A momentous event is approaching our region: a total solar eclipse will grace the skies on Monday, April 8, 2024. San Marcos lies on the eastern edge of the path of 100% totality. (In San Marcos we will experience around 97% totality.) This rare occurrence will happen around 1:30 p.m. on April 8. In the days and hours prior, it will draw an immense crowd of viewers from all other states and around the world. Anticipating the subsequent traffic after the eclipse is over is a key aspect to prepare for! If possible, plan to be off the roads this afternoon and do not schedule deliveries or appointments that afternoon.

Be prepared to safely enjoy it in San Marcos…by following some simple preparation tips.

First – view this list of tips: City of San Marcos Resources! Learn about safety measures and recommendations to protect your eyes during the eclipse viewing. The City of San Marcos compiled this info to help you prepare for and enjoy the solar eclipse safely.

You can also explore these PowerPoint slides presented during a recent Solar Eclipse Preparation event. These slides offer valuable insights and tips for navigating eclipse day challenges.

NEVER NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! Be sure to shield your eyes when watching the eclipse with official viewing glasses.

Community Events

Want to join fellow residents and visitors in celebrating this celestial event? There are a few events planned in the area and many more throughout the region. Take a look at this community events calendar and visit the Chamber of Commerce website calendars in other cities such as Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, and many more.

Stay Informed!

Stay tuned to local media for more updates, resources, and information regarding the solar eclipse. If you’re not already, sign up for Warn Central Texas! Plan to safely make the most of this extraordinary celestial phenomenon.

Step into the vibrant tapestry of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, where we’re dedicated to fostering connections, promoting growth, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our city. Our ribbon-cutting ceremonies are not just events; they’re moments of celebration, marking the exciting milestones and new beginnings of businesses in our community. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on five exceptional additions and achievements:

Amber Leighe Armer, State Farm Agent

Embrace peace of mind with Amber Leighe Armer, your local State Farm Agent. With a commitment to personalized service and comprehensive insurance solutions, Amber is dedicated to protecting what matters most to you and your family.

Matt Patterson (Celebrating 30 years in business)

Congratulations to Matt Patterson for 30 years of excellence in business! With three decades of dedication, integrity, and innovation, Matt has become a cornerstone of our community’s business landscape.

ACE Handyman Services

Trust the experts at ACE Handyman Services for all your home improvement needs. From small repairs to major renovations, their team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship and exceptional service.

Kaizen Jiu Jitsu

Unleash your potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery with Kaizen Jiu Jitsu. As a premier martial arts academy, they offer top-notch instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, empowering individuals of all ages to build confidence, strength, and resilience.

Crystal River Inn’s 40th Anniversary and New Ownership

A heartfelt congratulations to the Crystal River Inn on their remarkable 40-year journey! Under new ownership by Eric and Corley L’Etoile, the inn is reborn as Hopkins House Hotel, heralding an exciting chapter of revitalization and renewal for this beloved downtown landmark. Stay tuned for their visionary plans as they embark on a journey to enhance and preserve the legacy of this cherished property.

Leadership San Marcos’ Love Locks project

Unlock the power of community with Leadership San Marcos’ Love Locks project. This heartwarming initiative invites residents to commemorate their love and connection by placing personalized locks on designated structures throughout the city, symbolizing enduring bonds and shared experiences.

The San Marcos Chamber is thrilled to announce the release of the eagerly awaited 2024 Welcome Guide! Bursting with vibrant photos and valuable content, the Guide serves as the ultimate companion for newcomers and residents alike, showcasing the exceptional businesses in this community.

Packed with engaging articles, stunning photography, and an alphabetical listing of all current members of the Chamber of Commerce, the 2024 Welcome Guide is your passport to exploring the best of San Marcos. Whether you’re searching for dining, entertainment, or essential services, the Guide has you covered.

Best of all, complimentary copies of the Guide are available at area hotels, businesses, and various locations throughout the community, ensuring easy access for all. Residents and visitors can pick up a copy at local businesses, public offices, and at the San Marcos Chamber office.

For Chamber members, large quantities of the Welcome Guide are available free of charge for display in offices, shops and waiting areas. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spotlight your business while providing valuable resources to your patrons and exposure to your neighbor businesses. Encourage everyone to SHOP LOCAL!

Don’t miss out on this essential guide to all things San Marcos! Grab your copy today and embark on a journey to discover the vibrant tapestry of our wonderful community.

