By Seth Hobbs, CEO, Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce
So, the first thing most folks think of when they hear “Chamber of Commerce” is that it’s part of the city. This isn’t the case. Although the Chamber of Commerce works closely with the city and county, the Chamber is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to support and promote the interests of local businesses and the overall economic development of the area.
The Chamber does this through six main functions:
Advocacy
The Chamber represents the interests of businesses to local, state, and national governments to help foster business-friendly policies. While our Chamber rarely lobbies at the national or state level directly, we are members of groups such as the Texas Association of Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which coordinate advocacy campaigns.
Locally, advocacy means staying updated on city and county projects and policies, and helping communicate them to businesses. The city and county often partner with us to spread the word and ensure businesses are informed about policy impacts.
Networking
The Chamber provides opportunities for business owners and professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow through events and meetings. Whether you’re a real estate agent, banker, or small business owner, Chamber events allow relationships to form that can lead to future clients and partnerships.
Business Support
We offer resources, training, and services to help businesses start, operate, and expand successfully. Through partnerships with the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center at Tarleton State University, we host workshops covering everything from tax basics to QuickBooks.
At our monthly Friday Forum luncheon, guest speakers share insights to help local businesses thrive. Opportunities for collaboration and growth are at the core of what we do every day.
Promotion and Marketing
The Chamber helps businesses gain visibility through directories, events, and promotional campaigns. Our website, mineralwellstx.com, includes a searchable directory of all member businesses.
We also highlight businesses through social media, event signage, word of mouth, and campaigns like Shop Local and Win, which generates millions in local spending each holiday season and boosts city sales tax revenue.
Economic Development
Tourism has long been a driving force for Mineral Wells, dating back to the “Crazy Water” era of the late 1800s. Today, the Chamber houses the Visitor Center and the office of the Tourism Director.
Through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) grants, advertising campaigns, and the Visit Mineral Wells website, we work to bring visitors who stay in local hotels and spend money in our community—supporting businesses and adding tax revenue.
Community Leadership
The Chamber plays a role in broader issues like education, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Each year, the Teacher Breakfast and Business Expo welcomes MWISD staff with giveaways and support from local businesses. The Chamber participates in regional and local job fairs, representing businesses seeking to fill positions. We also partner with organizations such as Palo Pinto General Hospital to identify community needs.
Whether hosting candidate debates or supporting teachers, the Chamber works daily to make Mineral Wells a great place to live and raise a family.
Essentially, the Chamber acts as a bridge between business and government, while fostering a supportive environment for commerce. I’m honored to be part of this mission and blessed to work every day to make my hometown the best town in Texas.
— Seth Hobbs
CEO, Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce
About the Author
Seth Hobbs has served as President/CEO of the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce for more than two years. Before that, he spent 22 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at schools across Texas, including nine years in Mineral Wells. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Business from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University–Commerce.
Seth and his wife, Joey, a principal in Weatherford ISD, recently celebrated their 24th anniversary. They have two daughters—Hudson, a freshman at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, and Hunter, a 5th grader at Travis Elementary. In his free time, Seth enjoys fly fishing, running, and playing music.