Five Stories That Shaped Plano Chamber’s 2025
Greetings Members!
As 2025 comes to a close, the Plano Chamber and business community has had a dynamic year marked by strategic growth, innovation, civic engagement, and community celebration. From bustling economic development to local leaders being honored, here are five highlights from 2025 that helped impact our Chamber’s future.
- Best of Plano 2025: Celebrating Local Business Excellence
One of the Chamber’s highlights of the year was the 2025 Best of Plano Awards—an annual celebration recognizing outstanding businesses and community leaders. The event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and major stakeholders from across the city to honor achievements in leadership, service, and growth. Winners included several standout business owners and leaders, including Mayor John Muns and Joa Muns, Citizens of the Year, spotlighting contributions that helped drive Plano forward. Read the full list of winners HERE.
Best of Plano awards underscore the Chamber’s role not only as an advocate for business, but also as a connector that brings visibility to excellence throughout the community.
- Plano Chamber Foundation hosts first Principal for a Day in partnership with Plano ISD
Principal for a Day debuted in September, placing 25 business and community leaders on 25 campuses in Plano ISD. Principal for a Day created a powerful, firsthand connection between Plano’s business community and public education. By stepping into a school leader’s role, local executives and community leaders gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our campuses—while building meaningful relationships with principals, teachers, and students. The experience strengthened trust, encourages long-term partnerships, and reinforces a shared commitment to developing the talent pipeline that fuels Plano’s workforce and quality of life. Principal for a Day will be back on October 1, 2026, with even more opportunities.
- Strong Membership Growth Signals Economic Confidence
Plano’s business community welcomed significant new interest in early 2025, with the Chamber welcoming 82 new business members in the first three months of the year. This influx of fresh members—from startups to established enterprises—reflects broader confidence in Plano’s economic prospects and the value local businesses place on advocacy, networking, and collective impact. For both the Chamber and Plano as a whole, this kind of membership growth points to an expanding and diversified business landscape.
As we look ahead to the Chamber’s 80th anniversary in 2026, a renewed focus on growing our membership will take center stage, providing a strong network of business leaders and influencers to help shape our next 80 years.
- Civic Leadership and Election Engagement Energize Local Business
Local elections in Plano played a defining role in shaping the city’s business environment in 2025. Voters went to the polls in May to elect new city council members and school board trustees, many of whom bring business leadership experience and community ties. Among those elected was Bob Kehr, a local businessman and former Chamber Board member, reinforcing the interconnection between civic engagement and economic development. Moreover, all current City Council members are graduates of Leadership Plano, highlighting how important the Chamber’s Leadership programs are to our community success and how important business is to the region. The outcome of these elections not only affects governance but also signals to businesses that civic voice and participation continue to matter deeply in Plano.
- Plano Builds Global Economic Bridges
Plano’s business community isn’t just local—it’s global. In October, city leaders traveled to Sweden to strengthen economic ties with northern Europe, meeting with major advanced-technology firms and exploring opportunities for collaboration, investment, and international partnership. This effort reinforces Plano’s reputation as a hub for global business, especially in sectors like telecommunications and manufacturing. Building international economic relationships helps attract jobs, investment, and visibility for existing Plano companies and entrepreneurs. The Chamber is proud of the partnership between the business community (Chamber), the City of Plano, and Plano ISD as we lead joint efforts to promote and maintain our place as the economic engine of North Texas.
Looking Ahead in 2026
From honoring exceptional local businesses to gearing up to celebrate 80 years of community impact, 2025 was a year of celebration, progress, and strategic positioning for Plano’s business landscape. As we move into 2026, the Chamber and its members are well-positioned to build on this momentum—continuing to grow, connect, and advocate for a vibrant local economy.
Plan to join the Plano Chamber as we kick off our 80th anniversary celebration at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 22. Tickets are still available, but going fast. Don’t delay, reserve your seat HERE.
Cheers to 2026!
Kelle Marsalis, CCE, IOM
