Local Roundup

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Dow and United Way of Orange County collaborated to host a special volunteer event at the Dow Business Center. Feed the Funnel was a dynamic and engaging activity where 111 volunteers came together to combat food insecurity by successfully preparing 40,638 meals for the community in under two hours.

These meals were presented to four local food pantries to be distributed right here in Orange County.  Recipients of these meals were:  Bridge City/Orangefield Ministerial Alliance, Orange Christian Services, The Salvation Army Orange, and United Christian Care Center of Vidor.

Captain Tiffany Salgado shared her perspective on The Salvation Army food pantry being a recipient of these meals. “As a nonprofit, we rely on community support to see us through and to supply us to make a difference. We need supplies like Feed the Funnel to really ‘Do The Most Good’ here in Orange, Texas. We are thrilled to serve alongside our staff every week to help families and individuals put food on their tables.”

Maureen McAllister, President & CEO of United Way of Orange County, stated that food was among the top needs reported in the Community Needs Assessment.  “We are so grateful for Dow in their sponsorship of this project, and we are so appreciative of our volunteers. Feed the Funnel is just one way that we are working collaboratively with our community members to combat food insecurity.”

Carrie Phillips, plant manager at Chevron Phillips’ Orange, Texas facility, has earned a national Women in Manufacturing Award, honoring her as a female rising star in the manufacturing field.

“This award is a testament to Carrie’s leadership, dedication to her team, and drive for continuous improvement. Her energy is contagious, and this very much comes across in her many interactions with all layers of the organization,” said Jacob McAlister, CPChem’s manufacturing general manager. “Carrie wants her team to win and, in turn, sets high standards for performance. However, she never sacrifices our core principles of getting results through truly valuing our people.”

Phillips’ Leadership Excellence

Phillips is a mentor to others hoping to build a career in the petrochemical industry. She encourages younger team members to drive improvements, be open to feedback that will help improve their performance, and to say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as they can.

“I got some great advice earlier in my career,” Phillips said. “If your next move isn’t equal parts exciting and ‘scare the hell out of you,’ it’s not the right move.”

Being a good neighbor and giving back to the community are also key components of Phillips’ leadership role as plant manager, she said.

Phillips has established a work/study program for students, supported the Orange Plant’s record-breaking CPChem Cares employee giving campaign, and led initiatives such as the building and delivering of beds for Orange County children through Sleep in Heavenly Peace. As a board member of several local organizations, she inspires employees to volunteer and contribute to the community.

One of her most significant community achievements is the renewal of the Chemical Row Industrial Group, fostering collaboration and communication among local industrial sites and the community. Her leadership in this group helps drive transparency and safety in operations, reinforcing the company’s role as a responsible and engaged community member.

About the MAKE Award and Women in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute announced the 2025 MAKE Award winners March 6. A gala honoring award winners is scheduled April 24 in Washington, D.C. Phillips is among 130 women recognized with this year’s award.

Women account for 29% of America’s manufacturing employees, while making up 47% of the nation’s workforce, according to MI. The MAKE Award also recognizes the efforts of women in manufacturing to recruit and mentor other women entering the manufacturing field.

“Women working in our industry bring a strong skillset of problem-solving, collaboration, communication and mindful leadership,” MAKE Award organizers said. “They navigate through unconscious bias, balance work and family life responsibilities, overcome imposter syndrome and have learned to lead, often without any female role models to show them the way.”

Phillips became plant manager of CPChem’s facility in Orange, Texas, in 2023. She joined CPChem in 2011 with 11 years of experience in the industry.  She graduated from Texas A&M with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The Orange facility manufactures high-density polyethylene pellets used in the production of consumer products such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, plastic storage containers, coffee containers and polyethylene pipe.

Learn more about the Women MAKE Award here.

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas to the community with a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 14, 2025. The event celebrated the opening of their new location at 3319 Bowling Lane, Orange, TX 77630, marking an important step in expanding support services for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

Founded in 1958, the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing education and treatment services to those struggling with alcohol and chemical dependency. Over the years, the Council has expanded its programs to address the growing need for substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery support.

At the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas, well-being is at the forefront of everything they do. They strive to be a catalyst that helps community members reach their goals and fulfill their potential. Since their founding, they have been dedicated to making an impact, bringing fresh ideas and passion to their services.

The new Orange location allows the organization to further its mission of providing critical recovery resources, education, and support to individuals and families in Southeast Texas.

Connect with the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas:

Website: https://www.recoverycouncilsetx.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RECOVERYCOUNCILSETX/

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Spring is in the air, and the Orange County Master Gardeners are ready to help you grow a greener world! Join them for their Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield, TX.

Gardeners of all skill levels can find a variety of plants specifically suited for Southeast Texas, including:
Citrus & Fruit Trees
Herbs & Shrubs
Hanging Baskets & Succulents
Annuals & Perennials
Berries & Vegetables

Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and offer expert advice on plant care and gardening techniques.

Checks, cash, and credit cards will be accepted.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on high-quality plants while supporting local gardening education and outreach efforts!

For more information, visit the Orange County Texas Master Gardeners Association Facebook page.

DuGood Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the opening of its new, free-standing Orange branch at 6895 I-10 East, conveniently located near the new CHRISTUS Hospital. The branch officially opened on Monday, March 10, 2025, bringing members the same trusted service in a fresh, modern space designed for convenience and accessibility.

To celebrate, DuGood is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration from March 17 – March 21, featuring:
Exclusive Door Prizes
Complimentary Refreshments
Special Offers
Grand Prize Giveaway: A 2025 Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 Premium!

Members can visit any DuGood branch between March 17 and April 30 to enter for a chance to win the grand prize. One lucky winner will be randomly drawn on Friday, May 2, 2025.