May 19, 2026 • 42 mins
- Thinking about expanding your business, investing in commercial property, or navigating the current market? Connie Browning from First Financial Bank joins the show to break down commercial lending. Paula Bothe steps up to the mic with exciting details about upcoming events at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum. Learn how the community is honoring the legacy of the world's greatest female athlete, and find out how you can get involved in the events.
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Well, Hello Sathia's Texas. Thank you so much for joining
us on this wonderful Saturday. Hope you're having a great
time enjoying this beautiful weather. I have some great guests
today that we're going to visit. With Connie Browning, executive
vice president and relationship manager at First Financial Bank. She's
going to be sharing some new information that has come
(00:23):
out that you don't want to miss, so stay tuned
for that. Also with us as Paula Bothe. You may
know Paula from so many different things, and she's been
around a long time and involved in so much. But
today she's going to be sharing with us about the
Babe Zaharias Museum and a really cool birthday bash that's
(00:44):
going on for the Babe, and so I can't wait
to hear more about that. But before we get started,
I'd like to talk to you a little bit about
what is the market doing. You know, everywhere I go
people are asking, Hey, Dana, what's going on. I will
tell you we have a really nice size inventory. So
we have over fifteen hundred properties on our books here
(01:06):
in Southeast Texas. So if you're thinking about buying, there
is a large pool for you to choose from you
know what that means. It means sellers are often more
amenable to not only negotiating price, but also closing costs
and repairs. For those of you who don't remember the
(01:27):
market about three or four years ago, it was a challenge.
Our inventory was very low. We were having multiple offers
over asking price, a lot of cash offers, and while
that might have been good for sellers, it was very
challenging for buyers to get into the market. They were
competing with cash, they were competing with over asking price,
(01:53):
and so it was a definite sellers market. We have
shifted a bit over the last couple of years, and
since our inventory has increased, our months of inventory has
also increased, which means we're in a little bit more
of an even market, slightly over on the buyer side,
(02:13):
on being a little bit more advantageous for the buyers now.
It depends on price point, it depends on location. All
of those things impact what's going on. In certain areas,
houses are still selling for asking price, but in others
we're seeing some significant reductions and negotiations. So if you're certain,
(02:37):
not certain, unsure, if now is the right time for you,
we would love to sit down and visit with you,
see what you're looking at, and be able to walk
you through that process. You can call my office four
O nine eight six six eight three two six, or
go on our website Dana Simmons real Estate dot com
or DSR dot com. And when we talk about interest rates,
(02:58):
as you know with Connie, we'll kind of get into
that a little bit. Interest rates are not bad right now.
They're really at a pretty even rate. Whenever the market
was going fast and furious a few years ago, people
remember those three percent rates. But what you have to
remember is that is not normal. If you look at
(03:19):
rates over the last thirty years. I've said this one
hundred times, the average rate is seven point seven percent.
Right now. We're mostly under seven. We're in the sixes
for the most part, and depending on what kind of
loan you're getting, there can be some variations. So getting
with a local lender is critically important to be able
(03:42):
to look at what are you looking at as far
as a interest rate and also as far as a
monthly payment. But let's go ahead and get started and
get you introduced to our guests and Connie Browning. You
are with a first financial bank and you are an
executive vice president and a relationship manager. And Connie, you've
(04:04):
been doing this a.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
While, Yes I have.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I've been doing banking for twenty five years or plus
in the Beaumont market. So it's been very nice for
me to have a great career here and to be
able to grow in the career career as the years
have gone on.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
And you've been living here a long time.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yes, I've lived in Beaumont. I went to high school here.
I won't say what high school because it'll tell my age,
but yes, I've been in Beaumont. My dad owned a
restaurant here for many, many many years, and so yes,
he was also a business owner here in the Beaumont area.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So very plugged into the community, active part of what
goes on here. That's what I love about many of
the first financial bank people is like you, Connie, You've
grown up here, you know the people here, you know
everything about what Southeast Texas is about. You have I
(05:06):
know you were in Finet for a little while. You
experienced the flooding, so those types of things aren't foreign
to you when you're talking to clients and that sort
of thing because you're from here, So there's a benefit.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
In that, correct, there is. I mean, we know the
industries here, we know what businesses need. We can forecast
what's going on and what might happen for those new
businesses that might be coming into town. So yes, knowing
your market and knowing your industry is very lucrative and
helping new businesses thrive in the market.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Yeah, and we're going to talk more about exactly what
you do in our next segment because the majority of
what you do is working with investors and business owners
and people who are looking to expand their footprint maybe
in their business. And you've got some exciting news on
some things that have changed that make it a lot
(05:59):
more profitable for business owners. So we're going to talk
about that in our next segment. Also with us is
Paula Bothay. Paula, you talk about been around for a while.
You've been around southeas Sex is a long time.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I really have. I'm not a native, but I got
here as soon as I heard about it.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
I am involved in a lot of things. At first,
you own your own marketing and advertising company right.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Called Four Alarm Productions. We've been around a while nineteen
seventy four.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
And then started out.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
You said in radio, I did in Corpus Christy, Wow,
and came here to find out what was wonderful about
Southeast Texas. And although I have been a resident of
a number of other cities, I have always been a
bow mownor because I love this place and the people
are amazing. They've been so good to me. I came
(06:51):
to town, I didn't know anybody except the man driving
the car. I just married him, so obviously I didn't
know him all that well. But I don't think I
can go anywhere I don't see someone I know.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Absolutely. And you've been involved in Beaumont Community Players. You
are a huge part in that. Talk a little bit
about that.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
For about fifty years, I was a director. I was
the technical director for the theater back in the day
when it was in Bear Park. Talk about the burst
of history there. Yeah, and they've enjoyed all of that,
continue to be involved. I worked this spring with the
Kelly High School kids who did a wonderful production of
(07:32):
Sound of Music. And so just try to dabble here
and there, and I'm the biggest I think I'm one
of the best audiences there is because I just love
to see what the kids can do.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Oh yeah, and you're able to see their potential and
draw out from them. I think that you have that gift.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I love that. I love the kids. I love watching
them grow, seeing the kids from the time they start
out as little bitty guys on the front row to
when they take leads in shows and they do very well.
I was thrilled today to learn that one of my
little guys has been awarded best musician in the area.
(08:12):
And so, you know, when my little Masons go out
there and win all the prizes, it makes me very proud.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, it's such a key part of our community. Really sure,
it is so impactful for our students and keeping them
here and keeping them out of trouble and keeping them involved.
So it has an impact far greater than just you know,
producing a show on stage.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
That's true. It gives kids poise, confidence, assurance that they
can memorize something and remember it in front of an audience.
And of course the greatest and most thrilling thing in
life is appluse. Oh yes, when you hear that, that's
a dreg of convenience for the rest of your life.
Being able to speak in front of a crowd is
(09:00):
a very valuable thing and it helps in business one
oh one conversations with people. When you feel assured and poised,
you can do more for yourself and for other people.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Absolutely, and you've been an active member in the Greater
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for years. Absolutely, and now you
are the chair elect.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
That's true. I will follow you right down the line there.
I've been involved with the Chamber ever since. I think
I was the Small Business Person of the Year in
two thousand, so it's a long time. But knowing and
meeting people, you learn one thing. Beaumont is the place
to be. This Golden Triangle area is the most welcoming,
(09:43):
kind hearted and good place ever. And that's why I'm
so glad to be a part of the tourism industry
now and helping the babes Aias Museum attract people to
come and see the most famous, most wonderful female athlete
who ever lived.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
To hear more about that, and we will in one
of our next segments, so you're not going to want
to miss that. Well, thank you ladies for being here.
So excited to continue this conversation. We have lots more
on this show, so don't go away. This is the
Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and
I am joined by Connie Browning today. She is the
(10:20):
executive vice president and relationship manager over at First Financial Bank.
