2018-2019 Board of Directors

A Message from our Chairperson

I am so honored to serve as your Chairperson for 2018-2019. Our city has been blessed with great economic prosperity over the last several years and continues to be so. The growth and change that has taken place in our city in the last three years has been nothing short of phenomenal. The oil and gas industries have experienced record growth and new technologies have solidified the Permian Basin’s reputation as the most fruitful energy region in the entire United States. Its success has spurred growth in all areas of our community, and has the potential to provide a higher quality of life for all Odessans.

However, with great growth comes great challenges.   As a result, some major infrastructure issues have resulted that we collectively need to address.  These issues are housing, transportation needs and most importantly, education. While some of these challenges will correct themselves over time, others will not.  The Chamber, in conjunction with the City, County, State, and surrounding local governments, is continually working to make Odessa a better place to live, work and raise your family.  That’s why it is important for all Odessans to work together to face these challenges head on. And there is no organization better situated to address these issues and lead Odessa into the future than the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.

Each day, I am amazed and empowered by the number of people who are proud to be living in our community and work hard to make Odessa the best city it can be!   We are a group of diverse people, but united with a heart and overflowing passion for our community and the opportunities that lie ahead. These efforts translate into more jobs, an improved quality of life, a host of extracurricular activities and more things to do and places to go!

Great things lie ahead in Odessa’s future. And we are prepared to make sure that every opportunity for economic growth comes to fruition. Our work today with our Chamber and our Community means a better Odessa tomorrow.  The challenges are great, but the payoff is plentiful.

So, if you are not already a member of the Chamber, join today. We need your energy, your talents, and your support to help us take Odessa to new heights. With every citizen and business working together, we will have the capability to grow our great city no matter what challenges we face. After all, that’s what makes us Odessans!

On behalf of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff, I say thank you for being part of the ongoing work and can-do attitude.  It truly is the people who make the difference and allow our City to stand out amongst the best.

Sincerely,

Mara Barham
2018-2019 Chair of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce