Published: October 24, 2009 04:36 pm      

Chamber Window - Oct. 25, 2009

‘The San Marcos Chamber is the place to be’

I wasn't born in San Marcos, but the city holds a very special place in my life.

As a young boy, I remember traveling from Austin to visit relatives living here. Vivid memories of seeing my Uncle and Aunt, Dr. Bill and Virginia Moore and my cousins Bobby and Gina; are mixed with the sights, sounds and tastes of Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings. These were exciting and happy boyhood recollections, filled with warm thoughts and good feelings. As I grew into adulthood, I always associated those positive emotions with San Marcos.

So, it is no surprise that in 1976 Elizabeth, my wife, and I made San Marcos our home. We couldn't think of a better place to raise our three wonderful daughters Anne, Katherine and Caroline. Their care-free childhood was highlighted with tours of Aquarena Springs, hiking through the caves of Wonder World and enjoying warm, sunny days on the banks of the San Marcos River.

San Marcos also had an ideal business climate to go along with its recreation and outdoor adventure. The area was a prime commercial location. We opened our auto dealership on Highway 123 in 1976. Life was good. We felt welcomed by our neighbors and embraced by the growing business community. I immediately developed many wonderful friendships.

One of those good friends, Patty Sullivan, supported and encouraged my Chamber of Commerce membership. With the explosive growth and dynamic energy of San Marcos, I wanted to become actively involved in the community. Chamber membership was an easy choice and proved to be one of my wisest decisions.

Those early years on the Chamber board were filled with excitement and anticipation about the development of San Marcos. Now after 30 years of incredible city growth and transformation, I am serving my second term as a Director on the San Marcos Chamber Board. I think I am enjoying my role on the Board today, more than I did in my first term. The pace of population growth, new business development and expansion of existing businesses is impressive. We are witnessing unprecedented numbers of groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and residential development in the area.

In 1979, I was elected to the Chamber Board and in 1981 had the privilege of serving as the Board President. During my tenure as President, I was fortunate to oversee the selection process that identified Jim Gandy as the next Chamber executive.

Everyone in the community benefits from the Chamber and its work. The Chamber is focused on driving value to our members and the community. Now is the right time for any individual or business to become a member of the San Marcos Chamber.

A cursory review of the tiered membership levels and the benefits delivered at each level make it clear that Chamber membership is a superior value. The networking opportunities, alone, are worth the investment. I encourage business oriented individuals and area companies to become San Marcos Chamber members. Once you do join, get involved and participate on one or more of the many committees or activities the Chamber offers. You will help make San Marcos a better place to live, work and enjoy.

I wasn't born in San Marcos, but I am glad to call it home.