As you know, Bastrop is nestled amid the scenic beauty of Texas, and embodies the quintessential charm of a vibrant community. We are also the most historic. At the heart of our community lies the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, your steadfast advocate for local businesses and a catalyst for community prosperity. Within the chamber’s multifaceted arsenal of initiatives, advocacy emerges as a cornerstone, with transformative zest that is shaping policies, fostering economic growth, and nurturing a thriving business ecosystem.
Advocacy: Amplifying the Voice of Businesses
In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, the voice of small businesses often risks being drowned out amidst the multitude of competing interests. Herein lies the paramount importance of advocacy by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. By amplifying the collective voice of businesses, the chamber serves as a formidable advocate for policies that stimulate growth, drive innovation, and enhance the overall business climate.
Through strategic engagement with local, county, and state policymakers, the chamber articulates the concerns and aspirations of Bastrop’s business community, advocating for reforms that promote entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation. Whether it’s championing regulatory reforms, infrastructure investments, or workforce development initiatives, the chamber’s advocacy efforts are driven by a singular focus: to create an environment where businesses can thrive and flourish.
Driving Economic Development: From Vision to Reality
In the realm of economic development, advocacy serves as the linchpin that transforms vision into reality. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce spearheads advocacy-driven initiatives aimed at attracting investment, fostering innovation, and propelling economic growth. Through collaborative partnerships with government bodies, the Bastrop EDC, Bastrop ISD and industry stakeholders, the chamber champions policies and projects that catalyze job creation, expand market opportunities, and elevate Bastrop’s economic profile.
From advocating for incentives to attract new businesses and industries to lobbying for development codes and workforce development programs, the chamber’s advocacy agenda is guided by a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic interests of Bastrop and its residents. By harnessing the power of advocacy, the chamber plays a pivotal role in positioning Bastrop as a premier destination for business investment and opportunity.
Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration and Engagement
Advocacy by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce transcends mere policy advocacy; it fosters collaboration, dialogue, and community engagement. Through advocacy-driven events, forums, and outreach initiatives, the chamber creates platforms for businesses, government leaders, and community stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and forge long-lasting partnerships.
By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, the chamber empowers businesses and citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of Bastrop. Whether it’s advocating for infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, promoting tourism initiatives to showcase Bastrop’s cultural heritage, or supporting educational programs to nurture the workforce of tomorrow, the chamber’s advocacy efforts are grounded in a shared vision of building a prosperous and inclusive community for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, advocacy lies at the heart of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce’s mission to empower businesses, drive economic development, and foster community prosperity. Through unwavering advocacy efforts, the chamber serves as a tireless champion for the interests of Bastrop’s business community, advocating for policies and initiatives that pave the way for growth, innovation, and opportunity. As Bastrop continues to evolve and thrive, the chamber’s advocacy remains a guiding force, steering the community toward a future defined by prosperity, resilience, and shared success.
Get involved with us and our advocacy by participating in one of our committees. For more information, check out our website at www.bastropchamber.com, stop by 927 Main Street in downtown Bastrop or call me at 512303-0558. Together We Win for a Bigger Better Bastrop!
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President and CEO Bastrop Chamber of Commerce
Elgin: A Thriving Community Forged by Vision and Heritage
For the second-to-last session, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class immersed themselves in the heart of Elgin, witnessing a community where history and future growth converge.
Veronica Seever, President of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the B.E.S.T. Leadership Class back to Elgin, sharing updates on the chamber’s activities and highlighting upcoming events. The warm hospitality coffee and Elgin Chamber swag set a welcoming tone for our day.
Steering the Municipal Ship
City government: A panel with Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville city managers offered a candid look at the versatility of leading municipal operations. City Managers Sylvia Carrillo (Bastrop), Tom Mathis (Elgin), and Robert Table (Smithville) shared their unique journeys and experiences, providing valuable insights into serving as the CEO of running a city while upholding the ethical obligation to self, their councils, and the communities and continually assessing the impact of new information that filters in daily.