And Connie, let's tell everyone a little bit about what
does that mean? Who do you work with?
Speaker 2 (10:31):
What does that position in compass?
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Yes, so I am on the commercial lending team, and
what we do is provide business loans to businesses throughout
the area, anywhere in our footprint. So that includes real estate, equipment,
working capital loans, so anything a business might need. I'm
kind of like your quarterback in the bank. I will
(10:58):
be your relationship manager and then I will help you.
If you need a mortgage, we have a mortgage team.
If you need a car loan, I can send you
to our car loan specialist. We also have a wealth
management department, so as your business grows and you're looking
to do some wealth estate planning, we have a team
there that could do that too. So we grow with
(11:18):
you from an inception all the way to whenever you're
ready to sell your business or retire, so we cover
it all. So that's what I do, and I love
doing it, been doing it for many years, so it's
very rewarding.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Well, that's one of the things I do love about
First Financial Bank is they help you no matter what
stage you're in, whether you are just an individual or
if you're a business. As a small business owner, it
is amazing what they did to help me grow. I
couldn't have done it without them. But what's more important
(11:56):
about what you guys do is you don't I don't
have to go and say here's what I need. So
often you guys will reach out to the client and say, hey,
looking at your packet or looking at your stuff, have
you considered this. You're always looking to find the best
options and opportunities for your clients as to what they need.
(12:20):
Sometimes they come in thinking they need one thing, but
you're not going to stick them in that bucket if
that isn't the best You're going to give them options,
right correct.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
Yes, So when you come in, we listen to what
you have to say, listen to what you need, find
out about your business, and then we have so much
knowledge because we've seen so many businesses where you're just
focused on your business. We've analyzed hundreds of different businesses
and so we can kind of tell you what worked
for this business, what didn't work, what they're doing to
(12:50):
help you so you can continue to grow and be successful.
So if you're successful, first financial is successful.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
So that's what we do. We're not just there to
give you a loan.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
With their guide, you give you experience, tell you about
how the market's do and related to other businesses, and
give you advice so that you can be successful in
your business.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Yeah, and so in that one of the products that
you were just talking about is a change in equipment situation.
So talk a little bit about that, but has happened
and what's going on there.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
So in twenty twenty five, they brought back one hundred
percent bonus appreciation for equipment for businesses. This is great
for businesses that want to buy equipment. It helps you
with your taxes. Of course, I always talk to a
CPA about if it's beneficial for you or not. But
we did put together a program since this has come
(13:44):
out for equipment lending. So we've got some very aggressive rates.
We have up to one hundred percent financing. We have
terms that go out up to six years even seven
for some pieces of equipment. So this is great for
the area. Of course, we know we're high in commercial
and industrial businesses, but then also the medical segments. So
(14:08):
I do a lot of medical loans for the doctors
in town. So if they want to buy a new
MRI or some other type of equipment for their business,
this is also great too for them. So any business
you have that you're looking to help offset taxes and
then you can own a great piece of equipment that
would further make you successful and be able to go
(14:31):
out and generate more revenues. So it's a great program.
We have great rates, very competitive, so please please call us.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, one of the things that I do love. You know,
we've heard a lot about bank selling and merging and
all of that, but one of the things about First
Financial that I think makes it unique is when you
take a loan application, that loan application is reviewed here
locally by a local board who understands the commercial and
(15:07):
industrial side of things here or understands the medical technology.
And so talk about that how that impacts your clients locally.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Yes, so First Financial is a Texas base bank. We
are on the Stock Exchange, but a lot of people
don't understand our breath, so we don't have branches on
every corner, but we are able to do a large
amount of lending for the area, so we can grow
with you as you grow and be able to lend
(15:37):
up to a larger amount. But here, locally, we do
have a board and it's made of individuals in the area,
not just our lenders, who also have experience just like
you for the real estate side, and it brings a
wealth of knowledge to help business owners to be able
to grow and improve their loans. So here locally we
(15:59):
can approve up to four million, which which is pretty
much covers a lot of the industries in this area.
So yes, it's locally decisioned. We know what's going on
in the market, we know what the business owners need.
So it's a great to have that tool to locally
be able to make decisions on loans.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yeah, because we see what's going on here. We see
the impact of what's going on in Orange and then
in the plant and then also in mid County, and
so we understand if someone who is a maintenance has
a maintenance business to take care of that, and while
it might not be ready yet, we know it's coming
and that that's something that they may need a little
(16:42):
more money to be able to get that going. So
I think that is the benefit of First Financial Bank.
I love that about this bank is that it's the
people you know in your community who are business owners
and involved in the community, who help make those decisions.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Yes, and we are in acquisition mode as always, so
we are looking to acquire other banks. We like being
in the rule of markets. We like serving our communities.
We don't go into the big metro markets because we
like to know our customers, we like to know their families.
We like to know and get back to the community.
So we have lots of programs that help give back
(17:20):
to the community, like our m MCT program to our
lower income markets and provide financing for everyone.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
So so have lots of programs for that.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
So we we say things like m MCT when our
our listeners may not know. Yes, let's talk a little
bit about what does m MCT stand for.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
So it's a majority minority Census track. So if you're
in an area in that in that that the government
has UH Census Bureau puts that out. We provide financing
for higher loan the value so we can go up
to ninety percent in those areas and help individuals and
(18:06):
businesses people who invest in the wonderful family market and
help provide financing in those areas.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Rates great tool, it really is.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
I don't think investors out there, so I'm an investor too,
and I've utilized this MMCT loan where instead of putting
twenty percent down, I was able to just put ten
percent down and the rate was very competitive. I did
it for a flip and then I did it for
(18:36):
a property that's going to become a rental, and so
it is so helpful if you're thinking about getting into
the market. It is limited to certain locations, but some
locations you're shocked by. I mean a lot of the
West end of Beaumont is that in that census tract?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Correct?
Speaker 1 (18:58):
And so it's a matter of wherever you're looking. You
just have to reach out and say, hey, is this
in the in the range? And if it is, it
gives you the opportunity to do that correct.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
You can call us and we can look up that
location and let you know if it's eligible for that program.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
And so Connie, if someone wants to visit with you,
I know you're located there at the Dallen branch, so
that they can make an appointment to come see you,
but how could they reach out to speak to you? Email? Telephone?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Yes, you can call. My cell number is four O
nine seven seven nine two eight eight nine and I
have that on me twenty four to seven, so you
can always call that line. Don't be bothered about calling
on a Saturday. I always have it. Or you can
come into the branch which is thirty five fifteen Dollon
Road right there between Hub and the hospital, or you
(19:51):
can email me at C Browning at f FI in
dot com.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, and I love that, Connie. I mean, how many
commercial lenders do you know give the cell phone out
and say call me on a Saturday. That's just hard
to come by. So I appreciate you coming today. Thank
you so much for sharing about some of the new
products that you have. And if you're thinking about you
may need a loan, just go sit down and visit
(20:17):
with Connie. There's no pressure there. She'll just sit and
have a conversation with you see if it's the right
thing for you or not. When we come back, Paula
Bothe it's going to be visiting with us a little
bit about the Babesa Harris Museum, and the birthday bash,
So don't go away. This is the Dana Simmons Show.
Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and we have been
(20:38):
visiting with Connie Browning. She is the executive vice president
and relationship manager at First Financial Bank. She's located there
on the Dallan Road branch, which is right there next
to Saint Elizabeth's little outpatient pavilion and also Barrington Heights.
So go give her a or look her up. And
(21:01):
if you need some help with commercial lending, she is
a great person to be able to assist you. Also
with us this morning is uh, well, now it's afternoon.
Afternoon is Paula bothay? Paula, we talked before. You have
been involved in so many different things, but one of
the things you're working on right now is the Babe Zaharias.
