It’s hard to imagine what it was like in the late 1800's to sit in the audience at the inaugural annual meeting of the Austin Chamber, then known as the Austin Board of Trade. No colorful PowerPoint presentations, touching videos or real-time social media posts. Throughout the years, getting to the meeting was typically easy. In 1914, for example, there were only about 1700 automobiles in Austin, though it’s not clear if finding a place to park was just as much of a challenge. The issues of the day have clearly changed, yet the Chamber’s role in shaping Austin and the region has been consistent.

In his message for 2016, recently appointed Chamber Chair Tony Budet summed it up this way.

“Central Texas desperately needs its talented business community at the table in order to develop socially responsible and affordable solutions that will be conducive to maintaining a strong economy,” said Budet. “That requires the ‘Voice of Business’ be heard clearly and forcefully on all significant issues. I hope you will join me in projecting a stronger, more influential voice FOR business and FOR the opportunities a vibrant economy can offer all.”

About 900 local business and community leaders attended the 138th Annual Meeting, as well as elected and appointed officials, including congressional representatives, from the city, region and state. The meeting provided the Chamber with the opportunity to recognize its volunteers of the year. In addition to thanking the executive committee, board and staff for their support, Gene Austin, 2015 Chair, honored 11 local business leaders who provided exceptional community service in 2015.

Austin also inducted Alan Graham as the latest Austinite of the Year, the Chamber’s highest honor. In his remarks, he pointed out three virtues that uniquely qualify the head of Mobile, Loaves & Fishes for the honor: giving back, entrepreneurship and inspiration.

Directed by Patrick Bresnan and Ivete Lucas.

“The chronically homeless are his passion, but his hand is extended for anyone in need. Alan also embodies the startup mentality that we love in Austin. He has a vision, rallies support, will not quit, and drives himself and those around him to results,” said Austin. “I have watched him raise money, deliver a spiritual message, and give a passionate speech about his brothers and sisters on the street. Each and every time, Alan Graham inspires me to do more in my life, and should you know him, no doubt, you will say the same.”

The Chamber board presented Mobile Loaves & Fishes with a $10,000 donation in honor of Graham’s efforts to end homelessness in Austin. This includes the unique Community First! Village, a 27-acre master planned community that is designed to provide affordable, sustainable housing for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas.

See more photos of the event on our Flickr page here.