The discussion highlighted the privilege of serving along with the complexities and responsibilities of city managers, especially in the face of rapid growth. The responsibilities may vary depending upon charter provisions and other local or state laws, rules, and regulations. The council’s structure, different models of council terms they have experienced over their tenures in different communities, and the pros and cons while staying centered on the chief purpose to serve the public. This insight into their challenges fostered a greater sense of understanding among the class participants.
The City Managers addressed common misconceptions about what happens at city hall, such as the belief that their work is solely administrative. They clarified the realities of their work and decision-making processes regarding public safety, such as water and power, legal priorities, and the council’s goals.
Each manager shared their unique set of challenges, providing a diverse perspective on the issues city leaders face. This diversity underscores the complexity of their roles and the need for adaptive strategies for the growing cities.
What’s Happening in Elgin
Owen Rock, Executive Director of the Elgin EDC, had a dynamic start to his presentation. Owen shared a video clip from Texas Walker Ranger filmed at what was once known as the “Ranch House,” demonstrating unique ways to partner with businesses. Transitioning into the EDC structure and funding, he shared examples of the robust growth and expansion within Elgin. Outlining the process, from working leads to presenting them to the EDC board and city council, exemplified how each business project is unique. Owen also updated the progress of the industrial site, new and expanding businesses, and business retention and expansion initiatives.
Preserving Elgin’s Authentic Character
Kristina Alvarez, Main Street Manager, provided an overview of the Main Street Program’s efforts to preserve historic downtown areas and the vision for “… a revitalized and active historic downtown destination with warm-hearted friendly people and vibrant businesses, a place where ethnic and cultural diversity is celebrated.”
JACKIE JOHNSTON M.A., SHRM-CP, CPC
The program’s mission and focus are built upon the National Main Street Four Point Approach. Kristina acknowledged the Advisory Board and volunteers’ contributions and their efforts to ensure Elgin’s heritage remains a point of community pride. Kristina explained how partnership grants with the EDC and Main Street grants support downtown business assistance and the many events held throughout the year. The largest event is the Hogeye Festival, which celebrates the community, downtown business, vendors, and all things swine. Mark the calendar for October 24-2, 2024, and plan to participate!
Main Street’s Delights
Our lunch at Millie’s on Main, a new community hangout spot, was a delightful experience! The family-centered bistro offers an outdoor patio, live music, food trucks, drinks, and a fully-fenced playground—a perfect setting for the class to enjoy a meal together and connect over their shared learning journey.
Canvases of Community Pride
No visit to Elgin is complete without admiring its vibrant public art. Megan Stuart, from the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, led us on an art mural walking tour, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists. Megan shared the vision for artwork in Elgin, highlighting a piece funded by the New Deal located in the Elgin Post Office and a more recent mural honoring black community leaders by artist Jeremy Biggers. Megan shared additional history as we visited The Owl, one of the ghost signs uncovered during building renovations dating back to the early 1900s. During your next visit to Elgin, be sure to take a self-guided tour of Elgin’s public art to appreciate the creative gifts displayed throughout the downtown district.
As the class returned to participate in the final session of the day, Elgin Chamber President Veronica Seever led a discussion on the Netflix documentary Trainwreck. The discussion explored the implications of discontentment, accountability, and influence captured in the film. The class shared scenes, questioning perceptions and reactions of characters portrayed in relation to leadership.
Approaching the Final Chapter
Reflecting to where the class began served as a reminder of the leadership qualities the class defined and shared in our first session together, emphasizing the importance of leading from a set of guiding principles.
Up next: The class turns the spotlight to Bastrop, where they will spend the day with business and community leaders before celebrating their graduation in becoming the B.E.S.T. graduating class of 2024.
Stay tuned for more details and updates on how to apply for our next class, which begins in September 2024.