(21:23):
She's gonna have a birthday bash. Now, for those who
don't know, talk a little bit about who is Babe
Didrichsen Zaharias.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
Babe Diedrichson Zaharias the world's greatest female athlete no joke.
She went to the nineteen thirty two Olympics on her
own dime. She had no coach, She had no money.
She had nothing but her will and determination. And that's
why I love the Babe so much, because she is
(21:55):
such an inspiration for young people, particularly young women who
may or may not have an interest in athletics, but
it applies to all things. What can you do, what
do you want to do? How hard are you willing
to work? This is a girl who convinced the neighbors
in South Park in Beaumont to cut their hedges at
(22:16):
a specific height so she could run and jump hurdles.
It was one of the things she participated in in
the Olympics, and the neighbors were kind of amused by
all this, but they were very impressed when she came
home with the gold. She is the first and only
woman to enter all five areas for an Olympic athlete,
(22:40):
and she brought home three gold medals and some of
her records have yet to be broken. She was the
most versatile female athlete ether And the wonderful thing about
the babes Aias Museum is you don't look at a
piece of paper and read about her. You can see
her performances. There are multiple tetess so you can watch
(23:01):
and see what an amazing beautiful physical specimen. She was
because she worked her whole life. And I love telling
why she was called Babe. That was the era of Babe.
Ruth a great baseball player and when she was just
a little girl, she played against the boys and hit
(23:23):
five home runs in one game and became the Babe.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Love that And when you talk about that museum, it
is a great opportunity here locally to be able to
take not just your girls, but your guys too. But
there's no cost for that.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Free open Monday through Saturday at from nine in the
morning till five in the afternoon, and it's free, free, free.
Plus the fact that you have women there who know
everything about the Babe. They know fifty times what I know,
and they're so engaged with her legacy and all the
things they can tell you about her. It's so wonderful
(24:05):
to see how enthusiastic they are about her because they're
in a kind of competitive arena. Beaumont has more museums
per capita than any other city in the state of Texas.
We have the Fire Museum, we have the Gladys City Museum,
the Energy Museum of the Edison Plaza Museum. All these
(24:27):
wonderful places, And of course the baby is the most
visible because she's on the highway. She's at the Gulf
Street exit. And our open flag is down with the
flu or something, but we'll have it back up in
a week or so. We did a little mending on it,
but it's on the way and we'll be back up.
And this is a place where not only can you
see what she did how she did it, but there's
(24:49):
the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded to do
her posthumously. And I'd never seen one before. I didn't
even know what they looked like. This is one of
one hundred in the whole country. It was one the
sweet low babe who was so impressive. Her legacy includes golf.
She won more golf tournaments than any other person, eighty
(25:14):
two and she was the reason that the Women's Professional
Golf League was formed. She went to the manufacturers of
golf clubs and said, hey, did you know girls play
golf too, and was able to get that started. I
just love to talk about her. I love the fact
that there are people who love her even more than
I do, and some of her relatives are still living.
(25:36):
But the big event coming up is the birthday bash,
and the city of Beaumont has been terrific by offering
the movie about her life, which will be at the
Jefferson Theater on June the twenty sixth, which is her birthday,
and HB is giving us a whole passat of cookies
(25:57):
for the event plus at seven bucks. A movie classic
about this wonderful lady is something marvelous to see, and
we'll have some games and activities in front of the
theater that evening. The Jefferson Theater is wonderful. You know
about the.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Jeffersonful Yeah, I love it. And so what time is
the movie on the twenty six Do you have a
time yet?
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Oh? Yeah, the movie's at seven o'clock. But even more
fun than that, at six o'clock, the Great Mighty Morton,
Oregon is going to rise up from the basement and
we will have a forty five minute organ concert. It's
not there all the time, so being able to see
that wonderful organ. There are only six of them in
(26:45):
the entire country. And Beaumont has won and it was
part of the restoration that so many people worked on.
I know my friend Nancy Bowley worked really hard on
getting the restoration of the Jefferson and it's quite a
place to visit. So come a little early that night
and take a look at all the wonderful things at
(27:05):
the Jefferson. I love the fact that the Marquis is
up and you can see are name in lights one
more time.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
Well, what I love, Paula is that here we are
coming up on summer and so many parents are trying
to figure out what can we do with the kids.
And you've mentioned several of the museums that we have here.
I feel like we in Southeast Texas take for granted
the things that are right here. We don't have to
(27:35):
go far to be able to bring our kids to
some really cool museums and all kinds of excitement. And
on June twenty sixth, I mean, what a great way
to be able to bring the kids something to do,
lots of activities, another great family event. And so I
think that for us, it's about promoting what we have
(27:57):
here locally. Community is so important, and so I think
it's a huge part of this.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
There's all kinds of things happening. The Corvette people are
bringing in a show with lots of wonderful cars to
be seen, that'll be in June. Also, the neat part
about the babies of Haarius, which I don't think a
lot of people know, is if you see it from
the highway, you can see that it is designed to
represent the five Olympic rings. The central building is round
(28:28):
and you will never get lost, you know. I'll run
for the roundhouse and Nellievie'll never corner you there. It's
my favorite joke. But anyway, in the Babs Harris Museum,
you can see everything in about thirty to forty five
minutes if you want to look at every single thing.
And I love the fact that people participate with it.
Some young men from Kelly High School came in last
(28:51):
month as volunteers and cleaned all of her trophies. They
polished the silver, they polished the glass, they dusted. They
spend a lot of time there. And every single museum
in Beaumont has something to offer. This one particular is
it particular? Is easy to find because it's on Interstate ten.
(29:12):
You just take the Gulf Street exit in nine to
five Monday through Saturday, free, free, free. I like to
add that always it's not just about athletes, It's about
all the wonderful people who grew up here and became
a part of Beaumont's legacy, which is amazing. So much
(29:33):
happened here, and I feel very sad sometimes because people say,
oh boy, as soon as I get out of school,
I'm going to leave Boma. Why why would you leave Bauma?
The opportunities here are enormous, and you can go to
Lamar University and get a fine degree. You can go
to the Lamar Institute of Technology and get a wonderful
(29:55):
two year degree that will put you in a top
paying job the day you walk out of the door.
So Moment's legacy is not just about athletes, not just
about what you can watch here. It's what you can
do here. Maybe you've played soccer on the field that's
right behind the Babe Zaharias and there's a wonderful jet
(30:17):
aircraft you can see there. This place is packed with
stuff to do. We have a group of people coming in,
young scouts who are going to getting a merit badge
in golf. I bet you didn't know that was.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
I didn't know that was even possible.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
Yeah, they're going to be coming in and local merchants
like five under golfing centers going to show them how
they can do a virtual golf game and presenting it
to them as a gift, and of course, you know,
as I said, cookies from AGB.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
Yeah, one of my favorite people is over at five under.
Jordan Soper has been a Beaumont recipient of Championship Golf
in his own name, So I'm excited to see that
they're also participating in that.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Sure, they've been a big part of the High School
Golf Awards. It took place on Thursday of this week
and they presented golf awards to a number of kids
from all around the city and one of the big
sponsors of it, of course was five hundred. Just so
exciting to see young people doing things, not just sitting
(31:29):
with a pad in their hand. And these are kids
who get out and do things. So it's very exciting
to see the scouts, to see the high school golf winners.
And more about that later, but yeah, it's something to
do in Beaumont all the time.
