Dear Chamber Members,
In January, we talked about resolutions — what it really means for your Chamber to be healthy and strong. Now, looking back over the spring, I keep coming back to a simpler truth: those resolutions only matter when people show up and choose to make a difference. Tangible impact happens in the room, around the table, and at the ballot box — and this spring, Tyler showed up in a big way.
Leaders Who Show Up
Our State of the County luncheon in April brought Smith County Judge Neal Franklin to the podium, where he shared a year of genuine momentum — from the new Facility Services Headquarters to the Animal Shelter project nearing completion, to the new courthouse on track for a December finish. Judge Franklin was quick to deflect credit to his team, but the truth is, that kind of humility is exactly the leadership Smith County needs as it keeps growing.
In May, we gathered for a different kind of moment: Mayor Don Warren's final State of the City address. After six years in office, Mayor Warren reflected on a tenure defined by infrastructure, public safety, and a city that, in his words, people stay in not because of tax rates, but because of how it feels. When he closed by telling the room that his time as mayor was ending but Tyler's story was just getting started, the room rose to its feet. It was a fitting send-off for a leader who has shaped this city for over a decade, and a reminder that strong communities are handed forward, not just held onto.
And the story continues: on June 13, Tyler elected Stuart Hene, a current city councilmember and Tyler native, as its next mayor. We congratulate Mayor Hene and look forward to partnering with him as he carries Tyler's momentum into its next chapter.
New Ground
This fall, we're breaking new ground — literally and organizationally. On September 30, we'll host our inaugural State of Agriculture, honoring an industry that has always been and remains essential to Smith County's economy and identity. It represents a long-held East Texas value: what we reap in blessing, we must first sow in faith.
We also recently launched our Chamber Business Collective (CBC) Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to connect members directly with one another for peer learning, collaboration, and personal growth. Early feedback has been energizing — thanks especially to facilitators Barbara Bass, Shannon Dacus, Charles Hill, and Tim Winebarger.
And to make sure your Chamber's leadership bench stays deep, we've formalized two new groups this quarter: a Past Chairs Council, ensuring the experience and institutional memory of those who've led this Board so capably is honored and effectuated, and a Chair Advisory Council, consisting of the Immediate Past Chair, current Chair, Chair Elect, and a newly created position - Chair Nominee.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that serving alongside Jeff Johnston, your 2026-2027 Board Chair will be Chair Elect - Tom Trimble, and Chair Nominee - Anthony Brooks.
What's Ahead
Mark your calendars — there's a full slate of ways to show up this fall:
Golf Tournament — September 14 (two complete flights sold out - first time ever!) Senior Expo — September 22 (sponsorship and booth opportunities going quickly) State of Agriculture (inaugural) — September 30 (contact Grant for more information) Annual Meeting — October 6 (is coming way too fast!)
Each of these is a chance to live out what we resolved back in January. None of it happens on its own — it happens because members like you show up, invest, and lead.
Thank you for everything you've poured into Tyler this year. Here's to a summer full of momentum, energy, and impact.
With gratitude and optimism,
Tom Perkins | 2026 Board Chair
