Steve Ahlenius came to Beaumont with an impressive background. Steve graduated in 1983 from Wayland Baptist University with a bachelor's degree in history and political science, and in 1987 from Texas Tech University with a master's degree in public administration. He is a certified economic developer recognized by the International Economic Development Council and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Before coming to Beaumont, Steve served as head of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for 24 years and oversaw a 100% membership growth during his tenure. Under Steve’s leadership the National Association of Membership Development selected the McAllen Chamber in 2001 as the National Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, it became the first Accredited Chamber of Commerce in the Rio Grande Valley by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, the McAllen Chamber received a five-star accreditation.

In addition to the recognitions of the McAllen Chamber, Steve received the Marvin Hurley Award from the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives in 2015, which is the highest honor that a chamber executive can receive. Further honors for Steve include the distinguished service award from the TCCE (2017). In 2021, Steve served as TCCE chairman. He remains active in many local and statewide organizations such as the Board of Directors for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Association and the Texas Association of Business.

Steve introduced his wife, Jeanette. They have been married for thirty-nine years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

Steve began his presentation slides in which he discussed his view of Beaumont from an outsider’s perspective. As such, he documented Beaumont’s economic strengths, which include: a strong industrial base, a working port, significant transportation infrastructure, rail (railroad gods live here), and pipeline systems. In addition to infrastructure, Beaumont’s community offers a powerful resource featuring a strong volunteer base, philanthropic giving (foundations give back to the community), a desire for innovation, and an environment that is welcoming to both strangers and new ideas. Steve believes that Beaumont has the potential for growth, which, combined with a Chamber board that is both positive and willing to try new things, can lead to positive impact in the Beaumont community. Steve stressed the positive changes individuals can make in a stand-alone community that is clearly committed to giving back to the community. Steve did mention that sometimes Beaumont can be its own worst enemy when it projects a negative image. Because of this, he feels that it is necessary to control the narrative and talk positively about the community as well as create opportunities for collaboration.

Steve detailed the positive aspects of living in Beaumont and specifically cited beaches, a favorable climate/weather, affordable housing, and the low cost of living. Steve then related a story about president Jimmy Carter’s experience while at the Naval Academy. Carter ranked 58 out of 800 students. After a grueling interview with Admiral Rickover, the admiral asked Carter: “Did you do your best?” Carter conceded that he had not given 100%. The admiral asked Carter why he had not given his best? Carter wanted to know how to do his best. Steve then asked: What stops any of us from giving our best? Is it fear of failure and the resulting shame? Is it ridicule? Is it criticism? Steve concluded on a upbeat note: it is successful people who step in to make good things happen. Believe in Beaumont. Keep the faith. Hold the line. We’re going to win.