El Paso Days in Austin 2025: Advocating for Our Region at the State Capitol | From left: Socorro Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr., El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Horizon City Mayor Andres Renteria, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, & El Paso City Council District 1 Representative & Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chávez | |
El Paso Days in Austin 2025 was a powerful demonstration of our region’s priorities, bringing together over 110 delegates, including business and civic leaders, to advocate for key issues at the state level. For over 60 years, this initiative has ensured El Paso’s voice is heard in legislative discussions shaping Texas’ economy.
During the trip, our delegation engaged with state officials on aerospace & defense, economic development, education, energy & sustainability, immigration, military & veteran affairs, tourism & hospitality, transportation, cross-border trade, workforce development, and healthcare. Key discussions focused on modernizing ports of entry, expanding economic incentives, and securing funding for workforce training.
| |
With support from top sponsors and stakeholders, our delegation highlighted the economic strength of the Borderplex region and the need for policies that drive sustainable growth.
Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s success. Your support during El Paso Days in Austin helped send a unified message championing the Borderplex region, and ensuring our priorities were heard at the state level. Advocacy continues beyond this trip—stay engaged with the El Paso Chamber as we push for policies that elevate El Paso’s business environment and economic future. #TeamElPaso
| | Meeting with the Texas Association of Business | | | Meeting with Texas Rep. Paul's office | | El Paso Electric CEO Kelly Tomblin and Schneider Electric Govt. Relations Manager Robert Nathan | | HNTB El Paso Area Practice Leader Kelvin Kroeker, UTEP President Heather Wilson, and EPC CEO Ricardo Mora | | City Council District 5 Rep. Ivan Niño, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, State Senator Cesar Blanco | | El Paso Chamber Hosts High-Level Discussion on Trade & Economic Development | From Left: Economic Officer with the US Consulate Beto TorresVela, Financial Attaché to Mexico and Central America, EPC CEO Ricardo Mora, Political and Economic Section Chief with the US Consulate Matt West | |
The El Paso Chamber convened a strategic discussion with Phil Lovegren, Financial Attaché to Mexico and Central America, bringing together key stakeholders to address critical issues affecting trade, economic development, and cross-border relations. These conversations play a vital role in ensuring the Borderplex region remains a powerhouse for international commerce and continues to drive economic opportunities on both sides of the border.
Through advocacy and collaboration, the Chamber remains committed to engaging decision-makers at every level to elevate the voice of our business community.
Stay connected with the El Paso Chamber for more updates on how we continue to champion economic growth and business-friendly policies for our community!
| | Luis Fernandez, CEO of Novamex, discusses his company's concerns regarding cross-border trade | | El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego talks about the El Paso County's economic development | | Sebastian Martinez Villalba, Legal Counsel for Flo Networks, discusses binational trade | | El Paso Chamber’s State of the City Brings 700 Attendees for a Visionary Discussion on El Paso’s Future | |
From Top Left: El Paso City Council District 1 Representative & Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chávez, District 3 Representative Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, District 7 Representative Lily Limón, District 4 Representative Cynthia Boyar-Trejo, El Paso Chamber Board Chair Elizabeth O'Hara, El Paso Chamber Director of Programs & Major Events Claudia Rosales
From Bottom Left: El Paso Chamber CEO Ricardo Mora, District 6 Representative & Alternate Mayor Pro Tem Art Fierro, District 2 Representative Dr. Josh Acevedo, El Paso City Mayor Renard Johnson, District 5 Representative Ivan Niño, District 8 Representative Chris Canales
| |
The El Paso Chamber’s 2025 State of the City brought together 700 attendees, providing a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration on our city’s growth. The event featured Mayor Renard Johnson and the El Paso City Council, offering insights into the city’s strategic priorities and long-term vision.
Mayor Johnson highlighted key achievements, including investments in public safety, transportation, and economic diversification, as well as the importance of binational collaboration. City Council provided updates on economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce improvements within their respective districts.
| |
A key feature of this year's event was the Engage & Connect networking hour, where business and community leaders engaged directly with elected officials, fostering meaningful conversations that inspired growth and led to the creation of various partnerships.
We thank our sponsors, community partners, and attendees for making this event a success. The Chamber remains committed to collaborating with Mayor Renard Johnson, the El Paso City Council, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, the County Commissioners, City Manager Dionne Mack, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte, and regional municipal leaders to turn these discussions into tangible progress for our community, unifying our efforts for the betterment of the Borderplex. Stay connected for updates on initiatives and opportunities to shape El Paso’s future.
| | | | Mayor Johnson receiving Commemorative Star, which has one of 492 Star on the Mountain bulbs | | | THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE! | | Help Create Safe Streets for our Region at a Pop-Up Event Near You | | |
The El Paso Chamber is partnering with the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop a regional plan to make our streets safer! Attend a pop-up event near you to learn about the crash hotspots within your area and help identify potential roadway safety strategies. Kids are also welcome and will be able to contribute to the development of the plan through an interactive activity!
Learn more by visiting Borderplexsafe.org.
| | El Paso County Invites Community Input for 2026 Strategic Plan | |
El Paso County is planning for the future, and they want your voice to help shape it! As
they prepare to update the Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, they are launching the Fiscal Year 2026 Strategic Plan Engagement Survey to ensure our County’s priorities align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.
By sharing your thoughts, you play a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives that impact our economy, infrastructure, quality of life, and more.
The survey is anonymous and takes just 10 minutes to complete! The survey is open until March 31, 2025. Your voice matters - help us build a plan for a brighter future for El Paso County
| | | | |
