Eddie Speed of Note School Explains Why Becoming the Bank Beats Being a Landlord Right Now
The Wichita Falls business community is entering a new era. Major employers like Amazon and Skybox are arriving. The economy is gaining real momentum. For the first time in over a century, the Cindy Shafer Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce is laser-focused on one thing: supporting the businesses already here.
I spoke with Cindy Shafer about the implications for local owners, real estate professionals, and residents. Her vision focuses on making Wichita Falls the most connected and well-resourced business community in North Texas, with the Chamber dedicated to nurturing existing businesses rather than recruiting new ones.
This conversation confirmed something I have always believed. Getting plugged into the Chamber might be one of the best moves you make this year.
Why I Had This Conversation
As someone who serves buyers, sellers, and investors in Wichita Falls and the areas surrounding Sheppard Air Force Base, I pay close attention to the local economy and business climate. When I had the chance to sit down with Cindy Shafer, the incoming CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, I knew this was a conversation my audience needed to hear.
Cindy brings over 20 years of nonprofit executive leadership. She has been in the room where community decisions get made, building partnerships across government, education, and healthcare. According to her official appointment announcement from Texoma Homepage, she is not a traditional Chamber director. She is a connector. She brings a different lens to this role.
For additional context on nonprofit leadership transitions in North Texas, this report from the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations provides valuable background on how executive changes can impact community organizations.
With the Chamber and economic development now separate, what does this mean for local businesses? With major announcements like the Skybox data center Wichita Falls project, what opportunities exist for local business owners? This conversation answers both questions.
The Chamber Split (And Why It is a Big Deal for Small Businesses)
One of the most important things Cindy clarified is something many people may not know. The Chamber of Commerce and economic development are no longer the same organization.
In October of last year, economic development functions moved to a new, separate nonprofit called Forward Wichita Falls. Their job is to attract new businesses like the Amazons and data centers to our region. The Chamber’s job, now exclusively, is to support the businesses already here.
"Everyone who is in my seat before me, they split their time. It's a lot to focus on economic development. There's a lot of travel. There are a lot of moving parts. You have to field phone calls, emails, and people interested in learning more about the city. That takes a lot of energy. Now, I get to focus on supporting the business community. And it's something that I'm excited about."
This matters more than it sounds. For years, every CEO at the Chamber had to divide their time between those two massive responsibilities. Cindy explained that smaller businesses often did not get the attention they deserved. In a recent interview with News Channel 6, she emphasized that her goal is to meet directly with small business owners and understand their needs.
Now, Cindy’s full attention is on making Wichita Falls the most connected business community in North Texas. You can see the full team directory on the Chamber’s official website to learn more about the staff supporting this mission.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, communities with dedicated local business support organizations see higher rates of small business survival and job retention. This data supports what Wichita Falls is doing right now.
The Chamber now emphasizes businesses of all sizes, from solo entrepreneurs to regional employers, addressing concerns about its previous focus on larger players.
For more context on how local economic shifts impact property values, check out my recent analysis on Wichita Falls real estate market trends.
What Chamber Membership Actually Gets You
Cindy was refreshingly direct about membership. It is not just a formality or a logo for your window. It is access. The Chamber of Commerce membership benefits go far beyond a sticker on your door.
"I think everyone should join the Chamber regardless of the size of business because it's beneficial. There are definite benefits to joining. It's not just having a sticker on your door saying that you're a member of the Chamber of Commerce — although you will get a sticker on your door."
At the basic membership level, currently $149 per year, members receive:
- Invitations to monthly Wake Up Wichita Falls events for small business networking Wichita Falls business owners rely on
- Access to Business After Hours mixers with a different audience
- Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new and expanding businesses
- Quarterly Maximizing Membership orientation sessions
She shared that in a recent Maximizing Membership session, every new member reported that joining had already boosted their business, with connections made yielding benefits before completing a full quarter.
The example of small businesses sharing resources highlights how five owners needing accounting support can pool their needs together, making it feasible to hire help. Whether it is a jeweler, a real estate agent, or a café owner, supporting local businesses in Wichita Falls creates the kind of partnerships that strengthen the entire community. Such collaborations occur when people connect in person, which the Chamber facilitates.
