In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," we focus on the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in San Antonio. Guests Steve Alaniz and Luis Rodriguez applaud collaborative efforts in economic development and underscore the significance of a strategic focus. Alaniz and Rodriguez discuss the transformative impact COVID-19 had on chamber memberships and events, emphasizing the need for chambers of commerce to reinvent themselves and offer tangible value propositions through rapid adaptation.

The conversation transitions into an examination of local economic developments in San Antonio, including the redevelopment of Hemisfair Park and the anticipated new downtown baseball stadium. Rodriguez stresses the importance of including small minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses in such projects. The guests highlight the need for exposing more students to potential careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields through the Hispanic Chamber’s Core Four STEM Expo, an initiative aimed at engaging middle school students in STEM fields, celebrating its enduring success and role in maintaining the Chamber's five-star accreditation status.

The episode wraps up with insights into the Chamber’s upcoming leadership transitions, advocacy efforts for the 2025 Texas legislative session, and the continued importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth and community engagement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-alaniz-787a264a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-rodriguez-7452b58/

https://www.sahcc.org/

https://www.sahcc.org/10-12-sahcc-95th-annual-gala

https://www.sahcc.org/core4-stem

https://www.sahcc.org/hld-foundation

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