By: Page Michel; President & CEO, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
Have you heard about the Bond Election coming up for San Marcos CISD? There are 4 proposals included. Prop A is about the “recapture process” (Robin Hood) and must pass in order for taxpayers to avoid a tax rate increase. Props B, C and D all seek to make our local schools safer and more equitable for all students.
The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed a resolution of SUPPORT for all four propositions that will be on the ballot.
By supporting these proposals, we can help make sure that all local students have access to the best possible educational environment. The bond funds in Props B, C and D will be used to enhance school safety measures, upgrade technology infrastructure, and make necessary repairs and improvements to school buildings.
You can find full details online at www.SMCISD.net. Look on the top menu for “Bond 2023 Elections.”
Voters of all ages in San Marcos should support this Bond Election. Even those who do not have school-age children. Investing in schools is important not just for students, but for the entire community. Having safe and efficient schools leads to a well-educated workforce which, in turn, helps to create a robust economy where local businesses thrive and expand.
The passage of these bond proposals will have a significant impact on our community now and in the future. Please take time to learn more and plan to vote “FOR” all four propositions. Consider the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce Board. Ask others you know who are informed on the issues. And remember that not voting can have consequences as well.
Your vote of support is needed! Early voting is held April 24 – May 2. Election day is Saturday, May 6.
Another way that the Chamber supports businesses to thrive and expand is by providing up-to-date information on technology trends. We recently held a workshop on Cybersecurity with featured speaker Randy Bryan of tekRescue. He explained how to protect yourself and your business against cyber attacks.
Last week, the Chamber held a Five Day Challenge online that taught viewers how to easily use AI and ChatGPT. Have you heard about these tech innovations and how they have life-changing uses?
ChatGPT is an auto-generative text program created by Open AI. It is a free tool and anyone can use it. Its artificial intelligence can help you write anything you can imagine. It can be used to create articles and essays, it can help students study and prepare for tests, it can help realtors create eye-catching listings, it can help small businesses with customer service replies, it can help you practice a foreign language, and much more.
You can use it instead of a search engine, because it will deliver a conversational experience rather than simply a list of website results.
The key for business usage is knowing how to prompt ChatGPT to get the best responses. That is what the Chamber helped dozens of businesses learn last week.
ChatGPT can be an excellent, free resource for business managers and sales people. It provides quick and detailed answers in seconds. It offers you immediate access to expertise on topics such as marketing, finance, operations and management. It incorporates a vast amount of data! It’s an affordable way to access expert advice to grow and improve your operations.
It is also a confidential platform that allows you to ask business-related questions without having to worry about sharing any of your personal data.
It can be customized to your specific business needs. You can ask questions about your industry or business model, and about your competitors. You can get personalized answers that are relevant to your specific situation.
All of this depends on your knowing HOW to prompt the program to get the desired information. Reach out to me for some helpful tips! page@sanmarcostexas.com
By: Page Michel; President & CEO, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
How much does your business rely on computers? Have you taken steps to protect your data in case you get hacked? Want to know where to find help locally on this critical topic? The Chamber of Commerce is here to help.
This month, the San Marcos Area Chamber will kick-off a new business education series called “Level Up.” On March 9, the focus is “Cybersecurity: 3 Things to Protect Your Business in 2023.” Attend and learn what are three vital things you should be doing to defend yourself from online attacks.
Hosted by the Chamber at Workforce Solutions (off Posey Road), the session will be led by Randy Bryan, Founder and CEO of tekRESCUE. Bryan will deliver three important tips to protect businesses and organizations of all sizes. Find details about how to register on the SanMarcosTexas.com Events calendar. Lunch is included!
The Chamber will offer a variety of “Level Up” sessions in the coming months. All designed to help you increase your level of knowledge in business operations, technology, marketing and more. The best part is, they’re offered locally and affordably.
Another opportunity the Chamber makes available to local businesses is to showcase their employment opportunities to future workers!
There are free Job Postings for Chamber members on SanMarcosTexas.com, seen by approximately 8000 people a month. And for businesses that offer career paths related to “STEM” sectors the annual “STEAM Fair” is held. This event is a festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math subjects with Arts included!
