Nathan Rivers didn’t plan to give much of a speech as the incoming chairman of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce in light of the sudden passing of John Johnson, the man who was originally set to take leadership.

As he pondered his speech he had mixed emotions; gratitude to the board of directors who placed him in the position and heavy heart due to the circumstances that led him to the position.

Johnson, who died Jan. 5, had been prepared for his role, speech written and goals prepared.

Rivers opted to share some of Johnson’s goals and incorporate them with his own, he told a crowd of about 800 at the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet held Tuesday at the Bob Bowers Civic Center.

“First I join John in his desire to give thanks to the Chamber membership, the ambassadors, community committee members, the Young Emerging Leaders and the board of directors past and present and give a salute to the staff and President of the Chamber Joe Tant,” Rivers said.

The Chamber, albeit a nonprofit, is a business for businesses. In 2025 this Chamber will continue to stand for that excellence that earns the five star chamber credentials

“We’ll do so by continuing the business and legislative information and networking hub for the greater Port Arthur businesses, ensuring we share vital economic and business information and opportunities to our members. Next, while our major industries provide significant support and dominate the success of our economy, we must support Port Arthur’s small businesses. John noted that out of the 1,700 Port Arthur businesses, nearly 1,600 of them are small businesses with 25 or less employees.”

His goals go on to include providing impactful training and networking events throughout the year, make young emerging leaders of the world and focus on the talent we have here.

The John Warne Gates Award was presented to Claire Jackson and Tammy Kotzur was honored with the Arthur E. Stilwell Award.

The 125th annual banquet also gave recognition to outgoing directors Anthony Leger, Sean Clifford and Eric Callerman as well as recognition of 2025 incoming directors Dr. Mark Porterie, Zulema Escobedo, Nikki Tibbs, Mark Viator and Stephen Hemelt.

Sherry Berg was honored as Membership Advocate of the Year and Chamber Advocates of the Year included Jerry Rothenberger, Brittany Richard and Jade Davila.

The Legislative Liaison Award was given to Cole Michalk.