First Year Recap
Year one of the Mansfield Business Alliance is officially in the books.
I can confidently say that all my expectations for this first year have been blown out of the water.
When we first started talking with people about the possibility of launching a Chamber of Commerce focused on interpersonal relationships, in-person connections, and a strong community of businesses working alongside local and state governments, my hope was that — if we were lucky — we would have around 50 members by the end of the first year.
We officially cut our first ribbon on January 3, 2024. Over 150 people from the Mansfield business community, citizens, and elected officials were in attendance. There was a buzz about what we were building, and it was clear we were filling a real void in Mansfield.
Since that time, Mansfield Business Alliance membership has grown at an average of three businesses per week.
We have held events where business owners could speak directly with decision makers — both elected and appointed.
We have hosted lunch-and-learns where experts shared their knowledge with local businesses.
We have celebrated over 30 ribbon cuttings, welcoming new businesses into our community.
MBA co-hosted Haunt the Block with downtown businesses, drawing over 5,000 people to celebrate and trick-or-treat with their families.
We appointed a board of nine outstanding Mansfield business owners and leaders — and even hired our first employee, Wanoka Lemons, as President of the MBA.
And we’re just getting started.
Mansfield Business Alliance has big things on the horizon.
This spring, we are announcing Mansfield’s first-ever 40 Under 40 awards!
We will also hold our first annual Awards Gala on March 27th at The Vault, right here in Mansfield — an incredible evening celebrating our vibrant business community.
As I reflect on this past year, one word keeps coming back to me: community.
Community is at the heart of what we are building together — a business community that understands we are stronger together than we are individually.
As Mansfield grows, our businesses — and our relationships — will reap the benefits.
Thank you to every business leader, community member, and business owner who has supported the Mansfield Business Alliance in its first year.
The best is yet to come! Joe Jenkins, Chairman of the Board, Mansfield Business Alliance