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January 21 | ADVOCACY & CONNECTIONS FOR BUSINESS TO THRIVE

Dates are set, speakers are confirmed, and opportunities are open! Read details below on what's coming up in San Marcos. These events are designed to help your business stay connected, visible, and growing in 2026.

Page Michel

Chamber President/CEO

page@sanmarcostexas.com

Top TxDOT Officials headline this Summit on March 4

Co-hosted with the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, this event will spotlight transportation projects and regional growth, bringing together business and public-sector leaders for discussion on challenges and opportunities shaping our region.

The keynote speaker has been announced: TxDOT Commissioner Steven Alvis. Alvis will share insights on regional growth and transportation priorities. A panel discussion will feature TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson and TxDOT San Antonio District Engineer Charles Benavidez, along with additional panelists to be announced soon. The discussion will be moderated by Will Conley, Principal at American Structurepoint and past Chair of CAMPO and former Hays County Commissioner.

Sponsorships are now available for businesses seeking elevated visibility, direct engagement with regional decision-makers, and alignment with critical infrastructure conversations.

Join this growing list of sponsors... (as of 1.20.26)

BRONZE SPONSOR: McCoy's Building Supply

Starting on Friday -- Dine local, post with hashtag, and win!

From Friday, Jan. 23, to Sunday, Feb. 1, dine at your favorite spots or try something new, and enter for $100 gift card drawings by posting a photo of yourself on social media using the hashtag: #SavorSanMarcos. Drawings will be held twice daily (lunch and dinner) for 10 days...offering lots of chances to win.

20 Participating Restaurants:

• Bird Dog
• Blue Dahlia Bistro
• Frullati Cafe & Bakery
• Gill’s Fried Chicken
• Grin’s Restaurant
• Gumby's Pizza
• Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings
• Industry
• Ivar’s River Pub
• LAB C Food Kitchen

• North Street
• Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard
• Pie Society
• Rogelio’s Restaurant
• San Marcos BBQ
• Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
• Texas Bean & Brew House
• The Taproom
• Tumble 22
• Valentino’s Pizza

Cornhole Tournament Date, Location & Title Sponsor Announcement!

Bags will fly again soon! We're excited to announce the return of theChamber Cornhole tournament on Friday, March 13 - sponsored by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative!

This popular event brings together local businesses for an afternoon of friendly competition, networking, and sporty good times in the heart of San Marcos. Teams will compete in a lively tournament atmosphere featuring food, drinks, music, and opportunities to connect with fellow members.

Start thinking about who you want on your team... and sign up quickly! There are limited team openings. This is a 2026 event you won’t want to miss!

Final Call for early rate discount: InterCity Conference

The biannual InterCity Conference brings together leaders from across the I-35 Corridor to explore innovative economic development strategies, public-private partnerships, and successful community initiatives in one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. The early rate for registration ends on Feb. 1st.

Winning in 2026 with AI

Randy Bryan, CEO and Founder of tekRESCUE will explore how successful organizations are using AI as strategic leverage—not a trend—to drive smarter decisions, protect their businesses, and gain a competitive edge in 2026.

First Lockhart National Bank hosts this next big connection opportunity on Friday, Jan. 30

Kick off your morning with connections and conversation at Coffee & Commerce, happening Friday, January 30 at First Lockhart National Bank in San Marcos. Join fellow Chamber members for a relaxed networking hour featuring coffee, brief business introductions, and opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships. Each attendee gives a 30-second "commercial" from their business to the entire crowd.

First-Time Homebuyer Sip & Learn

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 5:30pm

Hosted by the San Marcos Young Professionals Network

Buying a first home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This session features a local expert who will walk through the homebuying process and answer all your questions.

Reserve a seat today!

Email SMYP@cudeengineers.com to RSVP and secure a seat

All members are invited to attend ribbon cuttings.

These are great to connect and build your local business network!

Moore Manor - New Member

Representative: Barrie Breed

Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 am

545 W Hopkins St, San Marcos

The 1856 Apartments - New Member

Representative: Kimberly Nicholson

Thursday, February 5 at 11:00 am

1703 IH-35 North, San Marcos

Diamond Level Investor

Platinum Level Partners:

What are the benefits of these top levels? Click to view what's included in the 2026 Membership Levels & Benefits.

Chamber Endorsed Partner | Xplor Pay

Xplor Pay is a trusted provider of merchant services and business payment solutions, offering customizable tools to help businesses streamline operations and manage payments more efficiently.

Contact local rep Jovan Marin to learn more or request a free, no obligation quote. See if you can save money and boost efficiency and sales.

 www.SanMarcosTexas.com