The next few months will be memorable for a lot of different reasons.
First, beginning on Friday afternoon this week, your Chamber will be relocating to our new home at 400 Pine, Suite 500. We’re excited for you to visit. We expect it might take a week or so to fully settle, but we’ll still be working on behalf of our members.
We have to. There’s a lot going on, and the following events are just the start of it.
On February 8, we’ll welcome General Glen VanHerck, who serves as the commander of both United States Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. General VanHerck will kick off this year’s luncheon series for the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. Space is limited, so if you’re a MAC member, reserve your seat early! Special thank you to Joe Spano, Jr. and Republic Services for sponsoring this important event.
February 9 is our inaugural State of Community & Economic Outlook, sponsored by the City of Abilene, the Development Corporation of Abilene and Abilene Christian University at ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center.
This event aims to prepare business professionals with an economic forecast for 2022 from renowned, engaging economist, Dr. Mark Dotzour, as well as provide two panel discussions along with remarks from the Development Corporation of Abilene CEO, Misty Mayo, and Abilene Mayor, Anthony Williams, on the state of our community’s economic development efforts. We couldn’t be prouder of our community’s work on the economic development front, and we’re excited to share a glimpse of what lies ahead for our great city.
February 10 the Chamber’s Young Professional program will once again pay tribute to the talent of our upcoming leaders by naming this year’s top 20 Under 40 recipients with a reception sponsored by Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd, Inc (eHT). Stay tuned next week to find out who’s on this year’s list!
And then, on February 22 and 23, we’ll host our Texas Farm Ranch Wildlife and Expo , sponsored by Lawrence Hall Abilene, Big Country Chevy Dealers and the Ag Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by Taylor Telecom.
And yes! Booths are still available but are going fast!
This is a unique, one-of-a-kind agribusiness event that serves as an opportunity for vendors to interface directly with a combination of farm, ranch and wildlife managers and rural consumers in the Big Country. Also, join us at the luncheon where the farm family of the year is announced.
Did I mention the luncheon’s speaker? It’s Wyman Meinzer, official photographer for the Great State of Texas. It’s true - you won’t want to miss it.
After a full February, we’ll launch into spring on March 30. with another of our favorites, Business Expo!
Sponsored by Black Plumbing, Lawrence Hall Abilene and Pest Patrol, this event is the Chamber’s annual high-energy trade show where businesses and consumers connect in a dynamic business-to-business atmosphere. Reserve your booth now - and make sure you join us for the mother-of-all auctions!
May 1-7 brings Small Business Week, where we get to pay homage to the backbone of our local economy!
Join us that week in supporting small businesses in Abilene. We know how important your small business is to Abilene’s economy, employing families, giving back to non-profits, helping create opportunities and helping make Abilene – Abilene. With more than 85 percent of the Abilene Chamber’s 1200 members being small businesses, please know your Chamber is working harder than ever to make sure you have the support you need. Activities this week will include the Salute to Small Business Luncheon, Wake up Wednesday and Entrepreneur Bootcamp.
We’re excited to see you - it’s been too long. And of course, we’ll be following all the recommended safety protocols to help ensure a safe experience.
If you have any questions about what lies ahead for the events side of the Chamber’s efforts, reach out to any of our staff. Despite the move, all our contact information will remain the same. And we’ll be just as eager to hear from you and to help with anything you need as we always are.
After all, supporting your business is what we’re here for, just as we have been for the last 114 years!
Onward!
Doug