10-25-24

Board Members,

We kicked off this week with the launch party for TXLege News—Texas Chamber Business News (TCBN), a partnership with USLege. This new platform promises comprehensive, bipartisan coverage of the crucial developments impacting the Texas business community, including legislative actions, election updates, and industry trends. TCBN is built for business leaders, chamber members, policymakers, and engaged Texans who need the insights to navigate our state’s robust industry, legislative, and regulatory landscape.

This week, I was fortunate enough to be the first guest on the TXLege News podcast, Bills and Business, kicking off a special series called Ham(m)er Time. In the episode, we explored the evolving Texas-Mexico relationship following the historic inauguration of Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum. We discussed the opportunities this new leadership presents for Texas businesses, including workforce development and infrastructure, and how companies can prepare for a new era of nearshoring and collaboration with our southern neighbor. The full episode is available here.

Today, I had the opportunity to tour the Constellation Brands Brewery Plant in Nava, Coahuila, just seven miles from the U.S.-Mexico border near Eagle Pass. I was joined by David Zapata, Cesar Munoz with Constellation Brands, Maverick County Judge Ramsey Cantu, Edgar Guillaumin, VP of Public Affairs at Constellation Brands, James Taylor from the Office of Texas in Mexico, and Carlos Ealy from the Texas Secretary of State Office. The tour provided valuable insights into Constellation’s significant economic footprint in the region and across Texas, where they indirectly create over 34,000 jobs. It was an excellent opportunity to witness the cross-border collaboration that drives economic growth and to discuss how Constellation is committed to being an engaged and constructive partner in both Texas and the binational region. Thank you to Edgar Guillaumin and the Constellation Brands team for this informative briefing.

As part of this trip, we met with Jacobo Rodriguez, the Mayor-Elect of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, to discuss further collaboration efforts between Piedras Negras and Texas from both a government and private sector perspective. We look forward to collaborating with Mayor-Elect Rodriguez after he officially takes office in January 2025.

I had the privilege of participating as a speaker at this year’s TCCE Chair's Conference, where I shared insights on our accomplishments from the last session and provided an outlook for the upcoming 89th legislative session. It was a great opportunity to reflect on our progress and discuss the path forward for Texas. Thank you to Drew Scheberle for another excellent conference.

The TXBIZ PAC released its endorsements for pro-business candidates in the upcoming 2024 General Election this week. I want to thank TXBIZ PAC Chairman Brett Graham for his dedication and hard work in leading this important process. You can view the full list of endorsed candidates here.

As always, TAB remains committed to advocating for policies that foster economic growth and prosperity for all Texans. I look forward to continuing our work together and wish everyone a wonderful weekend ahead.

Thank you,

Glenn Hamer

QUICK HITS

• I participated in the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce 89th Legislative Luncheon as a panelist with Jordan Wat, Texas 2036, Craig Casselberry, Quorum Public Affairs, and Tammy Marcell, Republic Services. Thank you to CEO Jordan Robinson and VP of Investor Engagement, Brad Napp, for putting together a terrific event and for inviting TAB to participate. 
• Megan Mauro attended the TCCRI Luncheon on AI. It was great to hear from TAB members Amazon, Google, Workday, and TAHP who participated on the super panel with Senator Parker, Senator King, and Representative Orr. 
• Gabriela Perdichizzi attended the TCCRI Energy & Infrastructure Policy Summit, where discussions centered on critical topics such as carbon capture, geothermal energy opportunities, and other emerging energy technologies. Gabriela had the chance to hear from TAB members Exxon and Calpine, alongside discussions that emphasized Texas' commitment to an "all of the above (and below)" approach to energy production.

ERISA Action Alert – Your Support Requested

We are requesting your support in our efforts to preserve ERISA, which is crucial to maintaining flexibility and predictability for employers across the state. Please consider signing on to this LETTER which will be circulated at the Capitol next week. If you would like to be added to the letter, please email gabriela@txbiz.org. Thank you to those who have already signed on! 

Webinar Invite: Lone Star Economic Alliance

Join TAB for a webinar on Monday, November 18th at 10:00 am featuring the Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA), a vital coalition confronting unjust lawsuits and inflated settlements in Texas. Learn how litigation and rising insurance costs are forcing businesses to make tough decisions.

Register Here

Learn more about LSEA

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Google recently made history with the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power. This innovative project will bring 500 MW of 24/7 carbon-free power online in the coming years. They are also launching their largest global solar investment in Milam County, Texas. These efforts are part of their commitment to providing the infrastructure that powers Texas' hospitals, schools, businesses, and critical services through their data centers. Read more here.

ANNOUNCEMENT

TAB has office space becoming available!

You can find more information here.

Thank you and please feel free to contact me on my cell at 737-336-6590 if I can be of assistance. 

Glenn Hamer

President & CEO

Texas Association of Business