The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce (GBCOC) serves members and the community as a catalyst to promote the economic growth of Beaumont and the surrounding areas. The GBCOC continues to place the economic development needs of established and new businesses first by advocating for the business community and developing cutting edge programs that support economic growth in our region. The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has two affiliate organizations, the Beaumont Chamber Foundation (BCF) and the Beaumont Economic Development Foundation (BEDF). All organizations focus on different areas of growth within our community. The Beaumont Chamber Foundation (BCF) places emphasis on Leadership Development and houses several programs that the chamber is known for including Leadership Beaumont, the Mentor/Mentee Program, a youth leadership program and the Public Service Candidate Workshop. Each of the programs within the Foundation addresses a need for personal and professional development. The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce holds the contract with the City of Beaumont to execute economic development strategies. The Beaumont Economic Development Foundation (BEDF) focuses on business, retention, and expansion as well attraction. We have a holistic approach to attraction and work with industries, small businesses, redevelopment, and retail. BEDF has a strong partnership with the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE) at Lamar University to leverage our existing international relationships as well diversification of the economy. Although the Chamber’s primary focus is promoting the economic growth of Beaumont and the surrounding areas, we also host and support many community events.