Chamber's Bruce Hillegeist Is The Embodiment Of Tomball

TOMBALL, TX — It seems every community has that one person who embodies the traditions, the history, and the people in their slice of the world, and uses it to make things just a little better.

In Tomball, a community about 12,000 resident’s located about 28 miles north of downtown Houston, that person is Bruce Hillegiest.

Hillegiest recently sat down with Patch to talk about his role in the town that is a part of his family history, and why he loves being part of the small town with a big heart.

In November, the man a lot of people call Mr. Tomball, celebrated his 24th year as president of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I fell in love with the chamber business while volunteering and doing work for the chamber,” he said.

Hillegeist, who spent 13 years in banking, became the president of the chamber in November 1994.

He became familiar with the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce while serving as the marketing director at his bank, and working to bring in new business.

Hillegeist would take magazines produced by the chamber and go to local business, and use them as an icebreaker to generate banking business, and before long he was hooked.

“I am a very give to give person,” he said. “My whole philosophy has been to chase the relationship and not the money. If the chamber is doing the right thing, the money will come.”

Although selling Tomball to businesses that are already here is easy and fun, it can also be hard work.

However, when you love a place as much as Hillegiest loves his hometown, it becomes more a labor of love than actual work.

Amy Mason, who has served as the chamber ’s communications director since 2016, said Hillegeist has taught her a lot about leadership and about people.

“I have been able to gain insights into what it truly means to be ingrained into a community, from helping a single person who walks through the chamber doors to understanding the economic and social impacts of decisions made at local, state and federal levels,” Mason said. “It is inspiring to witness his dedication to and care for residents, business owners and tourists in our community.”

Mason added that Hillegiest doesn’t just have his fingers on the pulse of the Tomball community, but also serves as an inspiration to the chamber staff.

“He allows us to use our creativity boundlessly and trusts our team without fail. Having that kind of leadership in the office is refreshing and keeps us motivated,” she said. “I have been blessed to be part of this special chamber team…”

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Image: Courtesy Photo

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