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Chamber leaders welcome local business growth

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Written by Kathy Lesko Wednesday, 07 December 2005

Photo of Patricia Gervan-Brown, President, CEO, Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce The Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce was created in 1985 after a group of business visionaries filed articles of incorporation.

“There were 36 charter members,” Patricia Gervan-Brown, Pflugerville Chamber president said. “Twenty years later, I am proud to say we have 300.”

All of the charter members were recently recognized during the Chamber’s 20th anniversary gala, which was held at Pfluger Hall.

Nearly 200 people attended the event, and enjoyed a presentation of a timeline chronicling the 20 years of progress of the Chamber. “It was wonderful way to reflect on the Chamber as a whole that evening,” Gervan-Brown said, “and celebrate the many accomplishments that involved the Chamber.”

Q What is the importance of having the Chamber of Commerce?

A The most important thing we do is work to support its members. The Chamber tries hard to keep the economy dollars local. Since joining the Chamber more than 10 years ago, I have witnessed dramatic demographic changes in Pflugerville in both the residential population as well as membership within the Chamber itself. It is a very dynamic community with great growth potential.

Q Where are some of the greatest opportunities for economic growth

in Pflugerville?

A The Pflugerville Chamber’s service area follows the same footprint as the school district boundaries, so we actually serve areas of Austin and Round Rock, as well as Pflugerville. There are a lot of opportunities for expansion and growth on Pecan Street and downtown in addition to the residual growth from the roadway corridor construction.

Q What events or initiatives does the Chamber
have planned for the coming year?

A We will continue to provide high-quality programs for our membership and support the business community as a whole. But the Chamber is much more than that. A timeline we displayed at our recent twentieth-anniversary gala illustrated how the Chamber works with the community to implement successful programs.

Q What do you do as Chamber President?

A I serve as part of a two-person paid staff at the Chamber.
I was hired by and report to a 15-member Board of Directors, which changes a portion of its membership annually. We depend highly on volunteer support, so I am always trying to encourage that to help our various efforts.

Q What is your greatest achievement?

A Personally, it’s raising my family; that’s an ongoing project. Professionally, I am so proud of the work we have done at the Chamber. When we first started, there wasn’t as much involvement as there is today. Leadership within the Chamber and contributions to the community continue to grow. That was so evident when we were putting together our recent gala. The event not only served as a major fundraiser, but gave so many people who have worked with and for the Chamber the
opportunity to reconnect.

Patricia Gervan-Brown, President, CEO, Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce

Education B.A. in English/Communications and Business from SUNY - Potsdam, NY
Family Married, middle school-aged son and daughter
Favorite Vacation Destination In the summer, it’s got to be Boulder, Colorado, lthough Cape Cod comes in a close second!
Contact Information 251-7799 or gpcc@sbcglobal.net

Photo of Charlie Dromgoole, President, Round Rock Chamger of Commerce Mr. and Mrs. Louis Henna Sr. of Round Rock donated 112 acres of land and five newly constructed buildings to the Baptist General Convention of Texas for the purpose of establishing the Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

On Sept. 5, 1950, the day of the grand opening, an invitation was issued by town administrators asking all businesses in the area to close so that everyone could attend the celebration.

“That single gesture was the informal beginnings of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce,” explains Charlie Dromgoole, Chamber president. “The Chamber received its official charter in the mid-70’s, and has been meeting the needs of the Round Rock business community ever since.”

Q Why is it important to have the Chamber of Commerce?

A By taking the resources of the Chamber membership and utilizing those talents to help accomplish objectives as a group, you are creating an action organization. It is a way for an individual member to become involved not only to build his or her particular business, but to develop business within Round Rock as well. This two-pronged approach is definitely a win-win situation.

Q What economic growth opportunities exist for Round Rock?

A The greatest economic development opportunities lie in the completion of the roadway projects. This is going to make a huge impact in accessibility to Round Rock. When the Avery family donated the land for the Round Rock Higher Education Center, they set the tone for growth. We are an area ready to explode; the Simon (outlet mall) properties, IKEA, Scott & White and Seton Health System are all contributing to a community master plan.

Q What major initiatives are planned for 2006?

A We are currently completing a study with the city on development review processes and making it more business-friendly. Our economic development program includes a proactive approach, going after businesses that will produce jobs for our community. We are also trying to enter the second phase of the higher education center and continue to address the issues of our community, including maintaining school facilities. Round Rock has a limited amount of land left and we have to continue to bring amenities that will benefit the community.

Q What responsibilities do you have as President of the Round Rock Chamber?

A I was hired a little over three years ago by a 27-member Board of Directors, to whom I report. I am fortunate to have a staff of 10 in the Chamber office, including individuals to assist with economic development/research, business retention and special projects.

Q What is your greatest accomplishment?

A My wife and I had our greatest accomplishment by raising three wonderful daughters. Accomplishments in this business are really a team effort. You have to be cognizant of that and take all the talents you have at your disposal and mold that into a results-oriented
program.