Frost Bank's 'Small Talk Mix & Mingle' Builds Community Bonds in Houston
The air at Saint Arnold Brewing Company was buzzing on November 5th as Frost Bank hosted its "Small Talk Mix & Mingle," an event Houston City Beat was delighted to attend. Designed to foster community among local small business owners and key business experts, the evening was a powerful reminder of how important intentional, local networking is to the Houston economy.
The mixer provided a perfect atmosphere for catching up with Great Houstonians who are truly driving innovation in our city. We had the pleasure of connecting with Mimi Vilano, Chief Executive Officer, and Zandile Fontenot, Assistant VP of Business Development, both representing Millennial Title Company. Also mixing with the crowd were Tiara Solis of Northwestern Mutual and Roberto Coello, Founder of PREMIUM Advantage. Mike Acosta also caught up with the dynamic Parra Brothers, Arturo and Gerardo DeLa Parra.
Behind the scenes, the incredible Frost Bank Houston office crew, including Executive VP and Sales Manager Oscar Martinez and the dedicated marketing team, ensured the evening was seamless and engaging. Oscar, a true Houstonian and community builder himself, even paused the program to give a warm shoutout to Houston City Beat and Mike Acosta, highlighting Mike's passion as an Astros historian—a mention that brought a smile to Mike’s face. (And for those who don't know, you might catch Oscar in the Astros TV booth running stats for the broadcasters when he's not at Frost; he's got a World Series Championship ring and wears it proudly!)
The Mix & Mingle event perfectly encapsulates why Frost stands out: its enduring, local feel and deep community involvement. In a world of impersonal banking, Frost operates as a true community partner, understanding that when local businesses thrive, the whole city benefits. Their commitment to hosting events like this underscores the vital role they play in actively building the strong community connections that are the backbone of Houston’s commercial success.
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Frost Bank Mix & Mingle November 2025
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Frost Bank's Mix & Mingle in full action
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It was a winning streak!
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An Elevator Moment
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But Look At These Flowers
Honoring Our Heroes: Ashley Onofre’s Virtual Warriors Wall
Another inspiring highlight this month comes from Ashley Onofre, who created a Virtual Warriors Wall to honor local veterans as part of the nonprofit Warrior Spirit.
Ashley shared that this project holds a special place in her heart: “When I was an art teacher, I used to help my students create these kinds of walls for Veterans Day. The kids would bring in photos and write the sweetest messages. This one will live on.”
Now, through this digital version, the Warriors Wall continues that beautiful tradition, offering a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served.
You can view the wall and add your own tribute at WarriorsSpiritTexas.org
Heart for Community: Micah Kramer’s Mission to Make a Difference
Here's a great story that reminds us how powerful giving back can be. My friend and fellow Houstonian Micah Kramer recently helped organize the “Stand Up for Central Texas” comedy shows, heartfelt events that brought laughter and hope to those impacted by the devastating Central Texas floods.
Together with local supporters, Micah and his team raised over $23,000, with $14,000 already donated to flood victims in Kerr County. Among those helped was 94-year-old Betty Matteson, whose home in Hunt, Texas, was a total loss, she received $2,500 to assist in rebuilding her life.
As Micah shared, “This wasn’t just about comedy shows; it’s about community, resilience, and hope. We’re honored to stand with Central Texas during this time of healing and rebuilding.”
It’s inspiring to see Houstonians like Micah using their platforms to make a difference, proving once again that kindness and creativity go hand in hand.
Find Micah at https://www.mikonthemic.com/
Proud Dad Alert!
This month’s Sweet Scoop celebrates a touching “proud parent” moment from Houston’s own Ed Kampf, who’s beaming with pride over his son Zach Kampf’s latest film achievement.
Zach and his writing partner’s film, “The Conduit,” was officially selected as a featured presentation at FilmQuest 2025, held in Provo, Utah. The film screened during the festival’s Closing Night Awards, receiving enthusiastic reviews from attendees and critics alike.
Ed couldn’t be happier to share in the excitement.
Ed Kampf
📸 Photo Credit: Araya Doheny/Getty Images for FilmQuest
Stay tuned for more heartwarming Houston stories in this month's edition of Sweet Scoop "November to Remember", where we celebrate local wins, proud moments, and the people who make our community shine.
