CEO Message: Celebrate the good things in 2020

Congratulations! You made it.

If you are reading this note, it means you have arrived at the end of 2020, also known as “the year unlike any other”! As of today, December 21, there are a mere ten days remaining in 2020. In a normal year, this is the season to look back on past achievements and look forward to the coming year with hope and optimism.

This year it feels a bit like a pause on a long climb. Like taking a moment to catch our breath, before returning to the trail to hike towards the next summit. Of course, we are not climbing mountains but trying to return to a time when we could gather with groups, families, friends, and events and still feel safe. It’s been a difficult year for all of us.

However, it’s important to also remember that we’ve brought each other this far, and if we keep moving forward together we can complete the journey. That is what makes this year’s 2020 Annual Business Awards even more important than a typical year – and I want to personally invite you to join us.

Round Rock has benefitted greatly from leaders with grit and vision. They are civic and business leaders that found success through collaboration and perseverance. The 2020 Annual Business Awards will focus on them. The business and community leaders that continued to help all in Round Rock make it through a trying time, and yet still build for a brighter future.

Like so much in this past year, for safety, our program has to be different, and it will be virtual event. But – and this is important – it is free for you to attend. If you love Round Rock – if you believe that growing our economy is a pathway to a brighter future for all of us – I hope you will join us.

All you have to do is register here. Then join us on Tuesday, January 26. The program begins at 5:00 p.m. and will be about an hour and a half.

It’s been a difficult year, but not one without achievements. The Chamber worked with seven businesses to create more than 1,100 new jobs. Kalahari has opened and The District will soon begin construction. Major transportation improvements are underway and we have a full pipeline of new business prospects that we are working with already.

Moving forward to build our future as a community is always challenging. In 2020 it has felt, at times, an insurmountable challenge. The thing I love most about Round Rock is that, in the trying times of 2020, we never stopped moving forward as a team. That is an achievement worth celebrating.

Please join us on January 26 for the 2020 Annual Business Awards. We’ve arrived at the end of 2020. Let’s mark the occasion.

#TomorrowTogether

Jason