BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
“ As we navigate the challenges of COVID-19 , I really think that my main goal will be to continue all of the work and momentum that the chamber has achieved ,” she noted . “ Prior to COVID , I would really say that economic development would be a major point and I don ’ t know if that changes , but with COVID the first and foremost goal has to be sure that we are there to help our small businesses survive and come out on top .”
Vienne will assume the role from Dale Underwood , who has served in the position for the past year .
SHAPING FOR THE FUTURE
The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce currently has approximately 550 members representing small business and large industries from Denton to Houston with the vast majority in Walker County . And that number could grow , as the area looks to expand behind enhancements to Interstate 45 and a rapid population movement from the south .
“ The chamber is here to nurture the economic fabric of Walker County ,” said Ray Hernandez , the president and CEO of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce . “ We are looking for all of our partners , whether it ’ s the city , county , Sam Houston State or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to do what they can do to advocate on behalf of the community . We don ’ t want to be in a place where we are passive in regards to economic development , we want to be assertive and be sure we are out there sharing and telling the story of this community and all of the natural resources that are available .”
According to the Texas Workforce Commission , the county has added nearly 2,000 jobs over the past decade . However , that is expected to boom over the next 10 years .
“ We are positioned to be prepared for what is going to happen here . It is grounded in historical roots , but there is a bright future ,” Hernandez said . “ We are in a position to plant our economic development flag in the ground and say that it ’ s not good enough for us to be supporting each other , we need to be standing shoulder to shoulder in the room together .”
More information on the Huntsville- Walker County Chamber of Commerce can be found online at www . chamber . huntsville . tx . us .
Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ray Hernandez and new board chairman Dr . Kristy Vienne .
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We are in a position to plant our economic development flag in the ground and say that it ’ s not good enough for us to be supporting each other , we need to be standing shoulder to shoulder in the room together .
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16 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | WINTER 2021