Chamber in Action: Community Milestones, Women's Empowerment and Crisis Preparation

Gina Spagnola, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

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And, just like that – it’s September. This past month, our region has celebrated milestones that highlight our community’s growth and vibrancy. These include the groundbreaking for the Galveston Wharves' $90 million West Port Cargo Complex expansion and the $151 million Pier 16 Cruise Complex; the dedication of Galveston College’s new Health Science Education Center; and the launch of Texas A&M University at Galveston’s new College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies.

These developments underscore Galveston’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for residents, students, and businesses. The Port’s expansion solidifies Galveston’s role in the cruise and shipping industries, while new educational facilities equip students with skills to meet workforce demands, particularly in our region’s key industries.

It’s an honor to represent the Chamber at these events as we continue to advocate for the prosperity of our community and businesses.

17th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference

We’re counting down to our 17th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference on Friday, Sept. 13, at Moody Gardens Convention Center. What started as a small luncheon has grown into a gathering of 1,200 women, uniting for a day of inspiration, networking, and shopping.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed actress and New York Times Best-Selling Author Jennifer Grey as our keynote speaker, known for her iconic role in Dirty Dancing. Interestingly, there’s a Galveston connection to Mountain Lake, where Dirty Dancing was filmed—it’s owned by the Moody family.

We’re also excited to host honorary keynote speakers, two-time America’s Got Talent finalist Kechi Okwuchi and Scout & Cellar Founder & CEO Sarah Shadonix. Additionally, our EmpowHER Speaker Panel will feature inspiring women from various industries, including a CEO, a Flight Surgeon, a Game Warden and TV personality.

This year, we’ll honor eight Ann McLeod Moody Women of the Year and Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year, Macy Middleton. We’ve added a new VIP Preview of the Vendor Market on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 pm, with over 150 vendors offering a unique shopping experience. The Market is open 7 am to 5 pm on Friday.

Sponsor tables and individual tickets are still available—don’t miss this empowering event.

Galveston Business Crisis Communications Roundtable

We’ve established the Galveston Crisis Communications Roundtable whose mission is “to bring together key stakeholders to create a plan for unified, aligned messaging to support Galveston’s resilience and rapid recovery before, during, and after a Citywide crisis or natural disaster.” This group includes representatives from the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Galveston Hotel and Lodging Association, the Galveston Restaurant Association, the Galveston Park Board, and the City of Galveston.

Drawing on my experience in helping Galveston and other cities recover from crises, I understand the importance of preparation and collaboration. Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities like ours. Through this Roundtable, we’ll continue to help business owners prepare for potential crises and recover quickly, ensuring effective public communication throughout the process.

The Role of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is more than a business network—it’s a community committed to shared success. We invite you to take an active role by attending our events, becoming a member, and supporting local businesses. Together, we can shape a bright future for our region.

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