The 2023 STEAM Fair will be held at San Marcos High School on Saturday, April 1. Visit SteamSMTX.com to participate.
STEM education is essential to the whole community for several reasons. STEM fields are among the fastest-growing and most in-demand industries today. By supporting STEM education in public schools, we can prepare students for careers in these fields and ensure that our San Marcos Area workforce remains competitive in the future.
These topics are also where students learn critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills. By including arts, the enhanced focus on “STEAM” education in SMCISD encourages creativity and innovation. This is essential for entrepreneurship! Within these classes, students can learn how to design, build and test their own ideas and make products with their own hands.
By providing all students with the opportunity to pursue STEM and Arts education, schools can raise achievement levels and promote diversity in STEAM-related occupations. The end result is high-paying employment for everyone who gains these skills.
Another way the Chamber connects and informs the business community about local schools and city government is through the annual “State of the City and District” luncheon event. It will be held on Thursday, April 6, at the San Marcos Conference Center at Embassy Suites. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online on the Chamber website.
This event provides a platform for local leaders, including City of San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and San Marcos CISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona, to highlight recent developments and future priorities.
Attend this event to stay “in the know” and find out how you can get involved, have a voice, and help make an impact on this community. Input from all businesses is desired and valued by the Chamber!
By: Page Michel; President & CEO, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
In October, I took over as president of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. This chamber has a long history and track record of success in the business community. With approximately 500 members, the San Marcos Chamber serves as the “voice of business” and works on programs and events to help grow local businesses.
Over the last four months, I have been tackling a long list of people to meet and businesses to know. At the same time, I’ve learned about local history, natural areas, shops, restaurants and non-profit organizations. San Marcos is a uniquely beautiful place and its citizens are unique too.
The Chamber mission is to make a positive impact on the economy. Our vision is to be the leading organization that collaborates with stakeholders to develop an environment where businesses thrive. A Board of Directors comprised of 19 volunteer leaders steers the Chamber and its staff of four on behalf of the membership. You can view the list of board members and staff on www.SanMarcosTexas.com.
On January 26th, the Board of Directors and staff held our annual Planning Retreat to set goals for 2023 that will help the chamber grow and expand its impact on the business community.
The top goals that were set focus on: enhancing the value and benefits of membership, growing in size, and boosting events and programs with new ideas and opportunities for participation.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
I’m reaching out with this new column in the San Marcos Daily Record to make sure Chamber information gets out to as many people as possible in the community.
Several exciting events are coming up that are open to the full community, though chamber members reap the benefits of lower entry fees!
Members also have access to special events that are exclusively for members-only, where they connect with others in-person and expand their business networks. No matter how high-tech our society gets, people still enjoy doing business with people they know!
If you’ve been in business a long time in the area, but when you go to the store or events you don’t recognize many of the faces around you, realize this…those people don’t know you either. To stay in touch and “in the know” with the growing community, the Chamber provides the platform for you to continually boost your business name in this marketplace.
Google ranks a Chamber of Commerce link as one of the most credible in any community. Simply by having your business included on SanMarcosTexas.com you can improve your search engine ranking and results.
This event is fast-approaching! It’s one that is open to the full community. Attend to hear updates about the I-35 Corridor’s imminent growth. Local and regional leaders will take an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities that face our region’s transportation systems. This year’s Summit will have a special focus on aviation, the growth surrounding the San Marcos Regional Airport, and how that growth will impact transportation systems across the Innovation Corridor.
The Transportation Summit will be held from 11am-1pm at the San Marcos Conference Center at Embassy Suites. This highly informative event includes lunch and networking.
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Right now the Chamber’s Government Relations Council is monitoring legislative activity at the State Capitol to ensure the interests of our business community are being represented.
With so many bills being filed, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s happening, but the Chamber is committed to staying informed and advocating for policies that support local businesses.
Some of the key issues being tracked by the Chamber include job growth/business recruitment, taxes, workforce development/education, and infrastructure. We work closely with our state elected officials and other stakeholders to promote policies that will create a supportive environment for business growth.
