by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

It may seem early to be talking about holiday shopping, but if you run a business, now is exactly the time to prepare.

The holiday season can be one of the most important times of the year for retail, dining, service providers and many other small businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, about 42% of holiday shoppers begin browsing and buying before November. Holiday sales during November and December have also averaged about 19% of annual retail sales over the past five years.

In other words, don’t wait until wreaths and lights appear to start thinking about the holidays!

Now is the time to plan your staffing, inventory, special promotions and customer experience. Maybe offer extended hours. Make sure your website and social media pages are current. Update your Google Business Profile. Take fresh photos. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Develop special offers and gift ideas, and make sure people can easily find them online.

Restaurants can promote gift cards and holiday gatherings. Salons, self-care businesses and other service providers can package services as gifts. Hotels can market to visiting families. Even professional businesses can find creative ways to thank customers and stay visible during the season.

The annual Small Business Saturday is on November 28 this year. It’s a good opportunity to remind customers that shopping “small” supports locally owned and operated businesses, run by our neighbors in our community.

This year, another tool changing the way businesses operate and customers shop is ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. Nearly half of consumers in a new National Retail Federation survey said they are already using AI platforms and tools to help with holiday shopping, including finding ideas and researching products.

The Chamber of Commerce wants all small businesses to be ready for this changing marketplace.

That’s why we’ve lined up a series of three free virtual business webinars led by Maria Elena Duron, a Grow with Google Coach. The series begins October 1 with AI-Driven Business Models: Transforming Your Strategy for the Future. On November 5, Unlocking Visibility: Know Your Customer, Know Your Brand will focus on being seen and understood in today’s marketplace. The final webinar on December 3, Build Customer Trust and Connection While Using AI, will explore how businesses can embrace technology without losing the personal relationships that matter.

AI doesn’t replace good business practices or great customer service. But it can help a busy small business owner work smarter, save time, improve marketing and better understand customers.

The holidays bring tremendous opportunity, but the businesses best positioned to benefit will be the ones that prepare before the rush begins.

Start now. Make your plan. Try something new. And when holiday shoppers are ready to buy, make sure your business is ready to welcome them!

For information about the Chamber’s free webinar series and other business resources, visit SanMarcosTexas.com or contact chamber@sanmarcostexas.com or 512-393-5900 for personalized assistance.

As our summer internship comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the experience through the eyes of our intern, Reese. From supporting Chamber communications and events to getting a closer look at the work that goes into serving our local business community, Reese has been an incredible addition to our team. Here’s what she had to say about her time with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce:

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My name is Reese Levinson, and I am a senior at Texas State University. I am majoring in Communications with a minor in Spanish and journalism. Since June of this year, I have had the pleasure of being the Communications and PR Summer Intern for the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce.

This summer has been a significant step forward in my professional career, and one of the most rewarding experiences of 2026 so far. It all began for me when I attended my first Chamber networking event with a dear professor of mine.

Prior to attending, I was nervous, but soon began to immerse myself into the Chamber community. Throughout the event, I went outside of my comfort zone and spoke to many business owners and representatives. From there, I was introduced to Chamber CEO and President Page Michel, and learned about an opportunity to intern for the Chamber. Immediately, I was intrigued.

After being a part of such a special team for the past three months, I can confidently say that this opportunity has provided me with an unforgettable experience. It’s amazing to see a place where people are able to come together to not only network and effectively promote their business, but help others along the way to do the same.

With a passion for all things creative, I found the Chamber truly allowed me to improve my storytelling skills and explore my interests in the PR world further. Everything I accomplished this summer would have not been possible without Communications Manager Joanne Ortega. She led me through media creation, writing, and overall innovative exploration while always encouraging me along the way. Without a doubt, I will be forever grateful for her mentorship and guidance.

Now, I can proudly conclude my summer internship with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. Throughout my time at the Chamber, I learned about not only the inner workings of a business, but the value of community within a city. Everything the Chamber provides, and is known for, would not be possible without the staff, the board, Chamber members, and the San Marcos Community. With them, San Marcos is not only a flourishing and growing city, but a place to call home.

Most importantly, the connections I’ve made working for the Chamber have truly shown me the importance of a city’s Chamber of Commerce, and just how much it means to those who take part in it.

Thank you again for such an incredible opportunity.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

Most business owners have a plan for growth. They have budgets, sales goals, staffing plans and ideas for the future. But what is your plan if tomorrow your business suddenly can’t operate?

