SAN MARCOS, TEXAS – Don’t Doubt Us.

The message couldn’t be clearer from San Marcos CISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Cardona at Thursday’s State of the City & District event.

The event, hosted annually by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, brought together business and community leaders to hear San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and Dr. Cardona lay out their vision and future of the City and CISD.

Dr. Cardona began his speech focusing on the accomplishments of the students and athletic teams over the last year before pivoting to the upcoming May 6th bond election.

There are four props on the upcoming election. Prop A, also known as an “Attendance Credit Election,” will ask voters to consider authorizing the SMCISD Board of Trustees to purchase attendance credits from the state with local tax revenue. Voters are being asked to consider this item as SMCISD’s property values have reached a point where the district has entered into recapture, which means the District must make mandatory recapture payments to the TEA. A vote FOR Prop A would allow the district to continue to make mandatory “recapture” payments to the state. If Prop A fails, the school district would be subject to a “Detachment of Territory,” meaning tax dollars from some of San Marcos’ largest employers would be removed permanently from the San Marcos CISD taxing district and sent to a different community in Texas. Additionally, a vote against Prop A will likely mean an increase in taxes on our residents.

Props B, C, and D focus on improvements to the District school and athletic facilities.

The San Marcos Area Chamber Board of Directors has voted to support all four propositions on the upcoming election.

The San Marcos CISD weren’t the only ones who had a busy year. San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson spent her time on stage boasting the achievements of the City over the past year.

Mayor Hughson highlighted efforts being made to expand housing to residents, a recent trip by city staff and councilmembers to Washington to meet with elected officials and federal agencies, and some recent economic development projects that will come to fruition in the coming years, including the new ‘Hill Country Studios,’ which will represent an investment of over $250 million into San Marcos, and bring nearly 1,500 jobs to our community.

The San Marcos Area Chamber would like to thank Texas Disposal Systems for their support as the presenting sponsor for the State of the City & District event, Freese & Nichols and La Cima for their support as gold sponsors, and the City of San Marcos, San Marcos CISD, Frost Bank and Cobb, Fendley & Associates for being silver sponsors.

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.

TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT – Feb. 16

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!

Contributed by the Office of the Texas Governor

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 88^th 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:

Station	Network	Market	Website	Social Media
KDAF	CW	Dallas	cw33.com	@CW33
KIAH	CW	Houston	cw39.com	@CW39Houston
KXAN	NBC	Austin	kxan.com	@KXAN_News
KWKT	FOX	Waco	fox44news.com	@KWKTFOX44
KVEO/KGBT	NBC/MyNet	Harlingen/Brownsville	valleycentral.com	@cbs4rgv
KSHV	FOX	Shreveport, LA	ktalnews.com	@NBC6News
KTSM	NBC	El Paso	ktsm.com	@KTSMtv
KETK	NBC	Tyler	KETK.com	@KETK
KAMR	NBC	Amarillo	myhighplains.com	@KAMRLocal4News
KAMC/KLBK	ABC/CBS	Lubbock	everythinglubbock.com	@KLBKNews
KMID	ABC	Midland/Odessa	yourbasin.com	@Big2News
KFDX	NBC	Wichita Falls	texomashomepage.com	@TexomasHomepage
KTAB	CBS	Abilene	bigcountryhomepage.com	@KTABTV
KLST	CBS	San Angelo	conchovalleyhomepage.com	@klstnews

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.” 

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.

For Immediate Release

August 7, 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. 

For Immidate Release | June 1, 2017

Classroom to the Boardroom – 17 San Marcos Teachers Embark on Externships with Local Businesses

San Marcos, TX. – This week, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos CISD in conjunction with Texas Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area kicked off the Summer Educator Externship Program. In its second year, this program has grown to 17 teachers and businesses.

Through the externship program, educators will be 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.

“These externships’ allow our educators the opportunity to spend time at a business or a work-site, providing a unique experience to learn something new outside the classroom,” says San Marcos CISD Career and Technical Education, Director Michael Doyle. “Our teachers can then bring these experiences, in a variety of fields, back to our students. We hope to teach our students that what they are learning in school – can and will – be used in many fields they may not think about.”

An externship is an experience outside the parameters of one’s own domain. This provides educators with a real-world experience to share in their academic instruction and creates an opportunity for the business and education system to grow in partnership.

Participating Businesses:

CFAN

Frost Bank

San Marcos Daily Record

Mochas and Javas

ColorMix

City of San Marcos

Greater San Marcos Partnership

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference & Spa

DTK Insurance & Financial

HH Fitness, Inc.

Heldenfels Enterprises, Inc.

The Bloom Bar

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce

**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.  $74,734 was awarded to WSRCA to fund Externships for 110 teachers in DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD, GEORGETOWN ISD, ROUND ROCK ISD, AND SAN MARCOS CONSOLIDATED ISD, in partnership with their local Chamber of Commerce. San Marcos CISD and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce will support 17 teachers and receive 15% ($11,210) of total federal award. SMCISD and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce will match 15% ($2,800) of the 25% ($18,684) required matching funds.  

**On-site interview will be available throughout the program. Please email Samanthab@sanmarcostexas.com to schedule.  

###

Press Release

For Immediate Release May 8, 2017

San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Applaud the Passage of all Bonds

San Marcos, Texas – The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce – following the passage of the City, Library, and School bonds on Saturday – released the following statements applauding the community for voting in favor of much needed resources for our growing and thriving community. 

“The San Marcos community spoke loud and clear; we must invest in our future,” says San Marcos Chamber Education Committee Chair Heath Herrera. “As community leaders, it is our duty to ensure we provide the needed resources to our schools, emergency responders, and our community library. With the passage of the bonds – we can look forward to kids learning in adequate class rooms, a library that can fully serve the community, and a more robust fire and police department.”

“The Chamber is proud to see these measures pass with such overwhelming support,” says Chamber President & CEO Jason Mock. “San Marcos is growing quickly, and I don’t foresee it slowing down anytime soon. These bonds are the first step in addressing the growing needs of businesses and our thriving community.”

Press Release
For Immediate Release      April 10, 2017	Media Contact:                  Samantha Brown | 512-393-5906
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Endorse ALL propositions in the upcoming May Bond Election  San Marcos, Texas – Today, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce announced the organization’s support of San Marcos, Texas’ three bond proposals slated to go before voters on May 6th.  “The need for the proposed bonds to pass is evident” says San Marcos Chamber Board Chair Monica Malorgio McNabb.  “The City of San Marcos and San Marcos CISD have put together broad, fiscally-responsible proposals to address the growing needs of our community, including public safety, overcrowding, education and literacy. The Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to support passage of all bonds.” “The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the state of our schools, city library, and public safety is directly tied to the vitality of San Marcos’s business environment” says Chamber President & CEO Jason Mock. “We appreciate the numerous presentations from Mayor Thomaides, Superintendent Cardona and other officials, providing us the opportunity to understand and analyze the need for the three separate bonds. We owe it to our community to provide adequate resources to ensure we are prepared for the projected growth.” The Public Safety Proposition would authorize a $17,450,000 tax bond to improve facilities, renovate the 911 Call Center, relocate and construct two fire stations as well as build a fire training field. The City Library Proposition would authorize a $14,750,000 tax bond to add the proposed 29,000 square feet to the current facility including additional meeting space. The Schools Proposition would authorize a $107,300,000 Bond Package that would add classroom space, buildings, a transportation facility, and implementation of additional energy management systems.  The San Marcos Area Chamber encourage members to vote ‘yes’ on all Propositions. ###