In every community across America, and right here in San Marcos, businesses are more than buildings and paychecks. They are lifelines. They sponsor youth teams, donate meals, provide auction items for fundraisers, host job-shadowing students and give generously to local nonprofits that provide services for our neighbors most in need. They work hard, give back and show up. Even when economic times are tough.
Yet too often, the online discourse in San Marcos paints a different picture.
Some people have a distorted or incomplete view of what businesses actually do. Online, it’s become common to see “business” used as a negative word, and local businesses called “greedy” or “bad for the community.” The fact is, businesses are the very ENGINE of the community.
If it wasn’t for jobs at local businesses, or customers buying goods and services, the majority of people would not have livelihoods and could not continue to make a living.
What’s missing from the online statements is the human element. Businesses are owned and managed by people. They are not faceless. They are your neighbors, and they are raising families here too. They’re the people who greet you at the counter, show up with resources after disasters and quietly sponsor every school field trip and youth tournament.
The challenge is, most business owners don’t have time to attend town halls or city council meetings or comment online. They’re working long hours to meet payroll, keep operations going and care for their customers.
So when policy decisions are driven by the loudest voices in the room, instead of the most representative ones, the absence of business input can carry real consequences.
This is why we need more positive voices speaking up for local businesses.
Now more than ever, we need people in the community to stand up for business-friendly policies that encourage innovation and opportunity. Why? Because when local businesses thrive, so do local people, through jobs, sales, internships, donations and a stronger economy that benefits all residents.
The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce works to advocate for policies that support small businesses and protect the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this city vibrant. We do this with input from a diverse and dedicated group of volunteer leaders who serve on our Board of Directors and Ambassadors Club, most of whom are small business owners and managers themselves.
Over 80% of the 600+ members of the Chamber are mom-and-pop businesses with fewer than 20 employees. These are not corporations with out-of-town interests. They represent the cornerstones of our community. And they need champions.
So here’s the ask: Be a positive voice. Speak up when you see business being criticized.
We encourage all local businesses to share ÿour perspectives, speak up about the challenges you face, and use the tools available to connect with civic leaders. The Chamber’s Advocacy Alert at www.SanMarcos-Texas.com is one of those tools. Located under the “Business Resources” tab, it’s a 24/7 way to share what’s going on at your business and request support or connections.
Let’s make sure that the positive voices in San Marcos rise above the noise, and that our business community continues to be seen, heard, and valued.
