Jim Rich: Business Services Chair
As President of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade, Jim Rich has a passion for Southeast Texas and bringing new opportunities for economic growth and quality of life to its residents.
What most people don’t know, or remember, is that it was Jim’s career with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons that initially brought him to Beaumont as a Federal Prison Warden – working with individuals who likely weren’t as excited about their new home.
Since retiring after a 25-year career with the federal prison system in 1999, Jim began working with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, eventually taking the helm as president in 2001.
“We are fortunate to enjoy the steady leadership that we have with the Workforce Solutions board, and I’m very pleased with our Executive Director Marilyn Smith,” said Rich. “Because of their foresight and planning, I believe our biggest accomplishment is in the future. I am a strong supporter of the Workforce Intelligence Project now underway which should provide us better data to make decisions and allocate resources.”
In addition to serving as Chair of the Business Services committee for Workforce Solutions, Jim also serves on the Finance Committee. His commitment to our region is also evidenced by his work with Rotary Club of Beaumont as Immediate Past President, as Commissioner to the Sabine Neches Waterway and Navigation District, as a board director for the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. Jim is also on the Board for the LIT Foundation.
Despite a packed work schedule, Jim’s true priority is being a “Grand Dad” to four boys. And there’s always time to hit the links or the beach. Jim is also a firm believer in the adage, “you’re never too old to learn.” For his 60th birthday a couple weeks ago, he got a guitar. Lessons begin this week. |
