Golf Carts, Tabletop Wows & Mahjong Mania Make This Woodlands Night Anything But an Ordinary Ball — The Chairman’s Invitational Keeps It Country Club Chic

Talk about doing a leadership change with style. The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce honored outgoing chairman Justin Kendrick and welcomed incoming chairman Stuart Barrett during “The Chairman’s Invitational,” a country club chic night of fun.

A golf cart, driven by event co-chairs Stacie Coleman and this reporter, circled the ballroom with the outgoing Kendrick. The duo dropped Kendrick off at the stage to deliver his remarks.

These are two proven leaders in business. Kendrick is the senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center & NE Hospital. Barrett is the vice president of customer service at Entergy Texas.

“I have often said that our Chamber and our community are built upon a legacy of strong, visionary leadership,” The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Aaron Cox says. “We would not be the organization we are today without the dedication, sacrifice and foresight of our past chairmen.

“Their commitment has helped shape our Chamber, strengthen our business community, and lay the foundation for the success we continue to build upon.”

Tabletop Power

The always-popular Tabletop Decorator Competition once again showcased the creativity of The Woodlands’ business and nonprofit communities, making the evening even more memorable.

The Tabletop winners were Market Street for People’s Choice; Blue Skies Bookkeeping for Best DIY; The Only Facial for Best Newcomer; Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center for Best Done For You; and Chick-fil-A The Woodlands for Best Use of Theme.

But the fun did not stop at those colorful tabletops. Attendees could also work on their golf games at mini putt putt and golf simulator experiences and try their luck at the mahjong tables, courtesy of Mahjong Rodeo. Exploring scents with Market Street’s Jo Malone added another unique twist.

The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce also revealed its new Board of Director members who will serve a three-year term through August 31, 2029. The new Board members are:

— David Bernard, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

— Stacie Coleman, Project Beacon Texas

— Angela Schimmels, Keller Williams Realty, The Woodlands & Magnolia

— Monique Sharp, The Woodlands Township

— William Warner, Retired

— Jordan Watson, Howard Hughes

— Chris Wehe, Ellard Insurance & Risk Management

Christin Allphin, the executive vice president of Woodforest National Bank – Town Center, will be the 2026-2027 Chairman-elect. Now that’s worth a golf cart ride.