We kicked off last 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.
Last 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.
Last Friday, 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 last 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 week ahead.
Thank you,
Glenn Hamer