A “Guiding Principles” document that outlines the policy statements adopted by the San Marcos Area Chamber is posted online. These statements are the filter used to determine the top priorities of what we will support or oppose.
JOB GROWTH & BUSINESS RECRUITMENT
Topping the list is job growth. The Chamber supports legislation that encourages diverse industries to locate here and bring new jobs by providing incentives for recruitment and expansion. One of Texas’ previous economic development incentive tools, known as Chapter 313, expired at the end of 2022. There are efforts to replace it with new legislation that includes more transparency and accountability, while still allowing Texas to maintain its competitive edge in attracting large projects.
Other states and nations are vying for the projects that we need and want in this region. Our economic development practitioners need every tool in their toolbox to compete and win.
If you’re a business owner or manager, be sure to stay informed about the important issues being considered at the Capitol. And if you’re not yet a member of the Chamber of Commerce, now is the time to join and make your voice heard!
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Nexstar Media Inc. today announced that Nexstar television stations across the state of Texas will carry a live telecast of Governor Abbott’s 2023 State of the State address on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM CT, hosted by the Greater San Marcos Partnership and San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. The speech will air on 16 Nexstar television stations serving 14 Texas media markets and will be telecast throughout the state. As a public service, Nexstar will make the live feed of the telecast available to every broadcast company serving Texas.
“Texas is the apex of opportunity, where infinite possibilities allow our people to climb from humble beginnings to the heights of success,” said Governor Abbott. “This 88th Legislative Session is an opportunity for the Legislature and statewide leaders to transform the lives of Texans for generations and build an even brighter future for our state. We have already accomplished so many great things for the people of Texas—working together, we will continue charting a course for the Texas of tomorrow.”
During the address, Governor Abbott will update Texans on his priorities for the 88th Legislative Session, highlight exceptional Texans from across the state, and outline his plans for building the Texas of tomorrow.
The address will air on 16 Nexstar television stations serving the state, including: KDAF-TV (CW) in Dallas, KIAH-TV (CW) in Houston, KXAN-TV (NBC) in Austin, KWKT-TV (FOX) in Waco, KVEO-TV/KGBT-TV (NBC/MyNet) in Harlingen/Brownsville, KSHV-TV (FOX) in Shreveport, LA, KTSM-TV (NBC) in El Paso, KETK-TV (NBC) in Tyler, KAMR-TV (NBC) in Amarillo, KAMC-TV/KLBK-TV (ABC/CBS) in Lubbock, KMID-TV (ABC) in Midland/Odessa, KFDX-TV (NBC) in Wichita Falls, KTAB-TV (CBS) in Abilene, and KLST-TV (CBS) in San Angelo. Local viewers may also access a livestream of the broadcast online by visiting the website of their local Nexstar station (see table below for more information).
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s 2023 State of the State Address – Television Broadcast and Livestream
WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2023
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CT
Governor Abbott’s speech will be carried on the following stations and websites:
Note: In addition to the live television broadcast, viewers may also access a livestream of the address by visiting their local participating Nexstar station’s website.
The following are the Policy Statements of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce as authored by the Government Relations Council and approved by the Board of Directors. These Policies are deemed to be of utmost importance to local businesses and the economic health of the community and region. Chamber members are encouraged to take an active role and be involved in government affairs. The Chamber exists to be the “voice of business” at the local, state and federal level, but members need to stay active by submitting input to the Government Relations Council and Board and encouraging all employees to be informed voters in elections.
This list of statements is not placed in order of importance nor does it necessarily exclude others, which the Chamber Board may state at a later time.
Job Growth & Business Recruitment
Recognizing that a healthy economy will serve to encourage a positive economic impact and quality of life, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce believes in a fully employed business community paying market wage rates.
We support legislation that encourages diverse businesses and industries to locate in Texas, such as (1) controlling excessive and burdensome taxes; (2) providing incentives for business recruitment, retention and expansion; and 3) workforce education funding and initiatives.
We encourage the local units of government to be aggressive in using incentives that have been provided through state and federal legislation.
