Chamber Programs & Events
Chamber Programs
Businesses complete an application, which is submitted to a committee. A weighted-matrix identifying what you are involved in, have you improved the look of your business and what impact you have had on the community, is used for selection. Read more here. The business selected receives a plaque and Business of the Month Banner at a ceremony. The business is allowed to place the banner on their storefront for the entire month. All monthly award winners then have a chance to win Small Business of the Year. This is announced at the Annual Banquet. To nominate a business for Business of the Month contact us here. To fill out the questionnaire for Business of the Month contact us here
The Bay Blazers Membership Team is made up of 15-20 members who attend ribbon cuttings, ground-breakings, meet monthly, bring in new members and host Business After Hours and Business Expo. They wear white shirts labeled with Bay Blazers across the back and the Chamber logo embroidered across the front. To become a Bay Blazer, contact us here.
Charmers - The Charm of the Texas Coast!
A volunteer greeter program of the Visitor Center. Mostly retired individuals who love to assist our visitors. Volunteers help answer phones, stuff goodie bags and assist the staff. They have a lot of fun at their monthly half-day tour, training, and luncheon.
Economic Development Corporation
The Economic Development Council (EDC) has now been formed into its own entity. The Chamber will be providing in-kind office space for the professional staff. More info
Governmental Affairs Council
This Council is the Chamber's Advocacy arm and has a very important role. It meets monthly to review items happening within our local, state, and nation's government that affect our community and more especially your business or organization. It is an advocacy group reviewing public policy. It makes a recommendation to the Board of the Chamber. The group develops a legislative agenda and uses that to work from when issues arise.
Hospitality Training Program
This is a program for small business owners, organizations, and attractions interested in having their staff become certified in hospitality and customer service. Sessions are held quarterly and cover all aspects of being customer friendly and assisting patrons. The class is offered to students who are interested in entering the hospitality industry. Contact us for the next session.
Leadership Aransas County Class - More Info
A leadership and community orientation program for business and organization leaders, formed in 1995. Providing a continuing source of business leaders by ensuring Leadership Aransas County participants receive the necessary community information/orientation and leadership skills. Click for brochure and application.
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Leadership Aransas County Alumni Association
A program for all graduates of the Leadership Aransas County Program. The group conducts social, Candidates Panels and Issues Forums, and special activities throughout the year. -
Leadership Aransas County Alumni Candidates Panel & Issues Forum
On Monday or Tuesday just prior to early voting, the LAC Alumni host a session to highlight those candidates running in the upcoming election. Election information is given. Issues and topics are presented. Watch your calendars. - Leadership Aransas County Alumni Candidates & Issues School A program offering skills training and knowledge in oral and written communication, public speaking, presence, the issues, and the process of running for office. Any person having an interest in the objectives of running for office or just learning the issues of the community. The school will be held in January every other year.
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Youth Leadership Aransas County (YLAC) - More Info
A leadership and community orientation program for middle school student leaders. It provides a connection to our schools by ensuring our youth receive the necessary community information/orientation and leadership skills. For a program brochure, for program application, or for more information. Like us on Facebook. Returning participant click here for the job description. YLAC mentor application.
Every first Tuesday of the month, a small business and organizations session is held to have lunch and learn an item of interest in the conference room at the Chamber. A sandwich lunch is provided. Contact us here.
New member orientation is held immediately following Network Wednesdays. Members are urged to contact our Membership Director here.
A business specialist representative will be available to assist your business. More info SCORE free counseling assistance, etc. More info
Annual Recurring Events
This event celebrates the success of the Chamber and its volunteer leadership and contributions. The following annual awards are given: Bay Blazer of the Year, Business Builder of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Non-Profit Organization of the Year. There is a featured speaker, silent auction, and raffle. The banquet is on June 30 at the Fulton Convention Center. Register for the 71st annual Changing of the Gavel Annual Banquet here. Online Auction here. Program here.
