Bryan/College Station Chambers Annual Business Survey in 2025

News Summary

The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce is set to conduct its annual business survey on March 27, 2025. Volunteers are needed to visit local businesses to gather insights and show appreciation to local business owners. The results will be shared with Brazos County commissioners. A following ‘Business After Hours’ event at Allen Honda will provide networking opportunities. Additionally, developments in career and technical education and mental health support for students are also in the spotlight, highlighting community efforts for growth and support.

Exciting Times Ahead for Bryan/College Station!

Bryan/College Station is buzzing with activity as the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce gears up for its annual business survey. This year’s survey is set to unfold on March 27, 2025, and volunteers are being called upon to lend a hand! Teams of three or four will be visiting local businesses, making this not just a survey, but a chance to connect and thank local business owners for their hard work. The insights garnered from these friendly chats will be shared with the Brazos County commissioners, ensuring that local voices are heard. Interested volunteers can choose morning, afternoon, or even all-day shifts to join in on this community-driven effort.

After the survey wraps up, there’s a special treat waiting! A “Business After Hours” gathering will take place at Allen Honda, providing an opportunity for networking and relaxation among volunteers and business owners alike. It’s sure to be a delightful evening full of lively conversations and community spirit!

New Developments in Career and Technical Education

Meanwhile, the education sector is also making strides. The College Station ISD school board has recently awarded a contract for the second phase of the district’s career and technical education (CTE) center. With an approved maximum price of $2.3 million for a pre-engineered metal building, this initiative is expected to house programs in a variety of fields such as ag mechanics, auto tech, construction, cosmetology, and welding. Additionally, the center will feature a multipurpose arena and office space to accommodate students looking to sharpen their skills.

Construction is anticipated to kick off this summer, with a projected timeframe of 12 to 15 months to complete the build. This exciting development stems from a bond package approved by CSISD voters back in November 2023, indicating a strong community support for educational advancement.

Addressing Mental Health in Schools

In a big move towards enhancing mental health resources, Bryan ISD has reached an agreement with the Texas A&M Health Science Center to assist students facing high-risk mental health challenges. Identified by teachers or counselors, these students will receive online support from Health Science Center staff and doctoral students, provided that parental consent is granted. This five-year agreement aims at assessment and stabilization while offering a range of mental health interventions for students in need.

From Local Crime to Legislative Actions

Marcus McKever is headed to prison for the third time due to evading arrest, accumulating a staggering 31 criminal cases in the Brazos County district court. He has received an eight-year sentence following a plea deal after an arrest in May 2023, which underscores the ongoing challenges within the community.

In legislative news, the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce has presented its legislative action plan to lawmakers in Austin. This comprehensive plan takes into account key community concerns such as healthcare, taxes, transportation, and economic development. Many local business owners expressed appreciation for the Chamber’s role in supporting business growth. Notably, the Chamber is advocating for an increase in the state’s contribution per student for education, citing no change since 2019, while pushing back against plans to redirect funds from public schools to private entities without accountability.

Local Business Optimism Shines

First Friday event of 2025 was a real hit in Downtown Bryan, and it brought forth a wave of positive vibes among local business owners. Many are optimistic about growth in the upcoming year, even after facing hurdles in 2024. A recently approved development plan in College Station has businesses feeling hopeful about the influx of customers, although some share concerns about potential new competition. The development spans 13 acres intended for retail and restaurant use in South College Station, suggesting exciting new opportunities might be on the horizon!

With so much action taking place, it’s a thrilling time to be a part of the Bryan/College Station community. Whether it’s volunteering, advancing education, boosting mental health support, or nurturing local businesses, there’s clearly a collective effort to create a brighter future for everyone!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Bryan Man Sentenced to Eight Years After Disturbance Incident
Texas A&M Launches Employee Engagement Survey
Your Voice in Bryan’s Community Development Plan
Texas A&M Faculty Senate Evaluates Key Challenges and Initiatives
Bryan, Texas Launches New Housing Initiative
City of Bryan Seeks Community Feedback for FM 1179 Project
Texas Manufacturing Gains Momentum in January 2024
Brazos County Appoints New Emergency Management Coordinator
College Station Plans Development for Northgate Area
New Housing Action Plan Approved in College Station

Additional Resources

• KBTX: Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Speaking Up for Small Businesses in Austin
• Wikipedia: Bryan, Texas
• KBTX: Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Goes to Austin to Advocate for Local Businesses
• Google Search: College Station ISD career and technical education
• KBTX: Local Business Owners Feeling Optimistic for 2025 After Reporting a Slower 2024
• Google Scholar: Mental health in schools
• KBTX: Development Plans for 13 Acres Near Costco Leaves Business Owners with Split Opinions
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bryan-College Station economic development
• KBTX: Family-Owned Business in College Station Speaks Out After Attempted Break-In
• Google News: Bryan man arrest Marcus McKever