This week the Austin Chamber is launching a new employee spotlight series! The first employee being highlighted is Diego Cura, one of our Membership Sales Representatives. Below, Diego provides an exclusive tell-all about his role at the chamber. He describes his pivotal part in creating connections between members and implementing creative solutions for the unique challenges faced by local businesses in Austin.

Diego’s role as a Membership Sales Representative and a Day in the Life

As a Membership Sales Representative, Diego is responsible for bringing new members into the Chamber, an effort he describes as the “lifeblood” of the chamber. His day typically begins with checking emails and voicemails, replying to inquiries, and moving prospective members closer to onboarding. He also spends much of his time meeting with business owners to uncover their needs and guide them toward solutions.

"Meetings are a big part of my day," Diego explains. "I focus on connecting with business owners, learning about their pain points, and plugging them into the resources we offer to address those issues."

By building relationships with potential members and actively seeking to solve their problems, Diego ensures that each interaction creates value not only for the businesses he works with but for the Chamber as a whole.

Diego’s Background and Reason for Working at the Chamber

Diego’s journey to the Chamber began with an internship at the San Antonio Chamber during college, where he discovered the role chambers play in their communities. During his internship he realized being a part of the chamber offers an opportunity to meet new people, build connections, and support local businesses.

"I didn’t have much direct sales experience when I started," he admits. "But I’ve always considered myself a people person. What drew me to this position was the chance to meet so many different kinds of people, learn about industries I didn’t even know existed and make a tangible difference in their lives."

Diego’s Main Goals in His Position

Diego’s work isn’t just about meeting sales goals, it’s about ensuring the Chamber has the resources to fulfill its broader mission of supporting Austin’s business community.

"Membership sales provide the revenue we need to operate," he says. "I think of it as the Chamber’s lifeline—if we don’t bring in new members, we can’t fund the initiatives that help businesses grow."

Diego’s Proudest Moments at the Chamber

When asked about his proudest accomplishments, Diego brought up a couple different areas. He takes particular pride in onboarding businesses that were previously hesitant to join, breaking through barriers to show them the value of Chamber membership.

"It’s rewarding to connect with businesses that others weren’t able to bring on," he says. "Being able to change the cycle and get them engaged feels like a win—not just for me, but for the Chamber as a whole."

Diego also shares a personalized story that exhibits a real life example of the positive impact Chamber resources make on business in Austin.

"One member I worked with was a candle maker who started out selling at farmers’ markets and to friends," he recalls. "After leveraging the Chamber’s benefits, she’s now selling in multiple stores across the city. Knowing I helped connect her with resources that enabled her to grow her business is what makes this job so fulfilling."

Surprising Aspects About Diego’s Role

For those outside the Chamber, the scale and complexity of Diego’s role might come as a surprise. Managing relationships with over 100 businesses at any given time requires a balance of organization, memory, and empathy.

"People might not realize how many conversations we’re juggling," Diego explains. "It’s not just about remembering names and faces; it’s about understanding each business’s unique challenges and goals, and figuring out how we can help them move forward."

Challenges and Opportunities in Austin’s Business Community

Through his conversations with business owners, Diego has gained insight into some of the biggest challenges facing Austin today. He focuses on issues like navigating the city’s complex building codes and permits, as well as broader concerns around mental health and homelessness.

"Many downtown businesses are impacted by the affordability crisis and the growing homeless population," he notes. "I’ve heard stories of break-ins and other challenges that stem from untreated mental health issues. These are tough problems, but addressing them is critical for our community."