Nomination form for Citizen, Chamber Member, and NonProfit Chamber Member of the Year, as well as Hometown Heroes on the COVID Frontline, click here. Click here for a list of 2020 award winners
This event gives members an opportunity to travel to Austin and schedule sessions with Texas Senators and Representatives to discuss the Chamber’s legislative agenda. We also incorporate a student representative from each school into the event. The students are honorary pages for the House and Senate Chambers for the day. A committee puts this event together every other year.
Opportunity for business members and non-members to showcase their business in a fun setting at The Rockport Festival Grounds. This event is held the last Thursday in April. For more information on being a vendor or to serve on the Committee, call 361-729-6445.
Business Breakfasts
The Small Business Council “Business Builders” develop morning breakfasts filled with networking and great speakers with topics based on the needs of the members. They are held at various locations. Meeting people and learning is a high priority. To find out when the next Business Breakfast is contact us here.
Business After Hours
Held the last Thursday of every month. This mixer is where businesses and non-profit organizations enjoy networking, food, and fun. There is a casual speaker with a “Hot Topic” that pertains to something current and happening in the community. These events are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. As you walk up, there will be a chance for you to put your business card in a drawing for a chance to win prizes. They are held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. If your business is interested in hosting a Business After Hours contact membership@1rockport.org
Candidate Panels & Issues Forums
These events, coordinated by the Leadership Aransas County Alumni Program, allow members and the general public to meet and hear a fair and balanced forum of candidates running for political office as well as participate in impact issues of direct interest to our community. They are usually held in the evening prior to a particular election. Watch for dates and times. It is usually held on the first night of early voting in every local election.
Join your fellow Chamber members for the quarterly business luncheons. Each has an action-packed agenda of “hot topics” and happenings. Spotlights of the community are featured. Everything is focused on informing our businesses and organizations on current activities and events. Contact us here for dates and times.
September 17-20. This is an event created to increase the awareness of birding in the Rockport-Fulton area. The event is run by a committee of the Chamber. It involves coordinating a Hummer Home Tour Program, bus, boat, and field trips to birding sites, a full program to educate the public on birding, and an expo hall for local and out of town vendors. This year the event went all virtual. Next year's dates are; Sept. 16-19, 2021.
Lemonade Day - Our mission is to help today’s youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow...one lemonade stand at a time! More info.
Every Wednesday at 9 a.m. members and non-members convene at the Chamber. Each person is given 60 seconds to talk about their business, organization, or event. Bring your business cards and come share your news and information!
The second weekend in October. This event is a festival the Chamber took over in the year 2000. It is run by a committee of the Chamber and is held during an economically slow-period. It also provides an opportunity for many businesses and organizations to generate funds by being a vendor. (i.e. boat show, food booths, political party vendors, raffles, kayak demos, cooking demonstrations, bands, sponsorships, etc.)
Small Business Saturday® is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The Rockport-Fulton Chamber spearheads this effort in our area. Shops and businesses are invited and are encouraged to participate.
Spring Fling is an invitation-only media event held in the community in April of every year. The Rockport- Fulton Chamber hosts the event along with a committee of area volunteers! The purpose is to garner publicity from all media outlets from magazines and other print publications, radio, tv, and social media. Invitations are sent to outdoor and travel writers who are deemed compatible with relaying our PR message. These media are given an itinerary of our attractions and area hotspots to explore, along with accommodations and meals for two nights. The event has been successful for over 30 years.
An opportunity for members to travel to Washington, DC and schedule sessions with US Senators and Representatives as well as staff to discuss the Chamber’s legislative agenda.
Join in with other members of the community on a narrated bus tour of the progress and productivity of the Rockport-Fulton area in January of every year. Business Builders will be your hosts! It's fun and educational at the same time.
Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce along with the Chamber-based RV council and other members of the community hold an appreciation day for our winter visitors. These visitors come (from the most part), northern states, and Canada during the winter season to escape the cold weather and spend 30 days or more are considered “Winter Texan” residents. They provide a much-needed boost to our economy in an otherwise economic slow-time. In January of every year, we celebrate their dedication by having a day of food, entertainment, and fun activities. The event started at the Chamber but quickly outgrew our inside/outside facility and is now held at our county airport.