Speaker 1 (31:46):
It's also our local community, like you said, five under
HGB getting involved to participate in it as well.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
So love that they participate in help and I love
the fact that there are so many people here who
either had an aunt or an uncle or granny or
someone they knew who knew Babesarius. And we're going to
start a project very soon where you can contribute your
family's story to the legend of the Babe. Talk about
(32:12):
what you know. I learned about jumping the hedges from
somebody who used to live in South Park. So learning
all the time is what keeps us alive. Love it,
Love it well.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
When we come back, paul and I are gonna visit
with you a little bit about what's going on at
the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Some exciting events coming
up there as well. Don't go away. This is the
Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and
I am joined by Paula Bothe and she has been
sharing with us all the amazing things about Babes of
(32:44):
Harrius and the upcoming event that they're having at the
Jefferson Theater on June twenty sixth. You're not gonna want
to miss that. But we're also going to visit a
little bit about what's going on at the Greater Beaumont
Chamber of Commerce. Now I know that chamber is coming
up with we have a golf tournament coming up. It
(33:05):
is presented by B and I and that's on Monday,
June the eighth. I think there are plenty of flights
still left.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
I believe that there are, and you can go online.
Facebook has a lot of information. Greater Beaumont Chamber of
Commerce has activities all year round, but the keyword is commerce.
We're about business and we're about helping businesses. And that's
why I was so neat to have your bank here
talking about the opportunities that you can have in Beaumont
with your local bankers. That's a neat thing. You can
(33:36):
do almost anything here. I can even steer you to
a commemorative doll at the Babes Areas Museum and it's
a limited edition that you can buy there. The CDB
and the Chamber of Commerce work hand in hand to
bring outside activities here, but also to bring people from
(33:56):
all around the area to see what Beaumont has to offer.
Wonderful and we don't want to be all about just us.
We share with other Chambers of Commerce in the area
and I like to always give a plug to the
Museum of the Gulf Coast, which is down in Port
Arthur and there are a few of Babes's trophies there,
just so we can be a part of that too.
(34:17):
The Chamber of Commerce in Beaumont is about sharing, about
caring about other people and helping businesses. We're almost a
thousand businesses strong, and that says a lot about our
wonderful organization. We have a great executive director, president and
CEO a Baumonter, someone who is all about Beaumont. Amy
(34:40):
Levoy is our president and she is the person who
is practically every time the door flies open, whatever the event,
Amy's going to be there supporting and helping local businesses.
And we're proud to be on the team with her. Yep,
we are.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
And if you are interested in that golf tournament, like
Paula said, you can go on onto Facebook or go
to the Greater Belmont Chamber of Commerce website and register.
There are flights at eight am and at one pm.
We would love for you to register a team and
come out and be a part of that. Again. That's
on Monday, June the eighth, and what an incredible opportunity
(35:17):
to be able to connect with other businesses.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
It's a while, it's.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
A lot of fun, it's networking you never know how
connecting with someone else can impact your business. Over and
over and over again. I've been able to help others
and others have been able to help me because it's
a community, and in community we grow together, and so
I think that's one of the things that is so
(35:41):
important about being involved in something in your community. And
the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is one of those
things that I think if you're a business owner, if
you're not a member, we would love for you to
be a member.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
It would be very beneficial to your business. Right As
we always try to say, this is a working network.
This is not a bedroom community. I remember when Lamar
University was Lamar Tech and it was a suitcase school
kids came in to school and then went home. They
didn't stay here, but many of them stayed here and
(36:16):
built businesses. And I love to see if the Chamber
of Commerce, when we have brand new members, we love
to put that up on Facebook, people who have just joined,
people who have continued the membership because they see the benefits.
And I'm proud to say that the Babe Zaharias Museum
is a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of commerce
because we see the benefits. No matter what your business,
(36:39):
no matter what your avocation, Chamber is important to your existence.
It's how we keep workers here. It's how we attract
people to come here and buy houses and come to
restaurants and enjoy this wonderful Southeast Texas weather, which we'll
give you allergies like crazy, but stick around. It's a
great place to be.
Speaker 1 (37:00):
It's great information. For example, I know one of our
next focus on business luncheon that's coming up is going
to be on June second, and that's going to be
about transportation. Who isn't interested in finding out more about
that right now?
Speaker 2 (37:13):
With all that's.
Speaker 1 (37:13):
Going on, how it impacts your business, how it impacts
just how you get to work, and so every opportunity
that the Chamber can, they are working to get you
information that's going to help facilitate you in your business.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
And the great thing about this place is everything imaginable
in transportation is here, including the number one port for
military equipment. Railheads are here, there's bus, there's the Interstate ten,
all of the things that bring business here and take
(37:48):
business to other locations. Transportation is going to be a
big deal, and I think that's going to be an
important time to meet other people who are interested in
the same thing you are. It's all about moving things
from play used to place, and the Chamber can give
you chapter and verse on what's moving around this area.
And the exciting thing about economic development that you hear
(38:09):
at the chamber. We know who's coming to town, right, I.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
Mean not just because right, Yeah, there's so much that
you get to learn. One of the exciting things that
we do every year is the annual meeting, right, and
that's coming up in September, and we've just announced the
Spindletop Award winner.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
It was such a pleasure. Giglio Distributing is going to
be the honoree this year. And what a wonderful family enterprise.
Beaumont is loaded with family businesses, right, And that's really
an exemplary one who has expanded. They have a facility
in Tyler. They serve all of northeast Texas. And to
talk to that family, the sisters and the brothers and
(38:53):
everyone who's been a part of it since Grandpa started
in one room. And it's exciting to be able to
recognize those businesses. If you look at the number of
people who have received the Spindle Top Award. It's a
who's who of great Beaumont businesses and we're just so
excited for Giglio. They were pleased and we made the announcement.
(39:14):
So many people came down to be there for the
press conference and they started looking at the wall and
all of the business leaders who were chairmen of the
Chamber of Commerce. It's a wow, who's who going all
the way back to the beginning one hundred years. Lots
of businesses.
Speaker 1 (39:33):
Well, and it's not just their longevity, but it's their
participation in our community. Every time you turn around, they're
giving back to for different functions, for our different charities.
The number of people that they employ, there's such an
important part of our community that I think they're absolutely
(39:54):
due recognition.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
The support they give to local schools, local athletic programs,
and there's no having to prize the money. They're there.
They're there to do what needs to be done. And
the wonderful thing about being a part of that chamber
community and the business community Beaumont is you pick up
the phone, you call someone you know and the warm
(40:19):
answer is I don't know if I can do it
this time, but put me down. I'll help you. What
can I do for you? Is a phrase in Beaumont
that's repeated hour by hour.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
I know it's so hard because it's we hear you know.
Of course, the negative is what makes the news.
Speaker 2 (40:40):
Of course, it bleeds, it leads, and if it's awful
and bad, it's going to be right there on the front.
We have so much because there's so much good that
happens here. The young people who won the golf boards
on Thursday, there won't be nearly as much press for
that as someone who does a bad thing. We are
(41:01):
interested in encouraging people to do the right thing and
then to let other people know what they've done. Very important.
And anytime you have people from out of town, bring
them by the chamber we're down on Park Street and
see all the wonderful things that we're doing and all
the things that are being done for us. Absolutely, and
this great, great city. Do not be running down my
(41:26):
adopted hometown. You'll be in real Strilvil.
Speaker 1 (41:29):
Absolutely, it's what we love it here and we want
to make it better. So Paula, thank you so much,
thank you for all you do. You are a huge
community player in all the different areas and I really
appreciate all that you do, so thank you all.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
It's a pleasure with a little bit of help with
my friends like you.
Speaker 1 (41:47):
Oh well, it's been great to be able to visit
with you about the Babes of Harrius event. And once
again just wrap up with that event date and time.
Speaker 2 (41:58):
June the twenty sixth at six o'clock for the organ
concert the movies at seven about the Wonderful Life of
Babe Zaharias and then bring yourself down to the Jefferson
Theater because it is a monument a legacy to the
people of this area in twenty six Happy birthday, Babe.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
Absolutely, I'll be there. I hope you will be too.
I appreciate you joining us on the radio show today
that we have enjoyed participating with both Paula Bothe and
Connie Browning. Hope you go out and make it a
great Saturday. This is the Dana Simmons Show.
