2014 is off to a busy start

What an amazing start to 2014!  We had our 41^st Annual “Denim & Diamonds” Awards Banquet presented by CHASCO Constructors on January 30^th, and it was a fantastic event.  The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce had a sold out audience at Reunion Ranch and we were able to recognize our accomplishments over the last year.  It was truly a fun night.

We also recognized some of our local businesses and business leaders.  Our Large Business of the Year nominees were the City of Cedar Park, Fallbrook Technologies and Recruit Veterans with the City of Cedar Park winning.  Our Small Business of the Year nominees were Austin Area Computers, The Mary Dale Law Firm and X-Treme Tan with The Mary Dale Law Firm winning.  For our Non-Profit of the Year the nominees were the Austin Dog Alliance, Samaritan Health Ministries and United Way of Williamson County with United Way of Williamson County winning.

The Chamber also recognized several individuals.  The 2013 Young Entrepreneur of the Year was Paul Deere, President and Founder of TOLTEQ.  The Chamber’s 2013 Citizen of the Year was Doug James with Hill Country Bible Church.  Finally, the 2013 Ambassador of the Year was MacLean Dove with Climate Solutions.  All of these award-winners deserve much more recognition for what they do for our community.

The Cedar Park Chamber has been busy advocating for your business rights as well.  I recently went to a hearing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) along with several other community officials to urge them to approve the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) request to maintain water in the Highland Lakes.  This is our sole source of water in Cedar Park and we must protect it.

If any interruption to our municipal water supply were to occur, it will have a negative impact on our local economy.  According to recent reports we are the 5^th Most Desirable Suburb in the Country, the 4^th Fastest Growing City in the Country and one of the Top 10 Town for Families.  Both businesses and families are moving to Cedar Park and we need to make sure we protect the resources that will allow us to continue to grow!

The TCEQ sent this item to the Office of Administrative Hearing and asked for a recommendation from them.  This hearing is to take place on Monday, February 17^th.  The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce will continue to fight for your water rights and protect your business!

Tony Moline

President, CEO