PRESIDENT’S REPORT
PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D | THE CHAMBER IS...
MINGLE AND JINGLE | FROST BANK COOKIES WITH SANTA EVENT
2025 AWARDS LUNCHEON | BASTROP BUSINESS DIRECTORY
2026 BASTROP BANQUET | 2026 TEEING OFF GOLF TOURNAMENT
TRACKING TEXAS SALES TAX article
TRACKING TEXAS SALES TAX article
B.E.S.T. LEADERSHIP: SESSION 3
B.E.S.T. LEADERSHIP: SESSION 3
RIBBON CUTTINGS
WE BELIEVE IN BISD NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS CHAMBER SCHEDULE KRAGH’S JEWELRY
Have you heard the news? The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is officially a 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce! On December 3, we gathered with members, community partners, and regional leaders to celebrate this remarkable achievement at a special luncheon. The event was designed not only to honor the accreditation itself, but also to recognize the people who made it possible—our members, volunteers, investors, and local leaders who continue to believe in the power and future of the Bastrop region.
This 5-Star Accreditation places the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce among the top chambers in the nation, an elite distinction awarded to fewer than 2% of chambers across the United States. But, more importantly, it reflects the strength, growth, and collective determination of our business community. This achievement is not just a Chamber win; it belongs to our entire region. As our Chamber Vice President, Jami Haney, said so powerfully at the luncheon, “This 5-Star Accreditation is now our new baseline for what is to come.” Her words could not be more fitting. This recognition is not a finish line, it’s the foundation for the next era of excellence, influence, and opportunity for Bastrop.
It is no coincidence that the Bastrop-area economy continues to rise on the same upward trajectory as
the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. As the Voice of Business in the region, the Chamber has been at the center of Bastrop’s transformation. Whether through advocacy, business support, partnerships, or strategic leadership, the Chamber has become a prime influence shaping the economic climate of our community. We are helping create an environment where businesses can thrive, families can prosper, and new development can take root with confidence. The Bastrop Chamber’s star is undoubtedly rising, and with it, the future of our region shines even brighter.
Today, Bastrop is capturing national attention and attracting significant investment. Companies are looking our way, not by accident, not because of luck, but because the conditions are right and leadership is aligned. Bastrop has become one of the most attractive suburban regions outside of Austin, a place whose time has truly come. Vibrancy, health, and excitement surround our community. You can feel it in the new projects underway, the energy of our entrepreneurs, the momentum across our neighborhoods, and the pride within our business community. What you expect is what you find, and Bastrop is proving that when we set our minds and efforts toward growth, collaboration, and excellence, incredible things follow. As scripture reminds us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Our community embodies this truth, believing boldly, acting boldly, and becoming boldly.
This growth has not happened in a vacuum. Leadership matters, and I want to acknowledge the critical work of Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Treviño and the Bastrop City Council for their significant updates to the B-3 Code. These changes have made the city more developer-friendly, removed barriers to sensible growth, and opened the door to new opportunities that will shape the next generation of Bastrop’s economic story. Their willingness to evaluate, adjust, and modernize city processes has positioned Bastrop as a city ready to welcome the future with smart growth. That kind of leadership is invaluable, and our business community is already benefiting from its impact.
As we look ahead, the Bastrop Chamber’s 5-Star Accreditation is more than an accomplishment, it is a promise. A promise that the Chamber will continue to champion the needs of the business community. A promise that we will remain a strong, influential voice for economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life. A promise that we will stay aligned with our mission to be a driving force for prosperity in the region. And a promise that we will keep raising the bar, just as our leaders, partners, and members have done for decades.
The future of Bastrop is bright, bold, and full of potential. With our new 5-Star Accreditation as our baseline, we are entering a chapter defined not by what we hope to achieve, but by what we are fully prepared to accomplish. Thank you for your partnership, your belief in this Chamber, and your commitment to making Bastrop a thriving, prosperous region. Together, we will continue to rise.
Building a Bigger, Better Bastrop since 1922!
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President and CEO
Don’t forget to join us for our January Luncheon, where we’ll proudly recognize and celebrate our 2025 Award winners! This special event will honor each recipient for their outstanding contributions to the Bastrop community, and winners will be presented with their official award plaques. We look forward to celebrating with you and kicking off the new year together!
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Sales tax revenue is one of the clearest and most consistent indicators of economic activity in Texas. Because the state does not impose a personal income tax, sales tax serves as the largest source of state funding, making it central to how public services and local operations are supported. For communities like Bastrop, tracking monthly sales tax numbers provides insight not just into whether revenue is rising or falling, but into broader trends that reflect our economic trajectory, business climate, and long-term resilience.
To keep our members and community informed, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce releases a monthly summary of the latest sales tax allocation from the Texas Comptroller. These allocations reflect local sales activity from the prior month, offering timely insight into how our market is performing.
A Closer Look: How Texas Sales Tax Works
Texas collects a 6.25% state sales tax on most retail purchases of goods and certain services. Local governments— such as cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities—can add up to an additional 2%, creating a maximum sales tax rate of 8.25%.
A portion of this revenue is distributed back to local communities. When residents shop locally in places like Bastrop, part of the sales tax collect-
Understanding Texas Sales Tax, and Why Tracking It Matters for Bastrop
ed returns to the city to support key services such as public safety, infrastructure, parks, road maintenance, and community facilities. Every purchase strengthens the local economy and contributes to the quality of life residents depend on.
Because sales tax is reported monthly, it provides one of the most immediate indicators of economic performance. These monthly numbers allow state and local leaders—as well as businesses—to identify trends, gauge consumer confidence, and monitor changing market conditions in near real time.
