And just like that, we’re halfway through 2025. It’s the perfect moment to share a few highlights from an incredible first half of the year at the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.
We kicked things off in true Texas style with the Galveston Island Country Music Fest featuring Drake Milligan. This fan-favorite event doubles as our annual meeting and sets the tone for the year. Planning is already underway for 2026.
In January, we also launched our new Bites of Business: Lunch & Learn Series in partnership with Texas First Bank. Every other month, expert speakers dive into topics that matter most to our members—bringing fresh ideas and meaningful conversation to the table.
Another exciting collaboration this year was with the League City Regional Chamber to expand Lemonade Day Galveston County, adding a second day for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their business skills and sell their delicious lemonade. Plans for next year are already bubbling up.
As part of our mission to promote and advocate for business and community development, we hosted two luncheons: the State of Healthcare and Wellness Luncheon on June 12, and the State of Business in Texas & the Gulf Coast on July 8. Looking ahead, mark your calendar for our Legislative Update Luncheon on October 16—details coming soon.
We’re proud to have welcomed 89 new members this year and celebrated them with a growing number of ribbon cuttings. Supporting new and established businesses is always a highlight for our team.
As a five-star accredited chamber, our committees continue to drive meaningful change. With groups like Advocacy & Legislative Affairs, Education, Healthcare, Workforce Development, and Maritime Careers Pathways—among others—we’re seeing powerful collaborations take shape. One of the most exciting outcomes is the Maritime Careers Pathways summer camp, giving students hands-on experience and insight into maritime professions.
These committee discussions help shape the future of our community, bringing together leaders who are ready to make a difference. If you’re a Chamber member and want to get involved, we’d love to have you at the table.
What’s Next
Upcoming events include our Fifth Annual Clay Shoot on Friday, August 1 at Providence Plantation—a great outdoor experience for sporting enthusiasts—and our largest event of the year, the 18th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference on Friday, September 12 at Moody Gardens. This year’s keynote speaker is three-time Paralympic medalist Amy Purdy.
With around 1,200 attendees, dynamic speakers, Women of the Year honorees, and the always-inspiring EmpowHER panel, the Women’s Conference continues to grow. New this year: a VIP Preview of the vendor market for sponsors and sponsored tables. Sponsorships, vendor opportunities, tables and individual tickets are available.
And as always, when our neighbors are in need, we step up. Following the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country, we reached out to support the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce in their relief efforts and recovery coordination. The Galveston Chamber is proud to stand in solidarity with fellow chambers across the state.
