Spotlight On: Chester Jenke, President, Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce
July 2023 — In an interview with Invest:, Chester Jenke, president of Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, talked about the necessity of implementing policies to expand small business’ capacity for healthcare offerings to attract and retain employees, the benefits of nurturing a diverse and equal business community and how the economy has proven resilient.
How is the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce navigating current economic challenges?
I believe we have successfully embraced the changes that have occurred. Our manufacturers have made adjustments in their supply chain, reducing dependence on import timelines by storing three to four weeks of the material needed for their operations, instead of having a just-in-time operational model where a product comes into the plant within two or three days and is then turned into another material, or it goes straight into the manufacturing operation. By storing three to four weeks of material inside of their operations, they never lose time waiting on this or that. This ensures uninterrupted production and minimizes downtime.
Surprisingly, we haven’t received much feedback regarding interest rates. Despite initial concerns, the economy has proven resilient, with consumers willing to pay slightly higher interest rates, demonstrating their confidence. For instance, even as rates reached 6%, the automotive industry continued to thrive. This resilience speaks volumes about the strength of our economy, as individuals are willing to make sacrifices to obtain the vehicles they desire. Overall, these developments highlight our ability to adapt and thrive in the current economic landscape.
What are some of those business sectors that you would like to see expand or grow within Seguin?
I would definitely love to see more upper-level restaurants and upscale dining options in our city, particularly for date nights. While we do have a few restaurants that come close, we often find ourselves having to go elsewhere for a proper sit-down date night dinner. Therefore, our current focus is on attracting franchise restaurants to Seguin. I have personally reached out to several franchise owners to discuss their potential arrival in our area, as enhancing our restaurant scene is a priority for us.
How would you describe the progress that’s been made in workforce development and meeting the demands of new businesses?
When it comes to advocating for a community college connection, our local high schools are excelling in preparing students for career and technical education. For instance, Seguin High School has achieved remarkable numbers in terms of industry certifications. In previous years, about 50 students obtained industry-based certifications, which was already impressive. However, in late spring of 2022, they had already reached approximately 125 certifications. This includes certifications such as OSHA, welding, and certified nursing aide.
Additionally, the high school has facilitated hands-on welding programs, resulting in five certifications, which is highly uncommon at the high school level. The high school’s focus is to equip students for technical workforce jobs directly or provide a foundation for pursuing a quick associate degree at a community college. This approach helps build a strong pipeline of skilled students ready to enter the workforce. After all, building the pipeline is important, the high schools need to understand what the local needs are and actively contribute to developing a robust pipeline of job-ready students.
What is the importance of nurturing a diverse and equal business community within Greater San Antonio?
It’s crucial to recognize and support minority and small businesses. The Department of Commerce has programs that acknowledge and celebrate these businesses and the Chamber actively participates in these initiatives. It’s not just about recognition; it’s about getting to know these businesses, understanding their operations and what drives them. We should strive to understand the DNA of their business and the motivation behind their success.
Our community is diverse, with a mix of college and high-school students, as well as an older population of 65 and above. When planning events, both the city and the county consider the audience and aim for inclusivity. We always ask ourselves the question, “who is our audience?” If an event doesn’t cater to a broad and diverse audience, we typically refrain from organizing it.
What are some of the projects or initiatives that you’re excited to push forward?
The implementation of Texas House Bill 290, specifically the healthcare component, is of great significance to me and many small businesses. A common concern raised by small businesses is losing employees to higher-paying jobs that also offer benefits. While small businesses can cover the wage increase, providing healthcare benefits poses a significant financial burden when purchasing policies individually. However, with the new collaborative approach, I am optimistic that small businesses will be able to offer healthcare benefits, enabling them to grow and thrive. This development has the potential to address the widespread issue of job vacancies in small businesses across the country, as employees will have access to healthcare and receive a fair wage. Ultimately, I want to see all of the “help wanted” signs disappear across small businesses nationwide as access to healthcare benefits and a living wage becomes a reality.
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