On Tuesday, February 28, more than 100 business and community leaders traveled to Austin to participate in our biennial legislative day at the Capitol to advocate for the needs of the San Antonio region. ¡VIVA San Antonio! is hosted through a partnership with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Mobility Coalition, and the South Texas Business Partnership.
Under the direction of this year's ¡VIVA San Antonio! Chair Taylor Dawson, Senior Vice President, Pape-Dawson Engineers, ¡VIVA San Antonio! was a full-day event, kicking off with a keynote panel focused on economic development featuring Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism with Governor Abbott’s office, and Representative Hugh Shine (R-55). The panel was moderated by the Chamber’s Economic Development Council Chair Kevin Matula, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy with Zachry Group.
Following brunch, attendees participated in issue team meetings with state legislators and agency leaders to discuss issues that are important to our community. The group reconvened for a lunch, sponsored by AT&T, and focused on broadband.
The afternoon included more issue team meetings and plenary sessions. The theme for the first plenary session was The Outlook of the State Budget, with Comptroller Glenn Hegar and Representative Trey Martinez Fischer (D-116) and moderated by the Chamber’s Interim President and CEO Dave Petersen. The focus of second session was on Education and Workforce, featuring Dr. Harrison Keller, Commissioner of Higher Education and CEO for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Chairman Bryan Daniel, Chairman and Commissioner Representing the Pubic for the Texas Workforce Commission. The panel was moderated by the Chamber’s Education and Workforce Council Chair Marilu Reyna, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Branding and Communications with FirstDay Foundation.
After a successful day of advocacy, the event concluded with a reception, with legislators, staff, and Chamber leadership.