Taskforces and Getting Involved

The Redcoats act on behalf of the Abilene Chamber as goodwill ambassadors and actively support the Chamber’s programs and its mission of furthering the city’s economic growth.

MEETING FREQUENCY: As schedule allows, quarterly lunches

WHO CAN SERVE: Members

CHAIR: Jessica Andrade, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

STAFF LIAISON: Jennifer Kent

This high-energy group exists to facilitate the advancement and participation of Hispanic businesses by promoting education, training, advocacy and networking. Their goal is to build a bridge between Hispanic and non-Hispanic businesses and consumers.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Monthly

WHO CAN SERVE: Members

CHAIR: Ricardo Gutierrez, RGF Insurance

STAFF LIAISON: Jennifer Kent

Event planning taskforces are a great way to focus your energy on making a tremendous impact on the business community in a shorter timeframe. Event planning taskforces include: the Texas Farm Ranch & Wildlife Expo, Business Expo, Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration, Business Mercado and more.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Varies

WHO CAN SERVE: Members

STAFF LIAISON: Kendal Subia

Abilene Young Professionals exists to attract, retain and engage the 21-40-year-old demographic in the Abilene area. AYP is led by a steering committee made up of 14 young professionals. Six members of the committee are representatives from the YP Foundation Sponsors. 

Our steering committee serves two roles: be the voice of young professionals for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce initiatives and act as a community advocate on issues impacting young professionals. They meet monthly and represent young professionals at several Chamber and community events.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Monthly

WHO CAN SERVE: Members of Abilene Chamber & AYP

STAFF LIAISON: Cameron Sloan

The Leadership Abilene Committee comprises Leadership Abilene Alumni who work to develop the programming related to the current class of Leadership Abilene participants.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Monthly for a nine-month timeframe

WHO CAN SERVE: Members who are graduates of the Leadership Abilene program

CHAIR: Adam Lancaster, CCSB - Coleman County State Bank

STAFF LIAISON: Jennifer Kent

The Leadership Abilene Alumni program is an exclusive and vibrant network of alumni who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and relationships to make a difference in our community and region.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Monthly for a nine-month timeframe to develop the programming related to the current class of Leadership Abilene participants.

WHO CAN SERVE: Members who are graduates of the Leadership Abilene program

CO-CHAIRS: Bobbi Hanson, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz; Jon Miller, Prosperity Bank

STAFF LIAISON: Jennifer Kent

Our Board of Directors provides guidance and counsel at the highest level toward achieving our mission and goals.

MEETING FREQUENCY: Bi-monthly

WHO CAN SERVE: Members

STAFF LIAISON: Jennifer Kent

The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Council is made up of five voting members from the Chamber who will be approved by the Chamber’s Executive Committee, and four non-voting members from the staffs of lawmakers representing Abilene in Austin and Washington.

MEETING FREQUENCY: As needed

STAFF LIAISON: Doug Williamson

The Chamber's Military Affairs Committee (MAC) is a public-private partnership of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, the Development Corporation of Abilene, individuals and businesses. Through its 300 members, MAC advocates for the expansion and preservation of missions at Dyess and cares for the needs of military members and their families.

The Military Affairs Executive Committee has a specific responsibility related to the function and mission of Dyess Air Force Base. They work collectively and individually to ensure that Dyess remains viable for years to come.

WHO CAN SERVE: Members of Abilene Chamber & MAC

STAFF LIAISON: Cynthia Nesmith