Well, Hello Sathia's Texas. Thank you so much for joining
us on this wonderful Saturday. Hope you're having a great
time enjoying this beautiful weather. I have some great guests
today that we're going to visit. With Connie Browning, executive
vice president and relationship manager at First Financial Bank. She's
going to be sharing some new information that has come
(00:23):
out that you don't want to miss, so stay tuned
for that. Also with us as Paula Bothe. You may
know Paula from so many different things, and she's been
around a long time and involved in so much. But
today she's going to be sharing with us about the
Babe Zaharias Museum and a really cool birthday bash that's
(00:44):
going on for the Babe, and so I can't wait
to hear more about that. But before we get started,
I'd like to talk to you a little bit about
what is the market doing. You know, everywhere I go
people are asking, Hey, Dana, what's going on. I will
tell you we have a really nice size inventory. So
we have over fifteen hundred properties on our books here
(01:06):
in Southeast Texas. So if you're thinking about buying, there
is a large pool for you to choose from you
know what that means. It means sellers are often more
amenable to not only negotiating price, but also closing costs
and repairs. For those of you who don't remember the
(01:27):
market about three or four years ago, it was a challenge.
Our inventory was very low. We were having multiple offers
over asking price, a lot of cash offers, and while
that might have been good for sellers, it was very
challenging for buyers to get into the market. They were
competing with cash, they were competing with over asking price,
(01:53):
and so it was a definite sellers market. We have
shifted a bit over the last couple of years, and
since our inventory has increased, our months of inventory has
also increased, which means we're in a little bit more
of an even market, slightly over on the buyer side,
(02:13):
on being a little bit more advantageous for the buyers now.
It depends on price point, it depends on location. All
of those things impact what's going on. In certain areas,
houses are still selling for asking price, but in others
we're seeing some significant reductions and negotiations. So if you're certain,
(02:37):
not certain, unsure, if now is the right time for you,
we would love to sit down and visit with you,
see what you're looking at, and be able to walk
you through that process. You can call my office four
O nine eight six six eight three two six, or
go on our website Dana Simmons real Estate dot com
or DSR dot com. And when we talk about interest rates,
(02:58):
as you know with Connie, we'll kind of get into
that a little bit. Interest rates are not bad right now.
They're really at a pretty even rate. Whenever the market
was going fast and furious a few years ago, people
remember those three percent rates. But what you have to
remember is that is not normal. If you look at
(03:19):
rates over the last thirty years. I've said this one
hundred times, the average rate is seven point seven percent.
Right now. We're mostly under seven. We're in the sixes
for the most part, and depending on what kind of
loan you're getting, there can be some variations. So getting
with a local lender is critically important to be able
(03:42):
to look at what are you looking at as far
as a interest rate and also as far as a
monthly payment. But let's go ahead and get started and
get you introduced to our guests and Connie Browning. You
are with a first financial bank and you are an
executive vice president and a relationship manager. And Connie, you've
(04:04):
been doing this a.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
While, Yes I have.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I've been doing banking for twenty five years or plus
in the Beaumont market. So it's been very nice for
me to have a great career here and to be
able to grow in the career career as the years
have gone on.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
And you've been living here a long time.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Yes, I've lived in Beaumont. I went to high school here.
I won't say what high school because it'll tell my age,
but yes, I've been in Beaumont. My dad owned a
restaurant here for many, many many years, and so yes,
he was also a business owner here in the Beaumont area.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So very plugged into the community, active part of what
goes on here. That's what I love about many of
the first financial bank people is like you, Connie, You've
grown up here, you know the people here, you know
everything about what Southeast Texas is about. You have I
(05:06):
know you were in Finet for a little while. You
experienced the flooding, so those types of things aren't foreign
to you when you're talking to clients and that sort
of thing because you're from here, So there's a benefit.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
In that, correct, there is. I mean, we know the
industries here, we know what businesses need. We can forecast
what's going on and what might happen for those new
businesses that might be coming into town. So yes, knowing
your market and knowing your industry is very lucrative and
helping new businesses thrive in the market.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Yeah, and we're going to talk more about exactly what
you do in our next segment because the majority of
what you do is working with investors and business owners
and people who are looking to expand their footprint maybe
in their business. And you've got some exciting news on
some things that have changed that make it a lot
(05:59):
more profitable for business owners. So we're going to talk
about that in our next segment. Also with us is
Paula Bothay. Paula, you talk about been around for a while.
You've been around southeas Sex is a long time.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I really have. I'm not a native, but I got
here as soon as I heard about it.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
I am involved in a lot of things. At first,
you own your own marketing and advertising company right.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Called Four Alarm Productions. We've been around a while nineteen
seventy four.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
And then started out.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
You said in radio, I did in Corpus Christy, Wow,
and came here to find out what was wonderful about
Southeast Texas. And although I have been a resident of
a number of other cities, I have always been a
bow mownor because I love this place and the people
are amazing. They've been so good to me. I came
(06:51):
to town, I didn't know anybody except the man driving
the car. I just married him, so obviously I didn't
know him all that well. But I don't think I
can go anywhere I don't see someone I know.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Absolutely. And you've been involved in Beaumont Community Players. You
are a huge part in that. Talk a little bit
about that.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
For about fifty years, I was a director. I was
the technical director for the theater back in the day
when it was in Bear Park. Talk about the burst
of history there. Yeah, and they've enjoyed all of that,
continue to be involved. I worked this spring with the
Kelly High School kids who did a wonderful production of
(07:32):
Sound of Music. And so just try to dabble here
and there, and I'm the biggest I think I'm one
of the best audiences there is because I just love
to see what the kids can do.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Oh yeah, and you're able to see their potential and
draw out from them. I think that you have that gift.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
I love that. I love the kids. I love watching
them grow, seeing the kids from the time they start
out as little bitty guys on the front row to
when they take leads in shows and they do very well.
I was thrilled today to learn that one of my
little guys has been awarded best musician in the area.
(08:12):
And so, you know, when my little Masons go out
there and win all the prizes, it makes me very proud.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, it's such a key part of our community. Really sure,
it is so impactful for our students and keeping them
here and keeping them out of trouble and keeping them involved.
So it has an impact far greater than just you know,
producing a show on stage.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
That's true. It gives kids poise, confidence, assurance that they
can memorize something and remember it in front of an audience.
And of course the greatest and most thrilling thing in
life is appluse. Oh yes, when you hear that, that's
a dreg of convenience for the rest of your life.
Being able to speak in front of a crowd is
(09:00):
a very valuable thing and it helps in business one
oh one conversations with people. When you feel assured and poised,
you can do more for yourself and for other people.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Absolutely, and you've been an active member in the Greater
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for years. Absolutely, and now you
are the chair elect.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
That's true. I will follow you right down the line there.
I've been involved with the Chamber ever since. I think
I was the Small Business Person of the Year in
two thousand, so it's a long time. But knowing and
meeting people, you learn one thing. Beaumont is the place
to be. This Golden Triangle area is the most welcoming,
(09:43):
kind hearted and good place ever. And that's why I'm
so glad to be a part of the tourism industry
now and helping the babes Aias Museum attract people to
come and see the most famous, most wonderful female athlete
who ever lived.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
To hear more about that, and we will in one
of our next segments, so you're not going to want
to miss that. Well, thank you ladies for being here.
So excited to continue this conversation. We have lots more
on this show, so don't go away. This is the
Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and
I am joined by Connie Browning today. She is the
(10:20):
executive vice president and relationship manager over at First Financial Bank.
And Connie, let's tell everyone a little bit about what
does that mean? Who do you work with?
Speaker 2 (10:31):
What does that position in compass?
Speaker 3 (10:35):
Yes, so I am on the commercial lending team, and
what we do is provide business loans to businesses throughout
the area, anywhere in our footprint. So that includes real estate, equipment,
working capital loans, so anything a business might need. I'm
kind of like your quarterback in the bank. I will
(10:58):
be your relationship manager and then I will help you.
