The East Montgomery County Improvement District's new 210,000-square-foot convention center in Valley Ranch has been named "Caney Pines," according to a Sept. 1 news release from the district.

What's in a name: EMCID's board of directors approved the convention center's name, which officials said was chosen as a nod to the New Caney region's name, forests and historical ties to the logging industry.

The convention center has been under construction since March 2025 and is expected to be completed by late this year, as previously reported by Community Impact. The project will be the seventh largest convention center in Texas and will be able to host corporate meetings, trade shows, youth sporting events, expos and galas.

Quote of note: "Every construction milestone brings us one step closer to creating a venue that will serve future events, residents, attract visitors and strengthen East Montgomery County's economy for decades," EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady said in a statement. 

Check out what's happening in the New Caney and Porter area throughout September.

Expo 2026: Network with local business owners at the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber’s annual expo. Refreshments and door prizes will be available, and attendees will have a chance to win a free chamber membership.

• Sept. 17, 3-6 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59, New Caney

Chicks & Hogs: BBQ & Brew-Fest: Family Promise Lake Houston is holding a festival featuring a barbecue competition, rodeo obstacle relay, beer tastings, a live animal exhibition, live music, child-friendly activities, an auction and local vendors.

• Sept. 26, noon-5 p.m.

• $15 (general admission)

• A.V. ‘Bull’ Sallas Park, 21679 McClesky Road, New Caney

Waterbark Day: Dogs are welcome to enjoy water park activities during this event at Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures. Shallow play areas, dog-only splash zones, treat stations and photo opportunities will be featured at the event.

• Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• $10 (admission per dog); owners get in free with their dog

• 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney

Greater Houston-area officials are monitoring conditions as a tropical system could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to the area through Sept. 2, per the National Weather Service.

What’s happening: The latest update from the National Weather Service states Tropical Storm Edouard is moving inland, and is expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of the area on Sept. 2.

Gov. Greg Abbott at an Aug. 31 press conference said the forecast could include a storm surge of 2-4 feet in Chambers and Jefferson counties, as well as local rainfall getting as high as 10-15 inches, including in some areas getting 3-4 inches per hour.

While the rainfall is expected to affect the area’s rivers, it’s too early to tell if it will pose any imminent danger, Abbott said.

On Sept. 3, Montgomery County commissioners will discuss and potentially take action to address wildfire activity in the area as well as hear the monthly road bond financial report.

What you need to know: According to the agenda documents, as of Aug. 31, county reports $188 million in bond proceeds and $4.23 million in interest income, bringing total revenue for the program to $192.23 million. Of that amount, commissioners have allocated $166.7 million toward road projects, leaving $25.5 million for future allocations. The county also has $67.6 million in cash remaining in its road bond account.

What else: Commissioners will also discuss action on wildfire activity amid discussions this year on disaster response needs after the Pauline Road fire.