How to Interpret State and Local Sales Tax Data
Understanding sales tax reports requires more than noting whether numbers rise or fall. Several factors influence the data:
Month-to-Month Variations
Sales tax collections naturally fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including seasonal spending trends such as holidays, back-to-school shopping, and tourism activity. Weather conditions can also play a role, as severe storms or extreme heat may impact
shopping and travel habits. Additionally, local events, visitor activity, and one-time business purchases or construction projects can create temporary increases or decreases. Because of these influences, it’s important to consider external factors before drawing conclusions from month-tomonth changes.
Year-Over-Year Comparisons
Comparisons offer the most reliable measurement of growth by accounting for seasonal patterns and identifying sustained upward or downward trends.
Statewide Context
Local numbers often move with statewide trends. When the Comptroller reports increases or declines across Texas, those patterns frequently reflect broader economic conditions— such as consumer confidence, inflationary pressure, or shifts in spending power.
Allocation Timing
Comptroller allocations generally reflect sales made one to two months earlier (e.g., a January allocation reflects November sales). This normal
lag is important to remember when connecting reported numbers to economic events.
Why the Bastrop Chamber Reports Sales Tax Monthly
Each month, after the Texas Comptroller releases sales tax allocations, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce provides a clear and accessible breakdown of Bastrop’s current allocation, year-over-year percentage changes, and comparisons with nearby communities. Our goal is to equip businesses, investors, residents, and community leaders with accurate, easy-to-understand information that helps them stay informed about our local economy.
The Role of the Bastrop Chamber in Supporting Local Spending
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in encouraging local spending because strong local sales directly benefit the entire community. Through initiatives like “Shop Local” campaigns, community events, and business networking opportunities, the Chamber helps connect residents and visitors with local businesses. By promoting local commerce, we help ensure that sales tax revenue remains robust, which in turn supports essential services, infrastructure, and public programs that make Bastrop a great place to live and work.
Our goal is not only to provide resources and guidance for businesses, but also to foster a culture of commu-
nity support where shopping locally is recognized as an investment in Bastrop’s economic health. By tracking and sharing monthly sales tax data, the Chamber empowers both businesses and residents to see the tangible impact of their spending and make informed decisions that strengthen the local economy.
Why This Matters for Local Businesses and the Community
Sales tax data supports decision-making across multiple sectors:
For Businesses
• Gauges consumer spending
• Informs staffing and inventory decisions
• Identifies growth periods or potential slowdowns
• Supports expansion and investment planning
For Local Governments
• Guides budgeting and resource allocation
• Helps assess tourism activity and development impact
• Supports long-term infrastructure and capital planning
For Residents
• Provides transparency into local economic performance
• Shows how shopping locally benefits community services
• Provides insight into growth, new development, and business activity
Sales tax allocations are more than financial statements—they are monthly snapshots of the economic story unfolding in Bastrop and across Texas. By sharing these updates consistently, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce helps our community stay informed, prepared, and positioned for continued growth.
As Bastrop continues to welcome new businesses and expand its economic base, tracking these numbers helps us understand where we stand today— and where we’re headed tomorrow.
You can view the Chamber’s monthly Sales Tax Allocations on our Press Release page here: https://business. bastropchamber.com/news
December 2025 Sales Tax Allocations
The B.E.S.T. Leadership Class enjoyed an exciting and educational adventure during Capitol Day on November 21st. Traveling together in two vans gave participants the opportunity to relax and connect during the hour-long drive to Austin. Those conversations set a fun and friendly tone for the full day of learning ahead.
Upon arrival at the Texas Capitol, the group kicked off the experience with a group photo on the iconic East Steps. The building’s remarkable architecture immediately captured the imagination of many. Inside, the first event was a guided tour, which offered both rich Texas trivia and historical context. Participants admired not only the craftsmanship of the building but also the meaning behind the state symbols and traditions represented throughout its halls.
The group then met with the office of Senator Charles Schwertner. They were welcomed warmly and appreciated hearing his insights on protecting Texas property owners’ rights — a topic particularly relevant to the Bastrop County leadership community.
Next, representatives from the Texas Association of Business shared how they collaborate with local chambers to support
businesses across the state. Participants gained a deeper understanding of policy advocacy and the role organizations like the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce play in shaping a strong economic environment.
Although Representative Stan Gerdes experienced a last-minute scheduling conflict, his staff graciously stepped in to host the class. They encouraged participants to stay engaged and reach out whenever assistance or guidance is needed in navigating state resources.
After lunch, the class met with Peggy Venable, Governor Abbott’s Director of Appointments. Her message about the many opportunities for Texans to serve on boards and commissions energized the room — many expressed interest in getting more involved and giving back to their communities in new ways.
One of the surprise highlights of the day was learning about the Texas Space Commission. Executive Director Norman Garza shared exciting updates about Texas’ expanding role in aerospace innovation. Participants asked questions eagerly, fascinated by the emerging opportunities in space-related industries.
Before heading home, the group enjoyed browsing the Capitol Gift Shop. The return drive offered even more informal community-building time, filled with reflections and laughter.
By the end of the day, participants expressed awe and pride — not just for the grand
building and its history, but also for the individuals who serve the state through public service. Capitol Day strengthened their understanding of how leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement work together to benefit Texas communities like Bastrop County.
BISD teachers can use the Volunteer tab on webelieveinbisd.com to:
• Request volunteers for classroom activities or events
• Invite local professionals to speak or mentor students
• Connect with businesses for hands-on educational support
Important: The Volunteer tab is not for monetary donations or sponsorships. Its sole purpose is to match teachers with timebased support from the community.
By connecting classrooms with local volunteers, We Believe in BISD strengthens both education and community, giving students valuable opportunities while fostering meaningful business engagement
