OnFebruary 11, Bastrop County held its biennial Day at the Capitol, a trip where business leaders, elected officials, and citizens come together to advocate for the interests of Bastrop County. Organizing this event required significant effort from your Chamber staff, but the relationships built and the message communicated to our Senator and Representative made it all worthwhile.
First, we would like to thank our Capitol Advocator Sponsor, Frost Bank, for their support, making this event possible. For the first time, we also had a Transportation Sponsor—Chevrolet, Central Texas Chevy Dealers. Their sponsorship helped create a unique experience, as attendees built relationships during the rides to and from Austin. Additional sponsors included: Bastrop ISD (Lunch Sponsor), Southwest Business Consultants, Inc. (Capitol Day Supporter), AT&T and HEB Plus (Social Hour Sponsors), and the Bastrop County Republican Party (Lanyard Sponsor). Approximately 45 people attended and united in promoting the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce’s legislative priorities.
As a Chamber, we are closely monitoring several key bills. One of the most important is House
Bill 2885, which addresses the local optional election for the sale of alcoholic beverages, specifically, “liquor by the drink.” Currently, some areas of the county allow only beer and wine sales, while others permit mixed beverages as well. We have been collaborating with Adena Lewis from Bastrop County Tourism and Economic Development on this issue. We view it as both an economic development and property rights concern. State Representative Stan Gerdes (District 17) introduced this bill specifically for Bastrop County. If passed, it would help us avoid pursuing a ballot petition, which would require nearly 11,000 signatures and navigating complicated precinct lines. Previous attempts have failed due to the vastness of our rural county. If the bill is approved, the county could choose to put it to a vote. If voters approve, property owners across the county would gain equal rights regarding alcohol sales. Stay tuned for updates and a potential Call to Action for the Chamber.
Another priority is the funding of public schools in Texas. As of February 2025, Texas has approximately 5.9 million K-12 students. Of these, 5.84 million (91%) attend public schools, while the remainder (about 347,430) are homeschooled or attend private schools. Currently, private schools have about 25,000 available spots. Projections from the Texas Demographic Center estimates that by 2035, there will be more than 8.1 million children under the age of 18 in Texas.
In April 2024, Texas was once again named the “Best State for Business” for the 20th consecutive year. However, if we fail to properly fund public schools, we risk losing quality educators, which would ultimately impact the future workforce that businesses rely on. The success of Texas’ public schools is directly tied to the success of the state’s economy. Historic inflation has impacted families, businesses, and schools alike.
In addition, rising student needs have driven up the cost of education. Here are some key statistics since 2020:
• Texas has seen a 4% increase (130,246 students) in economically disadvantaged students.
• Emergent bilingual students increased by 21% (232,381 students).
• The number of special education students rose by 32% (186,502 students).
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), school districts spent:
• $1.6 billion more on transportation than allocated.
• $744 million more on safety and security than allocated (prior to armed security requirements).
• $2.2 billion more on special education than allocated.
These are necessary and worthwhile expenditures, but public schools face challenges in terms of unequal funding, unfunded mandates, and testing disparities. While all 1,000 school districts in Texas seek accountability—governed by locally elected school boards—the current system, based on attendance rather than enrollment, creates inequalities. Additionally, not all schools are subject to the same testing requirements. The Texas Constitution mandates that the state provide public education and establish a system of free public schools.
Texas must provide the same funding per student, regardless of whether they attend a public or private school. Funding should be based on student enrollment, with the same standards and testing requirements for all schools. The current system is not working, and we need to establish fair, consistent rules for all schools.
This is not just an education issue— it’s a workforce development issue that will impact Texas for decades. It’s important that we address this properly in the current legislative session and in those to come.
The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce has been serving the local business community in various capacities since 1920. Today, we are more committed than ever to advocating for our members and ensuring that Bastrop remains the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Let’s continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond!
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO
Through its partnership with the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Foundation of Bastrop County is committed to strengthening our community and empowering individuals and businesses in Bastrop County to thrive.
