Fiesta is more than a celebration. It is one of San Antonio’s most powerful drivers of community, culture, and economic impact.

In this episode of Greater 210, Chamber President and CEO Jeff Webster sits down with Jim Mery, President-Elect of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, to go inside one of the city’s most iconic traditions.

They explore how Fiesta has grown from a single parade in 1891 into an 11-day celebration with more than 100 events, all supporting local nonprofits and fueling millions of dollars back into the community.

Jim shares the history behind Fiesta, the role of participating member organizations, and what it takes to plan and execute an event of this scale. From supporting small businesses and nonprofits to attracting visitors from across Texas and beyond, Fiesta plays a critical role in San Antonio’s identity and economic growth.

If you want to better understand what makes San Antonio unique and how community-driven events can shape a city’s future, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Key Takeaways

1. Fiesta generates significant economic impact and supports hundreds of local nonprofits
2. The celebration reflects San Antonio’s deep culture, heritage, and community spirit
3. Over 100 events take place across 11 days, driven by local organizations
4. Tourism and regional visibility are key priorities for future growth
5. Public safety, city coordination, and planning are critical to execution
6. Fiesta strengthens small businesses, families, and community organizations

Timestamps

1. (00:00) – Introduction to Fiesta and its significance
2. (03:50) – The role of nonprofits and community impact
3. (05:20) – Economic impact and support for local businesses
4. (09:00) – The cultural and family-focused nature of Fiesta
5. (10:30) – Supporting the military and Military City USA
6. (12:00) – How Fiesta is planned and organized each year
7. (14:00) – Expanding tourism and attracting new audiences
8. (17:30) – Safety, logistics, and city coordination
9. (19:00) – How to attend, get tickets, and participate
10. (20:30) – The scale and size of Fiesta crowds
11. (21:30) – Final thoughts and invitation to Fiesta

Links and Resources

Greater San Antonio Chamber

https://www.sachamber.org/

Fiesta San Antonio

https://fiestasanantonio.org/

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What shapes a leader who is committed to fighting for her community?

In this episode of Greater 210, Jeff Webster sits down with Bexar County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores to talk about her remarkable journey, her priorities for the community, and the challenges she has faced along the way.

Commissioner Clay-Flores shares her story growing up in San Antonio, overcoming early hardships, and earning scholarships to Princeton and Harvard before returning home to serve her community. The conversation explores her work in education, nonprofit leadership, and public service before running for office and becoming the first woman of color elected to Bexar County Commissioners Court in more than a century.

She also discusses a deeply personal challenge: her recent colon cancer diagnosis and how that experience inspired her to launch a community effort to raise awareness about early screening and prevention.

The discussion also highlights important issues shaping the future of Bexar County, including infrastructure investment, mental health services, economic development, and the importance of bringing communities together through shared civic priorities.

This conversation offers a powerful reminder that leadership, service, and resilience can help move San Antonio from great to greater.

Timestamps:

1. 01:00 – Rebeca Clay-Flores’ background and early life in San Antonio
2. 03:30 – Returning to San Antonio to serve in education and nonprofit work
3. 04:30 – Running for office and defeating a longtime incumbent
4. 05:30 – A personal health challenge and colon cancer diagnosis
5. 07:30 – Launching a community effort for Colon Cancer Awareness Month
6. 09:00 – Why early screening and awareness matter
7. 11:30 – Faith, leadership, and personal resilience
8. 13:30 – Policy priorities: healthcare access and mental health services
9. 18:30 – Economic development and infrastructure investment
10. 22:00 – Regional planning and transportation through the MPO
11. 24:00 – Funding challenges for infrastructure growth in Texas

Links and Resources:

1. Greater San Antonio Chamber: https://www.sachamber.org/
2. Colon Cancer Awareness Month (March): https://www.cancer.org/
3. Bexar County Commissioners Court: https://www.bexar.org/

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When federal decisions shape your city’s future, you cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.

In this episode of Greater 210, host Katie Ferrier, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Economic Development at the Greater San Antonio Chamber, is joined by SA to DC 2026 co-chairs Kevin Matula (USAA) and Krista Piferrer (FirstDay Foundation).

They break down why more than 200 business, civic, nonprofit, and community leaders travel to Washington each year with one unified message. From advocating for Joint Base San Antonio and major infrastructure priorities to strengthening relationships with members of Congress and their staff, SA to DC is more than a trip. It is a long-term strategy.

The conversation highlights how consistency, collaboration, and relationship-building drive results for San Antonio and contribute to the broader growth of Texas. Whether it is securing direct flights, protecting military assets, or ensuring our city has a seat at the table, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how advocacy fuels economic development.

If you care about the future of San Antonio, this conversation explains why showing up matters.

1. 00:00 – Welcome and introduction with Katie Ferrier
2. 01:00 – What is SA to DC and why it matters
3. 02:25 – Joint Base San Antonio and national security priorities
4. 03:30 – Why traveling as a unified delegation makes a difference
5. 09:45 – Building relationships, not just making asks
6. 11:50 – Defining success in federal advocacy
7. 15:40 – Why in-person conversations matter
8. 17:45 – 2026 programming preview and keynote announcement
9. 18:50 – Who should participate in SA to DC
10. 20:30 – Final thoughts on showing up for San Antonio

1. Greater San Antonio Chamber: https://www.sachamber.org/
2. SA to DC Information and Registration: https://www.sachamber.org/
3. Joint Base San Antonio: https://www.jbsa.mil/
4. Punchbowl News: https://punchbowl.news/

Follow the Greater San Antonio Chamber on LinkedIn and social media for updates on SA to DC and other advocacy efforts shaping our region.

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media