Chamber of Commerce organizations can generally be categorized into two types: 3C chambers and 3P chambers. While 3P chambers focus on parades, pageants, and parties, 3C chambers act as catalysts, conveners, and champions for their communities. Over its 100-year history, the Bastrop Chamber has played both roles, but today, we stand as a prominent 3C chamber in Central Texas with a Four-Star Accreditation by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Every local chamber is unique, tailoring their efforts to provide value to our members in distinct ways. At the Bastrop Chamber, we firmly believe in the importance of a thriving business community for our region’s continued success. Our mission, programs, events, and focus areas are tailored to meet the diverse needs and our unwavering support for our businesses remains constant. This is the essence of why chambers exist.
While each chamber has its own approach, successful chambers share a common trait: a commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing their communities. For us, and many would agree, the unprecedented growth we’re currently experiencing is our greatest challenge. While we collaborate closely with governmental bodies, it’s crucial to note that we operate independently. Our regular dialogue with policymakers ensures that the voices of our business community are heard on matters that impact them directly.
Texas boasts the 8th largest economy globally, owing much of its success to hardworking business owners like you across the state. Recently, Texas was recognized as the top state for economic development for the 12th consecutive year. Moreover, Texas has been the leading destination for companies relocating from other states, with 55 Fortune 500 com-
pany headquarters calling Texas home. The state’s Pro-Business environment, highlighted by factors like no corporate or personal income taxes, attracts businesses of all sizes and industries.
The Central Texas region, including Bastrop County, is particularly attractive for its growing reputation as a hub for high-tech and innovative companies. With notable entities like SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Tesla establishing a presence here, the region is poised for significant growth in these sectors. Additionally, Texas leads the nation in high-tech exports, further solidifying its position as an ideal location for tech-driven businesses.
With an impressive array of infrastructure, resources, and a highly skilled workforce, Texas offers unparalleled opportunities for business growth and success. As your Bastrop Chamber, we are committed to serving as the catalyst, convener, and champion for our local business community. Our role involves advocating for policies that support our members and ensuring that Bastrop remains an exceptional place to live, work, and play.
Located at 927 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Bastrop, the Bastrop Chamber has been supporting businesses since 1922. Our experienced team is here to assist you in achieving your business goals. Together, let’s capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that Texas and the Central Texas region offer. Join us as we shape the future of Bastrop’s business landscape and ensure its continued prosperity.
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
REGISTER
Lemonade Day is a national non-profit initiative that prepares youth for life through a unique entrepreneurial and experiential learning program that teaches kids how to start, own , and operate their very own business – a lemonade stand. Lemonade Day is proven to positively impact academic performance, foster career exploration, and supports key developmental assets necessary to become thriving, successful adults. Since 2006, Lemonade Day has served more than 1.5 million children in 100+ markets across North America.
In partnership with the Chamber Foundation of Bastrop County and the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to launch our inaugural Lemonade Day season in 2024, and I am thrilled to invite you to share in this opportunity to plant the seed of entrepreneurship within the next generation to create the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow.
During our first year, we are seeking to engage over 100 children. By running their stand, program participants will gain valuable life and business skills, learn the importance of earning, saving, spending, and sharing money wisely, and develop confidence in their ability to achieve their dreams. Investment in Lemonade Day will ensure the materials, curriculum, and events that make Lemonade Day come to life are free to every youth participant in the Bastrop region. As a supporter, you will foster a one-ofa-kind experiential learning opportunity which positively impacts communication skills, problem-solving abilities, school motivation, and sense of purpose for the youth of our community – all while squeezing as much fun out of the experience as possible!
While we’re working with Bastrop ISD (at Bastrop Intermediate & Cedar Creek Intermediate schools) and with the City of Bastrop to present the program, youth of all ages, from pre-K through high school, can register to set up an official Lemonade Day stand. Kids must register with a mentoring adult so there are lots of opportunities for
mentors and volunteers.
Everyone is welcome to be involved with Bastrop Regional Lemonade Day. Community support from schools, youth organizations, and local businesses is essential to the success of Bastrop Regional Lemonade Day. We need mentors, investors, employees, and customers to support participants! Sponsors and volunteers are also needed to make Lemonade Day a success! All money raised through local donations directly support Bastrop Regional Lemonade Day and the Chamber Foundation of Bastrop County.
Upcoming Dates
April 1 - 19 – After School Programs through Bastrop ISD and the City of Bastrop
April 6 – Backpack and workbook pickup
April 8 – Lemonade Day “Best of the Zest” pitch contest
April 20 – Meet Lemmy, the Lemonade Day mascot, at Springfest, Fisherman’s Park
April 23 – City Council Proclamation for Lemonade Day
April 27 – Build A Stand Day, time and location TBD
May 4 – Lemonade Day!!
Get Involved!
