID ANNOUNCES “CANEY PINES” AS NAME OF NEW CONVENTION CENTER
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) today announced Caney Pines as the name of its new convention center, as the venue enters the final phase of construction and moves closer to becoming a regional destination for tourism and community opportunity. Groundwork and site preparation began in January 2025 and have steadily progressed over the past 19 months. Construction on the 210,070-square-foot venue, led by SpawGlass, remains on schedule, with a grand opening celebration planned for
Greater EMC Chamber Honors Frank McCrady with Hometown Hero Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Greater EMC Chamber Honors Frank McCrady with Hometown Hero Award"A hometown hero isn't measured by headlines, but by the positive impact they have on the place they call home." NEW CANEY, Texas (August 7, 2026) – The Greater EMC Chamber recognized Frank McCrady, President and CEO of the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID), with its Hometown Hero Award during the Chamber's Monthly Luncheon on August 5, honoring his decades of leadership, service, and commitment to
Greater EMC Chamber Launches Corridor Stewardship Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEGreater EMC Chamber Launches Corridor Stewardship InitiativeCollaboration Results in Ongoing TxDOT Maintenance Commitment Along I-69 Corridor East Montgomery County, Texas — The Greater EMC Chamber is proud to announce the launch of its Greater EMC Chamber Corridor Stewardship Initiative, a long-term advocacy effort dedicated to promoting the care and stewardship of East Montgomery County's major transportation corridors because First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions. The
News Release: 6/10/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Getting Answers Sooner: HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Reaches Milestone in Advanced Lung Care KINGWOOD, Texas (June 10, 2026) — For patients facing the uncertainty of a suspicious lung nodule, getting answers quickly can make all the difference. HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood has reached a significant milestone in helping Northeast Houston residents navigate that journey, completing its 100th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. As the first hospital in Northeast Houston
Building a Solid Start: Key Investments for New Business Owners
Starting a business in Greater East Montgomery County demands more than grit—it requires smart, early investments that build stability and momentum. Below is a practical guide that blends financial discipline, operational foresight, and community-oriented growth. In brief: Build essential foundations early Protect your business through compliance and financial controls Invest in visibility, processes, and tools that scale with your operations Strengthen your local footprint to accelerate trust and
How East Montgomery County Small Businesses Can Recession-Proof Before the Cycle Turns
The most effective way to recession-proof your small business is to build cash reserves, reduce debt, and secure financing before you need any of them — not after the warning signs appear. For owners in East Montgomery County — where the regional economy runs on energy cycles, Port of Houston trade flows, and healthcare demand — economic shifts can move faster than annual planning cycles allow. Businesses formed during downturns face measurably higher odds of closure, and the window to build resilience is
The Greater EMC Chamber Launches “Growth Exchange: Business Building Workshops”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Greater EMC Chamber Launches “Growth Exchange: Business Building Workshops” to Strengthen Local Business and Community ProsperityEast Montgomery County, TX — The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (Greater EMC Chamber) is proud to announce the launch of Growth Exchange: Business Building Workshops, a new educational workshop series designed to equip business leaders with practical tools, strategic insight, and meaningful connections to support long-term growth and
Essential Digital Tools Helping Small Businesses Grow in East Montgomery County
Small businesses across Greater East Montgomery County are navigating a rapidly shifting marketplace where digital efficiency, customer reach, and streamlined operations can make the difference between plateauing and thriving. The landscape isn’t about adopting every new tool — it’s about choosing the right ones that strengthen your visibility, sharpen your operations, and help you serve your community with confidence. Learn below about: Reliable digital tools that support growth Which kinds of systems
How a Greater EMC Chamber Directory Listing Builds Google and AI Credibility
Being listed in the Greater EMC Chamber online directory strengthens your business’s credibility with both search engines like Google and emerging AI-powered tools. For Google, Greater EMC Chamber listings act as high-trust validation. The Greater EMC Chamber website is authoritative, locally focused, and well established. When Google sees your business linked from the Greater EMC Chamber directory, it reinforces that your business is legitimate, local, and trustworthy, supporting stronger local search
Greater EMC Chamber Launches ''Proud Property Awards'' to Celebrate Business Curb Appeal
East Montgomery County, TX — The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its new Proud Property Awards program — a community initiative designed to celebrate local businesses and commercial properties that exemplify curb appeal, maintain exceptional standards, and contribute to the overall pride and beauty of East Montgomery County.“This initiative was inspired by the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s Facade Improvement Grant Program,” said Mark
What to Know Before Acquiring an Underperforming Business
Acquiring a struggling business can be a high-risk, high-reward move. Done wisely, it allows you to bypass startup costs, inherit an existing customer base, and breathe new life into an operation with untapped potential. But without careful planning, it can also lead to financial strain and missed opportunities. This guide explores the essential considerations when purchasing a struggling business and how to adapt it for long-term success in today’s marketplace. 1. Understand Why the Business Is