Where did July go and how is August almost turning into September already? August is certainly one of the busiest months at the Chamber. Women’s Conference, Rising Stars, State of The City, and preparation for the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet. August just keeps getting busier every year.
WOMEN’ CONFERENCE
The Texas Women of Influence Conference this year was, according to feedback from the attendees (and speakers too!), was the best that it has ever been. The Guadalupe County Women of Influence was Seguin’s Mayor Donna Dodgen who deserves every accolade that was said as the Conference Committee Co-Chairs Brenda Flores and Delilah Reyes. The challenge was only talking about the high points that Mayor Dodgen has accomplished – not only in Seguin but within the region – the list was long! The speakers really did an awesome job providing some of the most useful information on topics that ranged from networking, organization, creating yourself, and many other topics. The committee is ready to roll up their sleeves and get ready to begin the planning for the 2026 Women of Influence Conference.
RISING STARS The Seguin Chamber Young Professionals again hosted the Guadalupe Rising Star reception for those that were selected by their peers – previous Rising Stars and the Chamber Chair and Chair of the Board Elect. For those who do not know what a “Rising Star” is, I will give you some of the basics; a person who is under 40 years old, has made a significant impact within the community and in their jobs, are nominated by someone, and submit their resume for evaluation by the Rising Star Selection Committee. The resume and accomplishments of those selected this year as a Rising Star is impressive and well deserved – Congratulations to the Rising Stars of 2025. While we recognized the top Rising stars at the reception, the top two Rising Stars selected for the coveted Community Impact and Professional Leadership Awards will be revealed at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet held on Sept. 17.
STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON The Annual State of the City of Seguin Luncheon will be held Sept. 3 and tickets are going fast with only a few remaining. Mayor Dodgen and City Manager Steve Parker always bring the energy and provide some of the best city updates at the event. Ticket sales for the event end on Aug. 27 and there are no tickets available at the door!! Oh, and did I mention food? The lunch meal is being catered by the #1 Texas BBQ spot – Burnt Bean! Grab your tickets online at https://www.seguinchamber. com/eventdetail? e=yIckBVax37IfV M7ytJocEw2 or call the Chamber office at 830379-6382.
ANNUAL CHAMBER AWARDS BANQUET Speaking of the Chamber Annual Awards Banquet – it is approaching quickly and will be held on Sept. 17 at the Seguin Events Center. The Chamber’s Annual Banquet Committee has done a wonderful job of planning for the banquet and it will be one of the best! This year our special guest speaker will be Luke Goetting who is an accomplished speaker will talk about “Unlocking Gen Z+ Potential: Future-Proofing Your Workforce for Innovation & Growth.” Like is high energy and provides a tone of resources that can be used inside of any business. The annual Chamber awards as the large and small business of the year, the community service award, and several others are sure to make this an awesome event yearly. The banquet also serves as the changing and installation of the new Chamber Board of Directors Leadership. This year Chamber Chair of the Board, Elizabeth Engelhardt from the Seguin Gazette will be passing the gavel to Chamber Chair of the Board Elect, Nicole Bruton from Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. For more information of the Chamber Annual Banquet, you can call the Chamber Office at 830-379-6382 or the Chamber website at https://www.seguinchamber. com/event-detail? e=z9CAeZ24Z66 qcHWbpQf0IQ2.
SEGUIN CHAMBER VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT If you have ever been involved with a Chamber of Commerce you know that the Chamber does not operate without great volunteer leaders. With this in mind I am going to include a Chamber Volunteer each month and give you their perspective on why the volunteer at the Chamber. This month’s volunteer highlight is Charles Villeneuve who serves as a Chamber Ambassador. Charles serves as an Ambassador but many may not know that Charles has been involved at the Seguin Chamber for about 37 years!! Charles serves as the Chair of the Ambassadors Committee and if that is not enough he also serves on several other Chamber Committees such as the Annual Banquet Committee and the Showcase Seguin Committee – only to name a few. When I asked Charles why he continues to serve the Chamber he said that it is the “service of giving back to his community.” We also asked what is the most rewarding part of being a Chamber Ambassador and he said that the “camaraderie and the Ambassador family” make his “retirement job” worth the time and effort he provides to the Chamber. If you see Charles out and about, be sure to thank him for his incredible service—not only to the Chamber but to the many clubs and organizations he supports to make Seguin a better place!
