The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce celebrated our largest delegation ever for SA to DC with 210 participants during our advocacy trip.
During our three-day trip, our attendees participated in nearly 100 meetings with 28 Texas Members of Congress and 7 Committee Chairs to help ensure San Antonio remains the best place to live, work and play in Texas.
Participants advocated for policies and funding to advance San Antonio’s strategic priorities in cybersecurity, education, healthcare, manufacturing, military affairs, transportation, water, workforce development and more, meeting face-to-face with members of Congress, Administration officials, and leaders at the Pentagon.
As an example, one of the positive results of past SA to DC trips was securing approval for a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. The inaugural American Airlines direct flight which kicked off SA to DC 2025, leaving on the morning of March 3, 2025, from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) with non-stop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Additionally, during the annual Texas Round-Up, a Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce SA to DC annual event celebrating Texas' culture and heritage, The Lonestar Statesman Award was presented and awarded to Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
This prestigious award recognizes a distinguished public servant who – like the heroes of the Alamo – leads with an adventurous and courageous heart, pursues opportunity for the betterment of community, state, and nation, and fearlessly defends the cherished values of our great nation. Sharp has devoted over 30 years to exceptional public service in Texas, with a remarkable track record of leadership and impact.
The evening was attended by many members of the Texas Congressional delegation and hundreds of business and community leaders, and featured a performance by honky tonk legend Mark Chesnutt.
SA to DC additionally is one of the largest and most effective fly-in trips of its kind as it gives local leaders the opportunity to advocate for policies and funding in support of the region's economic prosperity. We would like to thank our Tri-Chairs, Eddie Aldrete, CEO & Founder of Aldrete Strategic Partners and host of Beyond the Bite podcast, Marilu Reyna, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Communications at First Day Foundation and Bianca Rhodes, CEO of Knight Aerospace on making this a successful trip.