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Recognizing that to maintain a positive quality of life, low crime rates and public safety must be a top priority for citizens and businesses; the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce supports the efforts of the police and sheriff departments in our community.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Recognizing that the economic well-being of the business community is highly dependent upon the ability to efficiently transport people and products to, from and within the region, the Chamber promotes initiatives that improve transportation opportunities and facilities. We encourage efforts to improve and facilitate more efficient movement of goods and people.
Health Care
Recognizing that cost-effective health care provided to area businesses and families is an essential element of successful business growth and a healthy community, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce supports an environment in which health care remains affordable to employers and where local providers may thrive. We support legislation that helps employers regain control of the health insurance benefits they offer to employees. We support initiatives to encourage wellness and healthy lifestyles.
Education
Recognizing that the ability of tomorrow’s workforce to succeed depends on the educational foundation we lay today, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce supports programs, processes, activities and facilities that promote a strong local education system that, together with business and community leadership, prepares students for a productive role in the world.
We support the protection of funding for public school, and support legislation and programs that provide career awareness, exploration and experiences for all students through activities that involve businesses, schools and community in partnerships.
We support the availability of locally provided, post-secondary education and training for area residents and customized education services to businesses.
Housing
Recognizing that job growth in the community will require housing for new and expanding families, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce supports efforts that will stimulate the development of an increased supply of diversified housing.
Taxation
Recognizing that economic success is the result of good tax, regulatory, infrastructure, workforce, and economic incentive policies, the Chamber supports policies that reduce tax burdens for businesses and individuals.
Water
Recognizing that water is a critical issue to the business community and all citizens in the state of Texas, the Chamber supports strategies for long-term provision of an adequate and cost-effective supply of water resources.
Racial and Social Equity
Recognizing the responsibility of all business and civic leaders to participate in efforts to remove barriers to inclusivity; we support programs and initiatives that strengthen inclusion and success for all citizens.
The San Marcos Area Chamber is pleased to announce Tiffany Quibodeaux as the chamber’s new Membership Development Executive. She will officially start on January 3, 2023.
Quibodeaux has an extensive background as a business owner, manager and resource provider. Most recently, she has owned a local Club Z In-Home Tutoring franchise. Prior to that, Quibodeaux spent 10 years as the Co-Owner and Party Coordinator of Adventure Park, an amusement park she founded in Lumberton, TX.
Chamber President/CEO Page Michel spoke highly of Quibodeaux, expressing that she will do well in her new position. “Tiffany has been super active with the Chamber already as an Ambassador, and in fact was recently awarded the 2022 Ambassador of the Year award for her excellent efforts,” said Chamber President Page Michel. “She is an ideal person for this role, considering her first-hand knowledge of business operations and how the Chamber can provide valuable benefits.”
A second Chamber staff announcement is the promotion of Brad Cesak to Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs. Cesak just celebrated his first anniversary at the Chamber in November as Vice President of Communications. The addition of Government Affairs to his role will be an important asset to the Chamber in the coming months as the Texas Legislature convenes for the 88th legislative session.
“Brad has been an excellent leader at the Chamber over the past year,” said Page Michel. “Expanding his management area to include government affairs means an exponential increase in his value to the team. I’m confident in his ability to steer our efforts with our city, county, state and federal elected officials.”
Thursday, November 10th, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 119th Annual Dinner & Awardsgala. A crowd of over 300 came together to pay tribute to the accomplishments of the business community and the Chamber over the past 12 months. And this year, we had a lot to celebrate even in times of change and uncertainty.
We officially welcomed new Chamber President & CEO Page Michel. She brings over 20 years of experience to San Marcos, and we’re confident she will lead the organization to reach new heights!
The main focus of the event was to recognize the Passing of the Gavel between the Board Chairmen and honor the business community along with education and non-profit partners.
Passing of the Gavel
Incoming Board Chair Thomas Curtis presents a ceremonial gavel to Outgoing Chair, Matthew Worthington. Photo by: Brad Cesak
Outgoing Board Chairman Matthew Worthington of PAM Health reflected on the past year, while Incoming Chairman, Thomas Curtis of Chuck Nash Auto Group, laid out a roadmap for the year ahead. Under his leadership, the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Staff are dedicated to Driving Change in the community!
