Jackland McDowell

When I landed in Baytown in October of 2020, the country was in the middle of the Covid pandemic. After job searching online, I luckily found a position that The Baytown Sun was hiring for in advertising sales and was offered the job. I didn’t know anyone in Baytown or the surrounding area and having been in advertising sales for 30+ years, I knew that wouldn’t work. I had to get to know people. I was given the opportunity to attend and participate in many community events, the majority of which were Baytown Chamber events. I met and got to know business owners and community leaders and as I like to put it, “now, there’s not any place that I can go without getting a warm hug and a hey!”. The Baytown Chamber has allowed me to find my place at the table among my colleagues and with many community leaders and influencers. It has helped my career by allowing me to get to know and network with individuals who are helping me advance my career and leadership skills. I’ve been able to grow as a leader by being chosen as chairperson of the Chamber Ambassador committee. The Baytown Chamber of Commerce has been a huge benefit to me both professionally and personally as I have become acquainted with people who have both become clients and also friends. Not too bad for a painfully shy kid from Tenaha, Texas.