If you need a mortgage, we have a mortgage team.
If you need a car loan, I can send you
to our car loan specialist. We also have a wealth
management department, so as your business grows and you're looking
to do some wealth estate planning, we have a team
there that could do that too. So we grow with
(11:18):
you from an inception all the way to whenever you're
ready to sell your business or retire, so we cover
it all. So that's what I do, and I love
doing it, been doing it for many years, so it's
very rewarding.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
Well, that's one of the things I do love about
First Financial Bank is they help you no matter what
stage you're in, whether you are just an individual or
if you're a business. As a small business owner, it
is amazing what they did to help me grow. I
couldn't have done it without them. But what's more important
(11:56):
about what you guys do is you don't I don't
have to go and say here's what I need. So
often you guys will reach out to the client and say, hey,
looking at your packet or looking at your stuff, have
you considered this. You're always looking to find the best
options and opportunities for your clients as to what they need.
(12:20):
Sometimes they come in thinking they need one thing, but
you're not going to stick them in that bucket if
that isn't the best You're going to give them options,
right correct.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
Yes, So when you come in, we listen to what
you have to say, listen to what you need, find
out about your business, and then we have so much
knowledge because we've seen so many businesses where you're just
focused on your business. We've analyzed hundreds of different businesses
and so we can kind of tell you what worked
for this business, what didn't work, what they're doing to
(12:50):
help you so you can continue to grow and be successful.
So if you're successful, first financial is successful.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
So that's what we do. We're not just there to
give you a loan.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
With their guide, you give you experience, tell you about
how the market's do and related to other businesses, and
give you advice so that you can be successful in
your business.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Yeah, and so in that one of the products that
you were just talking about is a change in equipment situation.
So talk a little bit about that, but has happened
and what's going on there.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
So in twenty twenty five, they brought back one hundred
percent bonus appreciation for equipment for businesses. This is great
for businesses that want to buy equipment. It helps you
with your taxes. Of course, I always talk to a
CPA about if it's beneficial for you or not. But
we did put together a program since this has come
(13:44):
out for equipment lending. So we've got some very aggressive rates.
We have up to one hundred percent financing. We have
terms that go out up to six years even seven
for some pieces of equipment. So this is great for
the area. Of course, we know we're high in commercial
and industrial businesses, but then also the medical segments. So
(14:08):
I do a lot of medical loans for the doctors
in town. So if they want to buy a new
MRI or some other type of equipment for their business,
this is also great too for them. So any business
you have that you're looking to help offset taxes and
then you can own a great piece of equipment that
would further make you successful and be able to go
(14:31):
out and generate more revenues. So it's a great program.
We have great rates, very competitive, so please please call us.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Yeah, one of the things that I do love. You know,
we've heard a lot about bank selling and merging and
all of that, but one of the things about First
Financial that I think makes it unique is when you
take a loan application, that loan application is reviewed here
locally by a local board who understands the commercial and
(15:07):
industrial side of things here or understands the medical technology.
And so talk about that how that impacts your clients locally.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
Yes, so First Financial is a Texas base bank. We
are on the Stock Exchange, but a lot of people
don't understand our breath, so we don't have branches on
every corner, but we are able to do a large
amount of lending for the area, so we can grow
with you as you grow and be able to lend
(15:37):
up to a larger amount. But here, locally, we do
have a board and it's made of individuals in the area,
not just our lenders, who also have experience just like
you for the real estate side, and it brings a
wealth of knowledge to help business owners to be able
to grow and improve their loans. So here locally we
(15:59):
can approve up to four million, which which is pretty
much covers a lot of the industries in this area.
So yes, it's locally decisioned. We know what's going on
in the market, we know what the business owners need.
So it's a great to have that tool to locally
be able to make decisions on loans.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yeah, because we see what's going on here. We see
the impact of what's going on in Orange and then
in the plant and then also in mid County, and
so we understand if someone who is a maintenance has
a maintenance business to take care of that, and while
it might not be ready yet, we know it's coming
and that that's something that they may need a little
(16:42):
more money to be able to get that going. So
I think that is the benefit of First Financial Bank.
I love that about this bank is that it's the
people you know in your community who are business owners
and involved in the community, who help make those decisions.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Yes, and we are in acquisition mode as always, so
we are looking to acquire other banks. We like being
in the rule of markets. We like serving our communities.
We don't go into the big metro markets because we
like to know our customers, we like to know their families.
We like to know and get back to the community.
So we have lots of programs that help give back
(17:20):
to the community, like our m MCT program to our
lower income markets and provide financing for everyone.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
So so have lots of programs for that.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
So we we say things like m MCT when our
our listeners may not know. Yes, let's talk a little
bit about what does m MCT stand for.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
So it's a majority minority Census track. So if you're
in an area in that in that that the government
has UH Census Bureau puts that out. We provide financing
for higher loan the value so we can go up
to ninety percent in those areas and help individuals and
(18:06):
businesses people who invest in the wonderful family market and
help provide financing in those areas.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Rates great tool, it really is.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
I don't think investors out there, so I'm an investor too,
and I've utilized this MMCT loan where instead of putting
twenty percent down, I was able to just put ten
percent down and the rate was very competitive. I did
it for a flip and then I did it for
(18:36):
a property that's going to become a rental, and so
it is so helpful if you're thinking about getting into
the market. It is limited to certain locations, but some
locations you're shocked by. I mean a lot of the
West end of Beaumont is that in that census tract?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Correct?
Speaker 1 (18:58):
And so it's a matter of wherever you're looking. You
just have to reach out and say, hey, is this
in the in the range? And if it is, it
gives you the opportunity to do that correct.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
You can call us and we can look up that
location and let you know if it's eligible for that program.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
And so Connie, if someone wants to visit with you,
I know you're located there at the Dallen branch, so
that they can make an appointment to come see you,
but how could they reach out to speak to you? Email? Telephone?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
Yes, you can call. My cell number is four O
nine seven seven nine two eight eight nine and I
have that on me twenty four to seven, so you
can always call that line. Don't be bothered about calling
on a Saturday. I always have it. Or you can
come into the branch which is thirty five fifteen Dollon
Road right there between Hub and the hospital, or you
(19:51):
can email me at C Browning at f FI in
dot com.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, and I love that, Connie. I mean, how many
commercial lenders do you know give the cell phone out
and say call me on a Saturday. That's just hard
to come by. So I appreciate you coming today. Thank
you so much for sharing about some of the new
products that you have. And if you're thinking about you
may need a loan, just go sit down and visit
(20:17):
with Connie. There's no pressure there. She'll just sit and
have a conversation with you see if it's the right
thing for you or not. When we come back, Paula
Bothe it's going to be visiting with us a little
bit about the Babesa Harris Museum, and the birthday bash,
So don't go away. This is the Dana Simmons Show.
Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and we have been
(20:38):
visiting with Connie Browning. She is the executive vice president
and relationship manager at First Financial Bank. She's located there
on the Dallan Road branch, which is right there next
to Saint Elizabeth's little outpatient pavilion and also Barrington Heights.
So go give her a or look her up. And
(21:01):
if you need some help with commercial lending, she is
a great person to be able to assist you. Also
with us this morning is uh, well, now it's afternoon.
Afternoon is Paula bothay? Paula, we talked before. You have
been involved in so many different things, but one of
the things you're working on right now is the Babe Zaharias.
(21:23):
She's gonna have a birthday bash. Now, for those who
don't know, talk a little bit about who is Babe
Didrichsen Zaharias.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
Babe Diedrichson Zaharias the world's greatest female athlete no joke.
She went to the nineteen thirty two Olympics on her
own dime. She had no coach, She had no money.