Citizen of the Year
Chamber President, Page Michel (Left) poses with 2022 Citizen of the Year John Navarrette and Chamber Board Chair Thomas Curtis (Right). Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
The 2022 Citizen of the Year has a long history of service and generous giving.
Community involvement is a staple of his life.
He has served on the San Marcos Industrial Foundation, San Marcos Chamber, San Marcos Women’s Sports Foundation, San Marcos CISD Education Foundation, Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts, CTMC Foundation Board, United Way, San Marcos LBJ Museum Board, plus several committees and boards at Texas State University.
He has worked diligently to help the students of Texas State University through supporting endowed scholarships for athletics, business, fine arts and communication.
The San Marcos Chamber is honored to announce the 2022 Citizen of the Year…John Navarrette!
Business of the Year
(Left to Right) Chamber President Page Michel, tekRESCUE CEO Randy Bryan, Divided Sky Roofing & Solar Founder John Hardy, Chamber Board Chair Thomas Curtis. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
This award is presented annually to a business that has had exceptional growth, job creation, revenue growth, innovative products or services, exemplary customer service, volunteerism, and demonstrated economic support of the overall San Marcos area business community.
This year’s winner had an interesting beginning.
It started out as an Internet TV show that helped make technology understandable for the average person.
That passion for technology and helping others is what led the business owner to found the company in 2010.
What sets this business apart is its passion and vision.
The owners aim to help your technology work for you, so you can focus on your business.
The Chamber congratulates 2022 Business of the Year Winner… tekRESCUE and owner Randy Bryan!
Emerging Business of the Year
Southern with a French Twist owner Ashley Casebier poses with Chamber President, Page Michel, and Chamber Board Chair, Thomas Curtis.Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
This annual award is given to a business that has been open for less than 3 years. The business is selected based on its recent launch, creation of jobs, innovative products or services, exemplary customer service, and involvement in the overall San Marcos area community.
This business’ story is like something you’d see on the big screen.
Its owner was previously working in a very successful corporate job, but always had a dream of becoming a professional chef.
In 2020, despite being at the height of the COVID Pandemic and shuttered venues, she still pursued her dream and it made it a reality.
Her business filled a niche and her customer base exploded!
The mission of this business is to make San Marcos a strong community of tableside gatherers.
In a world where division, isolation, and loneliness is rampant, this special company strives and succeeds in bringing people together…to share a meal and to build a stronger community.
The 2022 Emerging Business of the Year Award is Southern with a French Twist and owner Ashley Casebier!
Education Partner of the Year
ACCEYSS Network Founder Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd (second from left) poses with Page Michel, Keely Hennig, and Thomas Curtis. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
This award is annually presented to an Education Partner that is an active member of the San Marcos business community that has made an exemplary contribution to the education of youth in our area.
Launched in 2017, this organization is a grassroots coalition focused on providing underrepresented and underserved youth and families to STEM and Agriculture pathways while infusing Entrepreneurship and the Arts. They help faith-based and grassroots organizations with resources and funding so that the STEEAAM equity gap can be bridged in their communities.
Please join in congratulating the 2022 Education Partner of the Year – ACCEYSS Network and its founder, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd!
Non-Profit of the Year
Greater San Marcos Youth Council Executive Director Julia Ramsey New (second from right) poses with Page Michel, Jade Dimitri, and Thomas Curtis. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
This year’s winning non-profit provides services that are truly invaluable to our area’s youth.
In 1986, a group of concerned citizens organized and developed this organization to provide shelter to maltreated children and support services to families.
As a private non-profit, their Children’s Shelter exists as a residential care home for children to develop a trusting relationship with each adult so that they will know that not all grown-ups will hurt them and that they are worthy of love and respect.
Their objective is to reduce child maltreatment, truancy, juvenile delinquency, as well as, increase families’ protective factors and resiliency to crisis.
This is such a vital goal to the future of the children in our community.
The Chamber is honored to announce this year’s Non-Profit of the Year is the Greater San Marcos Youth Council!