September is National Preparedness Month, making this a good time to think about the unexpected. In Central Texas, we know emergencies can happen. Flash floods, extended power outages, and on the rise are disruptions and devastation by cyberattacks.

For a small business or nonprofit organization, the consequences can be especially serious. FEMA has reported that roughly 40% to 60% of small businesses never reopen following a disaster.

Preparedness can make the difference between a temporary interruption and permanent closure.

That’s why the San Marcos Area Chamber is partnering with the Hays County Office of Emergency Services to help our community be better prepared.

On Saturday, September 12, Hays County will host its 9th annual Emergency Preparedness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Verde Park in Kyle. The event includes hands-on demonstrations for Stop the Bleed, CPR and fire extinguisher training, along with food trucks, music and other activities.

Then, on Thursday, October 8, the Chamber and Hays County Office of Emergency Services will host a “Crisis Management Planning” Workshop & Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hays County Elections Office in San Marcos.

The focus will be on business continuity: how to prepare now so your organization can respond quickly, protect employees and critical information, communicate with customers and employees, and get back to business as soon as possible.

The featured speaker is Diane Probst, who knows firsthand about managing through disaster. During her 32 years as President/CEO of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, she led that organization and business community through Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath. She authored When the Storm Comes: Lessons Learned to share what she learned from that experience

Michael Rojas will also share resources from BeforeDuringAfter.com, a statewide initiative that helps Texas small businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Rojas has supported more than 18 federally declared disaster responses throughout his career.

This October 8 workshop is designed to give participants the instruction and tools to create a customized crisis management plan for their own organization. Registration also includes a follow-up virtual session on November 4 to help participants complete and fine-tune their own plans.

“A crisis is not the time to figure out your plan,” said Page Michel, Chamber President & CEO. “Small businesses and organizations need to know in advance what steps to take, how to communicate, and how to keep essential operations moving. We want every business to be prepared, know what to do, and be in the best possible position to recover quickly.”

Registration, including lunch and the follow-up session, is $40 for San Marcos Chamber members; $50 for non-members. Register on the event page at SanMarcosTexas.com or contact chamber@sanmarcostexas.com or 512-393-5900 for assistance.

Starting in June, San Marcos teachers partnered with local businesses in this year’s Teacher Externship Program. The program aims to connect teachers and businesses by bridging the gap between the industries.

To kickstart the program, teachers began by shadowing local San Marcos businesses in their day-to-day work. Business owners explained the fundamentals and inner workings, so educators had the chance to experience a “behind-the-scenes” angle.

After working side by side for weeks, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District teachers were able to adopt a plethora of newfound insights and skills that they plan to bring back to the classroom. 

San Marcos High School Career and Technical Education Instructor Fallon Drennan said the partnerships made through the program have taught her just how valuable they really can be.

“A small connection or one conversation with somebody can help you down the road in the future,” said Drennan. “So, it’s really cool to see all of these connections coming together to help each other.”

The experiences gave teachers new ideas to bring back to their classrooms, helping students better understand how classroom skills translate to the workplace. The main goal is to ease the transition from a classroom environment to the professional world.

San Marcos High School Culinary Arts Instructor Dan Reinhard said embracing the businesses of San Marcos will offer not only a different perspective of the modern workforce demand for himself and his students.

“It’s great to know what employers are looking for,” said Reinhard. “We need to see what the businesses need from our students, so that we can help align them to the industry more.”

The externship experience also gave educators insight into the factors that shape San Marcos businesses beyond day-to-day operations.

San Market Owner Janice Hardaway said understanding the history of San Marcos is crucial to running a local business. Hardaway said that with awareness and prioritizing the community, San Marcos can keep its allure.

“A big part of our mission is to honor the history and culture of San Marcos in our products, and to promote San Marcos as best we can to the tourists who visit the store,” said Hardaway. “We talked a lot about how both history and tourism have shaped San Marcos, and how that drives our business in a lot of different ways.”

The Teacher Externship Program is made possible through a grant from Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and is part of the Chamber’s broader efforts to strengthen connections between education and the local business community. Through initiatives like the Teacher Externship Program, Youth Leadership Program, S.T.E.A.M. Fair, and State of Workforce & Education Summit, businesses and educators can learn to grow together.

Chamber CEO and President Page Michel said participation in the program benefits all involved. 