You can view the online edition now at www.SanMarcosTexas.com! For more information, contact the Chamber Office at 512-393-5900.

As a catalyst for growth and community connection, we take immense pride in hosting events that spotlight the diverse and dynamic businesses that define our city’s landscape. Our ribbon-cutting ceremonies are more than just symbolic; they are celebrations of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the spirit of San Marcos. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to four outstanding additions to our community:

Miracle Leaf

Discover the healing power of nature at Miracle Leaf, where wellness takes center stage. This innovative business offers a range of CBD products designed to promote health and vitality, contributing to a community that values holistic well-being.

Magnolia Hospice

In moments that matter most, Magnolia Hospice provides compassionate and specialized care. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families, they bring comfort, dignity, and support to our community during challenging times.

The Sweet Spot

Indulge your sweet tooth at The Sweet Spot, a delectable addition to our culinary scene. With a menu bursting with delightful treats, this establishment invites you to satisfy your cravings in a charming and welcoming atmosphere.

Vision Source

See the world through a new lens with Vision Source, where eye care meets innovation. This cutting-edge practice is dedicated to providing top-notch vision services, ensuring the clarity and health of our community’s eyesight.

This season, we were fortunate to have Ceccibell Moreno join our team as an intern, bringing a fresh perspective to the Chamber. From collaborating on exciting projects to engaging with local businesses and community leaders, Cecci embraced every opportunity to make a positive impact.

In her own words, Cecci shares reflections on her enriching experiences, lessons learned, and the meaningful connections forged during her internship at the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce.

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My name is Ceccibell Moreno, I’m currently a sophomore at Texas State University pursuing a Public Relations major with a Business Administration minor. Eat ‘Em Up Cats!

Since May 2023, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an intern at the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. This invaluable experience has been a tremendous learning journey. It has allowed me to delve into various aspects of growing my social media skills, attending professional events, learning the importance behind networking, and gaining insights into the world of Public Relations beyond the confines of a classroom setting. 

I’ve not only gained valuable insights into the field of Public Relations but have also acquired a profound understanding of the San Marcos businesses and community as a whole. This experience has fostered me with a deep appreciation and passion for the city’s growth and values. I’ve gone from being able to talk and connect with small business owners to being a part of a San Marcos court hearing, and even getting to meet the Mayor.

Overall, the opportunity to serve as a PR intern at the Chamber has been an incredibly rewarding experience that I’m extremely grateful for, and I can not wait to continue to learn from such an awesome organization in this new year! 

The Chamber’s commitment to celebrating entrepreneurship and fostering connections comes to life through our exciting ribbon-cutting events. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on three exceptional additions to our flourishing community:

Liveoak LIving Community

LiveOak Living is an assisted living community for adults with cognitive disabilities including mental illness, brain injury, developmental disabilities and autism. This community sets the standard for comfort, care, and camaraderie, offering a haven where residents can flourish.

Hart Properties

A new chapter unfolds for Hart Properties under the stewardship of its new owner, Pat Fernandez. With a commitment to excellence, she brings fresh perspectives and dedication to maintaining Hart Properties as a cornerstone in our community’s real estate landscape.

Chuy’s tex-mex

Spice up your dining experience at Chuy’s Tex-Mex, the latest culinary gem to grace San Marcos. With a menu bursting with flavor and a festive atmosphere, Chuy’s invites you to savor the bold tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine in the heart of our city.

Make a lasting impact by supporting the development of the next generation of leaders and innovators.

The San Marcos Area Chamber is launching an Education & Talent Pipeline Development program. We’re inviting visionary businesses to become Seed Sponsors, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our region’s workforce.

What this sponsorship supports:

• Fund programs that help bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing students for in-demand occupations.
• Provide resources to help students explore and aim for careers aligned with the needs of our local businesses.

Partners are asked to contribute $1500 each to help launch the program. Partners will receive meaningful recognition throughout 2024 (12 months) in print and online promotions.

Become an “Education Pipeline Partner” by contacting Chamber President Page Michel at page@sanmarcostexas.com. Your sponsorship not only fuels this transformative program but also establishes your brand as a key player in nurturing our region’s talent.

Thank you to these generous Sponsors!