Sign up a young entrepreneur
Sponsor / Mentor / Volunteer
Host a Lemonade Day Stand
Best of the Zest Pitch Contest
Make A Donation
Sponsors - as of 3/12/24
Main Squeeze - Chick-Fil-A
Lemon Drop - Bastrop EDC
Entrepreneur of the Year - Thrive for Life
Best of the Zest - Roscoe Bank
Lemmy’s Pal - Frost Bank
Pucker Pal - Scott and Terry Moore, Fortunas Framing Zest Friends - Shonna Starnes
www.lemonadeday.org/bastrop-regional
Register Here
In the heart of Bastrop County, community and business leaders come together once a month from September through May for the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class. Facilitated by the Chambers of Commerce throughout Bastrop County, this program aims to cultivate and encourage current and potential leaders. The program identifies and encourages current and potential leaders by acquainting them with local needs and understanding how individual talents can work together to build a more successful community for everyone’s benefit.
Meeting at the Elgin City Council Chamber, the class gathered for their fifth session, where an action-packed agenda was ready to set the pace for the day.
School District Leadership Panel
The first panel included instrumental leaders of public schools across the county. Bastrop ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kristi Lee, Elgin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jana Rueter, and Smithville ISD Superintendent Cheryl Burns shared insights into their collaborations across districts to support education in our county. Each panelist was given an opportunity to introduce themselves and briefly describe their background and experience. They spoke about their school district, challenges they have faced, mandates that affect local ISD operations, and the importance of local leadership, accountability, and teamwork between various district projects.
The class members commented that the school district panel was eye-opening and helped them learn more about the work behind the scenes, the impact of governmental regulation, and school funding. The session introduced ways to volunteer or mentor and a new perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and community collaboration that helps keep our growing student population served.
Public Health Department Presentation
After a quick break, Interim Executive Director Donna Nichols, MS.Ed., CHES, with the newly formed Bastrop County Public Health Department, gave an informative presentation. Ms. Nichols gave a history and explained the difference between Public Health and Health Care. She chronicled the journey of how the Bastrop County Public Health Department was established for Bastrop County and listed the community partners involved. This newly established department is in the process of establishing a Board of Directors.
The Elgin Chamber of Commerce organized lunch at the renowned Meyer’s Smokehouse BBQ, where the class could share thoughts about the morning presentations and catch up with each other.
Parks as a Quality of Life Discussion
After lunch, the class returned to the Elgin City Council Chambers. The class explored Quality of Life elements with the presenter, Director Terry Moore, with the City of Bastrop Parks & Recreation Director. The interactive discussion covered public safety, economic opportunities, amenities, arts & culture, vibrant downtowns, community events, and education, among other things. Class participants acknowledged Director Moore’s passion for her work, which is appreciated as we enjoy going out in our communities, being at the parks, and attending events. Before welcoming the final presenter of the day, the B.E.S.T. class members took the opportunity to finalize the final details of their Voter Outreach Leap of Kindness project. The project was held at significant locations through Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville, assisting community members in registering to vote.
JACKIE JOHNSTON M.A., SHRM-CP, CPC
Bastrop County Cares Outreach
Ready to implement the plan, the class welcomed the next speaker, Norma Mercado, Executive Director of Bastrop County Cares (BCC), along with the Directors of the BCC programs. BCC is a nonprofit organization representing a county-wide partnership with various initiatives to serve our county. BCC is a nonprofit organization representing a county-wide partnership with various initiatives to service our county. Norma shared ways to get involved in various coalitions, including health, early childhood, veterans, faith, nourishment, and senior community programs. These are only examples of a handful of the many initiatives they lead. One classmate commented I love what they do, and the passion behind them is obvious. Each Director provided an overview of the different coalition in their scope of responsibility.
Many classmates did not realize how much support and the variety of resources are available to families right here, close to home. Now, they feel more equipped to share this information with those in the community.
Community Impact and Engagement
The growth of our county is increasingly obvious as it relates to the impact and discussions, which were a theme across presenters. The dedication and support in responding to our rapidly growing community are admirable and vast, leading participants to realize how many people it takes and how the community needs us, not just one person. A classmate best sums this up: We are “better together.”
Next Steps and Conclusion
Next month, on March 21, the class will participate in Spotlight on Smithville for another day of learning and engaging with community leaders. In summary, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class offers a unique opportunity for community leaders in Bastrop County to come together, learn, and contribute to improving their local government and community. Members of the B.E.S.T. 2023-2024 Leadership Class are Alex Hamilton, Ashley Cook, Catherine Bohot, Fernando Guerrero, Frances Moreno, Geri DiVita, Hayley French, Jacki Gabryshak, Jackie Ruiz, James
Smith, Jimmy Jenkins, Kennedy Higgins, Krystal Janecka, Latrisha Goertz, Matt Stone, Mitchell Jameson, Nadine Harris, Steven Rodrigues, and Vivianna Andres.
Applications for the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class 2025 can be found at:
https://www.bastropchamber.com/b-e-s-t-leadership-program/ or by calling the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce at 512-303-0558. Class size is limited.