“By enhancing connections between industries through the Teacher Externship Program, educators have a better idea of what employers are looking for, students are better prepared for their futures, and businesses can create a larger impact on the community,” said Michel.

With the induction of this program and support from the Chamber, teachers plan to help future generations succeed. 

For more information on the Teacher Externship Program, visit sanmarcostexas.com/teacher-externships/.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

Every August, San Marcos comes alive with excitement as thousands of Texas State students return for a new academic year. But before the first class begins on August 19, our community will welcome approximately 8,000 new freshmen and their families during Bobcat Move-In Weekend, August 14-16.

For local businesses, this isn’t just another busy weekend. It’s a huge opportunity.

The busiest businesses don’t wait for customers to find them. They prepare for customers before they arrive.

Those located on or near Thorpe Lane, Aquarena Springs Drive or East Hopkins Street, plan now for increased traffic, lane closures and detours as car lines form at the stadium for student housing check-ins. Be sure your employees know what to expect August 14-16, and if possible, schedule business’ deliveries before or after move-in weekend to avoid the traffic and delays.

Just as important, ramp up your online presence.

Over 8,000 students and their families will be in the long car lines actively searching online to decide where to eat, shop, stay, and find services once they’re done loading into the dorms!

Search engines and AI-powered search tools reward fresh online content. That means now is the time to update your website, plan engaging social media posts, and develop special deals/offers to promote online.

Chamber members have a valuable advantage through “HOT DEALS,” an online coupon source on SanMarcosTexas.com that is highly searchable and helps businesses increase their online visibility. It’s an easy way to put your business in front of people actively looking for places to visit and things to do in San Marcos.

Hospitality-related businesses can post special deals/offers on the City of San Marcos’ VisitSanMarcos.com “Deals & Discounts Pass” site.

Families search online for resources before they even arrive, making these two platforms valuable tools for attracting customers during Move-In Weekend.

For everything related to Bobcat Move-In Weekend, including a “Parent’s Guide to San Marcos”, “5 Tips for New Bobcats,” football season details, the “Deals and Discounts Pass” and more, check out VisitSanMarcos.com/SMTXST and tell all circulating visitors you interact with about this online resource!

One other key tip: remember that every interaction matters. Whether you work at a restaurant, retail shop, service business or office, every San Marcos resident has the opportunity to make a positive impression on someone who may be visiting for the very first time. A warm welcome, a helpful recommendation, and great customer service can turn one-time customers into loyal fans who return again and again and tell others.

As another academic year begins, be ready! Plan now to welcome the newest Bobcats and their families with pride and hospitality. Let’s work together to showcase everything that makes San Marcos special.

For more information, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

Take a drive around San Marcos and you’ll find businesses that have become part of the fabric of our community. Some have served multiple generations of residents. Others have opened their doors just recently. Some employ dozens of people, while many are owned and operated by a single person or a couple people with a dream.

What they all have in common is this: every one of them started with an idea. Maybe it was a conversation around a kitchen table. Or a hobby that became a side business. Or a new way to fill a need in the marketplace.

The “entrepreneurial spirit” has always been one of America’s greatest strengths, and it’s alive and well in San Marcos. Small businesses are the backbone of our city.

For more than 120 years, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce has helped businesses to thrive. We’ve advocated for business-friendly policies, connected business owners with customers and community leaders, promoted local companies, and worked to foster an environment where businesses can bloom and grow.

The early stage of starting a business is complex and full of costs and risks. Many new businesses close down in their first year or two.

What’s needed is more support for businesses taking those first steps.

What if a new business launcher (entrepreneur) was provided access to experienced mentors who’ve already navigated the challenges of starting a similar business? What if they could find the right connections, resources and encouragement before they opened their doors? What if San Marcos became known as a community where great business ideas don’t just begin, they bloom?

The truth is that every business that succeeds creates a positive ripple effect. New businesses create jobs. They purchase goods and services from other local businesses. They bring new ideas to the marketplace. Many eventually become generous supporters of our schools, nonprofits, youth programs and community events. Some grow to the next stage and beyond and become major employers.

Supporting a business as it launches isn’t simply about helping one business owner. It’s about strengthening the entire community and “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

That’s why the San Marcos Chamber believes one of the greatest opportunities before us is to encourage and support the next generation of business founders. Whether someone is exploring an idea, preparing a business plan, or ready to open their first location, they deserve a community that believes in small business success.