Green Business of the Year
Divided Sky Roofing & Solar Founder John Hardy (second from right) poses with Page Michel, Sheila Beck, and Thomas Curtis. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
Over the past decade, this business has established itself as one of the premier leaders in the country in the roofing industry, becoming a Master Elite Contractor and winning the GAF President’s Award in 2021.
But during this past year, the business took on a new challenge, expanded its impact, and expanded its name.
Through its partnership with GAF, this business is now able to bring Timberline Solar Shingles to Central Texas, adding a way for customers to save money on their electricity costs while being a good steward of the environment.
Please join the Chamber in congratulating our 2022 Green Business of the Year award winner: Divided Sky Roofing & Solar and owner John Hardy!
Ambassador of the Year
Tiffany Quibodeaux (second from right) poses with Page Michel, Susanne Ritter, and Thomas Curtis. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
This award is voted on by the members of the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club. They vote on candidates who have the highest number of points earned during the prior year, plus their service, attitude, professionalism, and personal attributes.
This year’s winner’s involvement in the community goes beyond shaking hands at networking events and ribbon-cuttings.
She has become a mainstay at business and community celebrations. She is always encouraging others to participate in all that the Chamber offers.
She is forward-thinking and works to improve the Ambassadors Club in all that they do.
The Chamber congratulates the 2022 Ambassador of the Year: Tiffany Quibodeaux.
GSMP Corporate Citizen of the Year
David Case (center) poses with Thomas Curtis and GSMP President Jason Giulietti. Photo by: Michelle Mehrens/Rivers Wanted Photography
David Case of Schertz Bank & Trust was recognized as the Greater San Marcos Partnership’s 2022 Corporate Citizen of the Year.
David first came to San Marcos as a student at Southwest Texas State University, and he’s been a proud San Marcos Citizen ever since.
He is the epitome of community involvement, serving on numerous City Boards & Commissions and volunteering for many non-profits in the area, including Sights and Sounds of Christmas, the 2019-20 Chairman of the Chamber Board, and many others.
Congratulations to David Case on this honor!
Thank you to our Annual Dinner Sponsors!
And a huge thanks to these Annual Dinner Silent Auction donors!
The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce has named Page Michel the organization’s new President/CEO.
Michel’s first day with the Chamber will be October 3rd.
Michel joins the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce after spending the last two years as the President of the Texas City-La Marque Chamber in Galveston County.
“I am excited to come to San Marcos to help promote the local business community and be closer to family,” said Michel.
Michel brings over 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, government advocacy and non-profit association management. Prior to leading the Texas City-La Marque Chamber, Michel spent 14 years serving as the President of the Brenham/Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation.
“With her experience, her professionalism, and what she’s done in the Chamber world, I think she’s the right person to take us to the next step,” Matthew Worthington, Chamber Chairman of the Board, said. “We’ve set a solid foundation, and we feel she’s that person that can take us to the next level.”
A native of the east coast, Michel earned a B.A. degree from Western Carolina University and has I.O.M. certification from the U.S. Chamber Institute.
Outside of work, Michel is an active volunteer with local and statewide organizations including the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Association, Rotary Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, CASA, and Keep Washington County Beautiful among others. Her husband is a workforce housing development consultant and they have two sons, one of which is currently attending Texas State University.
Michel’s vision for the San Marcos Area Chamber includes maintaining its high level of excellence and community leadership, as well as implementing new benefits for members and investors.
“I believe that chamber membership provides businesses with a competitive edge in the marketplace,” Michel explained. “Whether long-standing businesses or start-ups, the chamber offers strategies to help businesses grow.”
Michel replaces Jason Mock, who left the Chamber in March to become the President/CEO of the Greater Dalton (GA) Chamber of Commerce.
The LEGIT summer internship program has quickly become one of the most notable elements of the summer of 2019 for me. Something that I initially thought to be something that would take away valuable time for me to study pleasantly surprised me with the valuable skills and lessons I learned from my time in it. As I am approaching the end of my time in the program, it is clear to me that the\ time I had has turned out to be just as, if not more, valuable than the time I’ve spent alone studying, working on personal projects and practicing music.