2024 Accomplishments
• B.E.S.T. Leadership Program - through eight expertly guided sessions over nine months, participants gained a comprehensive perspective on Bastrop County’s opportunities and challenges through unique insights into city, county, and state-level organizations, community service programs, and businesses.
• Lemonade Day - a fun, experiential program that taught youth how to start, own and operate their very own business - a lemonade stand. The program is free for all youth and is made possible by the generous donations of individuals, corporations, community organizations, and foundations that offer support. In 2024, we had over 50 students participate in the learning program with 23 students hosting stands on Lemonade Day.
• Fostering local business growth and talent development - supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, as well as providing training programs, workshops, and partnerships with educational institutions to cultivate a skilled and adaptable talent pool.
We’re making meaningful progress and creating lasting positive change in our community. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for Bastrop County. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is currently developing their 2025-2026 Plan of Work; keep an eye out for more information in the coming months!
Exploring Education, Quality of Life, and Community Support
The B.E.S.T. Leadership Class continued its journey through Bastrop County’s civic landscape with an information-packed day at the Elgin ISD Conference Room. Participants engaged with education and community leaders, gaining valuable insights into the collaborative efforts that serve our growing county.
Education: Planning for Growth and Advocating for Support
The morning began with a panel featuring key educational leaders: Dr. Kristi Lee, Deputy Superintendent of Bastrop ISD; Dr. Jana Rueter, Superintendent of Elgin ISD; and Cheryl Burns, Superintendent of Smithville ISD. The superintendents shared demographics and candid insights into their districts’ response to and continued preparation for the growth across the county.
Dr. Rueter and Dr. Lee outlined their districts’ progressive plans for new school buildings and expansions to accommodate rising enrollment. Meanwhile, Superintendent Burns explained how Smithville ISD carefully observes these developments, engages in forward-thinking conversations, and learns from neighboring districts as they prepare for anticipated growth.
The panel addressed funding challenges within the state’s complex school finance system, noting that the basic allotment of $6,160 has remained unchanged since 2019 despite rising costs and mandates they must meet. While acknowledging the ongoing conversations and respecting education choices, the superintendents emphasized the critical need for adequate state funding support as discussions continue at the state level.
What resonated most with participants was the superintendents’ evident passion for education and their advocacy for staff across the districts, who work to provide access to public education throughout the county. The session highlighted how educational leaders serve as administrators and partners with businesses and the community, working collaboratively to strengthen educational opportunities throughout Bastrop County.
Following lunch, Sheila Lowe shared her journey as Executive Director of the Bastrop County Long-Term Recovery Team (BCLTRT). Since the devastating 2011 wildfires, Lowe has dedicated herself to coordinating recovery efforts for multiple disasters, including the 2015 Memorial weekend flood and tornado event, the Hidden Pines Fire, and Hurricane Harvey floods.
Lowe detailed how BCLTRT focuses on supporting uninsured and underinsured residents through comprehensive case management, housing reconstruction, and practical assistance. Her presentation emphasized how BCLTRT’s work extends beyond immediate disaster response to advocating for long-term recovery policies and building community resilience. Sheila highlighted the organization’s collaborative approach, working with partners like the American Red Cross, St. David’s Foundation, and Mennonite Disaster Services to leverage resources for community recovery. Resources on their website include a family preparedness disaster plan in efforts of continued education and impact.
Coalition-Building for Community Solutions
The afternoon concluded with a presentation from Bastrop County Cares (BCC) featuring program coordinators from various coalitions within the organization. The session showcased how BCC brings together collaborative partnerships to address complex community challenges across the county.
Program coordinators highlighted several successful coalition initiatives, including the Bastrop County Accountable Communities for Health (BCACH), which engages county partners in improving residents’ health and well-being. Participants were particularly interested in the Mobile Recreation and Well-Being Unit and the Early Childhood Coalition, which serve as conduits for connecting residents with community resources.
The coordinators explained how the Interagency Networking Group provides a platform for organizations to share updates and align their work, making community efforts more powerful through strategic coordination. The presentation equipped the class with ways to become involved and access to valuable information they can now share with others in need of community services.
Building a Better Bastrop County Together
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of collaboration in addressing community challenges. The sessions demonstrated how local government, educational institutions, nonprofits, and engaged citizens can work in concert to create a more resilient and vibrant community.
