CHAMBER COMMITTEES
The Chamber gives you a seat at the table to engage with community leaders, learn from your peers and gain visibility with potential customers. Committee involvement is a very effective way to establish yourself as a community leader and create lasting connections with other business leaders while working towards common goals.
To join a Chamber committee you must be a paid representative and have filled out the Committee Preference Form below. Please contact Phyllis Forester at (830) 608-2804 or Jennifer Watson Russell at (830) 608-2818 if you have any questions.
2021 Community Excellence Committees:
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Business-Education Partnership
Chair: Denise Brown
Vice Chair: Marc Hamilton
Staff: Chester Jenke, Vice President - Economic Development
Contact: Chester@InNewBraunfels.comThe Business-Education Partnership Committee acts as the education advocate for the community, acting on the recommendations of the Mayor’s Higher Education Task Force. One of the major assets found in New Braunfels are the schools – students, teachers, administrators and facilities. The Business/Education Partnership Committee works year round on educational issues involving curriculum, finance, and facilities. Expanded post-secondary education, the Central Texas Technology Center, and annual school year kick-off are activities that directly affect students and teachers.
This committee meets monthly on the third Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
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Military Affairs
Chair: Frank Yannuzzi
Vice Chair: Jeffrey Carter
Staff: Alyssa Coker, Vice President - Advocacy and Outreach
Contact: Alyssa@InNewBraunfels.comThe purpose of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee is to enhance relationships between the New Braunfels community and the military, particularly those Airmen stationed at Randolph AFB. Since 1968, the committee has hosted a quarterly reception for an Outstanding Airman from RAFB to demonstrate our appreciation, ongoing commitment, and support to all who serve our nation. The New Braunfels community has always opened its arms to those who serve and will continue to proudly support all who choose to defend the United States of America.
This committee holds quarterly receptions to honor the Airman of the Quarter and give them special gifts and mementos to show our support and appreciation for their service and sacrifice as well as an annual luncheon with a special guest speaker.
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Retirees Are Progressive (RAP) Council
Chair: Lynn Caddell
Vice Chair: Kurt Andersen
Staff: Alyssa Coker, Vice President - Advocacy and Outreach
Contact: Alyssa@InNewBraunfels.comThe RAP Council consists of individuals who have retired or are partially retired. The council provides an opportunity for retirees to continue contributing their expertise to economic and community development.
This committee meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
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Hispanic Business Alliance
Chair: Tanya Perez
Vice Chair: Mary Ann Labowski
Staff: Alyssa Coker, Vice President - Advocacy & Outreach
Contact: Alyssa@InNewBraunfels.comThe Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) supports and encourages Hispanic participation in the New Braunfels business community. The HBA was formed to promote, advocate, and educate the Hispanic community with the goal of improving opportunities for success.
This committee holds quarterly networking mixers, quarterly breakfast meetings, and the Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival in downtown New Braunfels each October.
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Women's Business Alliance
Chair: Leigh Clark
Vice Chair: Ami Feller Wells
Staff: Alyssa Coker, Vice President - Advocacy & Outreach
Contact: Alyssa@InNewBraunfels.comThe New Braunfels Women's Business Alliance (WBA) is a committee of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the WBA is to increase success of women in business in the New Braunfels community through a forum of continuing education and networking. We share our success with the next generation of women through the provision of educational scholarships.
This committee holds quarterly networking mixers and monthly luncheons on the third Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
2021 Member Value Committees:
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Business Advisory
Chair: Clarissa Walker
Vice Chair: Caryn Benson
Staff: Stephen Brockman, Vice President - Leadership & Small Business Programs
Contact: Stephen@InNewBraunfels.comThis committee reviews and plans opportunities to keep small businesses updated and aware of current business interests and topics by overseeing the NB Business University seminars program.
This committee meets every other month for lunch.
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Business Trade Show
Chair: Glenn Griffin
Vice Chair: Sandy Nolte
Staff: Stephen Brockman, Vice President - Leadership & Small Business Programs
Contact: Stephen@InNewBraunfels.comThis committee plans, organizes, and implements the annual Business Trade Show held in September at the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center. The Trade Show provides the opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers and gives local residents the chance to learn about approximately 100 business at the same time and all under one roof.
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Small Business Week
Chair: Holly Hayes
Vice Chair: Sylvia Camareno
Staff: Stephen Brockman, Vice President - Small Business & Leadership Programs
Contact: Stephen@InNewBraunfels.comThis committee advocates for the importance of small business in our community by honoring a Small Business Person of the Year and promoting the annual Small Business Week.
2021 Advocacy Committees:
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Government Affairs
Chair: Kathy deBerjeois
Vice Chair: Jason Vreeland
Staff: Alyssa Coker, Vice President - Advocacy & Outreach
Contact: Alyssa@InNewBraunfels.comThe Government Affairs committee focuses on local, state and national issues that are important to business and have an impact on the local area. This committee connected elected officials and state organizations with New Braunfels residents and businesses, bridging the gap between businesses and policy makers.
Leading up to the biennial Texas Legislative Session, the committee hears from several state organizations and based on the information prepares the Chamber’s legislative priorities for distribution to state officials.
This committee meets monthly on the second Thursday at 7:30 a.m.
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Natural Resources
Chair: Amy Niles
Vice Chair: Mark Enders
Staff: Chester Jenke, Vice President - Economic Development
Contact: Chester@InNewBraunfels.comThe Natural Resources Committee provides information and resources to Chamber members in the areas of water, air, land conservation, environmental topics and how to protect the natural resources in New Braunfels and Comal County.
This committee meets quarterly for lunch and a program.
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Transportation
Chair: David Kneuper
Vice Chair: Todd Blackmon
Staff: Chester Jenke, Vice President - Economic DevelopmentThe Transportation Committee’s primary task is to be a catalyst and promoter of new and expanded transportation in our trade area. This committee works to keep communication going between business and TxDOT, the City and the County.
This committee meets monthly on the first Thursday at 7:30 a.m.