Community Leaders and Businesses to Be Honored at the Diamonds & Ice Gala
October 23, 2017
HOUSTON—Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce to honor George and Ellen Peckham, Office Systems of Texas; and celebrate the Diamond Awardee: Southwestern Energy for their contributions to the Cypress Creek Community at the annual Diamonds & Ice Gala on January 27, 2018 at the Norris Conference Center in CityCentre.
The Diamond Award is the pinnacle recognition presented each year to an individual, a couple, or an organization that has significantly contributed to the economic health of northwest Harris County.
“We are very excited to celebrate our honorees along with the Cypress Creek business owners and leaders. This is our chance to thank them for the incredible support they provided to our community and the investment they made to help it thrive,” said Barbara Thomason, Chamber president.
2017 Gala Honorees
George and Ellen Peckham are native Houstonians who grew up in southwest Houston. In 1977, with his parents, George helped start Office Systems of Texas to sell and service Minolta copiers. He has served as President of the corporation since 1997. Married to Ellen in 1985, they moved to Bammel Forest to start and raise their family. Among the organizations George is actively involved with are MUD 36 Board of Directors, Houston Century Plaza Board of Directors, San Jacinto Museum of History Board of Directors, Champions Breakfast Club, and the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Ellen Peckham is Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care. Her work experience includes being a member of the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School where her work focused for nine years in the Acres Home and Aldine community health centers for the Harris County Hospital District. From 2001 to 2015, Dr. Peckham was in solo practice working in skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Northwest Houston community. In addition, she has worked with several hospice organizations. Since 2012, she has been a wound care specialist in St. Luke’s Woodlands outpatient wound care clinic.
Together they have three children, Elaine & Victoria who both graduated from Texas A&M and Robert, a graduate of Texas Tech.
2017 Diamond Awardee
Southwestern Energy (SWN) Company is an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration, development and production, natural gas gathering and marketing. Additional information on the company can be found online at www.swn.com.
SWN’s Social Energy programs are coordinated to maximize impact across focus areas – education, wellbeing, emergency response, clean air and water, family focus, and military embrace – while incorporating local needs.
As an organization, Southwestern Energy has been very active in Cypress Creek Community’s local safety/security activities; transportation and development initiatives, and economic development. More than one and a half million dollars was given in charitable donations in 2016, while SWN employees volunteered more than 4,500 hours.
Through their Social Energy efforts, they are empowering the communities where SWN employees work and live:
About Diamonds & Ice Gala
The Diamonds & Ice Gala is a premier fundraising event that brings together community-minded leaders who understand the value of a strong Chamber. This year’s theme is “Take a Walk On The Wild Side,” which promises “wild” entertainment, dancing, wine, auctions and a safari experience. Seating is limited. Registration may be made online by following this link: http://bit.ly/HNWCCwild or by calling the Chamber office at 281-440-4160.
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The Houston Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit corporation. The Chamber is an organization of member businesses investing time, talent and resources in economic and community development programs, and working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural fortitude of the region. To learn more about the Chamber and benefits of membership, visit www.HoustonNWChamber.org and www.GrowHoustonNW.com.
The Diamond Award is the pinnacle recognition presented each year to an individual, a couple, or an organization that has significantly contributed to the economic health of northwest Harris County.
“We are very excited to celebrate our honorees along with the Cypress Creek business owners and leaders. This is our chance to thank them for the incredible support they provided to our community and the investment they made to help it thrive,” said Barbara Thomason, Chamber president.
2017 Gala Honorees
George and Ellen Peckham are native Houstonians who grew up in southwest Houston. In 1977, with his parents, George helped start Office Systems of Texas to sell and service Minolta copiers. He has served as President of the corporation since 1997. Married to Ellen in 1985, they moved to Bammel Forest to start and raise their family. Among the organizations George is actively involved with are MUD 36 Board of Directors, Houston Century Plaza Board of Directors, San Jacinto Museum of History Board of Directors, Champions Breakfast Club, and the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Ellen Peckham is Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care. Her work experience includes being a member of the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School where her work focused for nine years in the Acres Home and Aldine community health centers for the Harris County Hospital District. From 2001 to 2015, Dr. Peckham was in solo practice working in skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Northwest Houston community. In addition, she has worked with several hospice organizations. Since 2012, she has been a wound care specialist in St. Luke’s Woodlands outpatient wound care clinic.
Together they have three children, Elaine & Victoria who both graduated from Texas A&M and Robert, a graduate of Texas Tech.
2017 Diamond Awardee
Southwestern Energy (SWN) Company is an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration, development and production, natural gas gathering and marketing. Additional information on the company can be found online at www.swn.com.
SWN’s Social Energy programs are coordinated to maximize impact across focus areas – education, wellbeing, emergency response, clean air and water, family focus, and military embrace – while incorporating local needs.
As an organization, Southwestern Energy has been very active in Cypress Creek Community’s local safety/security activities; transportation and development initiatives, and economic development. More than one and a half million dollars was given in charitable donations in 2016, while SWN employees volunteered more than 4,500 hours.
Through their Social Energy efforts, they are empowering the communities where SWN employees work and live:
- Conroe Distribution Center
- 38 SWN volunteers donated 114 hours and donated supplies.
- Northwest Assistance Ministries
- 47 SWN volunteers donated 141 volunteer and donated supplies.
- Comp-U-Dopt
- $95,000 donated to the program to date, and 220 hours of volunteer time.
- Hurricane Harvey Relief
- $85,000 donated to hurricane recovery.
- Texas A&M BUILD program
- $25,000 donated to a student-led organization that transforms empty shipping containers into medical clinics and sends them to developing countries around the world.
About Diamonds & Ice Gala
The Diamonds & Ice Gala is a premier fundraising event that brings together community-minded leaders who understand the value of a strong Chamber. This year’s theme is “Take a Walk On The Wild Side,” which promises “wild” entertainment, dancing, wine, auctions and a safari experience. Seating is limited. Registration may be made online by following this link: http://bit.ly/HNWCCwild or by calling the Chamber office at 281-440-4160.
###
The Houston Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit corporation. The Chamber is an organization of member businesses investing time, talent and resources in economic and community development programs, and working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural fortitude of the region. To learn more about the Chamber and benefits of membership, visit www.HoustonNWChamber.org and www.GrowHoustonNW.com.
Contact:
Sasha Smith, Communications Manager
(281) 440-4160
