Glenn Hamer to lead Texas Association of Business
PHOENIX (February 1, 2021)—Glenn Hamer, who has served the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry as president and CEO since 2006 and who led the organization’s ascendence to become the state’s most influential business advocacy group, announced he will be departing his position to become the next president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
Hamer’s 14-year tenure has been marked by tremendous growth for the Chamber and dozens of public policy victories that have dramatically enhanced Arizona’s competitive standing, including the passage of two major economic development packages that resulted in a reduction in the state’s corporate income tax rate, lowered the commercial property tax assessment ratio, encouraged capital investment and more.
Other policy accomplishments have included major reforms in education, health care, civil justice, the regulatory environment, water stewardship, and labor.
Arizona now appears regularly on top-tier lists ranking state economies.
Throughout his tenure, Hamer focused on elevating Arizona’s international profile, and was the state’s most vocal advocate for the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, the successor agreement to NAFTA. He also has been a consistent proponent at a state and federal level for repairing and reforming the nation’s immigration system.
“We have been so fortunate to have had Glenn at the helm of the Chamber for the last 14 years. The Arizona business community could not have asked for a more talented, dedicated advocate,” Arizona Chamber Chair Dawn Grove of Karsten Manufacturing said. “The entire membership of the Chamber has had a friend in Glenn. We will miss him greatly, but we wish him only the best as he moves on to champion free enterprise and American competitiveness for businesses in another leading southwestern state. Texas’ job creators are lucky to have him.”
The Chamber’s membership ranks expanded greatly under Hamer’s leadership, and included the 2008 merger of the Arizona Association of Industries, now organized as the Arizona Manufacturers Council under the Chamber umbrella.
“It is no coincidence that Arizona’s manufacturing environment has experienced a significant expansion during Glenn’s tenure,” AMC Chair Mark Gaspers of Boeing Co. said. “Arizona is now a manufacturing hotspot for product sectors ranging from semiconductors to aerospace and defense, next generation cars and trucks, appliances, foods and beverages, and much more. Glenn’s combination of policy expertise, advocacy, and strategic organizational skills are second to none. Arizona’s manufacturers thank Glenn for all he’s accomplished and for leaving our state better than he found it.”
Hamer also managed the launch of the Arizona Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that produces research and analysis to inform the discussion around public policy in the state. The Foundation also oversees Chamber Business News, which launched in 2018 and produces original news features focused on Arizona’s business community and economy.
“Leading the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hamer said. “Even in the face of a global pandemic, the Chamber is stronger today than it ever has been, and that’s because of our members. The board members and business leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with stood shoulder to shoulder with me as together we shaped the Chamber into the influential voice for job creators it is today. I’ve also been blessed to have some incredible coworkers over the years who were absolutely essential to the Chamber’s success.”
Hamer’s accomplishments in Arizona earned him nationwide recognition. He chairs the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100, an assembly of the nation’s leading chambers.
The Texas Association of Business, headquartered in Austin, is Texas’ state chamber of commerce, representing the business community at the state Capitol and before the Texas congressional delegation.
“I am moving from one of the country’s top states for economic growth to another state with a strong, expanding and diverse economy,” Hamer said. “While I’m looking forward to this new challenge, leaving Arizona is not easy. I also thank my wife, Tali, for her support and contributions to the Chamber’s success over the past 14 years. Together, we have been blessed by the mentorship and friendship of so many great Arizonans, and we could not ask for a better place to work and raise our young family. I know this state has only bright days ahead.”
Hamer will remain in his current role until February 18, at which time an interim president and CEO will be named by the Chamber board of directors while a nationwide search is conducted for a successor.
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8 thoughts on “Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry president and CEO to depart position”
Glenn, continued success, health and happiness to you & your family. Your thoughtful & diligent leadership has promoted Arizona to the forefront as an economic development powerhouse that will stand the test of time. It was an honor to work with you.
Thank you for everything you have done for our community.
Glenn:
Congratulations and Thank You for what have achieved/accomplished. Your ability to listen, collaborate and execute is has effectively help take the Greater Phoenix Area to the next level of success. I wish you the best in The Lone Star State!
Congrats Glenn!
Glenn, Dad and I wish you and your family great success in this new endeavor! We always enjoyed working with you. Thank you for your leadership these last 14 years. The business community in AZ is much better for it.
Glenn, Dad and I wish you much success in your new endeavor! We always enjoyed working with you and our partnership with the Chamber. The Arizona business community will miss your leadership, but you have created a strong foundation for future success of AZ businesses. Thank you for all your efforts.
Glenn, I am grateful that our paths crossed here in Arizona. Thank you for your dedicated leadership to the community. You will be so very missed, though I know I join many in wishing you continued success at the Texas Association of Business and beyond!
Glenn, you’re a star!!!!!!!!! Arizona has been blessed to have your leadership and now Texas will be. Hook ’em!!!!!!!!!