As the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class continues to explore the many facets of Bastrop County, participants are developing a deeper appreciation for the interconnected nature of community service. Each session reinforces how successful communities depend on dedicated professionals working across traditional boundaries to solve complex challenges. The day’s presentations highlighted that whether in education, parks and recreation, disaster recovery, or social services, the most effective solutions emerge when diverse stakeholders come together with shared purpose.
This collaborative spirit will serve as the foundation for the ongoing work of these community leaders as they prepare to apply these insights in their professional roles and civic engagements throughout Bastrop County.
Next month, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class will continue its educational journey, meeting and spending the day in Smithville.
B.E.S.T. Leadership Class 2024-2025 include: Adam Joyce, Brooke Ferguson, Cathy Meek, Craig Strickland, Janet Roby, Jorge Gonzalez, Julie Richardson, Kornyan Bailey, Leslie Bradshaw, Michaela Joyce, Tiffany Scallorn, Tylar Kana Robbins Brittany Rogers, Jose Rivera Marrero, Tricia Harris, Amber Pierce, Doug Haggerty, Perry Lowe, Bailey Grzyb, and Chris Rose.
We are pleased to bring internationally-acclaimed speaker, Glenn Shepard, to the Bastrop community.
This is a world class professional development course designed specifically for supervisors on the front line, who directly manage two or more employees. It’s for managers who are “in the trenches”, like the restaurant manager who can’t open tonight because three of his servers didn’t show up for work, the dentist who spends as much time dealing with her employees as treating patients, etc.
In this half-day seminar, these top 9 modules will be covered:
Module 1: How to Find Good People when the Labor Market is Tight
Module 2: How to Manage, Motivate, and Communicate with Millennials
Module 3: Behavioral Psychology for Managers
Module 4: How to Do Performance Evaluations
Module 5: How to Reduce Tardiness and Absenteeism
Module 6: How to Motivate People
Module 7: Advanced Supervisory Skills for Managers
Module 8: How to Use Affirmative Discipline to Correct People When They Get Off Track – without De moralizing Them
Module 9: How to Fire Without Fear
Adjust
Aerobic Services
Austin Urology Institute
Bastrop Central Appraisal District
Bastrop County Master Gardeners Association
Bastrop Providence Funeral Home***
Bastrop River Club
Blue Ribbon Cooling and Heating
Brad Bernhard
Broadway Paul’s Antiques & Salvage
Cannon Plumbing and Drain, LLC
Chris Duggan
Classic Bank, N.A.
CMIT Solutions of Austin East*
CND Signs, LLC
Copper Shot Distillery, Inc
CS Family Dentistry
Days Inn
Dimora Homes
Dinomite
E3 Wealth
Elgin Courier Bastrop County Insider
Erban Construction Group, LLC
Frontier Bank
Gabourel Fine Art Framing, LLC
Hoffman Construction
Images Alterations
Jackson Water Well Drilling & Service LLC
James & Penny Neil
Justin M. Fohn - Attorney at Law
KC Outfitter
Keller Williams Realty - Pamela Harkins Realtor
Kevin White Group - Keller Williams Realty****
Kimley-Horn
Kut from the South
Medack & Oltmann, LLP
MWM DesignGroup
Niesen Construction LLC
Perry Homes
RC’s Playhouse
RE/MAX Bastrop Area
RE/MAX Bastrop Area - The Frank Rainosek
Team
RE/MAX Bastrop Area - Zia K. Lowe
RE/MAX Go Texas
Ringel & Brymer, PLLC
Roscoe Bank
RoseBridge Estate
Sage and Co.
Sames Bastrop Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Sammy Lerma III, M.D.****
Sherwood Forest Faire
Sign and Banner Texas
Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center
Sparrow Appraisal Solutions, LLC
Storehouse Market + Eatery*
Super 8 Motel
Tex Propane Company
Texas Public Safety & Investigations
The Family Jewels of Bastrop
The Honor Choir
Thrive For Life
Tunnel Vision Pipeline Cleaning & Video Insp., Inc.
