Show Notes:

• Guest: Paul Mayer, CEO, Garland Chamber of Commerce
• Location: YTexas Event at the Dallas College Convention Center, Garland, Texas
• Episode Topics:
• The power of community collaboration: How the city, chamber, and schools work together for Garland’s economic development.
• Stewardship in leadership: Paul’s perspective on creating sustainable partnerships and his experience shaping the city's future.
• Workforce development: The collaboration between Garland's businesses, Dallas College, and the local school district to prepare the next generation of workers.
• The role of the chamber in building a thriving city: How the Garland Chamber supports local businesses and elevates the community.
• Overcoming fragmentation: The story behind the formation of the Garland Economic Development Partnership and its long-term success.
• Garland’s approach to regional collaboration: How local chambers and the broader North Texas region work together to drive growth and attract new opportunities.

Episode Chapters:

1. Introduction [00:00]
2. Justin McKenzie introduces the special episode with Paul Mayer at the YTexas event in Garland, Texas.
3. The Role of the Chamber in Garland [02:00]
4. Paul discusses the unique role of the Garland Chamber of Commerce and how it serves the community by supporting local businesses.
5. Garland’s Economic History & Manufacturing Legacy [04:00]
6. Paul highlights Garland’s history, from agriculture to its manufacturing roots, and how the Chamber has aligned its programming to support this economy.
7. Building Collaborative Partnerships [06:00]
8. The discussion moves to the importance of collaboration between businesses, the city, and local schools. Paul emphasizes how these partnerships have shaped Garland’s success.
9. Workforce Development & Education [08:00]
10. Paul talks about the role of Dallas College and local school districts in preparing Garland’s future workforce and ensuring long-term economic success.
11. Overcoming Fragmentation in Garland’s Leadership [10:00]
12. A look into the city’s early challenges in leadership collaboration and how the formation of the Garland Economic Development Partnership changed the course of the city.
13. Regional Collaboration & Strategic Growth [12:00]
14. Paul discusses the importance of thinking regionally and working with other chambers and organizations to boost the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s growth
15. The Culture of Collaboration in Garland [14:00]
16. Reflecting on how Garland’s culture of collaboration has become ingrained in the community’s DNA, driving continued prosperity and innovation.
17. Conclusion & Final Thoughts [16:00]
18. Justin and Paul wrap up their conversation and discuss the importance of leadership that elevates others in shaping Garland’s future.