Currently, I am working under Josie Falletta in the San Marcos Main Street Program, which helps to promote local business and maintain the lively downtown area. The project on which I’ve been working on for most of my time in the program was helping to develop the business log which is to be used as a database for a new system in development. I would go from business to business asking for a supervisor or manager to take a few minutes to provide some information about the owner and the business. It was in its own way a science; subtle changes in the words in the introduction or the explanation for the purpose of the survey could drastically increase or decrease the chances of being able to get in contact with someone. It also involved reading the room, seeing how busy the staff were and how many clients they would need to take care of. There were several factors, and each business was different; the whole thing was very dynamic, as the evaluation of what to say or do took place in real-time. Having gone through several trials of this process, I feel as though I gained experience and now feel that I have a better intuition for these decisions than before.
One aspect in particular that I found enjoyable about
the Main Street Program is that it acted as a sandbox for me to see how several
organizations coordinate and communicate amongst one another. I was glad that
my introduction to this sort of environment wasn’t also accompanied by several
large responsibilities and tasks. I was dipping my toe in the water rather than
being kicked from the nest and being forced to fly, which was a much less
stressful environment that I felt was more conducive to learning.
Another thing I found enjoyable about my experience at the Main Street Program was the sheer hospitality of the people there. It was clear that they made a conscious effort to treat all the interns, such as myself, with a sort of respect that isn’t so common in other places, especially larger firms. Even though I was just a high school student, I was trusted with responsibility and felt very welcome in the office. Overall it was a nice balance between responsibility and not being entirely too liable for mistakes.
The experience was incredible, and if I have the time
I think that I would do it again next year. don’t think I could have asked for
a better environment for learning the ropes of the modern workplace.
Daniel AbuJaber is an incoming Sophmore at San Marcos Academy and completed his LEGIT Internship on August 7th, 2019.
San Marcos, TX. – This week, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos CISD in conjunction with Texas Workface Solutions Rural Capital Area celebrated the conclusion of the Summer Externship Program. In its fourth year, this program has grown to 26 teachers and businesses locally and 212 regionally.
Through the externship program, educators are given an opportunity to shadow a business and its operations for 3 days, followed by a curriculum planning day with other externship participants. Insights learned – on the job – will be incorporated into the teacher’s curriculum to provide students a better advantage in pursuing their future careers.
“This year’s teacher externship program was extremely successful,” says Mike Doyle, San Marcos CISD CTE and Federal Programs Director. “With 26 teacher externs completing the experience, San Marcos CISD and our students will have an even greater connection to our local business and industry community. I am excited by the work of our externs and look forward to continue to grow our partnerships.”
According to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area representatives, more than 75,000 students have been impacted across the Rural Capital Area Region since 2016, with the student impact ≈
almost 10,000 in San Marcos. Additionally, educator participation has grown regionally at a rate of 960% since 2016 and locally at a rate of 73.3% since 2017.
Participating Businesses:
Air Traffic Manager (HYI) -Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. (San Marcos Airport)
Texas Health and Racket Club.
San Marcos Fire Department
Martin Marietta
ColorMix Graphics & Printing
Community Action
City of San Marcos Urban Forestry
Alligator Dental
Embassy Suites – AV Tech
City of San Marcos – Keep San Marcos Beautiful
San Marcos Daily Record
Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel Spa & Conference Center
CFAN
Corridor Title
Neighborhood Engagement Manager – City of San Marcos
San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
M2FEDERAL INC
Texas State Athletics
Chuck Nash Auto
Lucky Sky Graphics
Homewood Suites
Silo Glassworks
Trace Home Development
McCoy’s Building Supply
Attendees at the Wrap-Up Brunch Celebration include:
Paul Fletcher, CEO – Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
Jason Mock, President and CEO – San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
Michael Cardona, Superintendent – San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District
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The Summer Externship for Teachers Program is administered by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), under the Texas Workforce Commission, with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. $200,000 was awarded to WSRCA to fund Externships for 225 teachers in Dripping Springs ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hays CISD, Hutto ISD, Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD and San Marcos CISD, in partnership with their local Chamber of Commerce. San Marcos CISD and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce supported 26 teachers and received 11% ($18,758) of the total federal award. SMCISD and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce provided 11% of the required matching funds in the amount of $5,556.