Membership levels will change in October, so Cindy advises joining now at current prices. Subscribing to the weekly newsletter keeps you informed. At $149 for a basic membership, the return on investment is clear: one connection or referral from monthly events can exceed the cost, as the Chamber facilitates these valuable connections.
The Skybox Data Center and What It Means for Wichita Falls Real Estate and Business
"With the data center, it's going to create just an outflow of opportunity. We can expect three to five thousand employees in Wichita Falls at any given time doing construction. That is an increase in restaurants and retail shopping. And a big thing is housing."
This is the part of our conversation with the biggest direct implications for real estate and local business owners right now.
The Skybox announcement signals more positive news ahead, according to Cindy. Forward Wichita Falls has undisclosed plans, and with Amazon’s recent opening, already employing 400 people, the momentum in the community is growing. This aligns with broader Wichita Falls economic growth and real estate insights that show how job creation and infrastructure go hand in hand.
The data center construction will bring 3,000 to 5,000 workers, creating immediate housing demand for temporary options like RV parks and tiny homes, as well as longer-term solutions for 300 to 500 permanent positions. The Lake Wellington Estates and the data center housing impact feature explore exactly how this type of demand affects local home values and rental rates.
Large-scale data center projects typically generate 1.5 to 2 times their direct job creation in indirect local service jobs. This multiplier effect is already being factored into local planning.
For real estate, this demand signal is crucial for investors and developers. If you’re hesitant about moving in this market, this context is important to consider. Businesses that position themselves now in housing, hospitality, childcare, or services are ahead of a wave that is already building.
What Changed for Me After This Conversation
"My vision for Wichita Falls is that we create such a robust business community that is well-connected. People know each other. It's friendly for businesses to do business in Wichita Falls. People not only want to come to the city to do business, but they stay here."
Having lived and worked in Wichita Falls, I recognize its enduring appeal. This conversation highlighted that the infrastructure to support and realize this for businesses is currently being developed.
Cindy’s point about Wichita Falls’ business approach: instead of large financial incentives, the city focuses on community quality. The Chamber builds connections and supports businesses, benefiting all. It is the actual Wichita Falls economic growth strategy.
Research from the Economic Innovation Group shows that communities focusing on “place-based” quality of life investments often outperform those relying solely on financial incentive packages. Wichita Falls is following this proven model.
Community involvement is highlighted by local professionals’ participation in Chamber events, showcasing Wichita Falls as an attractive location. Understanding this context is vital for guiding clients in financial decisions. I now emphasize Chamber membership to business owners and investors, as connections provide a competitive edge in the market.
For those looking for direct small business networking in Wichita Falls, the Chamber’s calendar of events is the best place to start.
Want to hear my entire conversation with Cindy Shafer about the Chamber’s new direction, the Skybox data center, and what it means for local business and housing? Listen to our podcast episode!
Listen Here
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and Forward Wichita Falls?
The Chamber of Commerce supports Wichita Falls businesses through networking, education, and community connections. Forward Wichita Falls, a separate nonprofit, aims to attract new businesses and employers. The two organizations split in October, each focusing on its specific mission.
2. How much does it cost to join the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, and what do you get?
Basic membership is $149 per year, offering access to various networking events, mixers, ribbon cuttings, orientations, and a weekly newsletter. Membership levels will change in October, making this pricing a chance to secure a foundational rate.
3. How will the Skybox data center announcement affect housing and real estate in Wichita Falls?
Wichita Falls will have 3,000 to 5,000 construction workers, leading to short-term demand for housing, restaurants, and retail. After construction, 300 to 500 permanent jobs will drive longer-term demand for housing, childcare, and local services, marking the beginning of several major business announcements in the area.
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Wichita Falls is at an inflection point. Businesses are growing. New employers are arriving. The community infrastructure to support all of it is stronger than it has ever been. If you are actively working in this market, whether in real estate, construction, finance, business ownership, or community leadership, and you have insight worth sharing, I want to hear from you.
Real estate is evolving. Capital is shifting. Markets are tightening. If you are actively working in the industry and solving real problems, whether in construction, finance, brokerage, or development, we would love to hear from you.
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