Our work has always been about helping local businesses prosper. We know that includes helping more businesses get started here on the right path. San Marcos is fortunate to have several key partners doing this important work every day at Texas State University, the SBDC, Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos CISD, Workforce Solutions, BCL of Texas and more. The Chamber connects with the entire ecosystem to amplify opportunities in our unique community.

We’re excited about the future and the opportunities ahead for San Marcos. In the coming months, we’ll report about more about ways the Chamber is working to connect aspiring businesses with the people, knowledge, and resources that can help turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Are you already thinking of a business to start? For more information about support services and connections to resources, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

When people hear the phrase “workforce development,” they often think about job training programs or hiring employees. But building a strong workforce begins long before someone submits a job application. It starts in our schools, through career exploration, mentorship, leadership development, and meaningful connections between students and the business community.

That is why Workforce Development remains the #1 goal of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce.

A thriving economy depends on a skilled and prepared workforce. Businesses can only grow when they can find qualified employees. Families can only prosper when good career opportunities exist. Communities can only thrive when residents have pathways to meaningful jobs that pay well.

The Chamber serves as a bridge between education and business. We strive to boost awareness among students about opportunities available to them in San Marcos, and we help connect employers to the workforce pipeline that they will need in the years ahead.

The Chamber hosts an Education Partners Committee, which brings together leaders from San Marcos CISD, Texas State University, San Marcos Academy, education service providers, local businesses and community support organizations. These partners all work together to identify opportunities, share resources, avoid duplication and amplify programs to help students succeed.

Each summer, the Chamber partners with SMCISD and Workforce Solutions to coordinate a Summer Teacher Externships program, allowing educators to spend time inside local businesses. By experiencing business operations first-hand, teachers gain valuable insights that they bring back to their classrooms, helping students better understand real-world skills that employers are seeking.

The Chamber also hosts the annual S.T.E.A.M. Career Exploration Fair in April, where students and families interact directly with businesses representing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. These hands-on experiences spark interests that influence future career paths.

Another program is Youth Leadership San Marcos. It is for high school students to gain exposure to community leadership, local government, economic development, and civic engagement. Participating students gain community awareness, team-building and public speaking skills, plus personal introductions to top leaders throughout the city.

Scholarships are another important focus. Through partnerships with generous businesses and donors, students receive financial support to pursue education and training after graduation.

Workforce development is not solely the responsibility of schools. It requires an entire community working together. Every business that hosts an intern, mentors a student, participates in a career fair, offers a scholarship, or volunteers in a classroom is helping build the future workforce.

The Chamber is proud to serve as the connector that brings these efforts together year after year, to boost an upward trend here in our region.

Today’s students will become tomorrow’s nurses, engineers, technicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. By investing in them today, we are investing in the future economic success of San Marcos.

Workforce development is not just about filling jobs. It’s about creating opportunity, strengthening families, and ensuring that the next generation can build successful careers right here in our home town.

For more information about these programs and other upcoming opportunities, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

April is one of the most exciting months of the year for the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s a time when we bring together education, local government, families, and businesses to highlight the progress being made in our community…and the opportunities ahead.

This month features two signature events that reflect the Chamber’s commitment to empower an informed, connected and inspired community.

On April 23, the Chamber will host the “State of the City & District” luncheon, one of the most anticipated events each year in San Marcos. It provides a great opportunity for you to hear directly from the leaders shaping our future: our City Manager Stephanie Reyes and our School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona.

At this luncheon, you’ll hear about major projects, upcoming initiatives, and long-term planning efforts that affect daily life in San Marcos. From road improvements and neighborhood investments to education achievements and future priorities, this event provides insights that help residents and business owners understand where our community is headed.

Everyone in the area is invited to attend. This is a ticketed event that includes a delicious full meal. There is great value in the information shared and the connections made. Guests have the chance to meet and visit with other engaged citizens who care deeply about the continued success of San Marcos. Conversations at the tables often lead to new ideas, partnerships, and a deeper sense of shared purpose.

Coming up quick on Saturday, April 11, the Chamber is partnering with San Marcos CISD to host the annual S.T.E.A.M. Career Exploration Fair at San Marcos High School from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This exciting event is completely free and open to all local students and their families.

The S.T.E.A.M. Fair gives students hands-on exposure to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Local businesses, nonprofit groups, and industry professionals will be on-site to showcase career pathways and demonstrate the kinds of satisfying, productive careers that exist right here in our community, and most offer well-paying jobs.