She had nothing but her will and determination. And that's
why I love the Babe so much, because she is
(21:55):
such an inspiration for young people, particularly young women who
may or may not have an interest in athletics, but
it applies to all things. What can you do, what
do you want to do? How hard are you willing
to work? This is a girl who convinced the neighbors
in South Park in Beaumont to cut their hedges at
(22:16):
a specific height so she could run and jump hurdles.
It was one of the things she participated in in
the Olympics, and the neighbors were kind of amused by
all this, but they were very impressed when she came
home with the gold. She is the first and only
woman to enter all five areas for an Olympic athlete,
(22:40):
and she brought home three gold medals and some of
her records have yet to be broken. She was the
most versatile female athlete ether And the wonderful thing about
the babes Aias Museum is you don't look at a
piece of paper and read about her. You can see
her performances. There are multiple tetess so you can watch
(23:01):
and see what an amazing beautiful physical specimen. She was
because she worked her whole life. And I love telling
why she was called Babe. That was the era of Babe.
Ruth a great baseball player and when she was just
a little girl, she played against the boys and hit
(23:23):
five home runs in one game and became the Babe.
Speaker 1 (23:29):
Love that And when you talk about that museum, it
is a great opportunity here locally to be able to
take not just your girls, but your guys too. But
there's no cost for that.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Free open Monday through Saturday at from nine in the
morning till five in the afternoon, and it's free, free, free.
Plus the fact that you have women there who know
everything about the Babe. They know fifty times what I know,
and they're so engaged with her legacy and all the
things they can tell you about her. It's so wonderful
(24:05):
to see how enthusiastic they are about her because they're
in a kind of competitive arena. Beaumont has more museums
per capita than any other city in the state of Texas.
We have the Fire Museum, we have the Gladys City Museum,
the Energy Museum of the Edison Plaza Museum. All these
(24:27):
wonderful places, And of course the baby is the most
visible because she's on the highway. She's at the Gulf
Street exit. And our open flag is down with the
flu or something, but we'll have it back up in
a week or so. We did a little mending on it,
but it's on the way and we'll be back up.
And this is a place where not only can you
see what she did how she did it, but there's
(24:49):
the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded to do
her posthumously. And I'd never seen one before. I didn't
even know what they looked like. This is one of
one hundred in the whole country. It was one the
sweet low babe who was so impressive. Her legacy includes golf.
She won more golf tournaments than any other person, eighty
(25:14):
two and she was the reason that the Women's Professional
Golf League was formed. She went to the manufacturers of
golf clubs and said, hey, did you know girls play
golf too, and was able to get that started. I
just love to talk about her. I love the fact
that there are people who love her even more than
I do, and some of her relatives are still living.
(25:36):
But the big event coming up is the birthday bash,
and the city of Beaumont has been terrific by offering
the movie about her life, which will be at the
Jefferson Theater on June the twenty sixth, which is her birthday,
and HB is giving us a whole passat of cookies
(25:57):
for the event plus at seven bucks. A movie classic
about this wonderful lady is something marvelous to see, and
we'll have some games and activities in front of the
theater that evening. The Jefferson Theater is wonderful. You know
about the.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Jeffersonful Yeah, I love it. And so what time is
the movie on the twenty six Do you have a
time yet?
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Oh? Yeah, the movie's at seven o'clock. But even more
fun than that, at six o'clock, the Great Mighty Morton,
Oregon is going to rise up from the basement and
we will have a forty five minute organ concert. It's
not there all the time, so being able to see
that wonderful organ. There are only six of them in
(26:45):
the entire country. And Beaumont has won and it was
part of the restoration that so many people worked on.
I know my friend Nancy Bowley worked really hard on
getting the restoration of the Jefferson and it's quite a
place to visit. So come a little early that night
and take a look at all the wonderful things at
(27:05):
the Jefferson. I love the fact that the Marquis is
up and you can see are name in lights one
more time.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
Well, what I love, Paula is that here we are
coming up on summer and so many parents are trying
to figure out what can we do with the kids.
And you've mentioned several of the museums that we have here.
I feel like we in Southeast Texas take for granted
the things that are right here. We don't have to
(27:35):
go far to be able to bring our kids to
some really cool museums and all kinds of excitement. And
on June twenty sixth, I mean, what a great way
to be able to bring the kids something to do,
lots of activities, another great family event. And so I
think that for us, it's about promoting what we have
(27:57):
here locally. Community is so important, and so I think
it's a huge part of this.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
There's all kinds of things happening. The Corvette people are
bringing in a show with lots of wonderful cars to
be seen, that'll be in June. Also, the neat part
about the babies of Haarius, which I don't think a
lot of people know, is if you see it from
the highway, you can see that it is designed to
represent the five Olympic rings. The central building is round
(28:28):
and you will never get lost, you know. I'll run
for the roundhouse and Nellievie'll never corner you there. It's
my favorite joke. But anyway, in the Babs Harris Museum,
you can see everything in about thirty to forty five
minutes if you want to look at every single thing.
And I love the fact that people participate with it.
Some young men from Kelly High School came in last
(28:51):
month as volunteers and cleaned all of her trophies. They
polished the silver, they polished the glass, they dusted. They
spend a lot of time there. And every single museum
in Beaumont has something to offer. This one particular is
it particular? Is easy to find because it's on Interstate ten.
(29:12):
You just take the Gulf Street exit in nine to
five Monday through Saturday, free, free, free. I like to
add that always it's not just about athletes, It's about
all the wonderful people who grew up here and became
a part of Beaumont's legacy, which is amazing. So much
(29:33):
happened here, and I feel very sad sometimes because people say,
oh boy, as soon as I get out of school,
I'm going to leave Boma. Why why would you leave Bauma?
The opportunities here are enormous, and you can go to
Lamar University and get a fine degree. You can go
to the Lamar Institute of Technology and get a wonderful
(29:55):
two year degree that will put you in a top
paying job the day you walk out of the door.
So Moment's legacy is not just about athletes, not just
about what you can watch here. It's what you can
do here. Maybe you've played soccer on the field that's
right behind the Babe Zaharias and there's a wonderful jet
(30:17):
aircraft you can see there. This place is packed with
stuff to do. We have a group of people coming in,
young scouts who are going to getting a merit badge
in golf. I bet you didn't know that was.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
I didn't know that was even possible.
Speaker 2 (30:33):
Yeah, they're going to be coming in and local merchants
like five under golfing centers going to show them how
they can do a virtual golf game and presenting it
to them as a gift, and of course, you know,
as I said, cookies from AGB.
Speaker 1 (30:49):
Yeah, one of my favorite people is over at five under.
Jordan Soper has been a Beaumont recipient of Championship Golf
in his own name, So I'm excited to see that
they're also participating in that.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Sure, they've been a big part of the High School
Golf Awards. It took place on Thursday of this week
and they presented golf awards to a number of kids
from all around the city and one of the big
sponsors of it, of course was five hundred. Just so
exciting to see young people doing things, not just sitting
(31:29):
with a pad in their hand. And these are kids
who get out and do things. So it's very exciting
to see the scouts, to see the high school golf winners.
And more about that later, but yeah, it's something to
do in Beaumont all the time.
Speaker 1 (31:46):
It's also our local community, like you said, five under
HGB getting involved to participate in it as well.
