The Round Rock Chamber of Commerce began 2026 with a State of the Chamber Power Lunch attended by over 230 Central Texas business leaders, featuring a live recording of the Rock Solid Round Rock podcast to provide a transparent look at the organization's direction. Hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, co-owner of A Place At Home – North Austin, the format created an authentic conversation about the Chamber's role in shaping the city's future, moving beyond traditional presentations to engage directly with the community it serves.
Outgoing Board Chair Selicia Sanchez-Adame reflected on 2025 successes including the Chamber's 75th anniversary and progress toward reaching 1,000 members, emphasizing the continued importance of relationship-building through programs like the Ambassador network. Chamber leadership then outlined forward-looking priorities centered on economic development, workforce readiness, and education through collaborative partnerships. Key initiatives include a unique partnership between the City of Round Rock and the Chamber, a five-year strategic plan focused on economic development and innovation, and continued support for entrepreneurship through programs like the gBeta accelerator with a forthcoming pre-accelerator program previewed at the event.
President & CEO Jordan Robinson addressed state-level advocacy during the 89th Legislative Session, sharing insights from testifying at the Texas Capitol on issues including sales tax policy and maintaining relationships with state and federal officials. The Chamber's Post-Legislative event brought high-caliber speakers to help local businesses understand the broader policy landscape, demonstrating the organization's commitment to representing member interests beyond local concerns. Education advancement formed another critical component, with discussions highlighting awareness of local assets from four-year degree pathways at ACC to expanded opportunities at Texas State University beyond healthcare fields.
A significant announcement revealed the launch of the Round Rock Chamber Foundation and the success of its Founders Wall Campaign, which raised $400,000 to support business-to-business initiatives without competing with existing nonprofits. Early focus areas include leadership development programs, the Young Professionals initiative, and established programs like Leadership Round Rock and Ascend. The Chamber also shared updates on returning to the historic Griffith Building in downtown Round Rock, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the city's core development and preservation.
Incoming Board Chair Deana Cavanaugh outlined priorities centered on member retention, deeper engagement, and continued investment in the Chamber Foundation, building on recent momentum while ensuring the organization remains responsive and inclusive. The live podcast format, as noted by Eisenberg, reflected the Chamber's commitment to transparency and connection, creating a shared experience that blended reflection, accountability, and vision for attendees. This approach matters because it demonstrates how business organizations can evolve beyond traditional reporting methods to foster genuine community dialogue about economic development, particularly as cities like Round Rock position themselves for sustainable growth through intentional investments in talent, innovation, and collaborative partnerships that extend from local entrepreneurship to state policy advocacy.