2022 INTERCITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE – Tucson/Phoenix, Arizona

In October 2022, the San Marcos Area Chamber continued its goal of learning best practices to grow our region by once again hosting an InterCity visit. 42 community leaders and business professionals from San Marcos, Lockhart and Austin traveled to Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona to study the area’s successes and challenges in the hopes of further enhancing San Marcos and our region.

“For us to hear from others who share the same mission as we do, we’re listening to best practices and things we can adopt at home,” said San Marcos Chamber President Page Michel. “It’s really important to be in tune with the emerging trends that are coming from all around the country, and it’s something we can make sure San Marcos is looking ahead to.”

This InterCity Conference featured a high-impact presentation on Economic Development in the Greater Phoenix region. We heard from members of the Phoenix Chamber and WESTMARC, the EDO for West Maricopa County. They gave an overview of the economic development space in the region and what challenges they are currently facing.

Day two in Tucson included a conversation important to the San Marcos community: building relationships between the University and the surrounding community. Representatives from the University of Arizona, Tucson PD, and local neighborhood associations explained their “Campus-Community Relations Program.” They gathered leaders from the University and surrounding neighborhoods to develop effective ways to co-exist and thrive.

“What stood out to me most was the Campus-Community Relations Committee, and how they partnered the University, city and neighborhood associations, and how they work together to create, promote, and sustain neighborhoods,” said San Marcos Chamber Board Member Keely Hennig. “One of our biggest struggles has been, we need neighbors to be neighbors, and recognize the students, while they may be temporary, are still residents of San Marcos.”

Workforce development is key to growing a community into a thriving region. To get a better idea of how Tucson is growing their workforce, we visited Pima Community College where they are revolutionizing Workforce Development programs to become one of the leading institutions in the country. We toured their Centers for Excellence to see first hand their commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE).

“One of the things we liked about workforce development topics, and using Pima Community College as an example, they have a strong relationship with their business community,” said Ted Groholske, Manager of Workforce Development at the Greater San Marcos Partnership. “Having that aspect of having your business community more involved in some of the process and procedures, is a win-win for everybody.”

Next the group focused on Housing in the Tucson region. We heard from developers, county staff, and the president of the region’s Homebuilders Association. We got an overview of the complications they’re facing with housing, and also areas where they have been able to achieve success.

“Every single builder talked about how diversity in housing is crucial,” said GSMP board member Laura Dupont, “and we need to continue creating those opportunities in San Marcos.”

After the conference, the Chamber continues to convene community members to begin implementing priorities of what was learned to help shape the future of San Marcos. It is a way for many different citizens to participate in the future success of our region.

Previous InterCity Leadership Conference locations:

2022: Tucson/Phoenix, Arizona

2021: Research Triangle NC (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill)

2019: Provo, Utah

2018: Greenville, South Carolina

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the Chamber’s 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities are now available for Members! This is your chance to take center stage and make a meaningful impact on our community while gaining valuable exposure for your business.

Why Sponsor?

Becoming a sponsor for our 2024 events is a fantastic opportunity to align your brand with the vibrant spirit of San Marcos. By supporting the Chamber, you’ll not only contribute to the success of our community but also elevate your business to new heights!

What’s in Store?

Get ready for a year filled with exceptional events that showcase the best of San Marcos. From networking mixers to community celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Check out the fantastic lineup of events and find the perfect fit for your business.

How to Get Involved:

Look through the 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities packet below! Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or considering sponsorship for the first time, there’s a package that fits your needs.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference and boost your brand’s visibility. Join us in making 2024 a year to remember!

Ready to seize the opportunity? Contact us at admin@sanmarcostexas.com for more details and to secure your sponsorship today.

The Chamber’s commitment to celebrating entrepreneurship and fostering connections comes to life through our exciting ribbon-cutting events. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on three exceptional additions to our flourishing community:

David Weekley Homes

Step into the future of home living with David Weekley Homes. As a beacon of innovation and quality craftsmanship, they bring a new standard of excellence to San Marcos, offering homes that seamlessly blend style, sustainability, and comfort.

Over the Moon Popcorn

Get ready for a taste explosion at Over the Moon Popcorn, where snack time gets a gourmet makeover. This delightful addition to our community crafts artisanal popcorn in an array of flavors, turning a simple treat into a culinary adventure.

SOAR Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Experience the transformative power of SOAR Therapeutic Horseback Riding, where compassion meets equine therapy. This organization provides a unique and impactful experience for individuals with special needs, fostering healing and growth through the profound connection between humans and horses.