On Monday, September 8, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce was proud to host the annual “State of the City” address at the Bastrop Convention Center. This signature event of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce drew a packed house of community leaders, business owners, and residents, all eager to hear about the progress Bastrop has made and the bright path ahead.
The highlight of the evening was City Manager Sylvia Carrillo’s keynote presentation, which was both informative and inspiring. Sylvia delivered a clear-eyed overview of Bastrop’s accomplishments over the past year while laying out a vision for growth, resilience, and collaboration that will shape our future.
Celebrating Leadership & Progress
Sylvia Carrillo has served as Bastrop’s City Manager since 2022, and in that time she has earned the admiration of the business community for her steady leadership, focus on accountability, and commitment to results.
Her 2025 presentation centered on several key focus areas for Bastrop’s future:
• Keeping true to our roots while honoring Bastrop’s heritage and unique sense of place.
• Being good stewards of residents’ tax dollars and the city’s finances, ensuring transparen cy and responsibility in every decision.
• Attracting quality employers so that Bastrop continues to grow its job base, and ensuring our children can return home to live, work, and carry on the legacy of generations before them.
• Managing growth wisely, with thoughtful planning that protects both infrastructure
and quality of life.
• Investing in streets and infrastructure to meet the needs of today and prepare for tomorrow.
• Prioritizing transparency and citizen out reach, making sure every resident has a voice in the city’s progress.
Her ability to connect these priorities back to the daily lives of Bastrop residents, whether it’s safer streets, more career opportunities, or preserving the character of our town, all resonated deeply with attendees.
Partnerships Make Progress Possible
Sylvia emphasized that none of these achievements happen in isolation. Collaboration has been the key driver behind Bastrop’s progress. By working together with schools, county officials, the Chamber, and the private sector, the City of Bastrop is building not only physical infrastructure but also strong, lasting relationships that move the community forward.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Chamber is grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, who made this event possible. Their investment demonstrates a commitment to Bastrop’s growth and to creating spaces where business and city leadership can come together for the greater good.
Bridge Builder Sponsor
• Roscoe Bank | Cornerstone Capital Bank
Community Advocate Sponsors
• Bartlett Cocke General Contractors & Frontier Bank
Civic Partner Sponsors
• Darling Ingredients Inc. & Acutronic Aerospace Components
Neighborhood Sponsors
• Scott Felder Homes, Sendero & Tolunay-Wong Engineers
Corporate Tables
MVBA, Alta Trails, Independence Title, Bastrop ISD, VeraBank, N.A., Bastrop EDC, First National Bank of Bastrop, Found Fine Art, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Bastrop County Commissioner – David Glass, Texas Disposal Systems
Your partnership ensures that important conversations like the “State of the City” are accessible to our community and help set the stage for future collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 “State of the City” made one message crystal clear: Bastrop is a city on the rise. With steady leadership from City Hall, the dedication of our business community, and the spirit of collaboration that defines us, Bastrop is positioned for continued growth and long-term success.
The Chamber is honored to host this annual event and to play a role in connecting our members with the city’s vision. Together, we are shaping a future where Bastrop remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and community pride.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 8, 2025 as we turn the spotlight to our schools with the State of BISD Luncheon. Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the beautiful Performing Arts Center, 1401 Cedar Street. This annual event is your chance to hear directly from district leadership about successes, challenges, and the exciting future of Bastrop ISD. Sponsorship opportunities are available, making it a perfect way to showcase your support for education while connecting with fellow business and community leaders.
Thank you for your support and investment in the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. We continue to Thrive in 2025!
Sincerely,
Becki Womble, CCE, IOM President/CEO
This event is SOLD OUT. Please reach out to Rachel McGrath (rmcgrath@bizjournals.com) if you’d like to be added to the waitlist. Tuesday, September 23 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
National Voter Registration Day is important because it serves as a nationwide reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with voting. Each year, millions of eligible Americans miss the chance to cast their ballots simply because they are not registered or their registration is out of date. By dedicating a day to raise awareness, provide resources, and make registration more accessible, this initiative helps ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard in our democracy. It’s not just about encouraging participation in upcoming elections—it’s about strengthening civic engagement, promoting representation, and reinforcing the idea that voting is a fundamental right and responsibility for all citizens.
A Note from the Author
As the Main Street Manager for the City of Bastrop, I see firsthand the incredible role our small businesses play in shaping the heart of our community. From the family-run shops that line our historic downtown area to the creative entrepreneurs bringing fresh ideas to life, Bastrop’s small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. That’s why I’m thrilled to share how we’re celebrating Small Business Season and to encourage everyone to support local as we head into the holidays.
— Michaela Joyce, Main Street Manager, City of Bastrop
Small Business Season is a nationwide initiative encouraging consumers to support small businesses throughout the holiday season. Bastrop is proud to celebrate and spotlight our vibrant local business community.
Supporting Local, Building Community
As the holiday season approaches, Bastrop is embracing Small Business Season, a reminder of the vital role local businesses play in shaping our community. From charming boutiques and cozy restaurants to family-run service providers, small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 8 in 10 small businesses say the holiday season is vital for overall profit. What makes shopping local especially powerful is its ripple effect; research from American Express shows that every dollar spent at a small business returns 68 cents back into the community, supporting local jobs, infrastructure, and growth.
In Bastrop, shopping local isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s about investing in neighbors, preserving our unique charm, and ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.
The Power of the Holidays
For small businesses, the holiday season is more than a festive time of year, it’s often make-orbreak. With many earning nearly a quarter of their annual revenue during November and December alone, holiday shopping provides a crucial boost. When residents choose to spend locally instead of online or at big-box retailers, they help ensure that Bastrop’s storefronts stay full, our economy stays resilient, and our downtown remains vibrant and welcoming.
Mark Your Calendar: Small Business Saturday
One of the season’s biggest celebrations is Small Business Saturday, taking place this year on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Launched in 2010, this nationwide event spotlights small businesses and encourages holiday shoppers to “Shop Small.”
In 2023, consumers spent over $17 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday alone (American Express). This year, Bastrop is ready to welcome shoppers to our historic downtown and beyond for a day of festive finds, local flavor, and community pride.
The celebration continues with Wassail Fest, one of Bastrop’s most cherished holiday traditions. Guests can stroll through downtown, sip warm wassail, enjoy holiday music, and discover unique treasures from local merchants. Wassail Fest brings together the best of the season: community, cheer, and local shopping, all in one joyful event.
Stronger Together
Bastrop’s small businesses are more than shops, they are friends, families, and neighbors who give back in countless ways. By choosing to support them this holiday season, we strengthen our entire community.
This Small Business Season, let’s make a conscious choice to shop small, shop local, and shop Bastrop. Together, we can ensure our town continues to grow and thrive during the holidays and beyond.
Sources
U.S. Small Business Administration, Season of Small Business (2024)
QuickBooks, Holiday Shopping Survey (2024) American Express, Small Business Saturday Im-