Speaker 2 (31:52):
So love that they participate in help and I love
the fact that there are so many people here who
either had an aunt or an uncle or granny or
someone they knew who knew Babesarius. And we're going to
start a project very soon where you can contribute your
family's story to the legend of the Babe. Talk about
(32:12):
what you know. I learned about jumping the hedges from
somebody who used to live in South Park. So learning
all the time is what keeps us alive. Love it,
Love it well.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
When we come back, paul and I are gonna visit
with you a little bit about what's going on at
the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Some exciting events coming
up there as well. Don't go away. This is the
Dana Simmons Show. Welcome back. This is Dana Simmons and
I am joined by Paula Bothe and she has been
sharing with us all the amazing things about Babes of
(32:44):
Harrius and the upcoming event that they're having at the
Jefferson Theater on June twenty sixth. You're not gonna want
to miss that. But we're also going to visit a
little bit about what's going on at the Greater Beaumont
Chamber of Commerce. Now I know that chamber is coming
up with we have a golf tournament coming up. It
(33:05):
is presented by B and I and that's on Monday,
June the eighth. I think there are plenty of flights
still left.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
I believe that there are, and you can go online.
Facebook has a lot of information. Greater Beaumont Chamber of
Commerce has activities all year round, but the keyword is commerce.
We're about business and we're about helping businesses. And that's
why I was so neat to have your bank here
talking about the opportunities that you can have in Beaumont
with your local bankers. That's a neat thing. You can
(33:36):
do almost anything here. I can even steer you to
a commemorative doll at the Babes Areas Museum and it's
a limited edition that you can buy there. The CDB
and the Chamber of Commerce work hand in hand to
bring outside activities here, but also to bring people from
(33:56):
all around the area to see what Beaumont has to offer.
Wonderful and we don't want to be all about just us.
We share with other Chambers of Commerce in the area
and I like to always give a plug to the
Museum of the Gulf Coast, which is down in Port
Arthur and there are a few of Babes's trophies there,
just so we can be a part of that too.
(34:17):
The Chamber of Commerce in Beaumont is about sharing, about
caring about other people and helping businesses. We're almost a
thousand businesses strong, and that says a lot about our
wonderful organization. We have a great executive director, president and
CEO a Baumonter, someone who is all about Beaumont. Amy
(34:40):
Levoy is our president and she is the person who
is practically every time the door flies open, whatever the event,
Amy's going to be there supporting and helping local businesses.
And we're proud to be on the team with her. Yep,
we are.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
And if you are interested in that golf tournament, like
Paula said, you can go on onto Facebook or go
to the Greater Belmont Chamber of Commerce website and register.
There are flights at eight am and at one pm.
We would love for you to register a team and
come out and be a part of that. Again. That's
on Monday, June the eighth, and what an incredible opportunity
(35:17):
to be able to connect with other businesses.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
It's a while, it's.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
A lot of fun, it's networking you never know how
connecting with someone else can impact your business. Over and
over and over again. I've been able to help others
and others have been able to help me because it's
a community, and in community we grow together, and so
I think that's one of the things that is so
(35:41):
important about being involved in something in your community. And
the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is one of those
things that I think if you're a business owner, if
you're not a member, we would love for you to
be a member.
Speaker 2 (35:56):
It would be very beneficial to your business. Right As
we always try to say, this is a working network.
This is not a bedroom community. I remember when Lamar
University was Lamar Tech and it was a suitcase school
kids came in to school and then went home. They
didn't stay here, but many of them stayed here and
(36:16):
built businesses. And I love to see if the Chamber
of Commerce, when we have brand new members, we love
to put that up on Facebook, people who have just joined,
people who have continued the membership because they see the benefits.
And I'm proud to say that the Babe Zaharias Museum
is a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of commerce
because we see the benefits. No matter what your business,
(36:39):
no matter what your avocation, Chamber is important to your existence.
It's how we keep workers here. It's how we attract
people to come here and buy houses and come to
restaurants and enjoy this wonderful Southeast Texas weather, which we'll
give you allergies like crazy, but stick around. It's a
great place to be.
Speaker 1 (37:00):
It's great information. For example, I know one of our
next focus on business luncheon that's coming up is going
to be on June second, and that's going to be
about transportation. Who isn't interested in finding out more about
that right now?
Speaker 2 (37:13):
With all that's.
Speaker 1 (37:13):
Going on, how it impacts your business, how it impacts
just how you get to work, and so every opportunity
that the Chamber can, they are working to get you
information that's going to help facilitate you in your business.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
And the great thing about this place is everything imaginable
in transportation is here, including the number one port for
military equipment. Railheads are here, there's bus, there's the Interstate ten,
all of the things that bring business here and take
(37:48):
business to other locations. Transportation is going to be a
big deal, and I think that's going to be an
important time to meet other people who are interested in
the same thing you are. It's all about moving things
from play used to place, and the Chamber can give
you chapter and verse on what's moving around this area.
And the exciting thing about economic development that you hear
(38:09):
at the chamber. We know who's coming to town, right, I.
Speaker 1 (38:13):
Mean not just because right, Yeah, there's so much that
you get to learn. One of the exciting things that
we do every year is the annual meeting, right, and
that's coming up in September, and we've just announced the
Spindletop Award winner.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
It was such a pleasure. Giglio Distributing is going to
be the honoree this year. And what a wonderful family enterprise.
Beaumont is loaded with family businesses, right, And that's really
an exemplary one who has expanded. They have a facility
in Tyler. They serve all of northeast Texas. And to
talk to that family, the sisters and the brothers and
(38:53):
everyone who's been a part of it since Grandpa started
in one room. And it's exciting to be able to
recognize those businesses. If you look at the number of
people who have received the Spindle Top Award. It's a
who's who of great Beaumont businesses and we're just so
excited for Giglio. They were pleased and we made the announcement.
(39:14):
So many people came down to be there for the
press conference and they started looking at the wall and
all of the business leaders who were chairmen of the
Chamber of Commerce. It's a wow, who's who going all
the way back to the beginning one hundred years. Lots
of businesses.
Speaker 1 (39:33):
Well, and it's not just their longevity, but it's their
participation in our community. Every time you turn around, they're
giving back to for different functions, for our different charities.
The number of people that they employ, there's such an
important part of our community that I think they're absolutely
(39:54):
due recognition.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
The support they give to local schools, local athletic programs,
and there's no having to prize the money. They're there.
They're there to do what needs to be done. And
the wonderful thing about being a part of that chamber
community and the business community Beaumont is you pick up
the phone, you call someone you know and the warm
(40:19):
answer is I don't know if I can do it
this time, but put me down. I'll help you. What
can I do for you? Is a phrase in Beaumont
that's repeated hour by hour.
Speaker 1 (40:32):
I know it's so hard because it's we hear you know.
Of course, the negative is what makes the news.
Speaker 2 (40:40):
Of course, it bleeds, it leads, and if it's awful
and bad, it's going to be right there on the front.
We have so much because there's so much good that
happens here. The young people who won the golf boards
on Thursday, there won't be nearly as much press for
that as someone who does a bad thing. We are
(41:01):
interested in encouraging people to do the right thing and
then to let other people know what they've done. Very important.
And anytime you have people from out of town, bring
them by the chamber we're down on Park Street and
see all the wonderful things that we're doing and all
the things that are being done for us. Absolutely, and
this great, great city. Do not be running down my
(41:26):
adopted hometown. You'll be in real Strilvil.
Speaker 1 (41:29):
Absolutely, it's what we love it here and we want
to make it better. So Paula, thank you so much,
thank you for all you do. You are a huge
community player in all the different areas and I really
appreciate all that you do, so thank you all.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
It's a pleasure with a little bit of help with
my friends like you.
Speaker 1 (41:47):
Oh well, it's been great to be able to visit
with you about the Babes of Harrius event. And once
again just wrap up with that event date and time.
Speaker 2 (41:58):
June the twenty sixth at six o'clock for the organ
concert the movies at seven about the Wonderful Life of
Babe Zaharias and then bring yourself down to the Jefferson
Theater because it is a monument a legacy to the
people of this area in twenty six Happy birthday, Babe.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
Absolutely, I'll be there. I hope you will be too.
I appreciate you joining us on the radio show today
that we have enjoyed participating with both Paula Bothe and
Connie Browning. Hope you go out and make it a
great Saturday. This is the Dana Simmons Show.
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