More than 100 business and community leaders raised a glass at the Chamber’s Bills and Beers Appreciation Reception last week to celebrate the tireless work of our state leaders during the 86th Legislative Session. The room was packed at Bob’s Steak and Chop House as members mixed and mingled with Senator Pete Flores (D-19), Senator Jose Menendez (D-26), Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-118), Rep. Steve Allison (D-121), Rep. Diego Bernal (D-123), and Rep. Ray Lopez (D-125).
The members of our Bexar County delegation were tremendous supporters of the Chamber’s State legislative priorities. They were successful in getting legislation passed to increase funding for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG), reauthorize Chapter 312, and most importantly provide our state with meaningful school finance reform.
During the event, the Chamber presented the Members' Choice Award to Senator Jose Menendez. This award is a fun, new tradition that gives Chamber members the opportunity to vote for the state leader they felt was the San Antonio business community’s biggest champion during the legislative session. While the results were extremely close, Senator Menendez got to take home the coveted Members' Choice Award cup. The Senator accepted his award by saying it is a team effort and thanking his team and colleagues.
We understand the integral role our state elected leaders play in ensuring San Antonio maintains a thriving business-friendly economy, so sharing an ice-cold beer to say thank you for their great work seemed most appropriate. A big thank you to all of our event sponsors: Bob’s Steak and Chop House; CPS Energy; Nustar Energy; Port San Antonio; Toyota Motor Manufacturing; Union Pacific Railroad; UT Health San Antonio; Valero Energy Corp; Vulcan Materials; and to BBK Balloons for their awesome balloon display.