For students, this event sparks curiosity and confidence. For families, it opens doors to possibilities. And for businesses, it helps to build your future workforce!

Together, these two April events reflect the Chamber’s mission to promote education, encourage civic engagement, and celebrate the many accomplishments happening across the City and San Marcos CISD.

We encourage everyone to take part! Attend the State of the City & District luncheon. Bring your students to the S.T.E.A.M. Career Exploration Fair. Learn what’s happening. Meet your neighbors. Celebrate

When we stay informed and engaged, we help build a stronger San Marcos for generations to come.

For more information about these events and other upcoming opportunities, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

If you’ve driven anywhere around central Texas lately, you’ve felt it. More cars. More congestion. More waiting at lights. Growth is not coming to our region. It’s already here.

This week, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership hosted the 2026 “Infrastructure Summit” event, bringing together top officials from TxDOT and elected officials from Hays and surrounding counties. The goal was simple but critical: to help our community better understand what it takes to plan, fund, and build the transportation improvements our growing region needs.

One of the biggest takeaways from the Summit was that roadway projects do not happen overnight. What may look like “just another construction project” represents years of coordination, engineering studies, environmental review, funding strategies, and collaboration among city, county, region, and state partners.

Transportation improvements require patience. They require persistence. And they require partnership.

TxDOT leaders walked attendees through how projects are prioritized and how communities can effectively advocate for the improvements they need. Elected officials from several counties shared real-world examples of how recent projects were carefully planned and implemented, through strategic cooperation across jurisdictions and funding sources.

Perhaps most importantly, the Summit reinforced a reality we all must accept: there is no scenario where traffic simply stays the same. As our region continues to grow, infrastructure must grow with it. The question is not whether we will expand and improve our roadways, but how strategically and proactively we will do it.

Infrastructure is not a partisan issue. It is a quality-of-life issue. Safe and efficient roadways support small businesses, improve emergency response times, reduce our stress, and ensure that businesses remain accessible. When we invest in transportation, we are investing in the long-term success of our community and all our citizens.

It is helpful for residents to understand the complexity behind road projects and support leaders who are working to move them forward. Progress requires informed voters, engaged stakeholders, and a shared commitment to practical solutions.

The Chamber remains committed to fostering conversations that help our community move from frustration to understanding, and from understanding to action. Because in a region that is growing as quickly as ours, standing still is not an option.

For more information about the Infrastructure Summit and opportunities to share your input with regional leaders, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas.com.

by Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President

When local restaurants experience a slow month, the ripple effect reaches way beyond empty tables. Fewer diners mean fewer shifts, which means fewer paychecks for local workers, which causes fewer purchases at other local businesses and fewer dollars circulating in our economy.

That’s one of the key reasons why the Chamber launched Savor San Marcos, a new “restaurant week” style promotion that was held January 23 through February 1st. It was designed to spotlight awesome local eateries, boost business during a slow time, and remind everyone that dining local can “feed” the whole community.

This citywide promotion highlighted twenty San Marcos restaurants and rewarded participation with fun, flavorful incentives. Hot Deals ran online and diners were encouraged to eat out then post about their experiences using #SavorSanMarcos.

Then we watched the community light up in response! There were hundreds of dollars in gift cards awarded to twenty daily winners. The online engagement was phenomenal, with people sharing excellent photos and videos, tagging friends, and telling stories about their favorite local bites. All that focused energy created momentum at local registers and helped fill seats during a month when business is lagging.

Beyond the stats, the personal discoveries really made this campaign special. People tried new spots, residents rediscovered forgotten favorites, and visitors got a tasty tour of San Marcos. Restaurant owners reported that the buzz brought in fresh faces and reconnected them with longtime customers. For many, it was the pick-me-up they needed to keep going strong this winter.

Based on the success of the campaign, the Chamber is considering running Savor San Marcos again in early August, another time when restaurants experience a dip as the university population dips and heat rises during summer break.

We’d love your feedback. Did you hear about the campaign while it was running? Have any dining experiences to share? Have any ideas to suggest to improve the next promotion? Send your input to chamber@sanmarcostexas.com. We’re listening and hope to gain some insights to improve the next iteration of the program.

At its heart, Savor San Marcos is a great example of the Chamber’s mission in action: to support local businesses, promote community connection, and strengthen the local economy in creative, meaningful ways.

Remember, when you support local flavor, you’re investing in local jobs, local families, and our vibrant community. #SavorSanMarcos