Fourteen area chambers of commerce have come together to form a regional organization “to promote shared economic interests, coordinate regional initiatives, strengthen business climates and advocate for policies that benefit Southeast Texas,” according to a news release.
The newly formed Southeast Texas Regional Chambers Association, or SETRCA, held its first meeting last month at the Schooner Restaurant in Nederland and named Joe Tant, president and CEO of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the organization.
SETRCA was reportedly started through the Port Arthur chamber’s partnership with other chambers for a Veterans and First Responders Luncheon supporting the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce after flooding during the July 4 weekend.
SETRCA’s coalition includes chambers from across the region, including the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, Lumberton Chamber of Commerce, Silsbee Chamber of Commerce, Kountze Chamber of Commerce, Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, Groves Chamber of Commerce, Nederland Chamber of Commerce, Port Neches Chamber of Commerce, Vidor Chamber of Commerce, Winnie Area Chamber of Commerce, Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Tant said that, as chairman, he will lead the regional alliance in advancing collaborative strategies focused on economic development, workforce alignment, infrastructure advocacy and legislative engagement. His leadership will emphasize unity across municipal boundaries and reinforce Southeast Texas as a competitive and coordinated economic region, he added.
“Southeast Texas is strongest when we work together,” Tant said. “Our communities may be distinct, but our economic future is shared. Through regional cooperation, we can amplify our voice in Austin and Washington, align workforce strategies, attract investment and ensure that our business climate remains competitive for generations to come.”
Sandra Womack, executive director of the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce, called the effort a “win-win” situation.
“The chambers in this group are smaller,” Womack said. “Thanks to Joe Tant with the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, which has industries that we don’t, we can learn about new job opportunities from expansion and new construction projects. We have the opportunity to share knowledge and help our respective members. Working with Lamar University, we can provide training to our members for their employees.”
Amy Miller, executive director of the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce, said she is excited to be part of SETRCA.
“We anticipate that partnering will strengthen our chamber’s capacity, influence and credibility,” Miller said. “This gives our members more opportunities, more support and more value without raising their dues. With a regional chamber behind us, our members will be further represented on issues that matter most — workforce, taxes, infrastructure and economic development.”
Under Tant’s leadership, he said, SETRCA will prioritize:
• Coordinated legislative advocacy
• Regional economic development partnerships
• Workforce and education collaboration
• Infrastructure and transportation alignment
• Strategic communication among member chambers
SETRCAis set to serve as a unified platform for its member chambers, ensuring that businesses across the region benefit from coordinated leadership and strategic alignment, according to Tant.
For more information about SETRCA, contact Tant at acct@portarthurtexas.com or call (409) 963-1107.
— Dannie Oliveaux | dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.com
