As 2024 draws to a close, I can’t help but feel immense pride and gratitude. Leading the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, faced challenges, and worked tirelessly to make our community stronger.
This year, as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber—a distinction shared by only the top 1% of chambers nationwide—we continued to raise the bar. Our mission, “To promote and advocate for business and community development,” drives everything we do.
Advocacy took center stage as we worked to protect and amplify Galveston’s interests. I testified before TWIA and the Texas Department of Insurance, opposing a proposed 10% rate increase to safeguard our community’s needs. It was an honor to elevate Galveston’s voice further by joining the U.S. Chamber’s prestigious Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100) and earning appointments to the Texas Association of Businesses and Texas Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors, ensuring our region’s priorities resonate statewide and nationally.
We welcomed 209 new members, celebrated 30 ribbon cuttings, and hosted over 100 events—including Good Morning Galveston and Mainland, speed networking, mixers, workshops, the Annual Senatorial Luncheon, the inaugural State of Healthcare Luncheon, the Golf Tournament, the Shoot for the Chamber Clay Shoot, and the Galveston Women’s Conference. Additionally, Galveston County Day continued to amplify our community’s voice at the Capitol.
2024 also saw the debut of our Galveston Island Country Music Fest during the Chamber’s 179th Annual Meeting. I’m thrilled to announce we’ll kick off 2025 with our second annual festival on January 25, featuring Drake Milligan and The Powell Brothers —a perfect way to honor 180 years of supporting Galveston!
When Hurricane Beryl struck, we didn’t hesitate to step up. From reinstating our business recovery resource page to spotlighting open businesses, we came together to ensure Galveston kept moving forward. That resilience is at the heart of who we are as a community.
Programs like Lemonade Day Galveston County, Leadership Galveston, and Sail to Success continue to shape future leaders, while the C-Crewe’s 100 young professionals engage with our seasoned community leaders, proving the next generation is ready to carry the torch.
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited for initiatives like the new Bites of Business: Lunch and Learn Workshop Series and expanded Speed to Success Networking events. These programs reflect our commitment to fostering connections and empowering growth.
To our local businesses, your grit and determination inspire me daily. You are the heart of this island. To our members, thank you for believing in the Chamber and its mission. And to this community, thank you for letting me be part of something so special.
Here’s to 2025—a year of opportunity, innovation, and continued collaboration. Together, we’re creating a future as bright and beautiful as Galveston’s shores.
