Waxahachie Chamber: ‘It takes everybody to make a town’
With 2025 underway, the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce isn’t missing a beat as every day represents another opportunity to help its members succeed.
The organization’s 2024 accomplishments can be found on its website, and in a recent visit to the chamber office, staff said they’re looking to add to those this year for the more than 560 members they serve.
Former Waxahachie Mayor Kevin Strength has been the chamber’s president and CEO since 2021 and noted how, every year, the chamber is working “to serve our customers.”
Under a mantra of “Connect. Partner. Grow,” that constituency has grown to encompass a full range: from large corporations to nonprofits to mom-and-pop/small businesses, mid-size and “big boxes.”
Visiting with Strength, one leaves with a bigger picture: It’s about how the threads from all of the above weave together to form the vibrant fabric that’s Waxahachie.
He’s quick to praise his team members, as well as organizations such as the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association and the recently formed Waxahachie Uptown Business League, among others, for working together on behalf of the community.
In particular, the chamber has thrived since moving into a space adjoining the Charles Beatty Municipal Services Building in downtown Waxahachie.
“Moving downtown has been good,” Strength said.
The chamber offers several membership tiers that include a plethora of events and programs in which to become involved. Anyone with questions is encouraged to visit the website and or stop by the chamber’s office.
“We care,” Strength said. “We want you to succeed (and) it takes everybody to make a town.”
His sentiments are seconded by team member Shanna Dunn, who serves as the chamber’s chief operating officer.
“It’s all about the support, from staff, members, and the community; you can’t beat it,” she said, noting how connections are there to be made. “If you want to get to know people and support each other, this is the best place to start.”
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.
